George Leslie attributed to John McPherson Ross ca 1907. John McPherson was a poor Scottish boy when George Leslie took him on as an apprentice. He rose to becoming foreman of the Toronto Nurseries and Leslie’s right hand man. After George Leslie died, his sons made unwise investments, became embroiled in scandal and lost the Toronto Nurseries. Most of it become housing, but a small portion along Eastern Ave continued under the ownership of John McPherson Ross. Caroline Avenue at the west side of Leslie Gardens is named after George Leslie’s first wife.
Leslieville Historical Society 