John Handfield facts for kids

John Handfield (born around 1693 – died 1787) was a British army officer. He was also a member of the Nova Scotia Council, which was like a government group in Nova Scotia.

Early Life and Military Start

John Handfield joined the army in 1720. He became an Ensign, which is a junior officer rank, in a group called Philipps' Regiment. This regiment was also known as the 40th Regiment of Foot. His first job was in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

Over the years, Handfield moved up in the army. He became a Lieutenant in 1731. Later, he was promoted to Captain in 1740. By 1758, he had reached the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

Public Service in Nova Scotia

Besides his army work, John Handfield also helped govern Nova Scotia. In 1736, he joined the Nova Scotia Council in Annapolis Royal. This council helped make decisions for the area.

In 1752, Governor Peregrine Hopson made him a Justice of the Peace. This meant Handfield could help keep order and solve small legal problems in the community.

Challenges During Wartime

During a conflict known as Father Le Loutre's War, Captain Handfield was in charge of Fort Vieux Logis in 1749. He successfully defended the fort during the Siege of Grand Pré. However, during this time, his son and his future son-in-law, Captain John Hamilton, were captured by the Mi'kmaq people and Acadian militia.

In 1750, Handfield became the commander at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal.

Difficult Duties at Fort Lawrence

Later, Handfield took command at Fort Lawrence. In 1752, his daughter married John Hamilton there.

John Handfield was married to Elizabeth Winniet, an Acadian woman. Her family was related to many Acadians. Because of these family ties, Handfield found it very hard to carry out orders to deport the Acadians. This was a sad time when many Acadians were forced to leave their homes.

He wrote a letter to John Winslow about his feelings. He said he wished they were both done with "this most disagreeable and troublesome part of the Service." This shows how difficult it was for him to do his duty when it affected people he cared about.

Later Life and Retirement

In 1758, John Handfield fought in the Siege of Louisbourg. This was an important battle during the Seven Years' War.

He retired from the army in 1760. After retiring, he moved to Boston. By 1776, he was living in Ireland. John Handfield passed away in Waterford, Ireland, on April 20, 1787.