John Hearn

Who was John Hearn?

John Hearn was an Irish-born businessman and political figure in Quebec. He represented Quebec West in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec from 1867 to 1877, Stadacona division in the Legislative Council of Quebec from 1877 to 1892 and Quebec West in the Canadian House of Commons from 1892 to 1894 as a Conservative member.

He was born in Waterford, the son of Thomas Hearn and Catherine Power, and was educated at Meagher’s Academy in Ireland. Hearn came to Quebec City in 1842. He first worked as a clerk for Quebec merchant Hugh Murray before entering business on his own as a ship chandler and grocer, later becoming a real estate agent. In 1849, Hearn married Mary Doran. He was a member of the Quebec municipal council from 1856 to 1865, from 1867 to 1873 and from 1877 to 1894, serving as chairman of the ferry committee and later the finance committee. During his time in office, Hearn mainly represented the interests of his Irish constituents. Hearn resigned his seat in the provincial assembly in 1877 after he was named to the Legislative Council.