Sexsmith, John

  • 1830-1920
  • Born in Lennox, Ontario and spent most of his life there as a farmer and merchant. He also held the office of treasurer for Richmond County, Ontario for eighteen years. At the age of forty-eight years, he started for British Columbia with his family.
  • He grew his new farm to nineteen hundred acres and was involved in various businesses such as a cheese factory and a salmon cannery.
  • There are three theories about the naming of Richmond with one being it was named because of Sexsmith’s coming from Richmond, Ontario. Sexsmith was one of the leaders of those who sought to incorporate Lulu Island and later served as the Richmond reeve (mayor). 
  • Started the first school in Richmond and serving as the first school trustee. J.W. Sexsmith Elementary School is named in his honour. 
  • Great Grandson of United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=7583
  • Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26281195/john-wesley-sexsmith