Paul Poisson

Colonel Paul Poisson M.C., V.D., KSG., C.A.M.C. (25 July 1887 – October 1982), was the first mayor of the town of Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada in 1921.Barnett, Herbert E. and Hugh Fraser, ed. "Who’s Who In Canada 1969-70: An Illustrated Biographical Record of Men and Women of the Time", p. 1027. Toronto: Ontario, International Press Ltd, 1969.] He also served in the Ontario Legislature in 1926, 1929, and 1931 – 1934 where he was appointed Minister without Portfolio. A veteran of both World War I and World War II, he was awarded the Military Cross for his contribution in the Coucelette Campaign in 1915. He also served as President Medical Board M.D. No. 1 at Medical Headquarters Ottawa, as Officer Commanding Montreal Military Hospital.Teno, Wm. “Tecumseh's First Mayor.” "50 years, 1921-1971", Tecumseh, Ont., p. 5. 1971.] Prior to politics and military service, Poisson ran a medical practice in Sandwich East, currently the Town of Tecumseh.

Early Life and Career

Born to Damas and Helen (Diestbourg) Poisson in Belle River, Ontario, Poisson attended elementary school prior to pursuing high school studies at Paterson in Windsor in 1900."Royal Canadian Legion, Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261: 60th anniversary commemorative edition 1934-1994", p. 78. Canada: Tribune Printing & Publishing, 1994.] He joined Canada’s military unit in Windsor, at the age of 17. After graduating from Paterson, he attended Western University, at London, Ontario where "he graduated as M.D. with Honours" 9 June, 1909, [Chauvin, Francis Xavier. "Men of Achievement Vol. 1", p. 28. Curtis Co. Ltd., 1927.] and began his medical practice on 16 October, 1910. At the age of 23, Poisson married Gertrude Connor, daughter of Michael Connor of Kitchener, Ontario, on 11 January, 1911.

Political career

After only two years of medical practice, Poisson pursued an occupation in municipal politics where he served a two year term as a councillor (1912-1913) in the township of Sandwich East. After a two year stint in municipal politics, Poisson pursued representation in the Ontario Legislature in 1914 by running under the Conservative banner in the Essex North riding.Morrison, Neil F. "Garden Gateway to Canada", p. 242. 3rd ed. Windsor: Herald Press Ltd. 1982.] In this 1914 election, the 26-year-old Poisson lost by 640 votes to Liberal candidate Severin Ducharme. Following this provincial election loss, the First World War suspended his political aspirations until 1919 when he unsuccessfully ran for a second time in the riding of Essex North. Alphonse George Tisdelle of the United Farmers of Ontario defeated Poisson by 3,848 votes on 13 October, 1919. The aspiration to sit in Queen's Park took a back seat when he was appointed as Tecumseh's first mayor in 1921, and he remained in this position until 1925.

He returned provincial politics in 1926 by winning the Essex North riding, without opposition, and served as minister without portfolio in the cabinet of Conservative Premier George S. Henry from 1931 to 1934.

Military career

After joining Canada’s military unit in Windsor at the age of 17, Poisson’s military career took off as a result of both the First and Second World War. After serving four years, eight months in World War I, Poisson arrived home with the promotion from Captain to Major and decorations from King George V at Buckingham Palace in 1916. Poisson was awarded the Military Cross for his contribution of the 1915 Courcelette Campaign where he was wounded. Two other soldiers alongside Poisson, died from injuries resulting from the same explosion.

Despite being away from the battlefield in the Second World War, Poisson’s contribution was still vital. From 1940-1945, he served "as President Medical Board M.D. No. 1, at Medical Headquarters Ottawa, as Officer Commanding Montreal Military Hospital." After 41 years of military service, he resigned from every rank from private to colonel in 1945.

Final Years and Achievements

Despite the appointment as Registrar of Deeds for Essex County – to which retired from in 1959 – Poisson dedicated his post political and military years to “leadership in various religious, educational and bilingual groups.” "He received one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon a layman by the Catholic Church" when Bishop Cody endowed Poisson “with the Order of St. Gregory (K.S.G.).” His contribution to his faith also included the founding of the Canadian Catholic Club, and serving as a member of the Roman Catholic society of Knights of Columbus. Other club memberships include the Beach Grove Country Club and Richelieu, to which he was once President.

Paul Poisson and Gertrude Connor (Poisson) raised eight children, and enjoyed the company of 36 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Poisson’s wife of 60 years, Gertrude Connor, died March 1971. He joined her in October 1982

References

# Greene, B.M, ed. "Who’s Who in Canada 1943-44: An Illustrated Biographical Record of Men and Women of the Time", p. 1094 Toronto: Ontario, International Press Ltd, 1944.