Andrew Westbrook, or Wesbrook as he signed his name, is a celebrated pioneer of St. Clair County, Michigan, a noted Captain of the Michigan Rangers during the War of 1812, and a man of many complexities. It is not known for certain if he is indeed buried in Lakeside Cemetery and his final resting place has been the subject of much speculation.
The Westbrook family was of Dutch descent. Andrew was born in Minisink, New York, the son of Anthony Westbrook and Sarah Decker. His father was a Loyalist during the American Revolution, and at the conclusion of the war, had to leave New York. He and his family entered Canada at Niagara in 1786 and settled in Ancaster.
By 1807, Andrew was living in Delaware Township, Middlesex County, now in the Province of Ontario. He had a large farm along the Thames River, as well as property and enterprises in nearby Oxford County. At the beginning of the War of 1812, he cast his lot with the Americans. He fled to Detroit where he served with the Michigan Rangers, leading raids against his former neighbors along the Thames. He is still remembered in Ontario as "Traitor Westbrook" but received much honor and accolade on the American side.
On May 29, 1815, Andrew purchased the St. Clair River farm of Jean Marie Beaubien. This farm, which became his main residence, adjoined the Recor farm to the south, and was about two miles north of today's Marine City in what is now East China Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. At the formation of St. Clair County in 1821, the U.S. Congress was made aware of his losses in Canada, and he was granted two sections of land, mainly in Clay Township, also in St. Clair County. The 1821 St. Clair County Assesment listed his property as 100 acres of improved land, 700 acres of wild land, 2 houses, and a barn. The "Westbrook Lower Farm," purchased in December 1832, was located along the St. Clair River just south of Port Huron; this property was transferred to his son Oliver the day before Andrew died.
Andrew was married at least twice, and had five children by each wife. His first wife, Sarah Hull, died in Feb. 1814, after the sleigh in which she was riding fell through the ice on the Detroit River. It is said she is buried in Ecorse, Wayne County, Michigan. His second wife was Nancy Thorne, widow of Abraham Geel. Nancy died in 1829 and some sources say Andrew married a third time, to Margaret Ann Crawford, whom he divorced.
Andrew was involved the formation of St. Clair County, serving in many capacities and was Captain of the St. Clair Militia. He built the Pilot, the first vessel on Belle River, and other vessels as well. He was noted as "a very powerful man, with broad shoulders, 6' 2" and having brilliant red hair." He was also noted as a distinct individualist. Stories of his life are found in various sources, from the 1883 Andreas "History of St. Clair County, Michigan", to "That Noble Country" by Dorothy Mitts, as well as in an excellent history of his war activities, "Greater Evils, the War of 1812 in Southwestern Ontario" by Glenn Stott.
Where is Andrew buried? Lakeside Cemetery died not exist at the time of his death. A published source of War of 1812 burials states he was buried "At Ruby" in Clyde Township, St. Clair County, where two of his sons had settled by 1840. A nearby Westbrook Family Cemetery overlooked Mill Creek, but much later the graves were moved to Lakeside Cemetery. Better evidence points to his being buried at the "Port Huron Burying Ground" that was part of the Fort Gratiot Military Reservation, and now incorporated into Lakeside Cemetery. According to his probate, Andrew died at his home in the newly-created China Township. It would have been a vast undertaking to move his body the distance to Mill Creek given the almost non-existent roads of those pioneer days, and there would be no reason to do so. Far easier to have taken him by boat from his farm on the St. Clair River to the U. S. Army fort, Fort Gratiot, located at the mouth of Lake Huron, a distance of about 20 miles by water. Given his distinctive service during the War of 1812, a burial on the grounds of the fort with other military men would have been fitting.
Children by first wife Sarah Hull: Andrew Hull, Ebenezer, John Hull, Oliver and Martha; children by second wife Nancy Thorn: William Thorn, Nancy Jane, Harriett Jane, Euphemia and Henrietta Marie.
Although the surname is usually seen spelled with a "t" and many of his descendants spell it this way, around the Marine City area the "t" was often dropped; the examples we have of Andrew's signature are without the "t."
