Henry Cargill

Background

He was born in Nassagaweya Township, Upper Canada, the son of David Carill, an Irish immigrant.

Education

Cargill studied at Queen"s College and entered his father"s lumber business in Halton County, moving to Bruce County in 1879 after purchasing a large parcel of land known as the Greenock Swamp which contained large stands of white pine.

Career

He represented Bruce East in the Canadian House of Commons from 1887 to 1891 and from 1892 to 1903 as a Conservative member. Cargill established mills to process the timber, also establishing a woollen mill and a general store. He also raised cattle, horses and sheep.

The village of Cargill developed as the result of his efforts in the area.

He served as reeve for Greenock Township from 1884 to 1886 and also served as village postmaster. Cargill died in the House of Commons in Ottawa in 1903.

Achievements

• He was defeated in 1891 but appealed and won the subsequent by-election in 1892.