I joined the United Empire Loyalist Association as a descendant of Anthony Walliser. I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a reminder that many old American families have ancestors who fought on both sides of the Revolutionary War.
The Wallisers had an interesting history. Anton was born in Germany in 1739. He came to America as a German mercenary. In 1760 he was serving in 60th Royal American Regiment, which was recruited largely by the British from German and Swiss immigrants to fight in the French and Indian Wars. After the British captured Québec in 1759, the 60th Royal American was part of the occupation force, stationed in Québec and Montréal.
In March 1769 Anton settled at Johnstown in Tryon County, New York, where he leased 100 acres from Sir John Johnson. He acquired an additional 130 acres (40 cleared) at Stone Arabia (now Palatine), Montgomery, New York through his wife.
During the American Revolution Johnson was a prominent Loyalist. He took many of his tenants, including the Wallisers, to re-settle in Canada. Anton, a “taylor” from Johnstown, New York, enlisted in Johnson’s Regiment on June 17, 1776. He is listed as serving in 1776, 1777, and 1781-83. He was among those indicted on 14 June 1781 as enemies of the State of New York at the Court of General Session for Tryon and Montgomery Counties. A 1784 muster rolls says, “Intends going to ther [sic] lands this fall. Family sick.”
In 1786 he filed a claim for compensation with the British government at Montréal for his losses in New York: a house and 33 acres in Sir John Johnson’s Patent; and a house and 40 acres in Stone Arabia (A 013/16/233). He stated that he had been recruited in Germany, had previously served with the 60th Royal American Regiment. After that he settled at Johnstown in Tryon County, New York where he leased 100 acres with 34 cleared, from Sir John Johnson, but had to leave when the rebels took all his stock and furniture. He estimated his losses at £276, including compensation for his land, which had been sold. He was awarded £150 and granted land at Matilda (now Iroquois), Ontario.
So. A Loyalist ancestor for the semiquincentennial of the United States. I’m already a long-time member of Sons of the American Revolution, with descents from Capt. Andrew Grant, Pvt. James Kenney, and many others. I’m currently working on a supplemental application for Pvt. Jacob Howry. Having a Loyalist in the mix feels like a nice balance.
More Information
- Peter Wilson Coldham and Sally Lou Mick Haigh, American Loyalist Claims (1980).
- DigitalHistory.org, Royal Americans, 60th of Foot (interesting description of the Regimental uniform).
- Justin Durand, Wallace Family (my line of descent).
