     GENERATED GENEALOGY QUOTES:
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Reuben Hankinson, United Empire Loyalist (1758 - 1819), his descendants, and their stories 1. Captain Reuben HANKINSON, U.E.L. was born on 28 February 1758 (CHUTE, William E.; "A Genealogy and History of the Chute Family in America"; Salem, Massachusetts, 1894; page 350; originally printed in 1894) in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, Province of New Jersey. (source needed) He was the child of Robert and Sarah (TAYLOR) HANKINSON. (HORNOR, William S.; "This Old Monmouth of Ours"; Freehold, New Jersey, 1974; page 105; originally printed in 1932) He died on 20 May 1819 in Sissiboo, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia [i] (Gitty HANKINSON's pension petition dated 28 December 1819 - Canada, Pension Application for Widows and Family of Britsh Military Officers, 1776-1881); aged 61 years [ii]. His exact burial location is unknown as no grave marker remains today, but he is most likely buried in the St. Peter's Church cemetery in Weymouth North, Digby County, Nova Scotia. He married a young girl of Dutch and French descent by the name of Gertrude ("Gitty") LeROY 18 December 1785, (Gitty HANKINSON's pension petition dated 28 December 1819 - Canada, Pension Application for Widows and Family of Britsh Military Officers, 1776-1881) in Sissiboo. She was the daughter of Lieutenant Francis Peter, U.E.L. and Sarah (HEGEMAN) LeROY. (CHUTE, William E.; "A Genealogy and History of the Chute Family in America"; Salem, Massachusetts, 1894; page 350; originally printed in 1894) She was born circa 1767 (CHUTE, William E.; "A Genealogy and History of the Chute Family in America"; Salem, Massachusetts, 1894; page 350; originally printed in 1894) in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York (source needed) and died in Malahide Township, Elgin County, Ontario sometime during July 1856. (CHUTE, William E.; "A Genealogy and History of the Chute Family in America"; Salem, Massachusetts, 1894; page 350; originally printed in 1894) Her burial site is unknown but is probably located in either Nova Scotia or Ontario, the latter being more probable [iii] and most likely to be buried in an unmarked grave in a small family cemetery in Elgin County. (Haggan Papers?) Gitty's ancestry shows that her paternal great-grandfather, Siméon LeROY dit Audy, immigrated to Montréal, Québec, New France from Créance, Normandy, France before 1668 and married Claude DESCHALETS, an orphan who was brought over from France as part of the King's Daughter movement ("Les filles du roi"). Around 1680, Siméon and his entire family moved to Kingston, Ulster County, New York where he assimilated into the Dutch culture. The next three generations married into Dutch families (Siméon LeROY m: Claude DESCHALETS -> Captain Francis "Frans" LeROY m: Celetje Janse DAMEN -> Pieter LeROY m: Deborah FREER -> Lieutenant Francis P. LeROY, UEL m: Sarah HEGEMAN -> Gertrude LeROY m: Reuben HANKINSON, UEL)[Ancestry.com]. It is said that Gertrude was a cousin of the late Honourable Daniel WEBSTER, Secretary of State, (HORNOR, William S.; "This Old Monmouth of Ours"; New Jersey: Morris Genealogical Library, 1974; pages 103-107; originally printed in 1932) - but is most likely related to his second wife, Caroline LeROY (however I cannot find any direct connections). Reuben's paternal ancestry shows that his great-grandmother (Jean or Jane HANKINSON) arrived in Perth Amboy, [Monmouth County] capital of the Province of East Jersey, on 31 March 1683 along with her three sons (Thomas, Peter, and Richard). (Record for "Hankinson, Jane (Mother of Thomas, Peter, and Richard) (Named)." New Jersey State Archives. Early Land Records Database. Citing A (EJ) : Folio 171 (SSTSE023) - available at https://wwwnet-dos.state.nj.us/DOS_ArchivesDBPortal/EarlyLandRecords.aspx.) as indentured servants to Stephen and Thomas WARNE. As young adults, the boys would get into trouble with the law. One account shows them before a judge because they would pretend to be of age to be freed from their indentureship - which was not the case. The judge determined their ages (Thomas, 18, and Peter, 16) and determined they still had three more years of servitude and the judge gave them six additional months for running away. (source needed) Another incident was when they stole the sheriff's sword. (need source). Thomas HANKINSON, Reuben's grandfather, moved to Freehold Township, Monmouth County, Province of New Jersey and his father, Robert, moved to Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, Province of New Jersey. Robert was the only one of the family to leave Freehold. Reuben was born on 28 February 1758 