Name George Barber | ||
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Died October 20, 1874, Toronto, Canada | ||
George Anthony Barber (1802 – 20 October 1874) was an English-born educator who emigrated to Canada, where he was Toronto's first school superintendent and became known as the father of Canadian cricket.
Barber was born in 1802 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England. He emigrated to Canada in 1826. After teaching in York for three years, he joined the Upper Canada College staff when it first opened in 1829. There he was also involved in the finances and a scandal that occurred in 1839. The scandal, details of which are hazy, also involved Bishop John Strachan and caused Barber's dismissal.
At about this time, Barber had started a public accounting business which he continued throughout his life. He became auditor for the city of Toronto soon after Upper Canada College and also edited the Toronto Herald until its demise.
In 1844, he became the first superintendent of schools for Toronto and was involved with the board of education in some capacity until his death. He was part of the period of critical growth for this community resource.
An avid sportsman, his particular interest in cricket led to some popularity of the sport in Canada and the establishment of the Toronto Cricket Club in 1827.