Before 1797

The land belonged to the Mississauga. It was then transferred to the Six Nations but it was not clear whether they in turn had the right to sell the land

1783-86

Many loyalists arrived in Upper Canada, receiving large grants of land for the cost of swearing allegiance.

1790s

Ads ran in the USA inviting settlers to come to Canada.

1793

The Militia Act exempted Quakers, Mennonites and Trunkers from military service. In the USA there had already been difficulties over the Mennonites refusal to serve in the militia during times of war. As pacifists, these groups found teh Militia Act very appealing.

1795

The British Consul in Philadelphia, Phineas Bond tried to negotiate the purchase of 6 townships in Upper Canada for Pennsylvania Mennonites. It may be that this was just too much land to a group of people some considered alien (i.e. not English). The deal fell through.

late 1790s

Mennonites began to settle in Niagara, buying their farms from Loyalists and discharged soldiers who had received it for free. As land supplies fell, immigrants elected to tsettle north of York (Toronto) and along the Grand River when it became available for purchase.

1800 - 04

A series of legal disputes over title led to the suspension of settlement before the Mennonites agreed to buy Block 2.

1805 - 12

Settlement grew apace until the war disrupted it

1815 - 20

Renewed settlement. In Waterloo sawmills provide lumber to allow the settlers to build frame house with clapboard exteriors

1822 - 1829

A time of agricultural depression in Lancaster County, Penn., leading to new Mennonite immigrants. By 1830, 2/3 of the land was deeded, although there were a number of absentee landlords and many lots remained uncleared of bush

After 1830

An influx of Roman Catholics and Lutherans from Germany and some British setters. Many new immigrants were workers, tradesmen and craftsmen and either rented space from farmers or moved into town.

1850s

Road works were initiated and railroads were built into the communities

1860s

Power to run industries, mostly mills, came from water wheels and the rural population was reaching its peak.