Robert Nelson (insurrectionist)

Robert-Nelson

Robert Nelson (1794 – 1873) was a Canadian physician and politician, best known for his role as a leader in the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837-1838. He was the brother of Wolfred Nelson, another prominent figure in the rebellion.

Early Life

Robert Nelson was born in Montreal, Lower Canada, in 1794. He was the son of William Nelson, an immigrant from Scotland, and Jane Dies, an American. He studied medicine at Harvard University and later practiced as a physician in Montreal.

Political Career

Nelson became involved in politics and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1827. He was a member of the Patriote movement, which sought greater autonomy for Lower Canada and opposed the authoritarian rule of the British colonial government.

Lower Canada Rebellion

In 1837, tensions between the Patriotes and the colonial government erupted into open conflict, known as the Lower Canada Rebellion. Nelson played a significant role in the rebellion, advocating for the establishment of a republic in Lower Canada. He was involved in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence of Lower Canada, which was proclaimed on February 22, 1838.

Exile and Later Life

Following the failure of the rebellion, Nelson fled to the United States to avoid arrest. He continued to support the Patriote cause from exile and was involved in several failed attempts to invade Canada. After the passage of the Act of Union 1840, which united Lower and Upper Canada, Nelson returned to Canada and resumed his medical practice. He died in 1873.

Legacy

Robert Nelson is remembered as a key figure in the struggle for democratic reform in Canada. His efforts, along with those of other Patriotes, laid the groundwork for the eventual achievement of responsible government in Canada.

See Also

• Lower Canada Rebellion
• Wolfred Nelson
• Patriote movement
• Declaration of Independence of Lower Canada
• Act of Union 1840