Grantley

Grantley is included in the 1885-86 Dundas County Directory, which lists the professional men and tradesmen of the era. The community is situated near the boundary between Williamsburg and Osnabruck Townships. In 1905, the village had a population of 85 residents.

The community supported essential local trades, including:

Blacksmith: James Robinson.
General Store and Postmaster: Operated by W. L. Hart.
Dairy: The village also featured its own cheese factory.

Postal service was established in Grantley in 1867, with W. L. Hart serving as the postmaster. The post office was eventually closed following the inauguration of rural mail delivery.

The Grantley Methodist Circuit was a significant local institution that included appointments at Grantley, Hoasic, Osnabruck Centre, and North Valley. The Grantley Church was a wooden structure that was built in 1882 at a cost of $1,600 during the pastorate of Rev. A. G. Robertson. The contractor for the project was James A. Cunningham. Notable early members included Zacariah Robinson, Edward Henderson, and Alexander Drummond. In 1902, the building underwent a $550 renovation. Trustees at that time included James Sutherland, P. A. Casselman, Harvey Fader, Herman Sheiver, William Kennedy, Michael Becksted, and James A. Cunningham. Sabbath School was founded in 1885, the school was led by Superintendent Mrs. Jordan Shaver around 1905.

School Section No. 17: Known as S.S. No. 17 (union with Osnabruck), the school was located at the southeast corner of the north half of Lot 1, Concession 8. Around 1899-1900, the Grantley school offered Continuation classes under Principal L. Minnie Kerr, with nine students enrolled. The school closed in 1965, after which students were sent to Chesterville Public School.

Sources:

Chesterville Record

Canadian Official Postal Guide

SDG Counties History

Upper Canada District School Board

Dundas County Directory