a b HISTORY
AND
BIOGRAPHICAL GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL
TO THE
1893.
BY
REV. jfDOUGLAS BORTHWICK, LL.D.,
Fellow of " The Chicago College of Science " and Member of " The Canadian Society of Literature."
AUTHOR OF
Antonomasias of History and Geography" — " Cyclopaedia of History and Geography," — " The
British American Reader,"—" The Harp of Canaan,"— •" Battles of the World,"— "Every
Man's Mine of Useful Knowledge," — "Elementary Geography of Canada" —
" History of Scottish Song" — "Montreal, Its History and Biographical
Sketches ," No. I.— " the Tourists Guide to the Waterfalls of
Canada,"—" Borthwick Castle,"— "History of the Montreal Prison, from, 1784 to 1887," — " History of ' Cyprus f1 — " History of India ," — " Summer $ Rambles in Scotland and England in 1888," — "The Commercial Register^ etc., etc.
"CONCORDIA SALUS."
\
MONTREAL :
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY JOHN LOVELL & SOX,
23 and 25 St. Nicholas Street.
1892.
LORD MOUNT STEPHEN.
TO
LORD MOUNT STEPHEN,
MONTREAL.
I have much pleasure in dedicating- this volume on the History and Biographical Gazetteer of Montreal to your Lordship, for the following reasons : —
i st You have been a citizen of Montreal nearly all your life, "a citizen of no mean city " ;
2nd. You have been connected with the progress of the City for many years, and in many ways ;
3rd. You have been intimately connected with, and instrumental in, beginning and developing that great undertaking, "The Canadian Pacific Railway" which now spans this Continent, and of which you were once the President ;
4th. You are one of the two who have given to the City of Montreal " The Jubilee Victoria Hospital" — a gift, in conjunction with that of Sir Donald Smith's, of such amount that it stands one of the largest ever donated in this country for a public purpose ;
5th. But especially because Her Most Gracious Majesty The Queen, in recog- nizing worth, has raised you to the Peerage of Great Britain, under the title of the highest and most magnificent of all the Canadian peaks of the Rocky Mountains — "Lord Mount Stephen " — which title I pray you may be long spared to bear, and, with " Lady Mount -Stephen^ enjoy years of health and happiness, not only in Old England, but in that City which feels proud of you and your well-earned honors —
Montreal.
I remain,
Your Lordship's obedient servant,
J. DOUGLAS BORTHWICK.
MONTREAL, November, 1891.
PREFACE.
SEVERAL books on Canadian Biography have been printed since I issued the first one, in book form and illustrated, sixteen years ago. They generally take in the whole Dominion — this present volume is devoted to Montreal alone. I have endeavored to make this volume of such particular character, that it may become of some value as a book of reference and a guide in which many interesting items (in connection with the old and modern families of the City) will be found therein. The History of Montreal will be an important item of the work. Very many items of historical interest were exhumed by me from the Records of the Court House and the Montreal Gaol relative to the old customs and manners of our citizen fore- fathers, and during some of the stirring periods of her history. A few extracts from men of note and position, and who are calculated to be the best judges of these things, will give a fair idea that I have done something towards saving from oblivion the interesting memorials of Montreal and its environs. The well-known Canadian Litterateur, J. M. LE MOINE, Esquire, of Quebec, writes : " I must commend your broad and liberal views of matters generally affecting the Colony."
HONBLE. JUDGE BABY, of the Historical Society, as its President, says : — " They contain a most excellent resume of the subject you treat of; " and in writing of the Records of Montreal he says that they il contain much valuable information for which the public is certainly indebted to you."
This is endorsed by Mr. J. M. Le Moine, one of the best of all Canadian Litterateurs and writers, when he says in a letter of date ist July, 1890 : " I have read with much interest in the Star your history of the origin of the names of the Montreal streets, and hope it will be preserved in the more durable shape of a brochure. Such infor- mation, I am sure, will find thousands of readers in Montreal and elsewhere."
L. O. DAVID, Esquire, the well-known writer and Historian of 1837-38, etc., says : — " J'ai lu avec le plus grand intent le livre que vous venez de publier sur les evene- ments de 1837-38. Vous avez le merite d'avoir fait connaitre une foule de details et de documents officiels relatifs a ces evenements."
Louis J. A. PAPINEAU, Esquire, son of the famous Leader, writing from " Monte Bello," says :— " It is full of statistical facts that were generally unknown, and which must have cost you much care and research. It is a precious collection to add to our historical records."
ROUER ROY, Esquire, says :— " It certainly reflects great credit on your efforts to collect all possible information on the subject."
6 PREFACE.
The History of Montreal, in the first part of this volume, will contain, then, a very large amount of items culled from all the writings of the Author for years past, and this feature will give it, I believe, much more interest than that of any previous work on the same subject.
To all who have assisted me in the literary part, and especially to P. S. Murphy, Esquire, for his interesting article in La Croix Rouge, I return my sincere thanks. Many of the Biographical sketches will be read with much interest. Interwoven with them are numerous items of History which otherwise would never have seen the light of day.
Lastly, to all my patrons and subscribers, I return my most hearty thanks for the promptitude and readiness shown in enabling me to bring out the work.
J. DOUGLAS BORTHWICK. MONTREAL, November, 1891.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
BY the first missionaries sent out to Canada from France it was soon perceived that the occupation and defence of the Island of Montreal was an object of the greatest importance, nay rendered indeed imperative, if the French wished to retain authority in the Island ; but " The Company " in France were unwilling to second their views in this respect. It fell, therefore, to the lot of some private individuals to accomplish this good design. Several persons in France, full of religious zeal, formed themselves into a Society consisting of thirty-five members, for the purpose of colon- izing the Island of Montreal. It was proposed that a French village should be established, and be well fortified, that the poorer class of emigrants should there find an asylum and employment, and the rest of the Island be occupied by such friendly tribes of Indians as should embrace Christianity, or wish to receive religious instruc- tion ; and it was hoped that in time they might become accustomed to civilized life. The greater part of the Island had been granted to Messrs. Charrier and Le Royer, whether disposed of by them or forfeited to the Crown does not appear from any official record that has been preserved. The king, however, ceded the whole of it, in 1641, to this Society, who took formal possession of it, at the conclusion of a grand mass which was celebrated on the occasion. The following year M. de Maisonneuve, one of the Associates, brought out several families from France, and was appointed Governor of the Island. "On the i8th of May, 1642, the spot destined for the City was consecrated by the Superior of the Jesuits, who also dedicated a small chapel, hastily constructed, in which he deposited The Host. This ceremony had been pre- ceded three months before by a similar one in Paris, where all the Associates went together to the Church of Notre Dame ; those of them who were priests officiated, and all supplicated the " Queen of Angels " to take the Island under her protec- tion. The ceremony, at Montreal, was celebrated on the i8th of August; a great number, French and Indians, were present, and nothing was omitted which could give to the natives a lofty idea of the Christian Religion. Thus " a few houses," as Bouchette observes, "built close together in the year 1642 on the site of the Indian village of Hochelaga, was the commencement of the City of Montreal, or, as it was first named, " Ville Marie." Parkman, the Historian, thus speaks of this interesting event : —
" MAISONNEUVE sprang ashore and fell on his knees. His followers imitated his example ; and all joined their voices in enthusiastic songs of thanksgiving. Tents, baggage, arms and stores, were landed. An altar was raised on a pleasant spot near the landing, and Mademoiselle Mance, with Madame de la Peltrie, aided by her servant, Charlotte Barre, decorated it with a taste which was the admiration
8 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
of the beholders. Now all the company gathered before The Shrine. Here stood Vincent in the rich vestments of his office. Here were the two ladies with their servant; Montmagny, no very willing spectator; and Maisonneuve, a warlike figure, erect and tall— his men clustering around him. They kneeled in reverent silence as The Host was raised aloft ; and when the rite was over, the priest turned and addressed them : l You are a grain of mustard seed that shall rise and grow till its branches overshadow the earth. You are few, but this work is the work of God. His smile is on you, and your children shall fill the land.'"
Of the truth of this good man's prophecy, we, living 250 years afterwards, have an abundant proof. The small mustard seed has indeed become a great tree, and the various nations of the Old World have lodged and are lodging in the branches thereof.
"The afternoon waned, the sun sank behind the western forest and twilight came on. Fireflies were twinkling over the darkened meadow. They caught them, tied them with threads into shining festoons and hung them before the altar. Then they pitched their tents, lighted their fires, stationed their guards, and lay down to rest. Such was the birthnight of Montreal."
Another writer (Sandham) says thus: — "The following morning they proceeded to form their encampment — the first tree being felled by Maisonneuve. They worked with such energy that, by the evening, they had erected a strong palisade, and had covered their altar with a roof made of bark.
" On the evening of this memorable day, Maisonneuve visited the Mountain. Two old Indians who accompanied him, having conducted him to the summit, told him that they belonged to the nation which had formerly occupied the country he beheld. ' We were,' said they, * a numerous people by us. The Hurons drove from thence our ancestors, some of whom took refuge with the Abenaquis, some with the Iroquois, and some remained with their conquerors.' The Governor urged the old men to invite their brethren to return to their hunting-grounds, assuring them that they should want for nothing, and that he would protect them from every attack of their enemies. This incident awakened feelings of no ordinary intere-st in the bosom of the Governor. The unbounded tract that opened itself to his view discovered to him dark, thick, and deep forests, whose height alone was a proof of their antiquity. Large rivers came down from a considerable distance to water these immense regions. Everything appeared grand. Nature here displayed great luxuriancy."
" It was some considerable time after their arrival before their enemies, the Indians, were made aware of it. and they improved the time by building some substantial houses and in strengthening their fortifications. In this way they passed the Summer, and all seemed bright, when in the month of December the River St. Lawrence rose rapidly and threatened to destroy the result of their toil. The flood rose until it filled the fort and ditch and reached the foot of their fortifications ; but it then receded slowly and they were safe."
HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
"While the water was rising, Maisonneuve made a vow that, should the danger be averted, he would cause a cross to be made, and would bear the same upon his shoulders and fix it on the top of the mountain. He now proceeded to fulfil his vow, and in January, 1643, he set his men to work to clear a road up the mountain. When this was completed, they formed a procession, headed by one of the Jesuits, and followed by Maisonneuve ' bearing a cross so heavy that he could scarcely ascend the mountain/ When they arrived at the highest crest of the mountain, the cross was erected, and all knelt to worship before it. Mass was said and the Sacra- ment was administered to Madame de la Peltrie."
The Indians were continually a source of great trouble, anxiety and danger to these early settlers, as indeed they were for two hundred years afterwards to settlers all over the Continent of America. These Red Men would watch sometimes for days for any one to pass the palisades, and then pounce upon the unfortunate straggler, tomahawk him, scalp him, and brutally murder him. This occasioned Maisonneuve to order that no man should go out or be near the outside walls without permission, which rule was imputed by his men to cowardice on the part of their leader. This so galled him that he determined to show that he was as brave as they were, and ordered his men to prepare to attack the enemy and he would lead them himself.
" He sallied forth at the head of thirty men, leaving d'Aillebout with the balance to hold the fort. After they had waded through the snow for some distance, they were attacked by the Iroquois, who killed three of his men and wounded several others. Maisonneuve and his party held their ground until their ammunition began to fail, and then he gave orders to retreat, he himself remaining to the last. The men struggled onward for some time facing the enemy, but finally they broke their ranks and retreated in great disorder towards the fort. Maisonneuve, with a pistol in each hand, held the Indians in check for some time. They might have killed him, but they wished to take him prisoner] Their chief, desiring this honor, rushed for- ward; but, just as he was about to grasp him, Maisonneuve fired and he fell dead. The Indians, fearing that the body of their chief would fall into the hands of the French, rushed forward to secure it, and Maisonneuve passed safely within the fort. From that day his men never dared to impute cowardice to him."
One of the most effective of the guardians of the fort was a female dog named (t Pilot " and a number of other well-trained sagacious dogs. Every morning regu- larly these animals, headed by " Pilot," would patrol and make a reconnoitering tour all over the town. It is said she trained her own young to be most valuable allies to their masters. Whenever these dogs perceived any traces of the Iroquois, and more especially when " Pilot " had discovered any signs, then back they ran to the fort, giving a particular bay to intimate that danger was nigh. Then the colonists became alert, and they had need to be, for already had five Frenchmen fallen before the deadly tomahawk of the Iroquois. Guillaume Boissier, the first person buried in Montreal — -one of the five — was reverently laid in the little cemetery at "Pointe a Callieres." Abbe Verreau asks why this spot and many others have not tablets
10 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
erected to commemorate the event of each locality? The citizens of Montreal have at last bestirred themselves, and many tablets are being placed throughout the City in connection with his suggestion.
In the year 1644, the whole Island became the property of the St. Sulpicians at Paris, and was by them afterwards conveyed to the Seminary at Montreal, in whose possession much of it still remains.
In 1649, a poor girl of Montreal was executed, and only sixteen years of age, for a petty theft, and now it seems she was innocent.
The year 1660 should ever be remembered in the History of Canada for the act of noble self-devotion of Adam d'Aulac, Sieur des Ormeaux, and his sixteen brave companions, who met the Iroquois whilst descending the Ottawa on their way to attack the settlements of Montreal. D'Aulac, with his few followers of white men, aided by a party of Huron Indians — the majority of whom, however, during the night deserted the French and went over to the Iroquois (who were always their enemies) — took possession of a small fort of palisade work, and defended themselves with such dauntless and persistent vigor that when he and all his white companions with the few faithful Hurons were slain, it made such an impression on the warlike Iroquois that they returned home, sullen, dejected and discontented. Only five men (Huron Indians) escaped and reached Montreal in safety, bringing the disastrous news.
