Sullivan, Robert Baldwin

(1802-1853)

   Born in Bandon, Ireland. Came to Canada with his father, 1819, and settled at York. Studied law and called to the bar, 1828. Practised for a time at Vittoria, in the county of Norfolk. Elected mayor of Toronto, 1835. Appointed to the Executive Council by Sir Francis Bond Head, 1836. Served in the militia during the Rebellion of 1837. Appointed to the Legislative Council, 1839; member of the first Executive Council after the union of Upper and Lower Canada; continued in office under the La Fontaine-Baldwin administration. Resigned office with his colleagues, 1843; defended the course of the ministry against Sir Charles Metcalfe in a series of letters in the Examiner, under the nom de plume of "Legion." Again took office as provincial secretary in the second La Fontaine-Baldwin administration. Appointed judge of the Court of Queen's Bench, 1848; judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 1850.

   Index: BL Enters into law partnership with Baldwin, 32; his character, 32, 77; president of the Council, 1841, 76; Baldwin's attitude to, 80; member of Legislative Council, 83; defends the government, 130-131; remains in office under La Fontaine-Baldwin government, 133, 134; defends La Fontaine-Baldwin ministry, in Metcalfe crisis, 214; speaks before Reform Association, Toronto, 223; in political controversy, 238, 243-244; provincial secretary, 284. B Writes series of letters, over signature of "Legion," on responsible government, 211; provincial secretary in Baldwin-La Fontaine government, 211; his address on resources of North-West Territories, 211; urges importance of British settlement of North-West, 211; and responsible government, 261. Sy Introduces union resolutions in Legislative Council, 209, 228; president of Council under union, 283; duties and salary, 334. R His connection with university scheme, 153. E Provincial secretary in La Fontaine-Baldwin ministry, 53.

   Bib.: Morgan, Cel. Can.; Dent, Upper Canadian Rebellion and Last Forty Years; Read, Lives of the Judges.