Robert Graham Dunlop
Robert Graham Dunlop | |
---|---|
Member of Parliament, Upper Canada | |
Member of Parliament for Huron | |
In office 1835–1841 | |
Monarch | Victoria |
Lieutenant Governor | Sir John Colborne (1828–1836) Sir Francis Bond Head (1836–1838) Sir George Arthur (1838–1839) Lord Sydenham (1839–1841) |
Preceded by | New riding |
Succeeded by | Office abolished |
Personal details | |
Born | Robert Graham Dunlop October 1, 1790 Greenock, Scotland |
Died | February 28, 1841 Goderich, Ontario | (aged 50)
Resting place | Goderich, Upper Canada |
Citizenship | British subject |
Political party | Tory (moderate) |
Spouse | Louisa McColl |
Parent(s) | Alexander Dunlop and Janet Graham |
Relatives | William "Tiger" Dunlop (brother) |
Education | University of Glasgow |
Occupation | Royal Navy, Captain |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Branch/service | Royal Navy |
Years of service | 1803–1823 |
Battles/wars | Napoleonic Wars |
Robert Graham Dunlop (October 1, 1790 – February 28, 1841) was a British naval officer and political figure in Upper Canada.
He was born in Keppoch,
He died on the family estate near Goderich in 1841.
Robert Graham Dunlop joined the Royal Navy in 1803. In 1810 he took the exam for the rank of Lieutenant. he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1812 and later to Commander in 1822.[1]
Napoleonic Wars
In 1813, Lieutenant Dunlop, in command of HMS Porcupine, captured or destroyed a number of French craft which had run ashore near Talmont-sur-Gironde.[2] With orders from Captain Trevenen Penrose Coode, Lieutenant Dunlop commanded the boats of HMS Porcupine (1807) in pursuit of a French flotilla. After the French flotilla ran ashore, Dunlop landed with a party of seamen and marines and captured significant French naval assets.[3]
Political Career in Canada
In 1833 Robert Dunlop emigrated to Upper Canada with his brother William "Tiger" Dunlop. The two brothers settled in Goderich, Ontario and shortly after Robert Dunlop was appointed to two offices:
- Justice of the Peace, London District (later the Huron Tract)
As a justice of the peace in Upper Canada, one could be expected to issue warrants, conduct preliminary inquiries, investigate misdemeanours, try a variety of summary offences, and commit the convicted to jail.[4]
- Commissioner of the Court of Requests, London District (later the Huron Tract)
A Court consisting of two or more Justices of the Peace authorized to try any claim not exceeding 40 shillings, Quebec currency. The system of Court of Requests was repealed in 1841, by 4 & 5 Vict., ch. 3, which provided for Division Courts. Regardless of the changes, many of the same people continued in the similar capacities in these positions; Robert Dunlop being of them.[5]
Parliamentary Voting Record
Robert Dunlop's political career in the assembly was predominantly supportive of the Family Compact, although some of his views and votes were supportive of the Colborne Clique.
- supported the Huron Fishing company,[6]
- supported improvements to Goderich Harbour.[6]
- supported increased immigration.[6]
- supported an extended franchise in Canada Company land grants for War of 1812 veterans and to extend the definition of a United Empire Loyalist.[6]
- supported improved jails .[7]
- supported improved treatment of the insane.[7]
- supported the establishment of a Mechanics' Institute.[8]
- supported a geological survey.[6]
- belonged to the anti-slavery campaign.[7]
Tombstone
Robert Dunlop and his brother "Tiger" Dunlop have a joint tombstone, in Goderich, Ontario.
See also
- List of cities and towns of Upper Canada
- The Canadas
- Former colonies and territories in Canada
- Timeline of Ontario history
References
- ^ "Justice of the Peace in Historical Context" (PDF). Retrieved September 21, 2010.
- ^ "Some Early Legislation and Legislators in Upper Canada". Retrieved September 21, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e Peter A. Russell, "Dunlop, Robert Graham", Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Vol. VII (1837–1850).
- ^ a b c Kathleen Macfarlane Lizars, In the days of the Canada Company: The story of the settlement of the Huron Tract and a view of the social life of the period, 1825-1850. Toronto: William Briggs, 1896, pp. 17-23.
- ^ Lorne Bruce. Free Books for All: The Public Library Movement in Ontario, 1850-1930. Toronto: Dundurn Press, 1994. p. 46.