Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About My Ancestor's Roots in Metcalfe, Middlesex, and Stratheray, Ontario, Canada

As you know, I've been busy researching my ancestors and how I thought it would be interesting for me to learn about the places in Canada where my ancestors are from - both what it was like in the time when they lived there, and what it is like today - and I'm very happy to share what I learn with you. Today I'm writing about  Metcalfe, Middlesex, and Stratheray, Ontario, Canada, where my great-great grandpa and grandma Fonger, and my great-great-great grandpa Fonger were from . . .

The historical narrative of Metcalfe, Middlesex, and Strathroy, Ontario, Canada spans over two centuries, moving from dense, un-cleared forests in the early 1800s to a highly integrated, modern agricultural and industrial network.

1806–1840s: The Era of Early Pioneers and Settlement

The area began its transformation following the War of 1812, as the British Crown sought to secure and settle Upper Canada. 

Middlesex County's Foundations: Originally part of the sprawling London District, Middlesex County began seeing early internal infrastructure and political divisions drawn up during this time. 
The Rise of Strathroy (1832): Strathroy's origin trace back to 1832 when John Stewart Buchanan established a homestead and a gristmill along the Sydenham River. He named the settlement "Strathroy" after his ancestral home in Ireland. 
Metcalfe's First Footsteps (1832): The very first settler in what would become Metcalfe Township was Captain Beear, who arrived in 1832. 

You will find my full post at this link.