Bolton’s Early evolution/growth – Albion Bolton Historical Society

A 1933 interview suggests there is more to know about George Bolton

- - Norman Bolton a great-great-nephew of George Bolton suggested that prior to 1818, George had a disagreement with his father, apparently over an unsanctioned marriage which, in the end, did not last
  - Written out of his father’s will, George left England and travelled to Jamaica where he worked on an indigo plantation.
  - George continued to correspond with his sister Rachel and through her, learned that his elder brother James had emigrated to Canada.

By 1840, Bolton Mills could boast of the mill as well as 14 log buildings, two blacksmiths, two shoemakers, one tailor and a hotel. It had taken almost 20 years to get to that point
Bolton’s growth had been impacted by several factors:

- - Bolton’s potential as a community was recognized at the time of the survey
  - The surveyor James Chewett surrounded the site with government-held property designed to provide income to the government or to reward high ranking military officers

- - The government controlled land surrounding Bolton (Crown Reserves and Clergy Reserves, as well as 1000 acres of military grants) was not settled.
  - Nearby land wasn’t being farmed and absentee landowners were not clearing their road allowances
  - road travel to the mill was a nightmare