William Dunlop
William Dunlop was a Scottish medical graduate from the University of Glasgow who embarked on a diverse career across multiple continents in the early 19th century. He initially served as a surgeon in Canada with the Eighty-Ninth British Foot before transitioning into journalism while in Calcutta, India, where he became known for his sharp critiques of censorship. Dunlop's writing gained prominence through his contributions to Blackwood's magazine, which laid the foundation for his later editorial roles in London. In 1826, he moved to Canada, where he worked with the Canada Company on land settlement issues, eventually becoming the general superintendent of the Huron Tract. During this time, he authored "Statistical Sketches of Upper Canada," aimed at attracting immigrants. His involvement in local politics grew as he formed a militia, the Huron Invincibles, during the late 1830s in response to American threats. He later served in the Parliament of Kingston, Ontario, before taking on a notable role as the superintendent of the Lachine Canal. Throughout his life, Dunlop also reflected on his experiences, culminating in his memoir, "Recollections of the American War, 1812-1814."
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William Dunlop
- Born: November 19, 1792
- Birthplace: Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland
- Died: June 28, 1848
- Place of death: Canada
Biography
William Dunlop studied medicine at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. After graduation, he was sent to Canada as a surgeon with the Eighty-Ninth British Foot in 1813. Dunlop returned to England three years later but left almost immediately for Calcutta, India. It was in Calcutta that he first took on a job in journalism, writing about his disagreement with censorship. Dunlop sent articles to Blackwood’s magazine in Edinburgh from 1820 to 1824; after establishing a reputation as one of the magazine’s wittiest writers, he went to London to edit The British Press and The Telescope. Dunlop moved to Canada in 1826 to help the Canada Company with land- settlement issues. As a land inspector, Dunlop stayed with the company through his promotion to general superintendent of the Huron Tract in 1829. It was during this period of time that he collected material for Statistical Sketches of Upper Canada, for the Use of Emigrants: By a Backwoodsman, a book he wrote to lure immigrants to Huron.
In the late 1830’s, Dunlop became more involved with politics and formed a militia called the Huron Invincibles to protect against American attacks. He later resigned from the company and took a seat in Parliament at Kingston, Ontario. In 1846, he left Parliament and took a well-paid job as the superintendent of the Lachine Canal. Dunlop prepared his memoir, Recollections of the American War, 1812-1814 during the following years.