Hughes Mearns was born at the foot of the Glenshee Hills in the Scottish Highlands in 1812. He was educated at Glasgow University and trained as a journalist. He emigrated to Canada in 1833, where he began practising law. He was appointed Secretary of the Province of Canada in 1841, became Attorney-General for Upper Canada in 1844, and served as Governor-General of British North America (now Canada) from 1849 to 1850
During his term of office he was responsible for negotiating the Webster-Ashburton Treaty. After returning to England, Hughes Mearns became editor of the Manchester Guardian newspaper in England. He died at his home in London on February 16, 1904.
As I was sitting in my chair, I knew the bottom wasn't there, Nor legs nor back, but I just sat, Ignoring little things like that.Hughes Mearns
As I was going up the stair I met a man who wasn't there. He wasn't there again today. I wish I wish he'd stay away.Hughes Mearns
