Lucius Seth Huntington

Lucius Seth Huntington, born on May 26, 1827, in Compton, Lower Canada, was a prominent Canadian lawyer, journalist, and political figure. His family roots traced back to New England, and he pursued a legal career by studying under John Sewell Sanborn, being called to the bar in 1853. However, the legal profession was saturated at the time, prompting him to diversify his income by becoming a merchant and establishing a newspaper in Knowlton, which he later relocated to Waterloo.

Huntington's political career began in earnest when he was elected as a Liberal member of the House of Commons for Shefford in 1861. He served in this capacity until 1882, during which time he held significant positions, including President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Postmaster General. His political acumen was notably demonstrated in 1873 when he exposed the Pacific Scandal, leading to the downfall of Sir John A. Macdonald's Conservative government.

In addition to his political endeavors, Huntington was involved in business ventures, including ownership of a copper mine during the American Civil War, which initially proved profitable. However, the subsequent collapse of the copper market adversely affected his finances. Despite these challenges, he remained a key figure in Canadian politics, although he faced criticism for a controversial speech in 1875 that advised English Protestants in Quebec to vote Liberal.

As his health declined later in his career, Huntington's political journey came to an end with his defeat in 1882. Seeking medical treatment, he moved to New York City, where he ultimately passed away in 1886.