Thomas Dorland
Thomas Dorland(1759 – March 5, 1832) was a farmer, soldier and political figure inUpper Canada.
Born inDutchess County, New York,Dorland was a member of a family of DutchQuakers;the family name was originally spelled "Dorlandt". During theAmerican Revolution,he broke with Quaker doctrines against violence and fought with theBritishand became a member of a company of soldiers led byPeter Van Alstine.After the war, he settled inAdolphustown Townshipin Upper Canada and later joined theChurch of England.
He was appointedjustice of the peacein theMidland Districtin 1800 and also representedLennoxandAddingtonin theLegislative Assembly of Upper Canadafrom 1804 to 1812. He was a captain in the local militia and served during theWar of 1812.From 1802 to 1824, Dorland operated a ferry between Adolphustown and Van Alstine's Mills (Glenora) inPrince Edward County.
Dorland was reported to have enslaved as many as 20 people.
He died at Adolphustown in 1832.
His brotherPhiliphad been elected to the1st Parliament of Upper Canadabut was unseated because, as a practicing Quaker, he refused to take the oath of office.