Lot 22

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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, 3^rdConcession, 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.