Joseph James Duffus

Who was Joseph James Duffus?

Joseph James Duffus was a Canadian merchant and parliamentarian.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, Duffus was a graduate of the Royal School of Cavalry and Royal School of Infantry and in his career was a soldier, farmer and businessman.

He served with the 3rd Prince of Wales Canadian Dragoons and the 247th Regiment and with the Canadian Coronation Contingent and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and then colonel.

Duffus was a merchant and building contractor by trade and was active in politics and was elected to Peterborough's city council in 1909 after two unsuccessful attempts. He served as an alderman for six years before being elected Mayor in 1916 and 1917. He also served as president of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.

He attempted to win a seat in the Canadian House of Commons in the 1926 and 1930 federal elections but was defeated in both attempts.