Toronto was just getting started when "Howard" arrived. In fact, Toronto was still called York. Howard became the city's first surveyor, probably because of the drawing talent he displayed, and maybe because his new fake last name sounded royal.As surveyor, Howard had a good understanding of the geography around Toronto. His attention was drawn to a hilly forested area near the lake shore, beside a large freshwater marsh.

When he was 33 Howard bought the land that is now High Park so he could farm sheep. It was a good distance from the city at the time. He named it "High Park." A year later he built Colborne Lodge where he lived with his wife, Jemima. 55 years later Howard died in Colborne Lodge at the impressive age of 87. Howard and his wife are buried just West of Colborne Lodge in a tomb Howard built himself (seems a little creepy, but I will reserve judgment until I am in my 80s.) You can visit Colborne Lodge which is on the South side of the park. Be sure to check the hours of operation which are non-standard.

Howard's tomb - he and Jemima are buried in the park 

Howard donated his land to the city for a park. Initially, the city government didn't care much because the park was too far from the city to be useful. As the city expanded the value of the park became more obvious. 40 years later the city purchased more land from the Ellis estate in the 1930.

Howard was very intent on leaving the park for families to enjoy. He stipulated that no alcohol would be allowed in the park and to this day the Grenadier restaurant can't serve alcohol. Howard was no tea-tottler - Colborne Lodge had a large wine cellar. Howard wanted to ensure the park would be for families and children to enjoy.

John and Jemima Howard had no children. However, Howard had three children with another woman, Mary Williams. It's possible his descendants are still in the area.

Howard was quite an artist. There are several of his paintings available online at Textures of a Lost Toronto.