Francis Henry Medcalf
Francis Henry Medcalf (born May 10, 1803 in Delgany , † March 26, 1880 in Toronto ) was the 16th mayor of Toronto . His first term of office lasted from 1864 to 1866, the second from 1874 to 1875.
Born in Ireland , Francis Henry Medcalf moved to Upper Canada with his parents in 1819 . Around 1823 he moved to Philadelphia , where he worked as a farrier and machine fitter. In 1839 he returned to Upper Canada and lived in Toronto. In 1843 he opened his own business as a blacksmith and locksmith and in 1847 specialized in agricultural tools, implements and heavy steam-powered machines.
Medcalf was a member of the Orange Order and several times Master of Lodge 275 for Toronto and Western Canada. In 1860 Medcalf first applied for public office and became a councilor. He was elected to the city council again in 1863 and from 1867 to 1871. His commitment to the lodge helped him become mayor in 1864, with a large majority a year later. In 1866, Medcalf was held back by a hasty bloodshed on St. Patrick's Day when a confrontation with the radical Fenians threatened. In the years from 1867 to 1873 the mayor was appointed by the city council. During that time Toronto had four mayors. It was only when the system was finally changed back to popular elections in 1874 that Francis Henry Medcalf again received a majority and became mayor of Toronto a second time.
Francis Henry Medcalf had been married to Mary Harrison of Philadelphia since 1831 and had six children.
Web links
- Francis Henry Medcalf . In: Dictionary of Canadian Biography . 24 volumes, 1966–2018. University of Toronto Press, Toronto ( English , French ).
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Medcalf, Francis Henry |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Mayor of Toronto |
| DATE OF BIRTH | May 10, 1803 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Delgany |
| DATE OF DEATH | March 26, 1880 |
| Place of death | Toronto |