Grimsby in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Colonel Robert Nelles 1761-1842
Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 28, 2023
1. Colonel Robert Nelles 1761-1842 Marker
A Loyalist from the Mohawk Valley, New York, Nelles came to Canada during the American Revolution and from 1780 to 1784 served in the Indian Department. Following hostilities he settled near the Grand River but by 1792 had moved to this area. Nelles built mills and a store on nearby Forty-Mile Creek and soon became a prominent merchant. About 1798 he constructed a Georgian-style stone manor on this site. Modified by later additions, notably the erection of the Neo-classical porch in the 1820's, the house served as Nelles' residence during his lengthy career as a justice of the peace, member of the legislative assembly, and commanding officer of the 4th Lincoln Militia. Erected by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Recreation
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 43° 11.591′ N, 79° 34.034′ W. Marker is in Grimsby, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is at the intersection of Main Street West and Murray Street
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Town Meeting (within shouting distance of this marker); Nelles Manor 1798 (within shouting distance of this marker); Nelles Fitch House 1791 (within shouting distance of this marker); April 5th, 1990, 200th Anniversary of the First Municipal Meeting in Upper Canada (within shouting distance of this marker); Grimsby Town Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Watering trough from Grimsby's Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Grimsby Cenotaph (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The White House c. 1830 (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grimsby.
Also see . . . Dictionary of Canadian Biography - Nelles (Nellie), Robert.
According to family tradition, Robert Nelles was descended from a Huguenot family that was driven from France to the Palatinate (Germany) following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. In 1709 they were uprooted once again by a French invasion and found temporary asylum in England. From there they were bundled off, along with 4,000 Palatinate refugees, to populate the colony of New York.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 28, 2023
2. Colonel Robert Nelles 1761-1842 marker (facing N.W.)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 28, 2023
3. Colonel Robert Nelles 1761-1842 Marker (facing east on Main Street w.)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 28, 2023
4. Nelles Manor
Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 28, 2023
5. Col. Robert Nelles gravestone, in nearby St. Andrews Church cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 301 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
