Isabella Valancy Crawford
Born in Dublin, Ireland, about 1846, this notable Canadian poet immigrated with her family to Canada, 1857-58, settling at Paisley. Her father practised medicine here for some years and after his death in Peterborough in 1875, Isabella moved to Toronto where she attempted to support her sister and mother by writing. A fine knowledge of classical literature, an intense idealism and a gift for startling imagery pervade her poetry. Like many post-Confederation poets, she was influenced by the English Romantic and Victorian Schools. She brought to the pioneer Canadian landscape vivid images of love and death. Her brief life was marked by poverty and lack of recognition. Isabella Crawford's best-known collection is "Old Spookses' Pass, Malcolm's Katie and Other Poems", published in 1884, three years before her death.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.