John Dexter (1773 - 1815)

Born 13 Feb 1773 in Ashford, Windham, Connecticut

Ancestors

Husband of Jane (NIECE) Dexter — married 1796 in Genesee, New York, United States

Descendants

Died 30 Oct 1815 at age 42 in Vaughan Markham, York, Ontario, Canada

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Fred Molesworth [send private message]

Biography

This biograph needs to be rewritten, but the following is a collection of information on John Dexter.

Copied from the old family bible, as recorded by Mr. Dexter. John Dexter, son of Elisha Dexter, was born in the state of Connecticut on the l.'^th day of February, 1773. Died, Oct. 30, 1815. Jane Dexter was born Feb. 11, 1772. Died, July 14, lS;i9. John Dexter and Jane Niece were married at Genesee, N. Y., 179G.

Children: Amos Dexter ws born February 3, 1797. Elizabeth Dexter was born October 31, 1798. DIed September 1816 Hiram Dexter was born April 24, 1801 John Dexter was born October 8 1803. Died, May 22, 1888 Mary Dexter was born July 27 1805. Died, December 1849 Elisha Dexter was born June 8 1807. Died, April 1859 Asahel Dexter was born March 4, 1809 Ahijah Dexter was born February 6, 1811.

John Dexter and Margaret Dudgeon were married September 24, 1829 at Youngstown, N. Y. by Mr Hinman, both being residents of Vaught, upper Canada. Margaret(Dudgeon) Dexter was born Sept 5, 1812 in Masonville Count, N. Y., and died at 7:0"clock a.m, May 21, 1845 at Amboy, Lee County, Illinois, then called Palestine Grove.

Children of John and Margaret Dexter

Thomas J., born October 22, 1830. Mary Jane, born November 8, 1832. Died October, 1878. Mathew Kalph and Harvey Mark, born July 27, 1834. Simon, born July 22, 1830. Martha Ann, l)()rn May 13, 1838. Died Augusts, 1887. Jesse, born March IS. 1840. Died, March 21, 1840. Harriet Elizabeth, born May 2, 1841. Died, March 17, 1843. Harriet Elizabelh, born April 7, 1743. A daughter, born April 22, 1845, Died, April 30, 1845. Thomas, Mary, Mathew and IMark were born in Vaughan, Home District, York County, Upper Catuida. Simon, Mnrtha Ann, Jesse, Harriet Elizabeth and Harriet Elizabeth 2d, and a daughter, (eight days old) born in Palestine Grove, Inlet Precinct, Ogle County, 111., noto Amby, Lee County, Illinoi

John Dexter (his name may have included Elijah) , son of Elijah (Elisha) Dexter and Lydia Smith, was born 13 Feb 1773 in Ashford, Windham, Conn. ^[1] He had two brothers, Asa and Elijah, and a sister Mary. Media

He was married to Jane Neese (or Niece) ^{[2] [3]}

The following information is gleaned from a newspaper article published int The Liberal (Richmond Hill Ontarion) on Oct 3 1968.

"For several months, however, there had been a bad feeling between two pioneers living in what is now the Richvale area. In the summer of 1815, they met, probably by chance, on Yonge street, a little north of the Town of York.

Smouldering tempers flared; hot words were exchanged; Henry Vanderbergh struck John Dexter, who countered by shooting his attacker dead...he was sentenced to be hanged on October 30, 1815.

... In "The Landmarks" Dexter's first name is given as Elijah and Vanderbergh's as James, and the date of the hanging as 1816. Official documents, however,record them as John Dexter, Henry Vandenbergh, and 1815.

[Mrs. Evelyn Arthur, the source of the detail in this story] ...has a copy of the will made by John Dexter the day before he was hanged.

In it, he left his property to his wife Jane and his family. As the children, Amos, Hirman, John, Elijah, Asahel, Ahijah, Elizabeth and Mary (Polly) were all minors, he appointed two friendly Markham Townships neighbors James Miles and Dr. Thomas Stoyell to be their guardians.

