William McGinnis (1788 - 1837)

Born 1 Apr 1788 in Ernestown, Addington, Upper Canada

Ancestors

Husband of Margaret Matilda (Howard) McGinnis — married 23 Jan 1809 in Bath Ont Can

Descendants

Died 29 Jan 1837 at age 48 in Amherst Island, Addington, Upper Canada

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Biography

William McGinnis was the son of Lieut. George McGinnis and Anna Staring and the grandson of Captain Timothy ‘Teady’ Magin and Sarah Kast. For a colourful, interesting story of their lives, read “A Tale of Loyalist Heroism” written by Dr. H. C. Burleigh.

William McGinnis was granted, as the son of a Loyalist, 200 acres of land in Innisfil Township, Simcoe County, by order in council dated 25 February 1818. There is no indication that he ever lived on this land (lot 8, concession 5, Innisfil) and he sold it in 1827. He was also granted, as “a private in a Flank Company of the First Regiment of Addington Militia” during the War Of 1812, 100 acres of land (east half, lot 2, concession 8) in Tay Township, Simcoe County. This was granted in 1835 and was sold by William McGinnis in 1836. There was no indication in the deeds of sale for either lot that the land had been improved in any way or that any buildings had been erected. (See Ontario Archives, GS5499, Deeds, Simcoe County, Volume A” and GS5524 Tay Township Deeds, Volume M.)

Baptism

The birth date of William McGinnis was taken from the bible of Charles Raymond McGinnis. His death date was found in the notes of Mr. M. K. Abel.

Date: 27 APR 1788

Place: Ernestown, Lennox & Addington, Ontario Canada

Marriage

Date: 23 JAN 1809

Spouse: Margaret Howard

Research Notes

Possibly "the young man by the name of McGinnis" (as reported in the Montreal Herald) who was arrested for the murder of his wife's uncle Thomas Jackson in December 1816. Both men lived on Amherst Island at the time. However there is no report that McGinnis was ever convicted or tried for the murder. Full details on Jackson's profile.

Sources

Consult profile of Lt John Howard UE (his wife's grandfather) for a full list of sources.

• Marriage: https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/viewer/789621/?offset=#page=16&viewer=picture&o=&n=0&q=