Pierpoint, Richard National Historic Person
Fergus, Ontario
Illustration of Richard Pierpoint by Malcolm Jones
(© Malcolm Jones, 1.E.2.4-CGR2, Canadian War Museum | Musée canadien de la guerre)
Address :
Fergus, Ontario
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2020-07-23
Life Date:
1744 to 1838
Other Name(s):
-
Richard Pierpoint
(Designation Name)
-
Captain Dick
(Other Name)
-
Parepoint
(Other Name)
-
Pawpine
(Other Name)
Research Report Number:
2019-22
Importance:
Rare known accounts of the life experience and contributions of a Black Loyalist in Upper-Canada
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Pierpoint Fly Fishing Nature Reserve, 449 Anderson Street South, Fergus, Ontario
Born in Bundu, now in Senegal, Richard Pierpoint was captured, forcibly transported to the Thirteen Colonies, and sold into slavery around 1760. He fought as a free man with Butler’s Rangers, a loyalist unit, during the American Revolution and settled in Niagara, joining other Black free men in trying to secure land separate from white settlers. During the War of 1812, he contributed to the creation of the Colored Corps. After the war he requested passage to West Africa, but was instead given a parcel of land near here. A gifted storyteller, Pierpoint was a respected leader and advocate for the Black community.