Michael Wallace (1744-1831) was a merchant, politician, judge, and colonial administrator. A central figure in early 19th-centiry Nova Scotia, he first rose to prominence in 1785 when elected to the House of Assembly as a representative for Halifax County. After that, he succeeded in ingratiating himself with Loyalists prominent in the local administration and rose to become provincial treasurer in 1797. By 1820 he succeeded John Wentworth as surveyor general of the colony. In this document, as President and Commander in Chief of the Province, he orders Thomas Crawley to survey 100 acres of land near Lingan for John Dunfy. Eventually Wallace became administrator during the absences of the lieutenant governor. His uncompromising Toryism and antagonistic personality made him increasing unpopular in later years, while his adherence to the 18th-century style of dress gave the impression he was an anachronism. While he died a wealthy man, critics believed much of his money was obtained through speculation with public funds. Nevertheless, when he died, his funeral was a public ceremony attended by officials and a long train of inhabitants.
