The Dennis Shipyard in Toronto-- Part 1: A Loyalist During the American Revolution

From the Toronto History Association.

Was located on the east bank of the Humber River,south of Bloor Street facing the island in Toronto.

An acre and a half at most.  Currently it is semi-wild and used mostly by hikers following the river bank and children playing.

John Denny (1758-1832) was born in Philadelphia and his family were Loyalists during the American Revolution.  Moved to Beaver Harbour, New Brunswick after the war and lived there five years.

became a master shipbuilder and moved to Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake).  Lt. Governor Simcoe felt Newark was too close to the Americans and recommended Dennis move to York (now Toronto).  In 1796, he granted land on the east side of the Humber River to Dennis to set up a shipbuilding business.

--Brock-Perry