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Robert Spence

1811 – 1868

Canada West journalist and political figure

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About Robert Spence

Lived 1811 – 1868 (aged 56–57). Robert Spence was a Canadian journalist and politician.

Robert Spence (1811 – February 25, 1868) was a journalist and political figure in Canada West.

He was born in Dublin in 1811 and came to Upper Canada in 1836. He taught school in Dundas. In 1846, he launched a newspaper, the Dundas Warder and Halton County General Advertiser. He helped promote the incorporation of Dundas as a town and served on the town council. In 1858, he was elected warden for the United Counties of Wentworth and Halton. In 1854, he was elected to the 5th Parliament of the Province of Canada representing Wentworth as an independent. He became Postmaster General in the government of Allan MacNab and Augustin-Norbert Morin. His acceptance of a cabinet post stirred up resentment among the Clear Grits and he was not re-elected. He introduced reduced rates for mailing newspapers and other improvements to the postal service. In 1857, he was appointed collector of customs at Toronto.

He died in Toronto in 1868.

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Important facts

Born
1811, Dublin
Birth century
Nationality

People in Robert Spence's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert Spence?

Canada West journalist and political figure

When was Robert Spence born?

Robert Spence was born in 1811 in Dublin.

When did Robert Spence die?

Robert Spence died on 25 February 1868 in Toronto.

What was Robert Spence's occupation?

Robert Spence was a journalist and politician.

What nationality was Robert Spence?

Robert Spence was Canadian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Robert Spence

· Wikidata: Q7349954

· DBpedia: Robert Spence (Canadian politician)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert Spence. https://biography.guide/robert-spence/

MLA: "Robert Spence." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-spence/.

Chicago: "Robert Spence." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-spence/.

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