In the year 1689, Montreal and the whole Island fearfully experienced the treachery of the Indians in the " Lachine Massacre." A well-known Historian thus describes the event : — " The winter and spring of 1688-89 had been passed in an unusually tranquil manner, and the summer was pretty well advanced, when the storm suddenly fell on the beautiful Island of Montreal. During the night of the 5th August, 1400 Iroquois traversed the Lake St. Louis and disembarked silently on the upper part of the Island. Before daybreak, next morning, the invaders had taken their station at Lachine — in platoons around each house within the radius of several leagues. The inmates were buried in sleep — soon to be the dreamless sleep that knows no waking, for many of them. The Iroquois only waited for a signal from their leaders to begin the attack. It was given. In a short space the doors and the windows of the dwellings were broken in, the sleepers dragged from their beds ; men, women and children, all struggling in the hands of their butchers. Such houses as the savages cannot force their way into, they fire ; and, as the flames reach the persons within, intolerable pain drives them forth to meet death from beyond the threshold from beings who know no pity. The fiendish murderers forced parents to throw their children into the flames. Two hundred persons were burnt alive ; as many more were reserved to perish similarly at a future time. The fair island upon which the sun shone brightly erewhile, was lighted up by fires of woe; houses, plan- tations and crops were reduced to ashes, while the ground reeked with blood to a short league from Montreal. The savages crossed to the opposite shore — the deso- lation behind them being complete, and forthwith the Parish of LaChenie was wasted by fire and many of the people massacred. The savages lost but three men in the work of desolation."
HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
11
Again, in 1691, a large body of these same Indians, emboldened by the havoc they had made in 1689, advanced along the Richelieu to attack Montreal ; but they were signally repulsed by de Callieres. They, however, treated with the greatest cruelty all who fell into their hands.
In 1693, a considerable army of seven hundred men, under Frontenac, was assembled at Montreal to chastise the Mohawks and other tribes of Iroquois. After some time they returned to Montreal without accomplishing much. This caused, in 1695, the Indians to retaliate by landing on the Island and committing some depre- dations and killing several persons. To avenge the massacre of Lachine arid this last incursion, Frontenac started from Montreal, July, 1696, with 1000 men. Em- barking at Lachine, he passed a considerable way into their country, but met no resistance. The expedition was of little value or result, the Indians having retired before him. He shortly afterwards returned to Montreal and died at Quebec, and was buried in the Church of the Recollets there. The Marquis de Vaudreuil was elected the Governor of Montreal in his place.
Towards the end of the month of July, 1701, no less than r5oo Indians assembled at Montreal. These included the Algonquins, Hurons, converted Iroquois, several other tribes and some of the Five Nations. A grand pow-wow or conference took place, which ended in a general peace, signed by all concerned on the 4th of the following August. The principal Redman present was the famous chief Kon- dioronk (Le Rat), who has been styled "an Indian only in name." " When the deputies arrived in July for the purpose of 'weeping for the French who had been slain in the war' and to * bury their hatchets, over which should run a stream of water in the earth,' as they entered the town they were saluted by the great guns and cannons of the garrison. This caused one of the chiefs of the Huron Indians to say that 'fear makes the French show more respect to their enemies, than love can make them show to their friends."
In the year 1710, Montreal was again in danger, as General Nicolson, the British Commander in the English Colonies, prepared then to move on it with a force of 4000 Provincials and 600 Indians. This expedition failed and Montreal was saved.
Let me here describe Montreal, as taken from an old volume published in Paris in the year 1721. It says : — " The town of Montreal has a very pleasing aspect, and is besides very conveniently situated. The streets are well laid out and the houses well built. The beauty of the country around it, and of its prospects, inspires a certain cheerfulness to which everybody is perfectly sensible. It is not fortified, only a simple palisade with bastions and in a very indifferent condition, with a sorry redoubt in a small spot, which serves as a sort of outwork and terminates in a gentle declivity, at the end of which is a small square, which is all the defence it has."
In the year 1721 mails were regularly conveyed between Montreal and Quebec for the first time. About this time great improvements were begun and completed on the fortifications of Montreal, so much so that the next traveller, describing the place, speaks of them in the year 1749. Kalm, the great Swedish naturalist, thus
12 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
says : — « The city is well fortified, surrounded by a high and thick wall. In front runs the river, while on the other side is a deep ditch, filled with water, which secures the inhabitants against all danger from sudden incursions of the enemy. It cannot, however, stand a long siege, as, on account of its extent, it would require a large garrison. There are several churches and colleges. Some of the houses are built of stone, but most of them are timber, though very neatly built. Each of the better sort of houses has a door towards the street with a seat on each side of it, for amusement and recreation in the evening. The gates of the town are numerous, there being five on the river side. The Governor-General, when here, resides in the Castle, which is hired from the Vaudreuil family.
" Within the walls is a nunnery (Old Black Nunnery), and without is half a one (Grey Nunnery), and though the latter is quite ready, it has not yet been confirmed by the Pope.
" Every Friday is market day, when the country people come to town with pro- visions, and those who want them must supply themselves on that day, because it is the only market day in the week. Numbers of Indians may then be seen trying to sell furs and bead work."
THE RED CROSS.
I have much pleasure to present here to my readers Mr. P. S. Murphy's history of" La Croix Rouge." — " The Red Cross is at the corner of Guy and Dorchester streets, which for a century and a quarter has so prominently marked the burial place of Belisle, the murderer, and has long been an object of curious speculation. The popular story is that it marks the grave of a notorious highwayman, who robbed and murdered habitants returning from Montreal to St. Laurent and the back country by Dorchester street, which was at that time the only highway west of St. Lawrence street. This story is somewhat incorrect. Belisle was not a highway robber, his crime was house-breaking and a double murder. He lived on Le Grand Chemin du Roi, now called Dorchester street, near the spot where the Red Cross stands. On the other side of the road, and a little higher up, Jean Favre and his wife Marie- Anne Bastien lived. Favre was reputed to be well off and to have money in his house. This excited the cupidity of Belisle, who formed the project of robbing his neighbor, and accordingly, one dark night, broke into the house and fired his pistcl at Favre, when, however, only wounding him, he stabbed him to death with a large hunting knife. Favre's wife rushed in to help her husband, and was met by Belisle, who plunged the knife into her breast, and then despatched her by a blow of a spade. Belisle was suspected, and soon after arrested, tried, convicted and condemned to the terrible punishment of " breaking alive " (rompu vif), which was then in force under the French regime in Canada. Belisle was condemned to " torture ordinary and extraordinary," then to be broken alive on a scaffold erected in the market place (the present Custom House Square) in this city.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 13
" This awful sentence was carried out to the letter, his body buried in Guy street, and the Red Cross erected to mark the spot, as fully described in the following document, which is not only interesting but historically valuable : " '£x trait du Requisite ire du Procureur du Roi.
" ' Je requiers pour le Roi que Jean Baptiste Goyer dit Belisle soit declare du- ment atteint et convaincu d'avoir de dessein premedite assassine le dite Jean Favre d'un coup de pistolet et de plusieurs coups de couteau, et d'avoir pareillernent assas- sine la dite Marie-Anne Bastien, 1'epouse du dit Favre, a coups de beche et de couteau, et de leur avoir vole Fargent qui etait dans leur maison ; pour reparation de quoi il soit condamne avoir les bras, jambes, cuisses et reins rompus vifs sur un echafaud qui, pour cet effet, sera dresse en la place du marche de cette ville, a rnidi ; ensuite surune roue, la face tournee vers le ciel, pour y finirses jours. Le dit Jean Baptiste Goyer dit Belisle prealablement applique a la question ordinaire et extraordinaire ; ce fait, son corps mort porte par 1'executeur de la haute justice sur le grand chemin qui est entre la maison ou demeurait le dit accuse et celle qu'occupaient les dits de- funts Favre et sa femme. Les biens du dit Jean Baptiste Goyer dit Belisle acquis et confisques au Roi, ou a qui il appartiendra sur iceux, on a ceux non sujets a con- fiscation, prealablement pris la somme de trois cents livres d'amende, en cas que confiscation n'ait pas lieu ou profit de Sa Majeste.
*' ' Fait a Montreal le 6 Juin 1752.
" < (Sign6,)
111 FOUCHER.'"
This history of the " Red Cross" was narrated to Mr. Murphy, nearly fifty years ago, by the widow of Louis Haldimand, a nephew of General Haldimand, once Governor of Canada. This lady was born in 1774, and heard the story from her mother, who lived near 'Ma Place du Marche " (present Custom House Square) when the execution took place.
The year 1759 will ever be memorable in the annals of Canada. The French, perceiving that the English were in earnest in their designs upon it, sent strong rein- forcements to their garrisons. The campaign opened with great vigor. Canada was to be invaded at three different points under generals of high talent. The forces intended to act against Quebec were under the command of General Wolfe, who had taken Fort Louisburg and subdued the Island of Cape Breton the preceding year. Wolfe's army, amounting to about 8000 men, was conveyed to the vicinity of Quebec by a fleet of vessels of war and transports, commanded by Admiral Saunders, and landed in two divisions on the Isle of Orleans, the 27th of June. The French Com- mander Montcalm made vigorous preparations for defence. He arranged his army of about 12,000 men between the river of St. Charles and the Falls of Montmorenci, to oppose the landing of the British forces, which, in their attack upon his entrench- ments, wjre repulsed. Wolfe at first doubted from this failure whether anything could be effected in the present season : but afterwards, rousing his brave and ardent spirit, and calling a council of war, he resolved upon the bold and hazardous enter-
14 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
prise of ascending the Heights of Abraham, and attacking the city in that direction. The plan was executed with admirable skill and determination. The result is well known ; the chiefs on both sides fell and left behind them most honorable names. Wolfe died on the field of battle, in the arms of victory ; and Montcalm in the city, to which he had been carried, thankful that he should not live to see the surrender of the place. The battle on the Plains of Abraham was fought on the i3th of Sep- tember, 1759; and five days afterwards, on the i8th, Quebec surrendered to the British arms.
Fighting continued more or less for several months till in the following year hostilities finished by the surrender of Montreal. Its capitulation took place Sep- tember Qth, 1760, just one year after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. By the terms of this capitulation, signed both by Generals Amherst and de Vaudreuil, pro- tection was promised to the inhabitants. The free use of their Religion, Laws and Language was also guaranteed them. This was, however, only till the treaty of peace was signed. This was done between France and England at Paris, Feb. loth, 1764. This treaty confirmed generally those articles of capitulation at Quebec and Montreal which related to the French inhabitants of Canada, and they thus became legally as much subjects of the Crown of Great Britain as the inhabitants of Ireland or Wales. During the interval between the capitulation of Montreal and its receiv- ing warrant to hold Quarter Sessions, that is, from the fall of Montreal in 1760 to 1764, Canada was held in occupation by the British troops. General Gage com- manded in Montreal, General Murray was chief. Councils sitting in Quebec, Three Rivers and Montreal regulated the affairs of the country. They were composed entirely of military officers. This government at last gave way to that granted by General Murray.
In October of 1763, an important proclamation was issued in the name of " George III, King of England ; " officers and men in it were offered free grants of land in Canada, and " all persons resorting to the said colonies might confide in His Majesty's royal protection for enjoying the benefit of the laws of England." More than 400 Protestants of British origin now became residents in Canada — the French population of the province being a little over 75,000. In November, 1763, the military form of Government was brought to an end by the appointment of General Murray to the office of Governor-General. His instructions were as far as possible to introduce the laws of England. Another thing required was that the inhabitants should comply with these conditions, viz. : " To take the oath of allegiance, to make a declaration of abjuration and to give up all arms in their possession." It was found impossible to procure compliance with these orders, and the General modified them as much as possible. The oath of abjuration could not be taken by the Roman Catholics, as it involved a fundamental principle of their Religion, and therefore no Roman Catholic was sworn in as Justice of the Peace ; that about arms was extremely distasteful ; whilst that of allegiance to the English throne was taken readily and cheerfully. It took a little over a year to regulate all these matters, and on the nth of January, 1764, letters patent under the Great Seal of the Province
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 15
were executed and sent to Moses Hazen, J. Grant, John Rowe, Francis McKay, Thomas Lambe, F. Knife, John Burke, Thomas Walker and others, making them Justices of the Peace of Montreal and vicinity. Among these names are two French names who were Swiss Protestants and had come to the country. Hence arose the saying of a French Protestant being "a Swiss," and which title is given to everyone in the Province of Quebec, whether he is born in Europe, America or Canada, who, being French, professes the Protestant religion. The title officially given to General Murray in this document is '*' The Honorable James Murray, Esq., Captain General, Governor and Commander-in-Chief over our said Province of Quebec and the Terri- tories depending thereon in America, and Vice-Admiral of the same." This was dated from " Our Castle of St. Louis " in the city of Quebec. The first general Quarter Sessions of the Peace were held on the 2yth December, 1764, and "there were present Moses Hazen, J. Dumas, F. Mackay, Thomas Lambe and Francis Knife;" the court adjourned to January, 1765. The first item in the administration of justice in Montreal was a case of assault and battery.
