Alexander Stewart
Alexander Stewart was a prominent figure in 19th-century Nova Scotia, recognized for his legal and political contributions. Born on January 30, 1794, in Halifax, he was educated at the Halifax Grammar School and began his career as a clerk before venturing into the auction business, where he became a partner at a young age. Despite facing financial ruin due to the failure of his business partnership, he pursued his legal education and was called to the bar in 1821. Stewart's political career took off in 1826 when he was elected to the assembly for Cumberland, advocating for educational reforms and becoming known for his controversial views.
He spent time as a member of the Legislative Council and the executive council, where he played a significant role in the coalition government, though he later contributed to its decline. Stewart was also appointed as master of the rolls and judge of the Court Vice-Admiralty, a position he held until the court’s abolition in 1855, after which he served on the Supreme Court. He passed away on January 1, 1865, in Halifax, leaving behind a legacy that included his wife and seven children. Stewart's life reflects the challenges and complexities of political and legal processes in early Canadian history.
Subject Terms
Alexander Stewart
Politician
- Born: January 30, 1794
- Birthplace: Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Died: January 1, 1865
- Place of death: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Contribution: Alexander Stewart is known as one of the most infamous and disliked politicians in nineteenth-century Nova Scotia. He served in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1826 to 1838 before being appointed to the Legislative Council in 1838. He is best described as both a Liberal and a Whig and was notorious for his controversial opinions. As a member of the coalition government, he was also a contributor to its downfall. Ultimately, Stewart would earn himself a seat on the Supreme Court of Canada.
Early Life and Education
Alexander Stewart was born on January 30, 1794, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to James Stewart and Elizabeth Bremner. He attained his education at the Halifax Grammar School.
Stewart worked as a clerk for a brief period before going to work for John Moody, a man in the auction industry. He was successful in this industry and became a partner in Moody’s company when he was only twenty years old. This job helped Stewart gain the money he needed to begin his law training in both Halifax and Amherst. Stewart’s brother-in-law, James Shannon Morse, helped him by giving him an apprenticeship.
Stewart married Sarah Morse in Halifax on June 26, 1816. The following year, financial ruin struck Stewart when his old partner, John Moody, saw his business fail. Because Stewart was still technically a partner in the company, he was monetarily responsible and had to give up everything he had. However, this did not stop him from pursuing his legal career, and on July 14, 1821, Stewart became a lawyer. He became a barrister the following year.
Political Career
In 1826, Stewart won election to the assembly for Cumberland. During his first term, he advocated giving financial support to common schools. Although his opinions were sometimes viewed as controversial, he was reelected in 1830.
In 1834, Stewart attempted to change the duties and tasks of the council of which he was a member. For example, he wanted to designate legislative and financial duties to separate councils. He also wanted representatives from all over the area to serve, not just individuals from Halifax. At this time, he also moved to Halifax and opened a law practice with his brother. It was during this period that Stewart began to align himself politically with the Whigs (forerunners of modern conservatives). Later in 1834, Stewart ignited outrage when his opposition to a political union was made public through a newspaper article.
Originally, Stewart was reelected in 1836; however, after an election trial, the win was awarded to his opponent, Andrew McKim, marking the end of Stewart’s time in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. This incident did not mark the end of his political career, and in the early part of 1838, Stewart was appointed to the Legislative Council. He then became an executive councilor in 1840, during which time he also became an active part of the coalition government; however, he would later be named as one of the main contributors to its downfall. He constantly spoke out again the coalition and its members, all the while reinforcing a negative public opinion of the coalition, which eventually failed in 1843.
In 1846, Stewart became master of the rolls and judge of the Court Vice-Admiralty. This court was abolished in 1855, and Stewart was given the opportunity to serve on the Supreme Court.
Personal Life
Stewart died in Halifax on January 1, 1865, and was survived by his wife and seven children.
Bibliography
Beck, J. Murray. “Stewart, Alexander.” Dictionary of Canadian Biography. U of Toronto/U Laval, n.d. Web. 30 July 2013.
Conrad, Margaret. A Concise History of Canada. New York: Cambridge UP, 2012. Print.
Girard, Philip. Lawyers and Legal Culture in British North America. Toronto: U of Toronto P, 2011. Print.
Martin, Ged. Britain and the Origins of Canadian Confederation, 1837–67. Vancouver: UBC P, 2011. Print.
Samson, Daniel. The Spirit of Industry and Improvement: Liberal Government and Rural-Industrial Society, Nova Scotia, 1790–1862. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s UP, 2008. Print.