Scotland and Upper Canada

As economic conditions in Scotland worsened during the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth centuries, destitute hand-loom weavers from the cotton districts around Glasgow and land-hungry Highlanders left Scotland for Upper Canada in increasing numbers. The success of these and other early settlers caused the exodus to mushroom as people from all parts of Scotland sought a better life in Upper Canada. Once settled they clung to their culture and identity and greatly influenced the social and economic development of what would become Ontario. This book is the first comprehensive account of this great Scottish exodus to Upper Canada. The Scottish Pioneers of Upper Canada, 1784-1855 tells the story of Scottish hardship, emigrant ship crossings and early pioneer settlements. It provides new insights on how it was that Upper Canada came to acquire its distinctive Scottish communities. This is a story of the courage, enterprise and rugged independence shown by the settlers who were helped on their way by some larger than life characters such as Thomas Talbot, Lord Selkirk, Archibald McNab and William Dickson. Drawing on new and wide-ranging sources, the book provides much descriptive information including all known passenger lists together with details of over 900 emigrant ship crossings. Providing a fascinating overview of the exodus, it is essential reading for historians, genealogists and all with an interest in the history of Scotland and Canada and the relation s between the two countries. The Scottish Pioneers of Upper Canada 1784 - 1855.