York Cemetery
The Michael Shepard House, located along the main boulevard at York Cemetery, is a designated heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act, recognized for its historical and architectural value. Its story begins with Michael Shepard, a farmer and mill operator whose life intersected with one of the most dramatic episodes in Canadian history – the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837.
Michael Shepard was the son of Joseph Shepard, an early settler who purchased land in Willowdale in 1805. The Shepard family became prominent in the area, operating grist and sawmills along the Don River. During the rebellion, Michael and his brother Thomas were active supporters of reform leader William Lyon Mackenzie. Historical accounts note that while Thomas managed the grist mill, Michael oversaw the sawmill, which was reportedly used to cast bullets for the insurgents. Their involvement led to their arrest and imprisonment in Kingston Penitentiary on charges of treason. In a daring episode, both brothers escaped from the maximum-security prison, a feat that underscored the turbulence of the era. They were later pardoned.
After returning to Willowdale in 1843, Michael resumed his life as a miller before turning to farming. Around 1851, he built the two-storey brick residence that still stands today. This home marked his transition from industrial work to agriculture and symbolized the toughness of reform-era settlers who sought stability after political upheaval.
Architecturally, the house is an excellent example of Georgian-style rural design, noted for its symmetrical façade, rectangular form and simple classical detailing. A rear kitchen wing complements the main block, a feature typical of Georgian Survival style homes in Ontario. Its design reflects mid-19th-century ideals of proportion and balance, and the building retains much of its original form and craftsmanship.
The property was first recommended for heritage designation in 1977 and formally enacted by the City of Toronto in 1999 under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Today, the Michael Shepard House serves as York Cemetery's administration office and stands as a tangible link to Ontario’s reformist past and rural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its significance as part of the cultural landscape.
Sources:
• City of Toronto – Heritage Property Designation (Michael Shepard House)
• North York Historical Society – Shepard Family History
