Stinson Jarvis

Thomas Stinson Jarvis (May 31, 1854 – January 1, 1926) was a Canadian-American writer and lawyer. Born in Toronto, he practised law in Ontario before moving to New York City and later to California to pursue a literary career. Jarvis wrote for the popular press and published several novels and other literary works. Except for his first publication, none were particularly well received.

Early life and education

Thomas Stinson Jarvis was born in Toronto, then in Canada West, on May 31, 1854, to Mary (Stinson) and Stephen Jarvis. The Jarvis family stood "in the centre of Toronto society".

Jarvis enrolled at Upper Canada College in September 1863, graduating in 1871. After graduating, he was sent on a one-year tour of Europe and Asia. Jarvis attended Osgoode Hall Law School upon his return to Canada (before its affiliation with York University); he was admitted in 1871 but did not begin studying until 1875.

Jarvis married Anne Louise Croft on May 27, 1881, at the Church of the Redeemer in Toronto.

Legal career

After graduating from Osgoode in 1879, Jarvis articled under Oliver Mowat. He was called to the bar of Ontario in 1879 or 1880. Beginning around 1880, Jarvis practised law in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He often acted in extradition matters; in October 1883, he was appointed to act as extradition counsel to Ontario.

Journalism

Jarvis moved to the United States in 1891, taking up residence at 23 Washington Place in downtown Manhattan, New York. In New York, he initially worked as a sports journalist, writing mainly on yachting for publications including Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper and Sports Afield.