Soldier settled in Asphodel after War of 1812
– Norma Sedgwick enjoys helping other descendants of her great-great-great-grandfather learn more about the British soldier who helped repel an invading American army during the Battle of Crysler’s Farm during the War of 1812.
Private James Sedgwick was part of the 2nd Battalion of the 89th (Princess Victoria’s) Regi- ment of Foot that thwarted American efforts to come onto the north shore of the St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg with plans to eventually take Montreal.
A monument honouring him was unveiled Saturday during an event that drew approximately 40 of his descendants to Norma’s Marmora-area home.
The retired teacher of 32 years with a longtime interest in geneMARMORA
alogy helped ancestors learn more about the native of County Antrim, Northern Ireland – from his military service to the path he took back to a land that must have made a lasting impression on him.
“It isn’t just a name anymore. There’s so much more to it,” she said, explaining how she built on the basic work of her mother and aunt to further research, including obtaining historical documents needed to verify the information.
James, who was severely wounded in the November 1813 battle touted as the one that saved Canada, was discharged from the British Army in 1816 at age 20, Norma wrote in a biography as part of the Graveside Project honouring veterans of the War of 1812. He married Elizabeth and had five children before the family boarded a ship in Belfast to cross the Atlantic and settle in Asphodel Township in 1831. The family farmed some 100 acres of crops and a stone house built by the Upper Canada pensioner still stands today. James and Elizabeth added three more children to the family after they moved to Canada. It was a big family. Their oldest son went on to father 13 children of his own.
Something interesting Norma learned from her research was how James was among several veterans who signed a petition sent to the Lieutenant Governor requesting pension payments be delivered to them, instead of them having to travel to Toronto.
It was a success – money was soon delivered twice annually, in February and August.
“I think that was a truly remarkable thing to happen,” Norma said.
James eventually died of asthma in Peterborough in February of 1875 and was buried in Little Lake Cemetery, as was most of his immediate family.
Saturday’s service included acclaimed pipes and drums who have played with the 8 Wing Pipes & Drums, key because of how drums were used to lead soldiers into battle during the War of 1812, Norma pointed out.
The ceremony also included readings by a relative in the military who served in two overseas missions as well as a musical performance by Norma and her husband. It was followed by an afternoon get-together and meal.
A collection of photos was displayed, as was a replica of the Military General Service Medal awarded to James in 1847.
The black granite plaque unveiled Saturday was funded by the War of 1812 Veteran Graveside Recognition Project. It will eventually be moved to a permanent home in Gelert Cemetery, where many of Norma’s relatives were laid to rest.
Norma, who has 25 binders full of information on her family history, pointed out that there is still much to learn about her ancestors.
James’ oldest son William
John was key in settling Haliburton County – where she herself grew up – while other relatives homesteaded out west, she said.
Thanks to Google, Norma was even able to see James’ Irish home, which looks much today as it would have back then. “It’s absolutely fascinating, that kind of information … I’m thoroughly interested in all of this.”