The first instance of " felony " is adjudicated on in the May meeting of the Court, 1765. It was a case of a man and his wife, with a negro, stealing different articles. It is thus recorded : " Sentence of William and Elinor March, and George the Nagre." " They are to go back to the place of their confinement, the said Wil- liam March to be stript to the waist, and Elinor March to have her back only stript, and the said George, the Nagre, and each tyed to the cart tail, and, beginning at the gaol or prison, between the hours of eight and nine o'clock in the forenoon on Friday next; they are to proceed along round by the Intendants and then to the Market Place, and round by Saint Francis street and through the Parade to place begun at, during which round they are to receive 25 stripes each on the naked back, besides 25 stripes each on the naked back when at the Market Place." This is the first instance of a man and woman being flogged. Elizabeth Upton is also condemned by the same Court for felony : " That she go back to the prison and there receive 25 stripes, and then be discharged."
On the next opening of the Court, July 2 2nd, 1765, the names of the Justices are Jn. Dumas, Daniel Robertson and Isaac Todd. It seems that our friend " the Nagre" either didn't think much of his 50 lashes received three months previously — or that the cuticle of his back like his skull was so thick as to defy " the cat." We find him at this Court again a prisoner for stealing " two pieces of silk ribbon." Knowing there was no use of prevarication, as a witness swore dead against him, he acknowledged his crime and pleaded guilty. This is the sentence which he received : " That the said George, between the hours of 9 and 10 o'clock on the forenoon of Tuesday the 22nd August, be stript naked to the waist, and tied at a cart tail at the gaol, and then to receive 10 stripes, and at Mr, Dechambaux's corner 10 stripes, and the Pt. Street this side the General's 10 stripes, and at Mr. Landruve's corner 10 stripes, and proceed to the Court corner and then receive 10 stripes, and on the Parade 10 stripes." Let us sum up this sentence : Six times in his march he had to stop and receive each time 10 stripes on his naked back with the cat of nine tails.
16 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
August 2nd, 1765. In this sitting of the Court a Frenchwoman named Margaret Tourangeau, for stealing " a piece of camblet," is sent down to be " set for one hour in the stocks." This is the first instance of these Old Country instruments of punishment being mentioned and used in Montreal. They were in common use in the New England colonies.
Among the first regulations is that of the bakers, in which the white loaf is called " a brick," and sold at 8 coppers of 4 Ibs. weight and the brown of 6 Ibs. at io coppers. Another, and this shows there were slaves in Montreal in those days, who were bought and sold like other merchandise. The rule was, " No tavern, ale- house or innkeeper do receive, harbor or entertain any bond or servant slave or slaves, drinking, gaming or loitering in their houses, under a penalty of ,£5." Two years and a half before this, on 24th May, 1764, the first paper had been published and printed in Quebec. This was called the Quebec Gazette, and like its official name- sake of to-day was printed in two columns, — one French, the other English.
In the first copy of this paper there is found a reference in the Hume News to the New England States, and it " hopes that the news brought out by the last ship is not true," of taxing those colonies for some of the expense incurred by Great Britain in their defence, especially the wars between the British Colonies and the French and Indians of Canada. Twelve years after, in 1776, the troubles culmin- ated in the separation of these colonies into the 13 United States.
If Moses Hazen, John Burke, Thos. Walker or any others of these old Justices of the Peace were alive to-day, after the space of 130 years, they would indeed fail to recognize the present Montreal of A. D. 1892. An old Quebecer suddenly appearing in the Ancient Capital would not be quite so bewildered. There would be the natural features, the grand old heights and the noble river flowing past — the old fort, " Plains " and ancient buildings which he would remember ; but the old Montrealer would look with astonishment at the grand advance which his city has made in a hundred years, notwithstanding all its disadvantages of being 700 miles from the ocean and icebound in its river for months every year. The great energy of its new inhabitants has obliter- ated almost every feature and relic of the past, and it can now hold its head high up among the largest cities of North America. Indeed, Montreal by the latest census of the United States and Canada is now the 7th largest city on this Continent. She was by official records in the year 1861 the loth city in the list of American cities, now she is the 7th ; what she will be by the energy and push of her merchants in 50 years hence our children will see. But, in the days we write of, the site of old " Ville Marie " was very much the shape of a parallelogram. Of course St. Paul street and the river beach formed one of the longer sides, — we might call it the front side. The opposite side, or the rear, as it may be called, was Craig street ; the western boundary extended from the foot of McGill street to Craig street, and the eastern from the old Quebec barracks to the same street, Craig. East and west were strong fortification walls, 4 feet thick. These extended some distance along Craig street, and there is yet a narrow lane run- ning between St. James street and Craig, called Fortification lane.
HIS'IORY OF MONTREAL. 17
At the conquest in 1759, the principal buildings of the town included the Palace of the Governor-General, who was then M. de Vaudreuil, near the foot of Jacques Car- tier square and the house of M. de Longueuil, at the western end of St. Mary street. Probably the total area of the town did not exceed 100 acres. When the establishment of English rule was perfected by the Treaty of Paris, in February, 1764, then a strong tide of emigration set in towards Canada, and in the persons who arrived the bad was mixed with the good. It is remarkable that in the records of the Court of Quarter Sessions for years after the conquest of the country in Montreal there are very few French names before the magistrates for those crimes for which punishment by whip- ping, the stocks or the pillory or branding on the hand was meted out. This shows how thoroughly they obeyed their cures to respect the laws and be faithful in their alle- giance; and though after this many emissaries from the colonies (among whom was the great Benjamin Franklin himself) tried to allure them, they remained firm.
This emigration largely increased the population of Montreal. St. Paul street became the'chief emporium for business. All beyond Craig street to the foot of the Mountain and to the east and west, including portions of St. Lawrence, St. Mary's and St. Antoine or Anthony wards, were green fields, varied occasionally by swamps, woods, and underbrush. Those present populous adjuncts of the city, Quebec suburbs and Griffintown, presented a very desolate appearance. There were the chapel and convent of the Sisters of the Congregation, the old Recollet Church, the Grey Nuns and the Parish Church. There was not a single Protestant church or school in the place.
Two dreadful fires visited Montreal at this period of its history. On Saturday, 1 8th May, 1765, a fire broke out, and within a few hours destroyed 108 houses and reduced 215 families to the greatest distress. A very interesting pamphlet, drawn up by a benevolent individual, was printed in London on this occasion, and circulated freely in behalf of the sufferers. A large sum was thus raised in England and for- warded to Montreal in aid of those who had been burnt out. The population, at this time, of Montreal was about 7000, aitd according to an official list of this year there were 136 Protestants. In the year 1891 there were about 80,000 Protestants in Montreal, a steady increase from the 136 in the year 1765. On the nth of April, 1768, another fire broke out in the stable of one of the sufferers of the last fire, and raged with ungovernable fury for hours, when ninety houses, two churches and a large school were consumed. The number who suffered was great, many of them having been burned out at the fire of 1765, only three years before/
Governor Carleton, of date 25th November, 1767, thus says, speaking of Quebec and Montreal : "The town of Quebec is the only port in this province that has the least claim to be called a fortified place, for the flimsy wall about Montreal, was it not falling to ruins, could only turn musketry." He then writes about both the French inhabitants and the new subjects since the Cession : " The Europeans who migrate never will prefer the long, inhospitable winters of Canada to the more cheer- ful climate and more fruitful soil of His Majesty's southern provinces. The few old
2
18 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
subjects at present in this province have been mostly left here by accident, and are either disbanded officers, soldiers and followers of the army, who, not knowing how to dispose of themselves elsewhere, settled where they were left at the reduction — or else they are adventurers in trade, or such as could not remain at home, who set out to mend their fortune at the opening of this new channel for commerce. But experience has taught almost all of them that this trade requires a strict frugality they are all strangers to, or to which they will not submit. But while this severe climate and the poverty of the country discourages all but the natives, its healthfulness is such that these multiply daily, so that this country must to the end of time be peopled by a Canadian race, who have already taken such firm root and got to so great a height, that any new stock transplanted will be totally void and imperceptible among them, except in the towns of Quebec and Montreal." Of this prophecy of General Carleton, the fulfilment has shown it to be perfectly true. If we except the Eastern Townships, settled greatly by U. E. Loyalists, and those counties settled by Scotch and English emigrants and officers and men after the war of 1812-13, there is hardly a county now in Lower Canada where his words are not verified.
In the general Sessions of October, 1768, one of those disgraceful acts was per- formed which was a shame in any Christian country to tolerate. In the case of the King vs. Anne Laneford for " larceny," she is found guilty, and her sentence, carried out, was as follows : Knowing the nature of her punishment, " she had put herself on her country," but nevertheless received the following punishment : " She is to be tied to a cart's tail, and conducted, naked to the waist, to Quebec Gate, where she is to receive 5 lashes, as also 5 lashes at the Old Chapelle, 5 lashes at the Chateau, 5 lashes at Landrune's Corner, 10 lashes at the Market Place and 5 lashes at the corner of the Court House, and she is then to be discharged on paying her fees."
In the January Sessions of 1769, a Frenchman of the name of Pierre Girard is arraigned for stealing flour and wheat. The jury find him not guilty, and add : " He is a perfect, honest man" — a high eulogium to be given on one who ten years just before belonged to the French colony of Canada. At the same Court the first example of any one being put in the pillory is recorded. L. Beauvais (this time the culprit^ is a Frenchman) iscondemned " to stand there from nine to eleven o'clock, "and it adds, "Yor three market days." This sentence seems small enough on paper, but terrible in fact even for one day only. Let me explain what these punishments — the stocks and the pillory — niean. We read of the Apostles St. Paul and St. Silas in the gaol of Phil- ippi having their feet " made fast in the stocks." Also King David says of Joseph, " whose feet they hurt in the stocks." It consisted of a machine of two pieces of timber with cut out half circular holes in each board, which when brought to stand one upon another narrow-wise formed two complete holes, into which the ankles of the prisoners were placed, the two pieces being firmly locked together. The pillory was a senseless and useless punishment It consisted of a frame of wood erected on posts with movable boards and holes, through which holes they put the head and hands of the criminal for punishment, the machine turn ng on a pivot and in a circle. It was inflicted near the market place of the old city on the prison ground and near
HISTORY OF MONTREAL 19
the Old Guard House, and in later times (that is after, say, fourteen or fifteen years of this century had passed) at Nelson's Monument, the culprit facing the river and Bon- secours market. The common hangman attended, and with whip in hand, when the wretch wheeled around to face the Monument and save himself from the shower of rotten eggs and mud. used it and made the culprit turn round again on the movable pivot of the pillory. After an hour or two standing thus in such a constrained position, sometimes the effect was disastrous, and people suffered long afterwards from it. The first Frenchman publicly whipped was condemned by this Court. Being guilty of larceny, he received the same punishment as the Englishman mentioned before, only his number of stripes was thirty-five divided at the same points in the public march and tied to the cart's tail.
In the August term of 1769, there is given a long list of twenty-four bakers of the town and environs, but there is not one English name, so that the inhabitants were entirely dependent on the French " boulangers " for their daily bread. The 4-flb. white loaf and the 6-lb. brown were both sold for twelve sols at this time.
In the Court of June, 1772, are the following names, showing how the new emi- grants were pushing their way in the new colony : John Sunderland, Peter Arnoldi, Hugh Fanes, Jas. Perry, Thomas Busby, Peter Forbes, John Borne, Duncan Camp- bell, Wm. Murray, John Trotter, Allan McFarlane, Wm. McClements and William McKay. For the second time only (in _this Court) we come upon the reports being written in the French language. The two justices who held this Court were French- Swiss Huguenots, viz., John Marteilke and John Dumas. At the General Sessions of September, 1775, John Smith has four indictments brought against him for larceny. He is found to be guilty of all, but sentence is suspended until next term. It seems the next term was never recorded. The Court did not open again till January, 1779. During these next three years the inhabitants of Montreal had much to do to show their fidelity to their new king, and their approval of the way the British had gov- erned since 1760. All available men were now required for the defence of the country. Among the New Englanders things had been getting, in relation to Great Britain, from bad to worse. We all know that on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Inde- pendence severed these thirteen States for ever from England and made a new nation, destined to become one of the most progressive and remarkable of the earth. This was a memorable year in Montreal. The new act, called the " Quebec Act," was to come into force on ist May, but the events which ensued prevented the assembling of a new Council till the year 1777. During this year the colonists of the New England States refused to pay the revenue taxes laid on them by the Mother Country. It was first a rebellion, and in July, 1776, they declared them- selves no longer subjects of the King, but free and independent States. Having declared rebellion, the war with Britain and her colony, Canada, began early in July, 1775. The Americans determined to take Canada, and for this purpose they sent two armies towards the North. In connection with this movement General Montgomery had detached Col. Ethan Allen with 150 men from the main
20 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
army to attack Montreal. On the 24th October, 1775, he crossed the St. Lawrence three miles below the city, at Longue Pointe. No sooner did Gen- eral Carlton know of it than he assembled 30 regulars and about 200 militia, French and English, of the town, and put them under the command of Major Garden, who, early next day, marched down to Longue Pointe and encountered the enemy. The Americans had possessed themselves of some houses and barns. An engagement took place which lasted half an hour, when the colonists under Allen were completely defeated, and he and his whole command were taken prisoners of war. Afterwards they were all liberated when their main army under Montgomery took Montreal. The American armies were commanded respectively by Montgomery and Arnold as their generals. They first took the route of Lake Ghamplain and the Richelieu River, capturing all the fortified places on their way, as St. Johns, Chambly and Sorel. At Sorel, Montgomery placed heavy batteries to prevent any communication between Quebec and Montreal ; and as soon as he marched to take the latter place, Gov- ernor Carlton was obliged to escape to Quebec, which he reached under the skilful guidance of Captain Bouchette and his aide-de-camp, Chas. DeLanaudiere.
