Restin' in Derry West Traditional Geocache
Mississauga Misfits: Time to open this site up for a new cache. [:)]
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The “Restin’” caches are a series that will take you to local cemeteries, places of great historical interest. From pioneers and modern people these lovely places are full of interesting information. Please take your time – walk around, visit with the past. The caches are easy to find. Please respect where you are.
Derry West Cemetery is Located on the North-West corner of Derry Road and Highway 10 (Hurontario) in what was in the 1830's a small hamlet known as Derry West. The cemetery is the only remnant of the former settlement.
Derry West Anglican is one of the earliest Mississauga cemeteries. Church services were held at the site in the former church from 1829 to 1867 - when the village was destroyed by fire. The first burials were likely in the 1830's, but there now remains no trace of those. Burials continued following the demise of the town in 1867, but at reducing frequency.
When the cemetery closed in 1936, it was surrounded by 24 elms, maples and ironwood trees. In addition, a barb wire, cedar post fence stood as a barrier, sealing off the cemetery. The cemetery was left for years in a deplorable state, being used by a nearby farmer as a pasture and as a dump for the nearby service station. The lack of care paid to the cemetery meant the loss and damage to many cemetery markers. Unfortunately, the poor record keeping and care of Derry West Cemetery means that many buried within the cemetery will be forever forgotten.
An historic plaque was erected by a local women's group to commemorate the cemetery and contains some fascinating information. The plaque reads as follows:
Historic Plaque of Derry West1829 - Derry West - 1973
This is the site of the original Hurontario Church (Anglican). In 1822 Joseph Carter received a Crown grant for 200 acres on Lot 11 Con 1 WHS, Tor. Twp. On this portion he built a small log church which opened July 27, 1829. The cornerstone was christened by whiskey bought from the hotel across the road. Bishop Strachan said "I heard that this church was begun in drunkenness and ribaldry" so he refused Carter Holy Orders. Carter, broken-hearted, sold the farm to Wm. Orr, reserving 1/2 acre on which the church sat, deeding it to the Church of England. In 1843 a mud brick replaced the old church and opposite a small rough cast Presbyterian church was built, Derry West was named by George Graham to honour his forefathers who fought at Londonderry, Ireland. Derry West had the first Post Office in Peel Co. In 1826. No. 10 L.O.L. built their first hall west of the corner (origin of Derry West District Lodge). Beside the cemetery stood a small brick Armories used at the time of Fenian raids. (1865). Taverns, a temperance hall, blacksmith, shoemaker and carpenter shop with horse sheds made up Derry West in 1857 with a population of 100. Through the years there have been 3 schools here. In 1867 Derry West was swept with fire; little remained and the small hamlet never regained the former prominence of those early years. Erected by the Derry West Women's Institute and Community.
There is no pen/pencil in the cache please bring your own writing instrument.
Additional Hints
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