Richard Hutchison

Richard Hutchison, born on January twentieth, eighteen twelve, in Renfrewshire, Scotland, was a prominent businessman and political figure in New Brunswick. The son of David Hutchison, he received his education in Scotland before making the journey to New Brunswick in eighteen twenty-six.

In eighteen forty, Hutchison married Elizabeth Mackie, and together they built a life in the burgeoning timber industry. He became a lumber merchant with the Glasgow-based firm Gilmour, Rankin & Co, which operated along the Miramichi River. By eighteen fifty-two, he had risen to the position of sole resident partner, and in eighteen seventy, he took full control of the operation, solidifying his influence in the timber trade.

Hutchison's political career began when he represented Northumberland County in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick from eighteen sixty-four to eighteen sixty-six. His commitment to public service continued as he was elected to the House of Commons of Canada as a Liberal member in an eighteen sixty-eight by-election, following the death of John Mercer Johnson. He served in this capacity until eighteen seventy-two.

His legacy continued through his son, Ernest, who later represented Northumberland in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, ensuring that the Hutchison name remained influential in the region's political landscape.