In 1814, he relocated to West Flamborough Township, which was located further from the border with the United States, and set up a small industrial centre there.
By this time, he was again operating a number of ships transporting goods along the lower Great Lakes.
He supported union with Lower Canada, although he opposed the use of French in the legislature, and he was re-appointed to the Legislative Council for the united province.
In November 1843, he was one of a group of members who walked out of the council to protest the movement of the capital from Kingston to Montreal.
His son, Adam Crooks, went on to serve in the Ontario legislature, becoming attorney general and provincial treasurer.