The subject of this sketch, one of the oldest and most prominent barristers, and an ex officio bencher of the Law Society, in the Province of Ontario, was born in Belleville. He is a grandson of Elijah Wallbridge, a United Empire Loyalist, who settled in Canada shortly after the War of Independence of the American Colonies; is a son of William H. Wallbridge, lumber merchant, who died in Belleville, March 12, 1832.
Asa Wallbridge, an older brother of Elijah, erected the first house where the city now stands. The family were ‘from Dorsetshire, England, and took sides with the Duke of Monmouth in the rebellion against King James, and left England on that account.
Mr. Wallbridge received his education under the late Dr. Benjamin Workman, in Montreal, and at Upper Canada College, Toronto; his legal education in the office of Hon. Robert Baldwin, of Toronto; was called to the Bar at Hilary term in 1839; he was created a Queen’s Counsel, when comparatively young.
Mr. Wallbridge was elected to the Canadian Parliament in 1858, and later, while a member of that body, became Solicitor-General, and a member of the Macdonald-Dorion Government.
Whilst Solicitor-General he was elected Speaker of the House in 1863; held that office a little more than four years, and presided during the debates on the exciting question of Confederation at Quebec. His politics are Conservative.
Mr. Wallbridge is a member of the Senate of Albert University, and takes pride in the growth and prosperity of this local institution.
Nis religious connection is with the Church of England.