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Prince Edward Island Delegates to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference

Délégués de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard à la Conférence de Charlottetown de 1864

Quai de la Confederation Landing

 
 
Prince Edward Island Delegates to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, October 13, 2024
1. Prince Edward Island Delegates to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference Marker
Inscription.  
1. George Coles (1810-1873)
Born in Charlottetown, Coles operated a brewing and distilling business, which was to be of excellent advantage during the Charlottetown Conference. He became a Liberal member for the First District of Queens County in 1842 and became Premier of Prince Edward Island in 1851 and the the exception of a few months, occupied the office of Premier until 1859. When George Coles entered politics, the Island government was dominated by a "family compact." Once in government, he immediately became a strong advocate of reform. Largely a result of of his efforts, responsible government, universal suffrage; and free education became realities on "Prince Edward Island." For a man with very little formal education, George Coles succeeded in becoming the province's greatest reformer. He was Leader of the Liberal Opposition in the Assembly at the time of the Charlottetown Conference and also attended the Quebec Conference held in 1864.

2. John Hamilton Gray (1812-1887)
Like George Coles, John Hamilton Gray was a native of Charlottetown. While still quite young, he entered the British Army and
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served with considerable distinction for over twenty years in India and the Crimea. Retiring from active service with the rank of Colone, Gray returned to Prince Edward Island in 1857. The following year he entered politics and was elected to the House of Assembly representing the Fourth District of Queen's County. In 1863, Gray became Premier and President of the Executive Council. Known as a man of honour and integrity. Hohn Hamilton Gray was uncompromising when convinced of the rightfulness of a policy. When Confederation became an issue, Colonel Gray unhesitantly sacrificed political popularity to further its cause. The Chairman of the Charlottetown Conference, Gray was also a delegate to the Quebec Conference (1864).

3. Andrew Archibald Macdonald (1828-1912)
Born in Georgetown, King's County, Macdonald operated an extensive shipping and mercantile business in his hometown. Elected to the House of Assembly in 1854. Andrew Archibald Macdonald was later elected to the Legislative Council in 1863. He became recognized as a very able debater and quickly became Leader of the Liberal Opposition in the Council. His political influence accelerated after 1863 and he became one of Prince Edward Island's leading statesmen during the last half of the nineteenth century. Macdonald was among the Island delegates who attended the Quebec Conference in 1864 to
Prince Edward Island Delegates to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, October 13, 2024
2. Prince Edward Island Delegates to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference Marker
finalize the details of the agreements reached at the Charlottetown conference a month earlier. Macdonald served as the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island from 1884-1889, ending his years of public service as a Senator.

4. Edward Palmer (1809-1889)
Edward Plamer inherited his optical zeal from his father, a founder of one of the earliest political organizations on Prince Edward Island. A lawyer by profession, Palmer was admitted to the provincial bar in 1830. Four years later he entered political life and was elected to the House of Assembly as a member of Charlottetown. He was re-elected to the Assembly continuously until 1861. when he was appointed a member of the Legislative Council. Palmer had a rich political career, competently filling nearly every political office to which an Island could aspire. He was considered by many to be a shrewd individual and uncompromising, often stubborn politician, but one who was highly respected by Islanders. He was a staunch anti-confederationist and was able to convince many of the righteousness of his cause. Edward Palmer held the office of Premier of Prince Edward Island from 1859-1863, and was Attoney-Gerenal at the time of the Charlottetown Conference, Palmer also attended the Quebec Conference in 1864.

5. William Henry Pope (1825-1879)
Born in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, Pope
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received his early political education from his father, the Hon. Joseph Pope, a leading member of the Lisand Legislature for nearly thirty years. William Henry Pope received his early education in England but returned to the Island to study law with Edward Palmer from 1842-1848. In 1859, the Pope was appointed Provincial Secretary and Clerk of the Executive Council. Elected in 1863, as a Conservative member for the Fourth District of Queen's County, Pope became one of the most brilliant political figures in the history of Prince Edward Island. He was regarded by many as the eminence grise of the Conservative Party. Both feared and respected, William Henry Pope possessed a brilliant intellect and was considered a man of great dignity and culture. As the owner of the Charlottetown Islander, Pope was influential as he was dedicated. He became a strong supporter and tireless advocate of the Confederation and worked diligently to advance its acceptance at both the Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences of 1864.

Other Delegates to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference New Brunswick

6. Chandler, Edward Barron (1800-1890)
From 1836, a member of the Legislative Council. Represented the Conservative opposition in 1864. He was also at the Quebec Conference (1864) and the London Conference (1866)

7. Gray, John Hamilton (1814-1889)
A member of the Assembly for Saint John County. A Conservative, Gray was also at the Quebec Conference (1864)

8. Johnson, John Mercer (1818-1868)
Member of the Assembly for Northumberland County from 1850 and Attorney-General in the Tilley government. Johnson attended the Quebec Conference (1864) and the London Conference (1866)

9. Stevens, William Henry (1814-1873)
A member of the Legislative Council from 1851 and Minister without Portfolio in the Tilley government. He attended the Quebec Conference (1864) in addition to the Charlottetown Conference.

10. Tilley, Samuel Leonard (1818-1896)
A member of the Assembly for Saint John City from 1857, Premier and Financial Secretary from 1861. Tilley was also present at the Quebec and London Conferences.

11. Archibald, Adams George (1814-1892)
A member for Colchester County in the assembly from 1851. The leader of the Liberal opposition from 1863, Archibald attended the Quebec Conference (1864) and the London Conference (1866).

12. Dickey, Robert Barry (1811-1903)
A Conservative member of the Legislative Council since 1858. He was also at the Quebec Conference (1864)

13. Henry, William Alexander (1816-1888)
Member for Antigonish County from 1841 and 1863, Attorney-General in the Conservative government. He was also at the Quebec and London Conferences.

14. McCully, Jonathan (1809-1877)
A Liberal member of the Legislative Council, and Editor of the Halifax Morning Chronicle. McCully attended both the Quebec Conference (1864) and the London Conference (1866).

15. Tupper, Charles (1821-1915)
A member of Cumberland County from 1855, Tupper was the Provincial Secretary since 1863, and Premier from 1864. He was also at the Quebec and London Conferences.

16. Brown, George (1818-1880)
From 1863, member of the Assembly for South Oxford; Leader of the Reform Party of Canada West, and owner of the Toronto Globe. Brown became President of the Council on the formation of a coalition in June 1864 under the premiership of Sir E`xienne Tache`. Brown was also at the Quebec Conference in 1864.

17. Campbell, Alexander (1822-1892)
A member of the Legislative Council for Cataraqual Division from 1858. He became Commissioner for Crown Lands in 1864. A Conservative, Campbell attended the Quebec Conference (1864).

18. Cartier, George Étienne (1814-1873)
From 1861, the member of the Assembly for Montreal East, and from 1856-1862, and again in 1864, the attorney-General of Canada East. Cartier attended both the Quebec Conference (1864) and the London Conference.

19. Galt, Alexander Tilloch (1817-1893)
Member of the Assembly for Sherbrooke from 1853; Minister of Finance from 1858-1862, and again 1864. He attended the Quebec and London conferences.

20. Langevin, Hector Louis (1826-1906)
The member for Dorchester in the Assembly from 1857-Solicitor-General in 1864. Langevin attended the Quebec Conference (1864) and the London Conference (1866).

21. Mcdonald, John Alexander (1815-1891)
A member of the Assembly for Kingston since 1844, Attorney-General of Canada West from 1854-1862 and again 1864. Macdonald attended both the Quebec and the London conferences.

22. McDougall, William (1822-1905)
Member of the Assembly for North Oxford from 1858-1863, and for North Lanark in 1864. He became Provincial Secretary in the coalition government of 1864. In addition to the Charlottetown Conference, McDougall also attended the Quebec Conference (1864) and the London Conference (1866).

23. McGee, Thomas D'Arcy (1825-1868)
The member for Montreal West in the Assembly from 1858. At first a Reformer, McGee became a Conservative in 1864, joining the Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture. He was also in attendance at the Quebec Conference in 1864. Thomas D'Arcy McGee was assassinated in (1868).


1. Coles, George (1810-1875)
Ne à Charlottetown, George Coles exploitait une brasserie et une distillerie, excellent avantage durant la Conférence de Charlottetown. Il est devenu député libéral de la première circonscription de Queens en 1842, puis premier ministre de la province en 1851, poste qu'il a occupé à temps plein, à quelques mois près, jusqu'en 1859. Lorsque Coles est monté sur la scène politique le gouvernement de l’Île était dominé par un «Pacte de famille». Une fois élu, il est immédiatement devenu un adepte partisan de la réforme. En grande partie grâce à ses efforts, les principes de responsable, de suffrage universel et de gratuité scolaire sont devenus des réalités à l’Île-du-Prince-Edouard. Coles, qui avait très peu étudié, a réussi à devenir l’un des plus grands réformistes de la province. Il était chef de l'opposition liberale au moment de la Conférence de Charlottetown et il a assisté à celle de Québec en 1864.

