James Lesslie (publisher)

James Lesslie (November 22, 1802 – April 19, 1885) was an Ontario bookseller, reform politician and newspaper publisher. His career was closely associated with - and somewhat overshadowed by - William Lyon Mackenzie, the Reform agitator, mayor of Toronto, and Rebellion leader. However, as a leader himself, Lesslie took a prominent role in founding the Mechanics Institute (for adult education), the House of Refuge & Industry (a shelter for the unemployed), the Bank of the People, as well as the political parties known as the Canadian Alliance Society and Clear Grits. In many way, he defined the Reform movement in Upper Canada without having reverted to the violent methods of Mackenzie. His legacy may thus have lasted longer.

James Lesslie was born in Dundee, Scotland in 1802, the son of Edward Lesslie, a bookseller. James emigrated to Kingston, Upper Canada in 1822 as part of a plan to relocate the family business to Canada. He was joined by brothers John, George, Charles, William and Joseph between 1820-3. Lesslie and Sons operated stores in York (later Toronto), Kingston and Dundas. James took over the Toronto store with his brother Joseph, from brother John, in 1832. The stores expanded from books and stationery to include pharmaceutical products.

In many respects, Lesslie's life ran in parallel to Mackenzie's, from their birth in Dundee, their immigration to Upper Canada, their albeit brief business partnership, to their lifelong commitment to Reform politics. Lesslie was an astute politician, and helped found many of the city's working-class institutions, from the Mechanics Institute to the House of Refuge and Industry. He was also a city Alderman when Mackenzie was mayor, and the president of the Political Union that supported Mackenzie's legislative battles.

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