John Thompson Log House - Digital Archive

The Digital Archive and complementary Interactive Heritage Register Map are initiatives to provide historical information regarding properties included on the Township’s Heritage Register. The Digital Archive only includes properties which have consented to include their heritage property on this archive.

We recognize that when the first Euro‐Canadian settlers arrived in what is now Puslinch Township, the Anishinaabe ancestors of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation had long established hunt camps in the area. Through written and verbal accounts we understand that the Anishinaabe interacted with the settlers in a friendly and cooperative manner. It is acknowledged that the development of the Township encroached upon their traditional way of life resulting in their displacement.

John Thompson Log House

7094 Concession 1 Front Concession 1, Lot 23 Puslinch, ON
Photo of John Thompson Log House

Biographical Info

The John Thompson Log House was built in 1845 on land owned by “Big” John Thompson. Thompson used huge pine logs hewn on both sides when building his cabin, as opposed to the smaller common logs of black ash or cedar, which has aided in the overall preservation of the John Thompson Log House. The rare one-and-a-half storey structure still has its original stone fireplace. Thompson commissioned stonemason Angus McDonald to construct the foundation, and Peter Lamont as carpenter on the project. McDonald was a master mason, called “Clahair” or “Stonemason” in Gaelic.

After emigrating from Scotland, the two Thompson brothers, Neil and James, started families in Puslinch. Both brothers had sons named John, with Neil’s son known as “Big John” and James’ son known as “Little John.” “Big John” Thompson became a farmer, while his cousin became a tailor. 

The property is historically associated with Scottish immigration from Argyllshire and the settlement of Killean in Puslinch. The John Thompson House is part of the Crieff Hills Community.

 

John Thompson Log House - Exterior

John Thompson Log House - Black and White

Categories: Decade Built – 1840s, Decade Plaqued – 2000s, Historical Association – Scottish/Scotland, Materials – Wood, One-and-a-half storeys, Traditional Log House Style