Sandwich in Windsor in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
James Baby 1763-1833 ⎯⎯⎯ James Baby 1763-1833
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 15, 2026
1. James Baby 1763-1833 side of marker
Inscription.
The first member of Upper Canada's French community to gain prominence in government circles, Baby was born in British-controlled Detroit, the son of a well-established trader. He was educated in Quebec and, after returning to this area, entered the mercantile business. In 1792, through his family's influence, he received lifetime appointments to the Executive and Legislative Councils, Upper Canada's preeminent political bodies. Three years later Baby moved from Detroit to the south shore and in 1807 took up residence in this commodious, 18th-century house. For his long and loyal government service he was granted the post of Inspector General of Public Accounts in 1815. To attend to the duties of this position Baby moved to York (Toronto), where he lived until his death.,
The first member of Upper Canada's French community to
gain prominence in government circles, Baby was born in
British-controlled Detroit, the son of a well-established trader. He was educated in Quebec and, after returning to this area, entered the mercantile business. In 1792, through his family's influence, he received lifetime appointments to the Executive and Legislative Councils, Upper Canada's preeminent political bodies. Three years later Baby moved from Detroit to the south shore and in 1807 took up residence in this commodious, 18th-century house. For his long and loyal government service he was granted the post of Inspector General of Public Accounts in 1815. To attend to the duties of this position Baby moved to York (Toronto), where he lived until his death.
Premier membre de la communauté française du Haut-Canada
à avoir de l'importance dans les milieux gouvernementaux, M.
Baby, né à Détroit, alors sous la domination britannique, était le fils d'un commerçant prospère. Après des études à Québec, il retourna dans sa région où il travailla dans le commerce. En 1792, la position influente de sa famille lui valut des nominations à vie aux Conseils exécutif et législatif, les deux organes politiques prédominants du Haut-Canada. Trois ans plus tard, M. Baby quitta Détroit pour la rive sud et, en 1807, emménagea dans cette spacieuse demeure du XVIIIe siècle.
Pour ses longs et loyaux services au sein du gouvernement,
il obtint, en 1815, le poste d'inspecteur général des comptes publics. Pour remplir ses fonctions, il déménagea à York (Toronto), où il vécut jusqu'à sa mort.
Erected by Ontario
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Heritage Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1763.
Location. 42° 18.145′ N, 83° 4.62′ W. Marker is in Windsor, Ontario, in Essex County. It is in Sandwich. It is at the intersection of Mill Street and Russel Street, on the left when traveling north on Mill Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 221 Mill Street, Windsor ON N9C N9C, 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.
At a period when pluralism of office was common, James Baby was an office holder par excellence; between 1792 and 1830 he held more than 115 appointments or commissions of varying degrees of importance. Gracious and distinguished, he was the epitome of a gentleman. He was an impressive figure – clean-shaven, tall, good-looking, and well proportioned – and possessed, according to his grandson, a “primitive simplicity” and a “moral beauty.” Strachan eulogized him as “a Christian without guile, affable and polished in his manners, courteous in his conversation, dignified in his deportment, warm in his affections, steady in his friendships
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 15, 2026
3. James Baby 1763-1833 / James Baby 1763-1833 Marker
and unshaken in his principles and the spring of all his actions was of the religious.”
(Submitted on May 20, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)
Photographed by Tim Boyd, May 15, 2026
4. The Duff-Baby House, in 2026
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
