farmers and who was rewarded for his efforts by becoming recognized as the Dean of Farm Organization Leaders in eastern Canada.

JJ, as he was affectionately known, spent the early years of his life furthering the interests of three farm organizations: The Farmers’ Association, the Dominion Grange and the Canadian Council of Agriculture. Between 1907, when the Farmers’ Association amalgamated with the Grange, and 1916, he served as secretary of the combined organization.

Undoubtedly his greatest achievement stems from the role he played in organizing the United Farmers of Ontario and the United Farmers’ Co-Operative Company Limited. When these two organizations were formed in 1914, he became secretary-treasurer of each and served in that capacity for the United Farmers until 1933 and for the Co-Operative Company until 1935.

When the United Farmers’ Party was elected in 1919, he was offered the post of premier, but declined and promptly nominated E.C. Drury, the man who was chosen to fill the post.