James Durham: Ontario Historical Society , Vol 25

From papers and records of Ont. Hist Society re - Stanford Vol. XXV
     James Durham having suffered imprisonment and the confiscation of his property because of his loyalty, took five of his children, left his old home in New Jersey in 17868 and became a settler in Upper Canada in 1787 ^88 (according James, Edward & Isaac). He received 200 acres of land near Queenston which he improved, and endeavored to establish a home so that he might send for his wife Eve and four children that he left behind him. He died four six years later.
     Jan Durham's sons included James, Edward, Isaac ^Jeremiah, Joseph and John. The latter came to Canada with a wife + family in 1794 and received 200 acres to which 200 more were subsequently added. The other three also were given a lot each in 1794.
     Edward was born in 1772 and died in 1844. He was captain in Rowe's Company of the 2nd Lincoln in 1812.
     Catherine daughter of James + Eve Durham, was said to be the second. This could not be as the father did not come here until 1788 white child. born in this (Stanford) district - Sarah another daughter born 1777 married Hagaii Cook. See graves of early Durhams in Lunday's Lane United Church cemetery.
(This James Durham must have been father of our Jas Durha, U.E.L.) I.M.W.

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     James Durham. U. E. L. born 1769 died 1835. came into this country presumably about 1788. (Left the Mohawk ^ New Jersey Valley to remain loyal to the King - according to Elyiah Durham) of Beamsville) (he was married to a Mary Smith ^marriage very doubtful as oldest child Elias was born 1794. and in 1888, Mary Smith would be but 13 years of age before leaving the ^Mowhawk Valley). He settled in Niagara Township and was given a grant ^Grant was to his father as eldest son he probably inherited the farm. The deeds were in many cases were not for several years after the grant was made of 200 acres Lots 9 and 38 from King Geo III. He built a frame house of the typical oblong pioneer house of this Niagara district. He had twelve children.
     Apparently it was hard going about 1806 for he had to borrow 550 pounds from R. Hamilton giving ^his farm security with condition of release on payment in two years. In 1808 restitution is made by turning over 8 acres to R. Hamilton. This 8 acres is now known as Glencairn. R. Hamilton subsequently sold this 8 acres to his brother John Hamilton of Kingston who built the present house in 1834 now owned by W. R. Robb.
     From 1794 till

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1816 he raised a family of 12 children. These were stirring and anxious times for the people of this district on account of war of 1812-14. The day of the battle officers on their way to Queenston stopped at Durham's for breakfast. Mary Durham the oldest second daughter of the house who lived to the ripe age of 98 remembered the incident distinctly. It was also said that after Brock was mortally wounded, this was one of the places to which he was carried - it being safely out of range of the battle. This farm is one mile below Queenston. Mary also remembered seeing an Indian kill a sheep in her father's apple orchard.
     In 1811 he signs a bond with Thoo Dickson, Wm Dickson and Thoo Clark to pay them back in five years the sum of £616. 3s. 8p. on forfeit £1233 on the farm. This was paid in 1816. There is also another interesting document made in 1822, Jas Durham and Isaac his son who is now 21 (26) years old agree to buy from James Kirby Queenston 132 acres situated in Stanford Lot 216. This lot belonged to Jas. Symington before Kirby owned it. Twenty - two

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hundred bushels of wheat were to be paid in three equal installments at Grant and Kirby's store in Queenston on the sum of 600 pounds lawful & money. Wheat was valued at 3 shilling 9 pence per bu. This was done.
     In 1829 James Durham sells to his son James his whole farm for the sum of 1500 pounds lawful money Lots 9 + 38. This deed is made on calfskin. This James Durham married Isabelle McClive.
     Elias Durham the eldest son had 200 acres on the Stone Road near Homer. I have no record of how it was obtained. Joseph Durham the youngest fourth son (Lewis was the youngest son though dead) only recorded a team of houses as his portion and went to Norval, Ontario. The otheryoungest son Lewis died when young and the daughters married. James Durham continued to live with his son James until 1835 when he was killed in a cider will.
     The documents mentioned are in my possession

Isabel M. Walsh
great grand daughter of
Jas Durham U.E.L.