Matthew McCauley was Edmonton’s first mayor, a businessman, farmer, and politician. He was born on June 11, 1850, in Owen Sound, Ontario. At the age of 21, he left his hometown and moved to Winnipeg. More on edmonton-yes.com.
Travels Across Canada, Settling in Edmonton
In Winnipeg, McCauley worked various jobs until 1874 when he established a cartage business. Five years later, he moved with his family to Saskatchewan. By 1881, the McCauleys settled in Edmonton, where Matthew founded the Edmonton Cartage Company, which specialized in building horse-drawn wagons.
Over the following decades, McCauley became deeply involved in various aspects of Edmonton’s growing community. He was a key figure in founding the public school system, served in the National Guard during the Rebellion, established the Edmonton Board of Trade, and participated in provincial assemblies. Additionally, McCauley was an active member of the Freemason community.
In 1881, thanks to McCauley’s efforts, Edmonton saw the establishment of its first public school. McCauley persuaded the Hudson’s Bay Company to provide funding for the project, splitting the funds between construction and teacher salaries.
In 1884, an ordinance on the Northwest Territories permitted Edmonton residents to form a public school district. A plebiscite later that year approved the initiative.
Although McCauley and other entrepreneurs financed the school, ordinary citizens were required to pay taxes for its maintenance. This sparked conflicts, as many residents opposed paying. A vote revealed that 42 people were against the tax, while 54 supported it.
McCauley solidified his reputation in 1884 when disputes arose over settlers’ claims to land along the North Saskatchewan River. The federal government had not completed a land survey, leaving settlers unable to claim ownership. Meanwhile, new arrivals began building on occupied land, sparking hostility.
McCauley tried to mediate but ultimately resorted to demolishing unauthorized structures with his allies. The courts held him liable, fined him $40, and ordered him to compensate settlers by providing new land. Despite this, McCauley’s actions helped restore peace and order in Edmonton.
Political Career
In 1892, when Edmonton gained town status, McCauley became its first mayor, running unopposed. During his tenure, he led the Rat Creek Rebellion to prevent the relocation of a federal office to Strathcona.
The federal government had decided to move the Dominion Land Office from Edmonton to Strathcona, then a separate community. Citizens, led by McCauley, opposed this. A mob stormed the office, dismantling a wagon intended to transport the office’s documents. The government ultimately reversed its decision.
McCauley also oversaw the construction of a bridge over the North Saskatchewan River, which became vital for railway connections between Edmonton and Calgary.
In 1895, McCauley stepped down as mayor and moved with his family to a farm near Tofield. When Alberta became a province in 1905, he returned to politics, running for alderman in the Vermilion district. After serving one term, he was appointed warden of an Ottawa prison in 1906.
In 1911, McCauley retired to Penticton, where he farmed for 14 years. At the age of 75, he purchased land in the Peace River area of Alberta, where he spent his final years.
Matthew McCauley passed away in 1930. In his honor, a public school and a square in Edmonton bear his name, commemorating his contributions to the city.