Henry Emmerson

Emmerson, Henry Robert

Henry Robert Emmerson, lawyer, businessman, premier of New Brunswick (b at Maugerville, NB 25 Sept 1853; d at Dorchester, NB 9 July 1914). A successful businessman and lawyer, Emmerson was an MLA 1888-90, a legislative councillor 1891-92 and MLA 1892-1900 (during which he was commissioner of public works). In the years 1897 to 1900 he was premier of NB and held the post of attorney general. Emmerson was elected MP in 1900 and became minister of railways and canals in Sir Wilfrid LAURIER's Cabinet 1904-07. In that capacity he played an important role in the development of railway terminals, docks and canals. Forced to resign over a scandal in his private life, he continued to sit in the House of Commons until his death.