Background
He was born in Shodack in Rensselaer County, New York in 1796 and came to Cornwall with his parents in 1800.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Solomon Chesley
Edit Profile
Career
In 1806, he settled on Mohawk land at Saint Regis. He became fluent in the language and became an interpreter in the Indian Department. He served during the War of 1812, becoming lieutenant of the Street Regis Company of Indian Warriors in 1814.
In 1832, he became superintendent at Street Regis.
In 1841, he represented Cornwall in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada. He opposed the developed of the Beauharnois Canal which led to some land at Street Regis being submerged.
He retired from the Indian Department in 1859, having served several times as acting superintendent-general, and returned to Cornwall. In 1860, he was elected mayor of the city.
He died at Ottawa in 1880.
The town of Chesley in Bruce County was named after him.
Membership
He later moved to Ottawa. In 1872, he became a member of an Anglican society which promoted education for native people.
