JESSE KETCHUM

School, park and plaque, west side of Davenport Rd. at Bay St., Toronto

Jessie Ketchum (1782-1867) was a pioneer in education, a social reformer, and supporter of William Lyon Mackenzie. A philanthropist and strong champion of a “free and common school” system, he gave this site for such a purpose in 1856. He lived and had his tannery on Adelaide Street at Yonge Street.