Thomas Chandler Haliburton (1796-1865) was a prominent Nova Scotian politician, judge, and author. He played a significant role in Nova Scotia's politics before its entry into the Confederation of Canada and later became the first internationally renowned fiction author from Canada. Haliburton immigrated to England in 1856 and served as a Conservative Member of Parliament. He was the father of Lord Haliburton, a British civil servant, and Robert Grant Haliburton, an anthropologist. Born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Haliburton attended the University of King's College and later became a lawyer in Annapolis Royal. While he achieved success as a local businessman and judge, he gained the most fame through his writings. His Clockmaker series, originally published in the Novascotian and later as a book, brought him international acclaim. The series humorously depicted the adventures of the main character, Sam Slick. In addition to his literary achievements, Haliburton was connected to the English Burton family, residing in England and engaging with his cousins, including James Burton, an Egyptologist. After retiring from law, Haliburton moved to England and married Sarah Harriet Owen Williams. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Launceston, Cornwall, in 1859. Haliburton continued writing until his passing in 1865, leaving behind a legacy as a notable Canadian author and political figure.
