Presented by Linda Corupe
60-Minute Presentation (All)
Researching records connected with the canals can be a rewarding experience for genealogists, and can reveal surprising ways in which an ancestor could be connected to Upper Canada’s canals. The 19th century, particularly the early part, was one which saw the construction of a large network of canals in our province, including the Rideau Canal, the Welland Canal, the Trent Canal, the Cornwall Canal, the Burlington Bay Canal and the Desjardins Canal. Designed to facilitate the movement of goods and people, they also provided employment to thousands. Along with the fascinating stories of their planning, design and construction, come many genealogical opportunities, in the form of labour lists, names of stock holders, owners of expropriated or damaged land and vendors of needed supplies, justice proceedings resulting from connected crimes, toll payments, etc. This session will outline various resources that can be used to shed light on this fascinating time and the people who were impacted by it.
