William Young (Nova Scotia politician)

Sir William Young, KCB (8 September 1799 – 8 May 1887) was a Nova Scotia politician and jurist.

Sir William Young
Premier of the Colony of Nova Scotia
In office
1854–1860
Preceded byJames Boyle Uniacke
Succeeded byJames William Johnston
MLA for Inverness County
In office
1836–1860
Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly
In office
1843–1855
Preceded byJoseph Howe
Succeeded byStewart Campbell
Personal details
Born(1799-09-08)8 September 1799
Falkirk, Scotland
Died8 May 1887(1887-05-08) (aged 87)
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Political partyReformer
OccupationLawyer

Born in Falkirk, the son of John Young and Agnes Renny, Young was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1836 as a Reformer (or Liberal) and, as a lawyer, defended Reform journalists accused of libel. When responsible government was instituted in 1848, Young hoped to become the first Premier but was passed over in favour of fellow reformer James Boyle Uniacke and Young became Speaker. However, Young succeeded Uniacke in 1854.

His government was accused of overlooking Catholics and tensions with Catholics were exacerbated by Joseph Howe's rupture with Nova Scotia's Irish Catholic community over his recruitment of Americans to fight on the British side in the Crimean War.

In February 1857, ten Catholic and two Protestant Liberals voted with the Tories to bring down Young's government.

Young returned to power in January 1860 when the Tory government was unable to command a majority in the legislature after an election. In July, the colony's Chief Justice died and Young, who had long coveted the job, was appointed to the position by the lieutenant governor. He was noted for placing cushions on his chair so he would tower above his fellow justices. Young served as Chief Justice for twenty-one years and resigned in 1881.[1]

Death

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Sir William Young died in Halifax on May 8, 1887.

Legacy

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References

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  1. ^ "Condensed Telegrams - William Young Resignation - Newspapers.com™". newspapers.com. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  2. ^ Halifax Place Names. Formac. 2002. p. 179
  3. ^ "Statues and Vases donated by Sir William Young - Friends of the Historic Public Gardens". www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014.
Political offices
Preceded by Premier of Nova Scotia
1854–1857
Succeeded by
Preceded by Premier of Nova Scotia
1860-1860
Succeeded by