Honourable William McDougall 1822-1905

Text from the plaque

A Father of Confederation, William McDougall was born on a farm in this vicinity. He became a solicitor and in 1850 founded the North American, a newspaper which became the voice of the "Clear Grit" Liberals. A leading Reformer, McDougall became Provincial Secretary in the coalition government that sought confederation. He attended the Quebec and London Conferences which negotiated the terms of federal union. Appointed first Lieutenant-Governor of the North West Territories in 1869, he was prevented from undertaking his duties by the outbreak of the Red River Rebellion. He returned to politics as a private member in the Ontario Legislature, 1875-78, and in the Federal Parliament, 1878-82, thereafter withdrawing to his legal career.

Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.

Find the place

The City of Toronto On the SW corner of Lawrence Avenue East and St. Edmund's Drive, 1 block east of Yonge Street

Also recorded for this place: The City of Toronto

Recorded May 17, 2004. Check current access before visiting.