The La Guayra Settlers

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2004

Photo by contributor Wayne Adam - Posted December, 2011

Plaque Location

The County of Wellington
The City of Guelph
In a parkette on the northeast corner of
Macdonell Street and Woolwich Street

Coordinates: N 43 32.868 W 80 14.731

Plaque Text

In 1827 some 135 destitute Scottish settlers arrived at Guelph. They formed part of a group sent in 1825 to La Guayra, Venezuela, by a British land company. Unsuited to the tropical climate and unable to work their poor land, they abandoned the colony and requested assistance from the British government. Transported to New York, they were directed to the Canada Company's settlement in Upper Canada. Forgoing the required charges, the superintendent, John Galt, placed them on Company land. This philanthropic action was criticized by his superiors and was one of the reasons leading to his recall to England in 1829.

Related Ontario plaque
John Galt 1779-1839

More
Settlements

---

Here are the visitors' comments for this page.

Posted April 7, 2010
I wonder if we are related? Hugh Kennedy the younger (Black Hugh) was an ancestor of mine; my part of the family was in Guelph until 1905 or so. If you happen to look back here, please get in touch! Bridget (bkbalint at gmail)

Posted September 8, 2008
I have just read the story about the La Guayra settlers in "Historic Guelph The Royal City" Vol. XVIII. I am a descendant of one of the original families, that of Hugh Kennedy. My name is Kathleen (Lefneski) Lang originally of Guelph, Ontario.

Here's where you can write a comment for this page.

Note: If you wish to ask me a question, please use the email link in the menu.

Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours
(usually much sooner).