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, Province of New Jersey. He was the child of Robert and Sarah (TAYLOR) HANKINSON. He had four brothers and one sister: Thomas (born circa 1735), Kenneth, Daniel, Richard, and Sarah. (HORNOR, William S.; "This Old Monmouth of Ours"; New Jersey: Morris Genealogical Library, 1974; pages 103-107; originally printed in 1932) Reuben's father, Robert, died circa 1769 and his mother, Sarah, circa 1774. (need source) This would make Reuben about 11 years old when he lost his father and about 16 years old when he lost his mother. The author believes that while Reuben was an orphan, his immediate family most likely helped to provide him with food and shelter. Besides his brothers and sister, two families that could have played a tremendous part in his early survival would have been the TAYLOR and the HARTSHORNE families (the maternal side of the family). It is evident that they had an extreme importance in his life as these family names are passed down through the generations. One family member in particular who seemed to have the largest influence on Reuben would have been John TAYLOR (U.E.L.), his second cousin, whom he followed from Monmouth County, New Jersey to Annapolis County, Nova Scotia. Another influential family seems to be the LeROY family, but their influence would have not begun until after Reuben and Gertrude's marriage. The first account of Reuben comes when he is mentioned as being enlisted in Captain Henry WADDELL's company, First Regiment, Monmouth County Militia (hereinafter referred to as MCM) as a Private.[iv] (Stryker, William S.; "Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War"; Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1967; pages 417 & 617; originally printed in 1872) His enrollment would have been sometime between his 16th birthday and sometime before September 1776. (Gitty HANKINSON's pension petition && John TAYLOR's deposition) The MCM was raised with the objective to defend the County from loyalist threats - like the imminent invasion of the British. At the time, the Militia's Colonel was George TAYLOR (who is Reuben's second cousin, and John TAYLOR's future father-in-law) who was quietly becoming disenfranchised with the Continental Congress and becoming more allied to the British cause. At the onset of the war, Colonel TAYLOR's militia partook in some early minor engagements with the Continental forces against the British primarily in New York. However, as the war progressed, the prosperous future he once imagined for his country changed, as well as his allegiance, as he witnessed turmoil, rebellion, and chaos take over his once peaceful countryside. One early sign that Colonel TAYLOR's allegiance was swaying was when he received orders to remove the light from the Sandy Hook lighthouse (built on Reuben's maternal great-grandfather - Richard HARTSHORNE - land), in such a state that it would not be operable. (Adelberg, Michael S.; "The American Revolution in Monmouth County"; The History Press, 2010; page 50; originally printed in 2010) He obstinately followed his orders, but reluctantly so that the light was returned to working order very quickly by the British. Another event which showed his true allegiance was when he refused to help advance the MCM alongside the Continental Army to attack insurgents at Sandy Hook. His turning point (as with many other militiamen) was on 01 July 1776 when he witnessed the size of the British Fleet when they invaded New York Harbour (Braisted, Todd and Nan Cole; "A History of the 1st Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers"; http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/rhist/njv/1njvhist.htm, updated 02 January 2001; Accessed 15 January 2002) - but, he didn't switch sides immediately afterwards. He switched after General WASHINGTON ordered Colonel David FORMAN to apprehend the Loyalists in Monmouth County - arriving on 25 November 1776 - arresting nearly 100 of his relatives and close friends and imprisoning them in Maryland/Virginia. (Adelberg, Michael S.; "The American Revolution in Monmouth County"; The History Press, 2010; pages 55 & 102; originally printed in 2010) Colonel George TAYLOR had already fled to Staten Island, behind British lines and helped to form a Loyalist regiment with men from Monmouth County already being headed by his uncle, John TAYLOR. (Adelberg, Michael S.; "The American Revolution in Monmouth County"; The History Press, 2010; page 54; originally printed in 2010) After the arrival of the British Fleet in New York Harbour on 01 July 1776, this allowed many Disaffected and Loyalist men to gain the confidence to join the British cause. Their arrival encouraged people (who believed that total independence from their beloved King and country was unwarranted or who had enough of the continuous harassment from the Whigs) to join the English contingency and to help quell the American rebellion. One such person was Reuben's cousin, John TAYLOR, U.E.L. who was mustered in the MCM as a Private (Jones, E. Alfred; "The Loyalists of New Jersey in the Revolution"; New Jersey: New Jersey Historical Society, 1927; pages 213-214; originally printed in 1927) John TAYLOR, U.E.L. was part of a small group of 47-60 men (who had little else but their personal arms, a stand of colours, and a desire to apostatize to the Crown of England) deserted the MCM and set sail from Monmouth County for Staten Island to join the British forces. (ibid.) These loyal men would soon after form the core of the first commissioned loyalist regiment (commissioned on 01 July 1776) and would be distinguished by the name "the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers" (hereinafter referred to as NJV)[v] (ibid.) forever being considered enemies and traitors in their own country. During the course of the American Revolution, these men would have all their assets confiscated and auctioned off to help pay for the American war efforts.[vi] Some of these men were among the wealthiest of the Province of East Jersey and were extremely under-compensated by the Crown after the war for their losses. Reuben wasn't onboard the vessel which departed for Staten Island the day the British Fleet arrived. However, he was successful in escaping the MCM and enlisting in the NJV by September 1776.[vii] He was fortunate enough to be recruited into Major Thomas LEONARD's company (under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Elisha LAWRENCE) as a Private and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. John TAYLOR, U.E.L. (who was now made Lieutenant) was also part of LEONARD's company. (Muster Roll of Major Thomas Leonard's company in the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers dated January 1777. Public Archives of Nova Scotia (PANS) MFM# 12349, Halifax, Nova Scotia) As Sergeant, his primary duties would involve enforcing discipline and encouraging a sense of duty among his troops, maintaining the duty roster, and keeping the company descriptive book which listed the name, age, height, place of birth, and prior occupation of every enlisted man in the unit. Tasks that would require a good sense of how to read and write.
The NJV never fully recuperated from Major General SULLIVAN's unsanctioned and devastating surprise attack. Since most of the NJV officers were now prisoners, this left the battalion without any commanding officers. As a consequence, Reuben was transferred into Captain-Lieutenant James NEALON's company. (Muster Roll of the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, dated 24 June 1778; Public Archives of Nova Scotia (PANS), MFM #12349; Halifax, NS) Ultimately, by July 1778 Lieutenant Colonel Joseph BARTON (formerly of the Fifth Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers) was exchanged and was commissioned to lead the NJV. (Braisted, Todd and Nan Cole; "A History of the 1st Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers"; http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/rhist/njv/1njvhist.htm; updated 02 January 2001; Accessed 15 January 2002) Other losses the battalion endured were in October 1780 when about 20 men were captured (ibid.) and in 1781 when Brigadier General Cortland SKINNER had Lieutenant Colonel BARTON arrested for ten counts of misconduct and disobedience of orders. Consequently, he merged his and BARTON's regiments and interestingly promoted Reuben to the rank of Ensign.[ix] (ibid.) In mid-1782, Reuben was transferred to Captain John TAYLOR's company and would remain in his company until the close of the war. (Muster Roll of the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, dated 17 September 1782; Public Archives of Nova Scotia (PANS), MFM #12349; Halifax, NS) The NJV officially disbanded on 10 October 1783. (ibid.) Reuben served a total of seven years, one month and eight days[x] and was said to be a great man having considerable influence in the military circles of his day. (Ester Clark Wright, Loyalists of New Brunswick) After the war, Reuben went to Sainte Anne's Point, Nova Scotia (now Fredericton, New Brunswick) with thousands of other United Empire Loyalists.