The South of Ireland was in dire straits at the end of the 18th century and on several occasions was on the verge of civil war. The Whiteboys developed as a secret oath-bound society among the poor. Their operations were chiefly in the counties of Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and Tipperary and were not directed against the government, but rather against local landlords. No amount of legislation seemed to tame the anger which had led to many “disturbances”. As a means of removing some of the rebels, offering them a new life and free land in Upper Canada, and hopefully settling the anger back home in Ireland, the government decide to pay for families to be resettled at the expense of the government. Peter Robinson, brother of John Beverley Robinson, was tasked with finding and settling the emigrants. In this presentation we will look at the history and politics that led to what has become known as the Peter Robinson’s Settlement Scheme. We will also take an in-depth look at the various resources available for researching your Peter Robinson Settler ancestors.
In this engaging webinar from the O Canada series, genealogist Christine Woodcock presents the fascinating story of Peter Robinson’s settlement schemes that brought thousands of Irish families to Upper Canada in the 1820s. With deep expertise in migration and settlement history, Woodcock traces how political unrest, poverty, and agrarian strife in Ireland intersected with British colonial policy to shape a transformative chapter in Canadian history. For genealogists, the session reveals invaluable sources, passenger records, and settlement details that illuminate the experiences of ancestors who journeyed across the Atlantic to forge new lives in Ontario.
Key Insights from the Webinar:
The Roots of Migration: Economic hardship, agrarian displacement, and rebellion in Ireland—exacerbated by the Insurrection Act—led the British government to promote assisted emigration. Robinson’s mission strategically targeted the “disturbed” baronies of Cork and neighboring counties, both as relief for Ireland and as a means of stabilizing Canada with loyal settlers.
The Journey and Settlement: Families carefully selected under strict criteria embarked on government-funded voyages in 1823 and 1825. Though better provisioned than later famine emigrants, settlers faced daunting challenges: arduous river and overland travel, illness in Kingston camps, and the harsh realities of clearing wilderness land. Nonetheless, they were supplied with land grants, tools, provisions, and livestock, laying the foundation for lasting communities.
Records and Resources for Genealogists: The settlement generated a rich body of documentation, from embarkation certificates and surgeon’s logs to land petitions and census-style returns. Many of these records survive at the Archives of Ontario, Library and Archives Canada, and FamilySearch, while dedicated resources like the “Nine Ships 1825” website and Carol Bennett’s genealogical studies provide detailed family histories.
This webinar is a must-watch for those tracing Irish-Canadian heritage, offering both a compelling historical narrative and concrete pathways for research. By viewing the full presentation, genealogists will gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped their ancestors’ lives and discover how to access the unique collections that document this remarkable migration.
To expand your research further, explore the rich set of resources highlighted in the webinar syllabus, including archival collections, genealogical society holdings, and published works. These materials provide vital context and detail, opening doors to uncovering family connections within one of the most significant assisted emigration schemes in Canadian history.
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Syllabus
So my ancestor was in the Robinson papers and then took either wagon train or train to US (Illinois) and then to Kansas where he got railroad land (160 Acres). There is a number on the information i have for the robinson relocation, is there more info in the redords than is on the basic printout i have?
Very interesting . I didn’t know so much informatiion was available.
A lot of details and great information about the Peter Robinson Settlers. Many samples of available documents and their locations will help many in their search for sources. I really liked the visuals to bring life to the story of these immigrants.
Excellent. The details and thoroughness presented should ensure all that is needed to research your PR ancestor. Also reviews the significance of historical context in emigration.
Great presenter. Thank you
Very, Very good. Great syllabus and references for continuing research. Thank you.
Excellent material explaining the Peter Robinson Settlement. Resources were outlined to help in doing family research.
Thank you so much for the wonderful webinar. It was so informative and interesting. I hope to see some relatives there when I search these sites. Melody Knight