Career
He represented Halifax County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1851 to 1863 as a Reformer. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, the son of Charles Esson and Elizabeth Whyte, and came to Halifax around 1823. Esson was president of the Halifax Fire Insurance Company from 1858 to 1863.
He also served as president of the Halifax Agricultural Society.
Esson was chair of the province"s public accounts committee from 1856 to 1863. He died in office in Halifax at the age of 58.