John Small (Upper Canada politician)
John Small was a political figure in Upper Canada.
He was born in Cirencester, England in 1746. In 1792, he was appointed clerk of the Executive Council of Upper Canada. He was also a justice of the peace and a lieutenant in the militia. He came to Canada with John Graves Simcoe and built one of the first residential homes in York. His son, Charles Small, expanded the home which was later called Berkeley House. It became a prominent Toronto home until it was torn down and turned into a brewery.
In January 1800, he fought a duel with John White, the attorney general for the province. White had insulted Small's wife's honour after a quarrel between the two men's wives. Major John Small shot White in the hip, a wound he died from a few days later. He was charged with and acquitted of murder, even though the presiding judge, Henry Allcock, claimed to be a friend of White. Small's reputation in the elite society of York was ruined by the affair.
As a result of land speculation, he was able to achieve some level of prosperity.
He died at Toronto in 1831.
His elder son, James Edward, served in the legislative assemblies of Upper Canada and the Province of Canada.
His younger son Charles Coxwell Small, followed in his footsteps, as Chief Clerk.
His grandson, also John Small, served in the Parliament of the Province of Canada and the Parliament of Canada after Confederation.
