Col. Samuel Ryerson [sic, actually Ryerse] and Joseph Ryerson, United Empire Loyalists, came to Charlotteville about the same time, after a brief sojourn at Niagara. The latter was the father of a family too well known to every read of Canadian history to need particular mention here. His sons were George, Samuel, William, John, Egerton and Edwy. He also had a daughter, Elizabeth, who became the wife of Judge Mitchell. To trace the career of these children would require a large volume. George in youth was martial. He fought at the battle of Fort Erie in 1812, and had his jaw broken by a musket ball. He afterwards became a very distinguished Methodist minister, and labored long and successfully.

William Ryerson was for many years a distinguished minister in the Methodist church, and was probably  the most highly gifted as an orator of all the brothers. The effects of his appeals were often marvelous [sic]. He entered politics late in life, and for several years was in Parliament. But his achievements in this new arena hardly equaled [sic] the expectations of his friends.

John Ryerson also became a prominent member of the Methodist  Ministry at an early age. His discourses were remarkable for their depth of thought and beauty of language. Although he did not possess the wonderful fluency of expression which was so natural to William, he stood very high in the estimation of all who ever had the good fortune to attend his ministrations, and for very many years was one of the leading spirits of Methodism in Canada. He is still living, and although over 80 years of age, still retains the "mens sana in corpore sano."

Egerton Ryerson, the minister, the editor, the author, the statesman, the Father of Canadian schools, has engraved his name in the memory of every Canadian who can read. The name of Egerton Ryerson will probably live as long as Canada continues to be the abode of civilized man. He still lives, and the restless energy and daring of the man are well illustrated by the voyages he has several times made from Toronto to Ryerson Island alone, in an open sail boat.

Edwy Ryerson died in 1866. He also was an eminent preacher, and highly gifted, like all the Ryerson family, in power of thought and expression.

Col. Samuel Ryerson [sic] had two sons, George and Edward, whose names will be mentioned elsewhere. Samuel Ryerson organized the first court of Quarter Sessions, and presided over it for several years. Joseph Ryerson was appointed High Sheriff in 1800, but resigned the office in 1806 in favor of his son-in-law, Col. John Bostwick. Mr. Thomas Walsh [sic, actually Welsh] held the office of Clerk of the Peace for the same period. Both Mr. Walsh [sic] and Col. Joseph Ryerse were half-pay officers, and resigned their positions in consequence of an order which came out from England that no half pay officer should hold a local office of emolument.

Thomas Walsh [sic], who surveyed the township in 1796, was the father of a large family.

Francis F. [sic, actually L.] Walsh was member of Parliament for about 10 years. His son, Aquila Walsh was also representative of the North Riding of the county for 12 years, and was chairman of the Intercolonial Railway committee, and as such is largely entitled to the credit due to the successful building of that road.

Among the early settlers were also Francis Moss, the Secords, Robt. Henderson, Thomas Price, James Blaney, Noah Fairchilds [sic, actually Fairchild] and Ephraim Tisdale.

Ephraim Tisdale came from New Brunswick in 1801. The family of Welsh and Scotch origins, had settled in Massachusetts, but at the time of the American Revolution moved to New Brunswick, animated by the same spirit of loyalty to the British Crown which marked the U. E. Loyalists who settled in Canada. They accordingly found congenial society in Charlotteville. Ephraim Tisdale had four sons, William, Joseph, Lot and Ephraim. Ephraim was born on 27th Jul 1801, and was the fourth white child born in the county. At the age of 14 he was under fire at the battle of Finch's Mill (see County History). He is the father of a large family, one of whom is Colonel David Tisdale of Simcoe, a prominent lawyer, and Queen's Counsel. Ephraim took an active part also in the suppression of the Rebellion in 1837, and was in active service for over two years. At the battle at Navy Island his forage cap was taken off his head by a cannon ball. He still lives, is hale and hearty, and is possessed of an excellent memory. Lot Tisdale is still living in Middleton.

Among the early pioneers were also the Stone family, Elder Finch, the Teeples, Spurgons, Smiths and Mabees, and a little afterwards the Shavers [sic]. Robert Shaver [sic, actually Shearer], the father of Gabriel, now living, came about 1802. The Potts family also came about this time, the Woods and Capt. Walter Anderson. James Mitchell kept a private school about 1810. He was a highly educated and gifted man, and subsequently became Judge of the District. Among his pupils were the Ryerson boys, Tisdales and others. Although well versed in classics, he taught the English branches mainly, but his teaching was of a very superior character.
 

From page 61 of the Mika re-print of 1877 Illustrated Historical Atlas of Norfolk County
Copyright 1997-2012 John Cardiff and Norfolk Historical Society

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