William Jarvis Helps Acquit a Dueller

In 1800 a leading citizen, Major John Small, killed the attorney-general of Upper Canada, John White, in a duel. Small was arrested and sent to trial. William Jarvis served as foreman of the jury, which found John Small not guilty of murder.

William Jarvis Challenges Four Men to Duels

In 1795 in Newark (Niagara), before William Jarvis moved to York (Toronto), someone wrote a satire of several prominent Upper Canadian families. Jarvis was furious when rumours began circulating that he was the writer of the satire. It is said that the satire was written in his own handwriting.
      Failing to clear his name by denials and argument, Jarvis challenged four of his accusers to duels. The attorney general, Peter Russell, had to step in and make Jarvis to swear to keep the peace.

More stories about the history of Jarvis Collegiate, early Toronto and William and Samuel Jarvis.