This file contains information relating to Lt-Col. Richard Tyrwhitt, a politician for Simcoe South in the House of Commons and a Lieutenant-Colonel of the 36th Peel Battalion in the Northwest Rebellion.
Born November 29, 1844 in Simcoe County, he was educated in Barrie and in France. In 1864, he took a first-class certificate at the military school in Toronto, and by 1866, he began active service in the Niagara area during the Fenian Raids as part of the 35th Simcoe Battalion. His military enthusiasm continued through to the Northwest rebellion in 1885. By February 1886, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the 36th Peel Battalion tasked with crushing the Riel Rebels. He was very well appreciated and liked throughout both his military and political careers, and volunteered his service in great times of need to the country. He was elected to the House of Commons for Simcoe South in 1882 after the death of W.C. Little, the previous MP, and stayed in the House until his death on June 22, 1900.
Richard married Emma Whitaker in April 1870, and owned a farm house on Holland St and Sideroad 10 known as Greenview Farm. He died within hours of returning home from Ottawa from an infection of the liver.
