An ongoing research project of the Ontario Genealogical Society, Toronto Branch

A widow leaves her mark on Toronto

By Jane E. MacNamara, on December 31st, 2011%

Was the Toronto community of Brockton named for War of 1812 hero Sir Isaac Brock?

Well, no. As Stephen Otto tells us in a new article for the Simcoe’s Gentry project, it was named for Sir Isaac’s not-so-famous cousin James Brock who was granted Park Lot 30.

An officer with the 49th Regiment of Foot and private secretary . . . → Read More: A widow leaves her mark on Toronto

Comments are closed   Land grants, Park Lot 30, Project overview, Toronto streets, War of 1812   , , , ,  

The Mysterious Joseph Dainty

By Janet Berkman, on July 4th, 2011%

Not much is known about Joseph Dainty, but he petitioned twice for land from Lt.-Gov. Simcoe. On July 10, 1793, he requested a lot in the new town being developed at Toronto as well as a 200-acre farm close by, and this request was granted three days later. A month later,  he made a specific request . . . → Read More: The Mysterious Joseph Dainty

Comments are closed   Land grants, Park Lot 33   , , ,  

Census Day 2011: Make your mark in history!

By Jane E. MacNamara, on May 5th, 2011%

Census Day in Canada is Tuesday, May 10. Canadians will receive the information brochure in the mail this week. It provides instructions from Statistics Canada about completing the census online, and how to order a paper form over the telephone if you prefer.

Regardless of the method you choose, please remember to check the “YES” box for the . . . → Read More: Census Day 2011: Make your mark in history!

Comments are closed   Uncategorized   , , , , ,  

Warming up cold January nights… in 1799

By Jane E. MacNamara, on January 14th, 2011%

Research for the Simcoe’s Gentry project has given us some intimate glimpses of what life was like in the early Town of York for the Park Lot owners.

For instance, we know from the diary of Alexander Macdonell (Collachie), that on January 2, 1799—“a fine, clear, cold day”—that he had both lunch and dinner in the officers’ . . . → Read More: Warming up cold January nights… in 1799

Comments are closed   Life in the Town of York   , ,  

Simcoe’s Gentry: the Park Lots of Toronto

By Janet Berkman, on January 4th, 2011%

Have you ever wondered why so many east-west streets in downtown Toronto are crooked?  Did you realize that this is an artifact of the way the original land was first surveyed and granted to the original landowners in the area? Might you be related to an early family that settled in now-downtown Toronto?

Intersection of . . . → Read More: Simcoe’s Gentry: the Park Lots of Toronto

One comment - (Comments are closed)   Project overview, Toronto streets   , , ,