19th Century
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.