Yonge Street Quakers : the Story of "The Friends" in the Early Days of York County, Ontario

Home , Adolphustown, Samuel Hughes (Quaker)

The Yonge Street Quakers

ft I willplant in the wilderness Is. 41:19

THE STORY OF "THE FRIENDS' 1 IN THE EARLY DAYS OF YORK COUNTY, ONTARIO

By Ethel Willson Trewhella

ffI see you struggling in the wilderness, Wherefailure meant starvation, and success A cabin in the clearing, rough hewn, rude, Garments of homespun and the humblest food.

PUBLISHED BY J M.WALTON, AURORA, The EDITH and LORNE PIERCE COLLECTION of CANADIANA

Queens University at Kingston

TO MY HUSBAND

who inspired my work

-THE AUTHOR- Introductory

This account of the Yonge Street Quakers was prepared by Ethel Willson Trewhella, whose Quaker forbears came to York County, Upper Canada, in the early days. The subject is one in which the author has maintained a con- stant and devoted interest. Its preparation is a contribution to the annals of the people called "Quakers," who settled in York County in the early days of the last century, (1800-1840). The author had not anticipated the great interest which has been -manifested in the subject. So much discussion, reminiscence and interest have been aroused that it has been decided to pub- lish it in a more permanent form. This is done in the hope that it will create a new and deeper interest in the Friends, their lives and principles. That will be an ample reward to both the author and publisher. The part taken by the Friends in the pioneer settlements and their influence in the affairs of state, society and religious life is worthy of being known by all. The appendix compiled by the publisher is a concise, though incomplete, chronology that will ibe of interest and value to those whose wish it is to know more of the Religious Society of Friends, and it is hoped that it will stimulate an earnestness in the deeper study of the history of the Quakers and their beliefs.

Aurora, Ontario, 29th day 9th month, 1937.

"For when I came into the silent

assemblies of God's people I felt a secret power among them which touched my heart; and as I gave way

unto it, I found the evil weakening in me and the good raised up."—Robert Barclay, 1674. A SNOWY DAY

(An incident witnessed by the author in the life of his aged father.)

A Quaker sat in his big arm chair, With his grey locks clustering low, Looking anon through the window pane Where the storm beat wild o'er a pathless plain Of wind, of sleet, and of snow.

The old clock ticked on the mantel shelf To the hearth-fire blazing warm, And he bowed his head in thoughtful mood

And thought how great and wise and 1 good Is the One Who rules the storm.

The storm beat on till the landscape looked Like the surf of a foaming sea, Then he raised his eyes with a smile and said, Though the storm beats wild and the world seems dead 'Tis a beautiful day to me.

Oh, could we all when the storms of life Beat with a dreary sound, Leave all our cares and fears behind, And seek with a sincere heart and find The peace that the Quaker found.

Athens, Ont. Ephraim Robeson. The Yonge Street Quakers

By Ethel Willson Trewhella

Looking backward at the pass- of the main arteries leading out ing of a war-torn century, and to of the little settlement of York the incoming of another laden on the banks of Lake Ontario, and with the allure of liberty and extending as far north as Lake possession, one is reminded of a aux Claies, now Lake Simcoe, so grey old mother as she stands named by Governor Simcoe in with feet upon a threshold which memory of his father, was the she may not cross, and with hand historic Yonge Street. One of the still in the clasp of much that very earliest roads in the province lies behind, she peers down the of Upper Canada, originally it glimmering vista to the land of was an Indian trail. promise in the young century of It received its name from Sir 1800, and points to the upward George Yonge, secretary of war, slogan, "Onward." the kal- Now in 1791, and in 1794 Governor eidoscopic scroll of more than a Simcoe ordered it made a bush century has unrolled since the road. It extended through dense, grey mother's eagle eyes scanned untracked forests of pine and ash the horizon to the north, and the and maple, and its depths re- now county of York in the then sounded to the howl of the wolf District, in the province of Home and secreted the prowling bear. Upper Canada, received its in- It was so rough that incoming flux of settlers from across the settlers were forced to take their border. canvas covered waggons apart The purchasing all this ter- of and drag the several sections up ritory from the Mississauga Indi- the steep hills by strong ropes ans, and known as the Toronto passed around the stems of Purchase, involved about 250,000 saplings. In 1828 it became a acres. stage route to Lake Simcoe, and After all these years a cloud in 1847 it was macadamized as far of picturesque romance crowns as Holland Landing. Now it is an this transaction. It was on Sep- ultra-modern highway, a throb- tember 23, 1787, that three In- bing artery pulsing with the dian chiefs met the government's enormous traffic of two countries, representative, Sir John Johnson and where now stretches the at the Carrying Place on the Bay unbroken panorama of beauty of Quinte, and bargained for all may be traced remnants of trans- this land. Eighteen years later, in actions, sites of pioneer settle- August, 1805 the government ments, primitive buildings that representatives again met with marked the beginnings of this the Indians on the bank of the vast new province, their histories River Credit. This time there hidden in old obscure documents, were eight Indian chiefs, and the or gradually becoming the story deed of purchase was confirmed. of tradition. In 1793 the opening up of this vast wilderness began one of the Sometimes the picture is so first active moves being the sur- magnificent that the more mod- veying and building of roads. One est links with a pregnant past lie Page 4 THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS

