The La Guayra Settlers
Text from the plaque
In 1827 some 135 destitute Scottish settlers arrived at Guelph. They formed part of a group sent in 1825 to La Guayra, Venezuela, by a British land company. Unsuited to the tropical climate and unable to work their poor land, they abandoned the colony and requested assistance from the British government. Transported to New York, they were directed to the Canada Company's settlement in Upper Canada. Forgoing the required charges, the superintendent, John Galt, placed them on Company land. This philanthropic action was criticized by his superiors and was one of the reasons leading to his recall to England in 1829.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Wellington
The Township of Guelph/Eramosa
In front of the Marden Library and Community Centre 4.3 km north and west of the intersection of Woolwich Street and Woodlawn Road in Guelph via Highway 6 and Wellington Road 30
Also recorded for this place: The City of Guelph · The County of Wellington
N 43 34.673 W 80 18.641
Recorded August 2013. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
May 15, 2013
My great-great grandfather, Robert Peter, his wife and my great grandfather, James (young child) were part of this group. They worked the land that they received north of Guelph for 26 years, helped to clear the Elora Road and searched for more land north along Hwy #6. James claimed 300 acres over time in Grey County, Normanby Twp north of Mount Forest, receiving the deed in1856. He started an orchard and began shipping fruit to developed areas of Canada. This "cash" crop idea served him well as he became wealthy and went on to construct a large post and beam barn and drive shed and a six bedroom stone house. He died in 1905 when my father was five. The Peter family plot is in Maplewood Cemetery on Hwy 6 south of Durham. In April 2011 our family farm was sold to an outside person. My two brothers, my sister and I were the last generation to be born and raised on this farm. The buildings remain intact as they were built to last several lifetimes. email...
April 7, 2010
I wonder if we are related? Hugh Kennedy the younger (Black Hugh) was an ancestor of mine; my part of the family was in Guelph until 1905 or so. If you happen to look back here, please get in touch! Bridget (bkbalint at gmail)
September 8, 2008
I have just read the story about the La Guayra settlers in "Historic Guelph The Royal City" Vol. XVIII. I am a descendant of one of the original families, that of Hugh Kennedy. My name is Kathleen (Lefneski) Lang originally of Guelph, Ontario.