Woodstock in Oxford County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Capt. Andrew Drew, R.N., 1792-1878

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2024

1. Capt. Andrew Drew, R.N., 1792-1878 Marker

Inscription.
This house was built by Capt. Drew who came here in 1832 as agent for Admiral Henry Vansittart, founder of Woodstock. Purchasing land now included in the eastern section of the city, Drew divided it into town lots and formed the nucleus of this community. During the Rebellion of 1837-38 he led the Canadian force that destroyed the American steamer "Caroline, which was supplying William Lyon Mackenzie's supporters on Navy Island. This action almost precipitated war between Britain and the United States, and several attempts were made on Drew's life. He returned to England in 1842 and resumed his naval career.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.

Location. 43° 8.097′ N, 80° 44.817′ W. Marker is in Woodstock, Ontario, in Oxford County. It is at the intersection of Rathbourne Avenue and Sydenham Street, on the left when traveling east on Rathbourne Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 725 Rathbourne Avenue, Woodstock ON N4S 4L6, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

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 Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker: St. Paul’s Church 1834 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Woodstock Carnegie Library (approx. one kilometer away); The Woodstock Armoury (approx. one kilometer away); Old Town Hall/ L’ancien Hôtel de Ville (approx. one kilometer away); The Oxford County Court House (approx. 1.1 kilometers away); Woodstock College (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Rev. Newton Wolverton (approx. 1.2 kilometers away); Sir Francis Hincks 1807-1885 (approx. 1.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodstock.

Also see . . . Dictionary of Canadian Biography - Drew, Andrew.

Drew took up land in Blandford Township in July and played a leading part in developing the district. His efforts led to the laying out of the town of Woodstock, which he had Charles Rankin survey; he erected the first church, with money supplied by Vansittart, and built some of the first houses.

When Vansittart arrived in 1834, he and Drew quarrelled. There were several reasons for Vansittart’s dissatisfaction: all the land was held in Drew’s name; Drew refused to hand the church over to the parish because, he claimed, there was money owing to him for construction costs; and certain investments made by Drew on Vansittart’s behalf did not meet the latter’s approval. As a result the partnership was dissolved

(Submitted on July 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2024

2. Capt. Andrew Drew, R.N., 1792-1878 Marker

Capt. Andrew Drew House, built 1832 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, June 28, 2024

3. Capt. Andrew Drew House, built 1832

Capt. Andrew Drew, R.N. image. Click for full size.

4. Capt. Andrew Drew, R.N.

Niagara Falls in the background

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 332 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 10, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.