Preceded by George Wheler Died June 2, 1905 | Name Alexander Cockburn Role Political figure Resigned 1882 | |
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Preceded by District was created in 1872. Born April 7, 1837Finch, Upper Canada ( 1837-04-07 ) Books Political Annals of Canada: A Condensed Record of Governments from the Time of Samuel de Champlain in 1608 Down to the Time of Earl Grey in 1905: with Appendices Containing a Copy of the British North America Act, Establishing the Dominion in 1867: Also a List of the First Members of the Dominion and Provincial Parliaments Under Confederation, and a Table of Important Canadian Historical Events | ||
Alexander Peter Cockburn (April 7, 1837 – June 2, 1905) was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented Victoria North in the 1st Parliament of Ontario and Muskoka and then Ontario North in the Canadian House of Commons as a Liberal member from 1872 to 1887.
He was born in Finch in 1837, the son of Scottish immigrants. He moved to Kirkfield with his family in 1857. He opened a store there in 1863 and became postmaster. He was reeve of Eldon Township from 1864 to 1865. In 1864, he moved to Orillia. After a visit to the Muskoka District in 1865, he moved to Gravenhurst, where he opened a general store, established stagecoach service and initiated steamboat service on Lake Muskoka. In 1867, he helped found the Muskoka Settler's Association and became its first president. While in office, he lobbied for improved rail and water links to the region. Cockburn also published pamphlets describing the natural beauty of the region, aimed at promoting tourism. His steamboat operation expanded to ten ships and a booming resort industry developed in the Muskoka region, that has continued to the present time.
He died in Toronto in 1905.