Hello Cathcart researchers,
I am posting a little about my ancestor William Cathcart (suggested that he
is the son of Carleton Cathcart), in the hope that someone might possibly
know more of my line.
William Cathcart, born 1759 (Ballenacarrick, County of Donegal, Ulster,
Ireland or residing there prior to coming to Canada), married Catherine
Montgomery, born c1763, Ireland.
From a local history book, Goulbourn Township, Carleton County, Ontario,
Canada, is the following historical sketch:
"The Cathcarts Come to Goulbourn
In the year 1822, William Cathcart and his wife Catherine, natives of
Fermanagh, Ireland (near Lough Erin), arrived in Canada with their three
sons, Carleton, Thomas and William. Their eldest son, John, fought in the
war of 1812-1814. He was exceptionally brave, a man of wonderful strength,
and of great courage, besides being a finished scholar. At the battle of
Lundy's Lane he was five times wounded, and while all within reach had
fallen mortally wounded, he upheld both colours of the Brigade, and to this
day, those colours hang in the Cathedral in Armagh, Ireland.
Prior to coming to Canada, William Cathcart was a man of great repute in his
homeland, being a man of letters, and while following literary pursuits in
Dublin, he attracted the attention of Lieutenant General Cathcart, then
Commander-in-Chief in Ireland, who presented him with an ensign's commission
in the 18th Regiment of the Line, from which he subsequently exchanged to
the 89th, in which he served with distinction through the Anglo-American War
of 1812-1815. After its close, he returned with his Regiment to Ireland,
but in 1821 sold out his commission and returned to Canada, setting on the
West Half of Lot 21, Concession 7 in the Township of Goulbourn, at that time
being part of the District of Bathurst.
The land grant which William received, consisted of 300 acres, and it was
from this homestead that the Cathcart family branched out, and whose
descendants still live in Goulbourn Township." (pg.64-65, Farms and
Families).
Further notes:
"The village of Richmond was established in 1818 as a military settlement.
It's pioneers were mostly members of the 99th Regiment of Foot which was
disbanded after the War of 1812.
The following are listed as living in the Township of Goulburn, County of
Carleton, District of Bathurst yeomen, private, late of the 99th Regiment:
Wm Cathcart Sgt, 89th Regiment E1/2 No 20 & W1/2 21, 7th Concession, 14
April 1828."
If anyone may be able to provide further ancestral information on my William
Cathcart line, I would be most appreciative.
Many thanks,
Debbie Coxon Prince
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada