DR. LOUIS E. FORTIERDR. LOUIS E. FORTIER
DR. LOUIS E. FORTIER
Dr. Fortier is an active social worker and is particularly interested in the work of medical dispensaries. He is now medical director of the Institut Bruchési, founded for the treatment of tubercular patients; medical superintendent of the Sacred Heart Hospital for the Indians, at Caughnawaga; and chief director of the dispensaries of l’Assistance Maternelle, instituted to provide attendance to the sick women of the poorer classes.
Dr. Fortier married Miss Emma Mathieu of Lachenaie and to them have been born two sons, Louis Edouard and Jacques Emile. Madame Fortier belongs to one of the oldest French-Canadian families of this country and is favorably known in social as well as charitable circles of this city.
On the list of those whom death has recently called appears the name of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. Cooke, whose career in political and military life was a notable one. Liberal educational opportunities and thorough training qualified him for the bar, and he was recognized as an able and learned member of the profession. His abilities recommended him for political leadership and he was called to important public offices. Quebec numbered him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Drummondville in 1858. His father was Valentine Cooke and his grandfather, an officer in the army, received a land grant from the British government in recognition of his services.
Lieutenant Colonel Cooke attended St. Francis College in Richmond, there pursuing his more specifically literary education, while in McGill University he prepared for the bar and was graduated B. C. L. in 1880. The following year he was called to the bar of Montreal and entered upon active practice in partnership with Charles Brookes, K. C. Subsequently he began practice independently and was widely recognized as a strong and able lawyer, whose legal counsel was sound and whose powers of discrimination and analyzation enabled him to readily master all the details of his casesand win success in their conduct. In 1893 he was created king’s counsel.
While in the practice of law Colonel Cooke passed far beyond the point of mediocrity and won place with the capable members of the Montreal bar. He was also active as a political leader and participated in many of the contests of his day. Originally his support was given the conservative party and as its candidate he won the seat for Drummond county in 1892, remaining a member of the provincial house throughout the session. He was ever fearless in support of his honest convictions, however, and when he was led to change his opinions by reason of his study of political conditions and situations he did not hesitate to become a liberal and in 1897 contested the seat for St. Lawrencedivision, but was defeated by A. W. Atwater, K. C. Soon after the election he was named crown prosecutor and acted in that capacity with Rudolph Lemieux, K. C. He was succeeded in the position by Edmund Guerin, K. C., now the Hon. Justice Guerin. In 1907 Colonel Cooke was named registrar for Montreal West and continued in that position until his demise. While in the legislature he was instrumental in securing the passage of a bill prohibiting the sale or use of tobacco or opium to or by minors. He never hesitated to advocate the principles which he deemed beneficial measures in good government or factors in the welfare and progress of city and province.
Colonel Cooke’s connection with military affairs began when he joined the volunteer militia service, in which he was advanced through positions of minor rank until he assumed command of the First Regiment, Prince of Wales Fusiliers. After five years, or in 1903, he retired and was placed on the R. O. with his rank. He commanded the Bisley team in 1898. In 1902 Colonel Cooke was presented to the present king and queen at St. James’ palace. He was also presented to King Edward and by invitation was present in Westminster Abbey at the coronation of the late King Edward and Queen Alexandra in 1902.
In 1880 Colonel Cooke married Miss Helen Grace Burnett, a niece of the late Archbishop Bond, and they became the parents of a daughter and two sons. Violet Burnett; Herbert G., who was educated in the city schools and McGill University and is connected with the office of registrar of Montreal West; A. Douglas, educated in the city schools and McGill University, is now connected with the engineering department of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He married Nita K. Wallace. The death of Colonel Cooke occurred on the 28th of July, 1913, when he was but fifty-five years of age. His record is one of usefulness in the public service, of devotion to the interests of his clients and of fidelity to the ties of home and friendship.
A few years prior to his death Edmund Holyoke Heward of Montreal retired from active business. He had been prominently connected with banking interests, and his colleagues remember him as a man of progressive spirit and marked capacity for handling the multiplicity of details as well as the principal features that arise in connection with the banking business. The family name figures in the military history of the country. His grandfather, Stephen Heward, was in command of a force of men at the capture of Fort Detroit. The father, Augustus Heward, was associated with Lieutenant Colonel Osborne Smith in founding the Victoria Volunteer Rifles, now the Third Victoria Rifles, of which Lieutenant Colonel Smith became the first commander, while Mr. Heward became the first major, but subsequently succeeded to the command.
