1815
Born on January 11 in Glasgow, Scotland.

1820
Emigrates with his family to Upper Canada
(today’s Ontario).

1835
Opens a legal practice in Kingston and enters municipal politics.

1843
Marries his cousin, Isabella Clark, with whom
he has two children, only one of whom —
Hugh John — survives.

1844
Is elected Conservative Member of Parliament
for Kingston, in the Province of Canada
(today’s Quebec and Ontario).

1867
As a widower, marries Susan Agnes Bernard,
with whom he has a daughter, an invalid from birth.
Confederation is declared on July 1. Macdonald becomes the first Prime Minister of Canada,
remaining in office until 1873.

1874–1878
Serves as Leader of the Opposition.

1878
Becomes Prime Minister again, until 1891.

1885
Sends troops to quell the rebellion in the Northwest. Métis leader Louis Riel is executed

1885
Pushes the transcontinental railway through to
British Columbia.

1891
Dies in office on June 6 in Ottawa.