...Asahel married Jane Whitfield, daughter of Teasdal Whitfield who lived near York, and they moved to Kansas, John went to Iowa, another son to Illinois; Mary married Thomas Nattrass. Only Ahijah and Hiram appeared to have remained in this district...

John Dexter came to Upper Canada from New York State about 1796, in a family group which included his father Elijah, two brothers, Asa and Elijah and a sister Mary who later married Joshua Leach, a carpenter in the town of York. The Dexters were primarily attracted by Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe's offer of free land aht they were given crown grants on Yonge Street and elsewhere." .Media

Sources

1. ↑ Family History or Pedigree: "Geneanet Community Trees Index"
   Original data: Geneanet Community Trees Index. Paris, France: Geneanet
   Ancestry Record 62476 #5858709796 (accessed 21 August 2023)
   Name: John Dexter; Gender: M (Male); Birth Date: 13 févr. 1773 (13 Feb 1773); Birth Place: Ashford, Windham (Ashford), Connecticut, USA; Death Date: 30 oct. 1815 (30 Oct 1815); Death Place: Ontario, Ontario, Canada; Father: Elisha Dexter; Mother: Lydia Smith; View on Geneanet: https://gw.geneanet.org/albeejgs?n=dexter&oc=4&p=john.
2. ↑ Burial: "Global, Find a Grave® Index for Burials at Sea and other Select Burial Locations, 1300s-Current"
   Original data: Find a Grave. Find a Grave®. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi; URL: Find A Grave: Memorial #77548773
   Ancestry Record 60541 #2404147 (accessed 21 August 2023)
   John Dexter burial (died on 30 Oct 1815).
3. ↑ Burial: "Global, Find a Grave® Index for Burials at Sea and other Select Burial Locations, 1300s-Current"
   Original data: Find a Grave. Find a Grave®. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi; URL: Find A Grave: Memorial #77548921
   Ancestry Record 60541 #2404152 (accessed 21 August 2023)
   Jane Dexter burial (died on 14 Jul 1839).

Research Notes

CAROL'S TIME LINE FOR JOHN DEXTER(6), Elisha(5), Thomas (4), John(3),Thomas(2), Thomas of Lynn. (see p 167-168 of Ev. letters)

To clarify: JOHN was trying for Lot 43. ASA was trying for Lot 44. (Evelyn p 197.)

1965: VERY comprehensive present day description of lots 26, 27,34, 37, 38, 43) (Evelyn's p 210, 211. Map pg 89)

MORE DETAILS BELOW TIMELINE.

1773, Feb 13, JOHN DEXTER, 9th of 11 children, probably born in Ashford CT, just as the brother preceeding and brother following him. Methodist at birth? 1791, Apr 23: 19 year old JOHN bought land at Hartford, now Avon, Livingston, NY for 20 lbs. (Or at Lima?) 1795, Aug 26: 22 year old JOHN registered land at Hartford, now Avon, Livingston, NY.

1790 Census of DEXTER'S in MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, CONNECICUT, RHODE ISLAND AND VERMONT with accompanying map are in Evelyn Dexter's letters on pg 164-166. well done!

The DEXTER brothers that went to Canada were: ELISHA b 1759 THOMAS b 1761 AMOS b 1768 ASA b 1770 JOHN b 1773

1796, April 7: JOHN sold land for 272 lbs at Hartford, Livingston, NY. 1796, JOHN DEXTER md JANE NIECE in Genesee, NY. 1796, Apr 26: JOHN petitions at Niagara for Lot 43 of Vaughan Twp. Went to Canada. (p 263 of Ev Dexter letters. This is good to read.) 1796: "JOHN DEXTER came to Upper Can. from N.Y. State abt 1796, in a family group. He received lot 43, Con. l, Markham as Crown Grant. 1796, Jun 27: JOHN has built a small house, made improvements and settled on Lot #43, E side of Yonge St. (p 263 of Ev Dexter letters.) 1796, July 11: JOHN DEXTER "praying for Lot 43 E side of Yonge St., Markham Twp. Recommended." (Simcoe Papers, Vol I. #15.) 1796, Oct 8 & 26: JOHN received land grant for Lot 43, E. side of Yonge St., Markham Twp, Ontario, Can. (Richvale P.O. is across from Lot 43 Yonge St. in 1965. E.Dexter)