[xi] Keep in mind, for many Loyalists, this would have been their first winter in Canada and that current resources were not capable of supporting such a rapid influx of so many people. Together, it created a difficult living condition that, in turn, was one more additional challenge the already beaten Loyalists had to endure. As such, many men either returned to the United States or died. The following spring, after surviving a particularly harsh winter on the St. John River, he and a number of comrades sailed across the Bay of Fundy to settle around the Sissiboo River.[xii] For their services during the American Revolution, the Loyalists were entitled to receive land grants from the Crown. In February 1784, the Bostford Grant saw many petitioners receive land grants throughout Annapolis County. Despite him knowing that his entitlements would be honoured, he, his neighbour (James COSMAN), and possibly others, were in their words: "unwilling to become pensioners on their beloved Sovereign when able to subsist without Royal Bestowments". (Wilson, Isaiah W.; "A Geography and History of the County of Digby"; Halifax, NS: Holloway Bros. Printers, 1900; page 81; originally printed in 1900) In other words, he didn't accept any land from the Bostford Grant. Nevertheless, he was able to obtain three tracts of land adjacent to John TAYLOR's lot #10 (north side of the Sissiboo River), where he would make his residence. Over two hundred years ago, when the Loyalists settled along the Sissiboo River, it was heavily forested and uninhabited except for several small Mi'kmaq tribes and a re-establishing French Acadian population further down the coast. Earlier attempts to colonize the area by New England Planters failed; nevertheless, a few families remained. Land in Sissiboo was barren and inundated with swamps. Yet another heartbreaking sacrifice made in honour of loyalty as many Loyalists were experienced farmers and had fertile lands in their native United States of America. Despite their conditions, their aspirations and desires to improve their new home were insurmountable and they overcame the impossible. Their hard work and dedication to create a future for their descendants were not in vain as Sissiboo (Weymouth) became "the lumber centre of the county", an industrious and prosperous village from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s. Governer PARR described Sissiboo and Clare as "in the most flourishing State of population of any Settlement of the Province". (MacKinnon,Neil; "This Unfriendly Soil, The Loyalist Experience in Nova Scotia 1783-1791"; McGill-Queen's University Press, 1986; page 156; originally printed in 1986) However, there was animosity between some Loyalists and their French Acadian neighbours. Some Loyalists, such as Colonel James MOODY, U.E.L., did not trust the Acadians because the French had helped the Americans during the war, while others, such as Colonel John TAYLOR, U.E.L., and Captain Reuben Hankinson, U.E.L., seemed to be more accepting of the Acadians because they sympathized with them, both of their homelands having been taken away. Colonel TAYLOR and Captain HANKINSON also participated in the Clare militia and even brought the militia to Clare for church services. On 18 December 1785, he married Gertrude "Gitty" LeROY, the daughter of Lieutenant Francis Peter, U.E.L. and Sarah (HEGEMAN) LeROY, probably in Sissiboo. (Hornor, William S.; "This Old Monmouth of Ours"; New Jersey: Morris Genealogical Library, 1974; pages 103-107; originally printed in 1932) She gave birth to and raised 14 children (8 males, and 6 females) all of Sissiboo. He continued his involvement with the local military regiments. In 1794, he was Captain of the Nova Scotia Legion (under the command of Colonel Thomas BARCLAY) and was Captain of the Acadian Militia (under the command of Colonel Thomas MILLEDGE).[xiii] (Wilson, Isaiah W.; "A Geography and History of the County of Digby"; Halifax, N.S.: Holloway Bros. Printers, 1900; pages 123-124; originally printed in 1900) He was also a founding member and secretary of The Charity of Freemasons, Union Lodge No. 20 (which was created on 07 October 1790 at Sissiboo). (Wilson, Isaiah W.; "A Geography and History of the County of Digby"; Halifax, N.S.: Holloway Bros. Printers, 1900; page 182; originally printed in 1900) In 1797 (when only the Church of England reigned supreme in Sissiboo) Enoch TOWNER came to Annapolis County with the goal of establishing a Baptist (New Light) congregation. Considering that previous Baptist ministers were either run out of town or jailed, it was quite an ambitious goal. ("The Life and Times of Enoch Towner. Found in the 200th Anniversary Celebrations for Riverside (Formerly Sissiboo) United Baptist Church" handout, Sunday October 17, 1999. Pages 3-9) That year, he was successful in achieving his goal and formed the first Baptist congregation in Annapolis County in Sissiboo. His converts claimed it was a new beginning for a new era. One of his converts, Gitty Hankinson, (Shenstone, Susan Burgess; "So Obstinately Loyal"; Canada: McGill-Queens University Press, 2000; pages 275-276; originally printed in 2000) held Sunday worships in her house before any Baptist church was constructed.