forgotten in the pressure of mod- seemed to recall the mystic com- ern hurry. Though remote and munion of other far-off spring neglected they lie, still their es- gatherings in this quaint old tablishment as a beginning of meeting place of simple worship- civilization in the wilderness pers. It emphasized the realism stands as a symbol to the gener- that it has become but another ations, of the years that rang to of the historically interesting, the rhythm of the woodsman's though slowly disappearing axe, and which were planted shrines in the province of On- deeply with the first hopeful tario. It stands as a tangible link sowing of meagre corn. with the past early century, for It was to these people who it was the first building for wor- bravely faced the risks, and en- ship north of Toronto, or York. dured the hardships and priva- It was also the centre in the be- tions of pioneer immigration, and ginning of that which rapidly de- to this garden which they planted veloped into one of Ontario's in this wild Canadian bushland, thriftiest, wealthiest and most that our thoughts turned as we historic communities. luxuriously rolled along old And here, this sunny Sabbath Yonge street, to the Spring Meet- day, the air heavy with lilac and ing on the last Sabbath morning young hemlock, once again was in May. Reverently we recalled to be gathered a remnant of the the lines from Mrs. Hemans: descendants of those plain, fru- gal folk, who used to gather, in "The air was fraught oxen-drawn waggons, from the With noble memories, isolated clearings, to meet be- They that had toiled, watched, neath this sturdy roof for this struggled to secure quiet inward waiting upon God,, .... Worship, free and pure, and whose forefathers, while the Reigned there, the o'er-shadow- red man bivouacked within sight ing spirit of the scene." of its peaceful walls, had called A picture of entrancing spring to imagination no vision of this loveliness unfolded, that refresh- pressing and preoccupied age, as ed the eye and gladdened the it surges and beats within sound heart, as Mother Nature in one of the humble worshipper. of her happiest moods, thrilled The ancient Meeting House ap- anew to the miracle of resurrec- peared to radiate its welcome to tion, coaxing leaf and bud into the newcomers, companioning in beauty and fragrance, and woo- a wistful camaraderie with the ing one's thoughts to the har- new faces crossing its threshold, monious calm and benediction of communing with spirits of other a primitive Quaker Meeting far-off days—the gathering of the House that nestles among the young men and maidens, those trees a short distance out from in the middle activities of life, Newmarket, and in the heart of and the hoary crowns and knot- that which was once an almost ted hands of those, who in the wholly Quaker Settlement. glow of eventide, were nearing Brooding peace and a Sabbath the shadows—all names that an- stillness pervaded the silent acre, swer now but to memory's roll- and the bird's lilting song, and call.

the rustling of tender leaves, . The Meeting on Yonge Street THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS # Page 5

