The Gunn Farm and Landholdings
The following is from the book “Governor Simcoe Slept Here: The Legacy of West Gwillimbury” published by the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association.
From pages 595-96 " Alexander and Christina Gunn: Alexander Gunn (1801-1883) and Christina Bannerman (1799-1869) were both born in Scotland. In 1845 Alexander received the north half of Lot 3, Con. 4. Half of this he transferred to one son, John, and the other half to his son, Alexander Jr.
In 1853, Alexander purchased the southwest quarter of Lot 3, Con. 5 and in 1854 he purchased the southeast quarter, which in turn were sold by 1897. The north half of Lot 3, Con. 4 was sold out of the family in 1903. The southwest corner of Lot 3, Con. 4 was sold in 1909.
The Archives of Ontario have a copy of the original land petition document of 1837 prepared for, and signed by, Alexander Gunn. This document states that lot 3 of concession 4 was part of the “Clergy Reserves” and that a John Reid had leased the land in 1830. Alexander Gunn had lived on it since at least 1834 and had paid the rent on the north half. Alexander apparently purchased Reid’s interest in the land, and in December of 1836 he petitioned Sir Frances Bond Head, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, for the right to purchase the land outright. The sale of the north half of Lot 3, Con. 4 was recommended by the appropriate Officials in January of 1837.
