Andrew Porteous 1790 - 1849

Businessman, Postmaster, First Person Buried in the Necropolis

Andrew Porteous was likely born in Montreal where he lived most of his life. He was in business and traded in spirits, wine, gunpowder, wax, and glass. He was also a militia officer and eventually became Postmaster. His career had ups and downs and he was often in financial difficulties. His circumstances improved when he became Postmaster.

Late in his live, he moved in with his daughter and son-in-law in Toronto. He was in poor health and died there on December 16, 1849 “by the bursting of one of the great arteries of the heart.” He was 69.

His body was stored in the “Dead House” at the cemetery until the spring thaw. He was finally buried in the Toronto Necropolis on May 22, 1850. Porteous was the first person to be buried in the brand new cemetery.

There likely was a marker on his grave but all what remains is the base that is peeking from the ground (see picture below). Erosion is likely to blame as his grave is at the top of the hill just above the Bayview Extension.