LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES G. ROSSLIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES G. ROSS
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES G. ROSS
In March, 1891, Mr. Ross married Miss Alice Margaret Monk, daughter of the late John Monk, an advocate of Montreal, and they have two daughters, Marjorie and Evelyn.
One of the best known merchants of the past generation in Montreal, and a man whose well ordered life and high business principles commanded the respect of all who knew him, was born in 1804, in Yorkshire, England, and came to Canada with his parents in 1817, the family home being established in the south part of the province of Quebec near the Vermont line.
Thomas Mussen early entered business life in Montreal, becoming a clerk with the firm of William Smith & Company with whom he remained for about ten years. He was careful with his earnings and in 1827, he had saved sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a small stock of dry goods, opening a store on St. Paul Street, near Jacques Cartier Square, then the heart of the retail district.
The business prospered from the first and when larger quarters were demanded he removed to Notre Dame Street, at the corner of St. Gabriel, being the first merchant to locate on Notre Dame Street, and afterwards located at the corner of St. Lawrence boulevard and Notre Dame Street, where he continued until 1865. In that year the store was removed to Craig Street, near St. Lawrence boulevard, where he continued until his new building was erected at the corner of St. Lambert and Notre Dame. There the business was successfully continued by him until his death April 5, 1892. Each removal had indicated a demand for larger quarters. The business was marked by continuous growth and development under the strong guiding hand of Mr. Mussen, who came to be ranked with the leading merchants of the city. His store was one of the leading commercial establishments of the province. After the death of Mr. Mussen, the business was carried on by his sons, William W. and Henry S., until 1900 when it was discontinued, the brothers retiring from active business. William W. Mussen died in 1904 and Henry S. Mussen passed away in 1912.
Harold Beaufort Mussen, son of William W., and a well known insurance and real-estate broker of Montreal, after acquiring his education in the schools of his native city, entered the employ of the Canada Atlantic Railway, where hisdeveloping powers and ability won him promotion until he became general agent. He continued with them until October, 1904, when after a service of twelve years he withdrew to engage in business on his own account.
In the death of Peter Lyall Montreal lost a citizen who left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community in which he lived. He was a man of fine personal appearance, and his splendid physique was an indication of the strength of his mental and moral nature. For many years he was connected with business interests as a prominent contractor, being the head of the Peter Lyall & Sons Construction Company, Ltd. While in his seventieth year at the time of his death, he had always remained in active connection with his business until a few days prior to his demise.
Scotland numbered Mr. Lyall among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Castletown, Caithness, Scotland, where he gained a practical knowledge of the contracting business before crossing the Atlantic in 1870. When he sought a home in the new world Montreal was his destination and he made his initial step in circles here in the employ of his cousin, the later Peter Nicholson. Six years were sufficient to bring him a wide acquaintance that he believed justified him in embarking in business on his own account. He was joined by his two sons, William and Traill O. in 1892, who are still connected with the business that was established in Montreal in 1876. The third son, Peter D. Lyall, is head of a large contracting firm in Winnipeg. From the time that he started out independently Peter Lyall was successful and his name figured prominently in connection with building operations in Montreal and this part of Canada. He kept in close touch with all phases of the business and with all progressive steps therein. Many of the business structures of Montreal still stand as monuments to his ability, his energy and his notable ambition. He carried out the erection of the Quebec Bank Building, the Royal Victoria Hospital, Macdonald Engineering buildings at McGill, the Sun Life building, the Canada Life, the Grand Trunk general offices, the Coristine building, the new Board of Trade, the Stock Exchange, the Guardian Life, the Dominion Express and Transportation buildings, and hundreds of others. Some of the finest residences of the city also stand as monuments to his handiwork, notably among which are the homes of the late Sir Edward S. Clouston and George L. Cains. From the time that he started out in business his rise was continuous. It was soon evident that he understood the building business, both from a scientific and practical standpoint, that his reliability made him worthy of a liberal patronage, and that his energy and indomitable spirit made possible the prompt and faithful execution of his contracts. Success came to him soon and was well merited, so that he gained place among the prosperous residents of the city. His ability in management, his power of carefully formulating plans and then executing them with determination was seen in his cooperation in the organization of a number of companies which have constituted leading factors in industrial, commercial and financial circles. He was one of the promoters of the Lachine Rapids Hydraulic & Land Company,formed in 1896, and of the Midway Land Company in the same year. He was one of the organizers of the Laprairie Brick Company in 1904.
