John Parr

John Parr (20 December 1725, Dublin, Kingdom of Ireland – 25 November 1791, Halifax, Nova Scotia) was a British military officer and governor of Nova Scotia. He was the last Governor of the Colony of Nova Scotia, and first Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Nova Scotia. He is buried in the crypt of St. Paul's Church.

Early life and family Parr was born in Dublin, Ireland, to Captain John Parr and Eleanor Clements, The eldest son of this nobleman emigrated to Ireland and settled in 1620 at Belturbet, County Cavan. with his superior being Lord Dorchester.

Parr's administration oversaw the settlement of Black Nova Scotians, who were African-American Loyalists fleeing the United States. Parr was accused of "discriminatory practices and long delays" in the matter. He attempted to establish a whaling industry in Dartmouth (see Quaker Whaler House), and was embroiled in the "judges' affair" in which lawyers accused him of appointing incompetent or biased jurists to the bench.

Parr was under pressure to provide land and supplies for the new Loyalist settlers without bankrupting the treasury.

The British government was inundated with complaints about the difficulties the Loyalists were facing and Parr's allegedly-unsympathetic attitude towards them. The stress of the position may have taken a toll on his health since he died in office at the age of 66. He funeral, with full military honours, was presided by the 20th Foot. He was interred in Halifax's St. Paul's Church.

Legacy After him are named Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, and Parr Street, Saint Andrews, New Brunswick.