Plaquing the Burial Location of Hartman Freeland UEL
As members of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada we are seeking to establish a new, visual link to those who opened the land in new settlement areas 225 years ago. The Loyalists were Canada’s first refugees. They lost everything during the American Revolution and started all over again in what became Canada. The Loyalists along with their sons and daughters fought during the War of 1812–14 to keep this area safe for future generations. They cleared the land and started first businesses right here in Hamilton, Burlington, Dundas and Ancaster. To honour their enormous labours and contributions, we are erecting specially designed signs that mark specific cemeteries as the final resting places of these Loyalists.
On Saturday June 16th, we will be hosting a special unveiling of a Loyalist Burial Site plaque at Camp Skinner Cemetery, located at Lot 25, Concession 2W, Beverly Township, Wentworth County, in the village of Orkney. According to the City of Hamilton it is the resting place of loyalists Jephtha Skinner, Robert Camp/Kemp and Hartman Freeland. We honour all Loyalists. Today we especially honour Hartman Freeland. A certificate was presented on January 10, 2011 to Bruce McCann of Port Dover at Grand River Branch as a descendant of Hartman Freeland.
As an aside, I am very excited about Hartman Freeland as he was a friend of my own Loyalist Joel Daniel UE back in New Brunswick. In September 1783, they both arrived in Saint John aboard the Duke of Richmond and they lived near each other for a time at Maugerville, NB and petitioned for better Land Grants together.
You are indeed invited to this historic event. The unveiling will take place at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
Please mark this date on your calendar and join us to uncover one of the remarkable early residents and history of Hamilton and area.
Yours truly,
Doug Coppins UE
Chairperson of the Hamilton Branch Loyalist Burial Plaquing Committee of the UELAC