Joseph Henry Widdifield

Joseph Henry Widdifield was a Canadian physician and political figure. He represented York North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Liberal Party|Liberal] member from 1875 to 1888.

Life

Widdifield was born on June 12, 1845, in Whitchurch, Upper Canada, to Charles Ellis Widdifield, and studied medicine at Victoria University in [the University of Toronto|Victoria College] and St Thomas's Hospital Medical School in London. On his return to Canada, Widdifield set up practice in Newmarket. He served as a coroner and justice of the peace of Victoria County. He also served in the militia during the Fenian raids. He was whip for the provincial Liberal party from 1877 to 1883. Widdifield served as deputy Grand Master for the Masonic order in the Toronto district and also served as provincial medical examiner for the order. In 1888, he resigned his seat in the assembly to accept the position of sheriff for York County. He died on June 3, 1906, aged 60.
In 1965, Widdifield [Secondary School] in the North Bay, Ontario|Widdifield District] of North Bay was named after him.