Jesse Ketchum was one of early Toronto’s most successful entrepreneurs and a generous philanthropist. Born in Buffalo, New York, he arrived in York, now Toronto, in 1799 at the age of 17 to join his brother and start a business near the waterfront.
By 1812, he had opened a large tannery, a place where animal hides are turned into leather, at the southwest corner of Yonge and Adelaide Streets. His business stretched west to Bay Street and south toward King Street, producing boot leather for the British Army. This was the first major industry in York and helped the town grow.
Ketchum’s business did very well, especially with government contracts, and he owned a lot of property, including the entire block bounded by Yonge, Adelaide, Bay, and Queen Streets. His two-storey white house stood at Yonge and Adelaide, with a rooftop turret to watch harbour traffic. He even laid down paths of tan bark so people could walk across his land without getting their shoes muddy.
Besides business, Ketchum was involved in public life. From 1828 to 1834, he served in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. He supported the Reform movement, which wanted a more democratic government and an end to the control of a small group of wealthy elites called the Family Compact. This group held most of the power and made decisions without much input from everyday people.
Some Reformers became frustrated and started the 1837 Rebellion, an armed protest against the government. Ketchum did not take part in this rebellion, but the unrest affected him. Because of the instability, he moved his business to Buffalo for a while.
After the rebellion, the British government changed the political system, allowing elected representatives more control. This was an important step toward the type of democracy we have in Canada today.
Ketchum and his wife were known for their strong Christian faith and community involvement. He made sure his family observed the Sabbath and held daily prayers. Their home became a meeting place for Presbyterian ministers, which helped start Knox Presbyterian Church.
Ketchum gave generously to causes he cared about. In 1837, he gave land to open Temperance Street near his properties in downtown Toronto with the condition that alcohol would never be sold there. This showed his support for the temperance movement, a social effort to reduce alcohol use. Temperance Street still exists today in Toronto.
He also donated six acres at Davenport and Bay to build a school and create a public park. The school still carries his name today.
Jesse Ketchum’s contributions to business, government, and community life have left a lasting impact on the city of Toronto.