Roger Hale Sheaffe

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General Roger Hale Sheaffe (15 July 1763 – 17 July 1851) was an American-born General in the British Army in the first part of the 19th century.

An American Loyalist, Roger Hale Sheaffe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the third son, and eighth child, of William Sheaffe, Deputy Collector of Customs, and his wife Susannah Child. William died in 1771, leaving at least ten children still living. Lord Percy, later 2nd Duke of Northumberland, aided the family during the American War of Independence, and sent young Roger to a military academy in London. He helped support young Roger's military career, with the purchase of his first commission as ensign in 1778 in the 5th Regiment of Foot. He later purchased a Lieutenancy.

Sheaffe served with his regiment in Ireland from 1781 until 1787, when it was posted to Canada. In Detroit and at Fort Niagara, he served under Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, who had a high opinion of him. He was commissioned Captain in 1795. He first served under Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Brock in the 49th Regiment of Foot in 1798; they served together in the campaign against the Batavian Republic in 1799 and in the Baltic in 1801.

The 49th was posted to Canada in 1802. As Lieutenant-Colonel, Sheaffe commanded the garrison at Fort George, where he faced an attempted mutiny. Despite his own notable achievements, Sheaffe was often compared unfavourably with the popular and charismatic Brock. Sheaffe had been Brock's second in command prior to their time in Canada, and continued in that role upon their arrival. Shortly after arriving at their new station, a mutiny was attempted by some of Sheaffe's men. Brock hurriedly came to the aid of his subordinate, ended the mutiny without conflict, and arrested the perpetrators. They claimed they took their actions directly as a result of Sheaffe's belligerence, but were subsequently executed after a court-martial.

Sheaffe attained the rank of Colonel in 1808, and Major-General in 1811. He is best known for commanding British and Canadian forces in the War of 1812, particularly during the Battle of Queenston Heights. During the battle, American troops captured the heights, overlooking the Niagara River. When General Isaac Brock attempted to push them back, he was shot dead. Sheaffe assumed command and switched tactics, pushing his troops up the heights from the back. They trapped the American soldiers at the cliff and captured 1,000 of them, compared with losses of less than 50 for Sheaffe's force. As a result, the entire American army was put out of action.

Despite his achievement, Sheaffe was unpopular with the people he was to defend, and often with his own soldiers. This only worsened when he made the strategic decision to abandon the town of York to the Americans.

Sheaffe was awarded a Baronetcy in January 1813, in thanks for his victory, but as none of his children survived him, the title died with him. He was recalled to Britain shortly afterwards and enjoyed a successful military career, being promoted to Lieutenant-General in 1821 and full General in 1835. He and his family lived in Penzance and Worcester, and he retired to Edinburgh. He died at his home in 36 Melville Street on 17 July 1851, and is buried in New Calton Cemetery, beside his daughters Frances Julia and Agnes Emily.

[edit] Family

Roger Hale Sheaffe married Margaret Coffin in Quebec in 1810. They had six children, all of whom predeceased their parents:

• Frances Julia, b. 1812 in Canada, d. 1834 in Edinburgh.
• Agnes Isabella, b. 1814 in London, died in infancy.
• Agnes Emily, b. 1817 in Worcester, d. 1832 in Edinburgh.
• Percy, died as a young man.
• Another son and daughter who died in infancy.

[edit] External links

• Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
• Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe - on Sheaffe Family Website
• Early Canada Historical Narratives: Sheaffe & Queenston Heights

Preceded by: Sir Isaac Brock

Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada 1812–1813

Succeeded by: Francis de Rottenburg

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