NEILSON, John, Canadian journalist, born in Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, 17 July, 1776; died in Quebec, 1 February, 1848. When he was fourteen years of age he joined his brother Samuel in Quebec, and in 1797 he took charge of the "Quebec Gazette." He was elected to the provincial assembly for Quebec county in 1818, in 1822 and 1828 was a delegate to London to oppose the reunion of Upper and Lower Canada, and on 29 March, 1830, received the thanks of the house of assembly for his services while in England. In 1835 Mr. Neilson was again sent on a mission to the home government. In 1840 he was elected to the parliament of Canada, and in 1844 he became speaker of the legislative council.