Charles Symmes
Charles Symmes (April 4, 1798 – August 25, 1868) was an American-born business owner and politician in Quebec. He served as mayor of Aylmer from 1855 to 1858 and again from 1860 to 1862. He is considered the founder of Aylmer.[1]
He was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the son of Captain John Symmes and Elizabeth Wright, the sister of Philemon Wright.[1] In 1819, he was hired by his uncle as clerk and bookkeeper. In 1821, he was sent to manage Chaudière Farm, located on the current site of Aylmer. Symmes married Hannah Ricker in 1824.[2] He acquired his uncle's farm and neighbouring properties.[3] In 1830, he had his property surveyed and divided up into building lots for sale. He also was a partner in the steamboat Lady Colborne, the first to operate in that area. In 1831, he built the Aylmer Hotel, now known as the Auberge Symmes or Symmes Inn.[2] Originally known as Symmes’ Landing, the village was renamed Aylmer in 1831 to honour Lord Aylmer, governor of Lower Canada. Symmes donated land for the construction of churches and public buildings. He also served on the board for the Aylmer Academy. He was a member of the Aylmer municipal council from 1847 to 1851 and from 1852 to 1855. He served as prefect for Ottawa County, secretary-treasurer for the county agricultural society and revenue inspector for the district.[1]
Symmes died in Aylmer at the age of 70.[1]
The hotel that he built later became a museum[2] and has been designated a heritage building by Quebec.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Charles Symmes". Répertoire des élus municipaux de l’Outaouais de 1845 à 1975 (in French). Archives nationales du Québec.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Charles Symmes". Auberge Symmes.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Auberge Charles-Symmes". Canada's Historic Places (in French). Parks Canada.