The Fascinating Story of Samuel Chandler of St. Johns
I realize this area is technically Thorold, however this area sits very close to the Pelham border and in fact this road crosses the border.
If you’ve ever travelled along Orchard Hill Drive in St. Johns, you’ve likely noticed the monument commemorating the Battle of St. Johns and the events surrounding the Rebellion era in Niagara. While the monument marks a significant chapter in local history, it also serves as a reminder of one of the area’s most intriguing and controversial residents—Samuel Chandler.
Born in New York State, Chandler moved to Upper Canada before 1820 and established a wagon-making business in St. Johns West. He was known as a strong-willed and outspoken man who wasn’t afraid to challenge authority. His radical political views made him a well-known figure in the community, and local officials kept a close eye on his activities long before the Rebellion of 1837.
When rebel leader William Lyon Mackenzie fled after the uprising, Chandler reportedly helped guide him to safety across the border into the United States. He later became involved with the Patriot movement and remained committed to the reform cause even after the rebellion had largely been crushed.
In June 1838, Chandler became linked to the Short Hills Raid, when a group of Patriots entered St. Johns. The raid resulted in robberies, the burning of an inn, and a confrontation with government forces. Historical accounts suggest Chandler’s role was complex. While some reports indicate he tried to help certain neighbours, others claim he actively supported the raiders. Like many figures from this turbulent period, he remains a subject of debate.
What is clear is that Chandler possessed a determined and rebellious personality. He was willing to risk his livelihood, freedom, and ultimately his future for a cause he believed in. Whether viewed as a freedom fighter or a rebel, he was undoubtedly a man of conviction.
Following the raid, Chandler was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to transportation for life to Van Diemen’s Land, present-day Tasmania. In an extraordinary twist, he escaped in 1841 with fellow rebel Benjamin Wait and eventually reached the United States. After spending time in Michigan, he settled in Iowa, where he lived out his remaining years as a farmer and miller.
Today, as visitors pass the monument on Orchard Hill Drive, they are not only reminded of a battle and a rebellion but also of individuals like Samuel Chandler—men whose choices helped shape the history of St. Johns, Niagara, and Canada itself.
Resource: Dictionary of Canada Biography
Written by Colin Read