Robert Hutchinson (Canadian politician)
Encyclopedia
Robert Hutchinson was a merchant and political figure in Prince Edward Island
. He was the first mayor of Charlottetown
, serving from 1855 to 1857.
He was born in Charlottetown, the son of Samuel Hutchinson and Elizabeth Wilder. He opened a store there where he sold dry goods and groceries. In 1829, he married Susanna Harvie. From 1829 to 1844, he served as jailer for Queen's County
jail. Hutchinson was a justice of the peace
for the county from 1847 to 1852, when he resigned to protest interference by governor Alexander Bannerman
. He was appointed again but resigned again in 1853 to protest the appointment of Edward Whelan
as a justice of the peace; Hutchinson was named to the office again in 1854. He served as a town assessor, an assessment treasurer and captain of a fire engine company for Charlottetown. Hutchinson also served as a member of the board of health. He was named to the province's Legislative Council
in 1859, serving until 1862. Hutchinson died at home in Charlottetown at age 64.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province consisting of an island of the same name, as well as other islands. The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population...
. He was the first mayor of Charlottetown
Charlottetown
Charlottetown is a Canadian city. It is both the largest city on and the provincial capital of Prince Edward Island, and the county seat of Queens County. Named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, Charlottetown was first incorporated as a town in 1855 and designated as a city in 1885...
, serving from 1855 to 1857.
He was born in Charlottetown, the son of Samuel Hutchinson and Elizabeth Wilder. He opened a store there where he sold dry goods and groceries. In 1829, he married Susanna Harvie. From 1829 to 1844, he served as jailer for Queen's County
Queens County, Prince Edward Island
Queens County is located in central Prince Edward Island, Canada. The county is geographically divided by the Hillsborough River's estuary, a tidal inlet which almost splits the county and Prince Edward Island...
jail. Hutchinson was a justice of the peace
Justice of the Peace
A justice of the peace is a puisne judicial officer elected or appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, they might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions...
for the county from 1847 to 1852, when he resigned to protest interference by governor Alexander Bannerman
Alexander Bannerman
Sir Alexander Bannerman was a British merchant, vintner, politician and colonial governor.-Background:...
. He was appointed again but resigned again in 1853 to protest the appointment of Edward Whelan
Edward Whelan
Edward Whelan . Edward Whelan was one of Prince Edward Island's delegates to the Québec Conference and one of the Fathers of the Canadian Confederation. Edward Whelan was also a journalist, orator, and advocate for responsible government.-Early years:Edward Whelan was born in 1824 in Ballina,...
as a justice of the peace; Hutchinson was named to the office again in 1854. He served as a town assessor, an assessment treasurer and captain of a fire engine company for Charlottetown. Hutchinson also served as a member of the board of health. He was named to the province's Legislative Council
Legislative Council of Prince Edward Island
The Legislative Council of Prince Edward Island was the upper house of the government of the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. It existed from 1773 to 1893. Members were appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island on the advice of the Premier until 1862 when it became an...
in 1859, serving until 1862. Hutchinson died at home in Charlottetown at age 64.