James Lyons Biggar

James Lyons Biggar (February 4, 1824 – May 24, 1879) was an Ontario merchant and political figure. He represented Northumberland East in the House of Commons of Canada from 1874 to 1878 as an Independent Liberal.

He was born in Carrying Place, Upper Canada in 1824, the son of Charles Biggar, whose parents had come from Biggar in Scotland. He was educated at Victoria College in Cobourg. In 1846, he married Isabella Hodgins; his wife's brothers, Thomas and John George, became prominent figures in the province. He was defeated by Joseph Keeler for the federal seat in 1872 and then defeated Keeler in 1874; that election was appealed but Biggar won the by-election which followed. In the 1878 general election, he was again defeated by Keeler. Biggar served as a member of the Senate for Victoria College.

The Biggars had eleven children:

Charles Robert Webster Biggar, a lawyer who married Jane Helen Mowat, the daughter of Oliver Mowat. would later serve as alderman on the Montreal City Council and chairman of the Montreal Metropolitan Commission. Alexander Murray Biggar, who died young. James Lyons Biggar, a military figure who helped to establish the Canadian Army. Edward Herbert Biggar, who died young. Sarah Isabel Biggar, who married George Elliott Casey; the latter served in the House of Commons. Mary Emmeline Biggar, who married George F. Burton. George Coltman Biggar, a prominent Toronto businessman who married Ethel B. Tate. Eliza Maria Biggar, who married Richard A. Bull. Henry Percival Biggar, an authority on the history of New France, who served as chief archivist for Canada in Europe.

Mr. Biggar's sister Eliza Maria would marry Charles Stewart Wilson, and their son Herbert Charles Wilson would serve in the legislative assembly for the Northwest Territories.

Biggar Township in Nipissing District was named in his honour.

Electoral record KEELER, Joseph

Independent Liberal BIGGAR, J.L.

Independent Liberal BIGGAR, James Lyons

KEELER, J.

Independent Liberal BIGGAR, James Lyons

Unknown COCKBURN, James

KEELER, Joseph

Independent Liberal BIGGAR, J.L.