James Mavor

James Mavor

James Mavor, scholar (b at Stranraer, Scot 8 Dec 1854; d at Glasgow, Scot 31 Oct 1925). Economist, economic historian, second professor of political economy and constitutional history at the University of Toronto, Mavor created a modern department of political economy, introduced the teaching of commerce at the honours level and began Canadian contract research in the social sciences. Educated in Glasgow, Mavor originally inclined towards socialism, but moved to the right before coming to Toronto. His representations brought the DOUKHOBORS to Canada. He wrote on many topics, including the economic history of Russia, Canada's wheat economy, Manitoba government telephones, Ontario Hydro and applied economics. He ceased to teach in 1922 and retired in 1923. His descendants have been prominent in drama and the arts; his influence on Toronto's social sciences was felt into the late 1970s.