Author: Mike

George Chisholm

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford George Chisholm Tues., January 17, 1978 Charles King, of last week’s article, did not settle alone. He bought his land in conjunction with George Chisholm. The story of George and his brother John is exciting enough to form a great movie! Their travels from Scotland to Delaware River Valley; their short settlement in New York State; their hardships ...
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The King Family

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford The King Family Tues., January 10, 1978 Charles King, born in Morris County. New Jersey in 1765, stated that he had been in Upper Canada for six years when he petitioned for a land grant. There are records of other Kings prior to 1800 in Upper Canada. When Charles purchased his property from Dr. Robert Kerr in 1793, he was married and had several chil...
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The Land Family

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford The Land Family Tues., December 27, 1977 Some time ago, Robert Land was mentioned as a very early settler on the site of Hamilton (1783). Robert originally settled as youth (from Devon) on the Delaware River and soon became influential. He was a wood-turner and a justice of the peace. When war came, his knowledge of the area was used by British - Robe...
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A New Beginning in 1792

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford A New Beginning in 1792 Tues., January 3, 1978 The new year, 1792, arrived bright, crisp and clear under a full moon over Quebec City. The newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor and Lady Simcoe had arrived in late autumn forcing them to spend the winter in the Lower Province to await the spring thaws and renewed navigation on the St. Lawrence River. They...
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Before 1800 …

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Before 1800 ... Tues., December 20, 1977 Christmas was celebrated very simply and yet with great joy. It was a time for visiting, cooking special treats and for holding worship services in fog homes. The winter stores were in and the field labour was over for a few months. A special smoked ham or a few pheasants would be tenderly roasted over the open...
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Search Through Past

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Search Through Past Tues., December 13, 1977 Many records of our early days are gone, but much is still around and needs the work of detectives to ferret it out and piece it together. It is our good fortune that Lady Tweedsmuir, wife of the Governor General 1935-40, had the vision to realize that someday we might appreciate Canada’s past.  Lady Tweed...
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Pioneer at 46

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Pioneer at 46 Tues., December 6, 1977 Two weeks ago Augustus Jones, surveyor, was introduced and now it is time to relate him to Burlington. Augustus was a very descriptive writer of his keen observations. It was likely that his glowing reports influenced his two sisters Mary and Susan to come to Upper Canada. Why else would a widow (Mary) and two te...
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Our First Settlers – Part Seven

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Our First Settlers - Part Seven Tues., November 29, 1977 If it was not Joseph Brant, then who settled first in our vast area of present day Burlington? Logically, the land closest to the water was the first. The Mississauga reserve from the Purchase Line to the Humber was holding up colonization and did so until 1806. So, our first settlers of necessity...
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Our First Settlers – Part Six

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Our First Settlers - Part Six Tues., November 22, 1977 How fortunate we are that Mrs. Jones named her son Augustus - it makes it so easy to remember! As a surveyor for the province, he was likely the first settler to see and walk the interior of our city - Nelson Township. Can’t you imagine a bearded man in buckskins, an axe and chains as his tools, a...
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Our First Settlers – Part Five

Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Our First Settlers - Part Five Tues., November 15, 1977 The recent warm spell of our ‘Indian Summer’ prompted many pleasant recollections of happy childhood days with Indian friends. Many of the old-timers in Burlington share these fond memories. Indian families helped on many of the farms. The men were often very ingenious mechanically and all were n...
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