The Americans took Montreal and entered the city on the i3th November, 1775, and finding abundance of fine thick woollen cloth, Montgomery clad all his troops in this Canadian stuff. They did not remain long in the city, but set out for Quebec, which was reached on the 5th day of December, 1775. An act of heroism and patri- otism occurred at this time well worthy of being noticed here. It was necessary to communicate with the General at Quebec from Montreal; but by the strict watch of the Americans at Sorel it was impossible now to pass by the River St. Lawrence. In the exigencies of the case, a French Canadian stepped forward and volunteered for the office. It has been attributed to Mr. Papineau, father of the Honorable Joseph Papineau. The letter was written and enclosed in a walking staff, and the brave man, equipped as a peddler, set out on his perilous route. Leaving Montreal, he passed over to Longueuil, and travelled on slowly as a peddler to Sorel. Arrived there, he saw the American army, which was stationed there to protect the larger body soon to be on its way from Montreal to attack Quebec. Mixing with the soldiers, he sold various things and learned much that was useful. Pretending to sympathize with them against the British, he was unrestrained and permitted to go on his way, as he said, to the next village. When some miles from Sorel he left off his disguise, and engaging swift horses never slackened reins nor speed, till, carrying the dreadful news before him and warning the people of the approach of the Amer- ican army, he arrived at Quebec, and the news of the capture of Montreal was the means of so strengthening Quebec that it resulted in the death of Montgomery and retreat "of his army. Followed by the British Army, they abandoned Sorel, Chambly, St. Johns and of course Montreal. During the year 1775 the Americans were con- tinually attempting to entice the French Canadian population to join in their revolt, but the more the Canadians saw of them, and especially after their taking and plundering the city of Montreal, the less they liked them. They could not
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 21
forget their massacres in former years when these Colonists with their Indian Iroquois desolated their country and homes. They had prospered injthe fifteen years of British rule, and they knew what war and its accompaniments meant. Thus they remained loyal to the British Throne and Constitution.
The Philadelphia Congress, which had decided on Independence, determined to send a deputation to Canada ; and Dr. Benjamin Franklin, of world renown, and others formed that deputation. None knew better than Franklin the powers of the Press in any cause, and therefore he suggested, and it was acted on, bringing into Canada a printing press, so that by manifestoes, circulars and such like papers spread broadcast among the inhabitants, they would know the objects of their mission and the advantages of annexation to the revolted colonies. As an attache of the depu- tation sent on to follow Montgomery's army we find one named Mesplet. Franklin composed the matter of these circulars and Mesplet did the mechanical work, but it all signally failed. Franklin and the rest of the deputation returned to the States ; Mesplet, however, remained in Montreal and continued the printing office in Custom House Square, and subsequently issued a four-paged eight-column weekly newspaper, and called it the Gazette. It is the pioneer of all our English papers in Canada proper, and is still continued to this day in the Gazette of Montreal. The Halifax Recorder was earlier than the Gazette, as it was published in 1769, but the very first newspaper in British North America was the Quebec Gazette, published in May, 1764, a very small sheet in two columns — French and English — but much appre- ciated by the inhabitants. Mesplet, however, must, after this, have been of a rather plotting character, as we find on August 24th, 1778, a public notice, " that the order to compel F. Mesplet, printer, to quit the Province is suspended on certain con- ditions."
In connection with the tampering with the loyalty of the Canadians at this time, the following incident may be mentioned to show how far some people will go to try and accomplish their ends. There was at this time a fine bust of His Majesty, George III, erected in the Place d'Armes Square. Early in the year 1775 or at the close of 1774, one morning this said bust was found all daubed and dirtied with tarry paint, a chaplet of potatoes was placed on it, and on the breast was a notice which read thus : " Behold the Pope of Canada and the English Sot."
Although the Governor offered a large reward for the perpetrators of this insult to His Majesty, it was never found out, but some one of the Americans then in Montreal was suspected with good reason of being the culprit. The bust was removed, but the stand still remained. The head of this bust is now, I am informed by Hon- orable Judge Baby, — than whom none is more competent — to be seen on a plaster bust in the rooms of the Montreal Natural History Society, of which the judge is the presiding genius, and who has given me some valuable notes on Montreal, which are inserted in this history. This is recorded in the records of the Court, January, 1790, in the presentment of the Grand Jury, where they say : "That the building situated upon the Place d'Armes under which His Majesty's bust was formerly placed is a
22 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
public nuisance, and ought to be pulled down." The Court granted the request, and li orders that the same be pulled down accordingly." It had remained for fifteen years after the insult to the King and seven years after the final independence of the colonies of America.
We can well understand after all that has been written, that in these stirring times they had no opportunity of solemnly opening the General Sessions in the name of His Majesty, when King George's foes had taken the city. We can see, too, that even after they had left Canada in the autumn of 1776, and how every available man was needed for Home defence and Volunteer duty, that these courts for the trial of petty misdemeanors would be unopened till more quiet times arrived. There is one thing, however, that we find when the courts were in full working order again, that many French names, the descendants of whom are now well-known citi- zens, or have been of Montreal, must have taken some kind of oath of office, as many of them are nominated as Justices of the Peace and sit hereafter as Magistrates in the General Quarter Sessions.
It may be interesting at this point of our history to divert a little to the social manners, customs and condition of the inhabitants of Montreal from the Cession of the Province to the close of the eighteenth century. As we read that the King of France, in the years between 1650 and 1660, procured wives for his colonists, so, after the disbanding of the army, many of the officers and soldiers married women of the country, and thus were intermixed the English Old Country names and the French manners and religion, which we find in certain parts of Quebec Province at this very day.
Every ship which sailed to Canada, that is, to Quebec, during 1650 and some following years, was required to carry out a certain number of young men called " engages," who afterwards procured land, and then wanted wives. To furnish such, young women of good character were brought out under the auspices of religious persons of their own sex. They were at first selected from amongst the orphan girls who were brought up in the General Hospital in Paris, at the expense of the King. From these circumstances they were called " King's Daughters." Afterwards persons of stronger constitutions were chosen from the country parishes, and thus many of the present families of Quebec Province received their first progenitors. It is interesting to read records of the first marriages and baptisms during these years, after French and English had both sworn allegiance to George III.
Rev. Dr. Campbell, in his interesting volume on " Old St. Gabriel Church," from which I have received avast amount of information regarding the old families of Montreal, tells us that Rev. Dr. Delisle was "the first Protestant minister resident in Montreal ; " and then he adds this information, which may be the true meaning of " Swiss " as applied to a French Protestant : " The advent into Canada of French Protestants, as representatives of the Church of England, was in pursuance of the policy of the British authorities, who hoped and expected, by means of clergymen speaking their own language, to convert the French Canadians to Protestantism, and
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 23
thereby secure their loyalty to England. This hope of winning the habitants to the faith of the Church of England was doomed to disappointment, and after a fifty years' trial it was entirely abandoned."
During the years 1775 and 1776, the inhabitants of Montreal experienced many changes and vicissitudes. No doubt to some of the French population it had at first been galling to be under the Union Jack instead of the lilies of France, but the fifteen years of British rule had greatly changed their opinion. They had better markets, better crops in these days of peace, and securer privileges every way, and now to be subjected to the sway of the New England colonist was indeed worse than ever. Joy spread over the City when the last of the invading American army passed St. Johns on their retreat to their own country. It was a busy time, not only in Mon- treal, but in the Fort of Chambly, which was then the principal station of British troops and munitions of war during the continuance of the struggle between the Mother Country and her revolted colonies. Troops were arriving and troops depart- ing— for preparations were being made to follow up the retreating Americans under General Arnold, from Quebec, and invade their country. In all these struggles, up. to the close nearly of the fratricidal war, Vermont was always coquetting to remain faithful to England and join Canada, and we find in the archives of that period various letters and documents from different individuals relating to this subject. At las " The Green Mountain Boys " threw in their allegiance with their countrymen and joined the Republic. In a letter from Governor Chittenden to General Halde. mand, we find him stating : " That the people of Vermont are waiting for a free trade with Canada." " They consider themselves unconnected with any power, and by natural situation inclined to this province (Canada) for commerce." This was written in July, 1784, just when the war finished and before the Vermonters finally joined the Union. Previous to this, in 1782, Ethan Allen had written to the Gover- nor that " Congress had refused to admit Vermont," — this had " stirred up the common people against the Confederacy." He says that " he believes a vote to con- tinue the British connection would be carried, and will do all in his power to render the State a British Province." Washington threatened in July, 1783, that if tf Ver- mont were not quiet he would move his whole force into the State."
On the 24th July, 1776, the distribution of troops and the order of march were issued in general orders. Quite a number of recruits had joined the regulars, and the Volunteers and Militia were daily drilling in Montreal. All the recruits at Chambly were drafted into the 47th and 53rd Regiments, and two companies of the 2ist set out on the march to St. Johns. On the 26th a sergeant's party were ordered to look after " rebel (that is, American) skulkers," who were trying to assassinate struggling soldiers. The principal Darty of rebels were under a man named Whitecourt. Short shrift was granted to any of them who fell into the hands of the British troops, who had peremptory orders to hang at once every one taken in Canada. On the 27th a general order from General Burgoyne commanded all to be in readiness to march. On the gth of August a gang of deserters was captured, .and all French Canadian
24 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
prisoners were condemned to work at the fortifications of Isle aux Noix. The 62nd Regiment was ordered to cover the works at St. Johns, and the other troops were distributed along the Richelieu. The gth, 2ist, 62iidand 29th Regiments are men- tioned as belonging to the ist and 2nd Brigades. Orders were issued in September to take great precautions "on the Sorel, Yamaska and St. Francis against skulkers." All spare baggage was to be sent on to Montreal. All children belonging to the forces forming the expedition were also sent into the city. Lastly, all horses in the parish of Chambly and surroundings were pressed into army service. After three days no horse was allowed to any person. On the 2ist of September, the 47 th Regiment was ready to march, and all the posts at Lacolle, Isle aux Noix, St. Johns, etc., were strictly guarded. The 3ist Regiment on the 24th marched to St. Johns. On the 4th of October, 1776, at Isle aux Noix, the General issued general orders, thanking the troops for the rapid progress made in the preparation of the expe- dition to meet the enemy, and thus began the invasion of the New England colonies in retaliation for their invasion of Canada the year before. It resulted in General Burgoyne and his whole army surrendering, as prisoners of war. When he started from Canada early in the beginning of 1777, he had with him a well-equipped army of 7000 men and a large body of Indians. His advance was executed with great skill and intre- pidity. He marched boldly on from St. Johns into the States, and bore down all before him, but of no avail. At an immense distance from his supplies the situation became most hazardous, and at last he had to surrender. By the terms made, the 39th and other regiments returned no more to Canada during this war. They were shipped either from Boston or New York. The terms of surrender were " that the troops should lay down their arms, be sent home, and should not serve again in America during the war." Of course this sad result left many a Canadian family in sorrow and misery, and thus we find so many petitions to the Governor for relief like the follow- ing: Agnes Laforce prays " that her late husband suffered for his loyalty, and was compelled to leave Virginia, that she and her family were taken prisoners by British troops and Indians, and with thirteen negroes taken to Detroit, where the negroes were sold." On her arrival in Montreal she prays for their restoration to her, or that their value be paid her. We must remember that this was in January, 1780, and the American war was then going on. One of the most pathetic letters of the times is that of Michel Delisle, a French Canadian prisoner with the Americans, to his wife. He regrets the separation, hopes for a speedy release, and expresses sub- mission to the will of Heaven. Angelique Godefroy petitions that " her husband has been missing since the action of the 191!! September, 1777, and he is supposed to be taken prisoner. But now it is believed that he is killed, and she requests the pay to be continued to her which has been stopped."
General Arnold, on his retreat from Quebec in the spring and early summer of 1776, did an enormous amount of harm to the country, in breaking down bridges, burning houses and barns, destroying fences and culverts, and ill-treating the inhabit, ants to a great degree because of their fidelity to the British Crown. When, in 1781,
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 25
• umors were rife of another attempted invasion of Canada by the Americans, spon- taneously, from both Quebec and Montreal, came addresses from the French Cana- dians to the Government, expressing indignation at the renewed attempt and their determination to oppose it.
