Sir John A. MacDonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada. Although originally against the idea of Confederation – as soon as he was on board with the idea, he became a strong advocate which led to his first term as leader in 1867.
During his time in office, Sir John A. made significant advances for the nation of Canada, including the cross country railway and the expansion of our lands. Sadly, though, there are a few bad things he is remembered for too – including racism against Asians and First Nations people, alcoholism, and a money scandal during the building of the railway. It was also during his leadership that rebellion began with the Metis people led by Louis Riel.
Despite his shortcomings, Sir John A MacDonald held the office of Prime Minister for 19 years in total, the second longest of all our leaders.
The year 2015 marks Sir John A.’s 200th birthday.
As he was our first Prime Minister, there is a lot of valuable resources available for us to use while learning about him, his life, and his time in office.
About his life:
Life of Sir John A MacDonald- a timeline of John A’s life.
Sir John A MacDonald – from the Canadian Encyclopedia. This is a very full page of information including video clips and photos.
Sir John A MacDonald – written in a chapter format, this site uses anecdotes to bring the life of John A to its readers.
Lesson Plans
John A: Birth of a Country Resource Guide – from The Historical Thinking Project
Sir John A Macdonald and Confederation– from Historica Canada for grades 9-12
Videos
John A. – Birth Of A Country
– This video is a two part series about the beginning of Canada as a country.
The Life of Sir John A MacDonald – A short video of Sir John A’s early life.
Sir John A MacDonald’s Legacy– a video that speaks to the negative and positive aspects of his legacy
The History Moments:
Reference Books
Library Call Number: 971.051
Other
City of Kingston – Self-Guided Historic Tours. Follow the footsteps of our first Prime Minister through the city of Kingston with a printable tour guide written by Kingston writer Arthur Milnes.
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My name is Steven Millikin from St. Andrews, NB and my great great grandfather is Sir John A. Macdonald.
my family has been keeping a secret for a long time now and me being the last to tell the story, it’s time. I can’t find anybody that is willing to help me tell it to Canadians, can you please help, this is real history
I do not want to take away from his great service to Canadians only tell the truth.
I have several artifacts pertaining to Sir John A. MacDonald. I would like to a chance to make a documentary or tv mini series or book . I had Scott from the Canadian Pickers visit me last summer in St. Andrews NB and he made me an offer of being on his show this year 2014, and CBC 4 rooms but I think it’s not the right venue . I think with Sir John’s 200th birthday next year that it maybe its time this untold history is told before it’s lost to history. I would like your opinion and see if it’s something you can help me with. P.S. January 10th was celebrated by our family as his real birthday.
John the Bigamist
200 th Birthday
Sir John A. MacDonald
January 10th 1815 – June 6th 1891
The Father of Confederation
Sir John A. MacDonald’s secret marriage to Catherine Denenhaner his third wife.
They meet at British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli funeral April 27th 1881
The secret marriage was to be revealed when Sir John A. MacDonald left office, divorced his second wife and retired to St. Andrews, NB.
First and only born was Annabel F. MacDonald on March 14th 1882 in St. Andrews West, Ont.
Photos of Catherine Denenhaner and Sir John A. MacDonald were never taken and the secret never talked about to help protect the family.
A Chair was made special for the birth of Annabel by Sir John and signed by Annabel, with two photos of the chair with Annabel.
Annabel was Promised by Sir John that when she grownup that she could be one of the Prime Ministers Body Guards.
Friends of Sir John helped to keep it a secret by sending his mistress/wife and daughter secretly on the same train as Sir John and Sir William Van Horne are travelling on to the home of the Ballantyne summer estate “Charles Bellenden. Ballantyne Dorval, PQ. One-time owner of Sherwin Williams Paints” in St. Andrews, NB. for opening of The Algonquin hotel on Aug. 16, 1889
Annabel F. MacDonald Married in St. Andrews, New Brunswick 1904 to
Thomas E. Williamson “Ballantyne’s head gardener’ and later after serving in the 66th Canadian field artillery in the great war became captain of the Ballantyne Yahat Osiris’“
Annabel’s Grave Site Photo with Her in the Shot it just before Her Death.
Annabel F. ‘Fanny’ MacDonald Chair
Annabel F. MacDonald’s Birth Certificate showing John A. MacDonald and Catherine Denenhaner St. Andrews West, Ont. In 1882.
Photos of Annabel Dressed in Different Uniforms and MacDonald/Williamson Klan Tartens.
Photo of Catherine Denenhaner with Annabel.
Item
3 Plates Germany from Catherine Denenhaner.
The MacDonald Kilt Pin.
MacDonald Silver Match Box Holded.
MacDonald Rug Hook.
‘Photos of the Ballantyne Yahat Osiris’
Tea Cup # 13 By Apiontment, 1955 The Invitation. Annabel MacDonald Meets the Queen and Queen Mother for Garden Party.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Very exciting that you are able to trace your family history to Sir John A – and that you have both great stories and artifacts! I’m not sure how I can be of help for your plans, but feel free to email me and we can connect.
Fascinating alleged story, I find hard to believe, except, our family has a story with an interesting coincidence. Apparently our great great grandmother on my mother’s side was Sir John’s 2nd cousin, they used to play together when they were kids. Her name was – Annabelle.
Alluding perhaps Sir John choosing Annabel for that daughter because of fond memories of his 2nd cousin.
Makes for wondering.