Background
He was born in Harmony (now part of Oshawa) in Upper Canada in 1812 and taught school in Whitby Township. He later worked in his father"s business before opening his own store in Harmony.
He was born in Harmony (now part of Oshawa) in Upper Canada in 1812 and taught school in Whitby Township. He later worked in his father"s business before opening his own store in Harmony.
He represented Ontario South in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1871 to 1875. He later became part-owner of ships transporting grain to American markets. He helped establish a firm which manufactured agricultural equipment and helped found the Bank of Toronto.
Although a so-called radical Reformer, he did not take part in the Upper Canada Rebellion.
Although he presented himself as a candidate in the provincial legislature in almost every general election from 1854 to 1875, he was elected only once in 1871. He was also involved in the temperance movement in the region.
He died in Oshawa in 1888.
In 1843, he was elected to the council for the Home District and later became a member of the council for Ontario County.