Joshua George Beard
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Joshua George Beard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 10th Mayor of Toronto | |
| In office 1854–1854 | |
| Preceded by | John George Bowes |
| Succeeded by | George William Allan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1797 England |
| Died | November 9, 1866 (aged 68–69) Toronto, Canada West |
Joshua George Beard (1797 – November 9, 1866) was an Upper Canadian businessman, politician, and mayor of Toronto in 1854. He was born in England and immigrated to York, Upper Canada. He opened various businesses in the York area and owned real estate throughout the province. He was also a municipal official and politician for York, and was elected to the Toronto city council and Toronto School Board of Trustees. In 1854 he was elected by his city council peers to be mayor of Toronto. Although he was ill in the first few months of his mayoralty, he recovered and resumed his duties, avoiding scandal that had affected the previous council. His poor health caused him to limit his political activity in 1864 and he resigned from all his political positions by 1865. He also retired from running his businesses, allowing his sons to assume responsibility.
Beard was born in England, and immigrated to York, Upper Canada. He became a merchant, opening a business called J.G. Beard and Sons.[1] The business included an iron foundry,[2] operating a wharf and selling coal and wood. He also bought real estate throughout the province, which caused him to become one of the largest property owners in the city.[1] He owned property included land in Clarke township[3] and an interest in Beard's Hotel in York.[2]
