William James Paul

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William James Paul (1854 - 1929) is a Canadian politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, 1905-1911, and in the House of Commons, 1911-1921. He was a dedicated member of the Conservative Party for most of his life.

Born July 9th, 1854 in Camden, Ontario, Canada, William was the first born of seven sons, and one daughter[1]. He was educated exclusively in the common schools of Camden and Sheffield[2].

Before entering politics W. J. Paul worked as a farmer, and within both the lumber industry and the cheese industry[2]. He began his political career in the Sheffield county council where he served as reeve or commissioner for approximately 10 years[2].

In 1905, he was elected by a significant majority to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as representative for the riding of Lennox and Addington. So popular was his candidacy that in the general election of 1908 he was returned to office without opposition[2]. As a member of the Provincial House, he served on a variety of Standing Committees, including Agriculture and Colonization, Standing Orders, and Privileges and Elections[3].

He was elected to the House of Commons on November 15th, 1911 to serve in the Conservative Caucus. He continued on as a Conservative MP until the Conscription Crisis of 1917, when he joined with the newly-formed Unionist Party. He was elected to serve in the Unionist Caucus on March 18th, 1918, and finished his final term in the House of Commons on October 4th, 1921[4].

William James Paul died September 1st, 1929 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada[1].

[edit] References and notes

  1. ^ a b Paul Family Tree. Private Collection, Tamworth, Ontario. Confirmed in whole or in part by Canadian Census (1881, 1901, and 1911), and Library of Parliament
  2. ^ a b c d History of the County of Lennox and Addington, Chapter XXI, Biographical Sketches, 1913, W.S. Herrington, K.C.
  3. ^ Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Member's Parliamentary History
  4. ^ Library of Parliament, Federal Political Experience