Suzanne Wesbrook Frantz
East China Charter Township Historical Commission
The Westbrook family was of Dutch descent. Andrew was born in Minisink, New York, the son of Anthony Westbrook and Sarah Decker. His father was a Loyalist during the American Revolution, and at the conclusion of the war, had to leave New York. He and his family entered Canada at Niagara in 1786 and settled in Ancaster.
By 1807, Andrew was living in Delaware Township, Middlesex County, now in the Province of Ontario. He had a large farm along the Thames River, as well as property and enterprises in nearby Oxford County. At the beginning of the War of 1812, he cast his lot with the Americans. He fled to Detroit where he served with the Michigan Rangers, leading raids against his former neighbors along the Thames. He is still remembered in Ontario as "Traitor Westbrook" but received much honor and accolade on the American side.
On May 29, 1815, Andrew purchased the St. Clair River farm of Jean Marie Beaubien. This farm, which became his main residence, adjoined the Recor farm to the south, and was about two miles north of today's Marine City in what is now East China Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. At the formation of St. Clair County in 1821, the U.S. Congress was made aware of his losses in Canada, and he was granted two sections of land, mainly in Clay Township, also in St. Clair County. The 1821 St. Clair County Assesment listed his property as 100 acres of improved land, 700 acres of wild land, 2 houses, and a barn. The "Westbrook Lower Farm," purchased in December 1832, was located along the St. Clair River just south of Port Huron; this property was transferred to his son Oliver the day before Andrew died.
Andrew was married at least twice, and had five children by each wife. His first wife, Sarah Hull, died in Feb. 1814, after the sleigh in which she was riding fell through the ice on the Detroit River. It is said she is buried in Ecorse, Wayne County, Michigan. His second wife was Nancy Thorne, widow of Abraham Geel. Nancy died in 1829 and some sources say Andrew married a third time, to Margaret Ann Crawford, whom he divorced.
Andrew was involved the formation of St. Clair County, serving in many capacities and was Captain of the St. Clair Militia. He built the Pilot, the first vessel on Belle River, and other vessels as well. He was noted as "a very powerful man, with broad shoulders, 6' 2" and having brilliant red hair." He was also noted as a distinct individualist. Stories of his life are found in various sources, from the 1883 Andreas "History of St. Clair County, Michigan", to "That Noble Country" by Dorothy Mitts, as well as in an excellent history of his war activities, "Greater Evils, the War of 1812 in Southwestern Ontario" by Glenn Stott.
Where is Andrew buried? Lakeside Cemetery died not exist at the time of his death. A published source of War of 1812 burials states he was buried "At Ruby" in Clyde Township, St. Clair County, where two of his sons had settled by 1840. A nearby Westbrook Family Cemetery overlooked Mill Creek, but much later the graves were moved to Lakeside Cemetery. Better evidence points to his being buried at the "Port Huron Burying Ground" that was part of the Fort Gratiot Military Reservation, and now incorporated into Lakeside Cemetery. According to his probate, Andrew died at his home in the newly-created China Township. It would have been a vast undertaking to move his body the distance to Mill Creek given the almost non-existent roads of those pioneer days, and there would be no reason to do so. Far easier to have taken him by boat from his farm on the St. Clair River to the U. S. Army fort, Fort Gratiot, located at the mouth of Lake Huron, a distance of about 20 miles by water. Given his distinctive service during the War of 1812, a burial on the grounds of the fort with other military men would have been fitting.
Children by first wife Sarah Hull: Andrew Hull, Ebenezer, John Hull, Oliver and Martha; children by second wife Nancy Thorn: William Thorn, Nancy Jane, Harriett Jane, Euphemia and Henrietta Marie.
Although the surname is usually seen spelled with a "t" and many of his descendants spell it this way, around the Marine City area the "t" was often dropped; the examples we have of Andrew's signature are without the "t."
