UPPER CANADA'S FIRST GREAT INDUSTRIAL SITE

Today, only the ruins of Darnley Mill remain as evidence of the once historic industrial past of Crooks’ Hollow.

Dominated by the endeavours of entrepreneurs this area of West Flamborough Township was once one of the most important industrial sites in Upper Canada, fuelling the economy and attracting skilled tradesmen and settlers during the first half of the 19th century.

In this area, the Spencer Creek quickly gathers speed as it flows through the valley before its great descent at Webster’s Falls. It provided the power that resulted in the erection of many mills and factories along the stream’s banks during this industrial age.

Dams at eight different locations were constructed to control the stream during its years of importance, which began with the arrival of the Morden family before the final surveying of the township was even completed in the last years of the 18th century.

The Morden family traces its ancestry back to 17th-century Yorkshire, England. They immigrated to the American colonies in 1743, settling in Sussex County, New Jersey. During the American Revolutionary War, the family was subjected to harassment, a loss of property, imprisonment and death, and as a result, several members moved northwards to Upper Canada.

Jonathan Morden was the first settler to recognize the potential power and value of Spencer Creek. In 1801, he purchased Lot 7, Concession 2, which included a section of the creek, from the Hon. Peter Russell. The 200-acre lot was part of the 2,000acre holdings in the Beverly and Flamborough Townships that were awarded to Russell following his appointment as Receiver General of the Province of Upper Canada and later as administrator of the province.

Morden and his only son James constructed a sawmill on their property. Serving incoming settlers during the first decade of the century, Morden’s Sawmill provided most of the timber required for homes and businesses from the abundant strands of white pine in the area.

During the War of 1812, Morden's Sawmill was probably one of the suppliers providing the timber required by the British troops for the construction of barracks and defences at Burlington Heights.