William Warren Baldwin 1775-1844
The grandson of the former mayor of Cork, William Baldwin, one of the most influential politicians in Upper Canada (Ontario), was born some 8 km from here on his family's estate. In 1797 he received a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh and two years later he emigrated to Upper Canada settling in York (Toronto). An accomplished man of boundless energy and diverse interests, Baldwin practiced both law and medicine and was twice elected to the provincial assembly. He is best remembered, however, as an ardent advocate of constitutional reform. A leading proponent of "responsible government", one of the most important political concepts in Canadian history, Baldwin steadfastly supported his son Robert, under whose premiership (1842-43, 1848-51) this principle was eventually attained.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.