Richard Henry Bonnycastle1,2,3

#12, (1791 - 1847)
FatherJohn Bonnycastle1 (1751 - 1821)
MotherBridget Newell1 (1754 - 1825)
RelationshipSon of John Bonnycastle
Pedigree
Charts5 Generations of Descendants of Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle (1791-1847)
Ancestors of Hope Lyall Rudd (Jen's line)
Ancestors of Allan Lorne Bonnycastle (Dick's line)
Timeline of RH & Frances & Their Children

Family

Frances Johnston (c 1792 - 1869)
Children

Life Events

Overview
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Richard Henry Bonnycastle was the son of John Bonnycastle, a professor at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. He was a career military officer in the Royal Engineers, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was knighted in 1840. Bonnycastle's family traveled with him; his twelve children were born in New Brunswick Canada, France, Ireland, England, and Ontario Canada.

* * * * *
 
.
Richard Henry Bonnycastle
from an old miniature, source unknown
. For a pdf document outlining his service and travels as recorded in the monthly Returns of the Corps of Royal Engineers from 1808-1847, click on the icon that follows this note.4

BirthRichard Henry Bonnycastle was born on 30 Sep 1791 in Woolwich, Kent.1
 
BaptismHe was baptized on 30 Oct 1791 in St Mary Magdalene Woolwich, Kent. He was noted to be the child of John & Bridget.1 
.
St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich, baptism register for October 1791
Richard Henry & six others were baptised on the 30th
(birthdates are in the first column)
Note.[Richard Henry's mother] Bridget Newell Bonnycastle's half-brother Richard Henry is undoubtedly the source of her son Richard Henry Bonnycastle's name. At the time of RHB's birth in 1791, Richard Henry was serving in the East India Company. 
EducationRichard Henry Bonnycastle passed out as a second lieutenant on 28 Sep 1808 from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, Kent. On October 31st he joined the Corps of Royal Engineers.5,4 
MilitaryHe became a First Lieutenant on 24 Jun 1809.4 
MilitaryHe was at the siege and capture of Flushing, in the Netherlands in Aug 1809. For a summary of that campaign see, for instance, this page.6,5 
MarriageHe married Frances Johnston on 6 Aug 1812 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.
The parish register reads: "Richard Henry Bonnycastle Esq. and Miss Frances Johnston, St. Andrews Parish, Daughter of Capn Willm Johnston Edinr."2
Marriage record of Richard Henry Bonnycastle & Frances Johnston
Edinburgh parish church register
Newspaper Published 14 Aug 1812 in the Edinburgh Advertiser.

Marriages - At Edinburgh, Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Esq; of the Royal Marines [sic], to Frances, second daughter of Capt. Wm Johnson.7
 
Newspaper Published 15 Aug 1812 in the Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh)

Married - On the 7th current, by special licence, by the Right Reverend Bishop Sandford, Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Esq. of the Royal engineers, to Frances, second daughter of Captain William Johnston of this place.8
 
Newspaper Published 19 Aug 1812 in the Aberdeen Journal

Married - By special licence, by the Right Rev. Bishop Sandford, Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Esq. of the royal engineers, to Frances, second daughter of Captain William Johnston of this place.9
 
MilitaryRichard Henry Bonnycastle "served in the war with the United States of America from 1812 to 1815, and was at the taking of Fort Castine, John Adams corvette, and fleet of merchantmen, and occupation of that part of the State of Maine East of the Penobscot River; commanding engineer at the construction of the extensive works of the Castine Peninsula in the United States." [Note: Although this entry from the Dictionary of National Biography implies that he was in Maine from 1812 to 1815, his records show that he was stationed at Fort Cumberland (on the border of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) for most of that time and in Castine the second half of 1814].6,5 
MilitaryHe was promoted to 2nd Captain on 11 Feb 1814.4 
(Heir) WillHe was named an heir in the will of his father John Bonnycastle dated 17 Aug 1816.10
MilitaryRichard Henry Bonnycastle was with the army of occupation in France. His daughter Jane was born in France in June 1817.6,5 
PublicationHe wrote 'Spanish America, a Descriptive and Historical Account' &c, 2 vols. 8vo, with maps; a work which appears to have been compiled when at Woolwich after his return from France. He was a good Spanish scholar. It was published in in London in 1818.6 
(Admon) ProbateRichard H Bonnycastle of Woolwich was granted administration of [his mother] Bridget Bonnycastle's estate in Feb 1826.11 
MilitaryRichard Henry Bonnycastle was promoted to Captain on 29 Jul 1826.4 
Passenger ListThe family was listed on a manifest dated 20 Sep 1826 for the bark Vibilia which left London 31 July under the command of Master Corbitt and arrived at Quebec with Colonel Figg, Royal Engineers & lady & children and Captain Bonnycastle, Royal Engineers & lady & children on board. Cargo included stores and bricks consigned to the Government.12 
Newspaper