[xiv] (Wilson, Isaiah W.; "A Geography and History of the County of Digby"; Halifax, N.S.: Holloway Bros. Printers, 1900; page 91; originally printed in 1900) Although his wife converted to the Baptist faith, Reuben remained faithful to the Church of England and had already contributed twelve days (the most time given by any person) for the construction of the St. Peter's Anglican Church in 1790 (the land was donated by his good friend and neighbour, Lieutenant James MOODY). (Shenstone, Susan Burgess; "So Obstinately Loyal"; Canada: McGill-Queens University Press, 2000; pages 275-276; originally printed in 2000) Religion seems to play a very important role in his family and descendants. Besides himself, Reuben (U.E.L.), his son Robert, and son Francis who was a Methodist Episcopal minister remained loyal to the Anglican religion. It seems that most of his other children converted to the Baptist religion and had strong afflictions to that faith as his sons Reuben and Kenneth were Deacons, and a daughter, Sarah, married a Baptist Deacon. It also appears that Robert's children married into other families in Sissiboo loyal to the Church of England like the Taylors' and the Campbells' - the latter being one of the largest employers in the area. Once settled and beginning to raise his young family, he knew too well that his lands wouldn't adequately support his family. Therefore, on 29 January 1801, he received 976 acres of land in the North, Middle, and South Ranges, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia when the Hatfield Grant was issued. The Hatfield Grant was introduced to supersede the previous Botsford Grant because many settlers had either left or never completed their settlement duties and vacant lands were being claimed by illegitimate people. He also became involved in local political and social activities. In 1800, he served on the Grand Jury for the Inferior Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace in the County of Annapolis. (Wilson, Isaiah W.; "A Geography and History of the County of Digby"; Halifax, N.S.: Holloway Bros. Printers, 1900; page 108; originally printed in 1900) In 1801, he was commissioner for the first bridge over the Sissiboo River, which was constructed for 300. (Wilson, Isaiah W.; "A Geography and History of the County of Digby"; Halifax, N.S.: Holloway Bros. Printers, 1900; page 110; originally printed in 1900) He also succeeded Colonel Samuel GOLDSBURY as Collector of Taxes for Sissiboo and was also made Keeper of the Lighthouse. (Wilson, Isaiah W.; "A Geography and History of the County of Digby"; Halifax, N.S.: Holloway Bros. Printers, 1900; page 423; originally printed in 1900) He died on 20 May 1819 in Sissiboo and is beleived that be buried in an unmarked grave in the St. Peter's Anglican Church. Of his 14 children, four remained in and raised their family in Sissiboo, three removed to the United States, and four moved to Ontario. Gitty remained in Sissiboo until sometime during 1835 when she moved to Ontario with her sons. A total of 91 grandchildren were descended from this union and are responsible for spreading the HANKINSON surname throughout the World.
Last Will and Testament of Reuben HANKINSON: There is no mention of Reuben's profession after the Revolutionary War while he was in Sissiboo however the author believes that some anecdotal evidence may suggest that he was, in some capacity, involved in the shipbuilding trade most likely employeed by his friend and neighbour James MOODY (U.E.L.). Some indications would be that he helped construct the local Episcopal church suggesting that he had experience with carpentry. Several of his descendants were renowned for their shipbuilding/carpentry experience which they would have learned from watching their kinsmen. He and James MOODY were friends and neighbours, and James had an early and prominent ship-building enterprise in Sissiboo at the time which would have employeed many men from the local area. On 05 July 1788, MOODY successfully launched the second vessel built in Nova Scotia from Sissiboo and appropriately called her The Loyalist. (Shenstone, Susan Burgess; "So Obstinately Loyal"; Canada: McGill-Queens University Press, 2000; pages 208-213; originally printed in 2000) More vessels were constructed at his shipyard over the next several years: the Three Friends, a 190 ton brig launched in the summer of 1789; a 310 ton ship called Yorke launched in 1790; a 101 ton brig called Jane launched in 1790; a 91 ton schonner called Experiment launched in 1790; a 210 ton vessel called Mary launched in 1792; and a 325 ton vessel called Governor Wentworth launched in 1792. (ibid.) Children of Reuben and Gertrude (LeROY) HANKINSON:
