Denison Family of Toronto

The Denison Family in Canada

The Denison family has deep roots in Toronto, with a history that stretches back over two centuries. Captain John Denison was born in England and immigrated to Upper Canada in the late 18th century. Like many early settlers, he was drawn by the promise of land and opportunity in a growing colony. Around 1801–1803, he was granted farmland along the banks of the Humber River, where he would raise his family and leave a lasting mark on the area.

Captain Denison became a respected figure in the community, known for his leadership in the local militia and his involvement in civic affairs. His will, written before his passing in 1824, included instructions to set aside part of his land as a family burial ground — the beginnings of what is now St. John’s Cemetery on the Humber.

In the generations that followed, the Denisons became one of Toronto’s most prominent families. They contributed to the city’s military, civic, and social life, and many family members are still connected to your cemetery and the community today. The property remains a gathering place for descendants and a reminder of the family’s long-standing connection to this part of Toronto.