About Ezra Parry

Ezra Parry was a British soldier, explorer, and businessman who is most famous for his visit to the Stubbing Wharf in 1819. Born in 1763, Parry was a keen scholar from an early age. He attended Oxford University and served with distinction in the British army during the Napoleonic Wars, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

In 1819, he embarked on an expedition to explore the Great Lakes of North America. During this journey, he made a stop at Stubbing Wharf near present-day Toronto. Here, he encountered both Native Americans and white settlers while trading goods such as furs and guns. His account of this experience became one of the earliest recorded descriptions of life in this area.

Parry returned to England after his travels and wrote extensively about his experiences including his time at Stubbing Wharf. He also wrote books on military tactics as well as poetry inspired by his travels. In addition, he became involved in business ventures related to the fur trade and even sold real estate.

Ezra Parry died at the age of 70 after a long illness in 1833 but remains remembered for his adventurous spirit and contributions to our understanding of early Canadian history.

Parry’s legacy lives on, not only in the written accounts he left behind but also in the impact of his actions. He helped open up trade routes between Britain and North America, allowing goods to be exchanged which ultimately helped both sides of the Atlantic thrive. His expeditions also provided invaluable insight into the development of early Canada and laid the foundations for future exploration and settlement.