David Spence 1867 - 1940

David Spence (1867 – 1940)

 

Noted Conservative M.P., Alderman

 

Helped form the Irish Regiment of Canada

 

David Spence was born on June 25th, 1867 in Markethill, County Armagh, Ireland to Lewis and Ella Jane Spence. He was educated there at the National School. He came to North America in 1886, first to Pittsburgh and in 1888 arrived in Toronto, where he became a wholesale fruit dealer.

 

He entered Toronto politics in 1910 winning a seat in Ward Six (Davenport, Parkdale). He served as alderman until 1916, topping the city-wide polls in both 1914 and 1915. During his term on City Council he was instrumental in spear-heading the construction of the Bloor Viaduct. The impetus for the formation of the Irish Regiment of Canada in 1915 came from the Irish Club and the Irish Rifle Cub of which David Spence was President. Along with Spence support came from other influential Torontonians such as George E. Kent, J. J. Ramsay, George Robinson and A. St.Leger. Spence was a captain in the Regiment but due to age did not serve overseas.

 

Following his Municipal experience David Spence ran for election to the Parliament of Canada in Parkdale riding in 1921 and emerged as the winner. He subsequently won re-election in 1925, 1926, 1930 and 1935 and had been the party nominee in Parkdale for the 1940 election at the time of his death. David Spence was a Past – President of the Ward Six Conservative Association and also Past – President of the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society. His Masonic affiliation was with Victoria Lodge. David Spence was a Worshipful Past Master of Toronto’s Parkdale L.O.L.207 and had held most offices in that lodge during his long membership in the Orange Association.

 

A resident of Parkdale for nearly a half century, David Spence died at his home on O’Hara Avenue on February, 13th, 1940.

 

Submitted by John Wells – County Secretary – August 3/2010

 

Sources: Globe Feb 14, 1940

The Star Feb 14, 1940

The Star Oct 23, 1915

Roughian.tripod.com

Wikipedia – Toronto Mun. Elections

Website – Library of Parliament

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