Jones Street

Though Jones was a frequent visitor to Stratford, he never lived here. During the days when Jones was "king" of the Canada Company, he ruled from his "castle" atop Harbour Hill in Goderich (see below), to which he moved in 1843. That house still stands, as a reminder of the days when it was the social and business centre of the Huron Tract. It was from there that Commissioner Jones exercised his power. And it was there that his wife Elizabeth Mary (Strachan) held court and ruled all before her. They had married in 1832. Her father was John Strachan, the first Anglican Bishop of Toronto. He was best known as a political bishop who held many government positions.

Jones rose quickly to a position of great influence by marrying into the powerful "Family Compact" and fell quickly from power by displeasing his Canada Company court of directors. The Canada Company mansion was vacated by the Jones family and Mrs. Jones (1814-1857) died shortly thereafter. A few years later, Jones (1795-1868) retired to Toronto and into obscurity. In the same year, Mercer Street appeared on the map of Stratford. The era of opulence brought to the Huron Tract by Thomas Mercer Jones and his wife was gone forever. 

With notes from Stanford Dingman

During the settlement of Goderich, West Street was an important residential and social area in the town. It now serves as an excellent display of Goderich's early architecture. The Thomas Mercer Jones house (168 West St.)  occupies a prominent lot and contributes to the heritage value of West Street, which comprises buildings mostly from the mid-1800s. It sits atop Harbour Hill, which offers memorable views of Lake Huron, the Goderich harbour, the Maitland River and Menesetung Park. The building now houses the popular Park House Restaurant. Source: Historical Places