Memorable Manitobans: John Esslemont (1868-1951)

Policeman, grocer.

Born at Fraserburgh, Scotland on 15 August 1868, he married Margaret Napier (1868-1950) on 24 April 1888 and they had four children: John Esslemont (1889-1916), ?? Esslemont (?-?, wife of C. A. McMillan), Jean Anne Wight Esslemont, and William Esslemont (1894-1917). Both of their sons were killed in the First World War. The family immigrated to Canada in 1908 and settled at Hamiota, moving to Brandon in September 1912 where he was a police officer and, as of 1914, served as Chief until being dismissed by the city council in August 1919. He later operated a grocery at Brandon. He was active in Scottish organizations and First Presbyterian church. He died at Brandon on 29 July 1951 and was buried in the Brandon Cemetery.

Sources:

1911 Canada census, Automated Genealogy.

Attestation papers [John Esslemont, William Esslemont], Canadian Expeditionary Force, Library and Archives Canada.

“Council names constable Hardy as Acting Chief,” Brandon Sun, 28 August 1919, page 1.

“Happy gathering marked fiftieth anniversary day,” Brandon Sun, 27 April 1938, page 9.

Obituary [Mrs. John Esslemont], Brandon Sun, 26 August 1950, page 10.

“Funeral of John Esslemont,” Brandon Sun, 1 August 1951, page 9.

Burial transcription, Brandon Municipal Cemetery.

We thank Darryl Toews and Jane Purdie for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 4 January 2018

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

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