Joseph Shepard
The Joseph Shepard Building is named after one of York's first settlers. Joseph Shepard was a fur trader, an outstanding pioneer who helped build some of the first houses in this area when York was formed in 1793. He later owned extensive farmlands where this building now stands, sawmills at Bathurst Street and was renowned for his active support of reform politics. Joseph Shepard died shortly before the Rebellion of 1837, and is buried at St. John's Anglican Church, York Mills. His sons Thomas and Joseph continued their father's business ventures near the site of this building.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.