Francis Longworth
Encyclopedia
Francis Longworth was a merchant, ship builder and political figure in Prince Edward Island
. He represented Charlottetown and Royalty in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
from 1838 to 1859 as a Conservative
member.
He was born in Charlottetown
, the son of Francis Longworth
, an Irish
immigrant. In 1835, he married Sarah Parker Watts. In 1834, he became a partner of his brother Robert, who owned a store in Charlottetown. In 1842, he opened another store with a partner. He also built and owned ships. He was also a director for several companies, including the Charlottetown Gas Light Company and the Steam Navigation Company.
In 1838, Longworth and Edward Palmer were chosen by the elite of the town, members of the so-called "family compact
", to represent Charlottetown and Royalty in the provincial assembly. He was elected nine times, often running unopposed. Longworth also was a justice of the peace. His business interests often kept him away from the business of the assembly. He served in the Executive Council as colonial secretary in 1854. Longworth retired from politics in 1859 and was named controller of customs and navigation laws and customs controller for Charlottetown. He served as appraiser of customs for Charlottetown from 1873 to 1880. Longworth was also high sheriff for Queens County, Prince Edward Island
three times. He died in Charlottetown in 1883.
His brother John
, a more moderate conservative, also served as a member of the provincial assembly.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province consisting of an island of the same name, as well as other islands. The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population...
. He represented Charlottetown and Royalty in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
The Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, along with the Lieutenant-Governor, forms the parliament of the province. The General Assembly meets at Province House, which is located at the intersection of Richmond and Great George Streets in Charlottetown....
from 1838 to 1859 as a Conservative
Prince Edward Island Progressive Conservative Party
The Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island is one of two major political parties on Prince Edward Island. It and its rival, the Liberals have alternated in power since responsible government was granted in 1851 and are the only two parties represented in the PEI Legislative...
member.
He was born in Charlottetown
Charlottetown
Charlottetown is a Canadian city. It is both the largest city on and the provincial capital of Prince Edward Island, and the county seat of Queens County. Named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, Charlottetown was first incorporated as a town in 1855 and designated as a city in 1885...
, the son of Francis Longworth
Francis Longworth, Sr.
Francis Longworth was an Irish-born businessman and political figure in Prince Edward Island.He was born in County Westmeath, the son of Francis Longworth, and came to St. John's Island around 1791. He had learned the trade of tanning leather and established a tannery at Charlottetown. In 1797,...
, an Irish
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
immigrant. In 1835, he married Sarah Parker Watts. In 1834, he became a partner of his brother Robert, who owned a store in Charlottetown. In 1842, he opened another store with a partner. He also built and owned ships. He was also a director for several companies, including the Charlottetown Gas Light Company and the Steam Navigation Company.
In 1838, Longworth and Edward Palmer were chosen by the elite of the town, members of the so-called "family compact
Compact government
Compact governments or compacts were the conservative colonial cliquesthat ruled colonies, particularly in British North America prior to the granting of responsible government. They were usually Tory in orientation and were representative of the local elite. The best known one was the Family...
", to represent Charlottetown and Royalty in the provincial assembly. He was elected nine times, often running unopposed. Longworth also was a justice of the peace. His business interests often kept him away from the business of the assembly. He served in the Executive Council as colonial secretary in 1854. Longworth retired from politics in 1859 and was named controller of customs and navigation laws and customs controller for Charlottetown. He served as appraiser of customs for Charlottetown from 1873 to 1880. Longworth was also high sheriff for Queens County, Prince Edward Island
Queens County, Prince Edward Island
Queens County is located in central Prince Edward Island, Canada. The county is geographically divided by the Hillsborough River's estuary, a tidal inlet which almost splits the county and Prince Edward Island...
three times. He died in Charlottetown in 1883.
His brother John
John Longworth
John Longworth was a lawyer, judge and political figure in Prince Edward Island. He represented 2nd Queens in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from 1846 to 1850 and from 1858 to 1867 as a Conservative member.He was born in Charlottetown, the son of Francis Longworth, and educated...
, a more moderate conservative, also served as a member of the provincial assembly.