It has been said that no previous occupants of Rideau Hall had reached so deeply into the hearts and lives of the Canadian people as Lord Aberdeen and his countess, the vivacious and able daughter of the 1st Lord Tweedmouth.

John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, the seventh Governor-General was born in Edinburgh on August 3rd, 1847, the second son of the 5th Earl of Aberdeen. He became 1st Marquis of Aberdeen and Temair and succeeded to the Earldom on the death of his brother George, the 6th Earl.

Active in the House of Lords and one of Gladstone's staunch supporters, he served her Majesty in several posts and in 1886 was named Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

To Lord Aberdeen, the appointment as Governor General in 1893 meant a return to familiar land, having come here four years earlier and established a 480-acre fruit ranch at Vernon, B.C.

Lord and Lady Aberdeen travelled extensively to all parts of the country and took an active interest in numerous welfare and cultural activities.

In 1894, the second Colonial Conference was held in Ottawa. A forerunner of the imperial Conferences, the discussion produced, among other things, the finalizing of plans for laying the Canada-Australia cable, which was completed in 1902.

Aberdeen caused some controversy in government circles, when in 1896 he refused to approve a list of senate, judicial and other appointments submitted by Sir Charles Tupper. He upheld his decision on the grounds that having been defeated, the outgoing Prime Minister did not enjoy the confidence of the electorate to make those appointments.

Financially embarrassed by the heavy expenses of office and losses incurred by his fruit ranch, Aberdeen returned to England before the expiry of his term. He was re-appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and held this post for 10 years. He died on March 7, 1934, and was succeeded by his son, Lord Haddo.