John Hossie, sheriff of the county of Perth, is a native of the Province of Ontario, being born in the township of Moore, county of Lambton, July 5, 1836. His father, Andrew Hossie, a farmer, was from Scotland, and his mother, whose maiden name was Janet Wilson, was from the same country.
Young Hossie received a common school education; farmed till fourteen years old, and then became a clerk in a store at Bayfield. In 1856 he entered the sheriff’s office at Stratford to take a similar position; became bailiff a few years later, then deputy-sheriff, and was appointed sheriff in 1872. In every office which he has held he has proved faithful and efficient in the discharge of his duties. He is one of that class of men who are always found at their post, ready to attend to business.
Sheriff Hossie attends the Presbyterian church, but is not, we believe, a communicant.
His wife was Miss Kate Linten, of Stratford, daughter of John J. E. Linten, formerly clerk of the peace for the county of Perth. They were married in October, 1876.
The predecessor of Mr. Hossie in the office of sheriff, was Robert Moderwell, the first sheriff of Perth, taking the office when this county was set off from the district. He is yet living in Stratford. He was for years very prominent in the local Agricultural Society, and still takes a lively interest in such organizations and interests.