Abbott, Sir John (Joseph Caldwell)

(born March 12, 1821, St. Andrews, Lower Canada—died Oct. 30, 1893, Montreal, Que., Can.) Canadian prime minister (1891–92). Educated at McGill University in Montreal, he became a lawyer in 1847 and was made queen's counsel in 1862. He was dean of McGill University law school from 1855 to 1880. After serving in the legislative assembly (1857–74, 1880–87), he was appointed to the Senate and became government leader. Upon the death of John Macdonald, he became the compromise choice for prime minister. Ill health forced his resignation in 1892.

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