Local history: it's about life and living

Van Kleeck's Hill

Simeon VanKleeck (1745-1827) and his wife Cecilia Jaycox (1755-1849) were United Empire Loyalists from the Province of New York who sided with the British during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). After the evacuation to Canada, and several land petitions, Simeon obtained his reward of suitable land grants in 1808 in West Hawkesbury Township for both himself and his son Simeon Jr. Father and son had already started clearing this acreage by 1797. This was the start of Van Kleeck's Hill. From their home, Cecilia operated an inn to serve travellers going from the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence River, and to villages between Ottawa and Montreal. An inn operating near a crossroad location such as this encourages trades, and soon the inn was joined by blacksmiths, coopers, and merchants. By 1840, growth was assured. Vankleek Hill became a service centre for the surrounding agricultural community.