1797: ASA DEXTER was given a provisional grant of Lot 44 on the east side of Yonge Street in 1797; at the same time JOHN DEXTER was confirmed in Lot 43. 1797 Feb 8: Cavcat (caveat?) for 190 acres in Markham Twp. 1797 Feb 3: JOHN'S first child AMOS, was born. (Probably in Markham Twp.)

1798, 2 July: JOHN DEXTER Granted Lot 43, lst Conc. E. side of Yonge St, Markham Twp . (Russell Papers, Vol 11, p. 196 -only mentions Markham?). Toronto Archives via Evelyn Dexter her page 84.. 1798, Oct 26: A patent was issued in JOHN DEXTER'S (Age 26) name for Lot 43, Con. 1 (east of Yonge Street) in Markham Twp. 1798, 8 Dec: Grants in Sec Office, York: John Dexter 190 acres in Markham Twp.

1799, Jan 5: JOHN, requests more time to conform to conditions on Lot 44, E. side of Yonge Street for his brother ASA. (E. Dexter letters p. 169) 1799, Mar 23: JOHN DEXTER & JOHN HUDSON are living in house on (Asa's) Lot 44, E. side of Yonge St. Three acres cleared and 2 1\2 clear and not fenced. Six acres girdled underbrush but (?) & heaped. JOHN (age 26) present possessor for brother ASA (age 29). (E. Dexter p. 169)

1799, Mar 25: JOHN DEXTER has 3 men give value to Lot 44 and improvements equal to 45 pounds 8 shillings. (E. Dexter p. 169) 1799, 6 Apr: McCall forfeits rights to Lot 44. Lot to be kept open for 3 months from date and conferred to ASA DEXTER if he comes to claim it at that time. (E. Dexter p. 170)

1799, Oct 31: JOHN DEXTER'S daughter Elizabeth (2nd child), born, prob Markham Twp.

1800 May 27: "In York, Elisha late of New York had come to province TWO YEARS AGO with wife and 6 children. His two (younger) brothers (ASA & JOHN) had been in province FOUR YEARS, one settling on Yonge Street and the other at the head of the Lake. He petitioned for a lot on Yonge St." (E. Dexter p. 170)

1800 Nov 27: JOHN DEXTER (age 27) sells Lot 43 Markham, 190 acres. "Bargain and Sale." (See pg 210 of E. Dexter letters for description of Lots in 1965. Also p. 228: "Richmond Hill, the first place above lot 43 was originally called Mount Pleasant until 1819 when it was changed to Richmond Hill when the Duke of Richmond visited there.")

1801: JOHN DEXTER traded lot 42 con 1 for lot 38, con l Vaughan. The eight Dexter children among first pupils at Cober Langstaff school. 1801, Jan 14: JENEY DEXTER releases her dower to Lot #8 in 4th Concession of Vaughan. 1801, Apr 24: HIRAM #3 child born, probably Vaughan Twp. 1801, May 9: Bargain and Sale of Lot 43 Yonge St. "Jeney" on copy of the sale. Registered 1802 Apr 15. (Evelyn p 176) 1801, July 12 1808 (?) JOHN DEXTER is on Petty and on Grand Jury in town of York (now Toronto.)

