Historical Plaques of
Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry

The first Lutheran minister to settle in this province, Schwerdtfeger was born in Burgbernheim, Bavaria, and studied theology at the University of Erlangen. Emigrating to America in 1753, he served as pastor of congregations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York. Much persecuted for his allegiance to the Crown during the American Revolution, Schwerdtfeger moved to Canada in 1791. He settled here in Williamsburg Township and became pastor of a congregation of German Loyalists, which had been established in 1784, and by 1790 had constructed the first Lutheran church in what is now Ontario. Its site now lies beneath Lake St. Lawrence. Within a few years he had organized Lutheran congregations in neighbouring townships. He died in 1803 and was buried in the old church cemetery.

Col. Crysler came to Canada in 1784 as a U.E.Loyalist. He served in the Ottawa Legislature from 1808 until 1824. He was a member of St. John's Anglican Church, Chrysler, and donated land for the three churches in the Village.
He is buried in St. John's Anglican Cemetery, Crysler.

The Anglican Church of Canada Diocese of Ottawa Church of St. John, Crysler Parish. Founded 1817 First Church 1864 - 1889 Second Church 1889 - 1993

McIntosh's parents emigrated from Inverness, Scotland to the Mohawk Valley, N.Y., and John moved to Upper Canada in 1796. In 1811 he aquired a farm near this site, and while clearing the land of second growth discovered several apple seedlings. He transplanted these, and one bore the superior fruit which became famous as the McIntosh Red apple. John's son Allan established a nursery and promoted this new species extensively. It was widely acclaimed in Ontario and the northern United States, and was introduced into British Columbia about 1910. It's popularity in North America and propagation in many lands attest the initiative and industry of John McIntosh and his descendants.

This famous fur trader and explorer, son of a Loyalist officer, was born in what is now Vermont and came to Canada in 1784. He entered the fur trade with the North West Company in 1792 and in 1805 was placed in charge of operating west of the Rocky Mountains. In 1808, while searching for a water route to the Pacific, Fraser descended the turbulent river which bears his name. The skill and daring required to traverse those 500 miles with their violent whirlpools and rapids makes this feat one of the most outstanding in the exploration of Canada. Retiring from the Company in 1817, he settled on this property where he farmed and operated mills.

In 1881, Michael Cook, who operated a prosperous 200 acre farm here, imported the first Holstein Friesian cattle into Ontario. His action was part of a progressive movement amongst farmers to find a productive breed of cattle capable of supporting the province's rapidly developing dairy industry which increasingly focused on cheese production. Following his initial importation of two bulls and ten cows, Cook continued to import Holstein cattle from the United States and The Netherlands and to distribute these cattle throughout the province. They quickly established a high reputation among Ontario farmers and by 1886 their popularity in the industry was assured when the Dairymen's Association of eastern Ontario recognized the Holstein as the leading milk producing breed.

Commemorating 100 Years of Holstein Breeding in Canada. Michael P. Cook was the First To Import Holstein Friesian Cattle Into Ontario In 1881. First Importation 2 Bulls 10 Cows To Aultsville, Ontario, Stormont County. Cattle From This Shipment Founded The Base Of The Holstein Breed Today. Holsteins The Most Popular Dairy Breed. Michael P. Cook Was The First President Elected By The Holstein - Friesian Association Of Canada. Canadian Membership 14,000 In 1981 125,000 Registrations In 1980

This building, the oldest remaining stone structure in the province erected as a church, was completed about 1801. Many of the pioneer settlers in this area were Roman Catholic Highlanders, ministered to by Rev. Roderick Macdonell, the missionary at St. Regis. The church was built under his leadership, with the assistance of a prominent local settler, "Spanish" John Macdonell, who obtained contributions for its construction from members of the North West Company and other fur traders. It was used as a hospital during the War of 1812, and served its congregation until replaced by the adjacent church in 1860. Simon Fraser and Sandfield Macdonald are buried in the graveyard opposite

In this peaceful place of rest lie the pioneer settlers of this parish among whom known to [fae] are John Sandfield Macdonald, first Prime Minister of this Province and Simon Fraser the explorer of the Fraser River. As a tribute to their memory this burial ground was restored by the Provincial Government of Ontario in the year 1938

In memory of Simon Fraser explorer Born 1776 Died 1862. While in the employ of the North West Co. he conducted important exploration and pioneer work principally in the area known as British Columbia which he helped to secure for the British. He led the first exploring expedition to descend the great river which bears his name reaching the Gulf of Georgia on July 2nd, 1808.

