Bancroft

Bancroft (2006 Population 3,838) is a town located on the York River in Hastings County in the Canadian province of Ontario. In 1853 the first pioneer family settled in the area, and over the next 15 years the settlement grew quickly, as another 88 families followed. The first families were United Empire Loyalists, and followed later by Irish settlers, who were attracted to the area by the offer of free 100-acre (0.40 km) parcels. Originally called York Mills, it was later renamed to York Branch, The Branch, York River in 1861, and finally to Bancroft on 15 October 1879 by Senator Billa Flint, after the maiden name of his wife. The place was first incorporated as a village in December 1904. In 1999, the Village of Bancroft merged with...