Introduction

Simcoe's Plan

War of 1812

Moravians

Baldoon Mystery

A Place of Refuge

Dresden

Elgin Settlement

Talbot Road

Bothwell's Boom

Civil War

Conclusion

OVHP: Elgin - A Man Own's Land

OVHP: Elgin - The Land Owns Him

Thomas Talbot worked as an aide to Governor Simcoe and had come with the Governor to North America. When Talbot eventually retired and received a tract of land in Southern Ontario, he became a British land agent. Talbot understood Simcoe's plan for defense of the province and established settlements according to this idea. Talbot settled people with the stipulation that they must clear and maintain a road in front of their property.

However there was a gap in Talbot's road, known as the Ten Mile Bush, which remained undeveloped for years. Talbot is responsible for settling and establishing much of southern Chatham-Kent County as it is today.