James Metcalfe (York East MP)

James Metcalfe (1822 – September 13, 1886) was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented York East in the House of Commons of Canada as a Liberal member from 1867 to 1878.[1]

Not to be confused with James Henry Metcalfe.
James Metcalfe
Member of Parliament
for York East
In office
1867–1878
Preceded byRiding established
Succeeded byAlfred Boultbee
Personal details
Born1822
Cumberland, England
Died(1886-09-13)September 13, 1886
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Political partyLiberal
Spouse(s)Ellen Howson
ProfessionBuilding contractor
Picture source: Library and Archives Canada

He was born in Cumberland, England in 1822,[1] the son of James Metcalfe and Anne Finlinson, and was educated in Manchester. He studied architecture with his father there. In 1841, Metcalfe emigrated to Upper Canada and worked as a building contractor in Toronto. In 1843, he married Ellen Howson. In 1851, he went to Australia, again working as a contractor builder in Melbourne, where he built several public buildings. He returned to Toronto in 1858[2] and later served as vice-president of the Royal Canadian Bank.[3]

Metcalfe was involved in the construction of St.James Cathedral, Trinity College-University of Toronto, St. Lawrence Hall, and Toronto's first Post Office.[2] In Australia, he helped to construct the original Parliament Buildings in Melbourne.

Metcalfe died in Toronto at the age of 64[4] and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

References
  1. James Metcalfe – Parliament of Canada biography
  2. The Canadian biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self-made men... (1880) pp. 336-40
  3. The Canadian parliamentary companion and annual register, 1878, CH Mackintosh
  4. Johnson, J.K. (1968). The Canadian Directory of Parliament 1867-1967. Public Archives of Canada.
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