PETERS, Samuel (1822-1882), an early and important architect active in western Ontario, was born at Torquay, Co. Devon, England on 13 September 1822 and was educated and trained as a civil engineer. He worked under Sir Isambard King Brunel (1806-59), one of the most distinguished 19th C. engineers in England, and assisted him with the design and construction of the Great Western Railway. Peters was a nephew of Samuel Peters Sr. ( -1864), a successful surveyor in London, Upper Canada, and it was likely at the instigation of his uncle that Samuel Jr. decided to emigrate to Canada, joining him there in April 1849. By 1851 he was advertising his services as a Provincial Land Surveyor & Engineer in London, Ont. (Times & Western Advertiser [London], 4 July 1851, 3, advert.), and in 1852 received the appointment of Town Engineer for London. The following year he designed 'Grosvenor Lodge', a Tudor Gothic residence built for his uncle Samuel Peters Sr., and one of the first brick residences erected in the city. That same year he prepared a classically inspired Georgian design for Covent Garden Market (1853), and supervised the design and construction of London City Hall (1853-54). Peters was also active in several collaborative and apparently informal partnerships, including Hodgins & Peters (with William Hodgins of Toronto, in 1852-53 (Hamilton Journal & Express, 11 Oct. 1853, 1, advert), as Peters & Smith, 1854 (with George H. Smith, likely the architect with the same name active in Montreal 1848-50), and in the firm of Peters & Stent. Thomas Stent, then newly arrived from England, formed a partnership with Peters in December 1855 but their business was dissolved by April 1857.
Peters eventually opened his own office as 'Provincial Land Surveyor, Architect and Civil Engineer' in early 1860 (Free Press [London], 30 March 1860, 3, advert.). He continued to work under his own name for the next twenty years, and trained his two sons S. Frank Peters and Wesley A. Peters, forming the partnership of Peters & Son in 1872. Their firm can be credited with nearly 100 designs for commercial, residential, ecclesiastical and institutional building throughout London and southwestern Ontario. In 1880 they submitted an entry in the first stage of the open competition for the Parliament Building in Toronto. Their design, submitted under the pseudonym 'Virtute Non Astutia' was among 16 proposals sent in, but they did not advance to the second stage in February 1881 (OA, RG15, S-6, Box 2, File 138). Peters died in London on 2 February 1882 leaving an estate valued at $70,617.00 (obit. London Advertiser, 3 Feb. 1882, 4; Free Press [London], 3 Feb. 1882, 4; biog. and port. Association of Ontario Land Surveyors Annual Reports, 1929, 85-6; OA, Middlesex Co. Wills No. 2263). The University of Western Ontario Archives holds a set of logbooks prepared by Peters from 14 Aug. 1845 (when he was working in England) to October 1874.
SAMUEL PETERS
(works in London unless noted)
(with William Hodgins) NORTH STREET METHODIST CHURCH, 1852; Parsonage and extensive alterations, 1870; Parish Hall & Lecture Room, 1874 (Christian Guardian [Toronto], 21 Dec. 1870, 201, descrip.; Daily Advertiser [London], 20 Nov. 1874, 2, descrip.; Free Press [London], 3 Feb. 1882, 3, list of works in obituary)
WESTERN ROAD, 'Grosvenor Lodge', a residence for Samuel Peters Sr., Western Road near Platt's Lane, 1853 (Free Press [London], 8 Sept. 1962, 26, illus.; J. Lutman, The South and West of London: An Historical and Architectural Guide, 1979, 69, 71-3, illus. & descrip.)
(attributed) COVENT GARDEN MARKET, Market Square, 1853 (W.A. Goodspeed, History of Middlesex, 1889, 283; Free Press [London], 16 Jan. 1903, 7)
(with George H. Smith) TECUMSEH HOUSE HOTEL, Richmond Street at York Street, 1854-58 (London Times, 24 Feb.1854, 3, t.c.; Free Press [London], 30 Oct. 1858, 3, descrip.)
