John McDonell


 * For other people with the same name, see John Macdonell (disambiguation).

John McDonell (born circa 1758 - died November 21 1809) was a soldier, judge and political figure in Upper Canada. He was the first speaker for the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada.

He was born at Aberchalder Lodge in Scotland. In 1773, he came to the Mohawk Valley of New York with his father and uncles. During the American Revolution, he served with the Royal Highland Emigrants, later joining John Butler's Rangers. For a time, he served as paymaster at Fort Niagara.

After the war, he settled with other highlanders along the Saint Lawrence River in Upper Canada. He was appointed to the land board for the Lunenburgh District in 1788 and later for Glengarry & Stormont in 1792. He was appointed to the Court of Common Pleas and the district Court of Quarter Sessions. He was also named lieutenant for Glengarry County in 1792. He played an important role in the local militia, commanding the Upper Canada Battalion of the Royal Canadian Volunteer Regiment.

In 1792, with his brother Hugh McDonell, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly representing Glengarry and was chosen speaker. He was reelected in 1796, but was unable to attend until 1798 due to illness.

He died of a severe cold at Quebec City in 1809, while serving with the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion.