Hoasic

The hamlet of Hoasic (also spelled Hosiac or Hosaic) was named after Hoasic Creek, which flows through the area. The name of the creek itself is of Indigenous origin, derived from the Mohawk word for "the place of the stone" or "stony brook." This refers to the rocky nature of the creek bed as it moves toward the St. Lawrence River. Hoasic Creek was a vital landmark for early settlers. Interestingly, in 2015, the official name of the watercourse was changed to Nash Creek, though the name Hoasic remains attached to the local history and the hamlet.

The post office in Hoasic was opened in 1870. John J. Baker was the first postmaster in charge. By 1905, the position was held by C.W. Weagant.

By 1905, the community supported a few essential businesses:

Blacksmith: Robert Cunningham.
General Store: Daniel Shell.
Dairy Industry: A cheese manufacturing facility operated by William Edwards.

The Hoasic church was originally the old Methodist church building from Mariatown. It was purchased and moved to Hoasic in 1831. Those prominent in the effort to relocate the church included J. R. Becksted, Luther Froats, David Steel, Wm. Swerdfeger, and George Wells. The congregation was initially attached to the Grantley circuit and later to the Elma circuit. By approximately 1905, the congregation had dwindled to fewer than fifteen members, and no services were being held there that year.

Education

The local school, S.S. No. 6 Hoasic, was located at the south part of the east half of Lot 14, Concession 5 in Dundas. The school closed in 1964. Following the closure, students were sent to Morrisburg Public School. The school section had already joined the Williamsburg Township School Area by 1949.

Sources:

Chesterville Record

Canadian Official Postal Guide

SDG Counties History

Upper Canada District School Board

Dundas County Directory