Mr. Lyall was united in marriage to Miss Christina Oman, who, like her husband, was a native of Castletown, Caithness, Scotland. They became the parents of three sons, William and Traill O., of Montreal, Peter D., of Winnipeg and a daughter, now Mrs. D. W. Lockerby, of Montreal. Mr. Lyall possessed a social nature that found expression in his membership in the Canada, Reform, Canadian, Country and Engineers Clubs. His kindly disposition made him a favorite in all circles, and among no class of people was he more appreciated than by his own employes. He was deeply interested in all that pertained to affairs of government and to municipal progress. For many years he was a prominent member of the liberal party, earnestly striving to promote its success, and in 1904 he unsuccessfully contested the St. Antoine district for the Dominion parliament. At one time he was president of the Montreal Reform Club and at all times took a firm stand in opposition to misrule in public affairs and in support of all that he believed would uphold the honored tenets of government and promote the best interests of the people in general. For two years he was a member of the Montreal city council and brought his splendid business acumen to bear on civic problems, proving himself one of the strongest men at the council table. He was afterward eagerly besought to again become a member of the council but declined. He took a deep and helpful interest in the Citizens Association, being in hearty sympathy with its purpose, and at the time of his demise was one of its vice presidents. Above and beyond all this Mr. Lyall was known as a man of most generous and benevolent spirit, ever seeking to promote the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen. He could not listen unmoved to a tale of sorrow or distress, and to the extent of his ability he extended a helping hand to the needy. He gave not only freely of his money but also a large portion of his time to good works. He was president of the Protestant Hospital for the Insane at Verdun, and his efforts were a potent force in making it one of the excellent institutions of its character in the country. The Western Hospital found him equally helpful and generous. Thus he made his presence felt beneficially in commercial, political and philanthropic circles. To know him was to esteem and honor him by reason of what he accomplished and the methods he pursued. The most envious could not grudge him his success, so honorably was it won and so worthily used.
In insurance circles in Montreal and among business men in general the name of Alfred B. Dufresne is well known because of his activity in the field to which he directs his efforts. He was born April 13, 1874, at Joliette, Canada, a son of J. Alfred and Honorine (Delfausse) Dufresne, who now reside in Montreal. He was educated in Plateau Academy and at the age of eighteen years began work as a clerk in the office of the Alliance Assurance Company in Montreal. During the twelve years he served the company he won promotion from time to time until he became chief clerk, his capability and fidelity thus winninghim recognition and gaining for him substantial advancement. In 1903 he was appointed inspector for the Mount Royal Assurance Company and so continued until 1907, when he was appointed chief specific rating inspector of the Canadian Fire Underwriters Association. In 1908 he was appointed manager of the Montreal-Canada Fire Insurance Company, filling the position for two years, or until 1910, when he took up general agency work, now representing the Northwestern National Insurance Company, the Montreal-Canada Fire Insurance Company, the Anglo-American Fire Insurance Company, the Protection Fire Insurance Company and the Rimouski Fire Insurance Company, with offices in the Duluth building.
On the 12th of October, 1909, Mr. Dufresne was married to Miss Gabrielle Mathieu, and to them have been born two daughters, Jacqueline and Françoise. The family reside at No. 171 Esplanade Avenue, and Mr. Dufresne is a member of the St. Denis Club. Much of his life has been passed in the city where he now resides, and his admirable traits of character, as well as his business ability, have gained him firm hold on the regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated.
The name of Charles Albert Duclos figures in professional circles in Montreal as that of a lawyer whose ability has won for him a large clientage. He is a man of scholarly attainments, which, added to his knowledge of the law, has gained him prestige among the successful advocates of the city. A native of Joliette, P. Q., he was born on the 3d of August, 1861, his parents being the Rev. R. P. and Sophie A. Jeaureneaud Duclos. The father was a French-Canadian, while the mother was born in Switzerland. The Rev. R. P. Duclos has devoted his life to the work of the ministry as a representative of the Presbyterian church. Realizing the value of education as a factor for success in any chosen field of labor, the father provided his son with good opportunities in that direction and, after attending the Montreal high school, Charles A. Duclos entered McGill University, in which he pursued the arts course, winning the B. A. degree in 1881, and then entered upon the study of law, winning the B. C. L. degree, with the Elizabeth Torrance gold medal in 1884. His high standing in scholarship constituted the basis upon which his friends builded their belief in his successful future, and the faith which they manifested has found justification in his professional career. Following his graduation he at once entered upon active practice in Montreal, where he has remained continuously since. Aside from his practice he is the vice president of the Ross Realty Company, which was organized in 1906, and in that connection he has displayed sound business judgment and enterprise.
In June, 1889, Mr. Duclos was united in marriage to Isabella Spence, a daughter of G. M. Holbrook, of Ottawa, and they reside at No. 488 Elm Avenue, Westmount. Mr. Duclos’ fellow citizens of Westmount called him to the office of mayor, in which he served in 1905-6, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He is a conservative in politics, and he stands forall that means progress along material, intellectual, political and moral lines. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His social connections are with St. James, Canada, Royal Montreal Golf, St. George Snowshoe Clubs, of Montreal; and the Rideau Club, of Ottawa. Appreciative of the social amenities of life and readily recognizing and appreciating these qualities in others, he has gained many friends in these organizations. However, he regards the practice of law as his real life work and bends his energies, in major part, toward his professional duties. He was created king’s counsel in 1903, and the years of his active practice now cover nearly three decades—years in which he has made continuous advancement as the result of constantly developing power in the line of his chosen profession.
