Memorable Manitobans: Benjamin James McConnell (1861-1923)

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Benjamin James McConnell
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Physician, MLA (1908-1910), MLA (1910-1914).

Born in North Renfrew County, Ontario on 28 September 1861, he studied medicine at Kingston. In November 1881, he moved to Nelson to practice and, in 1885, transferred his practice to Morden. In addition to his medical work, he owned the Morden Woolen Mills and a large farm. At one time, he owned a large stone home in Morden.

In the 1907 general election, he was elected to the Manitoba Legislature for the Morden constituency, and was re-elected in 1910. He moved to Winnipeg in 1913 and, two years later, he was appointed provincial coroner and federal administrator for the Narcotics Act.

On 19 November 1884, he married Catherine Pollock “Cassie” Fraser (1862-1930, daughter of James Hugh Fraser) of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. They had a son, Fraser McConnell (1896-1969). He was a member of the AF & AM (Belmont Lodge No. 9), a life governor of the Free Mason’s Hospital of Morden, President of the Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons, and President of the Southern Manitoba Medical Association.

He died at his Winnipeg home, 165 Mayfair Avenue, on 15 February 1923 and was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery.

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: McConnell House (577 Stephen Street, Morden)

Sources:

The Canadian Album: Men of Canada or Success by Example, Vol. III, Bradley, Garretson & Co., Brantford, Ontario, 1894.

1901 Canada census, Automated Genealogy.

Who’s Who in Western Canada: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and Women of Western Canada, Volume 1, edited by C. W. Parker, Vancouver: Canadian Press Association, 1911.

A History of Manitoba: Its Resources and People by Prof. George Bryce, Toronto: The Canadian History Company, 1906.

“Prominent doctor and public official dead,” Manitoba Free Press, 16 February 1923, page 2.

“Representative attendance at funeral of Dr. McConnell,” Manitoba Free Press, 19 February 1923, page 11.

“Woman pioneer to be buried at Elmwood,” Winnipeg Tribune, 25 August 1930, page 18.

“F. McConnell funeral Monday,” The Leader-Post, 15 November 1969, page 4.

We thank Darryl Toews for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 1 December 2024

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

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