Horatio Clarence Hocken

Horatio Clarence Hocken, born on October twelfth, eighteen fifty-seven, was a prominent Canadian politician and journalist who made significant contributions to the media landscape of Toronto. His career began in the printing industry, where he worked as a typesetter at the Toronto Globe, leading a strike that showcased his commitment to labor rights.

In eighteen ninety-two, Hocken was a foreman at the Toronto News when the Typographical Union initiated a strike. This pivotal moment led him and twenty fellow strikers to establish the Evening Star, a publication created to support the strike, with Hocken serving as its business manager. His dedication to journalism did not end there; he later returned to the Toronto News, where he ascended to the role of city editor.

Hocken's influence extended beyond journalism; he was a social reformer and played a crucial role in the political landscape of Toronto. He served as the Mayor of Toronto and was a founder of what would eventually become the Toronto Star, a major Canadian newspaper. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of British America from nineteen fourteen to nineteen eighteen.

Born in Toronto, in what was then known as pre-Confederation Canada West, Hocken's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to social reform and his contributions to the media and political spheres.