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Burlington History

A Reflection of Regional Government in Burlington

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As a someone passionate about history, I always feel we should reflect on the past to help plan for the future. The famous quote from George Santayana channels this mindset best, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Now, I’m not saying we will be doomed to do something different in the 21st century, but it’s important to understand where we have been before at a place i...
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Hannah

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Hannah Tues., March 21, 1978 The romantic but tragic story of the ‘beautiful, delicate’ Hannah Phillips Davis has survived to this day, through the memories of her family, particularly of her son Asahel and daughters Elizabeth and Sarah. All of these children settled in our area. Hannah was raised in North Carolina with negro servants to assist on ...
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The Kerns Family

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford The Kerns Family Tues., March 14, 1978 Nicholas Kerns was the first settler to purchase land in Brant’s Block (1803). Some families have already researched their ‘roots’, but the Kerns' in Burlington, as far as I can find out, know only smatterings of their family history. Third and fourth generations of Kerns' were extremely well known in Wellingt...
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Black Chief

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Black Chief Tues., March 7, 1978 How good a detective are you? Did you notice that Augustus Bates already had the still working in 1806 - the one his brother William asked to be delivered to Schenectady? The mill stones were likely sold - the only mill on Augustus’ property was a sawmill. The affidavits attached to Augustus’ claims for damages d...
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The First Innkeeper

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford The First Innkeeper Tues., February 28, 1978 Imagine having to obtain an Innkeeper’s Licence in 1806! Bureaucracy even then! Augustus Bates bought an Innkeeper’s Licence good for 1 year (1806). The original copy was given to the Ontario Archives by Mr. W..A. Bates of Freelton. About 1800, Augustus arrived in Upper Canada upon is brother William’s i...
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The King’s Head Inn

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford The King's Head Inn Tues., February 21, 1978 Only a year after, King and Chisholm settled in East Flamborough, Governor Simcoe constructed The King’s Head Inn (1794) at the Stoney Creek end of the beach. This was part of a chain of fortifications important to the development may Upper Canada. The construction of the Dundas Highway was another of Si...
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Brant’s Block

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Brant's Block Tues., February 14, 1978 As Gordon Blair has said “The best thing Joseph Brant did for Burlington was to go bankrupt.” Why did Joseph Brant choose our area for his personal-grant? He already had a home in the Brantford area. We can only speculate - was it the beauty of the area, or to be near friends and the English way of life? Ce...
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Oakville’s Founder

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Oakville's Founder Tues., February 7, 1978 William Chisholm became a very successful merchant. He acquired five ships for his trade business. The Indian Reserve at the mouth of the 16 Mile Creek attracted William. He realized the possibilities of the natural harbor (Oakville). In 1827, when these lands were put up for sale at public auction, Willia...
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More of the Chisholms

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford More of the Chisholms Tues., January 31, 1978 During the War of 1812, George Chisholm Sr., was captain in the 2nd Regiment of York. His sons, John, William and George also held commissions. Daughter Barbara lost her husband during the war. Following the War of 1812, life settled into an easier pattern for the Chisholms. Mary Christina was settle...
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Chisholms and the Creek

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Burlington Gazette - History by Helen Langford Chisholms and the Creek Tues., January 24, 1978 During the summer of 1797 an old friendship was renewed between George Chisholm and Joseph Brant. This friendship began in New York State with loyalist activities - George fought with Burgoyne while Joseph led various groups including a company of Butler’s Rangers. Their homes were both within the hea...
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