When John Dutton moved his family into 3 Hibernia Street, it was a one and a half storey brick house facing St. George, now Mornington, Street. Two major renovations since that time have changed it into the house it is today.

John Dutton was born in 1828 in Berkshire, England to John Dutton Esq. and Mary Anne Brown. He was the oldest in a family of five. The 1841 England census shows the family living in Southampton with both parents being noted as having "Independent" means. His father died in 1848 and the 1851 census shows his mother as being the house owner. John, 23, is listed as a chemist and his younger brother as a chemist's apprentice.

In April, 1852, John married Julia Fanny Rogers. She was the daughter of William Rogers and Elizabeth Adams of Southampton. A year later their first son, John Walter, was born. In 1854 John had an accident that caused health problems and his doctors recommended he move his family to Canada. John, Fanny and their young son left England and settled in Delaware, Ontario about 10 miles southwest of London. In Delaware another son and two daughters were added to their growing family.

In 1860 they moved to Stratford where John set up his shop near the corner of Erie and Ontario Streets and set up family life in the newly built brick home. Here, according the 1861 census, the family had a servant and a druggist' s apprentice living with them. It is interesting to note that most of the houses in the area were frame or log.

The family lived in the house, where three more daughters were born, until 1865. At that time, they moved to 139 Ontario Street where their last two children were born and John and Fanny would spend the rest of their days. The 1871 census shows that John Walter, 19, had become a chemist and the younger children were taught by a governess at home.

During the 39 years they lived in Stratford, John was involved in his church as a deacon, a member of the Masonic Lodge, a member of city council and a chairman of the public school board. Fanny died in May, 1900, and John three weeks later in June, 1900. They are buried together in the Woodstock Cemetery.

In 1875, a full upper level was added to the house and the front was still facing Mornington Street. The occupant at that time was James McFadden and his family. James worked for Perth County in the original court house on William Street. He had a long list of impressive titles; Clerk of the County Court, Deputy Clerk of the Crown, Registrar of Surrogate Court and Clerk of Insolvent Court. The McFadden family remained in the house for about five years.

In 1887, the side level was added giving the house more of the appearance it has today. The occupant at the time was John M. Dunsmore, Physician and Surgeon. The side level became the front of the house and eventually the address changed to Hibernia Street.