James Livingston

Who was James Livingston?

James Livingston was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented Waterloo South in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1879 to 1882 and in the Canadian House of Commons from 1882 to 1900 as a Liberal member.

He was born in East Kilbride, Scotland in 1838, the son of a weaver. He worked at weaving as a youth and then came to Perth County, Canada West in 1856. A year later, Livingston moved to Conestogo in Waterloo County where he worked for flax growers, soon afterwards becoming manager. In 1865, he went into business with his brother growing flax at Wellesley. The company expanded into the production of linseed oil at Baden, also opening a foundry and general store. The business steadily expanded due to Livingston's shrewd business sense, and quickly acquired holdings in the Western Canada as well as Michigan. As the both the Livingston family and business grew, James required the assistance of his new son-in-law, who managed the Michigan holdings.

He served as reeve for Wilmot Township from 1878 to 1879. In 1879, he was elected to the Ontario assembly but resigned his seat in 1882 to run for a seat in the federal parliament.