Fancy ball given by Hon. Mrs. Byng on April 1st [1830]

Captain Bonnycastle, represented 1st a Magician, and afterwards Earl of Sussex, accompanied by Mrs Bonnycastle, in the most superb dress, we ever beheld; 'twas indeed truly magnificent.
The whole scene was like one of fairyland, most brilliant and imposing; the splendour of the spectacle was much increased by numerous uniforms and regimentals.
 
MilitaryHe was promoted to Major on 10 Jan 1837.13 
(Witness) MarriageR.H. Bonnycastle witnessed the marriage of his brother Humphrey Bonnycastle and Jane Cottrell on 15 Jul 1837 in St. Mary, Lewisham, Kent.14,15,16
Humphrey Bonnycastle & Jane Cottrell
Marriage from Lewisham parish register, 1837
WillRichard Henry Bonnycastle wrote a will dated 17 Jul 1837 in London.

I Richard Henry Bonnycastle now a Captain in the Corps of Royal Engineers and being at this present of sound mind do declare this my last will and testament.

I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Frances all my property of every description whatsoever for her sole use and benefit during her lifetime should she survive me and after her decease in that case to be equally divided amongst my four daughters Charlotte, Henrietta, Catherine Anne and Louisa Bonnycastle issue of us the aforesaid Richard Henry and Frances Bonnycastle or to the survivors.

And I appoint as my Executors my Brothers Humphrey and Charles Bonnycastle and my esteemed friend G.W. Marriott of the House of Cox and Co with whom I leave this document this day of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven the seventeenth of July at London.

[signed] R.H. Bonnycastle
Witness -- Alexr Cleland.17


Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Knight, PCC Will
Newspaper Published between 22 Jul 1837 and 28 Aug 1837.

"the packet ship Mediator, Christopher H. Champlin, master, arrived at New York that forenoon, from London and Portsmouth with cabin passengers and 84 passengers in steerage." Among the cabin passengers were "Major Bonnycastle, Royal Engineers; H. Bonnycastle, Esq. and Son, and Henry Tyrwhytt, Esq. all of Upper Canada."18

[The average westward passage time for the Mediator was 36 days, shortest 25 days, longest 54 days. She was a 3-masted, square-rigged ship, built in New York and launched in 1836, 660 tons, 138' 4" long, 32' 6" beam, with a hold that was 21' deep] 
Passenger ListHe was listed on a manifest dated 28 Aug 1837. Major Richard Henry Bonnicastle, age 45, Royal Engineer, arrived at New York from London on the ship Mediator, destination Upper Canada; travelling with [brother] Humphrey Bonnicastle age 42 & [nephew] Henry age 4.19 
Photograph This colour painting was done in the 1960s, so is the artist's impression of how RHB looked. The facial features are apparently copied from a known small watercolour of him. Even though it is not contemporary, I am leaving it here because it shows the Royal Engineer's uniform.20

An artist's interpretation of Richard Henry Bonnycastle (1791-1847) in uniform
Photograph
Historic plaque on the parade square at Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario
(photo B Kolthammer, 2016)
Commanding Officer's room at [restored] Fort Henry, Kingston, Canada
(photo by David Beresford-Green) showing RHB's bed
Military In late 1837, most of the soldiers in Upper Canada were situated in Montreal, leaving just the Ordnance personnel and a few sailors in the Kingston area. Rebellion broke out and Major Richard Henry Bonnycastle received orders to hold the newly completed Fort Henry against rebel attack. He successfully built a force with Fort Henry workers, local militia, Kingstonians serving in the Frontenac Light Dragoons, some of the Perth Artillery, a unit of regular sailors, and some Mohawks from the Bay of Quinte region. This force caused about 2,000 Upper Canadian refugees and American sympathizers from New York state who had reached Hickory Island near Ganonoque to withdraw, their spies having spotted the defenses and fearing an attack would be too costly. 
Newspaper Published 14 Sep 1839 in the Kingston Chronicle and Gazette.

Furniture Sale by Auction

Furniture belonging to Col. Bonnycastle. Leaving Canada. Auction at his residence, Molson's House. Items of furniture, glassware and cookware, about one hundred volumes of his books; wagons, horses, sleighs. Numerous other articles Sale to be made by J. Linton, A.B. & COL.M. Scheduled for Sept. 19.21
 
Newspaper Published 2 Oct 1839 in the Kingston Chronicle and Gazette.

