14 Facts About Hartley Dewart

Herbert Hartley Dewart QC was an Ontario lawyer and politician.

Hartley Dewart's father was Edward Hartley Dewart, an Irish Methodist minister who was a preacher in St Johns.

Hartley Dewart studied at the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1883, and Osgoode Hall, being called to the Ontario bar in 1887.

Hartley Dewart co-founded the Young Men's Liberal Club and was its president from 1887 to 1888.

Hartley Dewart set up practice in Toronto and served as crown attorney for York County from 1891 to 1904.

Hartley Dewart was appointed as a Queen's Counsel in 1899 and continued his work as a public prosecutor until his resignation in 1904.

Hartley Dewart next worked as a lawyer in private practice, working both civil and criminal cases.

Hartley Dewart was the solicitor for several corporations such as the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Hartley Dewart was first elected to the provincial legislature in a 1916 by-election after the death of James Joseph Foy in the Toronto Southwest electoral district, becoming the first Liberal to win a Toronto seat in a quarter-century.

Hartley Dewart was against conscription, stating that it was unconstitutional.

Hartley Dewart resigned as leader of the Liberal party in 1921, citing poor health.

Hartley Dewart opposed a bill that would tax racetrack bets, dramatically asking the lieutenant governor before the bill received royal assent if the bill was constitutional.

Hartley Dewart was defeated in the 1923 Ontario general election.

Hartley Dewart died at his home near Uxbridge in 1924; the cause of death outlined in his obituaries was overwork.