Peter Graham (Liberal MPP)

Not to be confused with Peter Graham (Conservative MPP), his contemporary in the legislature.

Peter Graham (July 16, 1821 – July 19, 1900) was an Ontario farmer and political figure. He represented Lambton East in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Liberal member from 1875 to 1890.

Peter Graham
Ontario MPP
In office 1875–1890
Preceded by	New riding
Succeeded by	Hugh McKenzie
Constituency	Lambton East
Personal details
Born	(1821-07-16)July 16, 1821 Kirkoswald, Cumberland, England
Died	July 19, 1900(1900-07-19) (aged 79) Hamilton, Ontario
Political party	Liberal
Occupation	Farmer

He was born in Kirkoswald, Cumberland, England in 1821 and came to Vaudreuil County, Lower Canada with his family in 1834. He served in the local militia during the Lower Canada Rebellion. Later, he moved to Wentworth County in Upper Canada before finally settling in Warwick Township in Lambton County. He served on the township council for Warwick, serving as reeve for several years. He was also named a justice of the peace. He supported giving the vote to women. He helped introduce the Tile Drainage Act, which helped farmers gain funding to drain wetlands on their land. In 1890, he was appointed bursar for the Hamilton Insane Asylum and served in that position until his death in 1900.

Electoral history

v t e 1875 Ontario general election: Lambton East
Party	Candidate	Votes	%
	Liberal	Peter Graham	1,443	53.35
	Conservative	G. Shirley	1,262	46.65
Turnout			2,705	70.74
Eligible voters			3,824
	Liberal pickup new district.
Source: Elections Ontario[1]

v t e 1879 Ontario general election: Lambton East
Party	Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Liberal	Peter Graham	1,840	50.88	−2.46
	Conservative	G. Sherley	1,776	49.12	+2.46
Total valid votes			3,616	73.23	+2.49
Eligible voters			4,938
	Liberal hold		Swing		−2.46
Source: Elections Ontario[2]