Hugh Richardson (magistrate) facts for kids
Hugh Richardson (born July 21, 1826 – died July 15, 1913) was an important judge in Canada's early history. He served as a special kind of judge called a "stipendiary magistrate" in the North-West Territories. He is well-known for being the judge who oversaw the trial of Louis Riel in 1885. At the end of that trial, he made the decision that led to Riel's execution. He also oversaw the trial of Big Bear in 1885, who was then sent to prison for three years.
Richardson was born in London, England, in 1826. When he was five years old, in 1831, his family moved to York (which is now Toronto). He studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School and became a lawyer in 1847. He started his law practice in Woodstock. From 1856 to 1862, he worked as a "crown attorney" for Oxford County. This meant he represented the government in legal cases.
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Who Was Hugh Richardson?
Hugh Richardson played a key role in the legal system of Canada's developing western regions. He was a judge who handled important cases, especially during a time of change and growth in the Northwest Territories. His decisions had a big impact on Canadian history.
Early Life and Career
Richardson was also involved in the local militia, which was like a volunteer army. He helped organize a local group and later became its commander. He served in La Prairie, Canada East in 1865, working with Colonel Garnet Joseph Wolseley. He also served in Sarnia during the Fenian raids. These raids were attacks by Irish-American groups on Canadian territory.
In 1876, Richardson was appointed a "stipendiary magistrate." This was a paid judge who could travel to different areas to hear cases. He moved to Battleford, in the Northwest Territories. Later, in 1883, he moved to Regina when the government's main office for the territories moved there.
A Judge in the North-West
As a stipendiary magistrate, Hugh Richardson was responsible for upholding the law in a vast and growing part of Canada. His role became even more significant during the events of 1885. He presided over two very important trials that year.
The first was the trial of Louis Riel, a leader of the Métis people. This trial was a major event in Canadian history. Richardson's decision at the end of this trial led to Riel's execution. He also oversaw the trial of Big Bear, a Cree chief, who was then sent to prison for three years. These trials show how important Richardson's role was in the legal system of the time.
In 1887, Richardson was appointed as a senior judge of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories. This was a very high position in the legal system. He even served as the acting "lieutenant governor" for the territories in 1897 and 1898. A lieutenant governor is the King's or Queen's representative in a province or territory.
Later Years and Legacy
Hugh Richardson retired from his judicial duties in 1903. After retiring, he moved back to Ottawa. His daughter, Mary, who had married Donald Alexander Macdonald, was living there.
Richardson passed away in Ottawa in 1913. He was buried in the cemetery of the St. Thomas Anglican ("Old English") Church in St. Thomas, Ontario. His life shows the journey of a key figure in Canada's legal and political development during a time of great change.
