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Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe (1763-1851)
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Roger Hale was born in Boston 1763 the third son of William
Sheaffe, Deputy Collector of Customs, and Susannah.
He became the protégé of the Duke of Northumberland (Earl Percy). The Duke took great
interest in young Roger and sent him to sea but later transferred him to Lockes Military
Academy in London. He also bought most of Roger's commissions beginning in 1778. Roger
served in Montreal, Ireland, Detroit, Niagara & Quebec and attained the rank of
Captain in 1795. He returned to England in 1797. In 1798 he became Junior Lt. Col serving
with Senior Lt. Col Isaac Brock. They both served in New Holland in 1799. They served in
the Baltic campaign in 1801 & then on to Canada in 1802 where Roger commanded a wing
of the 49th Regiment at Fort George. He attained the rank of Colonel in 1808 &
Major-General three years later.
In 1812 after returning from England, he was appointed to Upper Canada once again under
Brock's command defending the Canadian border.
On October 13, 1812, the Americans attacked at Queenston. Brock immediately went to
battle while Sheaffe was left to assemble and bring up the main body of defenders. Brock
was killed as the battle was going poorly & Sheaffe took command employing a different
tactic. The invaders were routed, 1000 prisoners were taken with insignificant British
losses.
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My Father, Percy Hale Sheaffe, in 1997 with the coat &
sword presented to Sir Roger in 1813.
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On 16/1/1813, Roger Hale received the honour of a Baronetcy for his achievements. As
Roger had no surviving issue at his death, the Baronetcy has become extinct. A Coat of
Arms was also granted to Roger and his descendants and the descendants of his late
brother, William Sheaffe of Ireland, he being the ancestor of
the Sheaffes in Australia.
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Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe.
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In the public eye however, Brock was seen to be the victor, and to this day
the Brock monument stands dominant, high above the trees on the hill at Queenston and the history is well recorded and preserved in the region.
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(L-R) Paul (Myself), Sarah, Rebekah & Jessica Sheaffe at the
battle site, adjacent to the Brock Monument, in 1997.
The battle is well documented with walking trails & signs such as
this, throughout the whole area,
It is said that when Winston Churchill visited Niagara Falls, upon seeing
the Brock monument, he asked where the monument was for the bloke who
actually won the battle, ie Roger Sheaffe, much to the embarrassment of
the locals of course! |
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Roger served in the Upper Canada region until returning to England in 1813. He was
promoted to Lt. General in 1821, General in 1835.
In Britain he lived in
Penanze,
Worcestor then Edinburgh where he died in 1851.
Photo: Melville St, Edinburgh, 2001
Dr M M Gilchrist docm@silverwhistle.free-online.co.uk |
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Roger Hale Sheaffe’s home in
Edinburgh: 36 Melville St. The ironwork arch over the gate originally
would have held a lamp.
Photo: 36 Melville St., Edinburgh.
Dr M M Gilchrist docm@silverwhistle.free-online.co.uk
‘The
Silver Whistle’ - History, Literature and FUN!
http://www.silverwhistle.free-online.co.uk/index.html
Dr Gilchrist & her society, is trying to persuade various folk to get a
plaque for this building, 2001 being his 150th anniversary. |
Descendants of Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe
| Name |
Birth/Baptised/Death |
Married |
Children |
| Roger Hale |
bap 17/8/1763 Trinity Church Boston
d. 17/7/1851 Edinburgh |
Margaret Coffin |
3 died in infancy
Julia died age 18
Agnes died age 11
Percy died age 21
None survived Roger |
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