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19th Century

Battle of Lake Erie 2 s (640x427)

The 19th century found the men and women of Elgin County in conflicts both at home and abroad. Here at home, in the earliest days of Elgin County settlement, the local militia saw action against the Americans during the War of 1812. The Rebellion of 1837 was the next time citizens were called forward to take part on one side or the other. The last pre-confederation action was in response to the Fenian Raids when once again the local militias were called out to defend Upper Canada from invasion from Americans forces. At the end of the 19th century, a group of local members of the militia sailed off to South Africa to join the conflict known as the Boer War.