Chapter 4 (Section VIII) - Alexander Burr’s Emigration to Canada

Alexander Burr’s Emigration to Canada Alexander Burr emigrated to Canada in 1835 at age 18. He was followed by his brothers Robert and James. In roughly 1838, Alexander married Isabella Gerrie, who had arrived with her family from Aberdeenshire. Isabella’s family, the Gerries, were Congregationalists, while Alexander was Presbyterian.

In 1845, Alexander purchased 100 acres in West Garafraxa Township from the Canada Company. The Canada Company had been formed by John Galt to sell Crown reserves to fund war indemnities. The Burrs lived in a log cabin and raised a large family, including Christian, Andrew, Alexander, James, William, and George. Alexander Burr was known as a man of great heart who ministered to sick neighbors and animals in all weather. He died in Fergus, Ontario, on September 17, 1889.