To the people of the Township of Cornwall in loving memory of my parents Simon William Ault and Caroline Brownell Ault who spent long and useful lives in this immediate vicinity in Mille Roches, Moulinette. This park is given May 23 A.D. 1914. Levi Addison Ault Cincinnati, Ohio.

With the cooperation of the Ault family this park has been provided to replace the original park formerly located on the westerly end of Shere Island on land now flooded. The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario 1959

The original McIntosh Red Apple tree stood about 20 rods North of this spot. It was one of a number of seedlings taken from the border of the clearings and transplanted by John McIntosh in the year 1796.

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Erected by popular subscription 1912.

Born in nearby Matilda township, Locke studied medicine at Queen's University in Scotland. In 1908 he opened his medical office in this house. Interested in arthritis, which he believed was caused principally by fallen arches, he treated many arthritics in the following years by manual manipulation of their feet. Large numbers of his patients claimed to be cured or relieved by this method and his reputation spread across North America and overseas. From 1928 onwards thousands of the sick visited Dr. Locke in Williamsburg where he reportedly treated hundreds of persons daily. During the depression years this enormous influx brought significant prosperity to the region.

Born at Indian Lands (St. Elmo), Gordon was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1890. He served as a missionary in the North West Territories until 1893 and the following year was called to St. Stephens in Winnipeg. A chaplain during the War of 1914-18, he was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada 1921-22. Under the pen name of Ralph Connor, Gordon became one of Canada's leading authors and wrote such books as 'The Man from Glengarry', 'The Sky Pilot' and 'Glengarry School Days'. The themes of many of his novels were drawn from his missionary experiences and boyhood memories of Glengarry.

Built in 1821 - Gutted by fire in 1970 - Stabalized and landscaped in 1974 by the Ontario Heritage Foundation with the cooperation of the Township of Charlottensburgh and the Parish of St. Raphael's.

Dedicated as a Historical Landmark for the benefit of Ontario.

A mission of the Roman Catholic Highlanders of the Raisin River settlement was begun in 1786 by the Reverend Alexander Macdonell (Scotus) and later a small frame church, called the "Blue Chapel" was built. St. Raphael's Parish was officially recognized in 1802. The existing stone church, a fine example of Canadian neo-classical design, was begun in 1821 by the Most Reverend Alexander Macdonell, who had been appointed to St. Raphael's in 1804, made Vicar General of Upper Canada in 1807, and consecrated Bishop of Rhesina in 1820. From 1807 to 1826, when Macdonell became Bishop of Regiopolis (Kingston), St. Raphael's was the administrative centre of the Church of Upper Canada.

The extraordinary ruins of this church recall the early history of Roman Catholicism in Upper Canada. Begun in 1815, St. Raphael's Church originally served as the centre of the colony's largest and most important parish and the administrative headquarters of the first Roman Catholic Bishop, Alexander Macdonell. Situated in the heart of the historic Highland Settlement, the parish was the cradle of catholicism in Ontario. The ruins left standing after the fire of 1970 serve as a testament of Bishop Macdonell's determined efforts to forward the interests of his faith.

Construite en 1817-1819 par des artisans montréalais pour John Macdonell et son épouse métisse, Magdeleine Poitras, cette demeure était l'une des plus belles érigées dans la région par d'anciens partenaires de la Compagnie du Nord-Ouest. Élégante adaptation du style palladien, elle s'élevait au milieu d'un vaste domaine en exploitation, près de la rivière et de l'entreprise de transit de Macdonell. La famille l'avait baptisée ‹‹Poplar Villa››. Ses impressionnants murs de pierre et son intérieur raffiné témoignaient de rang élevé que tenait Macdonell dans la société commerciale et politique de l'Outaouais.

