In 1820, Nathaniel Roszell was one of the first settlers to arrive in Ballinafad with his wife, Hannah, and brother, George. Although George left the following spring, selling his land to Nathaniel, other settlers soon began to arrive. Located on the border of Erin Township on Trafalgar Road, the isolated settlement had wolves and even occasional bears as unwanted company. The closest stores and post office were in Stewarttown and Ashgrove.

Roszell donated land for a church, and a log cabin was built around 1825. During the week, the log cabin was also used as a school for the local children. In 1842, the Methodists built a new church on the land donated by Roszell and the cabin continued to serve as a school.

Around this time, a post office and store were established, as well as a hotel and cemetery – all signs of a growing community. By 1857, with the help of growing traffic on Trafalgar Road, it became a busy area with many stores, blacksmiths, hotels and more. Many businesses and mills were successful in the area.

Trafalgar Road looking north showing the Presbyterian Church and the General store on the right, c. 1900. EHS12153, Esquesing Historical Society. Click on the image for more details.

George Gibbs, owner of the Mechanic’s Hotel, also ran a blacksmith shop, which was taken over by his sons and operated until 1954. Adam Ackert’s pump factory also operated in Ballinafad for forty years, starting in the 1860s. James Kirkwood opened a chopping mill in 1931 which closed in 1992.

A public hall opened around 1870 by a temperance society but it fell into disrepair and was sold and demolished in 1961. The community rallied together and led by the Women’s Institute, was able to successfully see the creation of a new hall in 1963.

Like many of the hamlets in Halton Hills, Ballinafad has since turned into a quiet, idyllic community.