Fondo F726 - R. John Gaskin fonds

John Gaskin was born in Kingston in 1840. After working for a number of years for ex-mayor John Flanigan, Gaskin took employment on board the Steamer Scotland. He held positions of responsibility on a number of steamers and became Captain of the Ranger at twenty-four years of age. In 1869 he became connected with the Montreal Transportation Company of Montreal. Two years later hs became outside manager of the Company in Kingston. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1902. Captain Gaskin was also active in municipal politics, serving as an Alderman for many years. In 1882, he was elected mayor. In 1904 he was the Kingston Conservative candidate for the Commons but was defeated. He died in 1908.