HISTORY: Descendants of War of 1812 general to visit Thorold next week

THOROLD – On Wednesday, Oct. 10, starting at 5:30 p.m., the City of Thorold will hold a reception to welcome the descendants of Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe, the officer who assumed responsibility from Major General Isaac Brock after he was killed at the battle of Queenston Heights.The City of Thorold event will be held at DeCew House on DeCew Road, Thorold. With a site tour and historic narration led by John Burtniak, Chair of the City’s War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee, the five Sheaffe family members who are visiting from their native Australia will have an informative, but informal, opportunity to discover the connection between this particular historic site and the often-forgotten victory of their forbear.

The Sheaffes, (Stephen and Glenda, and Paul Sheaffe and his daughters Hannah and Sarah) are touring Ontario, including stays in Ottawa and Buffalo, in addition to Niagara during the end of September and the first weeks of October, following the family’s donation and repatriation of battle and other War of 1812-1814 artefacts to Ontario in a ceremony with the Lieutenant Governor last week.

While in Thorold over Oct. 9 and 10, Paul, Stephen and Glenda Sheaffe will also be speaking to many school groups, including Thorold Secondary School, and an elementary school yet to be scheduled, as well as historical societies and other organizations.

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The Sheaffes will also participate in an escorted tour of the canal system and lift locks, Thorold Historical Museum, Beaverdams Church and the city’s downtown historic buildings and homes.