CAPT. JOHN MOBERLY, R.N. 1789-1848

In this vicinity stood the quarters of the commandant of the Penetanguishene Naval Establishment. Capt. Moberly, who resided here from 1834 to 1844, was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, of English parents, and served in many engagements during the Napoleonic Wars. He was sent to Canada in 1833 to command the naval forces on the upper Great Lakes and became a prominent member of this pioneer community. Moberly retired in 1844 and settled in Barrie. He was largely responsible for the building in 1836-38 of St. James-on-the-Lines, Penetanguishene, and is buried in its churchyard.