By: Marla Weingarten

James Hogg emigrated from Scotland and settled in what is now known as Hoggs Hollow. He came to own property on both sides of the Don River and ran a successful mill operation. His first York Mill’s hotel built in 1836 burned down in 1856 with a second structure built by his son’s, John and William in 1857. Many years later, that York Mills Hotel become the well-known North York hang out, the Jolly Miller. Today, that 1857 building is the home of the Miller Tavern. 

When James Hogg first settled in the area, he chose as his residence, Samuel Heron’s tavern that was no longer getting much business once Yonge Street was straightened (this part of Yonge was renamed Old Yonge). 

James had already met the woman he wanted to marry early in his newfound life in the Township of York. His love letter to Elizabeth Orr can be found in the North York History Room at the North York Central Library. Excerpts of the letter read, 

“No female on earth has had my affection but yourself … I declare myself at your will any day to give you my hand and heart and you may believe you are the first girl I have offered my hand to since my arrival in Amercia, which is now upwards of 6 years.”

“The house belonging to the mill is one of the best and most convenient in this part of the country. It is on the public road from York about 6 miles from town in a pleasant part of the country. It will already be my habitation and I think it will add much to the beauty of the place when you are mistress of it which I sincerely desire you should be before long.”