Head and shoulders image of James Clinkskill, University Governor, 1907-1925.

Bio/Historical Note: James Clinkskill (1840-1936) was a Scottish-born businessman, engineer, militiaman, politician, justice of the peace, author and university governor. mainly in Saskatchewan. James Clinkskill’s most enduring contribution to the community, however, was his role in helping to establish the University of Saskatchewan. In 1907 he had been appointed one of nine university governors entrusted with the task of determining the scope, aim, and location of the future institution. Though a lifelong Conservative, Clinkskill supported a Liberal, Archibald Peter McNab, in the provincial election of 1908 because of the latter’s promise to bring the new university to Saskatoon or resign. McNab’s pledge was fulfilled, and when it was announced on 8 April 1909 that the university would be coming to Saskatoon, Clinkskill, fellow governor William J. Bell, and McNab were treated as heroes. Writing in his memoirs of the reception the three men received upon returning from Regina, Clinkskill said that “the steam whistles were blowing and bells ringing and the cheers and hurrahs sounded till throats were sore.” Clinkskill’s involvement with the board and executive of the university would continue until 1925.