was established in 1804. Accord- on such other business as is ing to minutes recorded in the proper to a preparative meeting.' first book, we read the follow- Johnathan Evans, clerk to the ing: meeting." "Agreeable to a minute of the And at Yonge Street prepara- Yearly Meeting held in Philadel- tive meeting held the 19th of 7th phia in the fourth month, 1804, month, 1804, Nathaniel Pearson granting and establishing a meet- was appointed clerk. Represen- ing for worship, and also a prep- tatives to attend Monthly Meet- arative meeting at Yonge Street, ing were Timothy Rogers, Theo- (our Monthly Meeting of Pelham dor Winn, Sarah Rogers and uniting therewith, and leaving Lydia Rogers. Friends at liberty to open the Though tradition tells us the said preparative meeting when first meetings were held in the they think most convenient). cabins of the settlers, on the 21st Friends now met at Yonge Street of 11th month, 1805, is a minute in the capacity of a preparative indicating that previous to the meeting this 21st day of the sixth erection of the present building, month, 1804. The minute of the a temporary building must have Yearly -Meeting being produced existed, for Isaac Phillips, Rufus and read is as follows: Rogers, Amos Armitage and Na- 11 'Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. thaniel Pearson were appointed " '16th of 4th month, 1804. "to provide boards and make " 'For the preservation and help necessary repairs to the Meeting of Friends residing in Upper House, and present their Canada, the accounts." committee having recently paid The present Meeting House was them a visit, unite in a belief built in 1808-10. It is a plain, that it might be safe to establish one-storied structure, 60 by 30 a meeting for worship and also feet. Its architecture is typical a preparative meeting, and that of the lives of those who planned the business of the meeting be it, simple, rugged, and scorning transacted by men and women in frivolous ornamentation. But the an united capacity. Which are years have written their story, fully deliberated on, and the nails are loosened and prominent, sentiments of many Friends and a rusty eavestrough follows freely exprest. the sagging edge of the low " 'This meeting under the pres- porch, that with its shingles warp- ent apparent necessity of afford- ed from the sun and rain, totters ing relief to those distant mem- on its rotting sills, and which, bers, is easy in granting such an protecting two entrances, extends establishment, with this addition, entirely across the south front that the said preparative meeting where some thoughtless persons have authority to take cogniz- had autographed their initials in ance of presentation on account the pine walls. These doors are of marriage, and make due ap- low and carefully panelled, and pointments for their orderly ac- together with solid wooden shut- complishment — that they keep ters that swing from enormous regular records of the certifi- hinges, when closed, permit no cates of those marriages, and light to enter. fair minutes of the proceedings The building is in a good state Pase 6 THE yONGE STREET QUAKERS

of preservation, and is divided the new land's perils and hor- by a wooden partition, one side rors were conquered, and there originally having been used for laid the foundation for the wealth women's meetings, and the other and comfort and culture abun- for those of the men, while the dant today. partition was made removable to Entering the building one felt permit of joint meetings. The in- the holy benediction that hover- terior walls are strong and crude, ed over the quietness, when, as and guilty of no adornment except of yore, with reverent steps, a glistening coat of white paint serious faced women, crowned that is veined and mellowed by with the dignity of the Quaker lime's artistry. The rude forms bonnet, noiselessly turned to the are empty now as a mother's forms on the left, followed to arms when she has watched the the right by grave and silent last fledgling fly the nest. The men, while expectantly facing rusty box stove was designed to this hushed gathering were the hold rough chunks of wood, and ministers and elders on the rais- flames within which today cracked seats. led in cheery warmth, and from With no pre-arranged order of the age-mottled pipes was ex- service, the meeting began in haled a homey fragrance of low- reverent silence, and a time of hung smoke. Through the old- inward stillness and tender com- time windows, set with miniature munion uplifted the individual to panes, and framed with narrow a sense of the responsibility in sills, golden sunbeams caught the the sureness of the Inner Light. gleam of the verdure outside, Worldly thoughts had no place in and transformed the colorless this quiet gathering; the silence shadows within. was pregnant with that myster- Thus the meeting place of those ious inward stillness that sur- forefathers of seven generations rounds those who are in touch ago! To tread these floors where with the Infinite. those pioneer feet once trod, to Then, out from the silence, sit in these primitive forms that expressed in the restrained lang- provided rest for those toilworn uage of the Friend, once again, bodies, and to breathe the atmos- ringing clear and true above the phere fragrant still from that clamor of modern stress, came sweet odor of sanctity — of this, the old, sweet message, "Come a deservedly proud community's unto Me, all ye that labor and earliest landmark, erected in are heavy laden." loyalty and thanksgiving — was One called to mind another to be inspired with a hope that far-off Friends' Meeting House, in justice to the memory of those beautiful Jordans in England, the men and women of those long setting for the inspiring painting ago years, soon would be estab- by J. Doyle Penrose, "The Pres- lished a grateful and prominent ence in the Midst," with the recognition that it was owing to shadow of the cross in the back- their bitter privations, their al- ground. This picture might so most overwhelming struggles, aptly have been inspired here. and their breaking homesickness, From the peace of green pas- offset by their isolated helpless- tures, and the refreshment of ness and their sturdy faith, that still waters, Whittier feelingly THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS Page 7