Early in September 1786, a group of some 500 Scottish Highlanders, the majority of whom were Macdonells, arrived at Quebec. They were led by their parish priest from Knoydart, Glengarry, the Reverend Alexander Macdonell (Scotus). Forced to emigrate because of their depressed economic conditions of the Highlands, they had been encouraged to come to Canada and settle among their fellow countrymen in what is now Glengarry County. Despite initial hardships, most of these Scottish pioneers settled successfully in this region, where their loyalty and military prowess were frequently demonstrated. Father Macdonell founded the parish of St. Rapael, one of the province's earliest Roman Catholic congregations.

This Log Structure completed in 1837, is the oldest remaining chapel in Ontario built by the Congregationalists. It's first minister, the Reverend William McKillican (1776-1849), emmigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1816, and settled in Glengarry the following year. Here, in 1823, he established one of the earliest congregations of his denomination in Upper Canada and ministered througout the surrounding region, he was succeeded by his son John (1824-1911) who first preached in this chapel in 1850, and was ordained here the following year. During the next 60 years local attendance diminished, and by about 1912 the building fell into disuse. In 1920 it was sold to the near by Gordon Presbyterian Church.

In June 1784 disbanded Loyalist soldiers and their families settled at New Johnstown, the site of present-day Cornwall. Initially called Pointe Maligne, the area had been visited by native traders and French missionaries and explorers during the 17th and early 18th centuries. In 1794 Cornwall was designated a judicial and adiminstrative centre for the Eastern District and by 1805 contained a court house, a schoolhouse, two churches and numerous dwellings. The community grew gradually and was incorporated in 1834. The construction of the Cornwall Canal in 1834-42 accelerated its development. With the erection of mills and large factories along the canal's course, Cornwall emerged by the end of the century as a signifcant industrial centre in Eastern Ontario and as a distinctive bicultural community.

This property formed part of the extensive lands granted to Capt. Samuel Anderson, U.E.L., one of the first persons to settle on the site of Cornwall. Born in New England of Irish parents, he served with the British forces during the Seven Years War. At the outbreak of the American Revolution Anderson was imprisoned by the rebels after he had refused a commission in the Continental Army. He escaped in 1776 and was appointed a captain in the 1st Battalion K.R.R.N.Y. He became a justice of the peace for this area in 1785 and later served as the first judge of the Eastern District.

This pioneer clergyman, legislator and teacher was born in 1778 in Aberdeen, Scotland, and in 1799 came to Kingston as a tutor. In 1803, after entering the Church of England, he was ordained and appointed missionary at Cornwall. Here, in 1804-05, he built its first Anglican church. Shortly afterwards he opended a boys' school which became renowned for its high academic standards and eminent graduates. In 1812 he became Rector of York (Toronto), and subsequently a member of the province's executive and legislative councils. Appointed Upper Canada's first Anglican bishop in 1839, he died in 1867 and this church, commenced in 1869 is dedicated to his memory.

The regiment of Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles was raised in 1811-12 largely from among the Highland settlers of this region, many of whom had served previously in Europe with the Glengarry (British Highland) Fencibles. The Canadian corps was recruited through the efforts of Major George Richard John Macdonell ("Red George") assisted by the Rev. Alexander Macdonell (later Upper Canada's first Roman Catholic Bishop) who served as its chaplain. The regiment was taken on the regular British army establishment in 1812, and disbandoned at Kingston in 1816. Detachments of the Fencibles distinguished themselves in many hard fought engagements including: Salmon River, 1812; Ogdensburg, 1813; Lundy's Lane, Fort Erie, and Mackinac, 1814.

The central portion of this building was completed in 1833 and served as the court-house and gaol of the Eastern District. First named Luneburgh, this district was established in 1788 by proclamation. In 1794 an Act of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada authorized the magistrates of the District Court of Quarter Sessions to erect a court-house and gaol at Cornwall. A two-storey frame structure was completed on this site about 1802 and until destroyed by fire in 1826, served as the centre of local judicial and municipal administration. It was replaced by the main block of the present building, which is one of the province's oldest remaining public structures.

Construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway required the flooding of 20,000 acres along the Canadian shoreline between Iroquois and Cornwall. Some of these lands had been settled by loyalists in the 1780s. Between 1955 and 1957, 6,500 residents were relocated many of them to the new communities of Ingleside and Long Sault. Work crews moved buildings to new sites and re-routed highways and railway tracks. Iroquois and part of Morrisburg were rebuilt on higher ground. On "Inundation Day", July 1, 1958, the rising waters of Lake St. Lawrence slowly submerged the villages of Aultsville, Farran's Point, Woodlands, Dickinson's Landing, Wales, Moulinette, Mille Roches, and a farming community on Sheek's Island.

In November, 1813, an American army of some 8000 men, commanded by Major-General James Wilkinson, moved down the St. Lawrence en route to Montreal. Wilkinson was followed and harassed by a British corps of observation consisting of about 800 regulars, militia and Indians commanded by Lieut.-Col. Joseph Morrison. On November 11, Morrison's force, established in a defensive position on John Crysler's farm, was attacked by a contingent of the American army numbering about 4000 men commanded by Brigadier-General J.P. Boyd. The hard fought engagement ended with the Americans withdrawal from the battlefield. This reverse combined with the defeat of another invading army at Chateauquay on October 26 saved Canada from conquest in 1813.

Born in Williamsburg and educated at the Cornwall Grammar School, Whitney was called to the Bar in 1876. He was elected to the legislative assembly as Conservative member for Dundas in 1888. A noted orator, he was leader of the opposition 1896-1905. In the latter year the Liberal government headed by the Hon. G.W. Ross was defeated and Whitney became the sixth prime minister of Ontario. He held that post 1905-14 and his administration was noted for its introduction of extensive legislation relating to agriculture, labour, education and public utilities. Whitney received his knighthood in 1908.

Born in Ireland, Nunney was brought up in Lancaster Township, Glengarry. He enlisted in the 38th Battalion, C.E.F. in 1915 and in 1916 was sent to France where he won the Military Medal and Distinguished Conduct Medal. On September 1, 1918, his unit was heavily counter-attacked near Vis-en-Artois. On his own initiative Private Nunney went through the German barrage to the forward posts, where, by his fearless example, he encouraged his companions to repulse the enemy. During the Canadain attack on the following day, he was continually in the forefront, and displayed throughout the highest degree of valour. Severely wounded, he died on September 18, and was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.

St. Raphael is the birthplace of John Sandfield Macdonald, Prime Minister of the Province of Canada 1862-64, and first Premier of Ontario 1867-71. First elected to represent Glengarry in the legislature of Canada in 1841, he became one of the leaders of the Reform party and served in several ministries prior to Confederation in 1867. Always independent in his political thinking, he at first opposed the federation of the provinces. Later he co-operated with Sir John A. Macdonald, chief architect of Confederation, at whose request he formed a coalition ministry in Ontario.

Born in this township, John Angus "Cariboo" Cameron married Margaret Sophia Groves in 1860. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, he went to British Columbia in 1862 to prospect in the Cariboo gold fields. That year at Williams Creek he struck a rich gold deposit. While there his wife died of typhoid fever and, in order to fulfil her dying wish to be buried at home, he transported her body in an alcohol-filled coffin some 8,600 miles by sea via the Isthmus of Panama to Cornwall. She is buried in the nearby Salem Church cemetery. Cameron built this house, "Fairfield", in 1865, and in 1886 returned to the B.C. gold fields. He is buried near Barkerville, B.C.

Son of the celebrated Indian superintendent Sir William Johnson, Sir John was born in 1742 in New York’s Mohawk Valley. During the American Revolution his Loyalist sympathies brought him to Canada where he organized the King’s Royal Regiment of New York. After the Revolution he received extensive Crown-land grants in Glengarry County and elsewhere. He built a grist-mill and sawmill here on the Raisin River about 1790 and, on the bank opposite a manor-house. Appointed to the Legislative Council of Lower Canada in 1796, he died near Montreal in 1830.

