Dunkin, Christopher

(1811-1881)

   Born in London, England. Educated at the Universities of London and Glasgow. Emigrated to America; studied at Harvard University, and for a time tutor of Greek in that institution. Came to Canada about 1836, and engaged in newspaper work. Appointed secretary to the Education Commission, 1838, and subsequently secretary to the Post-office Commission. Assistant-secretary for Lower Canada, 1841-1847; called to the bar, 1846. Unsuccessfully contested the county of Drummond for a seat in the Legislative Assembly, 1844, but elected to represent Drummond and Arthabaska, 1857. Defeated, 1861, but elected for the county of Brome, 1862. Retained his seat until Confederation, when elected by the same county to the House of Commons. At first an opponent of Confederation, but afterwards a strong supporter. Provincial treasurer of Quebec, 1867; entered the Dominion Cabinet as minister of agriculture, 1869. Appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, 1871; held office until his death. Name associated with the Canada Temperance Act, better known as the "Dunkin Act."

   Bib.: Dent's Can. Por. and Last Forty Years.