Suzanne Wesbrook Frantz
East China Charter Township Historical Commission
Andrew Westbrook, or Wesbrook as he signed his name, is a celebrated pioneer of St. Clair County, Michigan, a noted Captain of the Michigan Rangers during the War of 1812, and a man of many complexities. It is not known for certain if he is indeed buried in Lakeside Cemetery and his final resting place has been the subject of much speculation.
The Westbrook family was of Dutch descent. Andrew was born in Minisink, New York, the son of Anthony Westbrook and Sarah Decker. His father was a Loyalist during the American Revolution, and at the conclusion of the war, had to leave New York. He and his family entered Canada at Niagara in 1786 and settled in Ancaster.
By 1807, Andrew was living in Delaware Township, Middlesex County, now in the Province of Ontario. He had a large farm along the Thames River, as well as property and enterprises in nearby Oxford County. At the beginning of the War of 1812, he cast his lot with the Americans. He fled to Detroit where he served with the Michigan Rangers, leading raids against his former neighbors along the Thames. He is still remembered in Ontario as "Traitor Westbrook" but received much honor and accolade on the American side.
On May 29, 1815, Andrew purchased the St. Clair River farm of Jean Marie Beaubien. This farm, which became his main residence, adjoined the Recor farm to the south, and was about two miles north of today's Marine City in what is now East China Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. At the formation of St. Clair County in 1821, the U.S. Congress was made aware of his losses in Canada, and he was granted two sections of land, mainly in Clay Township, also in St. Clair County. The 1821 St. Clair County Assesment listed his property as 100 acres of improved land, 700 acres of wild land, 2 houses, and a barn. The "Westbrook Lower Farm," purchased in December 1832, was located along the St. Clair River just south of Port Huron; this property was transferred to his son Oliver the day before Andrew died.
Andrew was married at least twice, and had five children by each wife. His first wife, Sarah Hull, died in Feb. 1814, after the sleigh in which she was riding fell through the ice on the Detroit River. It is said she is buried in Ecorse, Wayne County, Michigan. His second wife was Nancy Thorne, widow of Abraham Geel. Nancy died in 1829 and some sources say Andrew married a third time, to Margaret Ann Crawford, whom he divorced.
Andrew was involved the formation of St. Clair County, serving in many capacities and was Captain of the St. Clair Militia. He built the Pilot, the first vessel on Belle River, and other vessels as well. He was noted as "a very powerful man, with broad shoulders, 6' 2" and having brilliant red hair." He was also noted as a distinct individualist. Stories of his life are found in various sources, from the 1883 Andreas "History of St. Clair County, Michigan", to "That Noble Country" by Dorothy Mitts, as well as in an excellent history of his war activities, "Greater Evils, the War of 1812 in Southwestern Ontario" by Glenn Stott.
Where is Andrew buried? Lakeside Cemetery died not exist at the time of his death. A published source of War of 1812 burials states he was buried "At Ruby" in Clyde Township, St. Clair County, where two of his sons had settled by 1840. A nearby Westbrook Family Cemetery overlooked Mill Creek, but much later the graves were moved to Lakeside Cemetery. Better evidence points to his being buried at the "Port Huron Burying Ground" that was part of the Fort Gratiot Military Reservation, and now incorporated into Lakeside Cemetery. According to his probate, Andrew died at his home in the newly-created China Township. It would have been a vast undertaking to move his body the distance to Mill Creek given the almost non-existent roads of those pioneer days, and there would be no reason to do so. Far easier to have taken him by boat from his farm on the St. Clair River to the U. S. Army fort, Fort Gratiot, located at the mouth of Lake Huron, a distance of about 20 miles by water. Given his distinctive service during the War of 1812, a burial on the grounds of the fort with other military men would have been fitting.
Children by first wife Sarah Hull: Andrew Hull, Ebenezer, John Hull, Oliver and Martha; children by second wife Nancy Thorn: William Thorn, Nancy Jane, Harriett Jane, Euphemia and Henrietta Marie.
Although the surname is usually seen spelled with a "t" and many of his descendants spell it this way, around the Marine City area the "t" was often dropped; the examples we have of Andrew's signature are without the "t."
