James McIntyre (1827 – 1906) was born in Scotland, but migrated to Canada when he was fourteen. Always good with his hands, he eventually started a furniture manufacturing operation in Ontario. James was so inspired by the Canadian countryside and its thriving dairy industry that he began writing poetry which, while unpolished and often amateurish, had a distinct charm and appeal that endeared him to many. The “Cheese Poet”, as James ultimately came to be called, published two full collections and was much in demand as a public speaker.