The address likewise declared " that the most earnest and hearty support should be given to every measure of defence necessary for the safety of the prov- ince." I presume that the seeds of this loyalty still lingered in the hearts of the des- cendants of these men ; at least it was exemplified to the full thirty years after, when the Americans did actually invade their country, and when the sons of those men who showed themselves faithful to England's Crown, and drove back the enemy, under the command of the immortal DeSalaberry, completely discomfited their ene- mies at the battle of Chateauguay. God only knows the amount of misery and woe which the War of Independence occasioned. During the years from 1775 to 1783, when the British Government at last signed the articles of freedom with the 13 States, homes were ruined ; farmsteads obliterated, burned, or demolished; thousands of helpless women and children wandered about homeless, widows and orphans, and all caused by the stubbornness of the King's councillors, although the ablest and great- est orator and statesman of the time, Bmke, declared that ''peace should be made with the revolted colonies even by giving them their independence." Let me give the character and condensed contents of some of the petitions presented to the Govern- ment of the country — to show the present generation the blessings of peace. In August, 1778, Thos. Sutton, then in Montreal, an ensign of the 47th Regiment, prays "fora bounty of one year's pay granted to officers wounded in action, he having lost a leg whilst serving with Burgoyne." In 1784, "John Fraser, Judge of Common Pleas, Montreal," prays for " payment of arrears while a prisoner with the Rebels." Whether he were taken prisoner when Montgomery took Montreal, and carried away as a sort of hostage, or captured at some subsequent date, there is no means of knowing. It shows, however, that he was a prisoner in the hands of the Americans.
In October, 1778, there is a request of sundry loyal inhabitants of the frontiers of New York and Pennsylvania now in Montreal, asking for permission to go back to relieve their families, " they having been carried off prisoners by the Indians." The next is a sad case, but shows the loyal spirit of the woman. Elizabeth Thompson* in October, 1779, states that "her husband, to avoid the treatment which was threat- ened against him by the Rebels, had escaped to Ireland ; she had escaped with her infant daughter into Canada, and now wishes to rejoin her husband, and asks for a passage to Cork." In 1781, a number of Loyalists at St. Johns request to be granted a " flag of truce," so as " to get their wives and children out of the hands of the Rebels." Perhaps the most pathetic of all is that of John McDonald from Mon- treal. He is 74years of age and his wife 67. He says that " he had nine sons ! " — no less than " seven in the army of his King and two on the King's works." Noble Patriot ! And he states the persecutions he has suffered, being reduced to
26 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
poverty from the losses he has sustained, and prays for relief, and, no doubt, substantial relief was meted out to him for his gift to his country and the loss of all his worldly goods in the revolted colonies.
No wonder, then, that we find in the army of Burgoyne many Montrealers. His- tory tells us there were.no less than 500 Canadians in his army.
In looking over the register of the Rev. Dr. Delisle from 1766 to 1787, we find very many intermarriages. His register was the first English register in Mont- real, for although there were two Protestant clergymen before him, viz. : Rev. Mr. Ogilvie and Rev. Mr. Bennett, they left no registers. Some of our most influen- tial families are mentioned, and others whose names are connected with the advance- ment and progress of the province, and Montreal in particular. We find there the name of Simon Fraser, of Wolfe renown, also the founder's name of McGill 'Univer- sity and McGill street, " James McGill."
Mostly all the names are of common occurrence, as in these days, and a large percentage Scotch ; also every man is English-speaking and every woman French- speaking, and we know the result as regards the religion of their posterity at the present day.
At this time, when comparing Montreal of 1892 with Montreal of 1780, it was then indeed " a humble town." The English mail was once a month. It was sent by way of New York after the final signing of Independence by Great Britain, and was four weeks in getting to New York from Montreal to the packetship that carried it across the Atlantic. One had to wait, not four weeks, but four months, before an answer was received from the other side. Let us follow the answer back, of this letter, which was sent to Britain three months ago. The packet returning called at Halifax, whence the letter would in a month's time arrive in Montreal. We may well be proud of the igth century. Science, in many of its most wonderful divi- sions, lay slumbering till its advent. Steam coaches, steamships, steam mills of every description, telegraphs by land and sea, telephones and phonographs, sewing machines and all the wonders by electricity, iron ships and ironclads, smoke- less powder, things never before conceived nor thought of in the mind of man — these are the inventions of the igth century ; and when a daily mail leaves Canada, not only for Great Britain, but for France, Germany, Belgium and a host of other countries, it does seem strange to us that the postal authorities should have issued this notice about this period : " Letters for any part of the Continent of Europe are to be sent under cover to a correspondent in London, otherwise they cannot be forwarded from this province."
The social condition of Montreal during these years and succeeding ones may be summed up by reading an account of a visit by Isaac Weld in his "Travels in and through the States of North America, etc." He speaks of Montreal thus : " There are six churches in Montreal, — one for English Episcopalians, one for Presbyterians and four for Roman Catholics." " The people of Montreal are remarkably hospit- able and attentive to strangers. They are sociable also amongst themselves, and fond
HISTORY OF MONTREAL,
in the extreme of convivial amusements. In winter they keep up such a constant and friendly intercourse with each other that it seems then as if the town were inhab- ited but by one large family. During summer they live somewhat more retired, but throughout that season, a club, formed of all the principal inhabitants, both male and female, meet every week or fortnight for the purpose of dining at .some agreeable spot in the neighborhood of the town." " On this part of the mountain it is that the Club, which I mentioned, generally assembles. Two stewards are appointed for the day, who always choose some new spot where there is a spring or rill of water and an agreeable shade; each family brings cold provisions, wine, etc., the whole is put together, and the company, often amounting to one hundred persons, sits down to dinner."
This is no doubt the effect of these intermarriages already spoken of. Not agree- ing entirely with Joseph F. R. Perraultin his beautiful extracts, which I give as found in one of the most interesting volumes on modern Canada, from the pen of Dr. Bender, of Quebec — still this Utopian period may yet come in the distant future. He says : " Happy, thrice happy shall be the day when Canadians and English of all denom- inations shall unitedly form but one and the same family, have the same institutions, speak the same language, obey the same laws, and have no other ambition than of bearing the name of Canadians and combining their efforts to maintain the glory of the British Empire and the prosperity of the colony of Lower Canada." This was written about 1832, and before the rebellion of 1837-38.
To show the state of the social condition at this time may be also recorded the following facts : Here is an advertisement which appeared in the public press of Montreal : —
"Montreal, ist April, 1789.
"To be sold — A stout, healthy negro, about 28 years of age, is an excellent cook and very fit for working on a farm. Enquire of the Printer."
As far back as 1777, John King, a negro, petitioned the Governor, and "prays that he may be set at liberty," and giving as a reason his services to the Govern- ment. Then in 1783, " Plato, a negro slave," prays that he be allowed to join his own master. In 1784, " John Black, a negro," who had served as a seaman in His Majesty's service, "prays the Government for a passport to protect him in his lib- erty, of which Captain Martin, with whose wife he is now serving, seeks to deprive him ; " and in the courts of 1781, held in the month of April, of that year, one Samuel Judah makes a complaint " that a negro man named Jacob was sold to him by Mr. Lauzon, having lived with him as his servant slave for about five months, that he did assault him and take him by the collar, etc., etc." The Court ordered poor "Jacob, the negro man, to be committed to prison for assault, and to find security for his future behavior," and in the same Court is this record : ''Court found the defen- dant, Caesar, a negro man, not guilty, and ordered him to be discharged." In
28 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
these days of Montreal's history, this time exactly 100 years ago, slavery was one of its institutions, and slaves were bought and sold regularly as other goods and chattels on the market.
Slavery was abolished in Upper Canada by an Act of Parliament (held at New- ark, now Niagara), May 3ist, 1793. In Lower Canada a bill for the same purpose was brought into Parliament in 1793, and not carried. It was again brought up in 1799 and 1800, but nothing was done, however, until 1833, when slavery was abolished by an Act of the "British Parliament, sanctioned August 28th, 1833, abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire from and after August tst, 1834. But in 1803, Chief Justice Osgoode decided, at Montreal, that " slavery was incompatible with the laws of the country."
In 1780, Patrick Langan sold to John Mittleberger, a negro named JVero, for ;£6o, and the last slave was publicly sold in Montreal, 25th August, 1797. The deed was passed by Mr. Guy and his partner, notaries. The name of the slave was Emanuel Allen, aged 33 years; price, ^£36. The sale was afterwards set aside by legal pro- ceedings.
This year, 1777, much fighting took place between the mother country and the revolted colonies. Whilst these events were in progress, Sir Guy Carleton, the Governor, was devoting his attention to the internal affairs of the country. The Quebec Act, or, as it was designated, " An Act for making better provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec in North America," had been passed in 1774 by the Parliament of England, but on account of these troublous times had never been carried into effect. This Act, Carleton brought into active effect by creating the new council, which held its first meeting in the spring of this year. Five of its members were French Canadians. The courts of law were now reorganized to con- duct their business according to the spirit of this Act ; and thus we find that these courts were once more opened. The court opened January 9, 1779. At the March term we find several French names as justices of the peace; out of nine, five are French, viz., Hertel de Rouville, Joseph Longueuil, Nevue Sevestre, Pierre Mezure, Pierre Fortier.
The first time James McGill appears as a justice is in the September term. His brother justice was Pierre Fortier.
Bread was very dear at this time, in the middle of the American War, and wheat was scarce. The brown loaf was 30 sols, or is 3d, of 6 Ibs. ; the white loaf 25 sols, or is o^d.
In May there is a schedule of the amounts (granted by the Court to several traders) they could purchase of different articles.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 29
Pork. Flour. Biscuit. Ibs. Ibs. Ibs.
Messrs. Todd & McGill 6,000 2,000 10,000
L. Ermantinger 4,000 2,000
Gabriel Cote 2,000 1,000 3,600
Hypolite Desrivieres 4,000 . 1,000 1,800
M. Blondeau 1,000 1,000 1,800
Chas. Cliaboillez 600 6,000 1,800
Jos. Sanguinet 600 1,000 1,200
This table shows that Js. McGill was an extensive merchant, — one of the largest in Montreal.
In the Court of King's Bench, September, 1781, is recorded the first murderer to be hanged in the history of this Province since the Cession, William Blunt. Another, Elijah Lawrence, for grand larceny, is convicted, sentenced to be hanged but recommended to mercy. No capital sentence was pronounced in Montreal dur- ing the years 1782 and 1783, although in Quebec five men were hanged for highway robbery and grand larceny, three being soldiers. In the presentment of the Grand Jury for 1782, they speak of a disease known as " Mai anglois Lustacrtie " or " Sib- bins" They give reports by Blake, Sym, Selby and Jobert, surgeons. This disease was more generally known as the " St. Paul Bay disorder," and we find that in September, 1783, a letter is sent from the Government to Surgeon Blake, " to investi- gate, report and use. remedial measures in respect to the St. Paul Bay disease."
In the Court, January, 1784, a man named Francceur is placed in the stocks " with a paper label on his breast," with these words " for theft" on it, "and then afterwards he was to be discharged." The sheriff reminded this Court that all persons sentenced to be " burned in the hand in the Court of King's Bench may receive their punishment in this Court agreeable to sentence." Let us describe what burn- ing in the hand was. This is the first instance of its being mentioned as a punish- ment on malefactors. It is often spoken of during the first 25 years of this century. The punishment consisted thus : The prisoner was brought from the gaol into the court room, and made firm by an iron hand at the back of the dock, the palm part of his own hand being opened tightly. The red hot iron, sometimes ending either in a crown or some other device, was held ready by the common hangman, and the punishment was inflicted in the centre of the palm. The instrument being ready, the prisoner is informed that the moment it touches his flesh he can repeat as fast as he can these words in French, " Vive le Roi," three times, and at the end of the third repetition, the punishment would cease, or the words " God save the King," if he were an English prisoner. Even in this short time, the hot iron has hissed into the flesh, and made such a mark that all the waters of the St. Lawrence could not efface it. In the records of the Court of King's Bench for this year, we find some terrible instances of the punishments then meted out. In the March term, eight men for grand larceny were sentenced to be imprisoned and " burned in the hand."
30 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Two men were ordered " to be twice whipped in the public market of Montreal by the common hangman, and Josette Potdevin was condemned to be placed in the stocks, with a label on her breast specifying her crime." In the September term this year, two men for stealing cattle and sheep were condemned to be hanged. John Abbot and Henry Arckle for grand larceny were imprisoned and whipped by the common hangman. The city and environs were at this time in a deplorable condition on account of the unsettled order of things. In a communication of date December, 1783, and signed by Mr. James McGill and Mr. Longueuil in behalf of the magistrates of Montreal, they pray the Governor for military assistance to be joined to the civilians, in order to allay the terror of the frequent robberies in the town, suburbs and adjoining neighborhood, found to be committed by disbanded German soldiers. x German regiments or Hessians were at one time quartered both in Montreal and Quebec.
The merchants of Montreal must have received permission by this time to have a Custom House of their own, as the first case of seizure of the Customs is recorded on the 22nd May, 1783, when John Beck, " surveyor of His Majesty's Customs for the Port of Montreal," obtained " a monition admonishing all persons to appear and show cause, if any they can, why four cases of gin seized at Montreal on the 28th April last should not be condemned as forfeited." No person appearing, the Court granted the monition.
