Alexander Galt
Alexander Tilloch Galt was a prominent figure in 19th-century Canada, known for his contributions as a businessman, politician, and diplomat. Born on September 6, 1817, in Chelsea, England, he immigrated to Lower Canada (now Quebec) in 1835, where he began his career as a clerk for the British American Land Company. Galt quickly ascended to leadership roles within the company and became a key player in railway construction, notably contributing to the Grand Trunk Railway project.
Entering politics in 1849, Galt represented Sherbrooke and became a significant advocate for the federal union of Canadian provinces, participating in pivotal discussions that led to Canadian Confederation in 1867. He was appointed finance minister for the newly formed Dominion of Canada and later served as Canada’s first high commissioner in London. Galt's diplomatic efforts included attempts to negotiate commercial agreements with European nations and participation in the Halifax Fisheries Commission.
Galt's personal life included two marriages and a substantial family, and he was knighted in recognition of his public service. He passed away on September 19, 1893, in Montreal, leaving a legacy as a foundational figure in Canada's early political landscape.
Alexander Galt
Politician
- Born: September 6, 1817
- Birthplace: Chelsea, England
- Died: September 19, 1893
- Place of death: Montreal, Quebec
Contribution: Alexander Galt was an influential English-born Canadian businessman, politician, diplomat, and author. He is known as one of the fathers of Canadian Confederation.
Early Life
Alexander Tilloch Galt was born on September 6, 1817, in Chelsea, England. He was the youngest child of John Galt and Elizabeth Tilloch. Galt spent his early years growing up with his two brothers in England and Scotland. John Galt was often away from the family during Galt’s early years, and his mother played a decisive role in the young child’s education. His early life and education were also influenced by his grandfather, Alexander Tilloch, who was a university graduate, publisher of journals and newspapers, and member of various learned societies.
Businessman
Galt immigrated to Sherbrooke, Lower Canada (now Quebec), in 1835 and immediately started working as a clerk for the recently formed British American Land Company, which owned vast tracts of land in the Eastern Townships area between the Saint Lawrence River and the border with the United States. Galt quickly rose through the ranks of the company to become secretary and later commissioner. While working for the company, Galt became interested in railways and helped pioneer construction of the Grand Trunk Railway in the Saint Lawrence basin area. Galt remained involved with railroad construction throughout his life. He was also involved in other economic activities, such as finance and cotton mills.
Political Career
Galt entered the world of politics in 1849 as an independent for the constituency of Sherbrooke. Despite resigning from the legislature in 1850, Galt was reelected in 1853 and held his position as an influential leader and spokesperson for the constituency until 1872.
During the 1850s, Galt began advocating the federal union of the various Canadian provinces. In 1858, he traveled with John Ross and George-Étienne Cartier to London to propose the notion of a federation to Queen Victoria, but the idea was met with little enthusiasm. One of the fathers of Canadian Confederation, Galt was present at both the Quebec and Charlottetown Conferences in Canada in 1864 and served as finance minister for one year in the government of the newly formed Dominion of Canada.
Diplomat
Galt also held various positions as an emissary and diplomat. He served on the board of the Halifax Fisheries Commission in 1875. Between 1878 and 1879, Galt was involved in an unsuccessful bid to negotiate commercial agreements with France and Spain. From 1880 to 1883, he served as the first high commissioner of Canada in London, England. Galt retired from public service after returning from London and continued to expand his business interests until his health deteriorated.
Personal Life
Galt married Elliott Torrance, one of the daughters of the prosperous Montreal merchant John Torrance, in 1848. She died in 1850, not long after giving birth to their son, Elliott. In 1851, Galt married one of his deceased wife’s younger sisters, Amy Gordon Torrance, with whom he fathered two sons and eight daughters.
In 1869, Galt was knighted for his services. He received an honorary law degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1883. Galt died on September 19, 1893, in Montreal
Bibliography
Berton, Pierre. The National Dream: The Great Railway, 1871–1881. New York: Random, 2011. Print.
Boyko, John. Blood and Daring: How Canada Fought the American Civil War and Forged a Nation. New York: Random, 2013. Print.
Careless, J. M. S. Canada: A Story of Challenge. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2012. Print.
Moore, Christopher. 1867: How the Fathers Made a Deal. New York: Random, 2011. Print.
Timothy, Hamilton Baird. The Galts: A Canadian Odyssey. Vol. 2. Toronto: McClelland, 1984. Print.