August 08, 2025

William K. Flesher descendant honoured in recent Flesherton visit

Photo (From left to right): Grey Highlands Museum Curator Peter Whitehead, Grey Highlands Councillor Tom Allwood, Mark Speer and his wife Sylvie, Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen, Bruce Flesher and his wife Joyce, Grey Highlands Deputy Mayor Dane Nielsen, Grey Highlands Peace Committee member John Butler, Grey Highlands Councillor Paul Allen.

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — On Friday, August 8, a special guest to Grey Highlands was given the red carpet treatment by Councillors, Grey Highlands Museum staff and Peace Committee members. Bruce Flesher, descendant of William K. Flesher — the founder of Flesher's Corners, later named Flesherton — toured the Grey Highlands Museum and various sites in the centuries-old town. "Bruce had no idea that plans have been developed for him and his travelling companions," said Stewart Halliday, Grey Highlands Peace Committee member and co-organizer.

Flesher's great great great grandfather was instrumental in the development of the community, and his contributions led to the settlement being named in his honour. Originally, he came from England but emigrated to Canada in 1847. Eventually, he and his wife made their way to the newly surveyed Artemesia Township in Grey County, and settled on 50 acres of land at the intersection of the Toronto-Syndenham and Durham Roads (now Highway 10 and Grey County Road 4).

William K. Flesher's home (left) was located on the bank of Flesherton Pond.

From the building of mills, the organization of a Masonic Lodge, construction of a school and the donation of land for a Methodist Church, Flesher was a prominent figure in the development of the area. Over his lifetime, he became a magistrate, druggist, doctor and successful politician, serving as village Reeve, as well as Warden of Grey County and he represented the riding of Grey East in the House of Commons of Canada as a Conservative member from 1872 to 1878, under the party leadership of Sir John A. MacDonald.

Grey Highlands Museum Curator Peter Whitehead organized the bulk of this eventful day, surprising Bruce with a display of artifacts, including a 141-year-old family bible, once gifted to his great great grandmother.

From their initial greeting at the Museum, the group which included Bruce, his wife Joyce and friends Mark and Sylvie, took a walking tour of his famous relative's former properties, the old Methodist Church (now The Hanley Institute) and local cemetery. They made a quick stop into the Flesherton Library where they were treated to a light lunch of sandwiches from Highland Grounds and baked goodies from The Bakery.

Peace Committee member John Butler gave a 'Toast to the Ladies,' a popular old social custom which began in the 17th and 18th centuries — in this case, made with a slight twist to honour the women who are often overlooked in the retelling of history.

Mayor Paul McQueen presented Bruce with a certificate declaring him an Honorary Citizen. "William K. Flesher carved a legacy and that legacy lives on," exclaimed McQueen, who went on to proclaim, "This town will always be your home."

"It's been wonderful and totally surprising," said Bruce Flesher, about the experience. "It's very emotional for me but I'm loving it!"

The group returned to the Flesherton Library for a celebratory tea party and at the end of the day, Peter Whitehead presented Bruce with a photo book to chronicle the history of William K. Flesher and his contributions to the town.

 

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