The Groce Family

The Groce family matriarch and patriarch arrived in the Buxton Settlement at different times, yet would eventually meet and marry. Born a slave in the state of Virginia, Richard Groce was born in the year 1826. Escaping from the plantation, Richard took his life into his own hand and found a new life in the free land of Canada. Settling in the Buxton Settlement in the year 1857, Richard eventually met and married his wife America “Mary” Burfitt. Born free in Upper Canada, Mary moved to the Buxton Settlement in 1852 with her family.

Sadly, a fire broke out in the Groce home and four of the couple’s children were killed. In time the Groce family had more children restarted their lives and continued to live in the Buxton Settlement.