DUNDAS STREET, at Adelaide Street, residence for Murray Anderson, Mayor of London, c. 1854 (W.A. Goodspeed, History of Middlesex, 1889, 410)
CITY HALL, Richmond Street at King Street, 1854 (Free Press [London], 3 Feb. 1882, 4, list of works in obituary)
DORCHESTER, ONT., Methodist Chapel, Manning Settlement, 1855-56 (Canadian Free Press [London], 13 Dec. 1855, 3)
PETERS & STENT
GUELPH, ONT., Market House, a design submitted in competition with eighteen other architects, 1856. The First Premium was awarded to William Thomas of Toronto (Tri-Weekly Advertiser [Guelph], 6 June 1856, 2)
BANK OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA, Richmond Street at East North Street, 1856 (London Free Press, 31 May 1856, 3, t.c.; Globe [Toronto], 4 Aug. 1856, 2; Semi-Weekly Expositor [Brantford], 5 Aug. 1856, 2)
BRANTFORD, ONT., Bank of British North America, Darling Street at George Street, 1857 (Globe [Toronto], 11 April 1857, 3, t.c.)
SAMUEL PETERS
PRIMITIVE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH, Wellington Street, 1859 (Globe [Toronto], 23 Dec. 1859, 2, descrip.)
BURLINGTON STREET, near St. James Street, residence for Ellis W. Hyman, 1860 (London Free Press, 17 Feb. 1860, 3, t.c.)
WESTMINSTER TOWNSHIP, residence for Captain Taylor, 1860 (London Free Press, 14 May 1860, 2, t.c.)
STRATFORD, ONT., store and residence for J.P. O'Higgins, 1862 (London Free Press, 18 Nov. 1862, 2, t.c.)
ROGERS BUILDING, Dundas Street near Talbot Street, for Edward Rogers, 1864 (London Free Press, 19 Sept. 1864, 3, descrip.)
CAMPBELL BUILDING, Dundas Street near Talbot Street, for Alex Campbell, 1864 (London Free Press, 19 Sept. 1864, 3, descrip.)
CITY HOTEL, Dundas Street at Talbot Street, for W.J. Scott, 1865 (London Advertiser, 1 Aug. 1865, 3, descrip.)
INGERSOLL, ONT., commercial block for Frank Smith, Thames Street at King Street, 1867 (Ingersoll Chronicle, 14 Feb. 1867, 3; London Free Press, 9 May 1867, 2, t.c.)
BANK OF COMMERCE, Richmond Street, 1867 (Weekly Advertiser [London], 25 April 1867, 4, descrip.)
TALBOT STREET, at Market Street, residence for J.C. Meredith, 1869 (London Free Press, 15 Feb. 1869, 2, t.c.)
PETROLIA, ONT., residence for Henry Warren Lancey, in Crescent Park, 1871; still standing in 2022 (London Free Press, 31 Aug. 1871, 2, t.c.)
S. PETERS & SON
Ecclesiastical & Institutional works
HELLMUTH LADIES COLLEGE, Proof Line Road, overlooking the Thames River, major addition, 1872 (Daily Advertiser [London], 3 July 1872, 2, t.c.)
NORTH STREET WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH, addition of Meeting Hall & Lecture Room, 1873-74 (Daily Advertiser [London], 11 Feb. 1873, 3, t.c.; 17 Aug. 1874, 3, descrip.)
LONDON CLUB HOUSE, King Street near Richmond Street, addition, 1873 (Daily Advertiser [London], 27 Feb. 1873, 3)
SPETTIGUE HALL, Dundas Street at Clarence Street, extensive alterations, 1874 (Free Press [London], 28 Oct. 1874, 4, descrip.)
PETERSVILLE, Anglican Church, Ann Street at Wharncliffe Highway, 1875-76 (Daily Advertiser [London], 15 May 1875, 1, t.c.; 7 Oct. 1876, 4, descrip.)
