Under a Northern Star

Reverend William King: The Elgin Settlement

Reverend William King founded the Elgin Settlement for Black refugees near Chatham, Ontario, in 1849. In spite of intense local opposition, by 1853 the settlement provided land, education and a religious community to many Black families. Under Autobiography you can read Reverend King's autobiography; under Letters you will find his personal and professional correspondence with abolitionists and other historical figures; under Printed Material are documents relating to the founding of the Elgin Settlement, as well as material about slavery and the anti-slavery movement; and under Newspapers you will find selected newspapers preserved by Reverend King during his lifetime. A short history of King's life and the Elgin Settlement, written by Shannon Prince, curator of the Buxton National Historical Site and Museum, is found under History.