1803, Oct 8: JOHN'S son, JOHN JR., #4 child, born at Vaughan. 1803 Jul 12: Three pages of very strange data about JOHN DEXTER. (Evelyn Dexter's page 224-226.) Bottom of p. 226 explains somewhat. 1804 Jan 10: "Jeney Dexter, wife of John Dexter in York released her dower in and to Lot #18 in the 4th Concession of Vaughan." 1805, Jul 27: MARY DEXTER, #5 child, born at York. (Twp? or area?) 1805, Nov 16: JOHN DEXTER had a letter at Niagara. (Evelyn p. 79)

1806, Aug 27: "JOHN DEXTER signed in behalf of Inhabitants of Home District to his Excellency the Lieut Governor." (Ibid) 1806, Sep 4: "Yorktown, JOHN DEXTER inhabitant." 1807, 8 Jun: ELISHA DEXTER, #6 child born in York.. 1809, Mar 14: ASAHEL DEXTER, #7 child, our great grandfather, born. 1809 Aug 5: ELISHA DEXTER bought lots 19, 20 and 21 in Beverly Twp (Halton CO?). Lot 19 he sold to Joshua Leach. Of special interest is the witness, THOMAS STOYELL who later in 1815 Oct 29 in will of JOHN DEXTER'S is appointed to look after Dexter's family.

1811, Feb 6: AHIJAH DEXTER, #8 child born.

1815 Friday Oct 27; Court proceedings of "The King versus JOHN DEXTER. Prisoner arraigned and pleaded "Not Guilty". Witnesses for the Crown included a PETER VANDERBURGH! (E. Dexter p. 170-171) 1815 Oct 29: JOHN DEXTER made out his will. (See pg 187- 188, Ev. Dexter letters.) 1815, Oct 30: Hanging of JOHN DEXTER . (see additional details at end of details below.)

1818 Aug 7: (see 1809 Aug 5.) "Thomas Stoyles of the Town of York in the Home District of the Province of Upper Canada Yeoman maketh oath and saith that he was present and did see Elisha Dexter duly execute the deed of Bargain and Sale of which this is the memorial and did see Joshua Leach duly execute this memorial. (see Evelyn Dexter letters p. 273. She says it might be 1810 instead of 1818.)

MORE DETAILS OF ABOVE SUMMARY FOLLOW:

1773: John Dexter was born in CT or MA in 1773. His father was Elisha Dexter. (Toronto Archives. May 12, 1965)

1773: JOHN DEXTER born in CT. Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee Co., Inez Kennedy, Pub, Dixon, IL. 1893. pages 24-36. This book includes the Family Bible records of names, birthdates, birthplaces and death dates of JOHN JR.. and Margaret DEXTER and their ten children. The Bible record also includes the names, birthdates and deathdates of JOHN B (born 1803) DEXTER'S parents: "JOHN DEXTER, son of ELISHA DEXTER, was born in the state of Connecticut on the 13th day of Feb., 1773. Died, Oct. 30, 1815. JANE DEXTER was born Feb 11, 1772. Died, July 14, 1839. JOHN DEXTER and JANE NIECE were married at Genesee, NY, 1796."

Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee Co., Inez Kennedy, Pub, Dixon, IL. 1893. pages 24-36. This book includes the Family Bible records of names, birthdates and some deathdates of JOHN and JANE (NIECE) DEXTER'S eight children: Amos Dexter was born Feb 3, 1797. Elizabeth Dexter was born Oct 31, 1798. Died Sep 1816. Hiram Dexter was born April 24, 1801. JOHN DEXTER was born Oct 8 1803. Died, May 22, 1888. Mary Dexter was born July 27, 1805. Died, Dec 1849. Elisha Dexter was born June 8, 1807. Died. April 1859. ASAHEL DEXTER was born March 14, 1809. Ahijah Dexter was born Feb 6, 1811.

1773 birth of JOHN DEXTER in Connecticut. 1880 Census of Sublette Twp. Lee Co. JOHN B DEXTER JR b 1803, (son of JOHN DEXTER said his parents (JOHN & JANE) were born: father- Conn. and mother-PA.

