Buell, Andrew Norton

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: Leo A. Johnson, “BUELL, ANDREW NORTON,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 10, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/buell_andrew_norton_10E.html
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Lawyer, businessman, politician, journalist, and office-holder; b. 20 April 1798 at Elizabethtown (Brockville), U.C., the second son of William Buell, loyalist and founder of Elizabethtown, and Martha Naughton; d. 9 Nov. 1880 at Toronto, Ont.
    • He was admitted to the bar of Upper Canada on 6 Nov. 1821 as a barrister and attorney-at-law, and solicitor in chancery. Beginning in 1821 Buell undertook an active career in journalism and politics on behalf of the Reform cause. He was instrumental in the founding of the Reform-oriented Brockville Recorder, and contributed the introductory address which appeared in the first number in 1821. Two years later he negotiated the purchase of the Recorder by his elder brother William, who remained its editor and publisher for 28 years. Andrew Norton contributed innumerable editorials, communications, and addresses to its pages.
    • Because of his political activity, Buell neglected both his business interests and his law practice to such an extent that in 1836 he was forced to undertake canal building contracts in New York State in hopes of recouping his fortunes. Thus he was living there when the Upper Canadian rebellion occurred in December 1837. Buell returned to Brockville in 1840 and was charged with treason by Gowan, his political enemy of long standing. He was able to clear himself only by obtaining numerous affidavits to his innocence. Equally distressing to Buell, the canal contracts had proven unprofitable with the result that he was forced to sell most of his patrimony to settle his debts, and finally had to apply for a government position to support his family.
    • Robert Baldwin, recognizing Buell’s efforts on behalf of the Reform cause, appointed him registrar of Johnstown District (Leeds and Grenville counties) in 1842, a position he held until 1849. In 1849 he was offered two judgeships by Baldwin, but was forced to decline because of deafness. Instead, he was made clerk of the crown and pleas in the Court of Common Pleas, and registrar of the Court of Chancery at Toronto. 
  • Son of Proven United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=992
  • Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/162185623/andrew_norton-buell