The Paris Independent
12
February 10, 2024
PA R I S PA S T Happy Birthday to Paris’ founder – Hiram Capron
On February 12th, we celebrate the birthday of Hiram Capron, the visionary founder of Paris. Capron's contributions to the development and establishment of this vibrant town are truly remarkable. Let us take a moment to honour his legacy and recognize his significant achievements. The story of Hiram Capron, is a tale of ambition, family, and community. Soon after his arrival in Long Point, Capron's path crossed with that of a young woman named Mary De Long. Their encounter in March 1823 marked the beginning of a profound relationship, and less than a year later, in February 1824, they were wed. Paris became the backdrop for their journey as they embarked on raising a family and building a life together. As Capron established roots in Paris, he dedicated himself to the development of the land, transforming it from a collection of mills and businesses into a thriving village. His focus centered on facilitating access to Paris for settlers and providing them with the necessary amenities for a comfortable life. One of his
Photos: Hiram Capron & Mary De Long – Paris Museum initial projects involved creating the first town plan for Paris. In 1829, he enlisted the services of Lewis Burwell, a renowned surveyor. Burwell meticulously laid out the town's streets and produced the inaugural town maps. Along these streets, Capron sold plots of land to settlers, sometimes even giving land away for free to encourage the transformation of the area into a thriving town. Although Capron did not possess a fervent passion for politics, his role as the town's founder thrust him into the limelight as one of the early prominent figures in local governance. He served as the first Reeve when Paris attained official incorporation as a village and became one of the initial town councilors. Additionally, he had the honor of naming the town
itself, which initially bore the cumbersome moniker "Forks of the Grand River." Recognizing the impracticality of such a lengthy name, Capron convened a town meeting and proposed renaming the town "Paris," owing to the abundant beds of plaster of Paris found in the area. Capron's proposal triumphed, and henceforth, "Paris" became the town's official name. Capron's legacy extended far beyond his lifetime, leaving an impression on the town he had nurtured. His commitment to Paris was evident not only in his entrepreneurial endeavors and civic leadership but also in his genuine care for its residents. Capron's generosity was renowned, and he actively supported various community initiatives and individuals in need. Continued on page 13
