John Classon Miller

Who was John Classon Miller?

John Classon Miller was an Ontario lumber merchant and political figure. He represented Muskoka and Parry Sound in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1875 to 1882 as a Liberal member.

He was born in Yonge Township, Leeds County, Upper Canada in 1836 and entered business as a merchant at Seeleys Bay. Miller served as deputy sheriff for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. In 1859, he married Adelaide Augusta Chamberlain. He moved to Toronto and was employed by the Ontario Crown Lands Department from 1868 to 1871, acting as superintendent of woods and forests. He then, with others, purchased timber rights and a sawmill at Parry Sound, forming the Parry Sound Lumber Company. In 1877, he became the owner and general manager for the company, which soon grew to become one of the most important businesses in the region.

Miller's election to the legislative assembly in 1875 was declared invalid on appeal; this decision was then overturned by the Court of Error and Appeal in 1876. He was reelected in 1879 but resigned in 1882 to contest the federal seat, losing to William Edward O'Brien by three votes.

He died of tuberculosis in Colton, California in 1884 and was buried at Parry Sound.