About the website...

The Grand River Branch of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada seeks to increase awareness of the sacrifices, heritage and pride of their ancestors who chose to remain Loyal to their sovereign, HM King George III, regardless of the consequences of their Loyalty.

Toward that end, Grand River Branch offers a number of educational, social and heritage resources and events which foster a sense of Canadian identity and fellowship among its members.  Grand River Branch recognizes the far-reaching implications of the medium of the internet and eagerly utilizes all avenues of communication in their mandate of attracting and retaining members.

The Grand River Branch's composite home page reflects the heritage of its members.  The cabin is located behind the Guild Inn in Scarborough, now administered by Toronto Parks.  It was the home of William Osterhout, UEL, (Butlers Rangers), and Elizabeth Pickard, DUE, and their large family, on Concession C, Lot 14, which was a subsequent land grant in 1795.  The Osterhout family were ancestors of branch member James Sweet UE.

The ladies in costume in the foreground are Grand River Branch members, l-r, Doris Lemon, a past president, Rachel Reeves and Doris Wilson, another past-president. They were in costume attending a branch Outreach program with over 400 members of the local Guide movement at Backus Mills in 2000.

This website was developed and is maintained by David Kanowakeron Hill Morrison UE (ancestor, Joseph Thayendanegea Brant UE) and every effort is made to ensure timely and accurate updates.

Comments, suggestions or questions about the website may be directed to Dave at: cannat@netzero.net

Grand River Branch appreciates your visit to our website and we invite you to check back often!

Donald James "Jim" Sweet UE

SWEET: Donald James (Jim)

At Brantford General Hospital on Monday, October 10, 2011; Donald James Sweet of Ayr, in his 73rd year; dear brother of Pauline (the late William) Burt of North Bay and Glenn (Lynn) Sweet of Ayr; uncle of Leslie (Bob) Manary, Andrew Burt, Eric (Juli-Ann) Sweet, Karen (Ron) Nogiec, Gina Sweet, Ann Marie Hagey and the late Shelley Burt; also dearly missed by Meghan, Doug, Ryan, Jordan, Devon and Jarrett; dear friend of Sherry and Kevin Gervais and family; and his many friends at Baltaz's and Buckey’s. 

Jim was Ayr Citizen of the Year in 1976, a former radar technician in RCAF, a railway buff and a former employee of the CPR, Allen-Bradley (Galt) and a 25-year employee of IBM. 

Friends will be received at the AYR CHAPEL, Wm. KIPP FUNERAL HOME, 183 Northumberland Street, Ayr on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. where funeral service will be held on Friday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Wayne Beamer of Knox United Church, Ayr officiating.  Interment Ayr Cemetery. 

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences or donations may be arranged through www.wmkippfuneralhome.com or by contacting Wm. Kipp at 519-632-8228

Jim Sweet UE

Back in the 1990's, I met Jim Sweet UE for the first time.  I found him extremely interesting for a number of reasons, including his stories as a traveler across Canada.  The lure of the open road, getting to see and experience this incredible country of ours... that sort of thing.

Jim was justifiably proud of his United Empire Loyalist heritage and his Scottish ancestry.  Living in Ayr, an enclave of Scottish immigrants, Jim was surrounded by the culture, history and heritage of his ancestors and as a town on the Grand River, it was a real honour to have a longtime Ayr resident join Grand River Branch.

Armed with the knowledge and interest of his UEL ancestry, Jim was also the Branch Librarian for many years.  He faithfully transported the Branch's traveling library to meetings throughout the Branch meeting venues... a physical challenge to be sure, but Jim was eager to contribute his time and effort to supporting his Branch.

Jim also ran the very first incarnation of the Grand River Branch website at a time when Branch websites were relatively few.   When I arrived on the scene, I offered to take over and manage the website as I had previous experience as a web designer and thought it could be a great way of my contributing whatever I was able from my residence in the Rochester area.

Call it one of the many benefits of the cyber age.

From that basic framework of Jim Sweet's work sprung the website you're viewing today.  It bears many graphics, text and even the URL (www.grandriveruel.ca) that Jim set up and I will be eternally grateful for his assistance.  All the magnificent Grand River Branch crests were all products of Jim's taste and talent.

As we mourn the passing of a truly dedicated UEL, dear member and friend, I'd like to dedicate this website in honour of Jim Sweet UE.

Jim may have not had such a vast design in mind, but it was his visionary notion that led to the creation of one of the UELAC's most extensive Branch websites across Canada.

And beyond. 

Rest well, my friend.  Your work lives on.