has touched the depths of an old- lies this little green-turfed bury- time Quaker Meeting: ing ground, misted with the mel- "And so I find it well to come low glow of summers long gone For deeper rest to this still room. by, where uneven rows of plain For here the habit of the soul low stones, some cracked, some Feels less the outer world's con- lying in fragments, others slant- trol. ing to the east or tipped to a The strength of mutual purpose western angle, mark the earthly pleads resting place of many of the More earnestly our common pioneer Quakers. needs, A few are remembered only And from the silence multiplied by common field stones, the in- By these still forms on either scriptions on which summer's side, bleaching suns and winter's The world that time and sense drifting snows have wholly ob- have known, literated. Deeply here has Time's Falls off and leaves us God pencil etched its lines: bunches of alone." crispy grass springing from that Plain, unobtrusive meeting of yesteryear, entangling carpets houses such as this on Yonge St. of bronzing vine, fill the hollows lie scattered throughout England, and hide the unevenness, to pro- and faithful to the simplicity of vide a pitfall for the feet of the form and quietness of worship, unwary. Now, where the squir- these replicas of the old land rels scamper unmolested, and the meetings in the early days of this birds thrill to the mating song, young country left their impress in the shadow of the place where upon the community in which they were wont to worship, "they they were established. Looking lie, while daily the throbbing back through the years, review- tides of life go ebbing and flowing the records and contributions ing beside them." There, in their of these visionary settlers, men dreamless sleep, they rest, the who have touched life in its winds chanting a requiem and the depths, and who have marvelled stars that guided them in the at its heights, have said with wilderness still keeping watch reverent sincerity, "The old-time over the marble names. Quaker was as near Heaven's As one wanders here and there, pattern as one could hope to brushing aside a vine, or trying meet in this world." to erase a smudge of mildew from Magnificently beautiful trees off the headstone, one notices guard the Meeting House, trees the names of Cody, Rogers, Hol- that towered, straight and strong, lingshead, Huntly, Lloyd, Clark, among many, before the settle- James, Webb, Botsford, Millard, ment was born. To the west Lewis, Heacock, Watson, Kitely, stretches the fresh green of a Stephens, Appleton, Stokes, Lun- fertile rolling country. In a min- dy, Lount, Mowder, Phillip ute of the 16th of 1st month, 1806, Simpson, Pilmoor, Hustler, Coah, appears the item that land for a Gorham, Terry, Pearson, Brock, burying ground was procured Wallis, Webster, Edwards, East- from Asa Rogers, at a cost of man, Doan, Murray, Howard, $18 an acre for the clearing. And West, Currey, Srigley, Davis, Mc- to the south of the Meeting House Garney, Tyson, Moore, Evans, Page 8 THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS

Brothers, Allen, Borden, Hamble- and paying to the king two ton, Willis, Charles, Baker, Trent, beaver skins annually, and one- Grimshaw, Ashton, B u r n i e, fifth of the gold and silver ore Williams, Walton. found within the territory." Beneath its noble elm, in the Associated with this new lib- corner of this little God's acre, erty were the names of the stands a modern monument, scholarly Robert Barclay, John erected a century later, 1908, to Woolman, the saint who by the memory of Ebenezer Doan, example struck resounding blows by his descendants. On this to break the colored man's monument is inscribed the Doan shackles, and Stephen Grellet, crest, "Omnia Mei Dona Dei." French aristocrat, and preacher The history of these people, the of peace. One of the treasured Society of Friends, in Canada, memories connected with the who converted the wilderness of ancient Meeting House on Yonge this section of North York into its Street is that of a visit to this abundant prosperity, is the out- meeting of Stephen Grellet, in growth of much that had gone August, 1828, and quoting from before, and is linked to that of his biography re the country at the old land by the name of tnat time he says: William Penn, whose remains "The country has much im- rest in the quiet Jordans burying proved since I was in these parts; ground. In 1643, while Hampden dense forest, deer, wolves and on the field of carnage was bears still abound. We came to waging a struggle for England's Yonge Street and had several civil liberty, George Fox was meetings. There was a large urging a concern for the freedom concourse of people, even from to worship as England's con- distant parts." science directed. Enduring every Then came the revolutionary form of indignity, oppression and war. War and oppression they cruelty, it appeared that a way considered contrary to the Gos- always opened through which pel. Because of their loyalty, or they might go forward. their declared neutrality, through Impelled by the persecution of the heat and rage of war many of his compatriots, the many of these Friends suffered thoughts of William Penn were severely. They were non-com- turned toward that great enter- batants, and as subjects of prise of founding a colony in the England were by special law new world. In lieu of the esteem exempt from military service. merited by his father, Vice- Now that the war was over it was Admiral Sir William Penn, and a foreign government which they an inherited claim for £16,000 were called upon to acknowledge; owed to his father by the British thus they had no assurance that government, the king favored his their covenants would be main- petition and purpose, and the tained. tract now known as Pennsylvania Their hopes turned toward the was given in settlement. This land lying to the north, Canada. venerable document received the Although in 1785 the principles king's signature, March 4, 1681, of these people had been carried and William Penn was made across the border to embrace a "absolute proprietary, yielding spontaneous growth on the Bay THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS Pa 3e9

