Gourlay Robert Fleming 1778-1863 Born In The Parish Of Ceres

Fifeshire, Scotland. Attended St. Andrews University. Took part in an

inquiry into the condition of the poor in Great Britain, and carried on

an aggressive agitation for a reform of the poor laws. Came to Canada,

1817, and settled at Kingston. Becoming convinced of the need of radical

changes in the land system of Upper Canada, attacked the administration

with so much energy that he was finally, after a grossly unfair trial,
br /> expelled from the province. Returning to Scotland, devoted himself to

the preparation of his work on Upper Canada; lost most of his property

as the result of lawsuits; and imprisoned for a personal attack on Lord

Brougham in the lobby of the House of Commons. On his release, visited

the United States about 1836, and instrumental in dissuading Ohio

sympathizers from joining the movement under William Lyon Mackenzie. In

1842 his case brought before the Legislature of Upper Canada, and the

House decided that his arrest had been "illegal, unconstitutional and

without possibility of excuse and palliation, and the sentence declared

null and void." Did not, however, return to Canada until 1856, when he

was granted a pension of fifty pounds; this he refused because he

considered that his vindication had not been complete. Contested Oxford

County in 1860, but defeated; returned to Edinburgh, where he died.