CHARLES A. DUCLOSCHARLES A. DUCLOS
CHARLES A. DUCLOS
Rev. Canon John Macpherson Almond, rector of Trinity church, Montreal, is a man whose practical piety has been demonstrated in many ways, as a traveling missionary, on the field of battle, in the pulpit and in quiet work among his people. His name stands as a synonym for sincerity of purpose, upright living and breadth of mind, and his accomplishments have already been important enough to form a notable part of the history of the Anglican church in Canada. Canon Almond was born in Shigawake, Quebec province, July 27, 1872, and is a son of James and Mary Ann (Macpherson) Almond. He studied in the University of Bishop’s College at Lennoxville, from which he was graduated B. A. in 1894 and M. A. in 1901. He was ordained deacon in the Anglican church in 1896 and priest in the following year, being stationed first as a missionary in Labrador and becoming afterward traveling missionary for the Quebec diocese. In October, 1899, he was commissioned chaplain to the Royal Canadian Regiment and accompanied it to South Africa, where he was chaplain to the Nineteenth Brigade, composed of the Gordons, Cornwalls, Shropshires and Canadians. His conduct during the campaign received high praise, more particularly in connection with his attendance on the enteric fever patients at Bloemfontein, and he was given a medal for courageous and untiring work in all conditions of danger both from the enemy and from disease and discomfort.
Returning to Canada in December, 1900, Canon Almond was made assistant curate at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Quebec, and as such remained one year, after which he was appointed rector at Grand Mere. In 1904 he was transferred to Montreal, where he has since filled the position of rector of Trinity church, winning the love, respect and confidence of his parishioners and the high regard of all who have an opportunity of knowing his honorable and upright life. Canon Almond is a preacher of great power and forcefulness and has won a wide reputation as a speaker, delivering among others the oration at the decoration of the soldiers’ graves in Montreal on Victoria Day, 1905. He was elected president of the South African Veterans Association of Montreal in 1908 and of the Last Post Association two years later. Since March, 1911, he has held the office of chaplain, with the honorary rank of captain, in the Sixth Duke of Connaught’s Royal Canadian Hussars. In 1912 he was appointed chaplain of the Montrealjails. Archdeacon Ker has called him “a splendid preacher,” and the Toronto Globe speaks of him as “a man of zeal, practical piety and unselfishness, with a knack for executive work”—tributes which he has won by most able and untiring work in many fields. Canon Almond was married in October, 1901, to Nellie Estelle, daughter of H. G. Beemer of Quebec.
William Langley Bond, one of the well known advocates of Montreal, belongs to an old Canadian family, his parents being Lieutenant Colonel Frank and Mary (Scott) Bond. Colonel Bond is a well known financial agent and stockbroker of Montreal and is the eldest son of the late Archbishop Bond, Primate of All Canada, and Eliza (Langley) Bond. The father has been connected with banking and financial interests for many years and has also been prominent in military life.
William L. Bond was born in Montreal, January 20, 1873. He attended the high school in Montreal and then entered McGill University, from which he received the degree of B. A. in 1894 and of B. C. L. in 1897. In 1898 he became an advocate and shortly thereafter a member of the legal firm of Atwater, Duclos, Bond & Meagher, of Montreal. Among the famous cases which he argued was the Cantin case, which was tried before Jl. Comte, P. C., England. In November, 1911, he was appointed a K. C.
For a number of years Mr. Bond was captain and adjutant of the Prince of Wales Fusiliers. He is also honorary treasurer of the Province of Quebec Rifle Association. In his religious faith he is an Anglican and was elected lay secretary of the Montreal Synod in 1907 and also church advocate. In 1910 he was made a governor of the Montreal Diocesan Theological College. Mr. Bond is prominent in club life, being a member of the committee of St. James, and a member of the Reform, the Arts, and the Winter Clubs. He is a great friend of outdoor sports and the lines along which he seeks recreation are indicated by his membership in the Royal Montreal Golf Club, the Montreal Curling Club and the Forest and Stream. He also belongs to the Montreal Military Institute and is an honorary member of the Polo and Country Club.
Robert Anderson Becket, did much to promote musical talent, directly assisting many young musicians, and thus his loss was distinctly felt in musical circles, when death called him on the 6th of May, 1910. He had passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life’s journey, his birth having occurred in Scotland, December 30, 1834. His father, James Becket, came to Canada with his family in 1841 and was connected with the customs department at Montreal, where Robert A. pursued his education in private schools. He was a young man in his twenty-fourthyear, when on January 11, 1858, he wedded Anne Wilson, born in Bellemeana, Ireland, a daughter of Samuel Wilson.
Robert A. Becket had made his initial step in business as bookkeeper for his uncle, J. C. Becket, on St. James Street in Montreal, but in the year of his marriage, removed to Belleville, Ontario, where he embarked in business on his own account conducting a music and stationery store, for about eight years, or until 1866, when he returned to this city and became manager for the D. Morris Ice Company. Some time passed and he became owner of this enterprise, in which connection he built up a large and profitable business. He organized a joint stock company called the City Ice Company, Limited, and devoted all of his time to the conduct of his business, carefully directing its interests. He was a progressive man and was especially active along musical lines, doing much to help young musicians. He was also a prominent figure in quartet and choir work and there was perhaps, no one who did more to stimulate among the young, a love for music of the higher class, than Mr. Becket.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Becket were born twelve children, of whom five are living: Christina A.; Dr. George C., of East Orange, New Jersey; Ralph A., of Montreal; Fred M., of Niagara Falls, New York; and Frank W., of New York. The family attend the Erskine church, of which Mr. Becket was a prominent member and elder, his religious faith constituting the root from which sprang his many good deeds, wrought along lines of continuous benefit to his fellowmen.
