Lakeview Cemetery at 1016 Colborne Rd.

Alexander Mackenzie was Canada’s Second Prime Minister and was one of Sarnia’s most prominent and influential citizens. Mackenzie was born in 1822 in Scotland and moved to Canada at the age of twenty. Even at that young an age he was an accomplished stonemason and builder. These talents were carried with him when he arrived in Port Sarnia. He built many structures in the burgeoning town such as the Episcopal Church, first bank of Upper Canada, the County Registrar Office, Lambton County jail, council chambers, and courtrooms. He also assisted in the building of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Mackenzie was also a well-known homebuilder some of which survive to this day including Mackenzie house, which can be found at 316 Christina St. This home was built for Alexander’s brother John and family. Elizabeth, John’s wife inscribed her name and the date with her diamond ring on the glass in the main window over the front door. The inscription can still be seen.

As successful as Alexander Mackenzie was as a stonemason and builder his other callings were journalism and politics. Mackenzie started his political career in municipal and county politics. His political ideas moved him to start the Lambton Shield (newspaper) in 1852. While he espoused many of his politically liberal views he also took aim at political opponent’s ideas. During this time Alexander became friends with George Brown founder of the Globe and Mail. The two became close and Mackenzie encouraged his friend to enter the political field. Mackenzie’s paper supported Brown strongly and the Lambton Shield finally met its demise when one of their political opponents sued.

In 1861 Alexander Mackenzie became the elected member for the Port Sarnia area. He served in both houses and took over the leadership of the Federal Liberal Party after George Brown was defeated. Mackenzie became Prime Minister is 1873 and served until 1878. He died April 17, 1892. Alexander Mackenzie is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia. His monument can still be visited at Lakeview Cemetery at 1016 Colborne Rd. (Feeney)