Career
He represented Victoria North in the Canadian House of Commons as a Conservative member from 1872 to 1874. He was born in Cavan, Durham County, Upper Canada. Staples was a captain in the militia.
He served as reeve for Bexley Township and was warden for Victoria County from 1866 to 1868 and 1870 to 1872.
Staples was an unsuccessful candidate for the provincial seat in 1867. Staples died in Bexley Township at the age of 52.
His great-niece Winona Grace MacInnis also served in the House of Commons.