| description: | Honourable John Norquay (1841-1889) Ex-Premier Of Manitoba. He Was Born At St. Andrew'S To Isabella And John Norquay On May 8, 1841. His Parents Died When He Was Very Young And He Was Adopted By His Grandather, James Spence. He Was The Firstpremier Born In Manitoba From 1878 - 1887. First He Was A Teacher, Then In The Fur Trade, And Later A Farmer And A Politician. He Was Appointed A Member Of The Executive Council And Minister Of Public Works And Agriculture On December 14, 1871 Til 1874. Was Provicial Secretary In March 1875 And The Next Year Became Minister Of Public Works. He Formed The New Goverment And Held The Offices Of Premier, President Of The Executive Council And Provincial Treasurer. He Was Appointed Railway Commmissioner On Sept 1886.At The Time Of His Death He Was The Only Mla Who Had Continuously Held A Seat In The Legislative Assembly Since Its Inception. He Spoke Fluently In English, French, Cree And Saulteaux. He Was A Member Of The Manitoba Club, The Anglican Synod And Exec Committee Of Rupertsland. He Was Part Scotch. He Died On July 5, 1889. Photo From The John James Chishom Collection Courtesy Of Kathleen Chisholm |