John Gilfillan

Who was John Gilfillan?

John Bachop Gilfillan, known as J.B., was a Minnesota politician and lawyer active in the late 19th century. Gilfillan was born on February 11, 1835 in Caledonia County, Vermont. He attended school there, first Caledonia County Grammar School and then Caledonia County Academy, until 1855, when he moved to Minnesota. He was later admitted to the bar and began law practice in 1860. Although not certain, he probably worked as a teacher at some point between 1855 and 1860. Once he became a lawyer, he began his public life.

In 1860, the year he was admitted to the bar, he began his political life. Gilfillan's first political position was as a member of one of the region's first school boards. Long a proponent of education, Gilfillan helped to found the grade school system in Minneapolis. Over then next decade, Gilfillan was a prominent member of the Minneapolis legal establishment.

Gilfillan served four terms as the municipal attorney for St. Anthony, Minnesota. By 1863, he was the county attorney for Hennepin County. He remained in that position for 10 years, although was briefly replaced by George Robinson. From 1865 until 1869, Gilfillan was also a city alderman. Before seeking higher office in 1875, Gilfillan practiced law with Lochren, McNair and Gilfillan.