Andrew Rainsford Wetmore

Andrew Rainsford Wetmore was born into a distinguished Loyalist family. His father, George Ludlow Wetmore, was the last New Brunswicker killed in a formal duel (20 October 1821). (See History of Duelling in Canada.)

Andrew Wetmore went into law. He joined the anti-Confederationists for the 1865 electoral victory and expected the attorney generalship. After he was refused that office, he moved to the Confederationists to be "certain to have been right at least once," even though he was considered a "political weathercock" for his move. (See also New Brunswick and Confederation.)

The 1867 mass exodus of New Brunswick politicians to Ottawa (see Federal Government) propelled Wetmore to the premiership and the attorney general's office. He was also promised the Supreme Court. Under his leadership, provincial affairs were chaotic. His elevation to the New Brunswick Supreme Court in 1870 was the occasion for political realignment under firmer leadership. George Luther Hatheway replaced him as premier and George Edwin King became attorney general.