"Matthew Phillips Family, Essex County,New Jersey-1783- Loyalists" My current project is to research the ancestors and descendents of MATTHEW PHILLIPS U.E. and MARY ACKERMAN who emigrated to New Brunswick, Canada in 1783. This family is known as United Empire Loyalists; as they were loyal to the King during the conflict that formed the United States. Because they lost property or served in the New Jersey Volunteers they were promised; by the Crown, to be relocated to other British Territory and be supported for two years during their adjustment to a new country. 40,000 Loyalists were moved by the British forces. Matthew and Mary were granted 1128 acres in Northampton, York County, NB by 1796. This was a sizable plantation. Earlier in a petition for land (under petition signed by Lieut. Wm. van Dumond, late of the 1st Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers), Matthew and his brother Thomas and nephew Zophar stated that they did not have land yet as it was unfit for cultivation.Matthew then moved his family up the Saint John River and settled opposite Meductic. Their children settled in Carleton County (which was formed in 1831), as well as all parts of North America. Thomas, his brother, settled in Rushagonis, near present day Oromocto and all of the Phillips of Sunbury County are likely his descendents. An additional two brothers settled in Nova Scotia prior to the great evacuation of New York.Fadey and Jesse Phillips settled in Liverpool, married and had families.Of the original Matthew Phillips family, four sons are condsidered Loyalists and the remaining five children continued in the Newark, NJ area. The Phillips family may have lived in Colonial America for several generations. Matthew's father's name was Matthew (Mathew Philips) and there is research indicating that the Phillips' may have settled early in Colonial America. There is good verifiable data that places the Phillips family in New Jersey before 1761 (the date Matthew Sr. died) My research indicates that the original source for Matthew Phillips U.E.and his family were recorded by Rev. Fred Dibblee, Woodstock, an Anglican priest who also was a Loyalist. His records indicate the birth of the eight children and the original document is found in the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. The birthdates recorded for each child is: Robert- 1774 Sarah- 1776 Caleb B. - 1778 Thomas- 1780 Charlotte- 1784 Lydia- 1786 Martha- 1789 David- 1790. (PANB certified copies) To date, I have communicated with descendents of Robert, Caleb, Thomas, Charlotte, Lydia and David. My anscestors are from the line of Matthew's(UE) son Thomas -- Joseph Ayers Cunliffe -- Samuel Nevers -- David Ayers Joseph -- Durrell Nevers and my father Gerald Eugene Phillips. Matthew Phillips U.E. has just been recognized by the Loyalist Society of Canada as a Loyalist and I am his direct descendent. Research was completed using only primary sources.(April, 2000) If you have information on the Phillips family please communicate using the published e-mail account. David Phillips U.E.
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