James Metcalfe (York East MP)
James Metcalfe (1822 – September 13, 1886) was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented York East in the House of Commons of Canada as a Liberal member from 1867 to 1878.[1]
James Metcalfe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of Parliament for York East | |
| In office 1867–1878 | |
| Preceded by | Riding established |
| Succeeded by | Alfred Boultbee |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1822 Cumberland, England |
| Died | September 13, 1886 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Howson |
| Profession | Building contractor |
| Picture source: Library and Archives Canada | |
He was born in Cumberland, England in 1822,[1] the son of James Metcalfe and Anne Finlinson, and was educated in Manchester. He studied architecture with his father there. In 1841, Metcalfe emigrated to Upper Canada and worked as a building contractor in Toronto. In 1843, he married Ellen Howson. In 1851, he went to Australia, again working as a contractor builder in Melbourne, where he built several public buildings. He returned to Toronto in 1858[2] and later served as vice-president of the Royal Canadian Bank.[3]
Metcalfe was involved in the construction of St.James Cathedral, Trinity College-University of Toronto, St. Lawrence Hall, and Toronto's first Post Office.[2] In Australia, he helped to construct the original Parliament Buildings in Melbourne.
Metcalfe died in Toronto at the age of 64[4] and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
References
- James Metcalfe – Parliament of Canada biography
- The Canadian biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self-made men... (1880) pp. 336-40
- The Canadian parliamentary companion and annual register, 1878, CH Mackintosh
- Johnson, J.K. (1968). The Canadian Directory of Parliament 1867-1967. Public Archives of Canada.