In September, 1802, over 400 Highland emigrants, including more than 100 MacMillans, arrived at Montreal under the leadership of Archibald McMillan (Murlaggan) on board the vessels “Friends”, “Helen” and “Jane”. He planned to form a settlement in Argenteuil County, Lower Canada, but while negotiations were proceeding, many of his followers moved to Glengarry, Upper Canada, where relatives and friends were already established. In 1804 Murlaggan’s cousin, Alan McMillan (Glenpean), secured land in the wilderness township of Finch, Stormont County, where with some forty MacMillans, Camerons and others he laid the foundation of its settlement. Murlaggan acquired land in Argenteuil in 1807-08 where he settled shortly thereafter. Glenpean died in 1823 and is buried here.

Following the organization of a Pesbyterian congregation in 1787, a log church was erected here and replaced in 1806 by a stone structure. The present church was begun in 1812. Its bell was presented in 1806 by Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the great western explorer, and its communion service in 1820 by friends in Scotland. The first allotment of pews was made by lot on February 23, 1818, after special places had been reserved for the minister’s family, Mackenzie and other partners of the North West Company. Between 1787 and 1958 the congregation was served by only six ministers.

Born in Scotland about 1764 he settled with his parents in Schenectady, New York. His father served with a Loyalist regiment during the American Revolution, following which the family moved to Glengarry. In 1784 Duncan entered the North West Company where, as manager of its Red River Department, he endeavoured to persuade Lord Selkirk’s settlers to abandon their lands. When Selkirk’s forces attacked Fort Gilbraltar in 1816, Cameron was captured and taken to England. Released and compensated for false arrest, he returned to Williamstown in 1820. He died in 1848 and is buried here.

Some fifteen years after the British conquest of New France, the Montreal-based fur trade was revived, primarily by Scots. Competition among the individuals and small partnerships led to larger groupings, culminating in 1779 in the formation of the first “North West Company”. Reconstituted, 1783-4, the organization became a vital factor in the economy and exploration of this nation. Many of its partners and employees were drawn from among the Highland settlers of Glengarry County. Notable figures in the Company included: Benjamin and Joseph Frobisher, Simon McTavish, William McGillivray, Simon Fraser, Sir Alexander Mackenzie and David Thompson. Ruinous competition between the North West and Hudson’s Bay Companies finally compelled them to unite in 1821.

Ontario’s oldest continually operated agricultural fair received its patent on March 29, 1808, from Francis Gore, Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. It is probable that at first, the local farmers simply gathered on the village common or streets. However on June 25, 1814, Sir John Johnson, the founder of Williamstown, granted twelve acres for the express purpose of holding a fair and it has been held here annually ever since. Through the years, this fair, like many others in the province, has raised our standards of agriculture by providing a centre for the display of superior farm products and livestock.

Begun about 1812 this house, one of the finest country residences of the day, was the home of the Honourable Alexander Fraser, Quartermaster of the Canadian Fencibles during the War of 1812. Fraser became Colonel of the 1st Regiment, Glengarry Militia, in 1822 and served under Sir John Colborne in Lower Canada during the Rebellion of 1837-38. Elected in 1828 to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada, he was appointed in 1839 to the Legislative Council. From 1842-49 he was the first Warden of the Eastern District, now the counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

A vital cultural force in Eastern Ontario, the Franco-Ontarian community in Cornwall was established during the late 1870s when large-scale industrial expansion led to an influx of workers and tradesmen from Quebec. By 1881 French-speaking residents comprised the largest single cultural group in the town. Supported by a number of religious and scholastic institutions, including l’église de la Nativité de la Bienheureuse Vierge Marie, the Francophone community grew steadily in the decades that followed. Increasingly it asserted its cultural distinctiveness, paying particular attention to language preservation and French education. Long-standing efforts to protect and advance the community’s rights and interests in these spheres culminated in the opening in 1974 of La Citadelle, an all French secondary school.

Born in Scotland and educated for the priesthood, MacDonell obtained land in Glengarry County and, in 1804, brought many soldiers from his disbanded Highland Regiment to join the Loyalists already in Upper Canada. Having helped raise a second regiment which he accompanied into action during the War of 1812, he launched an unsuccessful campaign for provincially supported Catholic Schools. Consecrated in 1826, he became the first Roman Catholic Bishop in Upper Canada. After serving as a Legislative Councillor (1831-9), he returned to Scotland to promote emigration to Canada. He died at Dumfries.