1790 Census of all the DEXTERS in MAINE, NH, CONNECTICUT, RI, and VERMONT, is on pg.164-166 in Evelyn's letters.

"The DEXTER'S were not UEL's. They received their grants of land as settlers." (Evelyn p 163.)

1796, Apr 26: JOHN submits petition at Niagara for Lot 43 of Vaughan Twp east side of Yonge St. ( R.B. 1, L3, vol. 158, D bundle 2, No. 10). 1796: "JOHN DEXTER came to Upper Canada from New York State about 1796, in a family group. He received lot 43, con. l, Markham as a Crown Grant. "Old Time Thornhill" by Doris M. FitzGerald, Canada 1970, pg 25. 1796, Jun 27: JOHN has built a small house and made improvements and settled on Lot #43, E side of Yonge St. 1796, July 11: JOHN DEXTER "praying for Lot 43 E side of Yonge St., Markham Twp, Ontario, Can. Recommended by the Committee;" (Upper Canada Land book "B") also (Simcoe Papers, Vol I. #15.) also (Ontario Archives, Nineteenth Report, 1930, p.29.) 1796, Oct 8 & 26: JOHN received land grant for Lot 43, E. side of Yonge St., Markham Twp, Ontario, Can. (Richvale P.O. is across from Lot 43 Yonge St. Evelyn Dexter sent a post card from that post office in 1965.) Note, this lot in the twp of Markham patented to JOHN DEXTER Oct 26, 1798. ( Evelyn p 168.)

1797: "From the records of D. W. Smith, surveyor general from 1792, we find that ASA DEXTER was given a provisional grant of Lot 44 on the east side of Yonge Street in 1797, and at the same time JOHN DEXTER was confirmed in Lot 43, adjacent to ASA. In 1800 however, these lots were regranted to Arnold Rowley, on condition that he compensate the DEXTERS for improvements made. . ."

1798 Jul 2: JOHN DEXTER confirmed in possession of Lot #43 Twp of Vaughan east side of Yonge Street, 1798: JOHN Petitioned for lot on west side of Yonge St." (Clarissa G) 1798: JOHN DEXTER also (bought?) lot 43 concession 1. 1798 Gazette." I believe they had to live on the land a year and improve it including living quarters before they could file. Wonder if JOHN & ASA shared Lot #43? (Evelyn's p. 75.) 1798: "In York 27 May 1800, ELISHA late of New York had come to province TWO YEARS AGO wife wife and 6 children. His two brothers had been in province FOUR YEARS, one settling on Yonge Street and the other at the head of the Lake. He petitioned for a lot on Yonge St."

1799 Jan 5: (Evelyn's p 93 & espec.169, 189) JOHN DEXTER for his brother ASA DEXTER...Lot 43 (should be Lot 44 -see below) east side of street...Council Chamber, York. ". . .On examining of JOHN DEXTER, who appeared on this day on behalf of his Brother, the Board thought that the Present improvement on the lot is not sufficient to warrant a confirmation. Ordered the lot to be open from the 22nd past and the Petitioner is to lodge a valuation of the improvements he has made, certified by 3 neighbouring inhabitants, that the succeeding Grantee may be directed to pay the amount which is to be considered as a general rule." (Upper Canada Land Book "D", p. 254)

1799 Mar 23rd: "This certify that a house standing on Lot #44 East side of Yonge Street, 34 feet by 18, and JOHN DEXTER and JOHN HUDSON are living therein. There are three acres cleared off, and sowed with wheat, and two and a half cleared, not fenced, with about six acres girdled, under brush cut and heaped." (signed--Andrew Davidson and Mathias Morris.)

