Askin, John Baptist

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: J. J. Talman, “ASKIN, JOHN BAPTIST (Jean-Baptiste),” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 9, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/askin_john_baptist_9E.html
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Militia officer, and office-holder; b. 10 April 1788 at Detroit, son of John Askin Jr; m. 17 Oct. 1814 Elisa Van Allen of Haldimand County, Upper Canada, and they had eight children; d. 14 Nov. 1869 at London, Ont.
    • In 1810 John Baptist Askin went with his father to St Joseph Island (near Sault Ste Marie, Ont.) and spent two winters trading in the St Croix River and Lac du Flambeau regions of northern Wisconsin. Following the outbreak of the War of 1812, they served under Captain Charles Roberts in the capture of Michilimackinac from the Americans on 17 July 1812. In August John Baptist led a band of Indians to aid Major-General Isaac Brock at Detroit but arrived after Brigadier-General William Hull, the American commander, had surrendered. Askin later served as an interpreter under Colonel Henry Procter at the battle of Frenchtown (near Monroe, Mich.) on 22 Jan. 1813.
    • As early as 12 Dec. 1837 Askin had started raising volunteers and taking part in actions to suppress the rebellion led by William Lyon Mackenzie. Given command of a militia battalion on active service for a limited period, he was promoted colonel on 3 Feb. 1838.
    • Askin’s Indian ancestry apparently proved to be no handicap and his paternal family connections, in a society in which connections were important, aided his career. Askin and his family were welcome in the best houses in London.
  • Son of Proven Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory –https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=238
  • Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/245671512/john-askin