Black, George

  • From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: See full biography at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Black_(Canadian_politician)
  • Wiki Biography Notes:
    • George Black PC (April 10, 1873 – August 23, 1965) was a Canadian politician and Yukon government administrator. He served as Yukon MP from 1921 to 1935 and 1940 to 1949.
    • He went to Yukon in 1898 during the Gold Rush, accompanied by his older sister. He prospected and found gold, making a fortune but then losing it when a flood swept away his claim. He then established a law practice in Dawson City. He was elected to the Yukon Territorial Council in 1905. He ran for the House of Commons of Canada in the 1908 federal election but was defeated.
    • In the 1911 federal election he was H.H. Stevens’ campaign manager, and was rewarded by the government of Robert Laird Borden by being appointed to the position of Commissioner of the Yukon. As the commissioner from 1912 to 1915, he tried to bring in legislation to protect miners, loggers and others who worked for companies that went bankrupt.
    • During World War I, Black recruited a regiment from the Yukon to fight in the war. He became the company’s Captain, and was later wounded in combat at the Battle of Amiens.
    • He first won a seat in Parliament in the 1921 election as a Conservative, representing Yukon. As a Member of Parliament (MP), he introduced legislation to give Yukoners the right to trial by jury and to protect mining titles.
    • After the Tories won the 1930 election, the new Prime Minister of Canada, R.B. Bennett, nominated Black to be Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada. As Speaker, he kept a .22 caliber pistol in his chambers. With the gun he shot rabbits on Parliament Hill. Black’s personal and financial life were strained during the Great Depression, and he had a nervous breakdown. He was committed to the Westminster Veterans Hospital in London, Ontario for 6 months. Being unavailable to preside over the final session of the 17th Parliament, he resigned prior to its commencement in January 1935. 
    • He did not contest the seat in the 1949 election. He attempted to recapture his seat in the 1953 election but was unsuccessful.
  • Third Great Grandson of United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=8953
  • Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51024453/george-black