The History of Canadice

Chapter 12 - Military Service

by Beverly Deats

1980

Canadice men have always showed a spirit of patriotism when called to serve their country.

Revolutionary soldiers who settled in our town were:

Harry Armstrong

William Gould

Reuben Hamilton

Nathan Morse

William Sullivan

Derby Wilds

Isaiah Smith - listed as a guard at Washington’s Headquarters

During the war of 1812, 31 of our young men left their families to protect their home land. During this era, how difficult it must have been, as this was the time of birth to Canadice. Samuel Howland was killed, and his brother took his place, only to be killed three weeks after his departure.

During the Civil War, the town showed a spirit of patriotism and loyalty fully equal to its old time record, for during that period it furnished a total of nearly 90 men, or 10% of its total population at that time. It is stated that Canadice sent more men percentage-wise than any other town in Ontario County.

Joseph Tague, Esq. Town Clerk in the year 1865, kept excellent records listing each men’s name, their division, and service record. This list is now in the possession of the Canadice Town Historian. The majority of men served in the 13th New York Volunteer Infantry, 188th New York Volunteers, 1st New York State Volunteers - Mounted Rifle, 21st New York State Volunteer Calvary.

Twenty two men were listed as killed or dying while being held prisoner, many were wounded, but 8 were listed as present at the surrender of Lee. Each soldier was to be paid a bounty of $75.00 from the Town and in some cases as much as $1,000.00 from the county. According to town records, there was a disagreement about who was qualified, but as of this writing, I am unable to ascertain what the requirements were. I am sure many tales are somewhere but as of this writing, they are still family treasures.

Because of our different mailing addresses in Canadice, Honeoye, Hemlock and Springwater, the service records of men who served their country since this time is unavailable according to William Luther, Director of the Veterans Agency. Our town plaque lists names, but I have been told that list is incomplete, and does not include the last two confrontations.

A spirit of patriotism, rather serving your county, or your town is so important to the over all welfare of all. So evident is this in the Town of Canadice.