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Located on the east half of Lot 16, Concession 9 which was originally a Clergy Reserve. John Schefer leased the property from the Crown in 1813. In 1835, likely after a 21-year lease term with Schefer, the 200-acre lot was granted to King's College. In 1839, George Miller purchased the eastern 150 acres from King's College. In 1880, the property was deeded to George Miller Jr., George Sr.'s, youngest surviving son. George Miller emigrated from Dumfries Scotland and arrived in Markham in 1832 settling here, 9318 Reesor Road. George Miller named this area Rigfoot Farm after a country estate in Scotland. He married Catherine Sommerville and together they had 10 children. In a letter dated September 29, 1840, Catherine describes her home and prosperous farm in Markham to her mother, brother and sisters in Scotland. "Our house is 30 by 40 feet, two stories above ground and a cellar underneath. It was built last year. The cellar is built with stone and lime a foot and a half above ground, the rest of the wall is clay. There are eight rooms in the house and we have plenty to eat and drink" George Miller was noted for his interest in the improvement of farm stock. He imported Leicester and Cotswold breeds of sheep and Shorthorn Durham cattle. He also imported trees form Scotland for his farmstead. Miller helped to organize the Provincial Exhibition, a forerunner of the Canadian National Exhibition, and received many awards for his stock at the Exhibition. George Miller was also involved in the Home District Society and served as a vice president. In 1864, the barns of Rigfoot Farm were destroyed by fire. Most of the cattle were lost but the Millers were able to rebuild the barns and their herds. The (mud) brick home was constructed in 1839. |