LONDON EAST, School House, Timothy Street, 1875 (Daily Advertiser [London], 5 Oct. 1875, 1, descrip.)
WELLINGTON STREET METHODIST CHURCH, Wellington Street at Grey Street, 1876; Parsonage 1876 (Daily Advertiser [London], 27 May 1876, 1; 29 Aug. 1876, 1, t.c.; Free Press [London], 18 April 1877, 4)
PROTESTANT ORPHAN'S HOME, Richmond Street at Cheapside Street, 1876-77 (Daily Advertiser [London], 26 June 1876, 1, t.c.; Free Press [London], 26 June 1877, 4, descrip.)
MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY, layout and ornamentation, 1876 (Daily Advertiser [London], 4 Aug. 1876, 1)
PETERSVILLE, parsonage for the Methodist Church, 1877; addition to the church, 1880 (Free Press [London], 18 April 1877, 4; 17 April 1880, 2, t.c.)
VICTORIA HALL, a conversion of the New Connexion Church, with substantial additions, for the Young Men's Christian Association, Clarence Street near King Street, 1878 (Daily Advertiser [London], 5 April 1878, 4; 19 Sept. 1878, 4, descrip.)
WOODLAND CEMETERY, Lodge Building, layout of driveways and fences, stables and sheds, 1879 (Daily Advertiser [London], 26 Sept. 1879, 4, t.c.; 20 Oct. 1879, 4, descrip.)
QUEEN'S AVENUE METHODIST CHURCH, Clarence Street at Dufferin Street, alterations and improvements, 1880-81 (Free Press [London], 27 Feb. 1880, 4, descrip.; Daily Advertiser [London], 16 March 1881, 4, descrip.)
NEW BRIGHTON METHODIST CHURCH, Askin Street at Teresa Street, 1880 (Free Press [London], 26 June 1880, 4, descrip.; Daily Advertiser [London], 2 Feb. 1881, 3, descrip.; Christian Guardian [Toronto], 2 March 1881, 70, descrip.)
FLORENCE, ONT., Methodist Church, 1882 (Free Press [London], 3 Aug. 1882, 1)
Commercial & Residential works
ST. THOMAS, ONT., Merchants Bank, Talbot Street, 1872 (London Free Press, 9 Feb. 1872, 2, t.c.)
EDWARD ADAMS & CO., Dundas Street near Talbot Street, additions to warehouse, 1872 (London Free Press, 20 July 1872, 3)
STRATFORD, ONT., Merchants Bank, 1872-74 (Daily Advertiser [London], 15 Aug. 1872, 2, t.c.; 16 Nov. 1874, 3, descrip.; Stratford Beacon, 27 June 1873, 2, descrip.)
WESTMINSTER, residence for Thomas Thompson, near Clarke's Bridge, 1873-74 (Daily Advertiser [London], 12 March 1873, 2, t.c.; 25 Nov. 1874, 2, descrip.)
YORK STREET, west of Talbot Street, row of five houses for E. McGarvey, 1873-74 (Daily Advertiser [London], 2 Aug. 1873, 2, t.c.; 25 Nov. 1874, 2)
DUNDAS STREET, at William Street, residence and coach house for J.W. Sifton, 1874 (Daily Advertiser [London], 4 July 1874, 2, t.c.)
RICHMOND STREET, near Kent Street, store for John McGurdy, 1874 (Daily Advertiser, 19 Aug. 1874, 2, t.c.)
DUNDAS STREET, near Wellington Street, store for Thomas Aston, 1874 (Daily Advertiser [London], 23 Nov. 1874, 2, descrip.)
CLARENCE STREET, at Duke Street, residence for H. MacMahon, 1874 (Daily Advertiser [London], 25 Nov. 1874, 2)
ADELAIDE STREET, residence for E. Winnett, 1874 (Daily Advertiser [London], 25 Nov. 1874, 2)
KING STREET, near Wellington Street, residence for John Tanton, 1874 (Daily Advertiser [London], 25 Nov. 1874, 2)
J. ATKINSON & CO., Dundas Street near Talbot Street, warehouse, 1875 (Daily Advertiser [London], 29 March 1875, 1, t.c.)
EDGE BLOCK, Dundas Street at Richmond Street, for William T. Edge, 1875 (Daily Advertiser [London], 3 April 1875, 1, t.c.; 15 Nov. 1875, 1, descrip.)
