Robert Holt

This biography is an excerpt of a larger project about the Mayors of Dundas developed and created by Judy Morphet, a Museum volunteer. It has been years in the making. The Museum is thankful for Judy’s hard work and perseverance in bringing these stories to light. To read more, click here.

Born in Chichester, Sussex, England in 1801, Robert Holt was 32 when he decided to emigrate to Canada and Dundas.

Shortly after his arrival he purchased the Wentworth Grist Mill. In partnership with John Gray Holt built the Wentworth Brewery on the south side of Spencer Creek near the Old Ancaster Road. They later purchased the Wentworth Iron Foundry, which produced stoves and heavy machinery. They also purchased the Leavitt Axe factory in 1852, renaming it the Globe Foundry.

In about 1840 he married Ann Lesslie. Their stone house was on the hill above the brewery and is still standing at 12 Old Ancaster Road.

By 1846 Holt accepted the position of Magistrate. In 1853 he was elected by the Town Council as Mayor of Dundas. Under Mayor Holt slaughterhouses were regulated, laws were passed to restrain bulls, horses and goats from running at large, the basement of the town hall was leased to Alfred Bennett for a saloon and sidewalks were constructed along some streets.

The conclusion of the Crimean War in 1858 seriously impacted manufacturing in Dundas and Holt was forced to declare bankruptcy. He continued with business interests until 1869 when he again became insolvent.

In 1876, Robert Holt, 75 passed away, his final resting place, the Grove Cemetery.