Fisher started researching his family's genealogy four years ago. It didn't take him long to find he was a descendant of Aaron Doan, a legendary figure from the Revolutionary War who eventually came to Canada and settled in Humberstone Township.

On July 19, Fisher's work culminated at Steele Cemetery in a ceremony to dedicate the site as a United Empire Loyalist burial site, the first graveyard in Port Colborne to be formally marked as such.

Another plaque, honouring Doan, who was buried there after his death August 2, 1844, was also unveiled at the Concession 2 cemetery.

The ceremony was attended by dozens of descendants and history buffs.

While the Doans were revered in their new homeland, they were marked for death in Pennsylvania for helping the British while the U.S. battled for independence.

"They were classed as traitors," said Bob Porter, a great, great, great grandson of Aaron Doan. "They robbed the rich Americans to help the English."

They also distributed counterfeit bank notes and spied for their mother country, and acted as guides for the British troops.

The Doans were compared to the devil and a bounty was placed on each of their heads, noted Peter Doan, a great, great, great nephew of Aaron's.

Aaron's brother, Levi, and cousin, Abraham, were hung in Pennsylvania. His oldest brother, Moses, was shot by angry Americans.

While brother, Mahlon, fled back to England, Aaron and brother, Joseph, settled in Canada and settled in Humberstone Township.

"That's a lot of history to be able to pass down to your children," said Fisher, a Fenwick resident who said he was surprised by the turnout for the dedication.

Welland MPP Peter Kormos said the Doans were a great example of sticking to principles.