Article

Christopher Alexander Hagerman

Published Online January 22, 2008

Last Edited December 16, 2013

Christopher Alexander Hagerman, lawyer, politician, judge (b at Adolphustown, UC 28 Mar 1792; d at Toronto 14 May 1847). "Handsome Kit" grew up outside the charmed circle of pupils educated by John STRACHAN.

Hagerman, Christopher Alexander

Christopher Alexander Hagerman, lawyer, politician, judge (b at Adolphustown, UC 28 Mar 1792; d at Toronto 14 May 1847). "Handsome Kit" grew up outside the charmed circle of pupils educated by John STRACHAN. Rising spectacularly by dint of his service during the War of 1812, he was appointed to the lucrative collectorship of customs at Kingston. He was called to the Bar in 1815 and proved a brilliant lawyer and eloquent orator. This latter gift served him well as an assemblyman and leading conservative spokesman in 4 parliaments. A large, powerfully built man, he was bumptious and aggressive: on one occasion, he horsewhipped Robert GOURLAY. His impulsive actions at times had disastrous political results, notably his role in handling the ALIEN QUESTION and the expulsion of William Lyon MACKENZIE from the assembly. His bellicose personal traits, natural abilities and ardent defence of toryism in successive administrations made Hagerman a bête noire of the Opposition. He was a particular favourite of Lt-Gov COLBORNE and served as solicitor general 1829-33 and attorney general 1837-40 when like others of the so-called FAMILY COMPACT he was appointed to the Court of Queen's Bench, a position he held until his death.