Wellington County Methodists 1825-1925
  Leo A. Johnson, History of Guelph 1827-1927

La Guayran Settlers

The La Guayran Settlers were a group of fifty-seven men, women and children who, in 1825 had been persuaded to leave Britain by the lavish promises of the Columbian Company, a South American based competitor of the Canada Company. The La Guayrans had sailed to Caracas, but finding that the glowing promises of easy wealth were false, had attempted to return to England. In April 1827, they reached Philadelphia, and being destitute, appealed to the British Consul for help. That gentelman, being aware of the existance of the Canada Company, but apparently failing to appreciate its purely commercial aims, forwarded the La Guayrans to Guelph as objects of charity looking for free land.

When they arrived in Guelph, the La Guayrans presented a pitiful spectacle. Because of their poverty, the unhealthy climate of their Latin American residences, and the long and difficult journey. several of the men and many of the women and children were in a weak and unhealthy condition. What was Galt to do when faced by this raged and emaciated group? Clearly the La Guayrans ought to have been the responsibility of the British Goverment, and Galt had neither the spare funds nor the authority of the Canada Company to spend money on their behalf.

Galt's decision was typically decisive. He made the assumption that the government authorities would accept responsibility for the La Guayrans, and withheld a portion of the government funds in his hands to pay for their care. Those capable of labour, he put to work clearing the Elora Road. The government however, refused to accept responsibility for the La Guayrans, and ordered Galt to immediately forward the money that he had held back to pay their expeses.

In the meantime, the La Guayrans had recovered their health and strength, and by their industry and thrift had demonstrated to Galt that they were likely to become desirable settlers. Galt therefore, allotted each of them fifty acres of land, at the usual price, but allowed them to defer the down payment, with the understanding that they were not only to pay for their land and supplies, but also the cost of their upkeep during their illness, all at six per cent per annum interest.

From Galt's point of view, the affair, while prevoking, turned out well in the end. The La Guayrans, to their credit, fulfilled their obligations to the Canada Company to the penny. But many and bitter were the memories retained by them and their descendents of the interest charged and the high prices exacted for goods bought on credit at the Canada Company store.

Although a number of the La Guayrans sold their farms after making improvements, those who stayed and struggled throughout the first difficult years eventually became prosperous farmers.

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