For more about Write It Now – WIN – click here. For other WIN posts click here
This year is the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the only war fought on Canadian territory. This story seemed appropriate. Stewart and Mary are my 4x great grandparents.
By May of 1812 Stewart Grafton and Mary McCool had made their way from the Carolinas all the way to York, present day Toronto. Once there Stewart sought and secured an interview with Sir Isaac Brock, military commander and administrator of Upper Canada, telling him of their adventures. After settling his family Stewart joined the York Militia.
On October 13, 1812 Stewart was on the field at Queenston Heights, the largest battle at that point in the war between United States regulars and New York militia forces and the British Forces, led by Major General Sir Isaac Brock. Before the battle was over Brock was dead, killed by an unknown shooter.
For his service Stewart was offered land in what is now down town Toronto near the present day Eaton’s Centre at Queen and Yonge Streets.
Eaton’s Centre, present day Toronto
Thinking it poor farming land though, he decided instead on another piece of land—Lot 22, north half of 100 acres, 3rdConcession, York, registered March, 1813. He paid $400.00.
This farm was near what is today Eglington and Yonge. The Avenue Road extension now cuts through the middle of the land he once farmed. It was sold by his son Thomas Grafton in 1843 for $3,200.
Yonge & Eglinton today
Yonge & Eglinton looking west
One can only imagine what the value of that property would be today.
The information for Lot 22 was obtained from the document by Hartley Grafton as well as family tree research undertaken about 1962. See also Journey to Upper Canada for more about Stewart and Mary.
so are you planning a trip to our area on the anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights; I believe you know of a very reasonable B&B where you can stay!
I do. Actually, I had thought about it – not necessarily the anniversary but it’s certainly an historic time to be in the Niagara region … hmmmm
Cool story. I’m sure $3200 seemed like a fortune back then.
Yes, that’s true.
Wow! What a wonderful story!
To think that was once farm land. Pretty valuable real estate now.
This is so so cool! I am a history geek, and these personal connections make it feel so much closer, and more real.
Definitely worth conserving isn’t it, these personal connections to the past. Hopefully there is a grandchild or two that will thank me.