2. Gray Jobs Hamilton (1812-1887)
Comme George Coles, John Hamilton Gray était originaire de Charlottetown. Il était encore jeune lorsqu'il s'est enrolé dans l'Armée britannique où s'est distingué pendant plus de vingt ans, en Inde et en Crimée. Lorsqu'il est sorti de l'armée, en 1857, il avait le grade de colonel; il est alors revenu à l’Île-du-Prince-Èdouard. En 1858, il est entré en politique et a été élu député de la quatrième circonscription du comté de Queens. En 1865, il est devenu premier ministre et président du Conseil exécutif. Homme intègre et homme d'honneur, John Hamilton Gray ne faisait pas de compromis lorsqu'il convaincu du bien-fondé d'une politique. Il n'hésita pas à sacrifier sa popularité politique pour faire avancer la cause de la Confédération. Il a été président de la Conférence de Charlottetown et aussi délégué à celle de Québec en 1864

3. Macdonald, Andfreie Archibald (1829-1912)
Né à Georgetown, dans le comté de King, Macdonald exploitait une importante entreprise de transport et de commerce dans sa ville natale. Il a d'abord été élu à Assemblée en 1854, puis as Conseil législatif en 1863. Il était reconnu pour ses talents de débatteur et il est rapidement devenu chef de l'opposition libérale au Conseil. Son influence politique s'est accrue rapidement aprés 1865 et il a été l'un des plus importants hommes politiques de l’Île-du-Prince-Èdouard durant la seconde moitié du XIXe siècle. Macdonald était au nombre des délégués de l’Île qui ont participé à la Conférence de Québec en 1864 pour régler les détails de l'entente conclue un mois plus tôt lors de la Conférence de Charlottetown. Il a été lieutenant-gouverneur de l’Île de 1884 à 1889 et il a terminé sa carrière politique comme sénateur.

4. Palmer, Edward (1809-1889)
Edward Palmer a hérité son ardeur politique de son père, fondateur de l'un des premiers organismes politiques de l’Île-du-Prince-Èdouard. Avocat de profession, Palmer a été reçu au Barreau de la province en 1850. Quatre ans plus tard, il montait sur la scène politique et était élu à l'Assemblée législative comme député de Charlottetown. Il n'a pas manqué de se faire réélire jusqu'en 1861, lorsqu'il a été nommé membre du Conseil législatif. Il a fait une riche carrière, occupant brillamment presque tous les postes politiques auxquels un Insulaire pouvait aspirer Beaucoup de gens jugraient qu'il était un homme habile, un politicien inflexible, souvent tétu, mais il avait su se mériter leur respect. Palmer s'opposait fortement à la Confédération, et il avait réussi à rallier bon nombre de gens à son point de vue. Il a été premier ministre de l'Île-du-Prince-Èdouard de 1859 à 1863; au moment de la Conférence de Charlottetown, il était procureur général. Il a aussi participé à la Conférence de Québec en 1864.

5. Pope, William Henry (1825-1879)
Né à Bedeque, Île-du-Prince-Èdouard, Pope a commencé son éducation politique auprès de son père, l'honorable Joseph Pope, politicien bien en vue à l'Assemblée provinciale pendant près de trente ans. William Henry Pope a d'abord étudié en Angleterre, puis il est revenu à l’Île pour étudier le droit auprès d'Edward Palmer, de 1842 à 1848. En 1859, il a été nommé secrétaire provincial et greffier du Conseil exécutif. En 1865, il a été élu député conservateur pour la quatrième circonscription du comté de Queens. Il a été l'un des plus brillants hommes politiques de l'histoire de l'île-du-Prince-Èdouard. Bon nombre le considérait comme l'éminence grise du parti conservateur. A la fois craint et respecté, Pope possédait une vive intelligence et il était vu comme étant un homme de grande dignité et de grande culture. En tant que propriétaire du Islander de Charlottetown, il était aussi influent que dévoué. Il devint un ardent et un infatigable défenseur de la Confédération et il travailla diligemment à faire accepter ce projet, tant à la Conférence de Charlottetown qu'à celle de Québec (1864). (remainder of marker not transcribed due to lack of legibility)
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
 
Location. 46° 13.877′ N, 63° 7.235′ W. Marker is in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in Queens County. It is in Downtown. It is on Great George Street near Great George & Water Streets. This marker is located along the pier near the PEI Art tower. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlottetown PE C1A 4B7, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Coastal P. E. I. It is also in Atlantic Canada. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Charlottetown Conference 1861 (here, next to this marker); Charlottetown - Fame, Flames, and Glory (here, next to this marker); Charlottetown - The Early Years (a few steps from this marker); Survey of the Gulf and River St. Lawrence (a few steps from this marker); Confederation Birthplace Memorial Park/Confederation Boulevard (within shouting distance of this marker); Canadian Merchant Navy / Marine Marchande Canadienne (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Heralded Arrival… of the Circus (about 150 meters away); Shaw's Hotel- A National Historic Site of Canada (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottetown.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2024, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2024, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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Jun. 7, 2026