Who knew? Documenting historic Mississauga often brings to mind hardworking settlers carving the rural landscape from the untamed wilderness, of living harmoniously with each other as they attempt to survive and establish roots for their families. Every once in awhile, research uncovers a glimpse of a darker side, throwing a dim light into the historic shadows of our past, and reminding us that the landscape was not the only thing that had a touch of untamed wildness to it. This ongoing article series, dubbed “The Darker Side”, will uncover and share true tales of crime and punishment from historic Mississauga, circa 1820 to 1970. This is an ongoing project, and we will add new chapters to this story over time.

Newspaper Article from Front Page of The Toronto Star, October 25, 1910

THE DARKER SIDE STORIES

• The Darker Side – A Dandie Mystery – by Matthew Wilkinson
• The Darker Side – A Dubious Distinction – the Train Robbery of 1874 – by Suzanna Elmazi
• The Darker Side – Strange Disappearance of George Silverthorn – by Matthew Wilkinson
• The Darker Side – A Streetsville Scoundrel – Rutledge – by Andrea Kennedy
• The Darker Side – An Epidemic of Thefts Unsolved – by Matthew Wilkinson
• The Darker Side – Christmas Day Shooting – by Jenny Walker
• The Darker Side – Jekyll and Hyde Chicken Farmer – by Matthew Wilkinson
• The Darker Side – Justice Undecided – by Deanna Natalizio
• The Darker Side – Murder of Noah Eaton – by Deanna Natalizio
• The Darker Side – Port Credit Bank Robbery – by Sue Brettell
• The Darker Side – The Streetsville Laundry Murder – by Nicole Mair
• The Darker Side – The Middle Road Tragedy – by Matthew Wilkinson
• The Darker Side – Train Robbery of 1874 – by Suzanna Elmazi
• The Darker Side – Trio of Murders – by Rachel Schliefhauf

Newspaper Headline from The Globe, May 26, 1847, The Queen vs James Hamilton