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INTRO TO ELGIN SETTLEMENT ... ELGIN SETTLEMENT ... NORTH BUXTON ... PEOPLE OF BUXTON
Robert Harding Sr.
Early Settler of Buxton
Robert Harden was born a slave between 1833 and 1841 to Major and Maria Harden on a plantation in Virginia. Robert, along with his parents, became a fugitive when he escaped into free Canada West (Ontario). They first settled in the Queen's Bush area of Wellington County.
In 1860, Robert married Elizabeth Travis. In 1866, the couple settled in the Buxton Settlement, purchasing 50 acres on the 7th Concession to support their family of seven children farming. The children of Robert and Elizabeth were Malvina, William, Thomas, Morris, Ellen, Elizabeth & Victoria. Robert served in the Militia in 1866 to 1867.
In 1893, Robert and Elizabeth took Isaac Shadd to court for breach of promise. When Robert Harding died is unknown. Descendents of Elizabeth (Travis) and Robert Harding Sr. are still members of the Buxton community.
SITE MAP ... MUSEUM POLICIES ........website created July 2008; updated January 2012; by Lori Gardner