From The Settlement of Prince Edward County by Nick and Helma Mika. Transcribed here by Linda Herman

Pioneers of Prince Edward County 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

MARVEL GARRISON

Arrived at Adolphustown with the Vanalstine group in 1784. 

Marvel Garrison came to Prince Edward County with Major VanAlstine and his group of early pioneers. In this group was Mary Roblin, destined to be Marvel's future wife. The courageous Loyalists arrived in Adolphustown on June 16, 1784. Marvel had been deprived of a large fortune, and arrived in Canada penniless.

Marvel acquired four hundred acres of farm land in Hay Bay which he developed into a successful agricultural business enterprise. He built a gracious home surrounded by find farm buildings and later he erected and operated a hotel. He also was a contractor involved in the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 1820's.

It is hardly surprising that in view of his various undertakings, Marvel soon acquired another fortune to replace the one he had lost before coming to Prince Edward County.

When the canal was completed, Marvel again turned to his farm, operating both a four mill and a sawmill at Milford. He passed on in 1857, at the age of eighty-four. His wife had died in 1849, age sixty-nine.

Marvel had little interest in politics, but contributed significantly both to the knowledge and to the development of animal husbandry in Canada by breeding the finest horses in the district, and advising others in this field.

Marvel's daughter, Rhoda, married James Dulmage, and one of his granddaughters, Mary Garrison, married Peter Empey.