My Ancestors in Midland

John Smith served as a British government commissariat issuer on Drummond Island before relocating with the military garrison and local settlers to the Penetanguishene and North Simcoe area in November 1828.  John received Lot 106 Con.1 of Tay, which is now a large portion of downtown Midland. 

He served alongside other notable officials, including Fort Adjutant Mr. Keating, Barrack Master Sergeant Santlaw Rawson, and Government Indian Interpreter William Solomon.

John Smith and the arriving Drummond Island voyageurs and personnel became foundational figures in the early settlement of the Penetanguishene, Tay, and Tiny township areas adjacent to present-day Midland.  

The town was officially founded when the Midland Railway of Canada chose it as its western terminus in 1871.  This land belonged to John Smith, which he sold in June 1871.