William Caldwell (Nova Scotia politician)
William Caldwell | |
|---|---|
| 11th Mayor of Halifax | |
| In office 1850–1851 | |
| Preceded by | Henry Pryor |
| Succeeded by | Andrew MacKinlay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Caldwell 1793 Horton Township (now Wolfville), Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Died | 1854 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Profession |
|
William Caldwell (1793–1854) was a Canadian blacksmith, fireman, and political figure in Nova Scotia who was elected the 11th Mayor of Halifax.
Early life
William Caldwell was born of Irish descent in the Colony of Nova Scotia during the late 18th century.
Career
William Caldwell was described as a ship's blacksmith "without the benefit of a liberal education."[1]
Fireman
In 1835, he was part of the Union Engine Company (now Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency) stationed at St. Paul's Church, serving as lieutenant alongside fire warden William Stairs.[2] By 1846, Caldwell had been appointed captain of the Union Engine Company, serving for nearly 25 years and gaining recognition for his service in the city's fire brigades.[3]
Political career
Councillor
At its incorporation in 1841, Halifax formed a corporation comprising a mayor, six aldermen, and twelve councillors, with aldermen responsible for electing the mayor until 1849.[4] Between 1841 and 1842, the fireman served as a common councillor representing Ward 3 in Halifax.[5]
Alderman
William Caldwell served two terms as alderman of Ward 3, first from 1842 to 1845, then again in 1849.[5]
As an alderman, Caldwell served on a series of Halifax City Council committees. In 1843, he was part of a committee tasked with replacing the decommissioned Fire Engine No. 3 for the local department.[6] Working with John Longard and others, he helped evaluate engine options and later co-authored a report favoring London sourcing, finalized in June 1844.[6]
Mayor of Halifax
William Caldwell was elected mayor of Halifax in 1850, succeeding Henry Pryor.[7] He was the first mayor chosen by a direct vote of the citizens.[8] William Caldwell served a single term from October 1850 to October 1851.[9] He was followed in office by Andrew MacKinlay .[7]
Personal life
His son, Samuel Richard Caldwell, was born in Halifax on May 11, 1813. Samuel, also a blacksmith, ran for Halifax mayor in 1859.[1]
William Caldwell was an active member and veteran of the Orange Order in Nova Scotia.[10] His Halifax residence was located on the northwest corner of Robie Street and Jubilee Road.[11] The house was designed by architect Henry G. Hill and built by David Cader in 1840. Registered on the Canadian Register of Historic Places, it was formally recognized for its heritage value on February 2, 1982.[12]
References
- ^ a b Lawyers and Legal Culture in British North America: Beamish Murdoch of Halifax. University of Toronto Press. 2011. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ^ "Ye Old Time In Halifax". The Halifax Herald. August 12, 1919. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
- ^ "The Herald's Diary: Presentation". The Halifax Herald. April 1, 1887. p. 3.
- ^ "The Mayor of Halifax From 1841 to 1921". The Evening Mail. June 24, 1921. p. 15.
- ^ a b "Elected Officials - City of Halifax" (PDF). cdn.halifax.ca. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ^ a b "1844 Engine No.3". hfxfirehistory.ca. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ^ a b Canada: an Encyclopædia of the Country: Agricultural resources and development. Literature and journalism. Chief cities of Canada. Financial history, loan companies and insurance. Natural history. Constitutional history and development. Industrial development, forests and fisheries. Linscott Publishing Company. 1898. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ^ Annual Reports of the Several Departments of the City Government of Halifax, Nova Scotia, for the Municipal Year. City of Halifax. 1893. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ^ "Painting of William Caldwell". memoryns.ca. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ^ "The Meeting 27 Years Ago". The Halifax Herald. July 30, 1895. p. 1.
- ^ "William Caldwell House, Corner of Robie Street and Jubilee Road". archives.novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
- ^ "Canada's Historic Places: Caldwell-Hill House". historicplaces.ca. Retrieved 2025-05-25.