John Graves Simcoe

John Graves Simcoe (25 February 1752 - 26 October 1806) was a British Army general who served as the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada in southern Ontario and the watersheds of Georgian Bay and Lake Superior from 1791 to 1796. He established York, now known as Toronto, and was instrumental in establishing institutions such as courts of law, jury trials, English common law, and freehold land tenure, as well as the abolition of slavery in Canada.

His long-term goal was to establish Upper Canada (Ontario) as a model community based on aristocratic and conservative principles, with the goal of demonstrating the superiority of those principles over American republicanism. His zealous efforts to establish a local gentry, a thriving Church of England, and an anti-American coalition with select indigenous nations were only partially successful. Many Canadians regard him as a founding figure in Canadian history, particularly in Southern Ontario. He is also among the most important historical figures in Canada. Simcoe Day is named after him in Toronto.

Simcoe was laid to rest in Wolford Chapel on the Simcoe estate near Honiton, Devon. The Ontario Heritage Foundation purchased the chapel in 1982.

Many of Simcoe's personal effects, including his sword, sabre, and walking cane, are on display at the Archives of Ontario in Toronto by appointment. There are also hundreds of Elizabeth Simcoe's watercolour paintings and personal effects on display.