Edmund H. Heward was born in the family residence at Cote des Neiges, in 1841. He was educated under Dr. Howe at the Montreal high school and entered into the wholesale hardware business of Mulholland & Baker when in his teens. His initial business experience came through several years’ connectionwith that house, at the end of which time he entered the service of the Merchants Bank of Canada, with which he was associated for more than thirty years. Gradual advancement brought him to an eminent position in banking circles. He possessed unusual ability in co-ordinating forces and unifying elements into a harmonious whole. For some time he was manager of the St. Johns (Quebec) branch of the bank, but afterward returned to Montreal and established the Notre Dame Street branch and later the St. Catherine West branch of the same bank. As the years passed on every feature of the banking business became familiar to him, and his thorough understanding thereof was manifest in his executive direction and capable control. He retired a few years prior to his death, possessed of a handsome competence that was the legitimate and logical reward of his effort and capability.
Mr. Heward married Miss Alice Ward, a daughter of the late Hon. J. K. Ward of Montreal, and unto them were born six children. Mr. Heward joined his father’s old regiment, the Victoria Rifles, with which he went to the front in the last Fenian raid and was present at the affair at Pigeon Hill. He was a handsome man of fine physique and unfailing courtesy—a gentleman of the old school. His death on May 17, 1910, occasioned deep regret in both the business and social circles of Montreal.
Rev. Robert Bruce Taylor, author and minister of the gospel and since 1911 pastor of St. Paul’s Presbyterian church in Montreal, was born in Cardross, Scotland, October 22, 1869. He acquired his education in Glasgow University, from which he was graduated M. A. with the class of 1890, and he afterward was a student in the Free Church College. After completing this course he entered Gottingen University and later studied Arabic at Beirut and Damascus. He was a student in three German theological schools and prepared most thoroughly for his chosen life work. After his ordination he was placed in charge of the Loudoun Free Church in Ayrshire and was transferred from there to Ferryhill, Aberdeen. His third charge was at St. John’s Wood, London, England, whence in 1911 he came to Montreal, assuming his present duties as pastor of St. Paul’s Presbyterian church. This is one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in the city, having been organized in 1832 by Edward Black, D. D. The church was located on St. Helen’s Street until 1867, in January of which year the erection of the present edifice was begun. The church was dedicated September 27, 1868, and cost $100,000. The first pastor, Dr. Edward Black, died in May, 1845, and was succeeded by Robert McGill, who passed away in 1856. Dr. Snodgrass then had charge of the congregation until 1864 and his successor was Dr. Jenkins, who remained in charge from 1865 to 1881. Dr. Barkley did able and capable work from 1883 until 1910, being succeeded by Rev. Robert Bruce Taylor, the present incumbent. The congregation has numbered among its memberssuch distinguished men as Lord Strathcona and Lord Mount Stephen and it numbers now eight hundred souls. Its affairs are in a flourishing and prosperous condition for Dr. Taylor administers them ably and in a way which shows him aman of excellent executive and organizing power as well as a zealous and untiring religious worker. He has organized a club of girls working in stores in the city and has also a Men’s Club, both of which organizations have been fruitful of much good.
Dr. Taylor married a daughter of Professor McKendrick, LL. D., of Glasgow, Scotland, and both are well known in social circles in Montreal. Dr. Taylor is a writer of considerable reputation and besides being the author of a book on Economics, written for the Student Christian Movement, has contributed largely to serial publications on religious and historical topics, accomplishing such able and farsighted work in the interests of his religion that he has been called “the crown jewel of a Presbyterian minister.”
Charles Auguste de Lotbinière Harwood, a lawyer of the Montreal bar, who prepared for practice at McGill and is now a member of the well known firm of Lighthall & Harwood, was born at Vaudreuil, P. Q., August 2, 1869, his parents being Robert William and Charlotte (McGillis) Harwood. The father was member of parliament for Vaudreuil in the house of commons from 1872 until 1878. The mother was a daughter of John McGillis, laird of Williamstown, Glengarry, Ontario. The Harwoods are closely connected with the de Lotbinière family and are seigneurs of Vaudreuil.
Liberal educational opportunities equipped Charles A. Harwood for the duties of a professional career. He was educated at St. Laurent College and Laval University. His professional training was received at McGill University, from which he was graduated B. C. L. in 1893. He became an advocate in 1895 and is now actively engaged in the practice of his profession in Montreal as a member of the law firm of Lighthall & Harwood. His ability is evidenced in the success which has attended his efforts in the trial of important cases, which he has ever prepared with great thoroughness and care. In October, 1911, he was made a king’s counsel, his ability thus winning recognition.
In politics Mr. Harwood is a liberal-conservative, and his activity in behalf of the principles in which he believes has been an effective force in the attainment of success. He served as secretary of the Conservative Association in the county of Vaudreuil and became a recognized leader of his party. He has been intimately connected with the municipal reform movements of Montreal and served first as a director, then as recording secretary and is now serving as vice president of the Montreal Citizens’ Association.
In September, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Harwood and Miss Marie Adelaide Masson, a daughter of the late Hon. L. R. Masson, lieutenant governor of Quebec. They reside at No. 162 Hutchison Street, Montreal, and have a summer home, Les Chenaux, at Vaudreuil. Mr. Harwood belongs to the Liberal-Conservative Club of Montreal and is a past president of the Cartier Club of Montreal. He also has membership in the Historical Landmarks Association, and after having been for many years honorary recording secretary is now avice president of the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal. He has delved deep into the historic past and is the author of various valuable historical papers, including one entitled The Fort Garry Convention. His religious belief is that of the Roman Catholic church. A man of broad intelligence and high ideals, his life record has counted for much in the field of professional and scientific progress.
C. A. DE LOTBINIERE HARWOODC. A. DE LOTBINIERE HARWOOD
C. A. DE LOTBINIERE HARWOOD
Major David Seath occupies an important position in the public service of the Dominion as secretary and treasurer of the harbor commission of Montreal. He is a son of the late Robert Seath, a wholesale clothing merchant of Montreal, and Margaret (Stephen) Seath. Born in Montreal on May 9, 1847, he subsequently attended the high school in this city and the parish school at Ste. Rose, province of Quebec. In 1864 he entered the employ of his father and subsequently became connected with the firm of Tyre, Perkins & Lajoie, accountants and assignees, of which he subsequently became a member under the firm style of Lajoie, Seath & Perrault, which was formed in 1877. The firm also was for a time known under the style of Thibaudeau & Seath, and of this firm our subject was a partner until 1895. From that year until 1898 he was president and manager of the Perrault Printing Company. At that time he was also a member of the board of license commissioners of Montreal. In 1898 he was appointed secretary and treasurer of the harbor commissioners board of Montreal, which office he has ever since held. His public record is one to be highly commended.
Mr. Seath is a justice of the peace and has to his credit a long military career in the volunteer service, his years of active duty comprising those between 1864 and 1905. He joined the Victoria Rifles as a private in 1864 and took part in the Fenian raid in 1866 and 1870, receiving in the latter year the medal and two clasps. During that time, in 1867, he was gazetted lieutenant in the Sixth Regiment, Hochelaga Light Infantry. He attained the rank of captain in the Sixth Fusiliers and in 1905 rejoined this regiment, known as the “Prince of Wales’,” as paymaster with the honorary rank of major, retiring in the same year. Besides his Fenian raids medals and clasps, he holds the colonial auxiliary forces officers’ long service decoration. He was instrumental in having the services of the volunteers for the Fenian raids recognized by the government. Besides acting as justice of the peace he is also commissioner for receiving affidavits from outside the province of Ontario to be used in Ontario and is commissioner of the superior court of the province of Quebec.
