John MacDonald was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to Kingston in 1820. MacDonald became an alderman in 1843 and was later elected to the Canadian Assembly. On July 1, 1867 he was elected to govern the newly formed Union, which included Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

To encourage British Columbia to join the commonwealth, Macdonald promised a continental railway. He also felt it would help prevent the Americans from claiming the land for themselves. The railway was started, but soon struck financial trouble. Macdonald, who believed in the railroad, fought to get the Franchise Bill passed by the House of Commons. It was through his efforts that the CPR first became a reality to many Canadians. The railway plan floundered when McDonald resigned in 1873. When he was returned to government he put considerable effort into completing the transcontinental railway. Macdonald convinced the government to help finance the project.

On May 29th, 1891 Macdonald suffered a stroke which left him virtually paralysed. Everyone mourned, knowing that the country's prime minister had only a little time left. On June 6 the news came that John A. Macdonald had died. He was carried to Kingston by train to be buried next to his family.

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