Port Perry in Durham Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Elias Williams Family
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
1. Elias Williams Family Marker
Elias Williams, the son of United Empire Loyalist David Williams, was the first white settler in Scugog Village, which later became known as Port Perry. After the death of his wife Loyrenah, Elias moved to Reach Township where he purchased land in 1831. Much of this land is now part of the downtown business section of Port Perry. It is believed he cleared a parcel of land near the waterfront, south of the present Town Hall. Elias built a log home on his property but the exact location of the original cabin is unknown.
Elias and Loyrenah had six sons and seven daughters. At the time of his death in 1833, Elias had considerable land holdings and was a comparatively wealthy yeoman.
His legacy includes many descendants, some currently living in Port Perry and vicinity. They have erected this plaque to commemorate the Williams name.
The creek running near this plaque is named Williams Creek in honour of one of Port Perry's founding families.
Erected by Township of Scugog.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 44° 6.242′ N, 78° 56.784′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto, specifically on the Golden Horseshoe, in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area, and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. 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: Port Perry Lawn Bowling Club (a few steps from this marker); Scugog War Memorial Library (a few steps from this marker); The 1884 Port Perry Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Orr Graham (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct
2. Marker detail: Edward and Sarah Williams Homestead
Also see . . . The Village of Port Perry: Elias Williams - First Settler.
Excerpt: Port Perry was at one time the site of an Indian Village, and in 1828 an Indian school was established there. This village was known by the name of Port Perry from about the year 1850 and was named after Peter Perry, of Whitby, who laid out the first town plot in the village. The first settler and owner of Lot 19 in the 6th concession of Reach, the present site of Port Perry, was Elias Williams. He subsequently sold these lands to Peter Perry. The first general store was opened by Chester Draper about the year 1846. In this year Messrs. Thomas and Geo. Paxton and Daniel S. Way built the first steam saw mill in the village. The second was built by Samuel Hill, of Whitby Township, in 1847. The third mill was built by Stephen Doty in the year 1852. These mills did a very large business(Submitted on November 21, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)and employed in getting out logs and in the manufacture of lumber a large number of men. The first post office was opened in 1852 with Joseph Bigelow, Esquire, as postmaster.
3. Marker detail: Port Perry West, 1854
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 2, 2024
4. Elias Williams Family Marker
Looking north from Queen Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 335 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 21, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