Harold Earle Walker, practicing at the bar of Montreal as a member of the law firm of Chauvin, Baker & Walker, was born in Westmount, Quebec, in 1882. His father, James Robert Walker, a native of the city of Quebec, became senior partner of the well known firm of J. R. Walker & Company of Montreal and is not only well known in business circles but also through his active connection with public affairs. At one time he was mayor of Westmount and has taken an active part in furthering matters of civic virtue and civic pride. He married Agnes Cooper Earle.
After attending the Abingdon school, Mr. Walker became a student in McGill University, completing the arts course in 1904 and the law course with the class of 1907. His standing is indicated by the fact that he won the Elizabeth Torrance gold medal and the Macdonald scholarship. Following his graduation with the class of 1907, which was indicative of the completion of the thorough course of law prescribed by McGill, he was admitted to the bar and after a year spent in France returned to Montreal to enter upon the active practice of his profession, which he now follows as a member of the law firm of Chauvin, Baker & Walker. An extensive practice is fast adding to his experience and developing the powers with which nature endowed him.
In Montreal, in 1911, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Hazel A. Hart, a daughter of R. A. Baldwin Hart. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and something of the nature of his recreation is indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Beaconsfield Golf Club. He is a typical youngprofessional man of the age, alert, energetic, watchful of opportunities. His friends anticipate for him future success, and the record he has already made shows that he has taken a far step in advance since entering upon the active practice of law.
The history of a country is no longer an account of wars and conquests, but is a record of notable business activity, of intellectual, aesthetic and moral progress and political management and control. While never active in the field of politics, Joseph Bowles Learmont was not only highly successful where his tastes led, but was as well one of the foremost merchants of the city, and well known in the business community of Montreal. He cooperated in various interests having broad humanitarianism as their basic principle, and he was a connoisseur on rare books and engravings. His interests were wide and varied and brought him into close connection with many of the leading citizens of the Dominion.
Mr. Learmont was a native of Montreal. From the beginning of his business career success attended him so that he at length was numbered among the city’s most substantial business men. In all his career there was no esoteric phase, his advancement having been through constructive and progressive methods. Studying the demands of the times and the conditions of trade he was no small factor in the growth and development of the extensive wholesale hardware business of Caverhill, Learmont & Company, of which Mr. Learmont was the senior member. This well known house succeeded Crathern & Caverhill (which was established in 1854) and occupies a foremost position in its line, with a reputation for commercial integrity second to none.
Successful business man that he was, commerce constituted but one feature in the life of Mr. Learmont. He was of decided literary tastes and was frequently heard on literary and historical subjects. He was, moreover, the author of a most interesting paper on folk lore, in which extended mention is made of the folk lore of Canada. Another paper of equal interest from his pen is on The Canadian Indian. Mr. Learmont was widely known as a collector of rare books and manuscripts, etchings, engravings and autograph letters, his knowledge of such being that of a connoisseur. His collection of Bibles comprised more than one hundred rare volumes. He also wrote on engravings, translations of the English versions of the Bible, children’s elementary books, etc.
Mr. Learmont’s keen interest in matters historic was probably best shown in his purchase of Quebec House, the home of Major General James Wolfe, Westerham, Kent, England. The motive which inspired him to make the purchase was to secure the property for the Canadian people, to be held by them in perpetuity “irrespective of race, language or creed.” His desire was that the Canadian people maintain it so that it may be open to visitors and free to all that are interested in Canada. Mr. Learmont always manifested the keenest interest in anything associated with Wolfe and had made a collection of engravings of the famous general. He also possessed an excellent painting of Wolfe’s father, the work of Sir James Thornhill.
JOSEPH B. LEARMONTJOSEPH B. LEARMONT
JOSEPH B. LEARMONT
Mr. Learmont was a member of the council of the Montreal Art Association and treasurer of the local branch and one of the council of the Archaeological Institute of America. He likewise became one of the early members of the Antiquarian Society of Montreal.
Mr. Learmont was first married to Miss Amelia Jane Holton, a daughter of the late Hon. L. H. Holton, M. P., a prominent parliamentarian and statesman. Following her death, he married, in 1882, Charlotte Smithers, a daughter of the late Charles F. Smithers, president of the Bank of Montreal. Mr. and Mrs. Learmont were always in full accord concerning religious and charitable work. He was connected with the Congregational church and a generous supporter of church and benevolent enterprises. Mrs. Learmont is particularly well known in efforts to ameliorate the conditions of life for the unfortunate. She is interested in the movement for providing playgrounds for children; is vice president of the Montreal Day Nursery; vice president of the local branch of the Needle Work Guild, and president and convener of the local branch of the ladies’ committee of the Victorian Order of Nurses. She is likewise a director of the City Improvement League; was one of the directors of the Royal Edward Institute, and is one of the honorary presidents of the Young Women’s Christian Association. She was one of a deputation, headed by the Countess of Aberdeen, who presented Queen Alexandra an address of congratulation from twenty-five hundred women of Canada.
