William Dunlop

Born in Greenock, Scotland, on November 19, 1792, William "Tiger" Dunlop studied medicine at the University of Glasgow and went on to serve as an army surgeon. He saw action in the War of 1812, and his experiences later fed the lively, anecdotal style that made his writing stand out.

After military service and time in India, he settled in British North America, where he became closely associated with the Canada Company and the development of the Huron Tract in Upper Canada. He was also active in public life, serving in politics and becoming well known as a bold, unconventional figure whose nickname, "Tiger," matched his reputation.

As an author, Dunlop wrote travel sketches, recollections, and promotional works about Canada, including Statistical Sketches of Upper Canada and later war memoirs. Readers have long been drawn to his energetic storytelling, which mixes observation, wit, and a sometimes rough-edged personality, giving a memorable picture of life in the early nineteenth century.