John Graves Simcoe

John Graves Simcoe was born on February 25, 1752, in Northumberland, England. At age 14, he entered Eton and three years later attended Merton College of Oxford. He soon joined the 35th Regiment and just one year later he was promoted to Major. In 1782, John Graves Simcoe married his life-time companion Elizabeth Posthuma Gwillim. In 1791, Canada was divided into two parts, Upper and Lower Canada, and John Graves Simcoe was called to be the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. On July 1, 1792, Simcoe arrived in Kingston and set up his government there. An election was held on September 17, 1792, and the first parliament of the province was held at Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake). In 1795, Simcoe travelled through what is now Simcoe. Stopping in Lynnwood Park and resting under a large oak tree, he was met by Aaron Culver who shared with him watermelon and some of Mrs. Culver's "wheaten bread" and discussed the ownership of certain properties along the Lynn River. Simcoe died in his home near Exeter, Devonshire, England on Oct 26, 1806. On the South wall of the Exeter Cathedral in England, can be found a monument in the memory of John Graves Simcoe.

Aaron Culver, Founder of Simcoe

Aaron Culver moved from New Jersey to Canada in 1794. In September 1795, when John Graves Simcoe stopped in what is now Lynnwood Park, Aaron Culver treated Simcoe and his men to watermelon and Mrs. Culver's "wheaten bread". Culver hoped to be granted some land to build a mill on Patterson's Creek (Lynn River). Simcoe granted the land on the condition that whenever he "passes between York and Long Point", he would receive some of Mrs. Culver's bread. Culver's first mill, named the Union Mill, was destroyed by the American troops in the war of 1812, but was quickly rebuilt. Culver also built at his own expense, a church and a school house. Culver was a well respected citizen who helped build his town and convince the other residents to name the town after Simcoe. Culver felt that Simcoe deserved to be remembered for his kindness and generosity. After much fighting Culver won and the Town of Simcoe has kept its name since.

Duncan Campbell, First Postmaster

Duncan Campbell arrived in Simcoe in 1820 at the age of 18. He had been sent from Montreal to watch over William Bird, a man in debt with Montreal businessmen. Possibly frightened by the young man, Bird left Simcoe on his horse one night and was never seen again. Within a year of his arrival Campbell grew tired of running Bird's store and wanted to return to Montreal. Aaron Culver convinced Campbell to stay with a gift of 10 acres of land North of Argyle and East of Norfolk streets back to the river bank. Campbell remained, built Lynnwood and occupied the house until his death. Campbell built a small white cottage on the corner of Argyle and Norfolk streets and opened Simcoe's first post office in 1829. Campbell soon opened a branch of the Gore Federal Bank. Being the excellent businessman that he was, Campbell continued to attend to business and personal affairs even after his retirement. Duncan Campbell was a healthy man who remained quite active until his death on March 19, 1892, at the age of 90.

Henry Harris Groff, Horticulturalist

Henry Harris Groff was born in Simcoe on October 1, 1853. He grew up with the expectations of becoming a bank manager as his father had done before him, yet his creativity and passion for experimental breeding of various animals led him on a different path. He soon became interested in the cross pollination of flowers which led to his first Gladiolus cross-pollination in 1890. The Simcoe Horticultural Society was established in 1896 and in 1897, H.H. Groff became the 2nd vice president of the society. In 1898, he became the President of the Horticultural Society and held the position until 1913. In 1901, Groff went to compete in the Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo, New York, and won sixteen first place awards, one being the Pan-American Exposition gold medal for the finest display. His horticultural career took off as his breeds of flowers began shipping to various parts of the world.

In 1914, Groff temporarily went back to banking and retired from his horticultural career. It was just a few years later that Groff decided to restart his hobby. At this time he was over seventy years old, but continued with great success. In 1922, he became the honourary President of the Horticultural Society and received that position several more times until his death. He continued to win several more awards and in 1925 received the special honour of the Carter gold medal from the Canadian Horticultural Council for Distinguished Service to the cause of Horticulture in Canada. By about 1928 he had started breeding Irises and had similar success as he had with his Gladioli. Henry Harris died in 1933 in his 81st year.