MacNab, Sir Allan Napier

(1798-1862)

   Born at Newark (now Niagara), Ontario. On the American invasion of Canada joined the army in 1813 and served throughout the war. In 1826 called to the bar of Upper Canada and practised in Hamilton. In 1829 first elected for Wentworth County in the Assembly, and during 1837-1841 Speaker of the House. Took an active part in the Rebellion of 1837-1838 and knighted for his services. After the union of Upper and Lower Canada became Conservative leader and elected Speaker of the House, 1844-1848, and again in 1862. Premier, 1854, and resigned, 1856.

   Index: H Entertains Joseph Howe at Hamilton, 138. BL Brings loyal troops from Hamilton, to disperse rebels under Mackenzie, 44; taunts Baldwin with his share in the Rebellion, 45; his exploits in 1837 win him knighthood, 82; leader of Tories in Legislature, 1841, 82; proposed for speakership, 87; withdraws his name, 88; his faction welcomes Bagot's appointment as governor, 113; raises racial question, 178; opposes transfer of capital to Montreal, 183; Baldwin on, 183; attacks La Fontaine-Baldwin ministry, 214; referred to by George Brown, 224; elected in 1844, 252; elected Speaker, 279; his opposition to Rebellion Losses Bill, 314; his quarrel with Blake, 315; warns ministry of riot, 322; rescues portrait of the queen, 324; proposed for Speaker, Baldwin's tribute to his qualifications, Morin elected in his stead, 283; and Papineau, 343; and Baldwin, 353. E His part in suppressing Rebellion of 1837-1838, 31; returned in 1848, 50; defeated for speakership, 51; takes part in stormy debate on Rebellion Losses Bill, 68-69; his responsibility for the disturbances of 1849, 75; nominal leader of Conservative party, 119; called upon by Lord Elgin for advice, 137; agrees to coalition ministry, 139-140; forms government with Morin, 140; his last resting-place, 224. B And the old Tory party, 69; his farcical amendment to prohibition motion, 76; forms coalition ministry with Morin, 77; on the charges against George Brown, 89. C His alliance with Quebec Liberals, 33. Mc Committed to gaol by Speaker, 152; moves Mackenzie's expulsion, 241; admits error, 242; leads forces against Navy Island, 417; orders cutting out of Caroline, 420; knighted, 423; goes to Brantford, 425; seizes Dr. Duncombe's papers, 426; goes to Sandwich, 427; in debate on Rebellion Losses Bill, 489. Md Called upon to form an administration, 61; forms government with A. N. Morin, 63; Morin resigns and he forms a new administration with Colonel Taché, 74; his ideal of government, 76; problem of superseding him, 76, 77; resigns, 80; supports Brown in his quarrel with Macdonald, 81.

   Bib.: Dict. Nat. Biog.; Taylor, Brit. Am.; Dent, Can. Por.and Last Forty Years; Pope, Memoirs of Sir John A. Macdonald.