Robert Wilkes Explained

Robert Wilkes
Constituency Mp:Toronto Centre
Parliament:Canadian
Predecessor:District was created in 1872
Successor:John Macdonald
Term Start:1872
Term End:1874
Birth Date:24 June 1832
Birth Place:Tullaghan, County Leitrim, Ireland
Death Place:Sturgeon Point, Ontario
Party:Liberal

Robert Wilkes (June 24, 1832  - August 16, 1880) was an Irish-Canadian politician and businessman. Born in Tullaghan, County Leitrim, Ireland, Wilkes came to Toronto from his native Ireland at sixteen, working as a clerk before buying a jewelry firm, Rossin Brothers, which he expanded into a cross-country operation. He later invested in railroads, and in 1871 he was appointed director of the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

In 1872 he was elected Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, as a Liberal. The election was regarded by observers on both sides as rife with enmity, bribery and corruption.[1] In 1874 he was re-elected, but the return was voided and he retired from politics.

References

Notes and References

  1. http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?&id_nbr=5318 Canadian Dictionary of Biography online