Joel Stone
Colonel Joel Stone (1749-1833) was a United Empire Loyalist, and the founder of Gananoque, Ontario.
Background and early life
Joel Stone was born in Guilford, Connecticut to Stephen Stone and Rebecca Bishop. When he was two, his family moved to the growing town of Litchfield, Connecticut. Although the son of a prosperous farmer, Joel ventured off on his own as a merchant.
United Empire Loyalist
With the outbreak of the American Revolution, Joel chose to remain loyal to the King. He was active in collaborating with Loyalists in Connecticut in escaping to British controlled areas of the colonies, including David Mathews, Mayor of New York City.
He was forced to flee to British-controlled New York. He was never able to return to his home, and took up lands in Upper Canada.
Founds Gananoque, Ontario
He started a settlement at what is today the town of Gananoque, Ontario. He defended the town and area again in the War of 1812, and died peacefully in November 1833.
See also
External links
- An American Refugee: Joel Stone, United Empire Loyalist
- Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
- Joel Stone fonds at Queen’s University Archives
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