Arthur Trefusis Heneage Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Honourable
Arthur Trefusis Heneage Williams
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | June 13, 1837 Port Hope, Upper Canada |
| Died | July 4, 1885 (aged 48) near Fort Pitt, Saskatchewan |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/ |
Canadian Militia |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | 46th East Durham Battalion of Infantry Midland Provisional Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Fenian Raids North-West Rebellion |
| Awards | North-West Rebellion Medal with Saskatchewan bar |
| Relations |
|
| Other work | Businessman, farmer and political figure |
Lt.-Colonel The Hon. Arthur Trefusis Heneage Williams (June 13, 1837 – July 4, 1885) was an important Canadian figure. He was a businessman, a farmer, and a politician. He also served as a military leader. A statue of him stands in front of the town hall in Port Hope, Ontario.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Arthur Trefusis Heneage Williams was born in 1837. His birthplace was Penryn Park in Port Hope, which was then part of Upper Canada (now Ontario). He came from the Williams family of Caerhays and Burncoose.
Arthur was the oldest son of John Tucker Williams and Sarah Ward. He went to school at Upper Canada College. Later, he studied at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. After his studies, he traveled around Europe.
A Farmer and Businessman
Even though he studied law, Arthur Williams chose not to become a lawyer. He loved farming and called himself a farmer. He managed Penryn Park, the family estate he inherited.
He was also a successful businessman. He founded and became president of the Midlands Loan and Savings Company. He also served as a director for the Midland Railway of Canada.
Political Career
Arthur Williams was active in politics. He represented the area of Durham East. From 1867 to 1874, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This is like a provincial parliament.
Later, from 1879 to 1885, he became a member of the House of Commons of Canada. He was part of the Conservative party. This is Canada's national parliament.
Military Service and Legacy
Williams was a captain in the local militia. A militia is a group of citizens trained for military service. He later became a lieutenant-colonel.
The North-West Rebellion
In 1885, he led a group called The Midland Battalion. They helped to end the North-West Rebellion. This was a conflict in western Canada.
Shortly after a battle called the Battle of Batoche, Williams became very sick. He died from a fever on a steamboat on the North Saskatchewan River in 1885.
Remembering Arthur Williams
Arthur Williams was the most well-known person to die in the North-West Rebellion. His body was brought back home to Port Hope. A very large funeral was held there, and citizens built a statue to honor him.
Parliament also voted to give a special pension to his children, who were orphaned. People saw Arthur Williams as a patriotic gentleman. He used his wealth and position to serve the public.
Arthur Williams married Emily Seymour. She was the daughter of Senator Benjamin Seymour. They had a son named Arthur Victor Seymour Williams, who later became a general.
Images for kids
-
Arthur Trefusis Heneage Williams