of Quinte, and later, in 1794, Mr. but Mr. Rogers expects possibly Berczy had brought in his 64 about 20 good families next families to this section, it was in winter.' 1801 that the door of opportunity "Then among the early names opened wider still to Timothy are listed the following coming Rogers, a Friend from Vermont, with Timothy Rogers: and a man of experience and "Armitage, Collins, Chapman, vision, and possessed of a pro- Doan, Gould, Hilborn, James, found concern to assist these Kester, Lundy, Millard, Phil- distressed Quakers. He made an lips, Dennis, Haines, Hughes, agreement with Lieut.-Governor Wioldifield, Willson (Robt), with Hunter at York to take 40 farms the families of Heacock, Webb, of 200 acres each, and secure the Hollingshead, Pearson, Starr, necessary settlers. All along Cody, Lewis and Toole, coming at Yonge Street, from Aurora to about the same period. This latter Holland Landing, also the north- list is believed to be correct, but western part of Whitchurch it is difficult at this late date to township, and the south-western obtain records to verify all the part of East Gwillimbury town- names, and probably, also, some ship were almost entirely settled have been omitted." by pioneer Quakers. Claimants of those untrod fer- In a letter received from the tile acres of unknown dangerous Ontario Archives, James J. Tal- wilderness, these new settlers man expresses regret that only were all well fitted for the ven- 27 of the names of these settlers ture by experience in pioneer life can be supplied. Continuing: in the wilds of Pennsylvania and "The petition of Timothy New Jersey. Descendants of Rogers was read by the land co-workers with William Penn, committee of the Executive some tracing lineage to the best Council on April 8, 1801. English families, most of them, "In the minutes of the com- for the times, were possessed of mittee tor that day, preserved in good education and culture, and Land Book D, pp. 629-630, the they early began their endeavors following is found: to promote education in the new " 'Timothy Rogers, Obadiah province. Rogers, James Rogers, Rufus Timothy Rogers received from Rogers, Wing Rogers, Jr., Asa the government a deed of lots Rogers, Isaac Rogers, Bethuel numbers 94 and 95, and thus Huntly, Henry Proctor, Obadiah became the first individual Griffin, Nathaniel Gager, Isaac owner of all the land upon which Griffin, Zebulon Smith, William Newmarket was first built. Huff, Obadiah Huff, Henry From an historical sketch which Crones, Ephraim Talbot, Bela appears in The Newmarket Era Clark, Theodore Winn, William about 1880 appears the interest- Howard, Nathan Farr, Humphry ing item: Finch, Nehemiah Hide, Stephen "The first white man known to Howard, Joel Bigalow, Jacob have slept at Newmarket was Johnson, Abraham Lepard. Timothy Rogers, who in the year " 'N. B. A number of families 1800, while on a prospecting more on the way, which will not tour between Toronto and Lake come forward in some months, Simcoe, camped for a time Page 1 THE yONGE STREET QUAKERS

upon a hill about where the Lundy, Isaac Phillips, Nathaniel Morth York Registry Office now Pearson and Asa Rogers were is, and fed his horse upon the appointed to take charge of the rushes that grew on the low land books, and to have oversight of near by." the school. James Hilborn was By old tradition, as Friends, appointed teacher. they had direct access to the king, Ontario teems with these his- and the most important item toric and precious treasures and discussed at the first Monthly landmarks. They reveal the story Meeting in the new settlement, of hope and faith and courage; on the eighteenth of ninth month, they picture the development 1806, was the preparing and from the peril of the redman's presenting of an address of loy- grim wilderness to the fair alty to the governor, Francis fruitful province that is the Gore, and concluding with: birthright of the present and "Hoping thy administration may coming generations. Preserved in be such as to be a terror to the archives and libraries, or some- evil-minded, and a pleasure to times discovered in surprisingly them that do well; then will the unexpected corners, are old province flourish under thy records, and the carefully kept direction, which is the earnest minutes of primitive transactions. desire and prayer of thy sincere Seme of the writing is now more friends." than Quaker grey. A wonderful

