Fisher, Charles

(1808-1880)

   Born in Fredericton. Educated at King's College and called to the bar, 1833. Contested York for the New Brunswick Assembly, 1834, but defeated. Elected for York, 1837, and continued to hold the seat with slight intervals until after Confederation. Entered the New Brunswick government, 1848, but resigned, 1850, owing to a difference with the lieutenant-governor. Appointed a delegate to the Portland Railway Convention, 1850. Became premier and attorney-general in the first purely Liberal government formed in New Brunswick, 1851. Resigned, 1856; in the following year resumed office and remained at the head of affairs until 1861. Appointed a delegate to the Trade Convention at Detroit, 1865. Again entered the government as attorney-general, 1866. Represented New Brunswick as one of the delegates to the Quebec and Westminster Conferences. Represented York in the first Dominion House of Commons. Appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of his native province, 1868. Died in Fredericton.

   Index: W Elected for York, 47; defeated in York, 66; opposes address to Metcalfe, 74; his efforts on behalf of responsible government, 91; elected for York, in 1846, 102; moves want of confidence resolution, 103, 105; defeated, 111; supports responsible government, 116; his influence, 117; defeated in 1850, 128; opposes reduction of number of judges, 130. T His character, 12; resigns, 18-19; attacks the government, 30-31; attorney-general in Fisher government, 43; retires from government, 51; re-elected for York, 52; delegate to Quebec Conference, 77; elected as Confederation candidate in York, 95-96; moves amendment to address, 102; attorney-general, 105; defeats Pickard, 108; moves Confederation resolution, 115-116; sent as delegate to England, 120; elected for York to first Dominion Parliament, and moves the address, 131.

   Bib.: Hannay, History of New Brunswick.