The department includes the usual directories, and books published by various government agencies and publishers. But the true value is found in the binders that contain a mish-mash of papers and photocopies, hand written notes, and photographs. There are also several family histories that have been donated, and microfilms of local newspapers.
Reading through various articles and hand written notes I learned a couple of useful things that may apply to any search I have:
In the mid 1800's, the Govenor of Upper Canada advertised for settlers in various papers in the US, most noteably ones in Philidelphia. They offered 200 acres of free land, exemption from military service, and freedom of worship. In return the new landowners would be required to clear 5 acres of land, build a home, and clear and maintain the roadway along the land's frontage.
This would explain, in part, the large Quaker settlements in various parts of Ontario, including East Gwillimbury and York North.
Another document noted:
Based on the Ennismore Township assessment rolls, for which there are consecutive years, Jean Manion determined in the document "The Irish of Eastern Canada", that one man could clear 2 acres per year without assistance.
First... wow. Clearing land from trees and stumps without the benefit of chainsaws and motorized equipment would be an incredible undertaking. Considering the winters that can hit this region as well, it would be an added complication.
The reason this is useful is that a landowner was not registered as the owner of the land until the Crown was satisfied that he had fulfilled his obligation - i.e. clearing the 5 acres, plus the road frontage, and building a home. Therefore if he was listed as the landowner as of 1855, it may have taken him 5-6 years to clear the land, meaning he actually arrived at the settlement in 1850. The more adult children, or children over the age of 10 that he had, the faster he could clear the land, etc.
Among other little tidbits, I also discovered a photograph of the original Holt Methodist Church, built in 1863:
It was originally constructed without the vestibule, but with the concrete flat "porch". The vestibule was added later to protect against the winds. The church was surrounded by a white picket fence, with a gate that allowed horses to go to the back shed during the service. The church was closed in 1905 by the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and sold in 1909 to the Free Methodists for the sum of $300.
In 1958, McCowan Road was being expanded from the cart-path it was to a more formal road. At that time the church was moved to the west, further back from the road, and a basement was dug underneath. The white clapboard structure was then replaced with the current building in 1972.
So, I haven't made incredible progress in our missing man, Mr. Edward Provost, but it's been an interesting venture so far. And maybe more importantly, it's made me consider donating some of the data I've accumulated on various things to a library somewhere. I like the idea of helping someone else with their mysteries.
