Background
He was born and died in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. William Machin Stairs was the son of John Stairs (1749–1797), a native of Grenada who had emigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States before moving to Halifax.
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William Stairs
Edit ProfileCareer
John Stairs became involved in the shipping business but after some financial difficulties the family returned to Philadelphia in 1793. In 1810, Stairs opened a small general store on the Halifax waterfront that marked the beginnings of a business dynasty that endured to 1975. In 1856, he helped found the Union Bank of Halifax.
A major shareholder, he served on the bank"s Board of Directors and as the bank"s first president
They are buried together at the Camp Hill Cemetery, in Halifax.
Politics
Stairs was also active in politics, serving as a Member of the Nova Scotia General Assembly from 1841 to 1843, then as mayor of Halifax from 1847 to 1848 and later as a Legislative Councillor. He would become a strong supporter of Joseph Howe in his Anti-Confederation Party movement.
Membership
A member of the Glasite Christian church, William Machin Stairs was married to Margaret Wiseman (1793–1850) with whom he had nine children.
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Born
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Died
November 28, 1865 (aged 76) -
Nationality
Canada -
Religion
Christian Church