Burch, John

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: Peter N. Moogk, “BURCH (Birch, Buck), JOHN,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 4, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/burch_john_4E.html#citations
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Craftsman and local official; b. 1741 in England; m. c. 1779 Martha Ramsey, a widow, and they had one son; d. 7 March 1797 at Chippawa (Niagara Falls), Upper Canada.
    • He set up shop in Albany and undertook construction of a grist- and sawmill at Woodstock. In 1778 Burch gave supplies to John Butler’s rangers, as did his neighbours with his encouragement. In retaliation the rebels sacked his estate three times before razing it entirely and confiscating all his known property.
    • His losses exceeded £4,500 and Burch was forced to flee to Fort Niagara (near Youngstown, N.Y.), where, unfit for active service, he was appointed keeper of the Indian stores and sutler to Butler’s Rangers.
  • United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=1022
  • Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75700218/john-burch