John Alexander MacDonell (1854-1912)

Civil engineer, MLA (1886-1888), MP (1896-1900).

Born at Dundas, Ontario on 22 November 1854, he was educated at the Hamilton Model School and the School of Technology and Practical Science (Toronto). He was employed by the railways for some time and then became a contractor and civil engineer in western Canada. He later edited the Manitou Mercury.

He was Chief Clerk of the Manitoba Department of Public Works and Chief Engineer of Manitoba. He was a member of the Dufferin Municipal Council. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in 1886 as Liberal candidate for Lorne, and defeated in 1888. In 1896 he was elected to the House of Commons for Selkirk constituency, defeating Hugh Armstrong by one vote, but did not seek re-election in 1900 because of ill health.

MacDonell died at Kingston, Ontario, on 17 October 1912.

Sources:

J. A. Gemmill (editor), The Canadian Parliamentary Companion, 1887. Canadiana.org.

Profile revised: 6 July 2008

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