Catharine Weaver Upper (1779-1835)

The tombstone of Catharine Upper,  Upper Family Burial Ground,  Thorold, Ont.

Catharine Weaver was born on 10 April 1779 [4 October 1799] in Thorold to Peter and Eve (Refill) Weaver.  Peter Weaver had fled the United States with his mother and stepfather Frederick Williams in 1786.   In 1797, Peter Weaver petitioned for land based on his good character and being a step-son to Williams who had served in the Royal Engineers.  Peter Weaver is buried in the Old Beaverdams Burying Ground in Thorold. 

In February 1799, Catharine married Anthony Upper of Thorold Township.   Both the Weaver and Upper families were of German origin and natives of New Jersey.  Anthony Upper would later become prominent in the War of 1812, serving in the Lincoln Militia under first Robert Hamilton, then George Turney and John Chrysler.   He remained active in the military, eventually attaining the rank of Major in 1837.      

Catharine and Anthony Upper had 11 children.  Catharine Upper died 11 February 1835 at the age of 58 and is buried in the Upper Burial Ground in Allanburg, Thorold Township.  

Anthony Upper remarried in 1839 to Phebe Caroline Wollis. 

The Upper family home in Thorold, Ontario.  Source: Jubilee History of Thorold.