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History of Casselman

History of Casselman

Casselman population

The settlement history of the Casselman region begins with the arrival of Martin Casselman and his lumber trade venture. A native of Williamsburg and a descendant of loyalists, Martin Casselman conceived the idea of establishing a village and exploiting the abundant forest resources for the timber trade during a hunting trip along the banks of the Petite-Nation River in 1832.

In 1843, he purchased a vast territory covering most of the future Township of Cambridge from the Jessup family for a nominal sum. He became the owner of 1600 acres of land on each side of the Petite-Nation River. It was on the banks of this watercourse, near a waterfall, that Martin Casselman permanently settled in 1844. He brought with him around forty men who helped him establish his timber trade in exchange for the promise of obtaining land at very low prices. A dam and a sawmill were built in 1844, and his timber trade was launched.

Who is Martin Casselman ?

• Born on October 18, 1805 
• Native of Williamsburg and descendant of a Loyalist family
• The names of his parents, who reportedly left the United States shortly after its independence, are unknown
• His middle name is Major
• Colonel in the British Army
• Died on November 6, 1881, at the age of 76 years and 19 days

Pathway

1832

He goes on a hunting trip on the banks of the South Nation River.

He sets up his camp on the north side of the river near the falls (High Falls).

He sees a vast wooded area of tall pine trees and imposing oaks.

1834

He bought Colonel Munroe's property at Point Cardinal.

He will live there for 9 years with his family.

1840

Martin Casselman obtained the southwest part of the Township of Cambridge from the Crown.

1843

He buys approximately 1600 acres from Major James Jessup of Brockville.

James Jessup had received the land from the crown for a nominal sum.

Costing 2,500 pounds which is a nominal sum.

Township of Cambridge (north part), Russell County.

This vast estate was called "High Falls".

1844

He arrives with about forty men to set up a site, build a dam, and a sawmill in exchange for land sold at a very low price.

He settles permanently on the north bank near the falls of the river.

The families of the lumberjacks came to join them.

His wife Catherine Maria Cameron and his children come to join him.

1857

He becomes the first reeve of Cambridge from 1857 to 1859 and from 1861 to 1871.

He was the warden of Russell County.

In January 1867, he is the reeve of Cambridge.

1871-1881

He is the postmaster.

1876

He gives 3 acres of land to Mgr Thomas Duhamel the bishop of Ottawa for a chapel (Built in 1885).

Currently where the Church and the rectory are located.

1880

He owned 10,000 acres of land.

He was wealthy.

His business was running at full capacity.

He wanted to expand his business.

 

Casselman Railway

The Casselman Railway revolutionized the economic landscape of the region, becoming a pillar of industrial and commercial development. Initiated by Martin Casselman, who successfully lobbied to alter the proposed route to go through the town, the railway was officially opened on February 1, 1882. With an estimated investment of $40,000 of his own money,  Martin Casselman unfortunately did not live to see the completion of his project, passing away before its realization.

The arrival of the first train from the east in 1881 marked the beginning of a new era for Casselman, with the construction of the railway facilitating the transportation of goods such as lumber, bricks, and groceries. The economic impact was immense: transporting wheat and other goods during World War I helped boost the local economy and contribute to the war effort.

The visit of J.R. Booth, a railway tycoon, in 1880, further added to Casselman's growing importance in the Canadian railway network. The legendary anecdote that Martin Casselman was the first passenger, strapped to a chair on a freight car during the inauguration, speaks to his unwavering dedication to the project.

The railway line linking Coteau Junction to Casselman and Ottawa was extended in 1882, solidifying Casselman's role as a regional transportation hub. In 1915, the railway reached its peak with the first train traveling the 3205 miles from Quebec to Vancouver, passing through Montreal, Casselman, and Ottawa. Over the years, the Casselman Railway became more than just a means of transportation; it became a symbol of progress and connection within the Canadian landscape, leaving a lasting legacy in the history and development of the region.