Né en Écosse et ordonné prétre, MacDonell obtint des terres dans le comté de Glengarry et, en 1804, amena de nombreux soldats de son Highland Regiment dans le Haut-Canada. Ayant aidé à recruter un nouveau régiment qu'il suivit sur le champ de bataille en 1812, il organisa sans succés une campagne pour faire subventionner par la province les écoles catholiques. Sacré évéque en 1826, il fut le premier prélat catholique du Haut-Canada. Il fut membre du Conseil législatif (1831-39), mais retourna en Écosse pour promouvoir l'émigration au Canada. Il mourut à Dumfries.

The Cornwall Canal was one of eight canals that connected western Canada with the ocean by way of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Constructed in 1834 - 1842 to overcome the rapids of the Long Sault, it was enlarged several times between 1876 - 1904 and superseded by the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959.

Ce canal était l'un des huit canaux qui reliaient l'Ouest canadien et l'Atlantique par la voie des Grands Lacs et de Saint-Laurent. Construit de 1834 à 1842 pour contourner les rapides du Long-Sault, agrandi plusieurs fois entre 1876 et 1904, il fut remplacé par la voie maritime du Saint-Laurent en 1959.

Born in Scotland about 1769, Miles emigrated with his father, 'Spanish' John, and other members of the family to New York 1773. Following the Revolution, they settled near Cornwall at St. Andrews West. In 1811-12 he became Lord Selkirk's agent, and led the first band of settlers to the Red River colony. The Nor'Westers endeavoured to destroy the settlement, and arrested Macdonell on a false charge in 1815. Released without trial, he returned to his farm in Osnabruck township, but later moved to his brother's residence at Pointe Fortune, where he died in 1828.

In 1793 some forty families, including members of several clans, emigrated from Glenelg, Scotland, under the leadership of Alexander MacLeod and landed at St. John's Island (now Prince Edward Island). The following year they came to Glengarry County and petitioned for land. In August, 1794, the majority were authorized to occupy 200 acres each in the vicinity of Kirkhill, which was for many years known as Glenelg. Alexander MacLeod, who was located on this property in 1794, was instrumental in founding one of the earliest Presbyterian parishes in Upper Canada here in Lochiel township. During the War of 1812 he served as a Captain in the 2nd Regiment of the Glengarry Militia and died March 4, 1850.

An internationally renowned financier, Peacock was born near here in the former Congregational Church manse and educated at Queen's University in Kingston. He taught at Upper Canada College for seven years before joining the Dominion Securities Corporation, a prominent investment company, in 1902. Five years later he was transferred to London, England to manage the firm's European office. Acclaimed for his exceptional financial abilities, Peacock played an increasingly important role in the international securities market and in industrial organization and reconstruction as a director of the Bank of England (1921-24, 1929-46), the head of Baring Brothers and Company (1929-54) and a director of the Commonwealth Development Finance Company (1953-59). He also became a trusted adviser to the Royal Family and was knighted for his services in 1934.

Established by the Reverend Alexander Macdonell, father of Roman Catholic education in Upper Canada and later Bishop of Kingston, the College of Iona was opened in 1826 in a log building near this site. The central portion of the nearby stone structure, erected by Macdonell in 1808 as the presbytery for the parish, served as a residence for teachers and students. Much of the cost of construction and of the operational expenses of the school were borne by Macdonell. In addition to being the first seminary in Upper Canada, the school offered a general academic education preparing boys for secular vocations. After about ten years its functions were taken over by Regiopolis College in Kingston.

This mill was built in 1846 to replace part of a milling complex developed by Malcolm McMartin early in the century. Like similar operations throughout the province, the McMartin mills provided essential local services in an era of poor transportation. They served area residents by sawing timber, carding wool, fulling cloth and grinding grain. The mills and their associated tavern and store attracted tradesmen and residents, creating the village of Martintown. Malcolm McMartin's son Alexander, builder of this mill, became an influential local businessman, militia leader and politician. His grist mill survived in a market increasingly dominated by large competitors until it finally ceased operations in 1951.