A Lady of Force: Amelia Ryerse Harris

An image of a woman in a white bonnet.
Amelia Ryerse Harris from the Eldon House Collection circa 1854.

 

 

In many ways, the story of Eldon House begins with Amelia Ryerse Harris. An early Canadian woman, she faced the changes of country and city life, as well as changes in politics, social history, and changes in financial and familial status. Throughout her long life, Amelia was an impactful member of the Harris Family. A matriarch raising twelve children, she was renowned for her character and sense, and she became a central part, of the history of Eldon House, and London, Upper Canada, then Ontario, as one of the City’s founding women.