Introduction
James Robert Stratton (May 3, 1857 – April 19, 1916) was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented Peterborough West in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1886 to 1904 and in the House of Commons of Canada from 1908 to 1911 as a Liberal member.
He was born in Millbrook, Durham County, Canada West in 1857, the son of James Stratton, an Irish immigrant and later customs collector at Peterborough. He married E.J. Ormond in 1881. Stratton was publisher of the Peterborough Examiner and also sold books, stationery and wallpaper. He served as a member of the Board of Education in Peterborough. Stratton was Provincial Secretary and Registrar from 1899 to 1904. After being elected in 1908, he ran unsuccessfully for the same seat in the House of Commons in 1911.
The geographical township of Stratton in Nipissing District was named after him.
Death
While in Arkansas Stratton became ill and was put under the care Professor K. Fiege. As treatment Fiege put Stratton on a thirty-six days of fasting with only water allowed. In the last 74 hours of Stratton's life he suffered from an unstoppable hiccuping. In an effort to stop the hiccuping Fiege used a belt to tighten his chest. The incredible pain was only relieved once Stratton's wife unbuckled the strap. After his death Professor K. Fiege was arrested for manslaughter.