Ketchum joined the local militia, but his loyalty was called into question after York was temporarily held by the Americans.

After the war, he helped fund the rebuilding of the bridges over the Don River and also contributed to the building of the first common school at York.

It was a large frame building, painted white, and stood at the north west corner of Yonge and Adelaide.

Henry Scadding described the home as a "dwelling in the American style with a square turret bearing a rail rising out of the ridge of the roof."

John Ross Robertson claims Jesse Ketchum was one of the first people to bring sidewalks to York after he placed tanned bark outside of his home.

Famous former students include the Conacher family of sporting fame, Canadian sculptor Emanuel Hahn, actor Keanu Reeves (The Matrix), actor Zack Ward (A Christmas Story), and Academy Award winning director Domee Shi.