Petition of Free Negroes facts for kids

The Petition of Free Negroes was an important document created in Upper Canada in 1794. It was written by a group of freed Black people who had fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, they were given land in Upper Canada as a reward for their service. However, these land grants were spread out, meaning the freed Black settlers lived far apart from each other and from other white settlers.

On June 29, 1794, nineteen men from the Niagara Peninsula area decided to ask for a change. They sent a petition to Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe. They hoped to get a special area where they could all settle together.

What Was the Petition of Free Negroes?

The Petition of Free Negroes was a formal request. It asked the government to allow a group of freed Black people to live in one community. This would help them support each other. It also showed their loyalty to the British Crown.

Who Were the Black Loyalists?

Many of the people who signed the petition were known as Black Loyalists. These were enslaved African Americans who gained their freedom by joining the British side during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The British promised freedom to enslaved people who fought for them. After the war, thousands of Black Loyalists moved to British colonies, including what is now Canada.

Why Did They Ask for Land?

When the Black Loyalists arrived in Upper Canada, they received land grants. But these grants were often small and scattered across the province. This made it hard for them to build strong communities. They wanted to live close together so they could help each other with work and support. They believed that living together would make them more successful.

What Did the Petition Request?

The petition clearly stated their wishes. It said:

That there are a number of Negroes in this part of the Country many of whom have been Soldiers during the late ware between Great Britain and America, and others who were born free with a few who have come into Canada since the peace, -Your Petitioners are desirous of settling adjacent to each other that they may be enabled to give assistance (in work) to those amongst them who may most want it.

Your Petitioners therefore humbly Pray that their situation may be taken into consideration, and if your Excellency should see fit to allow them a Tract of Country to settle on, separate from the white Settlers, your Petitioners hope their behaviour will be such as to shew, that Negroes are capable of being industrious, and in loyalty to the Crown they are not deficient.

In simpler words, they asked for a piece of land where they could live separately from white settlers. They promised to be hardworking and loyal to the King. They wanted to show that Black people could be successful and good citizens.

Who Signed the Petition?

Nineteen men signed this important document. Their names were:

• Jack Baker
• Jack Becker
• John Cesar
• John Dimon
• Tom Frey
• John Gerof
• Peter Green
• Michael Grote
• John Jackson
• Adam Lewis
• Peter Ling
• Richard Pierpoint
• Pompadour
• John Smith
• Saison Sepyed
• Simon Speck
• Robert Spranklin
• Thomas Walker
• Jack Wurmwood

The Outcome of the Petition

Unfortunately, Lieutenant Governor Simcoe turned down the petition. The exact reasons are not known. However, slavery had recently been ended in Upper Canada (in 1793). This decision had caused some strong feelings among certain settlers. Simcoe's refusal might have been a way to avoid more arguments about the rights and settlement of Black people at that time.