John A. Macdonald

The Right Honourable Sir John Alexander Macdonald, KCMG, GCB, QC, PC (January 11, 1815 – June 6, 1891) was the first Prime Minister of Canada from July 1, 1867 – November 5, 1873 and October 17, 1878 – June 6, 1891. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland.

Related Topics:
The Right Honourable - KCMG - GCB - QC - PC - January 11 - 1815 - June 6 - 1891 - Prime Minister of Canada - July 1 - 1867 - November 5 - 1873 - October 17 - 1878 - Glasgow - Scotland

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While there is some debate over his actual birthdate, January 11 is the official date recorded and January 10 is the day Macdonald celebrated it. His parents, Hugh Macdonald and Helen Shaw, met in Scotland in 1811. After the failure of his father's business ventures, his family emigrated to Canada in 1820 along with thousands of others seeking affordable land and promises of new prosperity.

Related Topics:
1811 - Emigrated - 1820

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Macdonald did prosper, becoming a lawyer in 1836 and earning the esteem of many in his defence of American raiders in the Rebellions of 1837. In 1843, at the age of 28, he married his cousin, Isabella Clark (1811 - 1857). They had two children: a son John who died at the age of one, and a second son Hugh John who went on to become premier of the Province of Manitoba. Ten years after the passing of his wife, in 1867, the year of Canadian Confederation, he married Susan Agnes Bernard (1836-1920). They had one daughter, Margaret Mary Theodora Macdonald (1869-1933).

Related Topics:
1836 - Rebellions of 1837 - 1843 - 1811 - 1857 - Hugh John - Premier - Province - Manitoba - Canadian Confederation - Susan Agnes Bernard - 1920 - 1869 - 1933

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