Andrew Wetmore, a jurist and politician, and served as the Premier of New Brunswick from 1867 to 1870. Born in Fredericton in 1820, he came from a prominent Loyalist family. His father, George Ludlow Wetmore, holds the distinction of being the last New Brunswicker to be killed in a formal duel, which occurred on October 20, 1821.
Andrew Wetmore pursued a career in law and joined the anti-Confederationists, helping them secure victory in the 1865 elections. He had hoped to be appointed as attorney general, but when denied the position, he switched to the Confederationists. This move led some to label him a “political weathercock.” Wetmore justified his decision by saying that it ensured he would have been “right at least once.”
In 1867, a large number of New Brunswick politicians moved to Ottawa, opening the way for Andrew Wetmore to become both the premier and attorney general. He was also promised a seat on the Supreme Court. During his tenure, provincial affairs were disorganized, and when he was finally appointed to the New Brunswick Supreme Court in 1870, it prompted a political reorganization under more stable leadership.
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