What would Mrs. Maysant think if she woke out of her grave and saw at the present day the means of conveying goods from Montreal to Kingston ? She sent a memorial to the Government at this time for leave " to take a canoe load of mer- chandise to Cataraqui (now Kingston), for purposes of trade — the goods in the two canoes taken up by her husband not having been taken to Detroit, owing to the ves- sels being employed in carrying the King's goods, so that by the loss of the sales she and her family will be exposed to great hardships during the approaching winter, if the permission be not granted." Fancy her surprise when she would look upon the magnificent line of steamers and the propellers besides, as well as the two Canadian lines of railways of which our country is proud. Think of the time taken and the danger and difficulties of the Rapids and Lake of a Thousand Isles, of all the fatigue and labor of slowly working up that canoe load of goods from Montreal to King- ston, and then we read of a circumstance connected with just such like journeys as this in these words, in a case "against Theo. Pellion, for having left the plaintiffs service as a battoe man, contrary to his written agreement." In Court " he acknow- ledged his agreement to conduct a canoe to Detroit, as steersman, but that he left the said canoe on the way, finding it impossible to make the voyage for want of pro- per assistance." A witness in the case deposed thus in Court : " They set out from Lachine, with said canoe ; that when they had reached Pointe an Diable, the defendant refused to proceed any further, saying it was impossible to effect that voy- age without assistance." In spite of the " Devil's Point " the poor man was condem- ned to fourteen days' common gaol. These King's ships taking " the King's goods "
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 31
and other merchandise as well were not sufficient for the purposes of commerce, and therefore we find a petition from the merchants of Montreal, praying the Govern- ment " that private vessels may be allowed to transport goods on the Lakes," — " the reduction (1784, and after peace had been proclaimed between Great Britain and the United States) of the naval armaments leading them to apprehend that other- wise their goods would not reach the markets in the upper country." The Governor in a week after writes to them that a third vessel would be employed and remain on the Lakes. His secretary also writes officially, and tells the merchants that they "delay in paying the freight of goods carried by the King's vessels over the lakes." They are " urged to discharge punctually their debts on this account."
After the year 1784 the punishment of whipping never exceeds thirty-nine lashes, and they are all delivered at once. I presume the Justices had it in their mind what St. Paul wrote about the number he had received : " Three times received I of the Jews forty stripes save one."
The justices in 1795 seem all to have old country names — viz., John McKind- lay, Robt. Cruickshank, Charles Blake, John Lilly, Thomas McCord, and Alexander Henry. Wm. Lindsay appears at General Sessions in January, 1799.
Before finishing this sketch of old Montreal in the i8th century, I will insert the trial and execution of the only person who underwent death for " high treason " in the first fifty years of the British rule of Canada. Before the next fifty passed, no less than twelve individuals suffered in Montreal at the gaol for this crime, and we all know that during the third half century one individual, Louis Rielle, thus also suffered. The following trial is remarkable, not only for the atrocity of the sentence, its ap- plication and the occasion, but that it entirely was uncalled for in the circumstances of the case. Different individuals had for years, before, during and after the war of Independence, endeavored to detach the loyalty of the Canadians from the British Crown, but all had signally failed.
In 1797, the first execution for "high treason " took place, and although it was carried out in Quebec city, most of the circumstances connected with it were done by the prisoner in Montreal, St. Johns and places on the borders of Canada and the United States. The prisoner who was executed was named David McLane. He was an American citizen, and employed as an emissary of Mr. Audet, who at this time was the representative of the New French Republic at Washington. The scheme was a gigantic one, and was the extinction of the British power on this Continent and the entire subjugation of the French inhabitants to the powers at Washington. Surely he might have known that all former attempts had signally failed; even the renowned Franklin had to leave Montreal with the word failed written on his brow. McLane visited Canada in 1796, and endeavored to gain the sympathy of the Cana- dian people, but he did not succeed. Next year, 1797, he returned. Beginning at St. Johns, he, with a man named Frechette, came to Montreal, and continued and tried hard to get the inhabitants to abjure the British Crown. At last he arrived in Quebec, and unfolded his grand scheme (as he thought it) to a Mr. John Black,
32 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,
member of the Assembly. At once he was denounced to the Government, and was arrested for " high treason." I need not enter on the chimerical plan which he had formed, but after a patient trial he was condemned by Chief Justice Osgood in the following sentence : " That you, David McLane, be taken to the place from whence you came, and from thence you are to be drawn to the place of execution — where you must be hanged by the neck, but not till you are dead — for you must be cut down alive and your bowels taken out and burnt before your face ; then your head must be severed from your body, which must be divided into four parts, and your head and your quarters be at the King's disposal, and may the Lord have mercy on your soul." This terrible and horrible sentence was not quite fully carried out. It was intended to terrify the Canadians and American sympathizers. But the execution was ghastly indeed. De Gaspe's work on " Canadians of Old " gives a very graphic description of it. Let me condense it here. He says : "Artillery and a body of troops paraded the streets, and accompanied the prisoner to the place of execution. There McLane was seated on a sledge with runners which grated on the earth and stones. He was back to the horse, and an axe and block stood on the front of the sledge. He was of high stature and remarkably handsome. Dr. Duvert pulled out his watch as soon as Ward, the executioner, had withdrawn the ladder, on which rested McLane, lying on his back, with the rope around his neck, hanging from the gallows ; the body then struck the northern side of the gallows' post and remained stationary after a few jerks. ' He is stone dead,' said Dr. Duvert, after Ward had cut him down at the end of twenty-eight minutes ; ' he will be insensible to what shall follow.' Ward then opened his body, took out his heart and bowels, which he burned in a ' rechaud.' He then cut off his head, and held up this bloody trophy to the gaze of the crowd." Let me finish all in the words of Christie, the Historian, on the subject, where he says : " This from the Conquest to that time is the only instance in Canada of a trial for « high treason,' and it, be it also observed, not of a British subject. It is creditable to the Canadian character that, with the single exception mentioned, none .were connected with McLane, the very absurdity of whose scheme denoted him a mere maniac, and who might with more propriety have been treated as an unhappy lunatic than as a criminal."
The following description of Montreal is taken from a rare and old book written by Isaac Weld, and titled, " Travels through the States of North America and the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada during the years 1795 and 1797 " : —
" MONTREAL, July, 1797.
'* The town of Montreal was laid out pursuant to the orders of one of the kings of France ; which were, that a town should be built as high up the St. Lawrence as it was possible for vessels to go by sea. In fixing upon the spot where it stands, his commands were complied with in the strictest sense. The town at present contains about twelve hundred houses, whereof five hundred only are within the walls ; the rest are in the suburbs which commence from the north, east and west gates ; the houses in the suburbs are mostly built of wood, but the others are all of stone ; none
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 33
of them are elegant, but there are many very comfortable habitations. In the lower part of the town towards the river, where most of the shops stand, they have a very gloomy appearance, and look like so many prisons, being all furnished at the outside with sheet iron shutters to the doors and windows, which are regularly closed towards evening, in order to guard against^fire. The town has suffered by fire very mate- rially at different times, and the inhabitants have such a dread of it that all who can afford it cover the roofs of their houses with tin plates instead of shingles. By law they are obliged to have one or more ladders, in proportion to the size of the house, always ready on the roofs.
" The streets are all very narrow ; three of them run parallel to the river, and these are intersected by others at right angles but not at regular distances. On the side of the town farthest from the river, and nearly between the northern and southern extremities, there is a small square called La Place d'Armes, which seems originally to have been left open to the walls on one side, and to have been intended for the military to exercise in ; the troops, however, never make use of it now, but parade on a long walk behind the walls, nearer to the barracks. On the opposite side of the town, towards the water, is another small square where the market is held. There are six churches in Montreal : one for English Episcopalians, one for Presbyterians, and four for Roman Catholics. The Cathedral church belonging to the latter, which occupies one side of La Place d'Armes, is a very spacious building, [and contains five altars, all very richly decorated. There are in Montreal four convents, one of which is of the Order of St. Francis ; the number of the friars, however, is reduced now to two or three, and as by the laws of the Province men can no longer enter into any religious order, it will of course in a few years dwindle entirely away. In the female order there is no restriction, and they are still well filled. The Hotel-Dieu, founded as early as 1644 for the relief of the sick poor, and which is the oldest of the convents, contains thirty ' religieuses,' nuns ; La Congregation de Notre-Dame, instituted for the instruction of young girls, contains fifty-seven soeurs, another sort of nuns; L'Hopital General, for the accommodation of the infirm poor, contains eighteen soeurs. The barracks are agreeably situated near the river, at the lower end of the town ; they are surrounded by a lofty wall, and calculated to contain about three hundred men.
" The walls round the town are mouldering away very fast, and in some places are totally in ruins. The gates, however, remain quite perfect The walls were built principally as a defence against the Indians, by whom the country was thickly inhab- ited when Montreal was founded, and they were found necessary to repel the open attacks of these people as late as the year 1736. When the large fairs used to be held in Montreal, to which the Indians from all parts resorted with their furs, they were also found extremely useful, as the inhabitants were thereby enabled to shut out the Indians at night, who, had they been suffered to remain in the town, addicted as they are to drinking, might have been tempted to commit great outrages, and would have kept the inhabitants in a continual state of alarm. The people of
3
34 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Montreal are remarkably hospitable and attentive to strangers. They are sociable also amongst themselves, and fond in the extreme of convivial amusements. In winter they keep up such a constant and friendly intercourse with each other that it seems then as if the town were inhabited but by one large family. During sum- mer they live somewhat more retired, but throughout that season, a club, formed of all the principal inhabitants, both male and female, meet every week or fortnight for the purpose of dining at some agreeable spot in the neighborhood of the town.
" The Island of Montreal is agreeably diversified with hill and dale, and towards its centre, in the neighborhood of Montreal, there are two or three considerable mountains. The largest of these stands at the distance of about one mile from the town which is named from it. The base of this mountain is surrounded with neat country houses and gardens, and partial improvements have been made about one- third of the way up ; the remainder is entirely covered with lofty trees. On that side towards the river is a large old monastery with extensive inclosures walled in, round which the ground has been cleared for some distance. This open part is covered with a rich verdure, and the woods encircling it, instead of being overrun with brushwood, are quite clear at bottom, so that you may here roam about at pleasure for miles together, shaded by the lofty trees from the rays of the sun. The view from hence is grand beyond description. A prodigious expanse of country is laid open to the eye with the noble River St. Lawrence wending through it, which may be traced from the remotest part of the horizon. The river comes from the right and flows smoothly on, after passing down the tremendous rapids above the town, where it is hurried over high rocks with a noise that is heard even up the mountain* On the left below you appears the town of Montreal with its churches, monasteries,, glittering spires, and the shipping under its old wall. Several little islands in the river near the town, partly improved, partly overgrown with wood, add greatly to the beauty of the scene. Laprairie with its large church on the distant side of the river is seen to the greatest advantage, and beyond it is a range of lofty mountains which terminates the prospect. Such an endless variety, and such a grandeur is there in the view from this part of the mountain, that even those who are most habituated to the view always find it a fresh subject of admiration whenever they contemplate it ; and on this part of the mountain it is that the club which I mentioned generally assembles. Two stewards are appointed for the day, who always choose some new spot where is a spring or rill of water and an agreeable shade ; each family brings cold provisions, wine, etc., the whole is put together, and the company, often amounting to one hundred persons, sits down to dinner."
THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
From authentic sources we find that from the commencement of the century to 1816 " sixty-four houses built of stone were erected within the old gates."
On the loth January, 1800, the following gentlemen as jurors appeared at the opening of the Court of Sessions of the Peace. These names, many of them at least
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 35
are familiar to our ears at the close of the century : — John Gray, Etienne St. Dizier, Hart Logan, Paschal Lafleur, William Wingfield, J. Bte. Fournier, Wm. Hallowell, Frs. Papineau, Peter Robertson, Chas. Larivee, Nathl. Burton, Dominique Rousseau, Duncan McGillivray, J. Bte. Dezery, Jas. Badgley, J. Bte. Lefebvre, John Stephen- son, Michel Dumas, John Molson, J. Philip Leprohon, Myer Michaels, Bartholomew Billon, Mungo Kay and Narcisse Roy.
We will now give the names of the principal citizens of Montreal in 1801 : — Alex. Henry, B. Gibb, N. Graham, John Dillon, Dr. Arnoldi, J. Brown (stationer), Hon. J. Richardson, Simon McTavish, T. Poitier, J. W. Clarke, Mr. Beasley, Mr. Maitland, Mr. Badgley, Jas. & A. McGill, D. Davids, H. Symes (auctioneer), Judge Davidson, Forsyth, Richardson & Co., G. 'Gauche, R. Hoyle, Mr. Stevenson (tobac- conist), John Platt, Burton & McCulloch, J. Brown (auctioneer), J. Fisher, P. Bar- salou, Auldjo, Maitland & Co., Logan & Watt, Woolrich & Cupper, R.'McClements, Jas. Dunlop, John Lilley, J. P. Leprohon, Mr. Stansfield (tobacconist), John Shuter (crockery), Col. de Longueuil, Henderson & Wingfield, E. St. Dizier, John McGill, Samuel Gerrard, Gerrard & Ogilvie, Miss Hayes, A. Scott, John A. Gray, R. Dobie. The inhabitants of Montreal, having hitherto felt very much inconvenience from the scanty supply of water, determined to remedy the evil. They had been accus- tomed to get their water (not over clean) from the St. Lawrence, or from the town pumps which were placed in Place d'Armes, the market place (now Custom House Square), the Jesuits' Garden which lay near the Court House, and a few other localities. " The proprietors of the Montreal Water Works," therefore, procured a Charter, and were authorized to erect buildings and lay down pipes within the city. A clause in the Company's Act enjoined that no shareholder could hold more than six- teen shares of the first amount raised and eight in the second. It gave the Company exclusive right for 50 years of supplying the City with water. This was the com- mencement of the magnificent reservoir and water system of Montreal of to-day, expensive though it be to every householder.
In December, 1805, the news arrived in Montreal of the death of Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.
