In Metcalfe, the McDonell Family Plaque occupies a place in the south east section of the St. Catherines Cemetery on the east side of Chartres Street between United Avenue and Nova Lux Way.
St. Catherines
Cemetery
Est. 1828
Osgoode Township's First Settlers
The McDonell Family
The family of Archibald and Catherine McDonell, along with the family of William and Ann York, were the first white settlers in Osgoode Township. The McDonells, attracted by the huge stands of white pine and oak, settled on Lot 25, Con. 8, on the banks of the Castor River, just south of present day Metcalfe in March, 1827. Col. Archibald McDonell (1780-1835) served during the War of 1812 and for his military services was granted 800 acres of land. His wife Catherine (1791-1869), a daughter of a United Empire Loyalist was granted 200 acres. The family had many first in Osgoode: Archibald was the first magistrate, Catherine gave birth to the first baby, and they built the first log home, the first saw mill, the first framed building, the first store, and the first road. They provided land for the first Catholic Church. Archibald served as Colonel of the 3rd Battalion Carleton Militia. The McDonells had thirteen children, some resided in the township taking an active part in community life, others spread out across the country.
Erected by the Township of Osgoode Historical Society and Museum Assisted by the Lions Club of Osgoode Township St. Catherine and Siena Cemetery Board and the Ontario Heritage Foundation
Sacred to the memory of
Col. Archibald McDonell
of the 3rd Battalion Carlton
Militia
who died Nov, 23, 1853
aged 73 yrs.
He was the first of his family settled
into the wilderness of Osgoode in March 1823.
Isabell E.
youngest daughter of
Duncan and Isabell
McDonell
died
July 31 1874:
age 8 years & 4 months
May she rest in peace.
In Memory of
Alex McDonell
Died July 18, 1843
Age 78 Years
also
Isabella
his wife
Died
March 9, 1863
Age 69 Years