Major Seath was married in September, 1904, to Miss Emma A. Fish, of Westmount, on which occasion he was presented with a valuable service of plate by the Montreal harbor commissioners. In religious faith he is an Anglican and his political convictions incline him towards the liberal party. Mr. Seath stands high in Freemasonry, having attained the thirty-second degree. He has been grand registrar of the grand lodge of Quebec and grand scribe, grand treasurer and grand first principal of the grand chapter of Quebec. He is aKnight Templar and an officer of the A. & A. Scotish Rite. The family residence is at 95 Mackay Street, Montreal. Hon. Robert Mackay, the distinguished statesman and man of affairs, says of him: “An officer of long and faithful service who was and is always at his post”; and this statement expresses his faithfulness to duty perhaps better than anything that could be said in addition.
Albert E. de Lorimier is a successful and distinguished lawyer of Montreal. He belongs to an old French family, one member of which, Count de Chamilly, was marshal of France, and another, Count d’Estoges de Lorimier, was executed with Louis XVI for his loyalty and devotedness to his king.
His direct ancestor in Canada, Guillaume de Lorimier, sieur des Bordes en Gatinais, came to Montreal in the seventeenth century with Governor Marquis de Denonville. His great-grandfather, Claude Guillaume de Lorimier, knight of the Royal and Military Order of St. Louis of France, distinguished himself at Fort George and at the siege of Corlar. His grandfather, Major Guillaume de Lorimier, author of “My Services During the War of the American Invasion,” served with his brother Chamilly under General Sir Guy Carleton, Lord Dorchester, on Lake Champlain in 1775. One of his uncles, Captain William de Lorimier of the Fencibles, was killed at Chrysler’s Farm in 1813.
A. E. de Lorimier was born at Sault St. Louis, in the province of Quebec, and is the son of Georges Antoine de Lorimier and Mrs. Marie L. McComber. He acquired his early education at the Huntingdon Academy, Huntingdon, completed his classics at St. Mary’s College, Montreal, and was admitted to the practice of law in July, 1885, after having graduated LL. B. from Laval University. He speaks the French and English languages fluently and equally well.
In October, 1886, he married Miss Mina de Lorimier, daughter of Mr. Justice Charles Chamilly de Lorimier of Montreal, and both are well known in social circles of this city.
Mr. de Lorimier first formed partnership with the Hon. F. X. Trudel, late Senator; N. Charbonneau, now Mr. Justice Charbonneau, and Gustave Lamothe, K. C., and later with Charles Chamilly de Lorimier, now Mr. Justice de Lorimier, and finally with D. Girouard, late justice of the supreme court of Canada. In 1896 he took the Hon. Sir Auguste R. Angers in his firm known as Angers, de Lorimier & Godin. He was created king’s counsel in 1903 and was on several occasions elected member of the council of the bar. He declined the honor to represent his native county in the Dominion parliament and to stand as an alderman in the Centre ward of Montreal, preferring to devote all his time and knowledge to his clientage. He was in his earlier days twice president of L’Union Catholique of Montreal and is a life governor of Notre Dame Hospital and of L’Ecole Sociale Populaire. He enjoys the reputation of being one of the prominent and most respected barristers in Montreal. The future, undoubtedly, holds for him still greater distinction and honor in his chosen field.
ALBERT E. DE LORIMIERALBERT E. DE LORIMIER
ALBERT E. DE LORIMIER
For twenty-five years Hon. John Young was one of the harbor commissioners of Montreal and no one did more for the development and protection of the shipping industry at this point. Indeed his whole life was largely devoted to the public service and there are few men who have the insight and the prescience to recognize possibilities and opportunities for the general good as he did and the perseverance and determination to use such opportunities for the benefit of the many. His country will ever remember him with gratitude and his friends with deep affection, for aside from his public career there were in him traits of character that endeared him closely to those with whom he came in contact through other relations. He bound his friends to him with hoops of steel when their adoption had been tried, and at all times he held friendship as something sacred and inviolable.
Born in Ayr, Scotland, March 11, 1811, Hon. John Young attended the parish school, and his aptitude in his studies was manifest in the fact that when but fourteen years of age he obtained the appointment of master of the parish school at Coylton, near Ayr, where he taught for eighteen months. He early developed the habits of industry and cheerful perseverance which characterized his after life and in 1826, when a youth of fifteen, he completed his arrangements to become a resident of Canada, attracted by favorable reports concerning the great opportunities of the new world. His initial business experience here came to him as a clerk in the employ of John Torrance and the development of his powers and capacity is shown in the fact that in 1835, when but twenty-four years of age, he became a partner of David Torrance in the firm of Torrance & Young, which for five years continued in business at Quebec.