A ball was being held in the Exchange Coffee House at the corner of St. Paul and St. Peter streets. During supper the news arrived, which powerfully affected a number of the company. Many ladies present were seen to shed tears. Under the excitement of the moment the chairman proposed that a monument should be erect, ed to his memory and a subscription opened to defray the cost of the same. Ladies and gentlemen then and there in their beautiful ball dresses, French and English alike, pressed forward to put down their names, so that in a few minutes a sum sufficient for the purpose was subscribed, and a committee appointed to carry out the undertak- ing. This is the true story of Nelson's monument in Jacques Carrier Square.
Heriotin his travels thus speaks of Montreal at this period : — " The streets are airy and regularly disposed — one of them (St. Paul) extending nearly parallel to the river
36 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
through the entire length of the place ; they are of sufficient width, being intersected at right angles by several smaller streets which descend from west to east. The upper street is Notre Dame, and is divided into two by the Roman Catholic church.
" The habitations of the principal merchants are neat and commodious, and their storehouses are spacious and secured against risk from fire, being covered with sheet- iron or tin.
" The markets of Montreal are more abundantly supplied than those of Quebec, and articles are sold at a more reasonable price — especially in winter, when the in- habitants of the United States who reside upon the borders of Canada bring for sale a part of the produce of their farms. Quantities offish in a frozen state are like- wise conveyed thither in sleighs from Boston."
THE FIRST STEAMBOATS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE.
From the days when Jacques Cartier first sailed on the waters of the St. Law- rence river to the beginning of this nineteenth century — that is for over 250 years — all travel between Quebec and Montreal had either been by a tedious journey along the north or south banks of the river, and occupying many weary and dreary days ; or by the almost equally weary and dreary mode of batteaux, — sailing partly and pulled partly, but mostly pulled along the banks.
This waterway was that by which many expeditions during the regime of " La Belle France " went either to victory or sometimes annihilation from the hands of the savage Indians, their powerful enemies, who then swarmed throughout the country.
It also was the route by which, after " the Cession," British troops and expe- ditions were sent from the " Ancient Capital " to various points and places throughout the continent, and previous to railways.
It was by this route, the bosom of the St. Lawrence, that the chivalrous Jacques Caitier came when he discovered Hochelaga — now Montreal.
It was by this route that the great explorer Champlain came when he gave its name to Lachine (the way to China), and passed on and pushed westward even to the Georgian Bay of Lake Huron.
On its bosom sailed the expedition under General Murray, which resulted in the capitulation of Montreal in 1760.
By the other route, i. e.} by land, the army of Montgomery passed on to besiege Quebec, and to meet there with defeat, and the General with his death.
Hardships innumerable presented themselves in the land journey, whilst dan- gers by day and by night continually stared the hardy voyageurs in the face when they made their journeys from Quebec to Montreal. This was always the more difficult of the two journeys — the heavy and swift flowing currents of the St. Lawrence made progress much slower and laborious, and with all the detours they had to make ren- dered the up voyage much more fatiguing and dangerous than that between Montreal and Quebec. Here in the down voyage the hardy voyageur had the help of the swift-flowing current to carry his batteau along.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 37
No wonder then that when, in the year 1809, a citizen of Montreal, JOHN MOL- SON by name, declared that he would navigate the St. Lawrence between these two cities in a vessel propelled by steam, and in one-tenth of the time occupied hereto- fore by either route, and against all wind and tide, he had all the city incredulous. Montreal laughed at him, and declared it could never be done. Montreal said it was impossible. All the city unanimously declared it was the idea of an enthusiast, and utterly impracticable.
Nevertheless there were some who had heard the news that such a thing had been done at New York. There FULTON had sailed his little steamer successfully without sail or oar, on the River Hudson, not long before.
JOHN MOLSON thought what could be done in New York and on the Hudson could also be done in Montreal and on the St. Lawrence. After patiently working and com- pleting all the parts of his little craft, this enterprising, energetic and public-spirited merchant, on the 3rd day of November, 1809, got the steam up in his " ACCOMMODA- TION," as the vessel was called, and amidst the huzzas and the cheers of almost the whole inhabitants, who had crowded every vantage ground for the occasion, the little craft shot into the current of St. Mary, and after a voyage of 66 hours, 30 of which she was at anchor, safely arrived at Quebec. Here the whole city, as in Mon- treal, crowded to the beach to behold this wondrous and nautical phenomenon. To them, as the pretty little " Accommodation " gracefully came sailing in to their harbor, appeared the beautiful line of the poet, " She walks the waters like a thing of life," in all its truth and perfection.
Nothing perhaps will give a better idea of the excitement of the city and the description of the vessel than the following extract from the Quebec Mercury which thus chronicles the arrival of tiie ''Accommodation" in that city. It says : "On Saturday morning at eight o'clock, arrived here from Montreal, being her first trip, the steamboat ' Accommodation ' with ten passengers. This is the first vessel of the kind that ever appeared in this harbor. She is continually crowded with visitants. She left Montreal on Wednesday at two o'clock, so that her passage was 66 hours, 30 of which she was at anchor. She arrived at Three Rivers in 24 hours. She has, at present, berths for 20 passengers, which, next year, will be consideraby augmented. No WIND OR TIDE CAN STOP HER ! She has 75 feet keel and 85 feet on deck. The price for a passage up is $9 and $8 down, the vessel supplying provisions. The great advantage attending a vessel so constructed is, that a passage may be calculated on to a degree of certainty in point of time, which cannot be the case with any vessel propelled by sail only. The steamboat receives her impulse from an open, double- spoked, perpendicular wheel, on each side, without any circular band or rim. To the end of each double spoke is fixed a square board, which enters the water, and by the rotary motion of the wheels acts like a paddle. The wheels are kept in motion by steam operating within the vessel. A mast is to be fixed in her, for the purpose of using a sail when the wind is favorable, which will occasionally accelerate her headway."
38 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
This first experiment in the steam navigation of the St. Lawrence by Mr. Mol- son having been found perfectly feasible, and from the very beginning both success- ful and profitable as regards passengers and freight, he determined to extend his work, making it a national undertaking, and accordingly there appeared in the Mon- treal Gazette of date Nov. 26th, 1810, an advertisement from that gentleman, to this effect : —
" Public notice is hereby given, that John Molson, of the city of Montreal, will apply to the Legislature of the Province, during its next Session, for a law giving him the exclusive right and privilege of constructing and navigating a steamboat or steamboats, or of causing a steamboat or steamboats to be constructed and navigated within the limits of this Province, for the space of fifteen years, to be computed from the ist of May next."
It may be supposed that his Bill was successfully passed by the Legislature, as we find him in 1812 busy building another vessel, but of far larger dimensions. It was no less than 130 feet keel and 24 feet beam. On the 4th day of May, 1813, she made her first trip, and afterwards, and during that season especially, did splendid service in conveying troops and munitions of war from Quebec to Montreal and other points of vantage ground for Great Britain and Canada during the war between those countries and the United States.
Nine months before her first trip, on a bright Thursday afternoon, the sun shining clearly down on Mariopolis and St. Helen's Isle, 300 of the best families of Mon- treal assembled together to witness the launching of this wonderful vessel. It had been built at Logan's ship yard, St. Mary's Current. Such an uncommon occur- rence brought together one of the most representative assemblies that ever in those days met. His Excellency the Governor General, His Lady and suite were all present, and occupied seats on the platform ; close to the vessel, merchants and minis- ters, priests and laymen, the wealth and beauty of Montreal were all there, for the beauty of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers at the commencement of this century could compare favorably with that of their grandchildren at its close. And now arrives the sublime moment, that eventful time, when Her Excellency breaks the traditional bottle of wine across the bow of the vessel, and baptizes her by the name of " SWIFT-SURE "; at the same moment her stays are cut away, and amidst the thunders of the salute of 19 guns, amidst the huzzas and cheers and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs of the privileged spectators and of the thousands of citizens who congregated every inch of ground, where one could see, on St. Helen's Island, Isle Ronde, Longueuil shore and the Gale Farm seabeach, the " Swift-Sure " slid gracefully from her moorings on, into the waters of the mighty St. Lawrence, her future home.
And well she bore her name, SWIFT and SURE, during these perilous times for Canada. She bore her military burdens wherever and whenever the occasion required, and by these trips greatly conduced to the utter failure of American usurp- ation of Canadian soil in 1812 and 1813.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 39
Canada, as a Colony of Great Britain, had made rapid progress since its cession to the Union Jack in A.D. 1759. It must be said truthfully that in the latter years of the regime of " La Belle France," the colonists were treated in such a manner that after a trial of King George's Government — for nearly seventeen years — they unanimously declared that the flag of England was preferable to the " Fleur de Lys " of France — and why ?
After the Cession, the British Commander, General Murray, decreed that all things should be done " decently and in order." The habitants must be paid honestly in " hard cash " for whatever they brought either to the markets or to the British Cantonments for sale. Rights were respected, the Religion, Language, and Laws of the Province were secured, and every thing was done to content the people. Every Frenchman and French Canadian who had remained in the country felt securer now, and more at ease, than in those last days of France's hold upon her territories in North America, Had not King George himself called them " His Children ? " and they knew that a better era had begun to dawn on Canada.
No wonder then that when trouble came to England — in the Revolt of her thirteen States or Colonies — Canada remained faithful to her, and that it took two armies under Montgomery and Arnold to enter her soil, but only to experience defeat, disorder and death, and to leave the country more faithful still to the British Crown than even before the Revolution of the American States.
When we turn to Montreal, we find the same patriotism displayed in both her English and her French inhabitants; and although by the fortunes of war the Army of Montgomery did capture the city, and the " Stars and Stripes " waved defiantly over Marieopolis," it was only for a short period. It soon passed; but the recol- lection of 1776 rankled in the breasts of all, and from father to son descended this feeling, and to them applied the words of the English poet Byron : —
" Have left their sons a hope, a fame, They too would rather die than shame."
A generation had to be born before retaliation came ; but about thirty-seven years after, they wiped the stigma of their fathers off at the Battle of Chateauguay.
This episode of Canadian History would never have been written had it not been for Brock — SIR ISAAC BROCK — the Hero of Upper Canada, as DeSalaberry is that of Lower Canada for all time to come. The first honor of wiping out the defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga fell to the Upper Canadians, when they captured the entire American Army under General Hull, at Detroit.
Thus, after thirty-six years, or after nearly fifty-two years from the Cession, on a sunny and leafy day in the month of June (the i8th), 1812, Congress declared war against Great Britain. By some strange omission on the part of the British Minister at Washington, the official notification did not reach the Governor of Canada— " Sir George Prevost " — until the 7th day of July. General Brock was never officially notified at all. Mr. Richardson, who was afterwards Hon. John Richardson, of
40 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Montreal, apprised him of it, through a private means, about the 251!! of June. But the Canadians were not slow. And who were these Canadians who had to withstand the first brunt and shock of battle in Upper Canada? — THE UNITED EMPIRE LOYAL- ISTS ! ! As one writer fitly remarks : — " Loyalty to England, fealty to the Crown, were the birthright and heirloom of this people." The first settlers of this western soil were the fathers and mothers — American Loyalists, men of educated and ele- vated minds, who had lost their all in the United States by their staunch loyalty to the British Throne. They had during these past thirty-six or thirty-seven years made homes for themselves and families in the Canadian forests, and they were not again going to lose their homes to these American enemies as they had their first.
And when the thunder-cloud burst, it found them prepared to venture all for " Hearth and Home." General Hull crossed over from Detroit, and landed amongst a quiet, inoffensive agricultural people. Immediately he issued a proclamation. To give Canadians now in this last decade of the century some idea what this document meant, let me state that it denied the right of the Indian to defend his own native soil, and doomed to death every white man found fighting by his side. It threatened all Canadians who resisted with " the horrors and calamities of war," and offered to any who would quietly join the American flag, " peace, liberty and security."
To this terrible ukase Brock simply replied, that the Crown of England would defend and avenge all her subjects, whether red or white, and that Canada knew her duty to herself and her Sovereign, and "was neither to be bullied nor cajoled into a departure from it."
Not long after Hull's crossing into Canada he saw that he had made a great mistake. He had to draw all his resources from his rear, and when, on the 4th of August, the Indian warrior Tecumseh met, defeated and scattered Van Home's detachment — the American Commander of that division of the United States army — and secured all the provisions and the mail, Hull was appalled. On the yth and 8th, he withdrew himself and army across the river, — sneaking away, and mightily dif- ferent from his defiant proclamation, — and resumed his occupation of Detroit. And although a temporary check was given the British and Canadians at Maguaga or Brownstown, as it is called, yet,^a most gallant deed was performed by the captur- ing of Fort Macinaw by Capt. Roberts and Toussaint Pothier, afterwards the Hon. Toussaint Pothier, M.L.C., of Montreal. When Roberts told him his plans, Pothier answered with delight : " Pardieu, Monsieur, il faut frotter ces gens la bas, joliement." The fort fell into their hands, with all the military stores and valuable furs, and the laughable side of the enterprise was that the American Commandant did not, until then, know of the war between the two countries. This chivalrous event disconcerted Hull still more.,
Now, came General Brock's turn. In the correspondence which fell into Tecum- seh's hands on the 4th of August by the defeat of Van Home, Brock found that Hull had much fear and many misgivings of the army under his command. Brock, there- fore, crossed the river, invested Detroit with 330 regulars of His Majesty's forces and
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 41
400 militia, dressed in red coats, and when the preparations for an assault were all ready, suddenly there was seen to emerge from the works of the enemy an officer who bore a flag of truce. Hull resolved to capitulate, and proposed a cessation of hos- tilities. Immediately articles were drawn up then and there. The whole Michigan territory, Fort Detroit, a ship of war at Detroit, 33 pieces of cannon, many stores, the military chest, 2,500 troops, and one stand of colors surrendered to the British.
