James Fitzgibbon

James FitzGibbon, Defender of Upper Canada, is the often poignant story of a poor man's rise to authority in the Upper Canada of the 1800s. Born the son of a tenant farmer in Ireland, FitzGibbon's valour as a soldier brought him to the attention of those destined for power in the Canadas. Hero of the Battle of Beaver Dams in 1813, one o the decisive battles in the War of 1812, FitzGibbon's brilliance as tactician and negotiator was needed time and again — whether to settle Irish unrest on the Cornwall Canal, or to organize Toronto's defence against William Lyon Mackenzie's rebel forces in 1837. As a public administrator, FitzGibbon's rise was slow and disappointing. Despite holding a multitude of offices, he was continually in debt. And despite repeated petitions, FitzGibbon's tireless military and public services went unrecognized and unrewarded. His final reward as a ceremonial knight in Windsor Castle adds a tragicomic touch to a fascinating tale.

James FitzGibbon, Defender of Upper Canada, is the often poignant story of a poor man's rise to authority in the Upper Canada of the 1800s.

James FitzGibbon, Defender of Upper Canada, is the often poignant story of a poor man's rise to authority in the Upper Canada of the 1800s. Born the son of a tenant farmer in Ireland, FitzGibbon's valour as a soldier brought him to the attention of those destined for power in the Canadas. Hero of the Battle of Beaver Dams in 1813, one o the decisive battles in the War of 1812, FitzGibbon's brilliance as tactician and negotiator was needed time and again — whether to settle Irish unrest on the Cornwall Canal, or to organize Toronto's defence against William Lyon Mackenzie's rebel forces in 1837. As a public administrator, FitzGibbon's rise was slow and disappointing. Despite holding a multitude of offices, he was continually in debt. And despite repeated petitions, FitzGibbon's tireless military and public services went unrecognized and unrewarded. His final reward as a ceremonial knight in Windsor Castle adds a tragicomic touch to a fascinating tale.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ... CIVIL APPOINTMENTS. 139 CHAPTER VIII. lEFORE the disbanding of the Glengarry Fencibles, then stationed at York, in 1816, the Adjutant-General of Militia in Upper Canada offered FitzGibbon a position in his office at 125 per annum. Although the salary was small, FitzGibbon gladly accepted it. Having no private means to draw upon when extra expenditure was required, the purchase of his uniform and horse, when first appointed to the adjutancy of the 49th, formed the nucleus of debt from which he was not entirely free until within a few years of his death. Generous, impulsive, and sanguine to a fault, FitzGibbon could take no thought for the needs of the morrow when those possible contingencies were likely to fall upon himself. He could close neither his door, his purse, nor his kindly helpful sympathy to anyone; he would give away his last penny, share his last crust, rather than turn a deaf ear to one in need of either. He used his influence to further the interests of others, without considering for a moment that he was thereby jeopardizing his own. His sanguine temperament always brightened the distant horizon, although the clouds overhead might be black and lowering. Simple in his living, of great physical strength and sound health, his creed was comprised in the brief maxim, "Trust in God and do good to your neighbor." Full of gratitude himself, he had faith in the gratitude of others. Knowing that the country owed him much, he never doubted that sooner or later the debt would be paid. How this confidence was misplaced and the reward of his work denied him, is the saddest part of his biography. Disappointment embittered for a time his warm-hearted, enthusiastic nature. The gradually increasing requirements of a growing family, ...

The Bully Boys is the story of fourteen-year-old Thomas Roberts, who finds himself looking after the family farm when his father goes off to fight for the British army during the War of 1812. When Thomas inadvertently stumbles upon some American soldiers who are attempting to rob a local store, his quick thinking and his bravery save the day. His actions also catch the eye of the war's most famous officer-Lieutenant James FitzGibbon, leader of the unit dubbed the Green Tigers or "Bully Boys." This, Tommy realizes, is his chance to escape the drudgery of the farm and join the "real" men who are fighting for their freedom. When FitzGibbon takes Tommy under his wing for a time, the young man soon finds that war is both more fascinating and more horrifying than he had ever imagined. Based on the true events surrounding the legendary James FitzGibbon and The Battle of Beaver Dam, The Bully Boys is a moving account of a young man's experience of war.

This engaging biography tells the story of James FitzGibbon, a hero of the War of 1812 who played a key role in defending Upper Canada against American invaders. From his early days as a soldier in Ireland to his celebrated exploits on the battlefield, Mary Agnes FitzGibbon offers a vivid portrait of a remarkable man. Packed with action and intrigue, this book is a must-read for fans of military history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.