Alexander Cameron Rutherford : A Gentleman of Strathcona

Card covers, 193 pages, 6x9 in - 15x22.5 cm, B7W photographs.

Front cover lightly creased at bottom corner.

In this volume, Douglas R. Babcock writes a biography of Alexander C. Rutherford (1857-1941), Alberta’s first Premier and cofounder of the University of Alberta. Moving quickly through Rutherford’s childhood and early career as a lawyer in Ontario, Babcock describes Rutherford’s 1895 arrival in Strathcona and entry into provincial politics. The book discusses Rutherford’s 1905 appointment as Premier, explains and critiques his handling of Alberta’s first legislative assemblies, and sketches the 1910 Alberta and Great Waterways Railway scandal that forced his resignation. After Rutherford’s defeat in the 1913 election, Babcock traces his return to practicing law and work as the University of Alberta's Chancellor. A final chapter covers Rutherford House's history. Throughout, Babcock assesses Alberta’s political climate and Edmonton’s growth. Includes endnotes and index.

0919813577