Francis Henry Medcalf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Henry Medcalf
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| 16th Mayor of Toronto | |
| In office 1864–1866 |
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| Preceded by | John George Bowes |
| Succeeded by | James Edward Smith |
| In office 1874–1875 |
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| Preceded by | Alexander Manning |
| Succeeded by | Angus Morrison |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 10, 1803 Delgany, County Wicklow, Ireland |
| Died | March 26, 1880 (aged 76) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Resting place | St. James Cemetery, Toronto |
Francis Henry Medcalf (born May 10, 1803 – died March 26, 1880) was an important Canadian figure. He worked as a millwright (someone who builds and repairs mills) and an iron founder (someone who makes things from melted iron). He also served as the Mayor of Toronto two times: first from 1864 to 1866, and again from 1874 to 1875. He was also part of a group called the Orange Order in Canada.
Contents
Francis Medcalf's Early Life
Francis Medcalf was born in 1803 in a place called Delgany, in County Wicklow, Ireland. When he was 16, in 1819, he moved to Upper Canada (which is now part of Ontario) with his parents, William and Martha Medcalf, and his seven brothers and sisters. They settled near the Big Otter Creek in Bayham, Ontario.
In 1823, Francis moved to Philadelphia in the United States. There, he started working as a blacksmith (someone who works with metal) and a millwright. He met and married Mary Harrison in Philadelphia. In 1839, they moved back to Canada.
Starting a Business in Toronto
Once back in Canada, Francis and Mary settled in Toronto. Francis began running several foundries (factories where metal is melted and shaped). They had four sons and two daughters together. In 1847, he opened his own business called the Don Foundry and Machine Shop. This shop was known for making farm equipment and steam engines.
Francis Medcalf's Political Career
Francis Medcalf was very involved with a Protestant group called the Orange Order. This group was quite strong in Toronto at the time. From 1854 to 1862, he held important leadership roles in different Orange Order groups in Toronto. He even became a grand master for the entire Canada West region from 1862 to 1864.
His work with the Orange Order helped him get into Toronto politics. In 1860, he was successfully elected as an alderman (a city council member) for St. Lawrence Ward. He was also elected for St. David's Ward in 1863, 1867, and 1868.
Becoming Mayor of Toronto
In 1864, Francis Medcalf decided to run for Mayor of Toronto. He ran against the mayor at the time, John George Bowes. Francis had the support of people from the Orange Order, as well as members of the Conservative and Liberal parties. He won the election and became mayor.
He was re-elected by a large number of votes in 1865. In 1866, he ran again and no one ran against him, so he won easily. For a few years, from 1867 to 1873, the mayor was chosen by the Toronto City Council instead of by public vote. But when the public got to vote again in 1874, Francis Medcalf was re-elected for two more terms. He was eventually defeated in 1876 by Angus Morrison.
"Old Squaretoes" and Achievements
Francis Medcalf had a nickname in politics: "Old Squaretoes." This nickname came from the strong work boots he wore for his foundry job. He used this image to show how he had worked hard and achieved success, going from humble beginnings to a respected leader.
One of the most important things he did as mayor was to help develop the fire department in the Cabbagetown area of Toronto.
Death
Francis Medcalf passed away in Toronto on March 26, 1880, when he was 77 years old. He was buried at St. James Cemetery. After his death, his son Alfred took over the family's foundry business.
