John Gillies (Canadian politician)

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John Gillies (1837 – December 10, 1889) was an Ontario farmer and political figure. He represent Bruce North in the Canadian House of Commons from 1872 to 1882 and in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1883 to 1886 as a Liberal.

He was born in Kilcalmonell, Argyll, Scotland and came to Canada West in 1852, settling near Paisley. Gillies was reeve for Elderslie Township from 1857 to 1873 and warden for Bruce County. He also served as a major in the local militia. Gillies defeated Alexander Sproat, who had served in the first Canadian parliament, in 1872 and 1878 to win the seat in the House of Commons. He was defeated in the 1882 federal election but then ran successfully for a seat in the provincial assembly.

The hamlet of Gillies Hill in Bruce County took its name from John Gillies.

[edit] References

• Synopsis of federal political experience from the Library of Parliament
• The Canadian parliamentary companion, 1885 JA Gemmill
• Member's parliamentary history for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario
• The History of the County of Bruce ..., N Robertson

Parliament of Canada
Preceded by Alexander Sproat	Member of Parliament for Bruce North 1872–1882	Succeeded by Alexander McNeill