John Egan (Canadian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Egan
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| Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada | |
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| Born | November 11, 1811 Lissavahaun near Aughrim, County Galway (Republic of Ireland) |
| Died | July 11, 1857 (aged 45) Québec, Lower Canada |
| Occupation | businessman, politician |
John Egan (November 11, 1811 – July 11, 1857) was an important Irish-Canadian businessman and politician. He played a big role in developing the Ottawa region of Canada.
Contents
John Egan: A Pioneer in Canada
Early Life and Business Beginnings
John Egan was born in Ireland in 1811. He moved to Aylmer, Lower Canada (which is now part of Quebec), in 1830. He first worked for a lumber company. Soon after, he started his own business near Bytown (which is now the city of Ottawa).
Building a Lumber Empire
John Egan became a very successful lumber businessman. He created the town of Eganville in the Ottawa Valley. He also expanded his work to other rivers like the Quyon, Petawawa, and Madawaska.
In 1839, Egan helped pay for the first flour and sawmill in Aylmer. Later, in 1845, he started the Union Forwarding Company with Joseph Aumond. This company helped move goods. He also built many sawmills in the late 1840s.
Egan worked with Ruggles Wright to run a steamship. This ship carried goods on the Ottawa River. He also helped bring railway service to the area. This included the Bytown and Prescott Railway.
The Founding of Eganville
In 1838, John Egan bought a farm at a place called the 'Fifth Chute'. He developed this area into the village of Eganville. The town is named after him. He built dams and slides for timber along the Bonnechere River. Thousands of people worked for him in lumber camps and transportation. Because of Egan's focus on red pine and his investments, the area around Eganville became a major center for lumber.
By 1850, John Egan was the most powerful person in the timber trade along the Ottawa River.
A Leader in Politics
John Egan was also active in politics. In 1847, he was elected as the first mayor of Aylmer.
He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada in 1848. He represented the Ottawa County area. He was re-elected in 1851. In 1854, he became the first elected representative for the new area called Pontiac.
Later Life and Legacy
Sadly, the market for red pine lumber went down in 1854. This caused John Egan to go bankrupt.
He passed away in 1857 in Quebec City. He was still representing Pontiac at the time. He had been in poor health for two years.
In 1864, a township in Quebec was named Egan Township in his honor. You can find it near Egan-Sud, Quebec.
See also
- Mac Aodhagáin
- Ottawa River timber trade
