John Monteith is descended from good pioneer stock, being a son of the late Andrew Monteith, for many years one of the most prominent men of this county, and was born in Stratford in 1853.   In Stratford schools he received a fair education, and his close connection with public men and public affairs in his youth gave him a distinctive aptitude for business.   At an early period he assisted his father, being for a number of years deputy- treasurer of this county.   In his public career he served the City of Stratford for many years - first as a councillor - and during 1893 and 1894 as mayor.   In the days when Stratford was a county town he acted as reeve and deputy-reeve, serving in the county council for several years.   Mr. Monteith's record during this period in his discharge of the functions devolving upon him evinced caution and economy; at the same time he was ready to promote and support any measure to benefit his constituents. During his period of service he was chairman of several important committees, and has discharged the important duties of secretary to the collegiate institute board for 18 years.   His conduct in these responsible positions attracted the attention of the people, and he was nominated by the Conservative party of North Perth to contest the Riding at the election in May 1902.   In this contest he was elected, defeating Mr. John Brown. A protest was entered, and the courts declared the seat vacant on a technical point regarding the vote of an elector.   Subsequently Mr. Monteith and Mr. Brown were again placed in the election to be held on January 7th, 1903.

Mr. Monteith, true to his family traditions, has been a life-long Conservative; he is Episcopalian in religion, and considered by all an honest and energetic business man.

Source: History of Perth County: 1825-1902 by William Johnston published in 1903