Richard Pierpoint facts for kids

Richard Pierpoint (born around 1744 in Africa – died around 1837 in Canada) was a brave soldier. He was also known by names like Black Dick and Captain Dick. Richard was born in what is now Senegal. He was brought to America as a slave. He earned his freedom by fighting for the British during the American Revolution. After the war, he moved to a Black community in Upper Canada (which is now part of Ontario, Canada). He was given land there. He also fought in the War of 1812.

Early Life and Freedom

From Africa to America

Richard Pierpoint was born around 1744 in a place called Bundu in Senegal, Africa. When he was about 16 years old, he was captured. He was then sold into slavery. He survived the difficult journey across the Atlantic, known as the Middle Passage. In British North America, he was sold to a British officer. Richard likely worked as the officer's personal helper.

Fighting for Freedom

In 1776, the American Revolution began. This was a war where the American colonies fought for independence from Britain. Many African Americans who were slaves were offered freedom. They could gain their freedom if they fought for the British side. By 1780, Richard Pierpoint was one of these brave African men. He joined a group called Butler's Rangers. This group included some former slaves. They often worked as laborers or engineers, helping to build things.

Life in Canada

Settling in Upper Canada

After the British lost the American Revolution, many people who supported Britain moved to Canada. These people were called Loyalists. Among them were hundreds of Black people, known as the Black Loyalists. They made up about 10% of all the Loyalists who moved to Upper Canada. They helped build new communities in Southern Ontario.

Black people who had fought for the British as free men were given land. This was the same amount of land as other Loyalists received.

Richard's Land Grant

In 1788, Richard Pierpoint received land in what is now St. Catharines, Ontario. He was given about 200 acres (about 0.8 square kilometers). The city of St. Catharines was first settled by Loyalists in the 1780s. Some historians believe that a local creek, "Dick's Creek," was named after Richard Pierpoint.

Usually, a private soldier would only get 100 acres. Richard might have received more because he was seen as a non-commissioned officer. Or, he might have been considered a United Empire Loyalist, which could mean more land. It's also possible he had family with him, as each family member could mean more land. Records from 1786 suggest a woman was with him.

A Request for Black Communities

In 1794, Richard Pierpoint signed a special letter called the Petition of Free Negroes. This letter was sent to the leader of Upper Canada, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe. The petition asked that Black soldiers who had served be given land grants next to each other. This way, they could help each other clear the land. Many of them did not have large families to help with this hard work.

However, the government did not approve this request. After this, Richard Pierpoint either sold or left his land. He then worked as a laborer to support himself.

The War of 1812

Joining the Fight Again

When the War of 1812 started, Richard Pierpoint wanted to help. He offered to create a special group of Black soldiers in the Niagara area. His offer was not accepted. But a small group of Black soldiers was formed by a white officer named Robert Runchey.

Even though Richard was in his sixties, he immediately joined Captain Runchey's Company of Coloured Men. This group fought bravely in several important battles. These included the Battle of Queenston Heights, the siege of Fort George, and the Battle of Lundy's Lane. They also helped build Fort Mississauga. For the rest of the war, the group mostly did labor and guard duties.

Later Life and Legacy

A Special Petition

Richard Pierpoint's unit was honorably ended in 1815. As a veteran, he was supposed to receive another 100-acre land grant. But in 1821, when he was in his late 70s, Richard made a different request. He asked the Lieutenant Governor to help him return to his homeland in Senegal instead of giving him land.

In his request, he explained his life story. He wrote that he was from Bondu in Africa. He was captured at 16 and sold into slavery. He served the King during the American Revolutionary War and again in the War of 1812. He said he was old and had no property. He wished to return to Africa.

His request was not granted. Instead, Richard and other Black soldiers from his unit were given land grants. This land was in an area called Garafraxa, near what is now Fergus.

New Land and Final Years

Richard received a "land ticket" for 100 acres in Garafraxa in 1822. To fully own the land, he had to clear at least 5 acres of trees. He also had to build a house and clear a road to his plot. He completed these tasks by 1826. This farm likely became a settlement for several Black settlers.

Richard Pierpoint died sometime before September 1838. He did not have any known family or heirs. We do not know where he was buried. In his will, he left his property in Garafraxa to a man named Lemuel Brown.