Capt Benjamin Wilson is widely believed to be Oshawa's first settler of European descent. Benjamin Wilson was born in New York. Prior to immigrating to Canada, he lived in Putney, Vermont. He arrived in Canada in 1778. Wilson earned the title of Captain in 1770 when he was in Washington’s army. He was originally buried on his homestead, but he was removed to the Pioneer Cemetery 30 years later. He was moved one final time in 1975 when the Pioneer Cemetery was moved to Bonnie Brae Point. The marker which is at the cemetery is not the original, as the original headstone was misplaced during the cemetery move. The marker currently in the cemetery was placed in the 1980s by the Oshawa Historical Society.
Capt Benjamin Wilson is widely believed to be Oshawa's first settler of European descent. Benjamin Wilson was born in New York. Prior to immigrating to Canada, he lived in Putney, Vermont. He arrived in Canada in 1778. Wilson earned the title of Captain in 1770 when he was in Washington’s army. He was originally buried on his homestead, but he was removed to the Pioneer Cemetery 30 years later. He was moved one final time in 1975 when the Pioneer Cemetery was moved to Bonnie Brae Point. The marker which is at the cemetery is not the original, as the original headstone was misplaced during the cemetery move. The marker currently in the cemetery was placed in the 1980s by the Oshawa Historical Society.
Inscription
“In memory of / Capt Benj Wilson / who died / March 5th 1821 / in the 89th year of / his age” “ Dedicated to the memory Of / Capt. Benjamin Wilson / Sydenham Harbour’s First White Settle / by / Oshawa & District Historical Society / October 3, 1987”
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