Robert Wilkes

Canadian politician

Robert Wilkes


Member of the Canadian Parliament for Toronto Centre
In office 1872–1874
Preceded by	District was created in 1872
Succeeded by	John Macdonald

Personal details
Born	(1832-06-24)June 24, 1832 Tullaghan, County Leitrim, Ireland
Died	August 16, 1880(1880-08-16) (aged 48) Sturgeon Point, Ontario
Political party	Liberal

Robert Wilkes (June 24, 1832 – August 16, 1880) was an Irish-Canadian politician and businessman. Born in Tullaghan, County Leitrim, Ireland, Wilkes came to Toronto from his native Ireland at sixteen, working as a clerk before buying a jewelry firm, Rossin Brothers, which he expanded into a cross-country operation. He later invested in railroads, and in 1871 he was appointed director of the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

In 1872 he was elected Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, as a Liberal. The election was regarded by observers on both sides as rife with enmity, bribery and corruption.^[1] In 1874 he was re-elected, but the return was voided and he retired from politics.