Mr. Learmont was a member of the committee of management of the Montreal General Hospital; a member of the board and a governor of the Montreal branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses, and a director of the Charity Organization Society. He belonged to the Montreal Board of Trade, of which he was for two years a councilor, and in more strictly social lines was a member of the St. James, Mount Royal, Montreal and City Clubs. He was termed “a man of exquisite taste and deep knowledge on special subjects.” He was an advocate of all that is most progressive and beneficial, never choosing the second best but seeking out those things which are most beneficial to the individual and to the community, recognizing every man’s relation and obligation to his fellowman.
Mr. Learmont died March 12, 1914.
Centuries past the history of a country consisted of a record of wars and conquests—the contest of man with man; today the history is the record of man’s contests with material forces and those who are making the history of a country are the men who are controlling its important agricultural, commercial and professional interests. It is they who are shaping the annals of the nation and those who rise to leadership in any given line are the men who are preparing the records that in years to come will be eagerly read as the history of the past. In this connection the name of Frederick William Thompson stands prominently forth, for he became one of the foremost figures in connection with the milling industry of Canada. He was born in Montreal, January 16, 1862,and was but in the prime of life when he passed away in London, England, May 7, 1912. His parents were the late Andrew and Josephine (DeLesperance) Thompson. The son was educated in Montreal and in Brooklyn, New York, living for some years in the latter city. Subsequently he returned to Montreal and entered the service of the Exchange Bank as a clerk, remaining with that institution for seven years. It was thus that he gained his preliminary business experience which he later turned to account in the management of milling operations. In 1882 he joined the Ogilvie Mills in Winnipeg, becoming general manager of the Ogilvie Milling Company in 1888. Following the death of W. W. Ogilvie in 1900 the entire company’s interests were consolidated and the business purchased by Mr. Thompson and C. R. Hosmer. In 1911 the Ogilvies were made millers to the King. The business gradually grew and developed and became a focal point in the milling industry of the country, setting the standard for activity along that line. Mr. Thompson was active in coordinating forces and in developing an enterprise which became second to none in all Canada. He had wonderful powers of organization and could unite seemingly diverse elements into a unified and harmonious whole. He considered no detail as too unimportant to claim his attention, while, at the same time, he gave due regard to the major points in his business. His executive force and management were many times called forth in other connections.
He had voice in the control of many important business and financial interests and in affairs of a public and semi-public character. He was a director of the Canadian branch of the Liverpool & London & Globe Insurance Company, the Montreal Transportation Company, the Canadian Appraisal Company, the Electric Flour Patents Company, the E. N. Heney Company, the Royal Bank of Canada, the Manitoba Assurance Company, and was president of the Keystone Transportation Company and of the Canada Appraisal Company. He was also the originator of the Kaministiqua Power Company and of a large number of other enterprises which contributed to the history of the country in its commercial and financial development.
As stated, Mr. Thompson was a prominent figure in relation to many public and semi-public interests. He was a governor of the Winnipeg General Hospital; and a life governor of the Protestant Hospital for the Insane, the Western Home and the Boys’ Home. In 1908 he lectured on Plain Business Facts. He was president of the Winnipeg Industrial Exchange Association and of the Winnipeg Board of Trade. He was likewise a vice president of the Winnipeg Rowing Club; president and patron of the local branch of the Royal Caledonia Curling Club, and honorary president of the Winnipeg Hockey Club. He was a director of the Montreal Association for the Blind, governor of the Montreal Western Hospital, councilor of the Montreal Board of Trade, and in Montreal no less than in Winnipeg he was greatly interested in all public enterprises and philanthropic undertakings. In 1903 he was a delegate to the Fifth Commercial Congress of the Empire.
In the previous year Mr. Thompson received the Prince and Princess of Wales, now King George and Queen Mary, at the Ogilvie Mill in Winnipeg and subsequently presented the Princess with the picture of the largest flour mill in the British Empire. It was in the same year that the largest shipment of flour to South America from the Dominion of Canada was made.
In 1882 Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Reid, a daughter of the late William Reid of Bedford, province of Quebec, and their children were Marion, Fred, Alice and Helen. The first named became the wife of D. C. Rea, of Winnipeg, manager of the Royal Bank. Mr. Thompson was prominently known in club and social circles, holding membership in the St. James, Mount Royal, Canada, Forest and Stream, Royal Montreal Golf, Montreal Jockey, and Auto and Aero Clubs; Montreal Amateur Athletic Association; the Montreal Curling Club; the Rideau Club of Ottawa; the Constitutional of London; Manitoba of Winnipeg; and the York Club of Toronto.