Suzanne Wesbrook Frantz
East China Charter Township Historical Commission
The Westbrook family was of Dutch descent. Andrew was born in Minisink, New York, the son of Anthony Westbrook and Sarah Decker. His father was a Loyalist during the American Revolution, and at the conclusion of the war, had to leave New York. He and his family entered Canada at Niagara in 1786 and settled in Ancaster.
By 1807, Andrew was living in Delaware Township, Middlesex County, now in the Province of Ontario. He had a large farm along the Thames River, as well as property and enterprises in nearby Oxford County. At the beginning of the War of 1812, he cast his lot with the Americans. He fled to Detroit where he served with the Michigan Rangers, leading raids against his former neighbors along the Thames. He is still remembered in Ontario as "Traitor Westbrook" but received much honor and accolade on the American side.
On May 29, 1815, Andrew purchased the St. Clair River farm of Jean Marie Beaubien. This farm, which became his main residence, adjoined the Recor farm to the south, and was about two miles north of today's Marine City in what is now East China Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. At the formation of St. Clair County in 1821, the U.S. Congress was made aware of his losses in Canada, and he was granted two sections of land, mainly in Clay Township, also in St. Clair County. The 1821 St. Clair County Assesment listed his property as 100 acres of improved land, 700 acres of wild land, 2 houses, and a barn. The "Westbrook Lower Farm," purchased in December 1832, was located along the St. Clair River just south of Port Huron; this property was transferred to his son Oliver the day before Andrew died.
Andrew was married at least twice, and had five children by each wife. His first wife, Sarah Hull, died in Feb. 1814, after the sleigh in which she was riding fell through the ice on the Detroit River. It is said she is buried in Ecorse, Wayne County, Michigan. His second wife was Nancy Thorne, widow of Abraham Geel. Nancy died in 1829 and some sources say Andrew married a third time, to Margaret Ann Crawford, whom he divorced.
Andrew was involved the formation of St. Clair County, serving in many capacities and was Captain of the St. Clair Militia. He built the Pilot, the first vessel on Belle River, and other vessels as well. He was noted as "a very powerful man, with broad shoulders, 6' 2" and having brilliant red hair." He was also noted as a distinct individualist. Stories of his life are found in various sources, from the 1883 Andreas "History of St. Clair County, Michigan", to "That Noble Country" by Dorothy Mitts, as well as in an excellent history of his war activities, "Greater Evils, the War of 1812 in Southwestern Ontario" by Glenn Stott.
Where is Andrew buried? Lakeside Cemetery died not exist at the time of his death. A published source of War of 1812 burials states he was buried "At Ruby" in Clyde Township, St. Clair County, where two of his sons had settled by 1840. A nearby Westbrook Family Cemetery overlooked Mill Creek, but much later the graves were moved to Lakeside Cemetery. Better evidence points to his being buried at the "Port Huron Burying Ground" that was part of the Fort Gratiot Military Reservation, and now incorporated into Lakeside Cemetery. According to his probate, Andrew died at his home in the newly-created China Township. It would have been a vast undertaking to move his body the distance to Mill Creek given the almost non-existent roads of those pioneer days, and there would be no reason to do so. Far easier to have taken him by boat from his farm on the St. Clair River to the U. S. Army fort, Fort Gratiot, located at the mouth of Lake Huron, a distance of about 20 miles by water. Given his distinctive service during the War of 1812, a burial on the grounds of the fort with other military men would have been fitting.
Children by first wife Sarah Hull: Andrew Hull, Ebenezer, John Hull, Oliver and Martha; children by second wife Nancy Thorn: William Thorn, Nancy Jane, Harriett Jane, Euphemia and Henrietta Marie.
Although the surname is usually seen spelled with a "t" and many of his descendants spell it this way, around the Marine City area the "t" was often dropped; the examples we have of Andrew's signature are without the "t."
Suzanne Wesbrook Frantz
East China Charter Township Historical Commission
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