William Hume Blake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Hume Blake
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| Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for East York | |
| In office 1849–1850 |
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| Chancellor of the University of Toronto | |
| In office 1852–1856 |
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| Preceded by | Peter Boyle de Blaquière |
| Succeeded by | Robert Easton Burns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 March 1809 Humewood Castle, Kiltegan, County Wicklow, Ireland |
| Died | 15 November 1870 (aged 61) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Political party | Reform |
| Spouse | Catherine Honoria Hume |
| Relations | Edward Blake, Samuel Hume Blake (sons) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin |
| Occupation | lawyer, judge |
William Hume Blake QC (born March 10, 1809 – died November 15, 1870) was an important person in Canadian history. He was a jurist (a legal expert or judge) and a politician (someone involved in government). He is known for being the father of Edward Blake, who became a leader in Ontario politics. William Hume Blake was also the first Chancellor of Upper Canada, which was a very high legal position.
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Who Was William Hume Blake?
William Hume Blake was born in Ireland at Humewood Castle. His family, the Blakes, were part of the "Tribes of Galway," which were important families in that area long ago. He studied at Trinity College Dublin, a famous university.
From Ireland to Canadian Law
In 1832, when he was 23, William Hume Blake moved to Canada. He first lived on a farm in Middlesex County. After a few years, he moved to Toronto. There, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1838.
He quickly became well-known in his legal work. He was also very interested in the political issues happening in the province at that time.
A Leader in Government and Law
In 1848, William Hume Blake was chosen to be a member of the Legislature for East York. This was an important step in his political career. In the same year, he became the Solicitor-General for Upper Canada. This role meant he was a chief legal officer for the government.
Reforming the Courts
In 1849, William Hume Blake created a new law to improve the way the Court of Chancery worked in Upper Canada. This court dealt with fair and just solutions, especially in property and trust cases. After making this important change, he left his government role. He then became the first Chancellor of this court in 1849.
He held this important position until March 1862, when he had to resign because of his health. Eight years later, he passed away in Toronto. In 1848, he was also named a Queen's Counsel, which is a special title for experienced lawyers.
His Family and Legacy
William Hume Blake married Catherine Honoria Hume in 1832. She was born in 1804. They moved to Canada together in 1832. Catherine Honoria Blake was very active in the community. She worked with the Toronto General Hospital and the Female Emigrant Society, helping people in need. She passed away in 1886 due to an accident.
William and Catherine had two famous sons. One was the Honourable Edward Blake, who became a Premier of Ontario and a leader of the federal Liberal party. Their other son was the Honourable Samuel Hume Blake, who was also a well-known lawyer in Ontario.
