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James Anderson's Ties to Georgina

James Anderson's Decision to Retire

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Anderson's health was weakened by his Arctic expedition. The exposure to the elements caused a permanent loss of voice, and resulted in his later death from tuberculosis. In the autumn of 1857, he left the Mackenzie District, and went on furlough. However, he was recalled into service, and given charge of Fort Mingan on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which was less remote. He spent his time there straightening account books and entertaining important personages. Anticipating his retirement, James Anderson instructed his brother Francis Outram Anderson to purchase the Ainslie Hill property in North Gwillimbury Township, Canada West. He retired there permanently in 1864.

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James Anderson's Ties to Georgina

Ainslie Hill

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Early sketch of Ainslie Hill, Sutton, Ontario
Mid 19th Century
Sutton, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

5

Ainslie Hill is located on 200 acres of lot 21, 7th concession, North Gwillimbury Township. The land originally belonged to the Canada Company. It was bought in 1843 by James O'Brien Bourchier for Mrs. Jane Eleanor Corbett of London. Her intention was to give the title of land to her son, William Edwin Thompson Corbett, however, her seal was omitted from the original document, and Mr. Corbett did not gain full possession until 1848. It is assumed that he built the present house.

According to one story, Mr. Corbett visited the area, and was so pleased by the country and by Emma Bourchier that he bought the 200 acres, built a $5000 house, and named it Ainslie Hill. However, Emma turned him down.

James Anderson became the owner of Ainslie Hill in 1861. He had given power of attorney to Francis Outram Anderson, who purchased the property for him for Ł890 from Mr. Corbett on 1 July 1861.

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James Anderson appoints Power of Attorney to his brother, Francis Outram Anderson. Page 1 of 2
13 December 1858
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

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James Anderson appoints Power of Attorney to his brother, Francis Outram Anderson. Page 2 of 2
13 December 1858
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

8

Indenture of Mortgage for Ainslie Hill. Page 1 of 4
1 July 1861
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

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Indenture of Mortgage for Ainslie Hill. Page 2 of 4
1 July 1861
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

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Indenture of Mortgage for Ainslie Hill. Page 3 of 4
1 July 1861
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

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Indenture of Mortgage for Ainslie Hill. Page 4 of 4
1 July 1861
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

12

James Anderson died at Ainslie Hill in October 1867. He left to his wife, Margaret, the use of the home and furnishings for her lifetime, so long as she remained a widow. She was also an executor of the estate, along with her son Alexander, and the property was left in equal shares to the 7 children: Eliza, Alexander, James, Allan, Roderick Mackenzie, William and Robert. Allan died before the will took effect. The parcelling of land to the heirs was complicated, but an eventual clear title to the lot was obtained by James Anderson Jr. and his wife Susannah.

The title "Ainslie Hill" was apparently the choice of Mrs. Corbett; it is a family name.

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Probate of the Last Will & Testament of James Anderson, 1863. Page 1 of 2
1863
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

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Probate of the Last Will & Testament of James Anderson, 1863. Page 2 of 2
1863
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives

Credits:
Georgina Pioneer Village & Archives