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.