July 26 – Willey Cemetery Commemoration Ceremony
Willey Cemetery, 5267 Gentleman Drive, Ekfrid Township, Southwest Middlesex
Willey Cemetery Commemoration Ceremony
Sunday, July 26, 2026
2:00 p.m.
This special ceremony will designate Willey Cemetery as a United Empire Loyalist Burial Ground and honour Corporal John Phillips, UEL, of the 2nd Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, and his son, Sergeant Peter Phillips, UE, of the 1st Regiment, Oxford Militia, a veteran of the War of 1812.
During the ceremony, commemorative plaques recognizing their military service and enduring legacy will be unveiled. Representatives of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion, and historical re-enactors will participate in the service, including a wreath-laying ceremony and volley salute.
Following the ceremony, fellowship will be held at Glencoe Legion Branch 219.
If you plan to attend, we would appreciate an RSVP by Friday, July 17, to research@
The Phillips Family
Corporal John Phillips served in the Revolutionary War before making his way to Upper Canada, settling in what is now Ekfrid Township. He and four family members — Elizabeth, Isabel, Peter, and his wife — are buried at the Willey Cemetery, their stones among the oldest in the Four Counties area.
His son, Peter Phillips, carried on a tradition of service, enlisting in the Oxford Militia and rising to the rank of Sergeant during the War of 1812.
At this ceremony, plaques will be installed to honour both men posthumously. Representatives from the local Legion will be in attendance.
A Cemetery Worth Saving
The Historical Society is proud to work alongside the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex — its staff and elected representatives — to care for cemeteries that no longer have active boards of directors. Some are family plots. Some are closed. Others remain active but have lost their governing boards over time. In every case, the Historical Society stands as a steward and advocate.
The Willey Cemetery is the only cemetery in our four county district in need of significant concrete restoration work. Winter photographs show the extent of the challenge — a sloped concrete surround that has cracked and shifted over the decades, threatening the stability of the headstones themselves.
The Willey Cemetery is a living record of the families who shaped this community. We hope you will join us on July 26th to help honour it.
All are welcome. The ceremony will be held at graveside.
