David Blain

For the American illusionist, see David Blaine.

David Blain (August 12, 1832 – May 6, 1909) was a Scottish-born Canadian lawyer, teacher and political figure. He represented York West in the House of Commons of Canada from 1872 to 1878 as a Liberal member.^[1]

David Blain
Member of the Canadian Parliament for York West
In office 1872–1878
Preceded by	Amos Wright
Succeeded by	Nathaniel Clarke Wallace
Personal details
Born	(1832-08-12)August 12, 1832 Ayr, Scotland
Died	May 6, 1909(1909-05-06) (aged 76) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Scottish-Canadian
Political party	Liberal
Spouse	Eliza Harrington
Residence(s)	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupation	Lawyer

He was born near Ayr,^[1] the son of John Blain and Elizabeth McCutcheon, and came to Canada West with his parents in 1842. He was educated in Scotland and at the University of Toronto.^[2] Blain was called to the bar in 1860 and set up practice in Toronto, partnering for a time with Albert Prince. In 1867, he married Eliza Harrington. He retired from the practice of law in 1868.^[3] Blain was defeated in a bid for reelection in 1878.^[1] He retired from politics afterwards, and died in Toronto at the age of 76 in 1909.^[4]

Electoral record

v t e 1878 Canadian federal election: York West
Party	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Conservative	Nathaniel Clarke Wallace	1,326	54.1	+22.4
	Liberal	David Blain	1,124	45.9	-22.4
Total valid votes			2,450	100.0

v t e 1874 Canadian federal election: York West
Party	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Liberal	David Blain	983	68.3	+12.2
	Conservative	N. Wallace	456	31.7
Total valid votes			1,439	100.0
Source: lop.parl.ca

1872 Canadian federal election: York West/York-Ouest
Party	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Liberal	David Blain	973	56.1	-16.3
	Unknown	W. Tyrrell	760	43.9
Total valid votes			1,733	100.0
Source: Canadian Elections Database[5]