This document, in its quaint chapter of Canadian history I language characteristic of its These Friends meetings records authors, was presented by Tim- are fully authentic of the period. othy Rogers and Amos Armitage. And what stories they recall! We find also the name of Jacob Then like a whiff of rosemary Lundy among the leaders of the comes the breath of romance Quaker settlement. from old marriage books, as the From early minutes are noted yellowed pages record the begin- interesting items and names. nings of new homes. No haste From 1806 to 1861 the clerks among early Friends in those appointed were Nathaniel Pear- important matters. "The young son, David Wilson, Enos Dennis, man and the young woman, Thomas Linville, Joseph Doan, having laid their intentions of Cyrus Dennis, Nathan Dennis, marriage with each other before Levi Hughes, Elias Hughes, Geo. two Monthly Meetings of the Edwards, Joseph Pearson, Joseph Religious Society of Friends, Penrose, Elias Rogers, Augustus held at Yonge Street, in the Rogers, Thomas Lewis, Ira Webb. township of King, in the Home Among the earliest overseers District, province of Canada are the names of Abraham Web- West, they having consent of ster, Asa Rogers, Amos Armitage, parents, and nothing appearing Ann Pearson, Martha Armitage, to obstruct, their proposals of Sarah Lundy, John Doan. marriage were allowed." On the 17th of 7th month, 1806, Then the young man, clad in books were received from Phila- the plain costume of the Friend, delphia for use in a school, and and the demure young woman, Amos Armitage, Charles Chap- wearing her flowing gown of man, Abraham Webster, Samuel grey, arose in public meeting, 1

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and each taking the other by Winn; John Rorke, Elizabeth the hand, separately repeated Bostwick; 1828, Ellas Rogers, the solemn vows, — "Promising Sarah Pearson; 1831, William through Divine Assistance to be Smith, Jr., Deborah Harris, Jr. unto her (or him), a loving and 1833, Gideon Phillips, Eliza faithful husband, (or wife), until Pearson; 1834, Johnathan Ferris, it shall please the Lord to Mary Rogers; Theodore Huntly, separate us." Huldah Winn; 1838, Hiram Bond, In the minute book of Yonge Elizabeth Cruse; 1841, Jonathan Street meeting are recorded the H. Rogers, Hannah Cody, 1842, following intentions of marriage: Wing Rogers, Edith Cody; 1846, 1804, William Pearson, Hannah Arnoldi Haight, Rachel Webb; James; 1806, Robert Willson, 1847, Thomas Moore, Lydia Phil- Mercy Chapman; 1807, Enos lips; Alfred Knight, Martha Dennis, Sarah Hughes; Benjamin Luton; 1848, Harris Knight, Ann K e s t e r, Elizabeth Chapman; Luton; Amos Bowerman, Mary Ezekiel James, Ruth Lundy; Lewis; Benjamin Cody, Susan James Varney, Hannah Ray; Rogers; 1855, Samuel Rogers, 1809, Mordecai Widdifield, Ann Aehsah Cody. Lundy;- James Willson, Mary The forest shadows have long Widdifield; 1810, George Vernon, ceased to be; many suns have Leticia Kinsey; Cyrus Dennis, risen in the eastern splendor to Barbary Brooke; Asa Rogers, sink again into the gloriously Sarah Dennis; Isaac James, Deb- changing wonders of the western orah Wisner; John Merrick, Mary horizon. Many times the flowers Penrose; 1811, Samuel Hughes, have bloomed and faded, and Sarah Webster; Stephen Bower- breathed their story of peace and man, Amy Hughes; 1812, Nathan immortality. Now these human Dennis, Elizabeth Phillips; Wil- flowers are at rest, awaiting the liam Phillips, Hannah Dennis; voice of the Gardener. Though 1813, Joseph Widdifield, Christi- the voices now are muted, and ana Wilson; Henry Wasley, Ann the toil-hardened hands folded, Toole; Eliazer Lundy, Euphemia yet clear and compelling, from Playter; Benjamin Widdifield, the forefather's rude cabin in the Matilda Rogers. summers long gone by, sacred, 1814, William Doan, Esther silent, and on spirit wings, Bostwick; Joel Hughes, Sarah soaring above life's bewildered Phillips; 1815, John A. Haight, clamor, comes the forceful chal- Mary Howard; William Ray, lenge from this garden of peace, Martha Lundy; 1816, John L. planted in the wilderness by Hogson, Ann James; Seth Armi- those pioneer Quakers who had tage, Anna Phillips; 1817, Charles glimpsed the vision,—a challenge Hambleton, Margaret Penrose; to help humanity prepare for the 1818, James Brown, Mary higher goal towards which she is Phillips; 1820, Zenus Rogers, struggling, and which belongs to Elizabeth Gager; 1821, Joseph the most humble by right of Moore, Anna Rogers. kinship with the lowly Carpenter 1823, Asa Rogers, Susanna of Galilee. And from which was Pearson; Owen Phillips, Elizabeth born an inspiration that has been Rogers; 1824, Asa Rogers, Lydia passed on by men whose "Thee" Ray; 1826, Peter Doyle, Phebe and "Thou" clasped hands with Pa 9 e 12 THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS

