[33] Dr. Charles Duncombe was an American by birth, and win born in the State of New Jersey in or about the year 1796. He came to Upper Canada with his parents during the progress, or immediately after the close, of the war of 1812-15, and settled in the "London District." Charles Duncombe studied medicine and surgery, and in 1827 and 1828 began to practice his profession on the town line between the townships of Burford and Brantford, near Bishopsgate. He soon obtained a large practice and with it an extended influence. During the rebellion of 1837-8, Dr. Duncombe took part and went to the United States, and remained there until 1843, when he received a pardon from Sir Charles (afterwards Lord) Metcalfe. He did not, however, remain long in Upper Canada after his return, but soon left for the Western States, whence he subsequently removed to California, and died there.
[34] It is gratifying to know that, although defeated at the time, Dr. Duncombe's efforts bore fruit nearly twenty years afterwards—in 1850—when Hon. Wm. Hamilton Merritt, then President of the Council, introduced and had a Bill passed by the Legislature setting apart 1,000,000 acres of the Crown Lands for the permanent endowment of public schools in United Canada.
[35] Historical Sketch of Education in Upper Canada, by J. George Hodgins, M.A., LL.B., F.R.G.S. in "Eighty Years' Progress of British North America," 1863.
[36] See also the opinion of Archdeacon Strachan on this subject, in a subsequent part of this Retrospect.
[37] First Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada, and the immediate predecessor of Rev. Dr. Ryerson.
[38] See remarks on this anachronism on page 64.
[39] By recent legislation University College has been merged in the University of Toronto.
[40] This memorable prophecy, made by Dr. Ryerson in 1841, was abundantly verified in after years, chiefly as the result of his own labors in maturing the school system, of which he was the founder.
[41] It it a gratifying fact that Victoria College was the first university in Upper Canada whose doors were open to receive students. The first session commenced in October, 1841; that of Queen's College University in March, 1842, and King's College University in June, 1843. The first graduate in arts who received a diploma in Upper Canada was sent out from Victoria College in 1845-46.
[42] Several promising Indian youth were educated at Victoria College, and some of them became useful teachers and missionaries.