The settlement of Upper Canada began in the Detroit river district where there were several hundred people living before the close of the French régime. Between 1785 and 1800 colonization continued with the arrival of Loyalists and other settlers, including a contingent of German mercenaries who fought for George III during the American Revolution. Pioneers continued to come in large numbers to the unsettled areas of the province for the next 75 years and these later settlers often suffered hardships greater than those experienced by the Loyalists. This is the story of these early settlements in Upper Canada. The author, a distinguished Canadian historian, has drawn on contemporary letters, diaries, newspapers, and periodicals; he has consulted all the existing histories, and has supplemented these researches with interviews with persons who had contacts with early life in the province. The numerous illustrations included accurately depict the era. This book was originally part of Early Life in Upper Canada, by far the finest social and economic history of the area yet compiled. It is being printed separately to make more widely available this important and engrossing description of the early settlement of Ontario. Informative, accurate and delightfully readable, this volume brings to life the pioneers of Ontario and vividly recreates their experiences.

Scots, some of Upper Canadas earliest pioneers, influenced its early development. This book charts the progress of Scottish settlement throughout the province.

To present a picture of the early settlements of Ontario and enter into the daily life of the pioneers is a most fascinating task. As we visit these historic districts and mingle with the descendants of the men and women who built the first log cabins in the forest, we imbibe the spirit of their simple life. Many of the old landmarks recall the stories of strange experiences we have so often heard, and the presence of the very flesh and blood of the first actors in the drama of the long struggle in the wilderness makes the scene all the more realistic. We think we can discern in the honest faces and general demeanour of these living links in our history something which indicates a deep-rooted sense of citizenship and a consciousness of a responsibility in keeping inviolate the traditions of their ancestors.

Informative, accurate and delightfully readable, this volume brings to life the pioneers of Ontario and vividly recreates their experiences.