John Taylor (Manitoba politician) facts for kids

John Taylor (1834 – March 3, 1925) was an important Métis farmer and politician in Manitoba, Canada. He served in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, which is like the province's parliament, representing the area of Headingley from 1875 to 1879.

John Taylor: A Manitoba Leader

John Taylor played a key role in the early history of Manitoba. He was known for his work as a farmer and for his dedication to public service. His life shows how people helped shape the new province of Manitoba.

Early Life and Education

John Taylor was born in 1834 in St. Paul's Parish, Manitoba. His father, James Taylor, was a chief fisherman for the Hudson's Bay Company. His mother was Mary Inkster. John received his education at St. Paul's School.

From 1852 to 1856, John Taylor worked as a school teacher. He taught in different places like Oxford House, Norway House, and at the parish school in Headingley. In 1856, he bought land near the Assiniboine River and became a farmer.

A Career in Politics

John Taylor was involved in politics from an early age. In 1870, he represented Headingley as a member of the Convention of Forty. This group helped create the rules for Manitoba to join Canada.

He was also part of a group from Portage la Prairie that was held by Louis Riel in February 1870. This was during a time of big changes and disagreements in Manitoba.

Taylor was first elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 1870. However, he was unseated after some votes were found to be invalid. He ran again and was successfully elected in the general election of 1875. He was re-elected in 1878.

During his time in government, John Taylor was a member of the Manitoba cabinet. He served as the Minister of Agriculture, helping to guide farming policies in the province. Besides his work in the legislature, he was also a justice of the peace, which meant he helped keep law and order. He also spent thirty years as a school trustee, helping to manage local schools.

Family Life

John Taylor was married twice and had a large family. In 1856, he married Flora Campbell, a Métis woman. They had eight children together. After Flora passed away in 1872, John married Frances Jane Brown in 1873. With Frances, he had fourteen more children, bringing his total to 22 children.

His Legacy

John Taylor died at his home in Headingley in 1925. He is remembered for his contributions to Manitoba's early government and for his long service to his community.

To honor his memory, John Taylor Collegiate, a school in Winnipeg, was named after him.