James McMahon, member of the Ontario Legislature, is a native of Dundas, being born here July 1, 1830. His father Hugh McMahon, many years a Provincial Surveyor, was from the County of Cavan, north of Ireland; and his mother, whose maiden name was Ann McGovern, was also from that county. James was educated by his father, who was a classical scholar; at fifteen years of age commenced to study medicine with Dr. James Mitchell, of Dundas; attended lectures in the medical department of the University of Toronto; became a Licentiate of the Medical Board of Upper Canada, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the medical department of Victoria College.
Dr. McMahon commenced the practice of his profession at Ayr, County of Waterloo, in 1850; two years later he returned to Dundas, and formed a partnership with his preceptor, which connection was dissolved by the death of Dr. Mitchell, by cholera, in the summer of 1854. Since that date Dr. McMahon has been alone. He has always been in general practice; has usually had a good rim of business, and has been quite successful, standing high in the profession. He has made the science of medicine his constant study and is a progressive man.
Dr. McMahon, though a busy man in his calling, has rendered, at times, important service in the municipality of the town. He was Councilor one or two terms; Mayor in 1867; Coroner from 1855 to 1873, and Trustee, at different times, of the Public Schools.
On the unseating of Thomas Stock in 1875, the Doctor was elected to the Local Assembly, being opposed by Dr. Thomas Miller, of West Flamboro; and in 1879 he was re-elected over James McMonies, Jr., having more than a thousand majority. With such an endorsement of his constituents, he is now filling his second term. In politics he is a Reformer; in religion, a Roman Catholic.
In January, 1858, Dr. McMahon married Miss Julia Maria Ball, daughter of William M. Ball, of Niagara. They have no children.