(21 Feb. 1855-27 May 1929), school inspector, political figure. (J. J. Craig, military titles Major, Col., Lt. Col., routinely used) Born in Charlottenburgh Township, GC. Parents: James Craig, who was GC’s first MLA after Confederation, and his wife Flora MacLeod. J. J. Craig, the subject of the present entry, attended primary school at Glen Walter, grammar school at Williamstown, both in GC, then Upper Canada College, and Queen’s University (B. A., 1866). He taught primary school at Arnprior, and high school at Orangeville, Arthur, Goderich and Mount Forest, all in Ont. During his teaching years, he took 2 years out to study law, but decided not to pursue that profession. In 1881 he became public school inspector for South Wellington, with an inspectorate of 86 schools. He was believed to be at the time of his death the oldest school inspector in the province. In 1882, he settled in Fergus, Ont., which was his home for the remainder of his life, almost half a century. He was married 10 June 1891 to Margaret Argo, of Fergus. He was reeve of Fergus for four years.

     At the Ontario general election of 25 Jan. 1905, he was elected Conservative MLA for the constituency of Wellington East. He was re-elected at the general election of 1908, but was defeated at that of 11 Dec. 1911. In the Ontario general elections of 1914 and 1923, standing again for this seat as the Conservative candidate, he was again defeated.

     He was active in the militia, rising to the rank of colonel. He was a Presbyterian, and remained with the Presbyterian Church at Church Union. He was a Mason and an Orangeman. Active in a range of community affairs, he was a strong promoter of lacrosse. He died at his home in Fergus. (children surviving him: 3)

Fergus News-Record, 30 May 1929, with editorial of tribute, portrait; another obituary, ND, from Mount Forest Confederate * information kindly supplied by Wellington County Museum & Archives * Canadian Parliamentary Guide 1908 p. 225 * Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington Ontario (1906) 21 (biog. sketch) * Roderick Lewis 394