William Macomb (merchant)

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William Macomb (ca 1751-April 16, 1796) was an American merchant and Upper Canada political figure.

He was born in northern Ireland around 1751 and came to North America with his family in 1755. With his brother, Alexander, he became a major landowner and merchant in New York and Michigan; the brothers were the first owners of Grosse Ile. In 1792, he was elected to the 1st Parliament of Upper Canada representing Kent with François Baby. He also served as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the Detroit area, at the time considered part of Upper Canada.

With 26 slaves at the time of his death, William Macomb was the #1 slaveholder in the history of the land now known as Michigan.

He died at Detroit in 1796.

[edit] References

  • Becoming Prominent: Leadership in Upper Canada, 1791-1841, J.K. Johnson (1989)