John Oswald Hourigan moved with his parents and siblings from Southern Ontario to Port Arthur in 1886. Upon arriving in Port Arthur, Hourigan worked at the Ontario Bank and was a valued employee for 13 years. In 1897, he began work with the newly-formed Marks-Clavet-Dobie Company Ltd., starting as Secretary-Treasurer.
Serving eight years on City Council, Hourigan accomplished much for Port Arthur, both in and out of office. In 1909, he was a key figure in securing a deal with the Western Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company for Port Arthur and helped clean up the City’s finances during the post-war years. While Hourigan was Finance Committee Chairman in the 1920s, he was able to turn a deficit of $460,000 in 1920 into a surplus of $60,000. Hourigan was also a believer in working more closely with the City of Fort William to establish economic and political ties.
Hourigan sat on Port Arthur’s City Council in 1909 and from 1920 to 1927. He ran for Mayor in 1911; however was defeated by Samuel Wellington Ray. Hourigan was acclaimed as Mayor in 1928, and served one term in office.
Born: July 30, 1866 in Smiths Falls, Lanark County, Ontario
Died: December 5, 1930 in Port Arthur, Ontario at the age of 64
Councillor: 1909, 1920-1927
Mayoral Candidate: 1911
Mayor: 1928
Previous Mayor: Mayor Milton Francis
Next Mayor: Mayor George Gibbon
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