Duffy Homestead brings history to life with stories of Eliza's grandsons

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Exciting news regarding the Duffy Homestead was recently shared at the Albion Bolton Historical Society meeting.

Owner of Duffy's Homestead and Chairman for the Duffy Heritage Foundation, Alan Duffy, presented “The Grandsons of Eliza Duffy” during the meeting.

He is a direct descendant of the original homesteaders, Eliza and James Duffy, who immigrated to Canada in 1832.

For five years, he has restored his family's original 1832 homestead, which now acts as Duffy's Homestead Museum.

Duffy's presentation centred on the story of Eliza Duffy and her family immigrating from Ireland to Canada in the 1830s and settling in Albion Township. 

The presentation specifically focused on Eliza's grandsons, four of whom served in the military in the 1860s.

One fought in the US Civil War, and three were in the local militia during the Fenian Raids. 

His slide presentation told their stories and how these sons of Albion impacted the community and the future of Canada.

Duffy also brought along some family treasures and military artifacts.

He shared stories of the grandsons, their legacies and the perils they faced.

Stories included her grandsons' times in the 150th New York Infantry Regiments, what they accomplished and went through after being mustered, what happened after the Fenian Raids, and so much more.

He also showcased photos of the original uniforms, battlegrounds, and pictures of the Duffys.

If residents are disappointed to have missed this educational presentation, much of the information and uniforms are now displayed at Duffy's Homestead Museum.

The museum is open Wednesday evenings and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the general public.

Private tours are still available to be booked.

Duffy shared they are also looking forward to opening trails in the future on the 60 acres they own, out of the original 100 acreage that was part of the original homestead.