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came to Montreal in 1787 and moved to York about 1796. Up to 1822 his primary occupation was that of merchant. From 1822 to 1835 he was the first president of the Bank of Upper Canada. During this period he was at times, collector of customs, inspector of stills and taverns, postmaster of York, police magistrate, treasurer of the Home District. Served on the board of the Welland Canal Co, was co-commissioner of the Canada Co 1829-1841, first president of the Toronto Board of Trade, president of the Toronto & Lake Huron Railway Company, governor of the British America Fire and Life assurance Co 1836-1853, Legislative Councillor 1824-1841, Executive Councillor 1836-1841. "an excellent honest honorable man of high character and sound principles, but not much talent or education; led a little by the Scotch"; "shoe black" (a nickname given by W. L. Mackenzie)
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