Merritt Historical Tour: William Hamilton Memorial Monument



 


 


 


 

The Honorable William Hamilton Merritt

 
 



 


 


 


 

Merritt's Military History

Shortly after William and his family had migrated to St. Catharines, his father Thomas had become the Sheriff of Lincoln County in 1803. His father had worked hard to ensure that William gained a good education. During his younger years William had recorded that his father had given him a pony, and soon became a good horseman at a young age (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).

As the War of 1812 broke out William with his father was called to arms. During the War period he began to display qualities of leadership, which would later be applied to his business endevours. Before the war had even begun William joined the militia as an ensign and was assigned to the Calvary group the Niagara Light Dragoons (Burtniak & Wesley.1979). They were often employed as scouts, to guard along the Niagara River. Throughout his military career, Merritt had taken part in the Expedition of Detroit, and the Battle of Queenston Heights. Later in the year of 1813, Merritt raised a troop of horses on his own. Within three weeks Merritt had signed up 42 men, who were willing to follow him. With his new cavalry he patrolled the banks of Queentson and the Niagara River. In 1813 when the Americans has captured Niagara in late May, William and his men retreated with the rest of the militia to Burlington. At this point in time General Vincent suggested that the Canadian Military should be dismantled, as they were of no further use. Unlike the others Merritt and his men were able to stay because they could be of special assistance to the British regulars (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).

Merritt had also become involved in the Battle of Stoney Creek, during the battle he stumbled onto an American sentry, once he was noticed the stationed guard had been prepared to take him prisoner. Merritt who may have been dressed in a non-descriptive uniform, lied to the man saying that he was an American soldier (Burtniak & Wesley.1979). Within minutes he had made the American his prisoner and dispatched him to the rear.

In the summer of 1814, William and his men were again deployed to guard the Niagara Banks, but soon after was dispatched to the violent Battle of Lundy's Lane. On this occasion Merritt rode 9.5 hours back to Burlington to ask Colonel Scott to come forward rapidly with his regiment. In the midst of the battle, Merritt along with some of his men, had stumbled across enemy lines into their camp, while delivering a message between regiments. That night he was captured and remained in American Camps for the next eight months, until he was released on March 1815 (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).

After his release, he did not head directly home, instead he traveled to New York where he used to live. A while back the Merritts had made an arrangement with the Prendergast, that they would give their daughter Catharine to him in marriage. Within a few days of his visit they were married. After a brief honeymoon at the Prendergast home the couple traveled through Buffalo to head to Twelve Mile Creek (Burtniak & Wesley.1979).



Merritt as a Business Man

 
 

William Hamilton Merritt Memorial



 


 


 


 

Representation

Today the tall, erect memorial represents all the accomplishments of Merritt; the most memorable of which is the building of the Welland Canal. This is represented in the small boat with the lion that appears as if it is floating out of the bottom of the statue. Yet the monument also commemorates his business accomplishments within St. Catharines as the monument can be found stationed right beside the Twelve Mile Creek. The spot in which all of his mills were constructed, yet what St. Catharines does not tend to commemorate through this monument, is his military past. This history of Merritt tends to fall short compared to his development and planning accomplishments.

Merritt Family Historical Tour

The William Hamilton Merritt Monument is located as the 4th destination on the Merritt Family Historical Tour

References and Further Reading

Burtniak & Wesley (1979). The Welland Canals: First Annual Niagara Peninsula History Conference. City of St. Catharines & Brock University. April 21-22

City of St.Catharines (1994). Yates Street and Area: Heritage Conservation District Study Background Report. City Planning Department. May 1994. http://www.stcatharines.ca/en/documents/documentup...




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