• Source of title proper: Title based on contents of the fonds

The fonds consists of 2 slightly varying copies of a biographical account of John A. Mathieson written by his son David Laird Mathieson. It is personal and anecdotal in nature written over forty years after J. A. Mathieson's death.

John Alexander Mathieson was born in Harrington, Prince Edward Island, on 19 May 1863 to Anne (Stewart) and Ronald Mathieson. He worked for several years in a grocery store in Charlottetown and at a fish plant in Miminegash before entering Prince of Wales College to obtain a teachers certificate. Mathieson taught at Desable and in Manitoba. Determined to study law, upon returning to P.E.I., he began articling with a firm in Charlottetown. In 1894 Mathieson was admitted to the Bar; practicing first in Georgetown and later in Charlottetown.

In 1903 Mathieson's political career began with his election as conservative member of legislature for Murray Harbour. Within two years he was chosen Leader of the Opposition. With an election victory in 1911, Mathieson became Premier and Attorney General for six years. He served as an MLA until his appointment as Chief Justice in 1917; a post he held for twenty-six years.

Mathieson died in January of 1947.

• Mathieson, David Laird (Creator)
• Mathieson, John A. (Subject)