Lemuel Allan Wilmot

Wilmot, Lemuel Allan

Lemuel Allan Wilmot, politician, lawyer, judge (b in Sunbury Co, NB 31 Jan 1809; d at Fredericton 20 May 1878). A brilliant, flamboyant orator, Wilmot used his skills in the courtroom, in the NB Assembly and in public speeches, often in support of Methodism. While appearing to be a Reformer in his fights against the privileges of the old system, Wilmot aggressively sought those advantages for himself. Never defeated between 1834 and 1851, he rattled off the catch phrases of RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT while never understanding the principle. An effective provocateur, Wilmot was eventually appointed attorney general in 1848 when he abandoned all pretence of support for Reform. He sought and received an appointment to the Supreme Court in 1851, creating a serious crisis in government. A competent if controversial judge, Wilmot was never promoted. His public support of CONFEDERATION was considered unethical, but the success of the movement led to his becoming NB's first native-born lieutenant-governor (23 Jan 1868-15 Nov 1873).