Anne, born about 1806.[1] She was the eldest daughter of Grant Powell and Elizabeth Bleeker.
When she was three her father left Balton Spring, N.Y., for Montreal, Canada, then moved to York, Upper Canada in 1811. Likely travelled by batteaux.
Her father was a miliatry surgeon (educated in England), serving at York, during the War of 1812. On 27 April 1813, the Americans landed west of there, and succeeded in forcing the British forces to retreat to Kingston. Her father accompanied them. Many years later, Anne, then only six, recalled that event.
Her mother had planned to have a party to be held that evening, and had sent out invitations. A few guest had arrived (mostly women) when her father rushed in to inform them the American fleet had been sighted. He told his wife to take the child and go to Mrs. McGill's cottege. He also said that the men had rushed off to face the enemy without provisions. The women set to work baking bread and gathering other foods. (This account does not mention the fighting, the withdrawl, or even the massive explosion of the Grand Magazine).
The following morning her mother, returned to the house with young Anne, and the servant (Bessy Walters). The supper had, of course, been consumed, and the place had been ramsacked. Almost anything moveable had been taken, even to Anne's clothing. A six-foot American infantryman was the only occument, breaking off pieces of a sugar cone.
Bess walked up, snatched it away, berating him for stealing, and adding she wished he go home and mind his own business. "I guess I wish I could", he replied. "Where is your home?", asked Mrs. Powell. "Down to Stillwater, New York," he replied, "I've one of Major Bleecker's farms." Laughing, she said Major Bleecker was her father.[2]
During the American's second visit at the end of July their store house was looted. Her father lost his position with the Provincial Marine in the spring of 1813. The following May, he became Surgeon with the Incorporated Militia. That unit was disbanded with the coming of Peace in March 1815.
She was educated at York, at a school on the west side of Yonge Street, painted blue, and kept by a Mrs. Gooderman. A Miss Russell taught music, and a Miss Sherman, teacher, had charge of the house.[3]
In 1831 she married Captain Charles Seymour and they had two sons and a daughter.[4] He was an officer of the Commissariat.
He was transfered to the West Indies. They arrived at the Barbadoes the day after a hurrican, which nearly devastated the island. They were taken to the Garrison, where they met several of the officers' wives. Despite the chaos, they all turned out in their best, which contrasted with Anne's attire.
In 1901 she was widowed and lived with her daughter Jane in Ottawa, along with a lodger and one female servant.[6]
She died in 1902.[7]
See also
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