(Same day as Mar 23? no date given) JOHN DEXTER and JOHN McCALL appear before the Board to state their respective claims to Lot #44, East side of Yonge Street. JOHN DEXTER, the present possessor for his brother ASA DEXTER (must) provide within one month from present date 3 sufficient inhabitants of the Cicinage to value the improvements thereon, and if JOHN McCALL pays him the amount thereof within three days after such valuation, his location shall be sustained. But if John DEXTER refuses to submit to this award, the Lot shall be granted without exacting payment of the improvements. If MR. MCCALL neglects to make the payment within the time specified, the Lot shall be considered as open and his claim thereto rescinded."

1799 Mar 25: "Subscriber being called by JOHN DEXTER to value a certain bldg and improvements done of lot #44 of East Side of Yonge Street, in Twp of Markham and County of York, after viewing the whole premises, we adjudge and value the building to be worth 12 pounds; The Lot now cleared and fenced 25 pounds; --the land cut down and girdled 8:8:0- total 45 pounds 8 shilling N.Y.C. (New York Currency.) The wheat now sowed and on the ground is not valued but reserved. (Anthony Hollingshead, Bolar Munshour, Daniel Soules.) Sworn on the Holey Evanglist of Allmighty God say that it is just and right according to the best of skill and knoledge." 30 March 1799 John Wilson J P.

1799 Apr 6: "JOHN DEXTER having appeared before the Board in behalf of his Brother ASA DEXTER (where is ASA, anyway?). . .compliance with the order. . .Lot 44...susrveyed by . . .neighbours and valued at 8:8:0 and . . .he offered the same to JOHN MCCALL at that price agreeable to the Order of the Board, but that he refused to pay the money--Resolved, that McCall's Claim is thereby forfeited, and in consideration of the improvements made. . .orded that the said Lot be kept open for three months fromthe present date, and confirmed to ASA DEXTER if he come in to claim it before the expiration of that time." UC Land Book D p 298-9.

1799: "ELISHA was in Vaughan 1799 and had land in Scarborough."

1800: "There are a number of references to the DEXTERS in the records of the Quarter Sessions of the Peace, which was the magistrates court as well as the instrument of local governnment. Both JOHN and ELISHA served on juries, and ELISHA (probably the Elisha born 1758 bro-of John 1773-1815) was in 1800 a constable in Vaughan Township.

1800 May 27: "ELISHA DEXTER, praying for a lot on Yonge Street as a settler. Recommended for lot #44 East Side Yonge Street formerly appropriated to ASA DEXTER on his (Petitioner's) complying with the order of 6th Apr 1799." UC Land Book "D" p. 485.

1800 Nov 27th "and made between John Dexter and Jane his wife . . . of Township of Vaughan. . .and Richard__?__ of . . .Markham.. . .whereby the said John Dexter hath granted, __?__ and sold unto the said Richard__?__ all that certain tract of parcel of land lying and being situate in the Township of Markham. . .known and distinguished by Lot number 43 on the East side of Yonge Street containing 190- acres. . .9th day of May 1801." Filed as Bargain & Sale? (Richard is probably Richard Lippincott as below.)

1801: JOHN DEXTER traded lot 43 Con 1 (Markham) for lot 38, con. l, Vaughan, then held by Captain Richard Lippincott. The eight Dexter children were among the first pupils at the Cober (Langstaff) school and remained on the farm until 1828 when the north 105 acres were sold to Wm Southby Gapper, a British half pay officer, for 125 pounds. Eventually parts of the south half of lot 38 were also disposed of, but two of JOHN DEXTER'S sons, AHIJAH and HIRAM remained in the area. They operated saw mills on the Don, at the back of Lots 37 and 38, con l, Vaughan." "Old Time Thornhill" by Doris M. FitzGerald, Canada 1970, pg 25. (There is more to the article about Dexters.)

1801 May 9: Bargain and sale-- registered Apr 15 1802. Sale of Lot 43 Yonge Street. "Must have taken a year to get his money." (E. Dexter p. 176.)

