Winckworth Tonge facts for kids
Winckworth Tonge (born 1727, died 1792) was an important person in early Nova Scotia. He was a soldier who came from Ireland to North America. After his time in the army, he became a landowner and a political leader in Nova Scotia.
He served in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, which is like a parliament, for many years. He represented Cumberland County from 1759 to 1760. Later, he represented King's County from 1765 to 1783. Finally, he served for Hants County from 1785 until his death in 1792.
Early Life and Military Career
Winckworth Tonge was born in County Wexford, Ireland. He came from a Protestant family.
When he was about 16, in 1743, he joined a military trip. This trip was led by Captain Charles Knowles and went to the Caribbean. They were fighting against Spanish settlements and ships there.
Tonge then joined the 45th Regiment of Foot with Colonel Hugh Warburton. He served with this group in Gibraltar. Later, he moved with them to the Fortress of Louisbourg from 1746 to 1749.
His regiment was then sent to Halifax, a new town where a fort was being built. Tonge also fought in the Battle of Fort Beauséjour, where he was hurt.
In 1758, he helped in the siege of Louisbourg. A year later, in 1759, he served with General Wolfe at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. This was a very important battle in Canadian history.
Life in Nova Scotia
After leaving the army, Winckworth Tonge received land in Nova Scotia. He decided to settle there. He married Martha Grace Cottnam, and they started a family.
Their son, William Cottnam, later became a lawyer and a judge. Like his father, William was also elected to the Nova Scotia legislative assembly.
Tonge became a colonel in the local militia, which was like a local defense force. He also served as a justice of the peace, helping to keep order and solve minor legal issues.
He was also a judge for the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in Hants County. He worked as the provincial superintendent for roads, bridges, and public works. This meant he oversaw the building and repair of important public structures.
In 1773, Tonge was named the naval officer for Nova Scotia. This was a time when tensions were growing between the British colonies in America.
Later in his life, Tonge faced financial difficulties. He lost property during the American Revolutionary War. He had to sell most of his belongings because of these losses. He passed away in Halifax in 1792.
Legacy and Namesakes
Winckworth Tonge is remembered in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
- Tonge's Island in Tantramar Marsh, New Brunswick, is named after him.
- His son, Captain William Peter Tonge, was involved in a naval battle in 1781.
- Tonge Hill in Windsor, Nova Scotia, is named after his son, William Cottnam Tonge.
- Wentworth Road in Windsor, Nova Scotia, was originally called Winckworth Road, named after him.
