Pinsent, Sir Robert John

Robert John Pinsent (1834-1893), lawyer, politician, Supreme Court Justice, orator, was born 27 July 1834 at Port de Grave, Conception Bay, Newfoundland, son of Louisa (Broom) and Robert J. Pinsent, a magistrate and judge. Pinsent was married twice, first to Anna Brown Cooke, and then after her death to Emily H.S. Homfray. He died on 28 April 1893 in St. John's.

Pinsent received his education at the Harbour Grace Grammar School. He articled at the law firm of Bryan Robinson, St. John's, commencing in 1850. He was called to the bar in 1856. During his legal career, Pinsent established a reputation as a trial lawyer. Pinsent was appointed Queen's Counsel (QC) in 1865.

In 1859 Pinsent was appointed to the Legislative Council, resigning in 1865 to successfully seek election to the Newfoundland House of Assembly as the member for Brigus-Port de Grave. Initially a supporter of confederation with Canada, he was defeated in the election of 1869. However, Pinsent altered his position several times on the issue of confederation. He was reappointed to the Legislative Council (1869) and served briefly as the leader of the anti-confederates in the upper house. In 1873, he severed his connections with the anti-confederates, and retired from politics in 1878.

Pinsent was appointed Supreme Court Justice and presided over the Circuit at Harbour Grace (1880-93). During this time he administered several northern and southern circuits in outport regions, as well as a variety of sessions around Newfoundland. In 1891 Pinsent headed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Claims by Inhabitants of St. George's for Losses in Their Herring Fisheries, occasioned by their allegations of interference by French fishermen.

Pinsent promoted agriculture as a secondary industry in Newfoundland and developed his own farm on the Salmonier River. An accomplished speaker and orator, he supported the Young Men's Literary and Scientific Institute (and its successor, the Athenaeum in St. John's), serving as President and Vice-President for many years. He was a member of three Church of England synod executives and a Fellow in the Royal Colonial Institute. He was knighted in 1890.

Created - May 6, 2013

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