Welcome! In this site you’ll learn about one of Canada’s founding families. If you are a Jarvis, find out where you fit into the family tree. You can connect with relatives and get the latest family news!
On March 10, 2010 Robert ‘Bob’ Jarvis emailed 9 Jarvises all of whom had an interest in their ancestry. He asked whether they thought a reunion was a good idea and suggested it be in May 2012, the bicentenary of the war of 1812. He suggested a start at Fort York and on the second day a bus tour to Queenston Heights and Fort George at Niagara-on-the-Lake. He received a favourable response from all.
Fast forward to August 2011. “The contract with Fort York has been signed. St James Cathedral has been added and confirmed. The caterers have been contacted. Agreements have been signed at both Queenston Heights and Fort George. The dates, Saturday and Sunday, May12 &13 2012 All we need is 150 Jarvises.”
Sure enough 150 (or more) Jarvises gathered together at Fort York in May 2012 and sorted themselves into the seven known lines of descendants of Captain Sam, Samuel and Stephen Jarvis. Elaborate charts of each of the seven family trees were posted on the walls of Fort York and carefully scrutinized by the groups from each line. On the front wall was the ‘Front Wall’ or ‘Key Chart’ showing how the seven lines originated, the ‘head Jarvis’ of each line and the colour code of that group so members could easily recognize fellow members. The reunion was a great success and was written up extensively, with pictures, in the Toronto Star.
The following pages contain information about some of your ancestors. FAMILY now has Stephen Jarvis, sons, Frederick Starr, George and William Botsford and William father of Samuel Peters Jarvis. HISTORY shows Stephen Jarvis (1625-1693) and his grandson, Capt. Samuel Jarvis (1698-1779) from whom we all descend. The Jarvises helped to establish the rule of law in the west and to maintain our identity against the challenges from the Americans.
NEWS will contain up to date family information and current activities. CONTACT, any questions just ask. Email Jarvisfamilyunited@gmail.com