Finding your ancestors in the newspaper is exciting. It can give you a glimpse into their lives and adds to their story. I came across this piece originally published in the Hamilton Spectator on December 10, 1857 (Source: The Hamilton Spectator, December 10, 1857, page 7.)
Here, my third great grandfather James C. Finch is listed amongst other men of Haldimand County as supporters of Ranald McKinnon, requesting him to run in the upcoming provincial election. The Haldimand riding was ultimately won by William Lyon Mackenzie of rebel fame.
Ranald McKinnon is considered the “founder” of Caledonia and his name is still prominent in the area. By seeing James C. Finch’s name on the list supporting McKinnon, who was a conservative, I can now make the reasonable assumption that my third great grandfather had conservative political leanings, as well.