1851: John Scatcherd

John Scatcherd, Nissouri

Born on January 21, 1800, John Scatcherd was a farmer, merchant and political figure in Canada West. He arrived in Upper Canada in 1821 and settled on a farm in West Nissouri Township. In 1831, he moved to London, Ontario, where he opened the first store that sold hardware. He was named a magistrate for the Court of Quarter Sessions in 1834 and, in 1836, ran unsuccessfully against Mahlon Burwell for the London seated in the Parliament in Upper Canada. From 1854-1858 he represented West Middlesex in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada.

He served as the first Warden in Middlesex County and the second Warden for Oxford County. In addition, he was the first postmaster for Wyton, Ontario and served as the Superintendent of Education. He was also a lieutenant colonel for the County Militia.

John Scatcherd would die in office on June 15, 1858. His sons Thomas and Robert Colin, followed in his political footsteps and served as members of the Canadian House of Commons.