It was not Sam Strickland, ‘twas the Nelsons

I am pleased that Samuel Strickland will be honoured by induction into the Peterborough Pathway of Fame. To quote Stan MacLean as stated in The Examiner on Aug. 24, “He was a great man”.

Sam was educated, a gifted writer, and relatively affluent. He posessed polished social graces and was well connected in politics and religion with the decision makers and the governing class.

Sam’s qualities, his vision, experience and connections enabled him to be a leader and moving force for many things in the North Douro and Lakefield area.

However I take issue with the statement that he is recognized as the founder of Lakefield. If fictitious statements are often repeated they become accepted as fact and common, though incorrect, knowledge.

The founder(s) of Lakefield, most often deprived of their just due because of the fore mentioned, were John Nelson, and his wife Margaret Johnston, who came from County Cavan, Ireland. In the year 1820 they settled in the area which later became Lakefield.

Sam’s welcomed arrival ( the Nelsons were delighted to have neighbours) in North Douro, was eleven years later, 1831. In his exceptionally well written book “TwentySeven Years in Canada West” he, himself, uses the name “Nelson’s Falls” to describe the part of Lakefield laying west of the Otonabee River.

John and Margaret Nelson owned all the land south of Bridge St. in Lakefield and west from the Otonabee River to that which is known as ‘the Maples’. In later years the land they owned was laid out in streets named after their children, Caroline, William, Nassua, and the family surname, Nelson.

I fail to find substantiation that Sam Strickland ever lived in Lakedfield. The land where he settled and lived is more than three kilometres from Lakefield, on the south shore of Lake Katchewanooka. Indeed, he owned land in that which would become Lakefield. His sister and children certainly did live in the village.

Sam Strickland’s legacey, his immense contribution to our village will continue to be heraldic, yet let it be known that the founder(s) of Lakefield were John and Margaret Nelson. Neil Wasson Lakefield