From early manhood he was a student of the signs of the times and business never claimed his undivided attention. He carefully and systematically managed his interests, but he also found time to perform the duties of citizenship wisely and well and he became a leader of public thought and action. At an early day he urged upon Lord Gosford the forming of volunteer corps but the governor general felt there was little reason to comply with this request. It was not long, however, before events proved the soundness of his advice and when the rebellion came Mr. Young volunteered for service in a regiment of light infantry which was raised in twenty-four hours and in which he became a captain.
When his aid was no longer needed Mr. Young returned to Montreal and became a partner of Harrison Stephens in the firm of Stephens, Young & Company which occupied a prominent position in business circles of Montreal for many years. His personal interests took him largely over the west and in his travels and his study of business conditions he saw how valuable was the St. Lawrence system as a factor in the commercial history of the American continent, furnishing the course of the natural routes to the seaboard. It seemed that he never lost sight of any point bearing upon the subject which came so close to his heart—the development of the shipping industries of Montreal—and eventually he became recognized as the greatest canal authority in America.
Another important public enterprise with which he was associated at about that period was the organization and establishment of the Mercantile Library Association. Public feeling was not in sympathy with such a movement at thattime and only four people were present when the system was formed. Writing of this period, a contemporary biographer has said: “The change in public feeling as to educational advantages then and now is well instanced by the fact that, besides Mr. Young, only four persons were present at the meeting when this society was commenced. In 1844 party spirit ran high and serious trouble was expected at the general election. Secret societies were in existence, and political associations formed everywhere for the purpose, as was avowed, of gaining by force what could not be secured otherwise. At such a time the post of returning officer was difficult and dangerous, and though the selection of a man to fill it might be esteemed a high compliment to his personal character, it involved also a personal risk which required the utmost coolness, determination, tact and courage in the recipient. Lord Metcalfe’s advisers selected John Young as the man for the emergency. The result soon showed that their confidence had been well placed. Mr. Young seems to have realized to the utmost the necessities and perils of the office. Fearlessly, openly and with the utmost judgment, he laid his plans so well and used the powers of his position to such effect that, contrary to all expectation, the election passed off without any breach of the peace. He seized arms and other illegal weapons wherever they could be found, and without regard to threats. When the secret societies became openly defiant he called out the troops, who were ably managed by him, and overawed the disorderly and turbulent so effectually that no rioting took place. Mr. Young’s services were so highly appreciated by Lord Metcalfe that they were mentioned in the despatches sent to the Colonial office and were the subject of special acknowledgment by the secretary of state for the colonies. They were also warmly testified to by Sir James Hope, who was then commander in chief at Montreal.”
Another important phase in Canadian life that called forth the attention and the cooperation of Mr. Young was the principle of free trade. He was one of its most stalwart champions, and upon the organization of the Free Trade Association in this city he became its president. He was a frequent contributor of articles upon the subject to the Economist and to other papers and also wrote pamphlets which had an important effect upon public thought and action. He believed that the adoption of free trade measures would constitute the most effective force in making Canada a great commercial and business center. At times in his life his ideas were ridiculed as those of a dreamer, but the years proved the soundness of his vision and men came to rely upon his opinion.