Lieut. col. Bonnycastle and his family departed on the Great Britain for England on Oct. 2, 1839.22
 
ItemOn 18 Mar 1840 in St James Palace, Richard Henry Bonnycastle was knighted by Queen Victoria.
Here is the notice from the London Gazette, the official journal of record of the British government.23,24
Major Richard Henry Bonnycastle knighted
London Gazette, 1840
Newspaper Published 5 May 1840 in the Upper Canada Herald excerpts from a letter written by Sir Richard shortly after he was knighted. The recipient of the letter was James Nickalls, Clerk of the Peace for the Midland District of Upper Canada

I regard this distinction more as a mark of the Royal approbation of the conduct of the brave Militia and Volunteers, who so nobly and at so much personal sacrifice came forward at the moment of danger, than as bestowed for any merits of mine.
It was truly a proud reflection when I received it to look back to the time when attention was drawn throughout the Province to the position we held at Kingston on the 22d of February.
A body of two thousand of the yeomen and gentlemen of the Midland and Prince Edward's District, assisted by the brave Militia of the Eastern and adjoining ones, paralysed the united efforts of the base invaders from a country at peace with Great Britain, and the misled insurgents of our own soil, at Napanee and Hickory Island, and thus secured the safety of the finest Colony in Her Majesty's dominions by keeping intact the Arsenal, Fortress and Port of Upper Canada.
For my part, independently of the honour which I felt was mine in commanding such a body of men, I was the more gratified by being accompanied by the willing military obedience which they paid to me and the rapidity with which they became capable of taking a conspicuous part in the difficult evol[-] which nothing but steadiness and discipline [-] enable a soldier to acquire, and how is this [-]fication now increased in separation from [-] former companions in arms, by the reflection that although placed in circumstances of p[-]liar difficulty they went through their volunta[-] experience of the privations and hardships of the soldier's life without its having ever been necessary for me to resort to Court Martial or any punishment for either neglect of duty or any other offence.
I have, in fact, only one regret on the s[-] and that regret consists in the necessity of my removal from Upper Canada in consequence of my services being required elsewhere, and it is somewhat lessened by knowing that I shall [-]ly again visit North America, having been appointed to the command of the Royal Engineers at Newfoundland.
I hope at some future day, if my life is spared, to revisit Kingston, which is to me almost my home.25
 
Newspaper Published 28 Jul 1840 in the St John's Newfoundland Public Ledger.

A CARD.

SIR RICHARD and Lady BONNYCASTLE and Family desire to express their sense of the attention they experienced from Captain SINCLAIR of the Brig Elizabeth, in a very unusually protracted voyage from England, during which they experienced no other privations than those incident to a state of the weather, more resembling winter than summer, which naturally required all the skill and foresight of the Master of the vessel to counteract.26
 
MilitaryHe was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 7 Sep 1840.27,4
Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel
Notice in the London Gazette, 29 September 1840
PublicationHe wrote 'The Canadas in 1841', 2 vols. He dedicated it to "the Brave Militia of the Midland, Prince Edward, Victoria and Eastern Districts of Upper Canada by their affectionate friend, companion in arms and former commander", published in London in 1841.6 
PublicationHe wrote 'Newfoundland in 1842, a sequel to The Canadas in 1841"', 2 volumes, published in London in 1842.6 
MilitaryHe left the command of the Royal Engineers in Newfoundland and assumed command of the department in Canada West on 23 Aug 1843.28 
Newspaper Published 23 Aug 1843 in the Kingston Chronicle and Gazette, a notice that Bonnycastle and his family were staying at the Lambton House Hotel in Kingston.29 
Land Record On 21 Jun 1844, Richard Henry Bonnycastle bought the South 1/2 Lot 5 Concession 4, Seymour Township, Northumberland County, Canada West. His son Henry was living in Seymour Township by that time.30 
Newspaper Published 16 Apr 1845 in the Kingston Chronicle and Gazette.

TO LET.

The Stone House occupied by Sir Richard Bonnycastle. Possession given the 1st of May-
Thomas A Corbett
Kingston, 16th April, 1845.31
 
PublicationHe wrote 'Canada and the Canadians in 1846', 12mo, published in 1846 in London.6 
Newspaper Published 16 Jul 1846 in the Daily News (London, England).

