John Abbott

John Abbott (August 28, 1874 – October 15, 1947) was a Newfoundland fisherman and politician. He represented Bonavista Bay in the Newfoundland House of Assembly from 1913 to 1923.

Early life

Abbott was born in Bonavista and educated at the Methodist School there. After completing his education, Abbott became a fisherman like his father. In 1909, he joined the Fishermen's Protective Union. In 1913, he became manager of the Union Trading Company store in Bonavista.

Politics and legacy

Abbott was elected to the district of Bonavista Bay as a member of the FPU alongside party leader and president William Coaker in 1913. He retired from politics in 1923 and was named a customs collector. In 1930, he became a justice of the peace. He was widowed after his first marriage, and later remarried. He had children with both wives. Abbott died of stomach cancer in 1947, and left behind a large family. Descendants of Abbott still live in Newfoundland, and his daughter Mona Abbott Kesting has chronicled much of his work.