Sir George Arthur

Arthur, Sir George

Sir George Arthur, soldier, colonial administrator (b at Plymouth, Eng 21 June 1784; d at London, Eng 19 Sept 1854). After an undistinguished military career and 2 minor colonial appointments, he became lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada in 1838. An early decision to execute 2 prisoners taken in the REBELLIONS OF 1837 made him seem a bloodthirsty Tory. More lenient in reality than his advisers and the Assembly, he remained a moderate even after the border was set aflame by American raids, restraining Upper Canadians from retaliation. Though sympathetic to the FAMILY COMPACT, he introduced important administrative reforms. After the arrival of Governor General C.E.P. Thomson (SYDENHAM) in 1839, he became largely a figurehead. He returned to England in 1841 and served as governor of Bombay 1842-46.