United Empire Loyalists

When the American Colonies revolted in 1776, and declared their independence from the British Empire, there were a large number of Colonists who opposed the movement and assisted British troops in the war that ensued.

Those who took up arms for the Crown, and fought for a United Empire, longed to see the English people united under a common flag and sovereign. These largely forgotten U. E. Loyalists (United Empire Loyalists), who resolved not to live under any flag but the British flag, were often driven out of the United States. They were scorned and had their lands confiscated. Their plight was arduous and filled with turmoil.

At the close of the American War of Independence, thousands of families and individuals emigrated to the British Isles and to Canada. Most of the U. E. Loyalists settled in the eastern townships of Quebec and in Niagara, Adolphustown, and Toronto in Ontario. Some settled in the wildernesses of New Brunswick, Manitoba and Nova Scotia to carve out a new life under their loyal flag of Britain.

Many were soldiers with their families, some from as far away as North Carolina. In some cases 200 hundred acres were granted to the sons and daughters of the Loyalists as they arrived to full age.

Many cemeteries in the above areas show evidence of these settlers to Canada. Stones are often prominently marked with UEL in a large circle. Some have the customary UE or UEL after their names to show their heritage. Even today, obituary columns in local papers from the many of the aforementioned communities still put UEL after an entry at the request of family.

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