Background

He was the son of a successful Upper Canada lumber merchant and tavern keeper, American Loyalist Norman Milliken (b1771 d1843), after whom the community of Milliken, Ontario, formerly Milliken Corners founded 1807, may be named.

Career

He started life as a millman and subsequently became a farmer in the Township of Markham. He had a distinguished military career in the British colony of Upper Canada. He served as a Private in the First Regiment of the York Militia during the War of 1812 at the age of 18 under Captain James Fenwick and saw action at the Battle of Queenston Heights under General Sir Isaac Brock.

In 1851, Milliken donated the land and built one of the first schools in the Milliken Corners area (School Section #8) which is now the location of Hagerman Corner School building built in 1888.

He was made a Justice of the Peace in York County, Upper Canada out of recognition of his militia service. Circa 1855, Benjamin Milliken constructed a Georgian Classic Revival house on his farm located on Participant of Lot 5, Concession 5 Markham Township that was designated as a historical structure under the Ontario Heritage Acting in 1994. located at 7710 Kennedy Road, Markham is currently occupied by a public called The Major Milliken.

Achievements

• During the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion, Milliken continued his militia service in the First Regiment in the York Militia, received a Captain"s commission and ultimately attained the rank of Major.

Membership

He hosted agricultural fairs on his farm during the 1860s and was an active member of the Methodist Church.