By Kirk Walstedt
The Plant name has stood strong over time for its good deeds in the County of Essex. It began in 1856 with the arrival of Thomas Plant and his wife, Jemima. Thomas was born in 1826 in Cheshire, England, where he was raised and educated. Jemima was born in Scotland in 1829 and “there grew to womanhood.” They were married in 1854 and, two years later, made their way to Maidstone Township, where they became pioneer farmers.
Like virtually all of the areas’ early settlers, they built a small log cabin and began clearing the land of the dense forest for farming. Wild game, fish from the local rivers and creeks, nuts, berries, and anything the virgin land had to offer were their source of food until they were able to grow crops and raise livestock.
Over the years, Thomas became recognized as one of the most forward-thinking farmers in the county, gaining, clearing, and farming more than 500 acres. Most of this land was along Middle Road, now called County Road 46, in the township where he and Jemima now lived.
Thomas and Jemima were fortunate to raise seven children, all of whom survived into adulthood in a time when cholera, typhoid fever, tuberculosis and even pneumonia would often take the lives of children. Alfred, Agnes, Walter, Edwin, Oliver, Thomas Jr. and Ella all married and raised families of their own.
Thomas, wanting to give back to the country that had been so good to him and his family, served as the Clerk of Maidstone Township for 10 years, its Reeve (Mayor) for 10 years, and the Warden for the County of Essex in 1882. He was also interested in school matters and served on the School Board as its secretary and treasurer for several years. As President of the Agricultural Society of Maidstone Township, he brought the agricultural community together, always working to advance issues that were important to the area farmers.
Thomas passed away at only 59 years of age on February 6, 1885, having lived a good life and earned the respect and admiration of all those fortunate enough to have known him. Jemima remained in the family home, continuing to work on the family farm and helping her children and their families whenever needed. She passed away on June 10, 1914.
Many of Thomas and Jemina’s seven children followed in their father’s footsteps, contributing to their community. Notably, Thomas Jr. served as Maidstone Township’s Reeve from 1914 to 1925 and again from 1929 to 1930. Edwin also served on Maidstone Township Council for a number of years, including three in the highest office as Reeve.
In 1888, Edwin married Elizabeth Going, a native of Bruce County. Together, they purchased 150 acres on the Middle Road. Like his father before him, Edwin served on the Maidstone Township Council and also served as secretary and treasurer of the local school board. For several years, he was also a director and treasurer of the Southwestern Agricultural Society of Essex County. Fraternally, he was a member of the Woodslee Chapter of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.), a fraternal benefit society founded in 1868 to provide affordable working-class life insurance, sick benefits, and burial funds to its members. Edwin passed away in 1946. Elizabeth had predeceased him by 26 years, passing away in 1920.
Many of Thomas and Jemima’s descendants continue to live throughout Essex County. It is said in local historical records that, “The Plant Family is an old and honourable one, in this locality, and its representatives have played an important part in the development of this part of Ontario.”
Maidstone Township, An Historical Review, The Biographical Commemorative Record of Essex County and the Walstedt Archives were valuable resources in the writing of this story.
Kirk Walstedt is a 4th generation Lakeshore resident born and raised on the family farm. He is a published author, historian, archeologist, retired municipal lawyer and the Deputy Mayor of Lakeshore.