The Black Family

Henry Colbert's early life remains shrouded in mystery, and little is known about his origins in New Orleans, Louisiana, between 1826 and 1829. It is unclear whether he was born free or as a run-away slave, although one Census record suggests that he worked as a sailor. In any case, Henry made his way to Canada and arrived in Buxton in 1851. The following year, he purchased Lot 12 at Concession 10 and began building his cabin and clearing the land with the assistance of friends and neighbors. After several years of hard work, Henry paid off his land in 1858 and received the deed.

Robert Black, on the other hand, was born in Ireland in 1829 and came to Canada with his brother William in 1858. He purchased 100 acres of land at Lot 12 on Concession 9, which was situated across the road from Henry's property. The Jordan family had already cleared 25 acres of the land that Robert purchased. Although William eventually bought his own property and moved away, Robert stayed with Henry and helped him on his farm until Henry's death in 1877.

Despite his hard work and dedication, Henry was not a healthy man. In 1874, he wrote his Last Will & Testament and named Robert Black as his sole heir. Three years later, he bought thirteen acres of land across the road from his house from Robert. On March 16, 1877, Henry sold his 50-acre farm to John and Eliza Anderson for $2,400.00. Sadly, Henry passed away only a few months later on October 2, 1877, due to a ruptured blood vessel.

After Henry's death, Robert sold all his land and moved to the town of Chatham, where he married Jane Guy a month later. The couple never had any children, and Robert passed away in 1911. He is buried in Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham, while Jane passed away five years later in 1916 and was also buried in the same cemetery.