James De Lancey (loyalist) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James De Lancey
Col. James DeLancey
Member of the General Assembly of Nova Scotia for the Town of Annapolis
In office 1786–1793
Preceded by	Stephen De Lancey
Succeeded by	Thomas Henry Barclay
Sheriff of Westchester County
In office 1769–1776
Personal details
Born	September 6, 1746 Westchester County, Province of New York, British America
Died	May 2, 1804(1804-05-02) (aged 57) Round Hill, Nova Scotia, Canada
Spouses	Martha Tippett ​ ​ (m. 1784; his death 1804)​
Relations	Stephen DeLancey (brother) Alice De Lancey Izard (sister) James DeLancey (uncle) Etienne DeLancey (grandfather) Cadwallader Colden (grandfather) Thomas Barclay (brother-in-law)
Children	10
Parents	Peter DeLancey Elizabeth Colden
Occupation	Sheriff, militia officer, farmer, politician

James De Lancey (born September 6, 1746 – died May 2, 1804) was an important figure during the American Revolution. He led a group of loyalists known as "De Lancey's Brigade." Loyalists were people who supported the British Crown during the war.

De Lancey was sometimes called the "Commander of the Cowboys" by his supporters. His opponents, the Patriots (who wanted independence), called him the "Outlaw of the Bronx." After the war, he moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. There, he became a politician. He served in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1786 to 1794.

Who Was James De Lancey?

James De Lancey was born in Westchester County, New York. His parents were Peter DeLancey and Elizabeth Colden. He had several brothers and sisters. His brother, Stephen DeLancey, also became a member of the Nova Scotia Assembly.

His sister, Susan DeLancey, married Thomas Henry Barclay. Thomas was a lawyer who also became a Loyalist in Nova Scotia. Another sister, Alice De Lancey Izard, married Ralph Izard. Ralph later became a senator for South Carolina.

James De Lancey's family had many important people. His grandfathers were Etienne DeLancey and Cadwallader Colden. His uncle, James DeLancey, also held important positions. Both his grandfather Cadwallader Colden and his uncle James DeLancey served as governors of New York.

James De Lancey's Career and Role in the Revolution

James De Lancey served as the sheriff of Westchester County from 1769 to 1776. He was also an officer in the local militia. Because he supported the British, he had to leave his home area. He moved to New York City.

In New York City, he and his uncle, Oliver De Lancey, formed a loyalist group. This group was known by several names, including "De Lancey's Brigade" and "De Lancey’s Cowboys." James De Lancey himself was known as the "Outlaw of the Bronx."

Key Events During the Revolution

On May 14, 1781, De Lancey's forces attacked a group of American soldiers. They ambushed and killed Colonel Christopher Greene and Major Ebenezer Flagg. These officers were from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment of the Continental Army.

Life in Nova Scotia

His historic house sits prominently on a knoll with views of the Annapolis River.

After the American Revolution ended in 1783, James De Lancey moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. He settled in a place called Round Hill in Annapolis County.

He was elected to the Nova Scotia provincial assembly. He took his seat representing Annapolis Township in 1790. He served there until 1794. In 1794, he was appointed to the province's Nova Scotia Council by Governor Wentworth. This was a higher position in the government.

He left the Council in 1801 because of his health.

Family Life

In 1784, James De Lancey married Martha Tippett. They had 10 children together. This included six sons and four daughters.

• William DeLancey (1783–1869)
• Peter DeLancey (1802–1882)

James De Lancey passed away on May 2, 1804, at his home in Round Hill. He was 57 years old. There is a large monument marking his burial place.