Walter Hamilton Dickson, Senator, was born at Niagara, January 4, 1806, being a son of Hon. William Dickson, a native of Dumfries, Scotland, and a member of the Legislative Council of Upper Canada, and Charlotte, nee Adlam, who was born in London, England. William Dickson died at Niagara, February 19, 1846. His father was a writer to the Signet, dying in Scotland.
Mr. Dickson was educated in the Grammar School at Niagara, taught by Rev. John Burns; studied law with his elder brother, Hon. Robert Dickson; was called to the Bar at Hilary term, 1830; practiced four or five years at Dundas, County of Wentworth, and in 1836 returned to Niagara, discontinuing the practice of his profession.
When a young man he was connected with the cavalry, commencing as Cornet and was Major at the time of the Rebellion of 1837-38.
Colonel Dickson has been in public life almost constantly for nearly forty years. In 1840 he was returned to the District Council, serving in that body for four years; in 1844 was returned to Parliament, it being the first session of Lord Metcalf’s Parliament at Montreal; in 1848 was returned by acclamation, and in 1852 retired for Sir Francis Hincks. In 1854 our subject was called to the Legislative Council, in which he held a life seat until called to the Senate by Royal proclamation in May, 1867.
In politics Colonel Dickson may be called an Independent Conservative, he usually acting and voting’ with that party, but refusing all dictation, and consulting his own judgment in public matters, and acting accordingly.
He is a member of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and has served as Warden of the same off and on, something like thirty years.
Colonel Dickson has been twice married; first, in 1832, to Augusta Maria Geale, grand-daughter of Hon. William Claus of Niagara, she dying in March, 18.55, leaving nine children, six of whom are yet living; the second time in September, 1859, to Mrs. Charlotte Armstrong, widow of Captain Armstrong of the 66th regiment, and by her he has one child.