Perhaps no better estimate of the life and character of Mr. Thompson can be given than by quoting from an editorial which appeared in one of the papers at the time of his demise and which read:
“Death has within a year robbed the Canadian milling industry of its two most prominent leaders. During the years which brought Robert Meighen and Frederick William Thompson to the top, the flour milling industry underwent an expansion and consolidation second only to that of the transportation industry and the metal industries. The process was peculiarly favorable to the rise of men of strong personal character and large intellectual capacity. It is not surprising, therefore, to find the leaders of the industry taking a larger part in the public life of the country than those of almost any other business. Without ever seeking office or public honors, for which indeed the cares of his business left him no time, the late Mr. Thompson exercised a very wide and effective influence upon the beliefs and policies of Canada in business matters. When he spoke it was not as a mere expert miller, but as an authority of the widest knowledge; and as he never wasted a public utterance by dealing with any matter on which he was not perfectly informed, he was listened to with a respect which neither his wealth nor his business success alone could have commanded. There are men still living who can remember when the flour milling of Canada was carried on in hundreds of small local mills under separate ownership. The process of centralizing the industry has been pretty well completed now; such companies as that of which Mr. Thompson was the active head are national in their scope and the extent of their properties.
“He has been cut off in the prime of life and it is difficult to conjecture what further progress of organization he might have participated in, had he lived. Whatever it might be, we can be sure that the interests of Canada would have been advantaged, for he was a thorough Canadian by birth and by conviction and ever regarded the milling industry less as a source of wealth than as a factor in Canada’s greatness. In these days the best and most practical form of patriotism is frequently to be found in business.”
William H. Hope, for more than thirty years an active business man on St. Catherine Street, near Mansfield, was born, March 9, 1840, in the north of England, and died September 11, 1903, so that his life span compassed sixty-three years. He came to Montreal as a young man and on July 26, 1878, was marriedin this city to Miss Mary E. Percy. Their family numbered seven children: Lena, who is Mrs. Thomas Bradley, now a resident of New York city; Eva, the wife of Rev. Hunter Laverie, of Forest, Ontario; William G., of Portland, Oregon; Adam V., who died in infancy; Sadie, who is the wife of George Wanless, of Outremont; Clifford R.; and Elsie.
Mr. Hope was a well known business man, conducting an art store at one location for over thirty years. His business integrity was above question and he was respected by all who knew him. In his political faith he was a conservative, but did not take an active part in politics. He was interested, however, in the promotion of athletic and outdoor sports for the young. A man of domestic taste, he found his greatest happiness at his own fireside, doing everything in his power to promote the welfare of his wife and children. He held membership in St. Paul’s Presbyterian church and his life was actuated by high and honorable principles that made him a thorough gentleman, courteous, kindly and considerate at all times.
Prominent in the business and financial life of the city, James O’Connor was numbered among Montreal’s well known and successful business men. He was born at St. Alphonse, province of Quebec, and when a young man in his teens, came to Montreal at which time his capital was but little more than his energy, pluck and determination. From the time of his arrival here his attention was largely concentrated upon business affairs and he wisely improved his time and opportunities, thus advancing step by step until he reached the plane of affluence. For many years he had charge of the wholesale pork packing house on Williams Street and there laid the foundation for his fortune.
For a number of years before his death, Mr. O’Connor had largely confined his business activities to the stock market, where he was a prominent figure. While a man of sound judgment and keen business sagacity, one of his strongest characteristics was his great courage and persistency. During the great financial depression of 1907, when security values were slumping in a manner that brought financial ruin to many, Mr. O’Connor’s fortune suffered a large shrinkage. He had confidence in the future, however, and the pluck to hold on, with the result that he recouped his losses and added substantially to his fortune, which was estimated at over a half million dollars at the time of his retirement.
He was one of the largest individual holders of Dominion Steel preferred and also an extensive holder of the common stock. He was likewise a heavy stockholder in the Dominion Coal Company.
All his life he was a man of business, which through careful attention brought him substantial as well as honorable success. Mr. O’Connor was a figure that attracted attention and he made lasting friendships in business as well as in private life. He was known as a man of his word, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate in life’s battle. Many of his acts of kindness and substantial assistance were known only to the recipients. His acquaintance was large and included the prominent business and public men of his time.
JAMES O’CONNORJAMES O’CONNOR
JAMES O’CONNOR
Mr. O’Connor held membership in St. Anthony’s Catholic church and in politics he was a conservative. In his habits and tastes, he was most domestic, finding his greatest pleasure in administering to the welfare and happiness of his family. The most envious could not begrudge him his success, so honorably was it won and so worthily used for the benefit and assistance of others. His nature was one of extreme generosity and his example is worthy of emulation.
His sudden death on April 15, 1909, left a widow, a son and two daughters. James O’Connor is a resident of Montreal; Margaret resides at home; and Laura Esther is now Mrs. G. F. Hemsley. Mrs. O’Connor previous to her marriage which took place in St. Patrick’s church, Montreal, was Miss Catherine Curran, a daughter of John Curran, a prominent and distinguished citizen of this city.
