Exploring Streetsville Public Cemetery in Mississauga

A recent article in this series looked at the origins of George and Albert streets in Streetsville, which today are within the grounds of the Streetsville Public Cemetery. This article will explore more of the history and stories of the cemetery itself.

As referenced in the previous article, this property was transferred to the Streetsville Cemetery Company on May 5, 1891, with the goal to establish a burial ground for all religions as the older Streetsville Memorial Cemetery (as it is now known) had reached capacity. The new cemetery site, along George Street, was approved in May of 1891, with the cemetery being surveyed by Unwin, Foster & Company in the Spring of 1892.

Multiple stones indicate dates of death prior to the opening of the cemetery, but it is likely that these individuals are buried elsewhere with their names being added to the family stone, or their remains were moved by loved ones to the cemetery after its opening. The first recorded burial at the Public Cemetery took place on August 1, 1892 for 5-year-old Nathaniel William Brown, who had drowned in the Credit River.

One wonders what it must have been like for his distraught parents, Elizabeth Bonaccorsi (1867-1937) and Nathaniel Brown (1865-1950), being the first to bare witness to a burial in a new cemetery. A few short years later, sadly another child was buried here, Nattilie Cosi Brown (1898-1900). The Brown family would grow to include three other children: Pearl Irene (1891-1948), Ottillie May (1893-1970) and Muriel Jane (1901-1946). In time, several family members would be laid to rest beside young Nathaniel William and Nattalie Cosi Brown.

Burials here also include local former politicians and Reeves of Streetsville including Charles Falconer, Frank Dowling, John Graydon, Robert Greig, Thomas Goodison, amongst others. Past president of the Streetsville Women’s Institute Sarah Jane Graydon was laid to rest here, as were many members of the women’s institute, which was such was a strong community element in Streetsville for generations. Burials also include postmasters Robert Graydon and Henry Freeman Staley; blacksmith Joseph Brookbank; the “Laird of Bonnie Braes”, James Paterson, Esq.; millers John H. Dracass and Duncan Wallace Reid; and members of prominent families such as Ballinger, Cantelon, Couse, Dandie, Greig, McCracken, Pope, Rutledge, Steen and Switzer, amongst countless others. Respected local doctors, Dr. Stanley Hayden Smith, Dr. T. Innes Bowie, Dr. James Irwin Glendinning, and Dr. Gabriel Montemuorro, amongst others, as well as beloved Mississauga Councillor and “Mayor of Malton” Frank McKechnie, are all buried here. The names of those who rest here could go on and on – a veritable time capsule to our city’s history.

The stories behind the names recorded on gravestones are countless.

John Duncan “Rob Roy” McGregor (1866-1921), of the Scottish-origin McGregor family, is one notable story. The McGregor family distinguished themselves in journalistic endeavours. John’s father, Dugald, writing under the pen name “Sandy”, was a frequent contributor to the Streetsville Review newspaper. John’s brothers, Reverend Malcolm McGregor was editor of the Presbyterian Paper; Alexander was editor of the Detroit Journal; James became the manager of Collier’s Weekly in New York. John Duncan, writing under the pen name “Rob Roy” was perhaps the most prolific writer in the family, contributing countless articles, stories, poems and commentary on local affairs to newspapers and magazines.

Another grave marker that raises some curiosity due to its unique message is that of Sonya C. Bray, who passed away on April 20, 1976. She was the granddaughter of Winnifred and Howard Bray, who owned the historic Robinson-Bray House in Streetsville from 1945 until 1984. We know precious little else of her story.

The entrance gateway for the cemetery was donated in 1974 in memory of Lenvard Lee, a long-time member of the Streetsville Cemetery Board and former funeral director in Streetsville. On April 18, 1974, care of Streetsville Public Cemetery was transferred to the City of Mississauga by the Streetsville Cemetery Company. Designated in 2006 under the Ontario Heritage Act, the cemetery is a place where humanity and nature blend together. The memorial garden with its tranquil fountain offers a beautiful setting where you can explore history or enjoy quiet moments. Angel imprints in the stone pathway represent unmarked infant graves in the cemetery. The veteran’s memorial, funded in part by the Streetsville Historical Society, serves as a reminder of those who voluntarily served their country.

Streetsville Public Cemetery is a park-like setting, where mature trees abound, lining the roadway. The cemetery also offers a wildlife habitat for native woodland creatures. Older gravestones prevail in the southern section while newer ones comprise the northern part.

Editor’s note: In May 2023, Mississauga installed it’s first Wind Phone in the Streetsville Public Cemetery. Learn about that here.

Heritage Mississauga is delighted to bring our annual Haunted Mississauga cemetery tour to Streetsville Public Cemetery on October 25, 2024.
Click here for info.