Kleinburg Local Heroes: Past & Present
History is a story about people, and there have been many interesting people in Kleinburg's past. Some were significant for particular events, others for their lifetime accomplishments, all of them helped make a difference and contributed in some way to the community at large.
Past
In my role as Archivist for the Kleinburg Nashville Historical Collection, I've had access to information about some of these local heroes.
John Kline built his mill in 1848 and founded the community which sprang up around it. He served as a justice of the peace, and was also a member of the Home District (pre-Vaughan Township) Council in the 1840s. He was responsible for petitioning for the first school in Kleinburg.
George Stegman also operated a saw mill in the village, and his father, John Stegman, was the Deputy-Surveyor for Upper Canada in 1790.
The Howland brothers (William Pearce, Fred and Henry Stark Howland), who bought Kline's mill in 1852, were one of Ontario's most successful families in both private business and public politics. William Pearce Howland held numerous prestigious positions in his lifetime: a minister in the first Dominion cabinet of Canada; the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario from 1868 to 1873, and Postmaster General of Canada in 1867. Henry Stark Howland was equally successful as his brother. His positions included: the first post-master of Kleinburg; reeve of Vaughan Township from 1859 to 1860; warden of York County; vice-president in 1867 of the Canadian Bank of Commerce and first president of the Imperial Bank of Canada in 1875. William Pearce's sons held the position of mayor in Toronto; William Holmes Howland held the position from 1886 to 1887 and Oliver A. from 1901 to 1902.
Lester B. Pearson's father was a Methodist preacher at Kleinburg's first church in 1852, and his elder brother, Marmaduke, was born here.
John Perry was Reeve of Vaughan Township for four year, ran successful pharmacies, and was holder of the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded for his service in World War II.
Robert and Signe McMichael built an impressive collection of works by the Group of Seven and Inuit and First Nations' artists, and later donated it to the Province as the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. He became a Member of the Order of Canada in 1975. Robert passed away in November of 2003.
Present
We're fortunate that we're not restricted to the past to find these people. In my (relatively brief) two years in Kleinburg, I've met a number of these local heroes. Kleinburg is home to (at least) two Order of Canada award winners (Pierre Berton and David Eadie), and was saddened by the recent loss of a third, Robert McMichael.
Pierre Berton
Perhaps Canada's best-known author, journalist and broadcaster, he has, through his prodigious production of prize-winning books, articles, columns and editorials, made Canadian history interesting and comprehensible to all. (Source: Governor General of Canada website)
David Eadie
He has dedicated his life to bringing humanitarian relief to the world's disadvantaged. He is a master woodworker and has been a volunteer technical advisor with the Canadian Hunger Foundation, the Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO) and the United Church. He introduced new technology and techniques which are fostering self-sufficiency among indigenous peoples in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Using his extensive background in sawmilling and furniture manufacturing, he finds practical solutions to local problems. His ingenuity became the cornerstone for many successful aid projects in Canada and abroad. (Source: Governor General of Canada website)
Others ?
Who do you know that should be considered a Local Hero? I'm sure that as a community we have seen many people pass through our Village life who have made significant contributions. Please send in your stories, histories, opinions, ideas, and photos, and let's all share in our common history. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected].
The Official Web Site Of The Village Of Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada