Reform movement (pre-Confederation Canada)
In Upper Canada (Ontario), the Reform movement was formed in opposition to the Family Compact. It was led initially by William Lyon Mackenzie, who became the principal figure in the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837. Mackenzie went into exile as a result of the failed rebellion. The uprising led to the 1839 Durham Report, which recommended responsible government and the union of Upper and Lower Canada as a means of assimilating Francophones. Only the union of the Canadas was to be immediately implemented.
Jacob R. Beamer
Beamer’s father came from New Jersey in 1796 and settled in Norfolk County. It was in his tavern in 1837 that one part of the Upper Canada Rebellion was formulated. This was a rebellion against the British colonial government in 1837 and 1838. Charles Duncombe conducted the meeting at the tavern and the Beamers began recruiting and training troops. These troops headed for Toronto to join William Lyon Mackenzie but were met and defeated by Allan MacNab who led the government troops. Jacob surrendered, was released and fled to Niagara Falls in New York State where he remained active in the rebel cause.