The British general Sir Isaac Brock (1769-1812) captured Detroit and became known as the "hero of Upper Canada" during the War of 1812 against the United States.

Isaac Brock, born on Oct. 6, 1769, at St. Peter Port on the island of Guernsey, entered the army as an ensign in 1785. Rising by purchase according to the custom of the time, he became a lieutenant colonel in 1797, commanded his regiment in the North Holland expedition in 1799, and later fought in the naval battle of Copenhagen. Sent to Canada with his regiment in 1802, he was promoted to colonel in 1805 and commanded the garrison at Quebec until 1810. He then was placed in charge of all British troops in Upper Canada and was promoted to major general in 1811; after October of that year he was also in charge of the civil government.

Brock brought to his job military skill, magnetic personal character, and expert knowledge...