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across the street from the square itself on the east side
Commemoration
A prominent provincial politician, Gowan was born in County Wexford, Ireland. He came to Upper Canada in 1829 and immediately immersed himself in political affairs. Drawing upon his experience with the Irish Orange Order, Gowan established the Grand Orange Lodge of British North America in 1830 and, as the first Canadian grand master, ably guided the organization during its formative years. In 1836 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly, representing this area intermittently until 1861. A shrewd strategist and an effective orator, he gradually broadened his influence, using his newspaper, the “Brockville Statesman”, to promote his political views. Following his retirement from provincial politics, Gowan continued to work for the retention of strong ties with Britain, a cause he had upheld throughout his career.
Background
In 1834, Gowan was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada but in 1835 lost his seat due to the violent action of his supporters at the polls. He was elected again in 1836, with significant support from Catholic residents despite his position in the Orange Lodge. In 1837, he raised a company of volunteers to fight the rebels and fought at the Battle of the Windmill.
In 1844, he was elected to the parliament of the province of Canada where he supported Sir John A. Macdonald. In 1852, he moved to Toronto and published the Toronto Patriot newspaper. He died there in 1876.
The Orange Lodge was a protestant organization and a major social institution for the elite in Upper Canada. It provided support to protestant immigrants into the twentieth century. It had its roots in the Catholic-Protestant struggles in Ireland.
Gowan is another example British immigration reinforcing the community of British Loyalists.
Note also the idea of starting and owning newspapers, the only media of that time, to support a political position. There is nothing new under the sun.
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