He was born at Berwick-upon-Tweed, England on Feb. 13, 1819<\/p>\n
His family immigrated to Canada in 1832, when he was 13-years old<\/p>\n
He attended Upper Canada College, which still exists today as a school.<\/p>\n
He moved to Cobourg to practice law and was a successful businessman in 1845.<\/p>\n
James Cockburn knew great sadness in his life: His father died just after the family arrived in Canada; his mother died after her dress caught on fire during a visit to his sister\u2019s home many years later; and his wife died of consumption (tuberculosis) in 1862.<\/p>\n
Cockburn began his political career in municipal politics in 1855.<\/p>\n
When he entered provincial politics in 1861, Ontario was known as the Province of Canada or \u201cThe Union\u201d.<\/p>\n
James Cockburn was elected as a Reformer (Liberal) during his first election, but changes sides to become a Tory after he was in office.<\/p>\n
He was so popular; he was acclaimed when he ran for re-election in 1863.<\/p>\n
When Confederation was being discussed, James Cockburn was Solicitor General, allowing him to attend the crucial Quebec Conference in 1864.<\/p>\n
James Cockburn hosted a number of Maritime delegates at his home in Cobourg just prior to traveling to Quebec for the conference.<\/p>\n
He died on August 14, 1883 in Toronto and is buried in St. James Cemetery.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
He was born at Berwick-upon-Tweed, England on Feb. 13, 1819 His family immigrated to Canada in 1832, when he was 13-years old He attended Upper Canada College, which still exists today as a school. He moved to Cobourg to practice … Continue reading