John Graves Simcoe 1752 – 1806. The first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, present day Ontario, John Graves Simcoe was Born in Cotterstock, Northamptonshire, and attended Exeter Free Grammar School in his early youth. He entered the Army in 1770 and commanded a regiment in the American revolution. During his active administration of Upper Canada, 1791-96, Simcoe laid the foundation for the province’s orderly growth and development. He died in a house on this site and is buried at Wolford Chapel, Dunkerswell, near Honiton. Erected with the assistance of the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Citizenship and Culture, Ontario and Canada.