William Allan JP (ca. 1770 – 11 July 1853) was a Canadian banker, businessman and politician.
Allan was born at Moss, near Huntly, Scotland around 1770. He came to Canada around 1787 to work with Forsyth, Richardson and Company and settled at Niagara a year later. In 1795, he moved to York (Toronto). In 1797, he opened a general store with Alexander Wood, later becoming sole owner.
In 1800, Allan was named a justice of the peace in the Home Distr...
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William Allan JP (ca. 1770 – 11 July 1853) was a Canadian banker, businessman and politician.
Allan was born at Moss, near Huntly, Scotland around 1770. He came to Canada around 1787 to work with Forsyth, Richardson and Company and settled at Niagara a year later. In 1795, he moved to York (Toronto). In 1797, he opened a general store with Alexander Wood, later becoming sole owner.
In 1800, Allan was named a justice of the peace in the Home District and, in 1801, became the postmaster at York. During the War of 1812, he served as major in the York militia and negotiated the terms of surrender when York was first captured by the American forces. His store was looted during this period. Allan also served as supplier to the British forces. He later served on the commission responsible for reviewing claims for losses during the war, including his own.
Allan served as an associated judge at the 1818 trial of several members of the North West Company charged with the murder of Governor...
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