William Canniff
History of the settlement of Upper Canada (Ontario,)
with special reference to the Bay Quinté
"History of the Settlement of Upper Canada (Ontario)" by William Canniff is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the early settlement and development of Upper Canada, particularly focusing on the Bay of Quinté region. Canniff, drawing from his own experiences and research, aims to compile a detailed history that reflects on the origins and journey of the settlers who contributed to the formation of the province. The opening of the work introduces the initial motivations behind writing such a history, grounded in a meeting designed to establish an Historical Society for Upper Canada. Canniff discusses the importance of documenting the past, referencing his personal connection to the region, and detailing the efforts taken to gather historical facts. He highlights key figures in early Canadian history like Jacques Cartier and Samuel Champlain, illustrating their contributions to the exploration and eventual settlement of Canada. This serves as a prologue to the expansive coverage Canniff intends to provide about Upper Canada, setting the tone for a thorough exploration of the province's past.