Author: John Willson
Born: 5 August 1776
Died: 26 May 1860
Bio: John Willson born in New Jersey, and came to the Niagara District at about age 13.  His family settled in Saltfleet Township, and he became a farmer there in 1797.  In 1809, he was elected to represent York County in the 5th Parliament of Upper Canada.  He was a reformer, and voted against suspending *habeas corpus* in Ontario during the War of 1812.  He supported the Common Schools Bill, which created the public support of elementary schools.

In 1811 he became a justice of the peace in the Gore District (now Hamilton, Ontario), and in 1838 he became a judge in the district court.  In 1839 he became a member of the Legislative Council.  He served as commissioner for the Burlington Bay and Welland Canals.  He died in Saltfleet Township in 1860.