David Roblin

For the British physician, see David Roblin (physician).

David Roblin (April 19, 1812 – March 1, 1863) was a Canadian lumber merchant and political figure in Canada West (now Ontario). Born in Adolphustown Township, Upper Canada, he was the fifth of nine children of John Roblin and Mary Moore. His father, John Roblin, was a farmer and Methodist lay preacher who died when David was still a child. Canadian Biography

Early Life and Business Ventures

Largely self-educated, Roblin opened a small general store in Richmond Township in 1832. In 1841, he moved his business to Napanee, where he expanded into the timber trade and speculation in United Empire Loyalist scrip with considerable success. The Canadian Encyclopedia

Political Career

Roblin entered politics through municipal channels, serving as Richmond Township’s first reeve from 1841 to 1857. He also served as the first warden of the United Counties of Frontenac and Lennox and Addington from 1849 to 1857.

In 1854, Roblin was elected to the 5th Parliament of the Province of Canada representing Lennox and Addington. He was re-elected to the 6th Parliament. Although a Reformer, he supported the Liberal-Conservative coalition during his time in office. Roblin was defeated in the next general election by Augustus Hooper. The Canadian Encyclopedia

Contributions to Infrastructure

Roblin used his political influence to promote the passage of the Grand Trunk Railway legislation, the construction of the Addington Colonization Road, and the rebuilding of the county courthouse and jail in Kingston. His political connections also secured him a large timber limit in Frontenac from the Francis Hincks administration, a Grand Trunk Railway sub-contract to build a bridge over the Napanee River, and an appointment as company arbitrator for the Grand Trunk Railway in April 1854. The Canadian Encyclopedia

Later Life and Death

Roblin suffered financially from a collapse of the timber market in 1857 and retired from politics. He died at Napanee on March 1, 1863.

References

External links

• Biography at the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online