The Wilberforce Settlement 1830
Text from the plaque
In 1829 a group of fugitive Negro slaves in Cincinnati decided to seek a more secure refuge in Canada. In 1830, with the help of Quakers in Oberlin, Ohio, they purchased 325 ha of land in this vicinity from the Canada Company. A settlement was established, the first in Biddulph Township, and groups from New England and New York State joined those from Ohio. By 1833 there were thirty-two families, two schools and a sawmill in this settlement, which was named after the great British abolitionist William Wilberforce. One of the earliest Negro colonies in Upper Canada, its population dwindled rapidly in the 1840's although some families remained for more than a generation.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Middlesex
The Township of Lucan Biddulph
In Lucan, between 2 historic barn buildings
at the far end of a parking lot between the post office and the Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum
171 Main Street
N 43 11.275 W 81 24.269
Recorded June 2008. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
May 4, 2010
This was really great information. Thanks for the help!