Alexander Peter Cockburn

Alexander Peter Cockburn (April 7, 1837 – June 2, 1905) was a Canadian businessman and political figure. He represented Victoria North in the 1st Parliament of Ontario and Muskoka and then Ontario North in the House of Commons of Canada as a Liberal member from 1872 to 1887.

Alexander Peter Cockburn
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Ontario North
In office
1882–1887
Preceded byGeorge Wheler
Succeeded byFrank Madill
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Muskoka
In office
1872–1882
Preceded byRiding created
Succeeded byRiding abolished
Ontario MPP
In office
1867–1871
Preceded byRiding established
Succeeded byDuncan McRae
ConstituencyVictoria North
Personal details
Born(1837-04-07)April 7, 1837
Finch, Upper Canada
DiedJune 2, 1905(1905-06-02) (aged 68)
Toronto, Ontario
Political partyLiberal
OccupationBusinessman

He was born in Finch in 1837, the son of Scottish immigrants. He moved to Kirkfield with his family in 1857. He opened a store there in 1863 and became postmaster. He was reeve of Eldon Township from 1864 to 1865. In 1864, he moved to Orillia. After a visit to the Muskoka District in 1865, he moved to Gravenhurst, where he opened a general store, established stagecoach service and initiated steamboat service on Lake Muskoka. In 1867, he helped found the Muskoka Settler's Association and became its first president. While in office, he lobbied for improved rail and water links to the region. Cockburn also published pamphlets describing the natural beauty of the region, aimed at promoting tourism. His steamboat operation expanded to ten ships and a booming resort industry developed in the Muskoka region, that has continued to the present time.

He died in Toronto in 1905.

  • "Alexander Peter Cockburn". Dictionary of Canadian Biography (online ed.). University of Toronto Press. 1979–2016.
  • Alexander Peter Cockburn – Parliament of Canada biography
  • Ontario Legislative Assembly parliamentary history (archived)
  • Cockburn Family archival papers held at the University of Toronto Archives and Records Management Services
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