Joshua George Beard

Joshua George Beard (1797 – November 9, 1866) was an Upper Canadian businessman, politician, and mayor of Toronto in 1854. He was born in England and immigrated to York, Upper Canada. He opened various businesses in the York area and owned real estate throughout the province. He was also a municipal official and politician for York, and was elected to the Toronto city council and Toronto School Board of Trustees. In 1854 he was elected by his city council peers to be mayor of Toronto. Although he was ill in the first few months of his mayoralty, he recovered and resumed his duties, avoiding scandal that had affected the previous council. His poor health caused him to limit his political activity in 1864 and he resigned from all his political positions by 1865. He also retired from running his businesses, allowing his sons to assume responsibility.

Early life and business

Beard was born in England, and immigrated to York, Upper Canada. He became a merchant, opening a business called J.G. Beard and Sons. He owned property included land in Clarke township and an interest in Beard's Hotel in York. By 1844, Conservatives were divided between the aging Family Compact members, who were considered the political elite, and the working class. Beard was a mediator between these groups and was dubbed a member of the "Corporation Beauties" by The Globe, a Reformers aligned Toronto newspaper. He continued representing the ward of St. Lawrence as an alderman until 1854, with the exception of five years between 1848 and 1853. In 1854, he was unanimously chosen by the other aldermen on Toronto City Council to become mayor of the city.

Beard entered the mayoralty after a major scandal, the Ten Thousand Pound Job, disrupted the reputation of the aldermen and the city's financial capabilities. However, Beard became ill in January 1854 and John Beverly Robinson assumed most of his duties while Beard recovered. Beard returned to his mayoral duties in April and the council proceeded with municipal affairs without major scandals. He died on November 9, 1866.