John George Howard
Encyclopedia
John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada
's official surveyor and civil engineer. He was also the first professional architect
in Toronto, architect of numerous public, commercial and residential buildings in Toronto in the 19th century and the principal donor of High Park
to the people of Toronto
.
, Hertfordshire, England
in 1803, Howard was the fourth of seven children of John and Sarah Corby. He attended a boarding-school in Hertford and spent two years at sea as a sailor before return to England to become a carpenter
and joiner
. In 1824, he entered the architecture profession, articling for three years to a London architect, William Ford, who became his brother-in-law, marrying Howard's older sister in 1825. Corby remained with Ford until his departure for Canada. In London, Howard met and married his wife Jemima Frances Meikle on 7 May 1827.
John and Jemima emigrated to Canada in 1832. It was at this time that Howard adopted the Howard surname. He himself gave two explanations. On 11 February 1834, when his change of name was revealed in a court case Howard wrote to Lieutenant Governor Sir John Colborne’s secretary, explaining that he was illegitimate, that when he was about 18 he had adopted the name Corby after the man his mother had subsequently married, and that he had assumed 'his proper name' when he left England. Later in life he claimed direct descent from Thomas Howard, the 4th Duke of Norfolk, through a 17th-century Howard who had adopted the name Corby from the ancestral estate Corby Castle, because of a family quarrel.
John and Jemima remained married until death, however John maintained a life-long relationship with Mary Williams, with whom he had three children. John and Jemima themselves had no children. In 1877, Jemima died of cancer. Howard lived until 1890, dying at home at Colborne Lodge
in High Park. The Howards are buried in High Park; the monument is near to Colborne Lodge
.
When Howard arrived in Toronto (at that time still the town of York) in 1833, he was the first professional architect in Toronto. His first public appointment was a teaching master at Upper Canada College
(UCC), while developing an architectural practise. He remained affiliated with UCC until 1856. His practise thrived with commissions ranging from cottages to banks to public projects, including Queen's College
of Kingston, Ontario
, the King Street Gaol
and the Provincial Lunatic Asylum in Toronto (modelled on the National Gallery (London)).
Howard started surveying work in 1836, become Toronto's official surveyor in 1843, a position he held until 1855. He surveyed Toronto harbour, laid out the 'Esplanade' on the waterfront, and subdivided the harbour's peninsula (now known as Toronto Island). He also did surveying work for cemeteries and private land sub-divisions. He also bought some land of his own, including the property now known as High Park, bought as a sheep farm and Sunnyside Farm to the east of the Park, now the site of St. Joseph's Health Centre. The area retains the nickname of 'Sunnyside'.
In 1873, in return for a yearly pension of $1,200, Howard deeded 120 acre (0.4856232 km²) of his High Park property to the city as a public park; the remaining 45 acres (182,108.7 m²) and Colborne Lodge became city property at his death. Howard was appointed forest ranger by the city in 1878, with responsibility for improving the park.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
's official surveyor and civil engineer. He was also the first professional architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
in Toronto, architect of numerous public, commercial and residential buildings in Toronto in the 19th century and the principal donor of High Park
High Park
High Park is a municipal park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It spans , and is a mixed recreational and natural park, with sporting facilities, cultural facilities, educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a zoo. One third of the park remains in a natural state, with a rare oak savannah ecology...
to the people of Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
.
Personal life
Born John Corby in BengeoBengeo
Bengeo is a parish in Hertfordshire, England. It is referenced in the Domesday Book, where it is called "Belingehou". It is situated on a rise between the River Beane and River Rib overlooking Hartham Common and the rest of the town of Hertford.-Name:...
, Hertfordshire, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
in 1803, Howard was the fourth of seven children of John and Sarah Corby. He attended a boarding-school in Hertford and spent two years at sea as a sailor before return to England to become a carpenter
Carpenter
A carpenter is a skilled craftsperson who works with timber to construct, install and maintain buildings, furniture, and other objects. The work, known as carpentry, may involve manual labor and work outdoors....
and joiner
Joiner
A joiner differs from a carpenter in that joiners cut and fit joints in wood that do not use nails. Joiners usually work in a workshop since the formation of various joints generally requires non-portable machinery. A carpenter normally works on site...
. In 1824, he entered the architecture profession, articling for three years to a London architect, William Ford, who became his brother-in-law, marrying Howard's older sister in 1825. Corby remained with Ford until his departure for Canada. In London, Howard met and married his wife Jemima Frances Meikle on 7 May 1827.
John and Jemima emigrated to Canada in 1832. It was at this time that Howard adopted the Howard surname. He himself gave two explanations. On 11 February 1834, when his change of name was revealed in a court case Howard wrote to Lieutenant Governor Sir John Colborne’s secretary, explaining that he was illegitimate, that when he was about 18 he had adopted the name Corby after the man his mother had subsequently married, and that he had assumed 'his proper name' when he left England. Later in life he claimed direct descent from Thomas Howard, the 4th Duke of Norfolk, through a 17th-century Howard who had adopted the name Corby from the ancestral estate Corby Castle, because of a family quarrel.
