About Edward Barron Chandler:
Edward Barron Chandler was a Father of Confederation. Born into a prominent Loyalist New Brunswick family, Edward Barron Chandler was an influential figure in New Brunswick politics for many years. Although slow to accept the principle of responsible government, early in his career Edward Barron Chandler gained a reputation as a defender of the people of New Brunswick in dealings with the Colonial Office.
Confederation Conferences Attended:
- Charlottetown Conference 1864
- Quebec Conference 1864
- London Conference 1866
Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick:
1878-80
Birth and Death:
- Born 22 August 1800 in Amherst, Nova Scotia
- Died 6 February 1860 in Fredericton, New Brunswick
Profession:
- Lawyer
- Judge of probate and clerk of peace for Westemoreland County (1823-1862)
Political Affiliation:
Conservative
Riding (Electoral District):
Westmoreland
Political Career of Edward Barron Chandler:
- Edward Barron Chandler was elected to the New Brunswick House of Assembly in 1827.
- He became a member of the New Brunswick Legislative Council in 1836.
- He was a member of the Executive Council from 1843 to 1854. He was the leader of the government from 1848 until its defeat in 1854.
- Edward Barron Chandler was a supporter of railway development and reciprocity with the United States. Although he did not publicly support the principle of responsible government unitl 1848, he was a strong advocate of New Brunswick rights in lands, revenue and public appointments. He was also an advocate for the culture and language rights of Acadians.
- Edward Barron Chanler attended the three Confederation conferences and supported Confederation, even though he disagreed with the views of John A. Macdonald on centralized government.
- At Confederation, Edward Barron Chandler would not accept an appointment to the new Canadian Senate.
- In 1868, he accepted an appointment as a commissioner of the Intercolonial Railway.
- In 1878 he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.
