COLONEL ROBERT MOODIE

Tombstone, in Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery, on west side of Yonge Street, opposite Royal Orchard Boulevard, Thornhill

Holy Trinity Church (now on Brooke Street) was first built on Yonge Street in 1830. As you enter the cemetery, a huge flat stone level to the ground lies to the right with the name of Robert Moodie writ large.  Moodie fought for the British in the Napoleonic wars and in the War of 1812, serving at Lundy’s Lane, Fort Erie and Sackett’s Harbour. He settled in Richmond Hill in 1835 and was one of the first pastors of Holy Trinity Church.

Moodie figured in the 1837 Rebellion as a loyal supporter of the Family Compact chief, Bishop John Strachan. As soon as he saw armed rebels marching down Yonge Street, Moodie set out on horseback to warn Bond Head in Toronto. When he reached Montgomery’s Tavern, he was challenged by sentries on duty. He responded contemptuously: “Who are you to stop me on the Queen’s Highway?” and fired on the sentry.  A rebel shot rang out in response toppling Moodie from his horse and making him one of the first casualties of the Rebellion in Upper Canada.

There is also an official Ontario plaque for Robert Moodie. It is located on the east side of Yonge Street, three blocks below Elgin Mills, in Richmond Hill.