John Graham (Manitoba politician)

John Graham
Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
In office 1914–1920
Personal details
Born	(1864-03-09)March 9, 1864 Selkirkshire, Scotland
Died	November 7, 1951(1951-11-07) (aged 87) St. Vital, Manitoba
Political party	Liberal
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Heattie ​ (m. 1892)​
Occupation	Farmer, politician

John Graham (March 9, 1864^[1] – November 7, 1951^[2]) was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He served in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1914 to 1920, as a member of the Liberal Party.

Biography[]

Graham was born in Selkirkshire, Scotland, the son of William Graham and Lillias Riddell, and was educated at , Selkirk and Heriot, Midlothian. He came to Canada in 1890, and worked as a farmer and livestock importer. In 1892, Graham married Elizabeth Heattie. For many years, he was the Manitoba vice-president on the Board of the Clydesdale Horse Association. Graham resided in Carberry during his political career, and was a Presbyterian in religion.^[2]

He was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in the 1914 provincial election, defeating incumbent Conservative Robert F. Lyons^[1] by sixty-eight votes in the constituency of . The Conservatives won this election, and Graham sat as a member of the opposition.

In early 1915, the Conservative administration of Rodmond Roblin was forced from office amid a corruption scandal. A new election was called, which the Liberals won in a landslide.^[3] Graham was personally re-elected, defeating Lyons^[1] by 163 votes. For the next five years, he served as a backbench supporter of Tobias Norris's administration. He was defeated in the 1920 election, losing to Conservative Reuben Waugh^[1] by 217 votes.

He died at home in St. Vital in 1951.^[2]

References[]