One of the first Black settlers in this region, Pierpoint was born in Senegal. At the age of about 16 he was
imprisoned and shipped to America where he became the slave of a British officer. During the American
Revolution he enlisted in the British forces, thereby gaining his freedom, and served with Butler’s
Rangers. Disbanded at Niagara, “Captain Dick” settled near here. At the outbreak of the War of 1812 he
joined the Coloured Corps and in 1821, recalling his militia service, he petitioned the government for
passage home to Africa. Although his request was denied, the aged Pierpoint was granted land in present-
day Fergus. Remarkably he fulfilled the required settlement duties when over 80 and then apparently
returned to this area.
Received June 05, 1985
St. Cath Museum
