The first settler in the township was Jehiel Collins, from Vermont, who settled in an area near the Ottawa River which later became part of Bytown.
The original town hall of the township of Nepean was located in Westboro, which became part of Ottawa in 1949.
There were 169 ratepayers in the Township entitled to vote that year, and the Town Wardens were John Robertson and Samuel Collins; Clerk, James Shanley; 1849 (last year of the old system) - Town Wardens were Chester Chapman, John Scott; Assessor - James Spain; Collector - E.L. Wood.
These were all present at the first Council meeting held at the same place, January 21, 1850, when Colonel Frederick Bearman was chosen Reeve.
Mr Chapman was again chosen Reeve, and James Spain , Deputy - and the same gentlemen held the same positions during 1852 and 1853.