Thomas David Morrison
| Thomas David Morrison | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 3rd Mayor of Toronto | |
|
In office 1836–1836 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Baldwin Sullivan |
| Succeeded by | George Gurnett |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada for 3rd York | |
|
In office 1835–1840 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
c. 1796 Quebec City, Lower Canada |
| Died |
March 19, 1856 (aged 59–60) Toronto, Canada West |
Thomas David Morrison (ca. 1796 – March 19, 1856) was a doctor and political figure in Upper Canada. He was also a member of the Orange Order in Canada.
He was born in Quebec City around 1796. He served as a clerk in the medical department of the British army during the War of 1812. He studied medicine in the United States and, on his return in 1824, was licensed to practice medicine in Upper Canada. In 1828, he ran unsuccessfully to represent the town of York (Toronto) in the provincial assembly. In 1834, he was elected to the first city council for Toronto. He was elected to the 12th and 13th Parliaments of Upper Canada representing the 3rd riding of York County. In 1836, he served a one-year term as mayor of Toronto.
Although Morrison had been an early supporter of the reform position in Upper Canada and the actions taken by reformers in Lower Canada, he did not support William Lyon Mackenzie's revolt. However, in April 1838, he was charged with treason, but found not guilty. At the end of the trial, he left for the United States, concerned about being charged with a lesser offence. In 1843, when an amnesty was granted, he returned to Toronto from Batavia, New York and resumed his medical practice. He worked at the Toronto School of Medicine upon his return.
He died of palsy at Toronto in 1856.
