Barbara Raue

Stouffville Ontario Book 1 in Colour Photos Barbara Raue

Stouffville is the primary urban area within the town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. It is centered at the intersection of Main Street, Mill Street and Market Street. In 1805-06 Abraham Stouffer (1780-1851), a Pennsylvania Mennonite, bought four hundred acres of land in the area and built a saw and grist mill on Duffin's Creek and a settlement grew up around it. In 1832 a post office named Stouffville was established. By 1864, with a population of about seven hundred, there were several prosperous industries including carriage works, harness works, and the mills of Edward Wheler, a prominent merchant. The construction of the Toronto and Nipissing Railway was completed in 1871 and growing agricultural prosperity stimulated the community's growth. A large number of the early settlers of present day Whitchurch-Stouffville were members of the Historic Peace Churches: Brethren in Christ (Tunkers), Mennonites, and Quakers. They were attracted to settle in Upper Canada by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe with the offer of military exemption (1793). The peace teachings of the Christian tradition greatly shaped their faith and caused them to wrestle with what it means to be people of God's peace, especially during times of conflict and war. As pioneers of conscientious objection in Canada, their commitment to the work of peace and reconciliation continues to stand witness in this community and around the world.