Guelph in Wellington County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
James Mills 1840-1924
Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 1, 2025
1. James Mills 1840-1924 Marker
Principal, Ontario School of Agriculture, 1879-1880
President, Ontario Agricultural College and Experimental Farm, 1880-1904
James Mills was born near Bond Head, Ontario. He finished his primary education after the loss of his right arm in a farm accident, and upon graduating from the University of Victoria College at Cobourg, he taught high school and later became a principal. Mills assumed direction of the Ontario School of Agriculture in 1879.
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) changed in both stature and appearance during the 25 years it was headed by James Mills. He built public confidence in the value of the College by launching the innovative Farmers' Institutes of Ontario in 1885 as an experiment in adult extension education. OAC became affiliated with the University of Toronto in order to offer a degree program, graduating the first class in 1888. The much-needed and very successful dairy short course began in 1893. Mills also orchestrated the establishment of Macdonald Institute as Ontario's first college for women in 1903.
Through persistence, Mills secured government funds to improve the appearance
this page online
A tireless worker, Mills set high standards of conduct and morality for the young farmers who came to OAC. Fittingly, the residence that bears his name has long been a vital part of student life on campus.
Mills Hall 1921
Generously donated by Ginty Jocius, B.S.c.(Agr.)
Erected by University of Guelph.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 43° 31.998′ N, 80° 13.81′ W. Marker is in Guelph, Ontario, in Wellington County. It can be reached from College Avenue East. The marker is on the University of Guelph campus, accessible by foot on Winegard Walk, attached to the east side of Mills Hall, approx. 50 metres from College Avenue East. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 61 College Avenue E, Guelph ON N1G 1Y4, Canada.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, September 1, 2025
2. James Mills 1840-1924 Marker
From Winegard Walk
Regionally, this marker is in the Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington Area and in Southwestern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: George Creelman 1869-1929 (within shouting distance of this marker); Ontario Agricultural College (within shouting distance of this marker); Entrance Old Main Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Presidents House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Founding of the University of Guelph (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics (about 90 meters away); Macdonald Hall (about 90 meters away); George Alexander Drew 1894-1973 (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guelph.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
