The Founding of Clifford

The Founding of Clifford. Clifford's founding father was English-born Francis Brown (1823-1880) who immigrated to Canada in 1845 and settled in Barrie. Brown then proceeded to secure lots 59 and 60 concession C of Minto Township at the land sale in Elora in 1854. Charles Allan, who purchased lots 59 and 60 of concession D laid out the village lots under the name Minto Village. Brown later renamed the settlement Clifford after a village in his native Yorkshire, England., To encourage growth, Francis Brown offered free lots to entice potential investors. Construction soon commenced with the establishment of a Flour Mill, Tannery, Foundry, Cabinet Factory, Brewery, Barrel Factory, Wool Mill, and Shoe and Boot Manufacturers., Brown operated the first Hotel and Sawmill in 1856 and was appointed the first Postmaster. He was elected to Minto Township Council in 1872. Clifford was incorporated as a village in December of 1873 with Absalom Shade Allan as the first Reeve., The Elora Road through Clifford was completed in 1862 and the railroad in late 1871, bringing an economic boom to the village. By 1881, the population grew to 700. Clifford offered a monthly livestock market and was the centre for agriculture produce., Today, century-old businesses Wightman Telecom Ltd. and W.C. Smith Wholesale continue to serve the community., Clifford amalgamated with Harriston, Palmerston and the Township of Minto in 1999 to form the Town of Minto.