James Arthur Mathieu

Who was James Arthur Mathieu?

James Arthur Mathieu was an Ontario lumber merchant, philanthropist and political figure. He represented Rainy River in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Conservative-Liberal and then Conservative member from 1911 to 1923 and 1926 to 1929. He was born at Alma, Wisconsin.

Mathieu came to Rainy River from Minnesota around 1903 as a manager of a sawmill and later established his own lumber company. He set up an educational foundation to provide financial assistance for students from the area. Mathieu also established a wildlife reserve and help fund community projects in the region. During his time in the provincial assembly, he helped promote the development of roads to encourage settlement in the district.