[i] Sissiboo was renamed Weymouth in 1823, supposedly chosen for the origins of the STRICKLAND family (New England Planters) of Weymouth, Massachusetts. Susan Burgess SHENSTONE, in her book entitled "So Obstinately Loyal", seems to hint that the renaming of Weymouth may have been influenced by one of its most infamous residents, Colonel James MOODY. Colonel MOODY reminisced that the area remined him of his home back in New Jersey - Weymouth Township, Gloucester County. In 1836 a fire destroyed the only courthouse in Annapolis County (at Annapolis Royal) providing the residents of western Annapolis County with an opportunity to demand creation of a new municipality with their own courthouse and registrar office. So, in January 1837 Annapolis County was divided into two separate counties: Digby and Annapolis. In 1841 Weymouth formed its own township. Originally, Weymouth was known where present day Weymouth North is situated and present day Weymouth was known as Weymouth Bridge. Weymouth Bridge was named so because a bridge was built there to cross the Sissiboo River. The orginial bridge was located about two miles further inland (near Mildon Lane) then where it is located today. The orginial bridge (which Reuben was its commissioner) was eventually replaced with a one lane steel bridge (where the current one is located) and the steel bridge was eventually replaced with the current two lane bridge. [ii] "The Loyalist of New Jersey in the Revolution" by Alfred E. JONES (originally printed in 1927) records Reuben's death taking place 20 May 1819 in Sissiboo. "This Old Monmouth of Ours" by William S. HORNOR (originally printed in 1932) records his death 20 May 1819. They both seem to correlate with the dates mentioned in his Last Will and Testament, which was published (by him) 6 May 1819 and recorded 15 June 1819. "History of the County of Digby" by Isaiah W. WILSON and "A Genealogy and History of the Chute Family in America" by William E CHUTE records his death to have taken place sometime during 1833 - when his wife and several children emigrated to Ontario. A pension petition made from Gitty HANKINSON, dated 17 July 1823, states that Reuben's death occured on 26 May 1819. [iii] "This Old Monmouth of Ours" by William S. HORNOR mentions that Reuben was thought to have a second wife named Caroline whose surname was forgotten over time. Also, a land deed dated 27 September 1795 between Reuben Hankinson, the Honourable Lawrence HARTSHORN, and Lieutenant James MOODY, mentions his wife's name as Charity. The Dutch pronunciation of the name Gertrude (spelt Geertruy) resembles the English name Charity. Evidence of either wife has yet to be found. [iv] In early June 1775, the New Jersey Provincial Congress passed the "Militia Act" giving the power to local authorities to raise their own militia and that any male inhabitants of the Province of New Jersey between the ages of 16 and 50 could participate. Having been found insufficent, on 25 October 1775, amended the act to make manditory enlistement and penalties for those who did not join. There is no mention of the exact date when Reuben enlisted into the county's militia but he must have joined around this time. He also had a few cousins enlisted within the said regiment: Private John HANKINSON, Private John TAYLOR, Colonel George TAYLOR. It is unclear who John HANKINSON was but (source) mentions that he is a cousin to Reuben. See http://www.doublegv.com/ggv/militia.html for more information. [v] The NJV wouldn't receive any standard uniforms until April 1777. Their uniforms were a full length green regimental coat with white facings (illustrated above). However, in May 1778, their uniforms were replaced with red coats to match the British colours. The following year, there was a return to their green uniforms but was once again short lived. As by 1780, they were wearing red colours once again. (Braisted , Todd and Nan Cole. Clothing & Supplies: New Jersey Volunteers Uniforms & Accouterments, 1776-1783. http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/supp/supnjv.htm, updated 02 January 2001, Accessed 15 January 2002) Their battalion was also known as "Skinner's Greens". Please note that the illustration above is from a Loyalist regiment of New York and not of New Jersey, but they wore identical uniforms. [vi] "The Loyalist of New Jersey in the Revolution", by Alfred E. Jones, (originally printed in 1927) records John TAYLOR having all his assets confiscated in 1779. He clamed £3,645 for the value of his estate but was only awarded £1,560. Another historical figure in Monmouth County during this period was Captain Kenneth HANKINSON, who was responcible for auctioning the assets of known Loyalists. He accumlulated a lot of wealth during the war as he would not inform the public of most auctions and he would acquire most everything at rock bottom prices. Captain Kenneth HANKINSON would have been a first cousin to Reuben HANKINSON, U.E.L. [vii] "The Haggan Papers (part 3)" by Ida Haggan contains a transcribed certificate issued by Reuben's commanding officer and reads as follows: "Digby, 10th August, 1821 - I do hereby certify that Ensign Reuben Hankinson of His Majesty's late First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers, joined the British Army the first day of September, 1776. Enlisted with me as a Sergeant and lived a considerable time in that capacity" [viii] "The New Jersey Volunteers (Loyalists) in the Revolutionary War", by William S. Stryker, (originally printed in 1887) and "A Geography and History of the County of Digby", by Isaiah W. Wilson, (originally printed in 1900) records that Reuben was captured on Staten Island in 1777. However, according to the earliest NJV muster roll after 22 August 1777 (taken 24 February 1778), it shows Reuben on command at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, being recruited by John TAYLOR (Colonel George TAYLOR's uncle), and never being taken prisoner. If he was captured, and if the muster roll is accurate, he would have to have been released before 24 February 1778. John HANKINSON, was also a Private in Captain WADDELL's company alongside Reuben. (Stryker, William S.; "Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War"; Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1967; pages 417 & 617; originally printed in 1872) [ix] Reuben was promoted to Ensign on August 14th, 1781. The certificate bares the signature of Sir Henry Clinton (W.O. 42:H6). [x] "The Haggan Papers (part 3)" by Ida Haggan contains a transcribed certificate issued by Reuben's commanding officer and reads as follows: "Digby, 10 August, 1821 - he served seven years, one month and eight days in said First Battalion New Jersey Volunteers and found that he was a good and faithful Sergeant and a faithful and attentive Sergeant Major and always behaved himself as a good officer till disbanded." [xi] "The Loyalists of New Brunswick", by Esther Clark Wright, (originally printed in 1955) mentions that Reuben Hankinson signed a petition in Sainte Anne's Point to Major General CAMPBELL regarding the delivery of goods and supplies. [xii] Reuben was present on a petition signed at Digby 30 September 1784. He was absent from a Muster Roll taken 06 June 1784 at Digby. So he probably came to Sissiboo sometime between those periods. [xiii] Reuben was neither present on the Muster Roll of the Acadian Militia on June 1796 nor was he on any afterwards. If he was made Captain, it was before June 1796. The Nova Scotia Legion, also known as Barclay's Legion, was incorporated into and renamed to the Annapolis County Militia in 1801. The Acadian Militia was also known as the Clare Battalion and the 2nd West Annapolis Regiment; John Taylor was Lieutenant Colonel. [xiv] "The Life and Times of Enoch TOWNER" tells that many of the homeowners who held services in their homes ended up with broken windows and were rudely criticized because of their efforts to worship as a Baptist. [xv] When Reuben wrote his Last Will and Testament, Francis was the only child who had left Sissiboo and his daughter, Sarah, had just lost her husband, William McCONNELL. Siblings before James "Thomas" Hartshorn HANKINSON, had families of their own and were living in Weymouth. Siblings including and after James "Thomas" Hartshorn were not married, most likely living on the family farm with their mother, and eventually left for Ontario. |
Many of the soldiers within the NJV had little to no soldiering experience being mainly gentlemen farmers. As a result, they spent most of their first year training and garrisoning their base on Staten Island and helping to protect the lighthouse at Sandy Hook thus never partaking in much action. Even with having few confrontations, casualties unfortunately still occurred. A comrade of Reuben's, Sergeant Lewis BARBER, was shot and killed on 06 October 1776 while in a guard boat on the kills between Staten Island and New Jersey, just shortly before when the Rebel General MERCER landed on Staten Island making off with some British and Hessian prisoners. (Braisted, Todd and Nan Cole; "A History of the 1st Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers"; 