courageous truth, and scorned the whispering wind, and resolved to paltry and insincere, — whose keep alive the remembrance of "Yea" was "Yea," and whose those fine old Quakers, whose "Nay" was "Nay." lives made possible this rest for In the gathering stillness of body, and refreshment for tired late afternoon, as we came spirit, and taught the visitor it thoughtfully away from the was a privilege to sit in one of ancient Meeting House, and look- these old-time meetings, ing back from the noisy highway, it seemed, as its shutters were (These records may not be again closed, and the nun-like complete. The thanks of the peace descended upon it, to be writer are due Mr. Chas. Lewis, content to withdraw to its com- Mr. N. L. Rogers and Mr. J. M. munings with the past, and keep Walton for help received, loaning its tryst with the robins and the documents and references, as orioles, the sighing trees and the well as the Ontario Archives.)

Appendix Chronology

These dates in Quaker history are compiled for ready refer- ence. This could easily be enlarged and improved. In the small space of this booklet we give you the folic wing: General

1624 George Fox born, England. Died 1690. 1644 William Penn born, England. 1653 Quakerism planted in Wales. 1656 Quakerism planted in American Colonies. 1657 Quakerism planted in West Indies. 1672 George Fox visited the Quakers in America. 1682 William Penn came to Pennsylvania to found colony.

1780 Slavery abolished1 in Pennsylvania. 1783 New England Quakers (Loyalist) founded settlement at Pennfield, N.B., and prohibited slavery. Education 1806 Yonge Street School opened. 1811 Pelham School opened. 1816 West Lake School opened. 1817 Uxbridge School opened. 1841 West Lake Boarding School opened. 1842 Pickering College founded. 1850 Rockwood Academy founded. (Schools were started by the Friends at Sohomberg and many other places, 1806-1850, before any public schools were established.) 3

THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS Page 1

Local

1795 Timothy Rogers, Yonge St. colonizer, made 2,200 mile mis- sionary tour through Quebec, P.E.I., N.S., N.B. 1792 Philip Borland elected to Upper Canada Assembly and dis- qualified for not taking oath. 1798 First Quaker Meeting at Adolphustown at Philip Borland's house. 1799 Pelhaim Monthly Meeting established. 1800 Timothy Rogers of Vermont explores Yonge St. for settlement. 1801 Timothy Rogers brings in settlers from Vermont. 1801 First Monthly Meeting at Adolphustown. 1802 Yonge St. Quakers apply for privilege of Monthly Meeting. 1803 First Preparative Meeting at West Lake. 1803 Elias Hicks visits Upper Canada Meetings. 1805 Large emigration to York County from Penn. by wagon. 1805 Whitchurch (Pine Orchard) Meeting started. 1805 Uxbridge Meeting started. 1807 Queen Street (Sharon) Meeting started. 1807 Yonge St. Meeting buys 2 acre site. 1808 York County Quakers fined for non-attendance military training day. Cattle seized for non-payment. 1808 Typhus Fever epidemic causes many deaths. 1810 Bavid Willson donates site for Quaker Meeting at Sharon. 1810 Timothy Rogers brings settlers to Pickering from Penn. 1810 Yonge St. Meeting House built (Orthodox). 1810 Yonge St. Meeting buys 2 acre cemetery site. 1812 Bavid Willson separates from Friends and starts "Children of Peace" at Sharon. 1816 Circulating Library started tat Yonge St. 1828 Hicksite separation. 1829 Hicksite Meeting House built Yonge St. 1834 Pickering Meeting House built. Burned 1876. 1840 Tecumseth (Scihcmberg) new Meeting House built. 1844 Uxbridge new Meeting House built. 1881 Second separation (Progressive vs. Conservative). 1893 7 William Allen, minister at Newmarket. A slave till 29 years old. Then started to school, became great scholar and preacher, filling Meeting Houses and starting 37 young men in ministry. 1937 World Friends Conference in Philadelphia, 23 countries send delegations, 50 Yearly Meetings represented.

