[mass55th]

Thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience with my family history. My mother was born in Canada, and never really knew much about her side of the family. After she passed, I went to Ontario province to see what records I could find. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I discovered that I had both Loyalists and Patriots in my family. My 5th great-grandfather was a Lieutenant in a NY State militia. He's listed in the DAR Patriot Index. The Canadian connection came when a son, who had also served in the same militia unit, moved to Canada after the war, and married the daughter of a Loyalist. Because of his move, he was written out of his father's Will.

The Loyalists were originally from NY State, and more than likely moved to Canada when the war broke out. I often wonder if the young man had fallen in love with the Loyalist daughter while they were still in NY, then gave it all up after the war, to go to Canada and marry the girl of his dreams. Nice story, but no proof. Both families were from Duchess County, NY, so it's definitely a possibility.

[ops33]

You might want to check to see if your Loyalist ancestors filed any claims against the US government after the Revolutionary War. Many Loyalists lost property, goods, homes, etc., when they left. There was a method set up after the War to file claims for restitution. Never can tell what you may find but any claims could show exactly where your ancestors lived, worked, etc.