Fires of Casselman

In July 1891, the parish of Sainte-Euphémie faced its first major trial: a fire destroyed part of the village, the Casselman Lumber Co. sawmill, and several million feet of timber. Many workers had to leave the village to find work elsewhere. However, lands that were previously only half-cleared were transformed by the fire into beautiful fertile prairies, and several new settlers came to settle on these lands, now suitable for agriculture.

On October 5, 1897, the parish faced the greatest tragedy in its history: the Casselman area was completely destroyed by a terrible brush fire. Except for a few houses, the village was reduced to ashes, and people found themselves without housing or personal belongings. The Catholic church was completely destroyed, except for the Blessed Sacrament, which Father Joseph-Hercule Touchette saved. Many citizens left the parish since all their belongings had been destroyed. However, supported by the encouraging words of Father Touchette and donations from all over Ontario and Quebec, those who remained set to the arduous task of rebuilding the village. Two days after the fire, a committee was set up to rebuild the church.

In July 1919, the parish was again the victim of a major fire. The buildings lining the main street of the village, engulfed by flames, were almost all destroyed. Several merchants lost a large part of their goods and equipment. Those who managed to save some of their belongings transported them to the church or town hall. The church, the bank, and Damase Racine's general store were spared thanks to the effective work of the Ottawa firefighters. Again, in the days that followed, the villagers bravely undertook reconstruction on the main thoroughfare.

A bit more history...

Before Colonization After Colonization

Around 3000 years BC, Canada was mostly covered by glaciers.


With the retreat and melting of glaciers, the Russell County was submerged by the Champlain Sea.


In 1613, during his first voyage to the region, Samuel de Champlain met the Algonquins of the Petite-Nation and reported that the land was good for farming.


Following Samuel de Champlain's voyages in 1613 and 1615, many missionaries are said to have been inspired to explore the area.


In 1636, Duplssis-Bochard stated that the region had several resources gathered in one place.


Samuel de Champlain, who already referred to the region in the 17th century as Algonquins, called it the Petite Nation.


The Indigenous people inhabiting Russell County were Algonquins known as the Petite-Nation.


When Martin Casselman bought land, the river was named the Petite Nation.


On topographic maps, it is called "Petite Nation du sud."


The Casselman region was swamps and covered with forests.


In 1774, Prescott-Russell County transitioned from the Quebec regime to Ontario.


From 1774 to 1783, the American Revolution led about 10,000 Loyalists to settle in Ontario.


The government provided assistance for the establishment of these Loyalists.

On May 4, 1799, Edward Jessup reportedly purchased 200 acres of land from the Crown for a small sum, which is the northwest part of Cambridge Township.


In 1800, all lands in Prescott and Russell Counties were surveyed.


In 1801, the population census revealed no inhabitants in Russell County.


In 1820, Russell County was paired with Prescott County for provincial representation purposes.


Donald R. McDonnell became the first Member of Parliament to be elected on a party vote.


In 1840, French Canadians began to emigrate to the United States.


Bishop Bourget of Montreal conceived the danger of assimilation.


On May 30, 1849, Prescott and Russell Counties were united.


Prescott is named after Robert Prescott who fought alongside General Wolf.


Russell is named after Peter Russell, auditor of Upper Canada.


In 1849, Bishop Guigues of the Diocese of Bytown (Ottawa) founded a colonization society and encouraged Catholics to settle in the region.


On August 9, 1851, he wrote to the Bishop of Montreal to promote colonization.


There was overcrowding of lands in the Quebec counties of Vaudreuil, Soulange, and Deux Montagnes.


Informed of the quality of the lands by missionaries.


The possibility of being able to engage in logging and agriculture.


In 1857, the Cambridge municipality held its first meeting.


In 1885, there were two sawmills and 200 families in Casselman, Martin Casselman's sawmill was purchased by J.N Hurtubise.


In 1886, the parish of Ste-Euphémie was created.


On June 11, 1888, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell allowed Casselman to incorporate (By-law 400) and it had 750 inhabitants.


In January 1889, the first municipal council met.


In 1895, the Casselman Lumber Co. sawmill of J-N Hurtubise closed down.


Around 1920, Mr. Joseph Grenon began road renovations.


In 1925, the Protestant school closed.


In 1940, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) station opened.