CHAPTER V
THE LEGISLATURE, THE FARM,
AND SMALL CLAIMS COURT

ere was so involved in the Escheat movement by 1838 that

it only made sense that he would run for office that year.

The election in Kings County was held in November and
Vere was one of three candidates running for the two seats in the rid-
ing. The others were John Johnston and John Dalziel. The voting was
held at Taudvin’s Shipyard in Murray Harbour and two days were set
aside for the event. The first day would allow for the nomination of
the candidates, followed by speeches, and then personal campaign-
ing among those in attendance. Apparently things did not go well for
John Johnston because he withdrew on the morning of the second
day, so Vere and John Dalziel were declared elected.

There were 24 seats in the 1838 House, an increase of 8 seats from
the previous Assembly. William Cooper and the Escheat Party gained
control of the Assembly, electing 16 of the members.

The House was called into session on Tuesday, January 22, 1839,
and the first item of business was the election of the Speaker. William
Cooper won the post easily with the support of Vere and the other

47