Hugh Macdonald, John A’s Son: ‘All Time Kindliest Gentleman’
Commentary Sir John A. Macdonald was a hard act to follow, as four successors in five years found out. No other prime minister has matched his expansive mastery or faith in the parliamentary system, let alone the profound public esteem he enjoyed. For his son, too, the legacy could be a burden, yet Sir Hugh [...]
Hugh John Macdonald, son of Sir John A. Macdonald, faced the challenge of following a towering legacy. Despite this burden, he served three military tours and became known as “Manitoba’s all time kindliest gentleman” for his outstanding qualities. Historian Hal Guest notes that Hugh always bore the burden of heredity and could not escape being known as “the old man’s son.”
- Hugh John Macdonald, son of Sir John A. Macdonald, found his father’s legacy a difficult act to follow.
- He served three military tours on the front lines of Victorian Canada’s survival.
- Hugh was described as having outstanding qualities and was known as “Manitoba’s all time kindliest gentleman.”
- Historian Hal Guest stated Hugh “bore the burden of heredity throughout his life” and could never escape being known as “the old man’s son.”
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