Contributions by Brian Huis and Gregory Childs. Edited by Mary Simpson.
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, the Simpson Cemetery in Southwest Middlesex came alive with memory, history, and community spirit. Over 50 descendants, neighbours, and friends gathered under the shade of the massive White Oak “heritage tree” for the annual cemetery memorial hosted by the Glencoe & District Historical Society (GDHS). This year a group of Simpson descendants, Micheline Champagne-Johnston, Wanda Simpson, Wendy Bestward, Jan Simpson, Dennis Simpson, Mary Simpson, and Brian Huis, joined in to give the event an interesting twist.
Cemeteries, particularly in rural Ontario, have long been places of both remembrance and reflection. Their park-like settings provide green space, cultural continuity, and a sense of belonging. This year’s memorial carried on the tradition of visiting and honouring one local cemetery each year.
Cemeteries are not only about the past; they are living classrooms and gathering spaces that remind us of who we are and the legacies we carry forward. – Brian Huis
Honouring Nicholas Bodine, War of 1812 Veteran
The central feature of the 2025 memorial was the recognition of Private Nicholas Bodine (1788–1885), a War of 1812 veteran buried in Simpson Cemetery. Bodine served in the 2nd Company, 1st Regiment of the Norfolk Militia and fought at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane on July 25, 1814—one of the war’s bloodiest encounters.
Nicholas’ service with the Norfolk Militia is perpetuated by the current Reserve Army Regiment, The 56th Field Artillery Regiment of the Royal Canadian Regiment of Artillery (56 FD), headquartered in Brantford. The Government of Canada awarded several War 1812-15 battle honours: ‘Detroit’, ‘Niagara’, ‘Queenston Heights’, ‘Defence of Canada 1812-15’, some of which, if not all were likely fought by Nicholas. The Norfolk Militia was also involved with the skirmish at the McCrae House near Chatham.
Born in Pennsylvania, Bodine came to Upper Canada in 1811, married Charlotte Sovereign, and farmed 50 acres in Mosa Township. His long life of 97 years was remembered in the Glencoe Transcript obituary of 1885, which praised his loyalty, faith, and wide respect in the community.
To mark his service, participants heard about the National War of 1812 Veteran Gravesite Recognition Project, which ensures veterans’ graves are marked with granite plaques. The idea to recognize Bodine locally was initiated by GDHS historian Harold Carruthers, a Loyalist descendant.
The afternoon included:
- A ceremonial tribute to Nicholas Bodine’s military service.
- Historical storytelling about the Simpson Cemetery and its “residents,” highlighting the role of pioneers, settlers, and community builders.
Demonstrations of gravestone care, including rubbings, cleaning, and repair techniques.
Informal “ancestor storytelling,” where families and neighbours shared memories and genealogical connections while touring the grounds.
Gregory Childs emphasized how the recognition of Bodine’s martial service “added the sizzle to the steak,” enriching an event already full of meaning. He praised the strong turnout from GDHS members and the descendants’ circle, noting how the balance between military commemoration and community remembrance worked well. Greg Childs is a historian as well as the the Parliamentarian and Protocol Officer for the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada.
Plans have begun to honour John Phillips, Loyalist ancestor of Harold Carruthers, in Willey Cemetery.
The 2025 Simpson Cemetery memorial blended remembrance, education, and fellowship. It honoured both the collective of ancestors and the specific contribution of War of 1812 veteran Nicholas Bodine. The presence of local families, neighbours, and Legion members underscored the continued value of cemeteries as places where history, identity, and community meet.
