James FitzGibbon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain
James FitzGibbon
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| Born | 16 November 1780 Glin, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Died | 10 December 1863 (aged 83) London, England |
| Allegiance | Great Britain United Kingdom Upper Canada |
| Service/ |
British Army Colonial militia in Canada |
| Years of service | 1795–1825, 1837 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | War of the Second Coalition
Rebellions of 1837-1838
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James FitzGibbon (born November 16, 1780 – died December 10, 1863) was an important soldier and public servant. He was born in Ireland and served in the British Army in Europe. Later, he moved to Canada and fought in the War of 1812.
During the War of 1812, James FitzGibbon received important warnings. These came from two Canadian heroes: Laura Secord and Billy Green. He became a well-known figure in Upper Canada after the war.
FitzGibbon was a member of the Family Compact, a group of powerful people in Upper Canada. He was also a high-ranking freemason. People like William Lyon Mackenzie saw him as someone who got special favors from the government.
His career reached its peak during the Rebellions of 1837-1838. He became the acting leader of the militia in Upper Canada. However, he resigned shortly after the Battle of Montgomery's Tavern. This was due to disagreements with the governor, Francis Bond Head.
FitzGibbon believed his actions saved Upper Canada for the British Empire. He wrote a pamphlet in 1847 to explain this. Even though he was very effective, he often felt he didn't get the rewards he deserved. He was loyal and smart but lacked the wealth and education to rise higher in the army or government.
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Early Life and Military Start
James FitzGibbon was born in Glin, County Limerick, Ireland. His parents were Garrett FitzGibbon and Mary Widenham. He joined the local army unit, called the Yeomanry Corps, when he was just 15 years old.
Three years later, he joined the Tarbert Infantry Fencibles. This was an Irish regiment that served at home. From there, he joined the British Army's 49th Regiment of Foot.
His first battle was in 1799 in the Netherlands. He also served as a marine in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801. For his service, he received the Naval General Service Medal.
Moving to Canada
FitzGibbon came to the Canadas in 1802. By this time, he was a sergeant. He helped stop a near-mutiny (a rebellion by soldiers) at Fort George, Upper Canada.
In 1806, he was the regiment's sergeant-major. His commander, Isaac Brock, made him an officer. This was very unusual because most officer positions were bought back then. Later that year, he became the regiment's adjutant. In 1809, he was promoted to lieutenant.
FitzGibbon in the War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain and its allies in Canada. FitzGibbon played an important role in several key events.
Early Actions in the War
In August 1812, FitzGibbon led a group of ships carrying military supplies. They traveled from Montreal to Kingston. They went through the "International Rapids" of the St. Lawrence River, visible from the American side.
In January 1813, FitzGibbon led 45 sleighs carrying supplies. They traveled from Kingston to Niagara during the Canadian winter. This was a difficult journey.
Battle of Stoney Creek
FitzGibbon fought at the Battle of Stoney Creek on June 6, 1813. This was an important battle where British and Canadian forces surprised American troops.
Battle of Beaver Dams
Three weeks after Stoney Creek, FitzGibbon led 50 soldiers. They used guerrilla-style tactics against a large American force. These Americans had captured Fort George on the Niagara Peninsula.
On June 22, Laura Secord warned FitzGibbon about a surprise attack. She told him that 500 American troops were planning to attack. This led to the Battle of Beaver Dams near Thorold, Ontario.
FitzGibbon's small force, along with about 400 Mohawk and Odawa warriors, defeated the Americans. They took 462 prisoners. This victory made FitzGibbon a hero. He was promoted to captain in the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles.
After this battle, FitzGibbon mostly focused on scouting. He watched the movements of American troops.
Battle of Lundy's Lane
In 1814, FitzGibbon fought at the Battle of Lundy's Lane. However, his part in this battle was not effective. He and his troops were attacking the American forces. But British troops, led by Lieutenant General Drummond, mistook them for Americans.
The British troops fired on FitzGibbon's force by mistake. Because of this "friendly fire," FitzGibbon and his men had to retreat. Some historians believe FitzGibbon's strategy could have led to a big victory if the British had supported him.
After the War
After the War of 1812, FitzGibbon retired from active duty. He became a clerk in the militia's office. Later, he was promoted to Assistant Adjutant-General.
In 1814, FitzGibbon married Mary Haley. They had five children together. Only their daughter lived past infancy.
FitzGibbon was involved in public life. In 1818, he defended Canadians against accusations of disloyalty. In 1824, he helped negotiate an end to riots between Irish settlers and other residents. He also defended Irish immigrants in newspapers.
From 1822 to 1826, FitzGibbon was a high-ranking member of the Masonic lodge in Upper Canada. He was the deputy provincial grand master.
In 1826, FitzGibbon helped raise money for people involved in the Types Riot. William Lyon Mackenzie claimed FitzGibbon received a government job as a reward for this.
Role in the Upper Canada Rebellion (1837)
During the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, FitzGibbon was appointed Acting Adjutant-General of Militia. He organized and led the forces that defended Toronto from William Lyon Mackenzie's rebel group.
Before the Battle of Montgomery's Tavern, FitzGibbon faced a huge challenge. He had to prepare about 1200 volunteers for battle quickly. He had little experience organizing troops for a large fight. He managed to complete the task, and the battle was won.
The day after the battle, FitzGibbon resigned. This was due to disagreements with Governor Sir Francis Bond Head. Head had initially chosen another officer to lead the troops over FitzGibbon.
FitzGibbon was also a founding member of the York Mechanics' Institute in 1831.
Later Life and Remembering FitzGibbon
In May 1838, the people of Toronto thanked FitzGibbon. They felt he had saved them from a civil war. They proposed giving him a gift of money, but this gift never happened.
After many requests and rejections, FitzGibbon finally received 1000 British pounds. However, this amount was only half of what he owed in debts.
By 1845, FitzGibbon's doctor noted a change in his health. The many disappointments and stresses had caused him mental strain and memory loss.
FitzGibbon retired with a pension in 1846. He moved to England in 1847 after his wife, Mary Haley, passed away.
In 1850, he was appointed a Military Knight of Windsor. This was thanks to the influence of Lord Seaton. FitzGibbon lived comfortably there, using his Canadian pension to pay off his remaining debts.
James FitzGibbon died at Windsor Castle in 1863. He is buried in the crypt of St. George's Chapel there.
In 2003, FitzGibbon's family donated some of his personal items. These included a signet ring and a ceremonial sword. They are now at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
