Catharine Parr Traill 1802-1899
A member of the literary Strickland family, the talented author married Lieut. Thomas Traill and emigrated to Upper Canada in 1832. For seven years they struggled unsuccessfully to establish a profitable farm on bushland in Douro Township. Subsequently, they lived at Ashburnham and Rice Lake. In 1862, following her husband's death, Mrs. Traill's daughters purchased "Westove" and she lived here the rest of her life. Her best known book, "The Backwoods of Canada" is based on her pioneering experiences. In her "Studies of Plant Life in Canada" and other works she proved herself a gifted botanist.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.