Memorable Manitobans: John Wemyss (1861-1926)

John Wemyss Click to enlarge

Lawyer.

Born on 18 August 1861 at Glasgow, Scotland, son of Robert Wemyss and Catherine K. Wemyss, he was educated at Larchfield Academy, Helensburgh,and Glasgow Academy. He visited Canada and the USA in 1877 then returned to Scotland to enter Glasgow University, from which he graduated in 1882. Several months later, he immigrated to Canada and settled at Winnipeg to work in the law office of Bain, Blanchard and Mulock. In April 1887, he established his own law office in Neepawa.

In 1893 he married Maggie Harrison, daughter of D. H. Harrison. His granddaughter was author Margaret Laurence. He was a member of the IOOF (holding the position of Grand Master of Manitoba in 1902), AF & AM (also Grand Master of Manitoba).

He died at Neepawa on 16 August 1926.

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Margaret Laurence House (312 First Avenue, Neepawa)

Sources:

The Canadian Album: Men of Canada or Success by Example, Vol. III, Bradley, Garretson & Co., Brantford, Ontario, 1894.

A History of Manitoba: Its Resources and People by Prof. George Bryce, Toronto: The Canadian History Company, 1906.

“John Wemyss, widely known Odd Fellow and Mason, dies” Undated newspaper clipping [Manitoba Legislative Library, Biographical Scrapbook B8]

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 10 March 2013

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