John Robertson

English: , At age 16 John Robertson left Scotland for Saint John to work as his uncle's clerk. From his arrival in 1817 Robertson's energy, vision and shrewd business sense were combined with significant social skills. People liked him, admired his commitment to the community and respected his independent ideas. Once established. Robertson returned to Scotland to marry Sophia Dobie (1835). A year later he was appointed mayor of Saint John for a year, and to the New Brunswick Legislative Council (1837). For the next 30 years John Robertson was a leader for the interests of Saint John in the legislature's council and in the city. , As a young man Robertson soon moved from clerking to managing cargo on Thomas Millidge's vessels trading from Saint John to Newfoundland and the West Indies. When Millidge retired, Robertson formed a mercantile company with another partner to carry on this trading and shipping. John Robertson became a major timber merchant for the overseas markets. His sawmill at Saint John was said to be "one of the most complete on the continent" before it burned in 1852. He built ships to carry his timber from that and other mills. Many Saint John people owed their employment to his enterprises , lumbering, shipbuilding, shipping supplies, railways. Yet he was known for his passionate concern for downtrodden workers and the poor, a man who had no sympathy with those who exploited others. , As his wealth increased Robertson made investments in property, wharves, banking and insurance. He was president of the Victoria Coal Mining Company, and after confederation, a Director of the Maritime Bank of the Dominion of Canada. Robertson worked continuously to increase the trade of the colonies, admitting trade might require closer integration into the American economy. , From the beginning Robertson was active in the New Brunswick militia. He served in several regiments and became Lieutenant-Colonel of the Saint John City Light Infantry. The local officers and men had great respect for Robertson. He listened to their concerns, worked for their causes and was generous with his hospitality… very like a paternal Scots laird. Robertson was known locally as "Lord of the North", a title that included reference to his business operations near Indiantown. , At confederation in 1867 John Robertson was appointed to represent New Brunswick in the Canadian Senate. In 1874 John Robertson left his sons to continue business in New Brunswick, while he and his wife retired to Britain. He kept an active interest in various New Brunswick concerns until his death two years later. ,