Aikman, Michael

  • From Becoming Prominent, by J.K. Johnson:
    • Michael Aikman was born in December 1797 in Upper Canada and died on 21 March 1881 in Barton Township, Ontario. He was the son of John Aikman and Hannah Showers (daughter of Michael Showers), and married Ann Willson, daughter of John Willson. Together they had three sons and three daughters. The family were Methodists.
    • Aikman worked as a farmer and businessman, residing first in Barton Township and later in Hamilton. He had a notable military career with the Gore Militia, beginning as an ensign in the 3rd Regiment on 19 April 1823, advancing to lieutenant on 7 May 1830, and reaching the rank of captain on 4 October 1837. In June 1838, he commanded a special detachment along the Niagara frontier during the period of unrest following the Upper Canada Rebellion.
    • In public life, Aikman served as a Justice of the Peace for Gore District from 2 April 1833, and was elected as a Conservative Member of the House of Assembly for Wentworth from 1836 to 1841.
  • Grandson of United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=7612
  • Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187069449/michael-james-aikman