James Keating c.1786-1849

A sergeant in the Royal Artillery, Irish-born James Keating served with distinction during the War of 1812. His skilful handling of a British field gun forced the Americans to surrender Fort Shelby on the upper Mississippi in July 1814. Two months later, his well-aimed firing of the same artillery piece routed advancing troops down-river at Rock Island Rapids. For his actions, Keating was promoted lieutenant. At the war's end, he was appointed fort adjutant at St. Joseph's Island, a position he continued to hold when the garrison was moved here in 1828. A model soldier and citizen, Keating was a prominent figure in community life at Penetanguishene.