John Galt


1779 - 1839

Novelist. Born in Irvine (North Ayrshire), although moved to Greenock at an early age. John Galt is best remembered for his novel Annals of the Parish, though he also wrote Lawrie Todd and a biography of his friend Lord Byron. He travelled in Europe and went to Canada (1824). In Ontario, he founded the town of Guelph and the town of Galt is named after him. Political corruption led to Galt being charged with negligence, recalled to Britain and imprisoned for a short time. He retired to Greenock.

His three sons were notable in Canadian politics.


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