Richard Beasley

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Richard Beasley (July 21, 1761 – February 16, 1842) was a soldier, political figure, farmer and businessman in Upper Canada.

He was born in New York in 1761 and moved to Quebec in 1777. In 1783, he formed a partnership with Peter Smith in the fur trade. In 1788, he settled in Barton Township on Lake Ontario near the current city of Hamilton,[1] still involved in trading furs. He built a sawmill and grist mill there. However, in 1800, after speculating in land along the Grand River, he was forced to sell part of his property to cover debts.

In 1796, he was elected to the 2nd Parliament of Upper Canada, representing Durham, York & 1st Lincoln. He was also appointed magistrate in the same year. In the next Parliament, he represented West York, Lincoln & Haldimand and served as speaker from 1803 to 1804. In 1802, he became a lieutenant colonel in the York militia. In 1808, he was elected to represent West York in the 5th Parliament, but he was unseated because it was found that his agent had closed the polls too early.

Beasley occupied Burlington Heights (now the site of Dundurn and Harvey Parks) in 1790. Financial difficulties forced Beasley to sell lands at Burlington Heights, but it was purchased by Sir Allan Napier MacNab who built Dundurn Castle on the foundations of Beasley's brick home. [1]

In 1813, retreating British forces set up camp on his land, causing considerable damage. After the war, he took part in a convention organized by radical reformer Robert Fleming Gourlay. As a result, he lost his post as magistrate. In addition, allegations regarding his participation in the War of 1812 were raised.

In 1824, he was elected to represent Halton and became a magistrate again in 1827.

He died in Hamilton in 1842.

[edit] Tribute

The Beasley neighbourhood in Hamilton is named after him. It is bounded by Barton Street East (north), Main Street East (south), John Street North (west) and Wellington Street North (east). Landmarks in this neighbourhood include Landmark Place, Ramada Plaza hotel, Connaught Block/Royal Connaught hotel, the International Village, Theatre Aquarius and Beasley Park, which was also named after him. [2]

Richard Beasley Public School, also named after him, is a primary school on the east Mountain.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Bailey, Thomas Melville (1981). Dictionary of Hamilton Biography (Vol I, 1791-1875). W.L. Griffin Ltd. 
  2. ^ "Experience Hamilton: Tourist Guide 2006/2007" (Winter 2006). Tourism Hamilton: 34–35. 

[edit] External links

Preceded by
'		 Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada
1803–1804		 Succeeded by
Alexander Macdonell (politician)