On Wednesday, 11th June, a detachment of the Royal Artillery, under the superintendance of Sir Richard Bonnycastle, commanding Royal Engineers, mounted a cannon upon the Martello Tower in course of erection at Murray Point, Kingston, in order to test the solidity of the work. It was found that the new masonry stood the firing well, and was not sensibly affected by it.32
 
Military On 14 May 1847, Sir Richard retired. Newspapers noted that he was on half-pay .4 
DeathHe died on 2 Nov 1847 in Kingston, Frontenac County, Ontario, at the age of 56. His widow lived until 1869.33 
ObituaryHis obituary was published on 4 Nov 1847 in the Kingston Chronicle and News. The obituary was reprinted in numerous newspapers, including the Morning Chronicle in London, England.34
Obituary for Sir Richard Bonnycastle, 1847
Kingston Chronicle copied to St John's Nfld Times
BurialHe was buried on 5 Nov 1847 in Lower Burial Ground, Kingston, Frontenac County, Ontario. The burial was recorded in the St. George's Cathedral register, so this is likely where the service took place. Sir Richard was actually buried in the historic Lower Burial Ground Cemetery. A society has been formed for the cemetery's restoration and a Feb 2010 news release about it can be read here.3
Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Lieutentant Colonel Royal Engineers
Burial register entry
[Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle, age 56, died 2 Nov, buried 5 Nov, Ministers Messrs Bartlett & Graig, Remarks: Lt Col R.E.]
GravestoneHis gravestone is severely weathered and can be found embedded in a wall in St Paul's Churchyard, Kingston, Ontario.
Kingston, Ontario
Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle
ObituaryHis obituary and description of the funeral was published on 6 Nov 1847 in the British Whig [Kingston].35
Obituary for Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle
[Kingston] British Whig
Obituary for Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle
[Kingston] British Whig (part 2)
Obituary for Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle
[Kingston] British Whig (part 3)
ProbateHis estate was probated on 17 Mar 1848 in Prerogative Court of Canterbury, London, England, with administration granted to Henry William Marriott, with power reserved of making the like grant to Humphrey and Charles the Brothers of the deceased when they shall apply for the same. The Death Duty Register noted that the estate of Sir Richd Henry Bonnycastle of Kingston in Canada was administered by Henry Wm Marriott of Craigs Ct Charing Cross.17,36 
Publication ''Canada as it was and as it may be', 2 vols. 8vo, edited by Lieutenant-colonel (afterward General) Sir J.E. Alexander, C.B. from a mass of writings RHB left unpublished at his death, was published in 1852 in London.6 
Note.Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle is one of my few ancestors who is still noticed today. Three Islands Press in Maine has copyrighted a font in their Old Maps Fonts series that was inspired by Richard Henry's hand lettered charts and maps. Click here to see the font. 
Last Edited24 Jan 2022