1801 Oct 14: "ELISHA DEXTER Revised his Petition which had been read in Council on the 27 May 1800. The Lot formerly prayed for by Mr. DEXTER (ELISHA) being engaged to another person, he may have another in Markham or on Yonge Street. (Note: The lot located by ELISHA DEXTER under this Order-in-Council was #35 Concession 6 Twp of Markham. The lot 44 East Side Yonge Street was located to Bowley Arnold under an Order-in-Council dated Aug 19, 1800, and patented to him Mar 18th, 1805. " (Most ofhe above paragraphs-Evelyn p. 169-170).

1804: JOHN'S wife JENNY, released her dower right in a land sale." (Toronto Public Library. Filed J Dexter b 1773 file.)

1812: ELISHA listed as drummer in Captain Rider's Co., 3rd Regiment, York Militia, having transferred from Capt. Howard's Co. (Which Elisha would this be? Drummers usually very young. Evelyn p 178.

I just now found the newspaper article about John Dexter's hanging. WHOA---it's sad.

1815: John had quarrel-about the land- with Vanderburg. "The two men for several months were deadly enemies. Finally, on the 8th of July the two met on Yonge Street and after an exchange of some hot words and a blow given by Vanderburg, Dexter presented a gun and shot Vanderburg dead on the spot. There was a great deal of excitement over this trial, many being of the opinion that Dexter acted in self-defense. (In July 1829, Sons John B. and Elisha Dexter appealed to the crown for clear title to their land. In this appeal they said: "altho there were circumstances of great aggravation on the part of the said Vanderburgh and others who beset and attacked their Fathers House. . . However he was convicted...and hung" Oct 30th.)

1815 Oct 30: JOHN DEXTER was 42 years old---had 8 children ages 18 to 4--and 290 acres of land on either side of Yonge St. He left a will probably written in jail. It's sad. (Source: John Ross Robertson, "LANDMARKS OF TORONTO, Vol 3, p 257. In this first rendition, Dexter's first name is given as Elijah, and Vanderbergh's as James and date of hanging as 1816. In official documents, however, they are recorded as John Dexter, Henry Vanderbergh, and 1815.) Carol Dexter Minson.

1815 Oct 29: JOHN DEXTER'S will , from Toronto. Canada Archives. pg. 20,21: (John Dexter) Appoints Thomas Stoyell and James Miles of Markham in trust of Lot 38 on west side of Yonge Street in 1st conc of Vaughan Twp, 210 acres and NW part or corner of lot #37 in 1st conc west of Yonge St in Twp of Vaughan, 30 acres; and south west part or corner of lot #38 on East side of Yonge Street in first conc of Markham Twp, 50 acres. wife, Jane Dexter to yearly receive 1/3 part of the profits of estate, or if sold she shall receive 1/3 part of the value of the sale. (Copy of the will is found on page 187-188 of Evelyn Dexter's letters.) names sons: AMOS, HIRAM, JOHN, ELISHA, ASAHEL AND AHIJAH. names daughters: ELIZABETH and MARY names brother: ELISHA DEXTER.

Robertson, John Ross "Landmarks of Toronto," Vol 3, P 257. This article tells about the hanging of JOHN DEXTER. This article was written first of three. Toronto Public Library or University of Toronto Library would have the six volumes of LANDMARKS OF TORONTO. I think the author interviewed people who were still living at the time he wrote the article and might have something more than what I may find in the newspaper articles. (Evelyn p 65.)

Both Robertson and FitzGerald are filed in JOHN DEXTER b 1773 file; as is a second article by Doris Fitzgerald from THE LIBERAL, (newspaper) of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Oct 3, 1968, which details JOHN DEXTER'S quarrel with Henry Vanderberg, his death and JOHN'S hanging, as well as what happened to the land of JOHN DEXTER. (The article was written 150 years later!!)

