James Clinkskill


James Clinkskill was a Canadian politician and engineer, merchant, author and justice of the peace.

Early life

Clinkskill was educated at St. Andrews University and Madras College. He moved to the Northwest Territories in 1882. In 1884, he got married.

Political career

Northwest Territories Assembly

Clinkskill was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, winning the Battleford electoral district. He ran in the 1888 Northwest Territories general election and defeated Daniel Livingstone Clink in a hotly contested battle by 24 votes. He would run for a second term in office in the 1891 Northwest Territories general election, slightly increasing his margin of victory. He was re-elected for a third term in the 1894 Northwest Territories general election. After his third term expired in 1898 Clinkskill did not run again for his seat. He returned to territorial politics by running in a by-election held on December 19, 1902. The by-election was held in the Saskatoon electoral district; he won, defeating candidate Benjamin Chubb by 14 votes.

Mayor of Saskatoon

Clinkskill became Mayor of Saskatoon for the first time in 1906. He would serve a second stint as Mayor from 1911 to 1912.

Published works

Three books were published about James Clinkskill, written by Arthur Morten and Co authored by Clinkskill himself the books feature his memories about his life in the early days as Mayor of Saskatoon Saskatchewan.