Windsor in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

William Dummer Powell

1755 - 1834

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 9, 2024

1. William Dummer Powell Marker

Inscription.
The first professionally trained lawyer appointed a judge in what is now Ontario, Powell was born in Boston and educated abroad. He opened a legal practice in Montreal in 1779 and quickly gained a reputation as a brilliant advocate able to conduct cases in French and English. Powell was appointed sole presiding judge of the Court of Common Pleas here in the District of Hesse in 1789. When the district courts were abolished five years later, he was instrumental in establishing the province’s Court of King’s Bench. Steadfast in his adherence to the principles of English Common Law, Powell resisted political pressure throughout his career. In 1816 he was appointed Chief Justice of Upper Canada.

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1779.

Location. 42° 18.03′ N, 83° 4.584′ W. Marker is in Windsor, Ontario, in Essex County. It is on

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Sandwich Street north of Brock Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3277 Sandwich St, Windsor ON N9C 1A9, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mary and Henry Bibb (a few steps from this marker); District Court House and Gaol (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stone College (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); 1872 (about 90 meters away); St. John’s Church (about 120 meters away); Gregory Robert McGregor Esq. (about 120 meters away); The Hon. Alexander Grant 1734-1813 (about 150 meters away); The Battle of Windsor (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 9, 2025

2. William Dummer Powell Marker

in Windsor.

Also see . . .
1. POWELL, William Dummer: 1755 - 1834. (Submitted on July 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. William Dummer Powell (1755-1834). (Submitted on July 17, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.