His connection with the harbor work and the improvement of the channel between Montreal and Quebec began in 1846 and later occupied much of his time and attention. He was active, too, with those who were foremost in furthering the railroad built, and he was one of the organizers of the Montreal & Portland Railway Company and also active in promoting the line from Montreal to Toronto, as president of the company having that in charge. The work was of a most difficult nature, for the promoters had to solve at least in part the great engineering problems of railroad building and not merely finance the project. It was Mr. Young who proposed the building of a bridge across the St. Lawrence. Again well known business men scoffed at the plan but the Victoria bridge stands as a monument to his public spirit and his enterprise, and has converted Montreal from a fifth rate harbor into a first class port at adistance from the seaboard without a parallel in the world. Mr. Young’s keen appreciation of the capabilities of engineering as a profession and his confidence in the application of education and trained reason to the overcoming of all natural and mechanical difficulties which always was noticeable in his intercourse with the professional men with whom his life brought him into contact, was beyond doubt one of the most effective means of securing consideration for this work and of urging on the genius of Stephenson to an achievement then supposed to be impossible. Men believed Mr. Young to be visionary when he attempted the task of sounding the river that he might point out the exact situationwhere the bridge should be built and which it actually occupies. It was at about the same period that he devised a plan for the Caughnawaga canal whereby to connect the St. Lawrence river andLake Champlain and thus secure another outlet to the sea. His efforts were a notable force in making Montreal a grain shipping center and when the St. Lawrence canals were opened in 1849 he sent the first cargo of merchandise from Montreal to Chicago and brought back the first cargo of American grain. The rapid growth of shipping at this point and certain trouble that arose concerning the unloading of vessels impressed upon Mr. Young the need of a harbor police and he presented the matter so forcefully to the government that a water police force was created.
In 1851 Mr. Young by popular suffrage was made the representative of his district in parliament and in October of that year became chief commissioner of public works and a member of the board of railway commissioners in the Hincks-Tache administration. He advocated the building of a railroad from Halifax to Quebec and Montreal and thence westward. His plans were not adopted at that time and only came to fruition in 1877. In the same year he strongly urged the establishment of a fortnightly mail service between Montreal and Liverpool in the summer and between Portland and Liverpool in the winter. In 1854 he was again made the Montreal representative in parliament, where he entered earnestly upon the work of chairman of the committee on public accounts. In 1857 he declined to again stand for parliament, but it was impossible for one of his nature to retire from public life so conscientious was he regarding the duties of citizenship. In 1860 he retired from business with a handsome fortune and the same year was chosen chairman of the committee of arrangements for the most gigantic and successful series of entertainments ever held in Montreal up to that time on the occasion of the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, afterward King Edward. About that time Mr. Young went to Scotland for the further education of his family, returning in 1862. In 1863 he was the nominee of the liberal party for Montreal West, but was defeated. In that year, however, he was made a commissioner to Washington to consider the reciprocity treaty.
All of these activities, although important, were less so than his life work in making Montreal a seaport and improving the navigation of the St. Lawrence. No other single project has so greatly benefited the city and this section of the country. The name of the Hon. John Young will always be connected with its successful accomplishment and he is entitled to the grateful remembrance of the citizens of Montreal for all time. He had the opportunity of furthering his projects and plans of this kind through his membership on the harbor board. As the result of his efforts Montreal ceased to be a merelanding place for boatmen and became a great shipping port. He had the greatest faith in the possibilities of the growth of Montreal and with it the progress of the Dominion and urged that this would be brought about through the development of the St. Lawrence, which he claimed to be the natural outlet for the western part of the United States as well as for the products of western Canada. As the result of his untiring labors in 1843 the government determined to deepen Lake St. Peter but very little was done until 1851. In 1854 Mr. Young entered upon active measures to promote the work and by persistent efforts the channel was deepened to sixteen feet in 1857 and still further the work was continued until the channel depth became twenty-two feet. Statistics could be cited showing how year by year the shipping was increased after the work of river and harbor improvements was begun. No other man did as much as Mr. Young in urging these great improvements of the water communications connecting Montreal with the sea. In all of his public service he looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future, beyond the needs of his city and immediate district to the questions affecting the entire Dominion. In 1875 he served as chairman of the Baie Verte canal commission and returned a most exhaustive and valuable report. He was also the promoter of dock extension and secured the services of the most eminent engineers of Europe and America to carry forward the work.
Mr. Young’s prominence as a business man and public-spirited citizen is further indicated in the fact that he was many times elected president of the Montreal Board of Trade and was the first president of the Dominion Board of Trade. After he had long retired from parliament the members induced him to once more stand for election, and he was returned by a most flattering majority. In 1873 he would not consent to again become a candidate and on the reorganization of the harbor board he was reelected its chairman. His entire service on the board covered a quarter of a century and during fourteen years of that time he was chairman. His last public service was as commissioner for Canada to the exposition in Sydney, Australia, whereby trade relations between Canada and Australia were largely promoted as the result of the reports which he made concerning the latter country.