John and Jemima remained married until death, however John maintained a life-long relationship with Mary Williams, with whom he had three children. John and Jemima themselves had no children. In 1877, Jemima died of cancer. Howard lived until 1890, dying at home at Colborne Lodge
Colborne Lodge
Colborne Lodge is a historical museum located in an 1836s home in Toronto's High Park. John George Howard, an architect, engineer, and prominent Toronto citizen built this house, which became the property of the city following his death in 1890...
in High Park. The Howards are buried in High Park; the monument is near to Colborne Lodge
Colborne Lodge
Colborne Lodge is a historical museum located in an 1836s home in Toronto's High Park. John George Howard, an architect, engineer, and prominent Toronto citizen built this house, which became the property of the city following his death in 1890...
.
Professional career
Howard was an associate of William Ford from 1824–1832, with one notable engineering project working on the Cromford Canal in Derbyshire, England.When Howard arrived in Toronto (at that time still the town of York) in 1833, he was the first professional architect in Toronto. His first public appointment was a teaching master at Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College , located in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is an independent elementary and secondary school for boys between Senior Kindergarten and Grade Twelve, operating under the International Baccalaureate program. The secondary school segment is divided into ten houses; eight are...
(UCC), while developing an architectural practise. He remained affiliated with UCC until 1856. His practise thrived with commissions ranging from cottages to banks to public projects, including Queen's College
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
of Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
, the King Street Gaol
King Street Gaol (1827)
The second King Street Gaol was built in 1824 to replace the first King Street Gaol in Toronto, Ontario, then known as the town of York...
and the Provincial Lunatic Asylum in Toronto (modelled on the National Gallery (London)).
Howard started surveying work in 1836, become Toronto's official surveyor in 1843, a position he held until 1855. He surveyed Toronto harbour, laid out the 'Esplanade' on the waterfront, and subdivided the harbour's peninsula (now known as Toronto Island). He also did surveying work for cemeteries and private land sub-divisions. He also bought some land of his own, including the property now known as High Park, bought as a sheep farm and Sunnyside Farm to the east of the Park, now the site of St. Joseph's Health Centre. The area retains the nickname of 'Sunnyside'.
In 1873, in return for a yearly pension of $1,200, Howard deeded 120 acre (0.4856232 km²) of his High Park property to the city as a public park; the remaining 45 acres (182,108.7 m²) and Colborne Lodge became city property at his death. Howard was appointed forest ranger by the city in 1878, with responsibility for improving the park.
Works
| Building | Year Completed | Style | Location | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Street Gaol King Street Gaol (1827) The second King Street Gaol was built in 1824 to replace the first King Street Gaol in Toronto, Ontario, then known as the town of York... by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1827 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
King Street, Toronto, Ontario |  |
| Thomas Mercer Jones Villa by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1833 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Toronto, Ontario | |
| William Henry Draper Villa by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1834 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Toronto, Ontario | |
| Canada Company Office built by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1834 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Frederick Street between King and Front, Toronto, Ontario | |
| Colborne Lodge Colborne Lodge Colborne Lodge is a historical museum located in an 1836s home in Toronto's High Park. John George Howard, an architect, engineer, and prominent Toronto citizen built this house, which became the property of the city following his death in 1890... John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... , |
1836 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Colborne Lodge Drive, just north of the Queensway - High Park High Park High Park is a municipal park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It spans , and is a mixed recreational and natural park, with sporting facilities, cultural facilities, educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a zoo. One third of the park remains in a natural state, with a rare oak savannah ecology... , Toronto, Ontario |
 |
| Home District Gaol John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... , architect. |
1837–1841 demolished 1887 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Southeast corner of Front and Berkeley Streets, Toronto, Ontario | |
| James McDonell Store built by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1839 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Church Street, Toronto, Ontario | |
| Chewett's Block built by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1833 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
King Street, Toronto, Ontario |  |
| Victoria Row - now Albany Club Albany Club The Albany Club in Toronto was founded in 1882 and is one of Canada's oldest private clubs. Named after the Duke of Albany the club has been situated at its present location of 91 King Street East for more than 125 years.... by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1840–1842 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
91 King Street East at Church Street, Toronto, Ontario |  |
| Henry Bowyer Lane Henry Bowyer Lane Henry Bowyer Joseph Lane was an English architect who worked in Toronto from c. 1841 to 1847.Lane's education included time at Blundell's School in Tiverton and subsequent professional training in England before he emigrated to Canada in 1841, living first in Cobourg, Upper Canada, and then in... Homewood by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1846–1847 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Toronto, Ontario | |
| Bank of British North America built by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1856 | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Yonge and Wellington Streets, Toronto, Ontario | |
| Union Mills, Weston built by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1860s | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Lawrence Avenue West and Weston Road (Side Line and High Street), Toronto, Ontario | |
| Ontario Asylum built by John George Howard John George Howard John George Howard, born John Corby, was the City of Toronto, Canada's official surveyor and civil engineer... |
1860 (demolished 1970s) | Regency Regency architecture The Regency style of architecture refers primarily to buildings built in Britain during the period in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent, and also to later buildings following the same style... |
Queen St, Toronto, Ontario |  |