Scottish settlers began to arrive around 1819 and 1820. John Stewart and his family were some of the first, and so he is sometimes referred to as the Father of the Scotch Block. Many other families soon arrived and became important names in the area. They included the McColls, McPhersons, Lyons, Gillies, Murrays, Sproats and others.
One of the first things the early settlers did was build the Boston Presbyterian Church. Historical records say, “they waited only until after the snow had disappeared in the spring, and then determined to have the religious life they led in Scotland, they held their first church on a hillside.”
The Boston Church was an important cornerstone of the community and still stands today with active services. Historically, the church was key to inspiring Scottish pride in the Block. It’s said that an early preacher once declared during a service, “we must keep everyone out [out of the Block] but the Scots.”
Like Ashgrove, Scotch Block had ties to William Lyon Mackenzie and his 1837 rebellion. John Stewart Jr., son of founding settler John Stewart, was a supporter of Mackenzie. Stewart even hosted him at his house. Mackenzie reportedly gave a speech at Stewart’s home, Craiglea House, on August 12, 1837.
The Halton Region Conservation Authority built the Scotch Block dam and reservoir. Construction finished in 1971. The historic Roxburgh Farm was partly flooded by the dam’s creation.
Today, Scotch Block is home to many historic homes and buildings. Ligny School House was the first public School Section in Esquesing. It is now the oldest remaining frame schoolhouse in Halton Hills. Homes belonging to prominent settlers, such as James Hume and Thomas Joyce, are also designated heritage properties.
