William Warren Baldwin

William Warren Baldwin (April 25 1775 – January 8 1844) was a doctor, businessman, lawyer, judge, architect and political figure in Upper Canada.

He was born in County Cork, Ireland in 1775. In 1797, he graduated from the medical school at the University of Edinburgh. In 1798, he came to Upper Canada with his father, Robert Baldwin Sr. He became a lieutenant-colonel in the Durham militia and a justice of the peace. In 1803, he was admitted to the bar and, in 1809, he became a district court judge. He served several terms as treasurer for the Law Society of Upper Canada.

In 1818, he built a home on the future site of Spadina House; the house burned down in 1835 and was rebuilt on the same foundations. The current building was built on the original foundations.

In 1820, he was elected to the 8th Parliament of Upper Canada representing York & Simcoe. He represented Norfolk County in the 10th Parliament. Baldwin's status as gentleman added legitimacy to the reform policies on responsible government that he supported; he was also a capable speaker.

In 1836, he became a member of the Constitutional Reform Society of Upper Canada. Lieutenant Governor Sir Francis Bond Head removed him from his appointments as judge. However, Baldwin, although he supported reform, did not endorse the Upper Canada Rebellion, preferring to work through lawful means.

In later life, he was content to leave politics to his son, Robert, who carried on the struggle for responsible government.

He died at Toronto in 1844.

External links

* [http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?&id_nbr=3226 Biography at the "Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online"]