Katharine Langdon Wilks

Katharine Langdon Wilks, daughter of Matthew Wilks, an English gentleman, was the great-granddaughter of John Jacob Astor of New York City. She was born at Shanklyn, on the Isle of Wight, and came to Canada with her parents in 1858 when they settled on what became known as Cruickston Park Farm.

Before it became her permanent residence Wilks traveled extensively and crossed the Atlantic more than seventy times. She was a great admirer of animals. Her show horses were winners for many years, and her stallion “Kentucky Todd” made the Wilks name famous throughout North America. Her beautiful home hosted many prominent people, including royalty. Earl and Lady Grey and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire were among her guests. She was president of the Red Cross Society for twenty-five years.

Wilks died at Cruickston Park at age 95.