Family Directory

The alphabetized listing of some of the families settling in Historic Westmeath Township makes up the FAMILY REGISTRY.

They each had a unique story. Even if you have no family connections to Westmeath, you will find some crackerjack stories. You quickly realize that the settlers were either very brave and without other options, or foolhardy – probably both.

Some had come earlier for work, either as militia or a garrison from either of the two founding nations, first France, then England. Some were employed in the fur trade and had travelled exploring by canoe to the far north and deep into the west. Some got off ships at Quebec City or Montreal and were sent inland up the shortest waterway into the continent, the majestic Ottawa River. Some came north from the American Colonies to remain as British Colonists when the American Revolution occurred.  

Immigrants were coming from mostly European countries to start new lives. Most had no idea of the hardships they would face. But endure they did, and we are grateful.