Cawthra family

The Cawthra family of Toronto was famous for its business, social and cultural contributions to the city.

It is one of the oldest families in Toronto, and many descendants of the family's founder, Joseph Cawthra, continue to play significant roles in Toronto society.

Joseph Cawthra migrated to Canada from Yorkshire in 1803.

[1] In 1809, he acquired a large parcel of land along the Ontario lakeshore and the Credit River, near the present-day Port Credit.

[1] One such property on Lot 19 Concession 3 on Yonge Street would later become Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.

The Adamson Estate is built on land acquired by Joseph Cawthra in 1809. The land was granted to Agar Adamson and Mabel Cawthra as a wedding gift.