JOHN ROLPH


Gravesite, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto

Dr.  Rolph’s (1793-1870) gravesite is marked by a dark granite slab at ground level, Plot C, Section 11, Lot 9. There is also a difficult to find plaque set in a boulder at ground level on the south side of Toronto Reference Libary (north of Bloor and Yonge Sts.) set between the Library and the sidewalk.
Dr. Rolph was expected by the Reformers to head the provisional government when William Lyon Mackenzie proclaimed an independent republic in 1837 on Navy Island. However, Rolph played an uncertain and dubious role throughout the events leading up to the defeat of the Rebellion and finally fled to the United States. Elizabeth Lount was reported have bitterly commented to her husband Samuel “he’ll be the death of us yet”.