Macdonald, Sir John Alexander

Sir John Alexander (1815-1891), a Canadian statesman. He was born at Glasgow, Scotland, January 11, 1815, and died in Ottawa, Ontario, June 6, 1891. His parents removed to Canada when he was a mere child. He was educated at Kingston and was admitted to the bar in 1836. Eight years later he was elected to the Canadian Parliament, and remained ever afterward in government service. When the new constitution of Canada was adopted in 1867 he was made a member of the first cabinet, and was influential in promoting the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In his political affiliations, he was strongly attached to Great Britain and the crown. His reputation is that of a man of ability and integrity.