Citations

  1. Baptisms of St Mary Magdalene Woolwich, Kent. Register at London Metropolitan Archives. Image viewed at Ancestry. Richard Henry Bonnycastle, 1791.
  2. Microfilm of the Marriage Register of Edinburgh, Midlothian, 1858-1863 (Family History Library, 993527), Bonnycastle/Johnston marriage, 1812.
  3. Burial Register of St George's Cathedral, Kingston "Register #2-K-6, p. 74."
  4. WO 54, Return of the Corps of Royal Engineers at the Different Stations, 1808-1847, Richard Henry Bonnycastle, compiled by an unnamed researcher.
  5. Captain H G Hart, The New Army List (London: John Murray, 1846), viewed on Google Books.
  6. Sir Leslie Stephen ed. Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, London(1921-22) (http://www.ancestry.com, digital images), Bonnycastle, Sir Richard Henry, p825.
  7. Ancestry.com databases, online image from the Edinburgh Advertiser.
  8. Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh, Scotland), Saturday, August 15, 1812; Issue 14143. image online at 19th Century British Library Newspapers, a Gale digital collection.
  9. The Aberdeen (Scotland) Journal. image online at 19th Century British Library Newspapers, a Gale digital collection.
  10. Will and Administration of John Bonnycastle, Professor of Mathematics in the Royal Military Academy Woolwich, 17 August 1816, proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 27 September 1821.
  11. Index to Death Duty Registers, 1796-1903. Originals at The National Archives. Image viewed at Find My Past. Bridget Bonnycastle, 1826.
  12. Website The Ships List (www.theshipslist.com).
  13. Sir Leslie Stephen ed. Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, London(1921-22) (http://www.ancestry.com, digital images), Bonnycastle, Sir Richard Henry, p825; brevet- major.
  14. Microfilm of the Bishop's transcripts of St. Mary's Church, Lewisham, Kent, 1829-1837 (Family History Library, 307680), Bonnycastle/Cottrell marriage, 1837.
  15. Lewisham, Kent Parish Registers. Register at London Metropolitan Archives; image viewed at Ancestry. Humphrey Bonnycastle & Jane Cottrell, 1837, #439.
  16. Lewisham, Kent Parish Registers. Register at London Metropolitan Archives; image viewed at Ancestry. Humphrey Bonnycastle & Jane Cottrell, 1837, #1.
  17. Will and Administration of Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Captain in the Corps of Royal Engineers, 17 July 1837, proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 17 March 1848 (Family History Library, Film #0156663).
  18. New York Evening Post, No. 10826, 28 August 1837, p.3a (sent via email 14 nov 1997 from Michael Palmer).
  19. Ancestry.com databases, New York Passenger Lists.
  20. E-mails from David Beresford-Green to J Kolthammer.
  21. Kingston Chronicle and Gazette. Summary of article viewed at Digital Kingston Historic Newspapers.
  22. Kingston Chronicle and Gazette, 2 October 1839. Summary of article viewed at Digital Kingston Historic Newspapers.
  23. W.A. Shaw, The Knights of England (n.p.: n.pub., 1906 (reprint 1971)), Clayton Library, 929.7 S537.
  24. The London Gazette, online at www.gazettes-online.co.uk, Issue 19839, 24 Mar 1840, Page 4.
  25. Upper Canada Herald, Excerpts of a letter from Sir Richard Bonnycastle to James Nickalls. Image of article viewed at Digital Kingston Historic Newspapers.
  26. The Public Ledger [St John's Newfoundland], 28 July 1840. Image viewed at Google news archives.
  27. The London Gazette, online at www.gazettes-online.co.uk, Richard Henry Bonnycastle promotion, Issue 19899, 29 Sept 1840, page 2162.
  28. Obituary of Sir Richard Bonnycastle in Kingston Chronicle (copied in St John's Newfoundland Times, 15 Dec 1847), 4 November 1847, P2 C6.
  29. Kingston Chronicle and Gazette, 23 August 1843, page 2 column 5. Summary of article viewed at Digital Kingston Historic Newspapers.
  30. Index to Land Records, Ontario (OLRI), 1780s-1910s, compiled by Ontario Archives, Ontario, 1979.
  31. Kingston Chronicle and Gazette, 16 April 1845, page 3 column 1. Image viewed at Digital Kingston Historic Newspapers.
  32. Daily News (London, England, Issue 40, 16 July 1846. image online at 19th Century British Library Newspapers, a Gale digital collection.
  33. Burial Register of St George's Cathedral, Kingston.
  34. Obituary of Sir Richard Bonnycastle in Kingston Chronicle (copied in St John's Newfoundland Times, 15 Dec 1847), 4 November 1847.
  35. British Whig [Kingston, Ontario], Richard Henry Bonneycastle obituary, 6 November 1847, page 2. Image viewed at Digital Kingston Historic Newspapers.
  36. Index to Death Duty Registers, 1796-1903. Originals at The National Archives. Image viewed at Find My Past. Sir Richd Henry Bonnycastle, 1848, PC, Register 1, Folio 191.
  37. Letters from Doris Knox, Ontario, to J Kolthammer, dated early 1990s "letter, 17 Apr 1991 (quoting a bible)."
  38. Terrence M. Punch, Nova Scotia Vital Statistics from Newspapers, 1813-1822 (Halifax: Genealogical Committee of the Nova Scotia Historical Society, 1978), Acadian Recorder, Sat 26 Aug 1815.
  39. Microfilm of the Bishop's Transcripts of St Mary Woolwich, Kent, 1813-1818 (Family History Library, 307732).
  40. Letters from Doris Knox, Ontario, to J Kolthammer, dated early 1990s.
  41. Microfilm of the Bishop's transcripts of Plumstead, Kent, 1744-1853 (Family History Library, 1469482), film#1469482 contains Baptisms and burials 1820-1853 Marriages 1820-1836, Charlotte Bonnycastle baptism, 1825.
  42. Died., St. Catharine Constitutional, Ontario, 12 April 1860, page 3.
  43. Microfilm of the Bishop's transcripts of Plumstead, Kent, 1744-1853 (Family History Library, 1469482), film#1469482 contains Baptisms and burials 1820-1853 Marriages 1820-1836, Murray Bonnycastle baptism, 1825.
  44. Marriage certificate of John Waddingham and Louisa Bonnycastle, married 5 January 1870 in the Province of Ontario, Certificate #none.