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John Classon Miller

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John Classon Miller
Ontario MPP
In office
1875–1882
Preceded byNew riding
Succeeded byJames Whitney Bettes
ConstituencyMuskoka and Parry Sound
Personal details
Born(1836-12-16)December 16, 1836
Leeds County, Upper Canada
DiedApril 2, 1884(1884-04-02) (aged 47)
Colton, California
Political partyLiberal
Spouse
Adelaide Augusta Chamberlain
(m. 1859)
OccupationLumber merchant

John Classon Miller (December 16, 1836 – April 2, 1884) was an Ontario lumber merchant and political figure. He represented Muskoka and Parry Sound in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1875 to 1882 as a Liberal member.

He was born in Yonge Township, Leeds County, Upper Canada in 1836 and entered business as a merchant at Seeleys Bay. Miller served as deputy sheriff for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. In 1859, he married Adelaide Augusta Chamberlain. He moved to Toronto and was employed by the Ontario Crown Lands Department from 1868 to 1871, acting as superintendent of woods and forests. He then, with others, purchased timber rights and a sawmill at Parry Sound, forming the Parry Sound Lumber Company. In 1877, he became the owner and general manager for the company, which soon grew to become one of the most important businesses in the region.

Miller's election to the legislative assembly in 1875 was declared invalid on appeal; this decision was then overturned by the Court of Error and Appeal in 1876. He was reelected in 1879 but resigned in 1882 to contest the federal seat, losing to William Edward O'Brien by three votes.

He died of tuberculosis in Colton, California in 1884 and was buried at Parry Sound.

His son John Bellamy took over the operation of the lumber company which continued to operate until 1931.

Electoral history

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1875 Ontario general election: Muskoka and Parry Sound
Party Candidate Votes %
Liberal John Classon Miller 839 58.63
Conservative J. Long 592 41.37
Total valid votes 1,431 65.52
Eligible voters 2,184
Liberal pickup new district.
Source: Elections Ontario[1]
1879 Ontario general election: Muskoka and Parry Sound
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal John Classon Miller 1,704 57.98 −0.65
Conservative Mr. Boys 1,235 42.02 +0.65
Total valid votes 2,939 74.90 +9.38
Eligible voters 3,924
Liberal hold Swing −0.65
Source: Elections Ontario[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Data Explorer". Elections Ontario. 1875. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  2. ^ "Data Explorer". Elections Ontario. 1879. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
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