While many people are excited that Backus-Page House Museum is the NEW host of the American Civil War Reenactment that used to take place in Milton, a couple have asked what does this have to do with the Tyrconnell Heritage Society's mission statement? Our mission is to preserve and promote the history, culture and area surrounding the Backus-Page House Museum within the Talbot Settlement. Colonel Thomas Talbot was instrumental in settling what became 29 townships along the north shore of Lake Erie, but generally we try to keep our "area" to the municipalities of Dutton Dunwich, West Elgin, and Southwold. While we also focus on 1850s house interiors and the look of the grounds, it is imperative to our continued success and sustainability that for special events and exhibits we share history outside of that decade while still keeping the ties to our location.
It is our hope you will join us on July 29 & 30 when we happily go "Gone With The Wind" and find out about the Canadian (British North American) connections to the American Civil War. Anyone who takes the time to hear about all the connections (number to be determined) gets a free hot dog or water, so its well worth your time. This is a family friendly event. Food available for purchase. Visit our website for the weekend schedule.
American Civil War & the Talbot Settlement
More than 50,000 British North Americans (Canadians) served on both sides of the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865, including many with connections to Elgin County. Their connection may be that they were residents before they enlisted or after they served and some joined as “replacements or substitutes” for conscripted men.
In 1861 the Dunwich Pier Company was organized to build the pier at Tyrconnell. This was a shareholders company with local farmers and residents buying shares to fund the build. This company hoped to take advantage of the economic boom which was occurring during the American Civil War. Commerce declined during the depression following the war and Canadian Confederation.
If you have artefacts or information about any of the following Aldborough or Dunwich men who served, please contact our office. 519-762-3072 Thank you to the Elgin Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society for their research.
Christopher BRADT (or Brott)
John Rice BURWELL
Leonard HARDER
Charles O., Howard, Henry, and William JOHNSON
Abner MCKAY
Dr. Miar MCLAUGHLIN
Neil MCMILLAN
Duncan MCNABB
David MILLER
Thomas O’NEIL
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