John Small

Who was John Small?

John Small was a political figure in Upper Canada.

He was born in Cirencester, England in 1746. In 1792, he was appointed clerk of the Executive Council of Upper Canada. He was also a justice of the peace and a lieutenant in the militia.

In January 1800, he fought a duel with John White, the attorney general for the province. White had insulted Small's wife's honour after a quarrel between the two men's wives. He was acquitted of murder, even though the presiding judge, Henry Allcock, claimed to be a friend of White. However, his reputation in the elite society of York was ruined by the affair.

As a result of land speculation, he was able to achieve some level of prosperity.

He died at York in 1841.

His son James Edward served in the legislative assemblies of Upper Canada and the Province of Canada.