Egerton Ryerson 1803-1882
Text from the plaque
Born near Vittoria, Upper Canada, Ryerson became a Methodist minister in 1825 and was appointed editor of the Methodist Christian Guardian in 1829. At one time a strong ally of Reformers in contesting privileges held by the Church of England in the province, he later grew more conservative. Between 1844, when he became chief superintendent of education for Upper Canada, and his retirement in 1876, he was largely responsible for shaping Ontario's present school system. A combative writer on controversial issues, he also produced histories of Loyalism and Canadian Methodism. He died at Toronto.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Norfolk
In Simcoe, on the north outside wall of a museum
on the east side of Norfolk Street South
between Water and Victoria streets
N 42 50.103 W 80 18.169
Recorded November 2010. Check current access before visiting.
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Where it stands
Visitors' notes
August 2, 2012
Ryerson was a supporter of the oligarchic, anti-democratic Family Compact - and his education reform also led to native residential schools and segregation of Blacks. It's undeniable he accomplished some good things, but he should not (overall) be celebrated.