Sir John A. Macdonald: A Detailed Biography

Sir John Alexander Macdonald (1815–1891) was Canada’s first Prime Minister and the driving force behind Confederation. A brilliant but flawed politician, he served 19 years in office (longest of any Canadian PM), built the transcontinental railway, expanded Canada to the Pacific, and laid the foundations of the modern nation. This biography covers his Scottish childhood, rise in Kingston law and politics, leadership of Confederation, Pacific Scandal, National Policy, and complex legacy, as documented by the Canadian Encyclopedia, the Government of Canada, and the Library and Archives Canada.

Early Life in Scotland and Kingston

Birth in Glasgow

Born on January 11, 1815, in Glasgow to Hugh Macdonald and Helen Shaw, the family immigrated to Kingston, Upper Canada, in 1820 when John was 5. His father’s businesses failed, but young John excelled at school and was articled to a lawyer at age 15, as detailed by the Bellevue House National Historic Site.

Lawyer and Politician

Called to the bar in 1836, Macdonald opened a successful law practice in Kingston. Elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada in 1844 as a Conservative, he became a leading figure in the push for responsible government.

Father of Confederation

Charlottetown, Quebec, and London Conferences

Macdonald was the chief architect of Confederation. At the Charlottetown (1864), Quebec (1864), and London (1866) conferences he negotiated the British North America Act. On July 1, 1867, Canada became a dominion with Macdonald as its first Prime Minister, as documented by the Canadian Heritage.

First Ministry (1867–1873)

Macdonald purchased Rupert’s Land, created Manitoba (1870), brought in British Columbia (1871) and Prince Edward Island (1873), and established the North-West Mounted Police (1873), as recorded by the RCMP Heritage Centre.

Pacific Scandal and Return (1878–1891)

The 1873 Pacific Scandal forced his resignation, but he returned triumphantly in 1878. His National Policy (high tariffs) protected Canadian industry, and the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed in 1885 — fulfilling his promise of a nation “from sea to sea”, as preserved by the Parks Canada.

Personal Life

Married Isabella Clark in 1843 (she died 1857); one surviving son Hugh John. Married Agnes Bernard in 1867; one daughter Mary. Known for heavy drinking (“I get tired of all the politics after a while, and then I drink”) and charm.

Death and Legacy

Sir John A. Macdonald’s Enduring Impact

Macdonald suffered strokes in 1891 and died on June 6 at Earnscliffe, Ottawa, aged 76. His state funeral was one of the largest in Canadian history. Statues across Canada honour him, though many have been removed or recontextualised due to his role in residential schools and anti-Indigenous policies, as analysed by the CBC.

Frequently Asked Questions About John A. Macdonald

Why Is John A. Macdonald Famous?

First Prime Minister and Father of Confederation.

How Many Times Was Macdonald Prime Minister?

Twice — 1867–1873 and 1878–1891 (19 years total).

Where Was John A. Macdonald Born?

Glasgow, Scotland, January 11, 1815.

What Was the Pacific Scandal?

1873 illegal railway campaign donations — forced resignation.

Did Macdonald Create the NWMP?

Yes — forerunner of the RCMP.

Was Macdonald Involved in Residential Schools?

Yes — his government began the system in the 1880s.

How Did John A. Macdonald Die?

Stroke on June 6, 1891, aged 76.