He was a public lecturer, was the son of John and Sarah Carswell, the former of whom was an early watchmaker in York, now Toronto.
Born at Ware, Eng., Feb. 19, 1832, he was brought to Canada in infancy and received his education in Toronto. By profession he was a scenic artist. Mr. Carswell held high rank in the Temperance Order in Canada, and was also a V. P. of the National Temperance Society and Publication House, N. Y. He was a delegate to and a speaker at the World’s Temperance Congress, Chicago, 1893, and enjoyed a wide reputation as a lecturer on Temperance and other subjects. He has addressed audiences in all parts of the United States and Canada, frequently in company with such leaders of opinion as Wendell Phillips, W. Lloyd Garrison, Horace Greeley, Rev. H. W. Beecher, J. B. Gough, Hy. Wilson, and Rev. Dr. Cuyler. Among his best known lectures are those on “Personal Influence,” “Moderation,” “Prohibition,” “Let it alone, and It Won’t Hurt You,” “Is Alcohol as a Beverage a Good Creature of God ?” “Fashion, Avarice and Appetite,” and “Laughing.” He was also the author of many songs and stories for children. Politically he was an old Reformer, but he had recently supported the Lib.-Con. party. He married May, 1856, Miss Rebecca Thomas, Oshawa.
“The most entertaining and eloquent speaker since the days of Gough.”Baltimore News.
“One of the most effective advocates of Temperance who has stood in my pulpit.” Rev. Dr. Cuyler.