Removing the Rebels: Peter Robinson’s settlement of Irish immigrants to Upper Canada

In this engaging webinar from the O Canada series, genealogist Christine Woodcock presents the fascinating story of Peter Robinson’s settlement schemes that brought thousands of Irish families to Upper Canada in the 1820s. With deep expertise in migration and settlement history, Woodcock traces how political unrest, poverty, and agrarian strife in Ireland intersected with British colonial policy to shape a transformative chapter in Canadian history. For genealogists, the session reveals invaluable sources, passenger records, and settlement details that illuminate the experiences of ancestors who journeyed across the Atlantic to forge new lives in Ontario.

Key Insights from the Webinar:

• The Roots of Migration: Economic hardship, agrarian displacement, and rebellion in Ireland—exacerbated by the Insurrection Act—led the British government to promote assisted emigration. Robinson’s mission strategically targeted the “disturbed” baronies of Cork and neighboring counties, both as relief for Ireland and as a means of stabilizing Canada with loyal settlers.

• The Journey and Settlement: Families carefully selected under strict criteria embarked on government-funded voyages in 1823 and 1825. Though better provisioned than later famine emigrants, settlers faced daunting challenges: arduous river and overland travel, illness in Kingston camps, and the harsh realities of clearing wilderness land. Nonetheless, they were supplied with land grants, tools, provisions, and livestock, laying the foundation for lasting communities.

• Records and Resources for Genealogists: The settlement generated a rich body of documentation, from embarkation certificates and surgeon’s logs to land petitions and census-style returns. Many of these records survive at the Archives of Ontario, Library and Archives Canada, and FamilySearch, while dedicated resources like the “Nine Ships 1825” website and Carol Bennett’s genealogical studies provide detailed family histories.

This webinar is a must-watch for those tracing Irish-Canadian heritage, offering both a compelling historical narrative and concrete pathways for research. By viewing the full presentation, genealogists will gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped their ancestors’ lives and discover how to access the unique collections that document this remarkable migration.

To expand your research further, explore the rich set of resources highlighted in the webinar syllabus, including archival collections, genealogical society holdings, and published works. These materials provide vital context and detail, opening doors to uncovering family connections within one of the most significant assisted emigration schemes in Canadian history.