James Lyons Biggar
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Source: Library and Archives Canada
James Lyons Biggar (February 4, 1824 – May 24, 1879) was an Ontario merchant and political figure. He represented Northumberland East in the Canadian House of Commons from 1874 to 1878 as an Independent Liberal.
He was born in Carrying Place, Upper Canada in 1824, the son of Charles Biggar, whose parents had come from Biggar in Scotland. He was educated at Victoria College in Cobourg. In 1856, he married Isabella Hodgins; his wife's brothers, Thomas and John George, became prominent figures in the province. Biggar owned a general store and served as postmaster. He represented East Northumberland in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada from 1861 until Confederation. He was defeated by Joseph Keeler for the federal seat in 1872 and then defeated Keeler in 1874; that election was appealed but Biggar won the by-election which followed. In the 1878 general election, he was again defeated by Keeler. Biggar served as a member of the Senate for Victoria College.
His son William Hodgins served in the Ontario legislative assembly. His daughter Sarah Isabella married George Elliott Casey, who also served in the House of Commons. His son Henry Percival, an authority on the history of New France, served as chief archivist for Canada in Europe [1]. His son Charles Robert Webster married Jane Helen Mowat, the daughter of Oliver Mowat; their son, Oliver Mowat Biggar served as Canada's first Chief Electoral Officer. His sister Eliza Marie married Herbert Charles Wilson who served in the legislative assembly for the Northwest Territories.
Biggar Township in Nipissing District was named in his honour.