1828: "John Dexter (b 1773) came to Upper Canada from New York State about 1796, in a family group. He received lot 43, con. l, Markham as a Crown Grant and in 1801 traded it for lot 38, con. l, Vaughan, then held by Captain Richard Lippincott. The eight Dexter children were among the first pupils at the Cober (Langstaff) school and remained on the farm until 1828 when the north 105 acres were sold to Wm Southby Gapper, a British half pay officer, for 125 pounds. Eventually parts of the south half of lot 38 were also disposed of, but two of John Dexter's sons, Ahijah and Hiram, remained in the area. They operated saw mills on the Don, at the back of lots 37 and 38, con l, Vaughan." (There is more to the article about Dexters.) (From the Book "Old Time Thornhill" by Doris M. FitzGerald, Canada 1970, pg 25)

If you look at these lot numbers, considering that Markham is East side of Yonge St and Vaughan is West side, they are not too far apart: And they lived on the main drag (of Yonge Street--now the main drag thru Toronto. (Evelyn p 179:) VAUGHAN Con 1 Lot 27 - ELISHA VAUGHAN Con 1 Lot 37 - JOHN - later HIRAM VAUGHAN Con 1 Lot 38 - JOHN - later AHIJAH MARKHAM 6 Lot 35 - ELISHA MARKHAM 1 Lot 43 - JOHN 1796 - 1801 MARKHAM 1 Lot 38 - JOHN

1829 Jul 2: John B. and Elisha Dexter tried to get clear title to their land in Canada in 1829 (after their father was hung in 1815) (E. Dexter p. 171 and 189.) (from Upper Canaada Land Book O pp. 22, 23;) "John and Elisha Dexter stating that they are the sons of JOHN DEXTER who was sentenced to death and executed in the year 1815 for taking the life of Henry Vanderburgh - that altho there were circumstances of great aggravation on the part of the said Vanderburgh (and others who beset and attacked their Fathers House) yet a jury, who tried the cause did not consider them a sufficient palliation for the act committed and the sentence of the law was carried into effect. That their Father at the time of his death was possessed of the fee simple of the sw part of lot #38 of the Twp of Markham containing 50 acres, of the fee simple of the nw part of #37 and the whole of lot #38 in the first concession W Side of Yonge Street in the Twp of Vaughan containing altogether 240 acres - That they with the rest of the family have since that period remained in the undisturbed possession of the said premises which have now become valuable. That they with their brothers, altogether six in number namely AMOS, HIRAM, JOHN, ELISHA who are of age - ASAHEL and AHIJAH who are minors - after making due provision for their Mother Jane Dexter, did intend to divide the same according to the tenor of a will their Father made - Nothwithstanding his situation - and not withstanding the said property became forfeited to the Crown which they were aware of and praying that indulgence to the innocent family of their unfortunate Father may be shown by restoring the said estate to them - And they thereby allowed to inherit the same according to the tenor of the said will."

Attorney General's Report (below--is confusing. cminson) (E. Dexter p. 171-172) .By law John Dexters land forfeited to Crown---there is no question that the forfeiture may be remitted and land restored by Crown to whomever at the discretion of the government. Points for consideration are l- Whether the prayer is reasonable to assent to 2nd His Majesty instruction restrained Governors from pardoning forfeiture of a greater value than 10 lbs requiring a reference to be made to His Majesty---"I believe, however, in cases more aggravated than that of Dexter the Crown has not inforced the forfeiture by dispossessing the Heir--It has not done so in this case- but as the law annuls the title upon the attainder, the petitioners pray relief against its operation." Attorney General signed it. and then "Recommended that the forfeiture be remitted as prayed for by such Proceedings as the Attorney General may advise." (Evelyn Dexter Arthur p. 171, 172.)

"Just before John died a bill was passed or a proclamation made that if any who received grants of land from the Crown committed murder, his land would be taken from him. However, the Dexters had retained their property unofficially and in 1829 were requesting it's return legally. " (E. Dexter p. 177)

Sources of some of old notes for JOHN DEXTER,(Methodist first of all.) 1851 Canada West census. Land records 1800. Upper Canada Gazette Dec 1798 Court Minutes for Durham 1800's