FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2018
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett paid tribute to an important figure in Ontario’s history in a statement in the Ontario Legislature this week.
John Graves Simcoe was the first lieutenant-governor of Ontario, the namesake for Norfolk County’s seat and one of its largest lakes, and a soldier. He fought in the American War of Independence, interacting with such noted figures as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Benedict Arnold.
“In October 1777, Simcoe assumed command of the elite Queen’s Rangers, largely composed of Loyalists and American deserters. It was a 400-man elite fighting force trained in woodcraft, scouting and guerrilla warfare. Instead of the protocol of the time of strict and rigid manoeuvres, they wore green uniforms as camouflage,” Barrett said in the Legislature. “Simcoe and his Rangers fought alongside Benedict Arnold and, in the winter of 1779, spared the life of George Washington himself, allowing him to escape. Simcoe was held as a prisoner of war and was paroled by Benjamin Franklin.”
Simcoe was appointed lieutenant-governor on Sept. 12, 1791 and oversaw inaugural legislation that laid the foundation for what Ontario is today.
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For more information, contact the Office of MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org
ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
DRAFT HANSARD
July 23, 2018
JOHN GRAVES SIMCOE
Mr. Toby Barrett: Next weekend, as people enjoy what’s known as Simcoe Day—in the city of Toronto, anyway—it’s important to pay tribute to Ontario’s first Lieutenant Governor.
John Graves Simcoe was born February 25, 1752, in England. He was also a member of British Parliament and fought George Washington’s army. At age 24, Simcoe went to war to fight the American revolutionaries. His regiment arrived from Britain in June 1775 to take part in the siege of Boston.
In October 1777, Simcoe assumed command of the elite Queen’s Rangers, largely composed of Loyalists and American deserters. It was a 400-man elite fighting force trained in woodcraft, scouting and guerrilla warfare. Instead of the protocol of the time of strict and rigid manoeuvres, they wore green uniforms as camouflage.
Simcoe and his Rangers fought alongside Benedict Arnold and, in the winter of 1779, spared the life of George Washington himself, allowing him to escape. Simcoe was held as a prisoner of war and was paroled by Benjamin Franklin.
On September 12, 1791, Simcoe was appointed Lieutenant Governor, the first Lieutenant Governor of the newly created Upper Canada. And, for those who have interest, there is a statue of John Graves Simcoe on the southeast grounds of the precinct.