Time gives the perspective which places each individual in his proper relation to his age. It is a well known fact that investigation will but serve to heighten the fame of John Young, for history has proven how valuable were his efforts, how far reaching his activities, how clear his insight and how sound his judgment. Today his name is inscribed high on the roll of Montreal’s honored dead, while his memory is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him.
John Gordon, founder of the wholesale dry-goods commission house of John Gordon & Son, of Montreal, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, December 12, 1833. He was a young man of twenty years when in 1853 he came to Montreal to enter the employ of the old and well known firm of William Stephen & Company. He was afterward a member of the firm of James Roy & Company and fromDecember, 1891, until his death, which occurred on the 12th of October, 1895, he was at the head of the wholesale house of John Gordon & Son. His advancement was continuous, and the steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible. His career was one of constantly broadening activity, and his developing powers contributed to the importance and extent of his achievements. Few men have gained higher esteem and respect, and he left to his family the rich heritage of an untarnished name, won through business integrity and kindly courtesy, constituting an example that others might profitably emulate.
JAMES R. GORDONJAMES R. GORDON
JAMES R. GORDON
JOHN GORDONJOHN GORDON
JOHN GORDON
Mr. Gordon was a member of the Board of Trade and was interested in municipal affairs to the extent of giving hearty cooperation to various plans and projects for the public good. His life was actuated in its purposes by his Christian faith, which found expression in his membership in the Erskine Presbyterian church.
Mr. Gordon married Miss Jane Roy, a daughter of James Roy, and they became parents of three sons, Charles B., James R. and William G. R. The second named, who was his father’s partner in the firm of John Gordon & Son and is now head of the business, was born in Montreal, January 7, 1870, and pursued his education in this city. Making his initial step in the business world, he was for four years with the house of George D. Ross & Company, manufacturers’ agents, and in 1891 he joined his father in organizing the firm and instituting the business of John Gordon & Son. The establishment remains today as one of the foremost wholesale dry-goods commission houses of Montreal, with trade connections that lead to all provinces of the Dominion.
James R. Gordon was married to Miss Catherine McIntyre, and they have three children, J. Archibald, J. Kenneth and Bruce McIntyre. Mr. Gordon’s deep interest in the material development of the city is indicated in his membership in the Board of Trade and the Chambre de Commerce. He is also a member of St. James and other clubs.
The unusual gifts of ready wit and great culture of David Ross McCord have made him a man of influence not only in the legal profession but in connection with various important public events and questions. Montreal numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in this city March 18, 1844. The ancestry of the family in Canada is traced back to John McCord, who came from Antrim, Ireland, during the early settlement of the province of Quebec. The father of David R. McCord was the late Lieutenant Colonel Hon. John Samuel McCord, who became a judge of the superior court of Lower Canada and was recognized as one of the distinguished jurists of his day. He married Anne, a daughter of David Ross, an advocate of Montreal.
In the acquirement of his education David R. McCord attended successively the Montreal high school, McGill University, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1862 and the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Civil Law in 1867; and Bishop’s Collegiate University of Lennoxville, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1864. In 1868 he was calledto the bar and entered at once upon active practice. In 1895 he was created king’s counselor by the Earl of Aberdeen. From the outset of his professional career his advancement has been continuous and long since he has reached a foremost position among the advocates of Montreal. He finds ready and correct solution for intricate and involved legal problems and possesses rare analytical and inductive powers.
The question of public policy as set forth by the political parties of the day are of deep interest to him and at one time he was secretary of the Liberal-Conservative Association. For many years he served as one of the aldermen of Montreal and exercised his official prerogatives in support of various measures and movements for the benefit and improvement of the city. In 1901 he advocated the appointment of a Canadian as governor general of the Dominion. Aside from his interest in his profession and the public questions of the day he has been a close student of natural history and has formed at his residence the nucleus of a natural museum. His religious faith is that of the Anglican church. Today his opinions are accepted as authority upon all matters relating to the annals of the country and of him the Montreal Herald said: “He probably has a more intimate knowledge of early Canadian history than any other man living.” His studious habits have brought him familiarity with a wide range of subjects, and his scholarly attainments have gained him place among the respected and honored residents of Montreal.