Famous People From Grey County
Grey County is proud to have had a part in the well known lives of the following nationally known people.
Billy Bishop, air ace William Avery Bishop, celebrated fighter pilot of the Great War, spent his childhood in Owen Sound. In the 1920s, he and a partner ran a small air service; although the rest of his career was outside of aviation, he helped recruit aircrew during World War II. Find out more by visiting the Billy Bishop Heritage Museum.
Tommy Burns, champion boxer Born in Hanover as Noah Brusso, Tommy Burns was the only Canadian to hold the world heavyweight boxing title. Although only 5 feet, 7 inches tall, from 1906 to 1908, he defended his title ten times. In his whole career, he lost only four of 60 bouts. See Tommy's boxing record.
John George Diefenbaker, Prime Minister Canada's thirteenth prime minister was born in Neustadt in 1895, and moved west with his family soon after. A fiery speaker, "The Man from Prince Albert" gained his first parliamentary seat in 1940, and went on to lead the country with his vision of "One Canada". The house where he was born in Neustadt has now been turned into a museum. Learn more about John Diefenbaker.
Agnes Campbell Macphail, Member of Parliament. The first woman elected to Canada's Parliament was born in Proton Township, and represented the riding of Grey-Bruce from 1921 to 1940. A noted speaker and debater, she worked for reform of prisons, and for fair treatment of workers throughout Canada. Visit Agnes Campbell Macphail's website.
Nellie Mooney McClung, writer and activist Born on a farm near Chatsworth, Nellie McClung used her writing talents in the campaign for women's rights after moving to the West. Known across Canada as a speaker, she was a member of the CBC's first board of governors. To learn more about Nellie McClung, visit the Library and Archives Canada.
Nahnebahwequay (Catharine Sutton), Native leader Nahnebahwequay, a woman of the Mississaugas, lost her status as an Indian when she married William Sutton. Although she travelled to England in 1860, and spoke directly to Queen Victoria, it was more than one hundred years later that Native women in Canada could have the rights Nahnebahwequay sought. Her grave site and the remaining foundation of her family home are in Sarawak Township. More information on Catherine Sutton is on display at Grey Roots Museum & Archives.
Tom Thomson, painter Raised in Leith, Thomas John Thomson began his career as a commercial artist, but it is for his sketches and paintings of the Canadian wilderness, mainly in Algonquin Park, that he is best known. He influenced painters of the Group of Seven. He died mysteriously in 1917, at the age of 39. For more about his life, and examples of his work, visit the Tom Thomson Memorial Art Gallery in Owen Sound.