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About Robert Wilkes
- Robert Wilkes (June 24, 1832 – August 16, 1880) was an Irish-Canadian politician and businessman.
- Born in Tullaghan, County Leitrim, Ireland, Wilkes came to Toronto from his native Ireland at sixteen, working as a clerk before buying a jewelry firm, Rossin Brothers, which he expanded into a cross-country operation.
- He later invested in railroads, and in 1871 he was appointed director of the Canadian Bank of Commerce. In 1872 he was elected Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, as a Liberal.
- The election was regarded by observers on both sides as rife with enmity, bribery and corruption.
- In 1874 he was re-elected, but the return was voided and he retired from politics.
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