John Henry Wesson

John Henry Wesson

John Henry Wesson, "Jack," farmer, farm leader (b near Sheffield, Eng 24 Aug 1887; d at Regina 13 Nov 1965). Wesson immigrated to Canada in 1907 and homesteaded near Maidstone, Sask. He joined the Saskatchewan Grain Growers' Assn and became well known for his public speaking, musical ability and sense of humour. An early enthusiast for the pooling movement, he was elected one of the first directors of the SASKATCHEWAN WHEAT POOL (est 1924). He was elected VP of the pool in 1931 and, because of president Louis C. Brouillette's illness, gradually assumed more responsibilities before becoming president in 1937, holding office until 1960. Under his leadership, the pool led campaigns for the CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD, the protection of Canadian agriculture and the expansion of the CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT. Wesson served as the first president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (1936-40) and was the leader of the 1942 Farmers March on Ottawa protesting low prices for produce.