Bloody Assize of 1814 facts for kids

The Bloody Assize in Upper Canada was a series of important trials held in Ancaster during the War of 1812. These trials looked into the actions of people in Upper Canada who were accused of helping the enemy during the war.

The Bloody Assize: A Look at the Trials of 1814

During the War of 1812, some settlers in the Niagara and London District areas were accused of helping American forces. Many of these settlers had originally come from the United States and later moved there.

Why Were These Trials Held?

In 1813, some groups of people were taken prisoner. By 1814, nineteen people faced serious accusations. Others who were living outside Canada also had accusations filed against them.

In May 1814, a special court was set up in Ancaster. The trials began in June. Important legal figures oversaw these trials. They included Chief Justice Thomas Scott, Justice William Dummer Powell, and Justice William Campbell. The main lawyer for the province, John Beverley Robinson, presented the cases.

What Happened to Those Accused?

Fifteen men were found guilty. Eight of them were executed at the Burlington Heights British military camp on July 20, 1814. Their bodies were buried in an unmarked grave.

Seven other people were sent away from the area. Sadly, three of them became ill with typhus and died while they were still being held. One person managed to escape and was never found again.

The eight people who were executed were Aaron Stevens, Adam Crysler, Dayton Lindsey, Noah Payne Hopkins, George Peacock, Jr., Isaiah Brink, Benjamin Simmons, and John Dunham. Their belongings were taken by the government. Other people found guilty included Jacob Overholser, Garrett Neil, and Isaac Petit, who died from typhus.