Roszel Family, Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario

>From the "Biographical sketches" Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, 
Ontario, compiled, drawn and published from personal examinations and surveys.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co, 1906, reprint 1972.

p. 59

ROSZEL, FAMILY. The founder of this family in Canada was Chas. Roszel, who came from New 
York State about 1800, and set on a farm on the Sixteen road in Gainsboro Tp., about two miles 
from Smithsville, where some of the descendants still live.  Five of his sons served in the 
war of 1812, and were in General Brock's command, but escaped without wounds. Nathaniel, 
Eldrich and George were given grants in Erin Tp. for their services, getting 100 acres each on 
payment of $26 to defray expenses of deeds, etc.  George and Nathaniel were to receive lot 2, 
con 6, but the deeds by mistake were drawn for lot 1, con. 7. In  Nov. 1820 George and 
Nathaniel came to Erin Tp., but George did not like the country, so sold his 100 acres, east 
half, lot 1, con. 7, to Nathaniel, who stayed there. The journey was a hard one, as they had to 
cut their way in from Georgetown, and the difficulties of the trip can be judged by the fact 
that the path they cut to their locations was nine miles in length, and the journey now is 
made in six.  They brought horses with them, but finding them of little service.  Nathaniel 
sent his home with George, and they were returned to him later; these were probably the first 
horses in the township.

Eldrich Roszel came to Erin Tp. in the spring of 1821, and set. on his grant, the west half, lot 
2, con. 7.

Nathaniel was b. July 3, 1878, and came with his parents to Gainsboro Tp. He served in the 
war of 1812, and was in the battles of Queenston Heights, and Lundy's Lane, where he waded 
through blood to his shoe tops. In the fall of 1820 he set. on the land grant which he received 
for his services.  He was the first settler in the township of Erin.  He used to clear 8 acres of 
land every winter, and was conscientious and a hard worker.  In the early days he took his 
grist to Jones' mill on the sixth line of Esquesing. He was a Methodist, and his house was 
headquarter for the ministers in the early days, and he gave ground for the church and 
cemetery.  He was a Reformer in politics, and in the first elections, went all the way to 
Palmero to vote the freehold ticket.  He m. on Oct 25th, 1809, Christeen Felker, who d. on Oct. 
10, 1812.  On Jan 10th, 1813, he m. Hannah Fowler. Issue: Charles P., Carrick Tp.; Jacob, b. and 
d. in 1812; Jane, b. 1814, m. John Sharp, of Acton; James, b. 1815, set. Hatchley; Ann, b. 1816, 
m. Thomas Ismond, Erin Tp; Joseph, b. 1818, set Elma Tp; Hannah, b. 1819 (d. Infancy); Martha, 
b. 1820, m. George Havens, Erin Tp.; Benjamin, b. Nov. 11, 1821, was the first white child b. in 
Wellington Co.; Solomon, b. 1824, Erin; Christeen, b. 1826, m. William Sayers, Erin Tp.; 
Stephen, b. 1829, Erin Tp.; Nathaniel, b. 1834 (d. infancy); George, Wilson, b. 1835 (d. infancy); 
and Wilson, b. 1839 (d. infancy); George, b. in 1832, occupies a part of homestead. He m. Alice 
Vanatter of Erin Tp. Issue: Mrs. E. Hilts, Norval; Sarah (d. 24), Mrs Comfort Thompson, Hiram 
and Elijah (d. Infancy), Mrs. Robert Wood, and Ira, Erin Tp.

Benjamin Roszel, who was the first white child b. in Wellington Co., was b. in Erin Tp., in 
1821, on lot 1, con. 5, and practically passed his life in that Tp. He never sought or held 
municipal office, and was very much respected. He was a member of the Methodist church, and 
a Liberal in politics. He m. Elizabeth O'Reilly, who d. at the age of 66, while he d. at 76. Issue: 
George A., Charles H., m. Hannah Awrey, set. Erin; John H., m. Isabella Tolton, set. Erin; Mrs. Wm 
Mooney, William J., m. Margaret Aitcheson, set. Erin; Mrs. Duncan McArthur, Mich; and 
Benjamin, who first m. Miss King, and second Annie Whiteside, and set. Erin.

George A., was b. and brought up in Erin.  he owns 150 acres, lot 23, con 7, Eramosa, upon 
which he resides, and also 50 acres, lot 31, Erin. he carries on mixed farming, and has 
acquired his property by his own exertions. He is a Presbyterian and a Liberal. He m. Catharine 
Howe. Issue: Mary E., William H., John E., Charles, George, Howard, James, Irwin, Mary P., and 
Herman.