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The Canada Militia Act of 1855 reorganized the whole sedentary militia
into an active militia of 5,000 men. Following the Trent Affair in 1861,
tensions peaked and the threat of Fenian raids in Canada was real. With the
American Civil War in full swing, these Irish sympathizers planned to
invade Canada to divert Britain's attention away from problems at home. All
towns along the US-Canada border organized and trained their local voluntary
militia units. With supplies, weapons, and uniforms shipped
from England, ordinary citizens became soldiers ready to defend their towns
and villages.
On December 11,1862, the Brockville Infantry Company
was organized under the command of Captain Jacob Dockstader Buell, a
lawyer. The company comprised 3 officers and 55 militiamen. In 1863 five
other neighbouring infantry companies from Lyn,
Farmersville, Mallorytown, Easton's Corners and Burritt's Rapids joined to
form the 23rd Battalion of volunteer militia, with headquarters
in Brockville. The Brockville Infantry Company was called into active
service in 1866 during the Fenian raid following the Battle of Ridgeway, but
no shots were ever fired. Reorganization on October 5,1866 changed the name
to the 42nd Battalion.
With Confederation being proclaimed on July
1,1867, the defence of the country no longer relied on the infantry
companies, but became the responsibility of the regular army. Later the
headquarters moved to Perth, then to Renfrew, then to Pembroke and the name
became The Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment. Today the regular and
volunteer militia is known as The Brockville Rifles.