William Buell Richards

The Honourable Sir William Buell Richards PC
The Honourable Sir William Buell Richards, portrait by his niece Frances Richards
1st Chief Justice of Canada
In office September 30, 1875 – January 10, 1879
Nominated by	Alexander Mackenzie
Succeeded by	William Johnstone Ritchie
1st Chief Justice of Ontario
In office November 6, 1868 – September 29, 1875
Succeeded by	Robert Alexander Harrison
Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for Leeds
In office 1848–1853
Preceded by	Ogle Robert Gowan
Succeeded by	Jesse Delong
Personal details
Born	(1815-05-02)May 2, 1815 Brockville, Upper Canada
Died	January 26, 1889(1889-01-26) (aged 73) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Political party	Reformer
Spouse	Deborah Catherine Muirhead ​ ​ (m. 1846)​
Relations	William Buell, uncle Stephen Richards, brother Albert Norton Richards, brother
Children	5
Alma mater	St. Lawrence Academy

Sir William Buell Richards PC (May 2, 1815 – January 26, 1889) was a Canadian lawyer, politician, and judge, and served as the first Chief Justice of Canada.