John C. Monteith

Who was John C. Monteith?

John C. Monteith was a politician from the Canadian province of Ontario. He was mayor of Stratford in 1893 and 1894.

He was born in Stratford, the son of Andrew Monteith. Monteith served as reeve, city councillor and mayor for Stratford. He was elected to represent Perth North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1902 but his election was overturned later that year after an appeal.

When Governor Cass asked for a Protestant missionary, the call was answered by the Rev. John Monteith, a young Presbyterian of Scottish lineage. Reverend Monteith and Father Richard ignited a spark which resulted in the founding of the University of Michigan in 1821. Elementary schools in Grosse Pointe have been named for both pioneer educators.