Martin Burrell

Martin Burrell, born on October nineteenth, eighteen fifty-eight, in Faringdon, Berkshire, now part of Oxfordshire, was a notable Canadian politician, fruit grower, and writer. Emigrating to Canada as a young man, he established himself as a prominent fruit grower, operating the largest apple tree nursery in British Columbia, located just two miles east of Grand Forks.

In nineteen hundred and three, Burrell was elected as the mayor of Grand Forks. His political career began with an unsuccessful bid for the House of Commons in the nineteen hundred and four federal election as the Conservative candidate for the Yale—Cariboo constituency. However, he achieved success in the nineteen hundred and eight federal election and was re-elected in nineteen eleven. In nineteen seventeen, he continued his political journey as a Unionist.

Burrell held significant positions in the Borden government, serving as the Minister of Agriculture from nineteen eleven to nineteen seventeen, and later as Secretary of State of Canada and Minister of Mines from nineteen seventeen to nineteen nineteen. He also played a crucial role in addressing the plight of the passengers aboard the Komagata Maru, advocating for their humane treatment and timely departure.

His life took a tragic turn in nineteen seventeen when a fire severely damaged the Parliament Buildings, resulting in Burrell sustaining serious injuries. Following this incident, he transitioned to a role as the librarian for the Library of Parliament, a position he held until his passing in nineteen thirty-eight. Burrell is interred in Beechwood Cemetery, and in his honor, Burrell Creek near Grand Forks bears his name.