At the Council Meeting on January 25, 2022, Council declared February 2022 as Black History Month in Mono.
A Look Back in History: George Hannahson
"George’s mother was Hannah Ketchum, a white woman. In 1804, Hannah was living in Toronto with her brother Jesse when she had a relationship with a Black man. As a result of this relationship she had a son whom she named George. The Ketchums devised the surname of Hannahson for Hannah’s son. Any record of the boy’s father has been lost in time. The Ketchums were a very well-known family in Upper Canada. Seneca Ketchum, a brother of Hannah, lived in Mono township. He was a staunch member of the Anglican Church and was the principal founder of St. Mark’s in Orangeville. Jesse, meanwhile, was a leading figure in the province in politics and philanthropy."
"Somewhere along the Niagara River, George Hannahson met the 20-year-old Mary. By 1848, they were married and had a daughter. Two years later, the growing Hannahson family moved to the Ketchum lands in Mono township. In 1857, George became the owner of the west half of lot 2, the 2nd concession of Mono. Here, George and Mary prospered as they raised their ten children. George died shortly after the birth of his last child in 1866. Mary lived in Mono for the remainder of her life."
Source: Meyler, Peter. "African Shadows." In The Hills. 19 November 1998, https://www.inthehills.ca/1998/11/african-shadows/
The Town of Mono encourages all residents to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and continue our efforts to make Mono an inclusive community for all.
