Philip Long

For the American swimmer, see Philip Long (swimmer).

Philip Long (died 1832) was an American colonist who remained loyal to the British government during the American War of Independence. Though his origins and early life are cloaked in mystery and debate, it is thought that by 1775, he was an active colonial loyalist. He eventually donned a uniform when he joined the King's American Regiment. After the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Long left for Canada as a refugee where he was granted land by the British Crown for his military service. His descendants are numerous and live all over North America today.

Early life

Although controversial, 1742 is a likely birth year of Philip Long based on information in his death certificate in 1832 and the 1831 Census in Clair, New Brunswick. Oral history seems to point to his possible birth in Europe. He is said to be of Scottish ancestry, to have immigrated to the North American Continent in the New England area, and to have likely lived in Philadelphia. There is no documentary evidence to support this oral history at this time.

Another possible birth year of 1757 was deduced by Mgr. Lang based on oral history whereby Philip Long committed an act of bravery (for which there is documentary evidence) at the age of 18 (note: there is no documentary evidence for this age), and that he committed this act in 1775. The latter year is referenced by Philip Long in one of his letters as the year where “Since the year 1775, for my King and country …”. However, there is real uncertainty that Philip was in fact referring to the year when he committed his act of bravery. Instead, it is more likely that he was referring to the beginning of his expressed Loyalism to the Crown. The year 1757 is inconsistent with the documentary evidence uncovered to date.

References

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