Pawling, Benjamin

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: J. K. Johnson, “PAWLING, BENJAMIN,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 5, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/pawling_benjamin_5E.html
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Army and militia officer, farmer, office holder, judge, politician, printer, and publisher; b. c. 1749 in Philadelphia, Pa; m. Susan –, and they had six children; d. in Grantham Township, Upper Canada, and was buried 16 Dec. 1818.
    • The facts of Benjamin Pawling’s early life are obscure. His parents had emigrated probably from Wales and settled a Philadelphia. After the outbreak of the American revolution their lands were confiscated and Pawling and his brother Jesse made their way to Quebec where they joined the British forces in 1777.
    • Pawling served for seven years before being retired on half pay on 25 Jan. 1784 as a captain in John Butler’s rangers. is brother also served with the rangers as quartermaster. Contemporary records of the unit list Pawling’s occupation as “farmer” and his brother’s as “private gentleman.
    • When the Nassa District was proclaimed in July 1788 Pawling became one of its leading local officials. In 1792 Pawling was elected to the House of Assembly for the 2nd riding of Lincoln, defeating the merchant, Samuel Street, 148 votes to 48. Records for the early assemblies are scarce and it is not known how active a member Pawling was. In 1794 he was commissioned a major in the Lincoln militia. He resigned prior to 1806 and does not appear to have participated in the War of 1812.
  • Proven United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=6461
  • Find a GRAVE: Cannot locate.