Career
Thomas Blinkhorn (May 3, 1806 – October 13, 1856) was a pioneer farmer on Vancouver Island, today part of British Columbia. Blinkhorn was one of a small number of settlers who were independent of the Hudson"s Bay Company. Cooper"s father, George Cooper Senior, had married Thomas Blinkhorn"s sister Sarah in 1831.
The land was at Metchosin and formed a rough square fronting on Parry Bay, between Witty"s Lagoon and Happy Valley Road.
Thomas took charge of Bilston farm while Cooper engaged in commercial trade. Governor Douglas made him a magistrate and justice of the peace in 1853 which was a minor position but an important step for the colony.
Blinkhorn died from a lung infection which may have been caused by his travel to perform these duties.