Joseph Ryerson

Joseph Ryerson (28 February 1761 – 9 August 1854) was a United Empire Loyalist, Lieutenant in the Prince of Wales American Volunteers in the American Revolutionary War, a Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding the First Regiments of the Norfolk Militia in the War of 1812 and father of Egerton Ryerson. Ryerson was a descendant of Dutch immigrants who held judicial appointments to King George II and King George III.

Some texts include the spelling of the surname as "Ryerse" rather than Ryerson. This was the result of a mistake in Ryerson's brother, Samuel's military commission at the start of the Revolutionary War. The mistake continued through Samuel's military career and was finally retained in that branch of the Ryerson family.

Early years Joseph Ryerson was born in 1761 in Paterson, New Jersey; younger brother to Samuel Ryerse (Ryerson), Captain the Third Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers. He was born the seventh son and his father died early in his childhood.

Revolutionary War At the outbreak of war in 1776, Ryerson entered the war on 6 May 1776, as a cadet.

Ryerson had earned the respect of his comrades, one of which, Peter Redner, of the Bay Quinté, described him as "a man of daring intrepidity, and a great favourite in his company". Redner represented Ryerson as being one of the "most determined men he ever knew, with the service of his great country uppermost in his mind, he often exposed himself to great danger to accomplish his desires."

United Empire loyalist At the conclusion of the war, Ryerson who held allegiance to the British Crown, could not remain in his home state of New Jersey. He moved to New Brunswick receiving land at Majorville, Saint John. From there, in 1799, he transferred to Charlotteville in Upper Canada where he remained until his death.

Ever the public servant, Ryerson could not refrain from public office. In 1800, he was made a member of the first commission of magistrates and became Chairman of the Courts of Quart Sessions. Additionally, he served as high sheriff and treasurer of the London District.

Personal life In 1784, he married Sarah Mehetable Stickney. Together, they had the following children: George (1792–1884), William, John (?–1878), Egerton, Edwy (1808–1858), and Samuel. In 1850, Sarah died at 84 years of age. Joseph continued living a vigorous life after the death of his wife; riding and walking several miles the Friday before his death, in 1854.

Online exhibitions http://library.ryerson.ca/asc/2012/12/the-war-of-1812-two-hundred-years-ago/