John Kilborn (June 27, 1794 – March 25, 1888) was a militiaman, merchant, lumberman and political figure in Upper Canada, and was an early settler of Newboro, North Crosby.
Early life
He was born in Elizabethtown Township, Upper Canada, the son of David Kilborn and Hannah White, and was educated near Brockville. He was of United Empire Loyalist stock.
War of 1812
Leeds Militia
During the War of 1812, Kilborn enlisted as a Private in the 1st Flank Company of the Leeds Militia in Brockville. He later recalled:
I, with other men volunteered to serve in the First Flank Company of the County of Leeds, under Captain John Stuart, late Sheriff of Johnstown District, for six month’s service, and I happened to be the first man placed on duty by Lieutenant William Morris to guard the Kingston road, near the bridge at the West end of Brockville. I continued on duty with the company, being drilled daily by Lieutenant Morris.
He served on duty in Brockville and fought in the First Battle of Ogdensburg on October 4, 1812 which was launched from Prescott:
Assistance from the Brockville men was asked for, and with about forty others, I volunteered and marched to Prescott during the night, under the command of Reuben Sherwood and Lieutenant William Morris. Boats were made ready, and, early in the morning, led by Colonel Lethbridge, with part of a company of regulars, the attack was made. The boat I was in was commanded by William Morris. After getting near the batteries (which they plied constantly), and in front of the town [Ogdensburg], we failed to effect a landing and returned to Prescott. The loss in our boat was one killed and eight wounded.
He may also have fought with the Leeds Militia at the Second Battle of Ogdensburg in February 1813, afterwards being promoted to Sergeant in the Flank Company.
Incorporated Militia
On April 17, 1813, Kilborn was appointed an Ensign in Captain Thomas Fraser's Company of the Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada and served at Prescott as a Quarter Master for the Incorporated Militia of the Eastern District. He recalled:
Kilborn remained in Prescott until early 1814, being posted to York on March 7, 1814 to join the Incorporated Militia there. From May 25 until June 1, he was on duty at Fort George, but with the defeat at Chippewa on July 6 the Militia marched hastily towards Niagara. He recalled:
The next day we marched for Chippewa. The day being hot, on reaching the Falls, we stacked arms, and rested for half-an-hour, when, again starting for our destination, we were soon met by our troops from Chippewa, they having destroyed and abandoned our works there bringing all the guns and stores that teams could be got to draw, accompanied by hundreds of women and children, besides men on foot and vehicles, making their way to Fort George, as a place of safety, the enemy being in pursuit, and not far behind. Our regiment, having had a slow and fatiguing march already, wheeled about, and was given a special privilege and benefit of marching in front. Retracing our steps as fast as possible, we reached the foot of the mountain, at Queenston, a little after dark, where a short halt was made, and where we got a drink of muddy sulphur water that crossed the road, and had served to each man and officer about half-a-pound of bread that had been brought in an open wagon, and was pretty well filled with dust and gravel, gladly eating and drinking such as could be got. Having rested awhile, the march was continued for Fort George, seven miles distance.
After starting for Fort George, we were halted at McFarland’s, a large deserted brick house, about a mile outside the fort, as a piquet guard, until morning, the remainder of our force passing on to the fort. After placing sentries, all found a resting place on the floor of the house and ground of the orchard near by, until daylight, from whence we could see the tents of the enemy, established on the mountain, six miles from us.
After daylight we were marched to Niagara, and encamped within range of the fort, remaining there several days. During that time, the Americans had advanced to McFarland’s, and placed guards and piquets, nearly surrounding us with sentries. We, of course did the same, which brought them and our sentries within speaking distance of each other. On several occasions, attempts were made, particularly at night, to capture our sentries and guards.
Lundy's Lane
Kilborn then fought at the Battle of Lundy's Lane with the Incorporated Militia. He stated: