Biography
GAVIN, PETER, merchant and lobster factory owner; b. 15 October 1847 in Tignish, son of Michael Gavin and Catherine O'Neil, both of Wexford, Ireland; m. 19 June 1876 Anastasia Ryan, and they had five children, Mary E., Eugenie C„ Francis J., Nellie (died at eight years and seven months in 1886 of smallpox), and George Frederick (died at one year and nine months in 1892 in Minnesota); Roman Catholic; d. 22 February 1931 in Duluth, Minnesota. Gavin, a Conservative, was first elected to the House of Assembly in a by-election in September 1878 for 1st Prince. He was re-elected in the general election of 1879. He was defeated in the general election of 1882. During his time in the House of Assembly, Gavin served on Executive Council. Gavin was educated at local schools in Tignish. He was a merchant with Gavin Brothers General Store and also owned a lobster factory. Peter Gavin died 22 February 1931. Anastasia Gavin, the daughter of Edward Ryan and Ellen Flood, was born 13 November 1853 and died 3 November 1933.
References
CPG 1879, 1881, 1883; Meacham's Atlas: Daily Examiner 2b February 1892; Maple Leaf Magazine March 1931; Summerside Journal 7 January 1886; PARO: MNI-Census 1881.