War of 1812 Veteran Honoured-- Part 2: After the War

In case you're wondering, honoured is the British spelling.

Col. Vrooman and his two brothers came to Brock Township in 1821 and spent eight years clearing land there before registering for deed.  In 1822, he married Jane Purdy of Cobourg and had 7 children. She died in 1838 and he married Rhoda Johnsonas Manilla and had 10 more children.

He was a farmer for most of his life but interested in politics and held various public offices.  He helped develop Vroomanton as a community before dying Sept. 4, 1871 at the age of 75.  He is buried at St. James.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Veteran Honoured in 2014-- Part 1: Col. James Vrooman

From the Nov. 13, 2014, My Kawartha.com by Scott Howard.

The heroism of Brook Township's Col. James Vrooman was recognized on the plaque installed at his grave at St. James United Church in Vroomanton.  The colonel's father, Adam, though living in the American colonies, remained loyal to Britain.

He later left the United States and came to Canada as a United Empire Loyalist.

Jame Vrooman was born in 1798 and joined the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles along with his brother when the War of 1812 started.  He fought in many battles throughout Upper Canada.  Among them were the capture of the American Army at St. Regis, the storming of Ogdensburg, Raid on Oswego and the Battle of Lundy's Lane.

At the end of the war, every British veteran was awarded land.

--Brock-Perry