Village of Debec
Debec, Off Highway #114
This village is named for one of its first settlers, New Brunswick born George DeBeck, a son of Loyalist Lieutenant John Ludwig DeBeck of the New York Volunteers. After the death of his father, George left the family homestead at Keswick and sailed to France where he joined Napoleon's army as a soldier of fortune. He served with distinction and was decorated by Napoleon with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Wagram in 1809 and resigned shortly after with the rank of colonel. He returned to Keswick, married Mary Green in 1810, and took up residence in what became known as the Village of Debec. He is buried in the Presbyterian churchyard, two miles from Debec Junction.