Information on the Loyalists

Nathaniel Gaffield's Property After the War

Submitted by Roger Reid UE, member of Toronto Branch, October 2006.

An early census of Cramahe Township by Augustus Jones, May 1 1799 shows Nathaniel Gaffield on Concession 2, Lot 32 in Cramahe Township, the western portion of Colborne, Ontario. Having met all the conditions he was granted a patent, 13 May 1803 and a few years later sold the land to Mr. Keeler, the father of the Keeler known as the founder of Colborne. Nathaniel Gaffield farmed this property for many years after it was sold. There seems to be a connection between these families, which is unknown. Later land transactions seen to support a friendly relationship.

His petition for additional land as a Loyalist on 14 July 1819 was successful and he received an additional 100 acres in Esquesing Township, Gore District, south 1/2 of lot 17, concession 10. A patent was issued 28 November 1832, folio 332, 100 acres. It is thought he never lived on this land.