William Cawthra

Who was William Cawthra?

William Cawthra was a philanthropist, business and civic leader and the eldest son of Joseph Cawthra. William, like his father, was associated with reformists and was considered anti-establishment, notwithstanding his wealth. William was elected to Toronto City Council as the Alderman for St. Lawrence Ward in 1836, a position his father held for one year until he was unseated in 1835 by conservative opposition.

William married his widow Sarah Ellen Crowther Cawthra in 1849. His brothers John and Jonathan Cawthra served in the War of 1812 at Detroit and Queenston under Sir Isaac Brock. John Cawthra later served as an MHA and as the first Member of Parliament for Simcoe County.