Among the mercantile institutions of Montreal is that of H. Vineberg & Company, clothing manufacturers for the trade, the inception and building up of which business is entirely due to the indefatigable efforts of H. Vineberg. The firm occupies what is known as Vineberg’s building, eight stories in height. Hundreds of young men have learned their trade and received their start in this establishment, and that many of them today occupy creditable positions in life is in a measure due to the lofty principles which are the policy of the firm. Many have profited by Mr. Vineberg’s kindly advice, who took an interest in each employe of his large enterprise and who, moreover, often helped them to begin their career in the right direction. Mr. Vineberg has aided many men who are today prominent in professional life in the city and has ever taken a deep interest in charitable and church organizations, having particularly given his aid to those who came to this country in straitened circumstances in order to enjoy the privileges of British freedom, British institutions and the prosperity held out to all who but want to grasp it in the vast Canadian commonwealth.
Harris Vineberg was born in 1855, on the 25th of December, a Jewish feast day called Chanuka, in Zidugira, Russian Poland. Zidugira means Jewish bush, and his ancestors owned the vast forests in Poland from which this name is derived. It may be mentioned in this connection that the cable address used by the house of H. Vineberg & Company today is “Zidugira,” perpetuating in a manner the memory of that place which gave birth to him and whence he sallied forth into the world to build his fortune. It seems that this reverent attitude toward his birthplace, toward his parents and toward his people has been the guiding star over Mr. Vineberg’s career, the star which has led him to the goal. His parents were Lazarus and Malca Vineberg, the former of whom died in Palestine in 1901 and the latter in 1882.
Their son Harris received a strictly orthodox education from private teachers. After having mastered the curriculum he assisted his father in the lumber business for the last two years which he spent in his native land. However, the young man could not content himself with the limitations which hedged him in on all sides under Russian rule and, coveting the opportunity of a wider sphereof action, he made up his mind to seek that country under which the greatest personal liberty, the greatest freedom of thought, the greatest tolerance of religious views prevailed. With an eye to the practical, he selected that part of the empire which seemed to him to hold out the greatest opportunity.
In September, 1872, Mr. Vineberg came to Montreal on the steamship Sarmatian. A brother had broken the home ties with him and with this brother he worked one year in Glengarry county, where he acquired a fair knowledge of English. He then made for Montreal in order to profit by the opportunities which the fast growing center of population held out and for seven months he worked in a humble capacity, earning but two dollars a week. On Saturdays and Sundays he instructed two boys in the Hebrew language and in this manner earned sufficient to pay for his board. Quickly accommodating himself, however, to the new conditions of life, Mr. Vineberg never lost sight of his purpose and, husbanding his small resources, he strove eagerly to establish himself in business. He opened a small store at No. 662 Craig Street, near St. Peter, and devoted his whole time for one year to that establishment with such good success that at the end of that period he had to seek larger quarters on McGill Street, where he remained until 1876, when removal was made to Lancaster, Ontario. Careful of his profits, he was there enabled to establish a general country store of considerable size which he conducted for four years,—years which brought him added prosperity. Mr. Vineberg has ever held a warm place in his heart for the little village of Lancaster, to which he largely credits his commercial education. There he had already attained such prominence that he was moving in the best of circles and was associated with and sought out by the foremost men of that county. In 1880 Mr. Vineberg returned to Montreal, having definitely decided to engage in the manufacture of clothing and, beginning in a small way in a private house, he formed a partnership with G. Burnett under the firm style of G. Burnett & Company. Although the firm’s policy was such that it should have resulted in success, it was forced to close out in 1891 and liquidated in that year. Such means as Mr. Vineberg had acquired up to that time were swept away by this unfortunate venture, and when he started again in 1892, tenaciously holding to his purpose, he had to begin practically without capital. However, he enjoyed a good reputation and among his personal following were many who had utmost confidence in his integrity and ability. He secured the assistance of Mr. Westgate of the H. B. Knitting Company, and it was this combination which formed the beginning of Progress brand clothing, under which name the output of H. Vineberg & Company is favorably known to the trade in all the Dominion. His thorough understanding of the business, his capacity for detail, his executive ability and understanding of human nature led him to the position which he now occupies at the head of one of the leading establishments of its kind in the city. The firm was incorporated in 1908 and in 1912 was transformed into a joint stock company, of which Mr. Vineberg became the president.