RICHMOND STREET, store for John McManus, 1875 (Daily Advertiser [London], 2 June 1875, 1, t.c.)
PICCADILLY STREET, residence for George Powell, 1875 (Daily Advertiser [London], 20 Aug. 1875, 1, t.c.)
BECHER STREET, west of Horne Street, pair of houses for Charles Hutchinson, 1876-77 (Daily Advertiser [London] 15 Feb. 1876, 2, t.c.; Free Press [London], 18 April 1877, 4)
TALBOT STREET, near Maple Street, four houses for the architect, 1876 (Daily Advertiser [London], 7 March 1876, 1, t.c.)
RICHMOND STREET, near Grosvenor Street, residence for William P.R. Street, 1877 (Free Press [London], 18 April 1877, 4)
LONDON TOWNSHIP, residence for Charles Priddis, near Hellmuth Ladies College, 1877 (Daily Advertiser [London], 11 April 1877, 1, t.c.)
SOUTH LONDON, cottages for John McClary, High Street, 1877 (dwgs. at London Public Library, Acc. 62.18)
QUEEN'S AVENUE, 'Fontbonne Hall', residence for William Spencer, 1877 (Daily Advertiser [London], 24 July 1877, 1, t.c.; Free Press [London], 22 April 1878, 4)
TALBOT STREET, residence for Robert S. Murray, 1878 (Free Press [London], 11 March 1878, 2, t.c.)
SOUTH LONDON, 'Woodlawn', residence for Frank B. Leys, Elmwood Avenue, 1878 (Free Press [London], 22 April 1878, 4)
T. McCORMICK BISCUIT CO., Dundas St. at Wellington Street, factory, 1878 (Free Press [London], 21 June 1878, 2, t.c.)
RIDOUT STREET SOUTH, new greenhouse for residence of Henry Taylor, 1878 (Free Press [London], 29 Aug. 1878, 2, t.c.)
ONTARIO LOAN & DEBENTURE CO., Dundas Street at Market Lane, office building, 1879-80 (Free Press [London], 22 May 1879, 3, descrip.; 17 May 1880, 1, descrip.; Daily Advertiser [London], 1 July 1880, 1, descrip.)
McCORMICK BLOCK, Dundas Street at Wellington Street, 1880; addition 1882 (Free Press [London], 17 May 1880, 1; Daily Advertiser [London], 26 June 1882, 4, t.c.)
KENT STREET, pair of houses for George M. Gunn, 1880 (Free Press [London], 17 May 1880, 1)
QUEEN'S AVENUE, residence for Thomas McCormick, 1880 (Free Press [London], 17 May 1880, 1)
DOMINION HOUSE HOTEL, York Street at Clarence Street, for Martin O'Meara, 1880 (Free Press [London], 27 July 1880, 4, descrip.; Daily Advertiser [London], 8 Nov. 1880, 4, descrip.)
ROBINSON, LITTLE & CO., Richmond Street, three warehouses, 1881 (Free Press [London], 14 May 1881, 3)
FITZGERALD BLOCK, Dundas Street, 1881-82 (Free Press [London], 20 June 1881, 2, t.c.; Daily Advertiser [London], 3 Nov. 1882, 4, descrip.)
DUFFERIN AVENUE, at William Street, residence for Edward Hodgens, 1881 (Daily Advertiser [London], 15 July 1881, 4, t.c.)
GRAND AVENUE, near Gerrard Street, mansion for Thomas McCormick, 1882 (Daily Advertiser [London], 31 Jan. 1882, 4, t.c.; Free Press [London], 3 Aug. 1882, 1)