6th Premier of British Columbia. He served in this position briefly from June 1882 until January 1883. Born in Leigh, Staffordshire, England, his father was an Anglican priest. In 1843 he emigrated with his family to Toronto, Upper Canada (not part of Ontario) when he father accepted an academic appointment there, and graduated from the Upper Canada College in Toronto. During the 1860s he became attracted to the Cariboo gold rush in British Columbia, settled in Victoria, and ventured into several business enterprises. In October 1871 he entered politics when he was elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly from Victoria and served in that position until July 1894. In 1878 he became Minister of Finance and Agriculture under George Anthony Walkem's second premiership and replaced him in June 1882. Six months later, his government was ousted by a Motion of No Confidence and he resigned his position in January 1883 and was succeeded by William Smithe. He remained in the Legislature and became Leader of the Opposition, even though he was not affiliated with any political party. He was elected mayor of Victoria on three separate occasions, from 1882 to 1883, 1892 to 1893, and in 1896. He died at the age of 84.
6th Premier of British Columbia. He served in this position briefly from June 1882 until January 1883. Born in Leigh, Staffordshire, England, his father was an Anglican priest. In 1843 he emigrated with his family to Toronto, Upper Canada (not part of Ontario) when he father accepted an academic appointment there, and graduated from the Upper Canada College in Toronto. During the 1860s he became attracted to the Cariboo gold rush in British Columbia, settled in Victoria, and ventured into several business enterprises. In October 1871 he entered politics when he was elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly from Victoria and served in that position until July 1894. In 1878 he became Minister of Finance and Agriculture under George Anthony Walkem's second premiership and replaced him in June 1882. Six months later, his government was ousted by a Motion of No Confidence and he resigned his position in January 1883 and was succeeded by William Smithe. He remained in the Legislature and became Leader of the Opposition, even though he was not affiliated with any political party. He was elected mayor of Victoria on three separate occasions, from 1882 to 1883, 1892 to 1893, and in 1896. He died at the age of 84.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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