Robinson Sir John Beverley 1791-1863 Educated At Dr Strachan's
school, Kingston; studied law and became acting attorney-general in
1812, before he had been called to the bar. Played a distinguished part
as a volunteer during the War of 1812. One of the leading members of the
so-called Family Compact; represented York in the Assembly, 1821, and
for several years thereafter; appointed chief-justice of Upper Canada,
1829, and the following year nominated Speaker of the Executive Council;
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upon the union of the provinces in 1841, retired from political life,
but retained his office as chief-justice; in 1850 created a baronet of
the United Kingdom. =Index=: (Lord Sydenham era) Opposes union of the provinces, 211;
goes to England in hope of defeating measure, 230. (Baldwin / La Fontaine / Hincks era) His character,
12; pupil of Dr. Baldwin, 24; becomes chief-justice, 31; opposes union
of the Canadas, 61; his pamphlet, 62. (George Brown Era) His part in movement towards
Confederation, 129. (Lord Elgin era) Receives baronetcy, 105. (Egerton Ryerson era) Member of Board of
Education, 58; his connection with university scheme, 153. (General Brock era) As
acting attorney-general gives opinion on Michigan question, 260; letter
of, describing battle of Queenston Heights, 298, 299, 302, 305, 306.
(William Lyon Mackenzie era) Prosecutes Gourlay, 92; reports on union of provinces, 105; denies
existence of ministry, 274. =Bib.=: Canada and the Canada Bill. For
biog., see Robinson, Life of Sir John Beverley Robinson, Bart.;
Morgan, Cel. Can.; Dent, Can. Por.; Read, Lives of the Judges;
Edgar, Ten Years of Upper Canada.