Although Mr. Vineberg’s mercantile interests are large, he has found time and opportunity to prove himself one of those men to whom the progress of the city and the welfare of its people is of foremost importance. Deeply grateful for such success as has come to him—and in his modest way not at all ascribing it to his personality, his energy, his patience, his judgment and industry—Mr. Vinebergwelcomes the opportunity of giving to charitable institutions and of aiding those who strive to make a success of life. He has never forgotten how he once started himself—a poor Jewish boy without means and friends—and how he had to struggle to obtain a place in society. It is therefore but natural that he shows the deepest understanding and the greatest sympathy for those who today find themselves in similar conditions, even if these are not so trying as those which the young emigrant from the Sarmatian met. Mr. Vineberg is a director of the Jewish Colonization Institute, engaged in Jewish communal work. He was president of the Young Men’s Benevolent Hebrew Society from 1888 until 1892, during which time Baron de Hirsch sent the first ten thousand dollars with which the Baron de Hirsch Institute was founded. Before being president of this society, Mr. Vineberg was a director and in that capacity wrote to the famous Jewish philanthropist calling his attention to the needs of such an institution, and it was he who was largely instrumental in founding the institute at St. Elizabeth Street. In addition to his duties in connection with the Benevolent Hebrew Society for Young Men and the Baron de Hirsch Institute, Mr. Vineberg was one of those who were most active in promoting its religious school and he was chairman of the committee having charge over that department for many years. He is a member of the Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue and also of the English and German Synagogue on McGill College Avenue, in which latter he held the position of secretary for four years. He was one of the leading and most energetic spirits in moving the synagogue to McGill College Avenue from St. Constant Street, being at that time the secretary. He also is a director of the Hebrew Free Loan Association and a member of every Jewish charitable institution in Montreal. However, that his charity and his interest in those who are afflicted is not limited by creed is evident from the fact that he is a governor of the Montreal General Hospital.
During his long business career Mr. Vineberg has been the mentor of many of the leading merchants and manufacturers of this city who began their careers in his employ and who learned their trade in his place and there laid the foundations of their fortunes. Hundreds of well-to-do families in Montreal have been able to establish themselves in comfortable circumstances through their connection with the house of Vineberg & Company. There are a number of professional men who occupy an honored place in their spheres of activities and who are indebted to Mr. Vineberg for timely help and advice and there are many who are well known in the city today who reached these shores as emigrants with small means, and friendless, and who found in him one who was willing to assuage such troubles as beset them.
Mr. Vineberg is devoting much of his time to the care of his wife, a sufferer, and it is therefore but natural that he does not give so much of his time to the active operation of his large business interests, the management of the house of H. Vineberg & Company being entrusted largely to the husband of his eldest daughter. Yet he is still active and his advice is highly valued and often sought in commercial circles. He is a member of the Board of Trade and in that connection has always stood for things which would promote progress and prosperity in Montreal. He is a member of the Canadian Manufacturers Association and a director of the Canadian Credit Men’s Association. Although he is interested in all movements that make for efficient government of city, provinceand Dominion, for the highest type of sanitary system, the best health conditions, the beautification of the city, he has never actively entered the political arena.
On October 23, 1876, Mr. Vineberg married Miss Lily Goldberg, daughter of the late Rev. Hyman Goldberg,who for a number of years was assistant minister of the Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue. Mr. and Mrs. Vineberg became the parents of three daughters: Libbie, who married Isidor Cohen, a member of H. Vineberg & Company; Eva, who married A. J. Hart, president and general manager of the Hart Manufacturing Company; and Malca, who is the wife of A. Z. Cohen, a member of the firm of L. Cohen & Sons.
Mr. and Mrs. Vineberg have twelve grandchildren, and it may be mentioned as illustration of his deep affection for his family that the pictures of these children adorn the walls of his private office. When deeply engaged in business thoughts, these children’s faces, no doubt, smile to him encouragement and fill him with satisfaction in the knowledge that around him are growing up generations of his own blood who appreciate and love him for what he is to them and will honor him for what he has done to lighten their life’s burdens when they will occupy the stage of life’s activities.
As a member of the firm of Bastien, Bergeron, Cousineau, Lacasse & Jasmin, Philemon Cousineau, K. C., occupies a foremost position among the legal fraternity of Montreal. Moreover, he has gained a reputation as a legislator and is considered today one of the foremost authorities on constitutional law in the province. He has important commercial interests, and his career has had in its various aspects a lasting influence upon the growth and development of the city. He was born at St. Laurent, Quebec, on October 25, 1874, and is a son of Gervais and Angelique (Grou) Cousineau.
Philemon Cousineau was educated at Sainte Therese College and Laval University, from which he graduated in 1896. Being called to the bar, he began the active practice of law in July of that year and has ever since continued with increasing success. He is professor of constitutional and municipal law at Laval University, which institution of learning conferred upon him the degree of LL. D., after he had presented a thesis on Corporations. He has also been for some time king’s counsel and enjoys a profitable and representative practice.
Mr. Cousineau is extensively interested in industrial and financial projects which have had to do with the city’s progress, among them being the Mount Royal Telephone Company, of which he was president, and previous to its absorption by the Canadian Light & Power Company he was a director of the Saraguay Light & Power Company. He is also president of the St. Lawrence Tobacco Company. He was mayor of the town of St. Laurent from 1904 to 1908 and both as an official and citizen has had no little to do with the progress of that flourishing town.
In 1897 Mr. Cousineau was united in marriage to Miss Helmina Gendron, and they have four daughters. In politics Mr. Cousineau is a conservative and in 1908 was elected to the legislature of the province of Quebec from the countyof Jacques Cartier and reelected in 1912. He is a trusted counselor of the party and has done far-reaching work on committees as well as on the floor of the house. Public-spirited in the most noble sense of the word, he has ever stood for that which is best for the greatest number. In 1913 he was delegate of the Canadian government to the general meeting of the International Institute Of Agriculture at Rome, Italy.