Sufferings and Martyrdom

1657 Law passed in New England imposing a fine of 100 pounds sterling (£100) on any shipmaster bringing a Quaker to America. Quakers publicly scourged in Boston, Mass., with 30 stripes, and until women spectators fainted at the bloody sight. Victims fur- ther imprisoned and whipped twice a week if they did not recant. One received 357 lashes in two weeks.

Massachusetts law imposed on Quakers, if found in that state, the cropping of one ear; if found twice, both ears. If found a third time the tongue was burned with a hot iron. Page 14 THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS

A Quaker and his wife were fined until all they had was gone; thrown into jail and their two sons ordered to be sold into slavery. 1657 First Quaker woman publicly whipped. 1658 Death sentence imposed on Quakers. 1659 Quaker books and literature seized and burned. 1659 Quaker ministers scourged and branded "R" on the shoul- der with red-hot irons. 1659 William Robinson, Marmaduke Stephenson, Mary Dwyer and Patience Scott (11 year old girl) apprehended as Quakers in Boston. The adults were banished on pain of death. On Oct. 19 of 1659, Mary Dwyer, Marmaduke Stephenson and William Robinson were condemned, led to the scaffold, bound hand and foot; both men were hanged. At last moment the woman was unbound and reprieved. 1660 Mary Dwyer again arrested, condemned and hanged in Bos- ton, because she would not recant. 1660 Eight Quakers transported from Mass. 1661 Laws passed in New England "that all Quakers and such like vagabonds shall be whipt with rods and transported." Any person harbouring Quakers to be fined £5 and whipped. Any person attending a Quaker Meeting to be fined 40 shillings. Any person allowing any Quaker in his house to be fined 40s. A criminal offence to furnish any Quaker with a horse. 1661 Law passed in New England, men and women branded on left shoulders. Quaker women stripped, lashed to cart tails and whipped through the streets. 1661 William Leddra the last Quaker to be hanged in Boston. 1677 Whipping posts still used for Quakers. 1689 Act of Toleration passed by King Wm. and Queen Mary on protest of Quakers. 1724 Laws passed forcing Quakers to pay taxes for support of other clergy. 1724 Quakers in America carry petition to England "under sufferings for conscience sake." 1725 King William and Queen Mary ordain liberty of conscience and worship in American colonies. 1743 5,000 Friends attend Rhode Island Yearly Meeting. 1747 John Woolman, the Quaker, first to denounce slavery. N.B.—No notation is here made of persecutions of Quakers in England, which were many. All the mention herein is of persecutions in America where the first emigrants came to secure for themselves civil and religious liberty—yet they denied it to others. The scaffold erected on Boston Common for the execution of the Quakers inspired James Russell Lowell to pen these lines:

"History's pages but record One death grapple in the darkness, 'Twixt old systems and the Word; Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne; Yet that scaffold sways the future, And behind the dim unknown Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above his own." THE YONGE STREET QUAKERS Page 15

A QUAKER BURIAL GROUND

There's a place I love to wander, In a churchyard though afar; Thoughts of Friends of yesteryears, Fill our eyes with welling tears, As we linger where the spreading Maples are.

There we find the Christians' hope, Like a bright and morning star; Faith and Hope henceforth increase, Forever they will rest in peace, Resting sweetly where the spreading Maples are.

A holy calm and peace abounds, A peace no earthly care can mar; And we slowly turn and go, With our voices hushed and low From the quiet, where the spreading Maples are.

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