The Major Milliken, Markham

Born on Feb 28, 1794, Benjamin Milliken served as a Private in the York Militia of 1812, taking part in the battle of Queenston Heights. He later rose to the rank of Major in the Sedentary Militia, a position he held during the 1837 & 38 revolts.

Benjamin Milliken's grandfather originally came from Scotland and immigrated to Maine in the late 1600's. During that time, the Milliken family became successful in the shipping and lumbering business. But as the family were loyalists, they were forced to move north, to New Brunswick, then eventually settling in Markham, Ontario.

After the wae, the Major returned to Markham to marry Eleanor Hemingway, and built a small-framed house. He lived there, raised seven children, and was re-married twice. In 1875 his son from his first wife, WIlliam, built a 2-storey brick house. William lived in the house and raised prized cattle and sheep. He became known as a champion ploughman and a noted stock breeder.

The Majors third wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ordway, survived him when he died on July 3, 1863. The property stayed in the Milliken family until 1900 when William and Mary Milliken sold it to Simon G. Little. From that time the property changed hands several times until it was purchased by Metro Toronto in 1984. A year later, the property was purchased by its present owners. It has since been revived as the authentic English-style Pub House you see today, The Major Milliken.

It seems that a resident from the past may still be lingering about the house to this day. Affectionately known as "Stella", she is believed to the spirit of the Major's 2nd wife (Stella being her middle name). It seems the spirit was dubbed this due to its tampering with anything that has a Stella name on it. One morning the owner arrived only to find a "Stella Beer" bar mirror had somehow hopped off its nail and smashed on the floor beneath. Curiously, a few weeks later, he arrived to find a grouping of only Stella Beer glasses had mysteriously jumped off a rubber-meshed shelf and lie shattered on the floor. Thirdly, the owners brother witnessed a candle go out and re-light of its own accord.

If anyone has any additional information on this or any other location or event, please forward it to info@hauntpursuit.com.