This surrender of Detroit electrified all Canada. It was the VERY FIRST OCCASION in which the MILITIA had been engaged, and their courage and success encouraged every one.
And so it came to pass that this episode in Montreal's History at the beginning of this century tjok place. The effect produced in Lower Canada was as great as in Upper Canada.
Let us quote the following account from the Montreal Herald of Tuesday, September i2th, 1812, of the entry of General Hull and his army, etc., as prisoners of war into Montreal. It says :
" Montreal, September i2th : Last Sunday evening, the inhabitants of this city were gratified with an exhibition equally novel and interesting.
" That General Hull should have entered our city so soon at the head of his troops, rather exceeded our expectations. We were, however, happy to see him, and received him with all the honors due to his rank and importance as a public character. The following particulars relative to his journey and reception at Montreal may not be uninteresting to our readers.
" General Hull and suite, accompanied by about 25 officers and 350 soldiers, left Kingston under an escort of 130 men, commanded by Major Heathcote of the New- foundland regiment. At Cornwall the escort was met by Captain Gray of the Quarter- Master General's Department, who took charge of the prisoners of war, and from thence proceeded with them to Lachine, where they arrived about two o'clock on Sunday afternoon. At Lachine, Captains Richardson and Ogilvie with their companies of Montreal Militia, and a company of the King's, commanded by Captain Blackmore, formed the escort till they were met by Col. Auldjo with the remainder of the flank companies of the Militia, upon which Captain Blackmore's company fell out and pre- sented arms as the General passed with the others, and then returned to Lachine, leaving the prisoners of war to be guarded by the Montreal Militia alone. The line of march then proceeded to the town in the following order, viz :
" ist. Band of the King's Regiment.
" 2nd. The ist division of the escort.
" 3rd. General Hull in a carriage, accompanied by Captain Gray; Captain Hull and Major Shakelton followed in a second carriage, and some wounded officers occu- pied four other carriages.
" 4th. The American officers.
" 5th. The non-commissioned officers and men.
" 6th. The second division of the escort.
42 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
" It unfortunately proved rather late in the evening for the vast concourse ofspsc- ators assembled to experience the gratification they so anxiously looked for. This incon- venience was, however, in a great measure remedied by the illumination of the streets through which the line of march passed. When they arrived at the Governor's house, the General was conducted in and presented to His Excellency Sir George Prevost. He was received with the greatest politeness, and invited to take up his residence there during his stay in Montreal. The officers were quartered in Holmes' Hotel, and the soldiers were marched to the Quebec Gate Barracks. The General appears to be about sixty years of age, and bears his misfortune with a degree of resignation that but few men in similar circumstances are fitted with."
Some days after, the prisoners started for Quebec under a guard of Militia, com- manded by Major Shakelton. General Hull had in the meantime been exchanged at Montreal for thirty British prisoners taken in the hands of the Americans, and all the United States Militia taken prisoners at Detroit had been sent home.
On the morning of the i9th -of November following, the drums were heard all over Montreal, calling the Militia to muster, as an attack was to be made on the city by another invasion of the American Army. The summons was speedily obeyed. Hundreds of Militia men, English and French, hastened to the call, and with deter- mined resolution fell into their ranks and marched away to meet the unseen foe. But it seems that it was a false alarm, for, after nine days' anxious waiting and witching (the alarm either was a false one or the enemy had prudently retired), the Montreal Militia returned to the city in the morning of the 28th. They called it " their pleasant trip," as we find in the papers of the day.
And who were the Militia ? Who were they who ventured their lives to protect their city and their homes? Let their names be ever honored. Many of them the following year actually met the same enemy at Chateauguay, and proved that they were worthy of their sires.
Let it be always remembered that Montreal was the great objective point of the American War of 1812-13. One of their greatest men of that era, their Secre- tary of State, had said, " That Montreal was the apple of his eye. Why waste men and money upon distant frontiers ? strike at the vitals, then you will paralyze the extremities. Capture Montreal and you starve de Rotten burg and Proctor. In Montreal your troops will find winter quarters and English Christmas."
These counsels carried great weight, and we know from History that the re- mainder of the campaign, viz., the capture of Montreal, was the grand and crowning object of American strategy. To forward this plan the United States soon collected a large force on Lake Champlain. In the summer of 1813, about 6,000 men were collected at Burlington and Plattsburg.
During all this time, and for the past year, drilling had gone on incessantly in Montreal. Men of all ranks and nationalities eagerly pressed for service. To the honor of our forefathers we must give the names of the officers at least who com- posed these volunteer corps, determined to defend their country with their lives,
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 43
leaving all else to God. And first let me state who were the Colonels of Militia in this eventful year, and our French compatriots may well be proud that they were all their countrymen : — Honble. Juchereau Duchesnay, Charles DeSalaberry, Hon. Olivier Perrault.
In the District of Montreal there were 21 divisions ; of course, the ist divisions, viz., the ist, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, were all from Montreal. In the ist division or bat- talion of Montreal, The Hon. James McGill was Colonel ; Alexander Auldjo, Lieut.-Colonel ; Daniel Sutherland, Major. The Captains were Alexander Henry, Francis Desrivieres, Francis Badgeley, David David and Samuel Gerrard. The Lieutenants were James Woolrich, Stephen Sewell, Thomas Yeowards, Mungo Kay> William Hunter, Myer Michaels and Robert Armour. The Ensigns were Andrew Porteous, Peter Harkness, Andrew Patterson, David Ogden, Arthur Webster and John McTavish. Capt. Griffin was Adjutant ; Thomas Busby, Quartermaster, and George Selby, Surgeon.
In the 2nd battalion or division, Jacques Hervieux was Lieut.-Colonel ; Jean Bouthillier, ist Major; and Dominique Rousseau, 2nd Major. The Captains were J. Bte. Lefebvre, J. Guillaume Deslile, Michel Dumas, Toussaint Pothier, Benjamin Beaubien, Louis Plessis, Thomas Barren, Louis Roi Portelance, Saveuse de Beaujeu, Joseph Bedard, Louis Levesque, J. Bte. Delisle and Antoine Lange. The Lieutenants were Augustin Berthelot, Pierre Chas. Dubois, Augustin Dumas, Joseph Perrault, Jules Quesnel, Louis Pierre Guy, J. Bte. Routier, Jos. Robreau Duplessis, Frs. Des- rivieres fils, Toussaint Peltier fils, Louis T. Bouthillier, Charles Lamontagne, Chs. Fleurie Roy, Francois Delagrave, Ignace Bertrand, John Shuter, Louis Lamontagne J. Papineau, J. R. Rolland and L. M. Viger. The Ensigns were Louis Partenet, Luc Chs. Racine, John Jesse Reeves, Peter Lefebvre, J. Bte. Noreau, Albert Bender, Felix Bruguiere, Alexandre Lusignan and Peter McCutchess.
In the 3rd battalion or division, Pierre Fortier, Colonel ; Hyp. St. George Du- pre, Lieut.-Colonel ; Gabriel Franchere, ist Major ; Pierre Hervieux, 2nd Major. The Captains were Louis Charland, P. Huguet Latour pere, P. Huguet Latour fils, Jos. Robreau Duplessis, Denis Benjamin Viger, Pierre Lukin, Nicolas Meneclier, Michel Fournier, Charles Prevost and Pierre Charland. The Lieutenants were Felix Souligny, Joseph Roy, Hugues Heney, Chs. Racicot, Nicolas Massue, Joseph Desautel, Dom. Benj. Rollin, Alexis Bourret. Francis Roe, Gabriel Roi, Louis Dulongpre fils, T. Cassimir Trudeau, Etienne Roi, Alex. Laframboise, Jean Marie Cadieu, Augustin Perrault and Samuel Gale. The Ensigns were Toussaint Peltier pere, Joseph Herse, Michel Bibeau, Jean Bte. Dezery, Chs. Pasteur, Michel Tru- deau and Paul L. Huissier.
2nd Battalion of the 3rd division of Montreal : Louis Guay, Lieut.-Colonel ; J. P. Leprohon, ist Major; Etienne Guy, 2nd Major. The Captains were Emmanuel Vidricaire, J. M.Jarnotdit Lachapel, both of Longue Pointe ; Amable Moran and Jean Bte. Maillard, both of Pointe aux Trembles ; Jean Bte. Chauvandiere, of Riviere des Prairies ; Pierre Demers, Augustin Richer and Gabriel Crevier, of St. Laurent. Samuel Davill, Captain and Major ; Chas. Levasseur, Adjutant.
44 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
We now come to the Corps of Canadian Voltigeurs, of whom Brevet Lt.-Col- onel Charles DeSalaberry was the " Commandant and Superintendent." The Cap- tains were Joseph F. Perrault, J. B. Juchereau Duchesnay, M. L. Juchereau Duches- nay, Benjamin Ecuyer, J. B. Hertel De Rouville, Jacques Viger and Jacques Clement Herse. The ist Lieutenants were Jacques Adhemar, Narcisse Duchesnay, Ed. Lewis Prendergast, John McKay, Henry Thomas, Thomas Place, Charles D'Estimati- ville and Daniel De Hertel. The 2nd Lieutenants were William Clarke, Simon Clarke, Louis Cramer, Louis Guy and Henry Bouthillier. John Ebden, Adjutant; John Porters, Quarter-master ; Trios. Place, Paymaster ; P. De Sales La Terriere, Surgeon ; Toussaint C. Truteau, Assistant Surgeon.
In the Troop of Cavalry for Montreal, George Platt was Captain ; Robert Gilles- pie, Lieutenant ; and John Molson, Cornet. In the Company of Guides, Jos. Ignace Hebert was Captain and Constant Cartier, Lieutenant.
So by degrees Montreal became the focus or centre of American strategy. It was to be in its capture and pillage an atonement for Hull's defeat at Detroit ; but man proposes and God disposes. General Hampton, with his American army, on the 2ist of October, 1813, moved his forces direct and onto the Canadian frontier. About four p. m. that afternoon their advanced guard drove in the Canadian advanced videttes. These videttes were about ten miles from Chateauguay church. General de Watte- ville being notified of this, instantly ordered up two companies of the 5th Incorporated Militia, tinder the command of Capts. Levesque and Debartzch, and 200 men of the Beauharnois Militia. Advancing about two leagues or six miles, they at night halted at the confines of a thick wood. When morning came they were joined by Colonel DeSalaberry with his Voltigeurs and Captain Ferguson's Light Company of the Canadian Fencibles. DeSalaberry thus reinforced pushed on for three miles, and on the left bank of the river came up with the ist patrol of the enemy. Expecting that here or in this vicinity there would be the meeting of the invaders and Cana- dians, he had some weeks before reconnoitered the locality, and perfectly knew from his own observation the whole course of the River Chateauguay in this district, and found that no place presented a better position. The thick forest was cut by ravines, and a great swamp was on the right. On four of these ravines he threw up strong breastworks. The first three lines he placed distant about 200 yards of each other. The fourth was just one mile in the rear, but this was important, for it commanded a ford by which the enemy from the right bank might have got to his rear. This was the most important place. Almost all the day they were employed in strengthening their breastworks. Finally the right bank of the river was strictly guarded by sixty men of the Beauharnois Militia. DeSalaberry also sent a well- armed party of thirty men (axe men) to destroy every bridge within five miles of his front. His great strategy was in throwing out a formidable abattis of trees, with their branches lying outward across the full line of advance, and about a mile distant, thus rendering the American artillery of ten guns perfectly useless, as they could not be brought into action. To DeSalaberry alone must be credited the choice of the ground and the dispositions made.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 45
The General, on the 22iid, visited all the lines, and entirely approved of every- thing. All the 23rd and 24th were employed in strengthening the positions, piling up trees, forming the abattis still larger, and doing everything that could be done to render the position safe ; and now the morning of the 25th arrives, and about ten a.m., the sun shining brightly down through the open vistas in the forest, and reveal- ing a sturdy band of Canadians, every man at the attention, determined to sell his life for hearth and home, the American skirmishers opened fire on the abattis. After a sharp exchange of muskets, those employed by DeSalaberry as laborers, augment- ing the strength of the abattis, fell back, covered by the picket of the Canadian Voltigeurs. As soon as DeSalaberry heard the firing he rode up from the front line of defence, and brought with him three companies of the Canadian Fencibles, who deployed immediately on the right rear of the abattis. He also extended Captain Duchesnay's company on the left, while the company of Captain Juchereau Duches nay occupied a position on the left rear among the trees.
Those who know the course of the River Chateauguay know that here, at this point, the river makes a considerable curve or bend. Nothing could be better than this point for the defenders. DeSalaberry knew this, and saw at once by his position that their fire flanked the ford in support of the fire in front.
While these arrangements were being made, and the Canadians were put into position by the intrepid Commander, the enemy had debouched from the woods into a large open space in front of the abattis. They amounted to between 3,000 and 3,500 men with three squadrons of cavalry and four guns. Then they advanced in columns close to the abattis, but by doing so exposing their head to the fire in front, and their flank to the Indians and tirailleurs in the bush and swamp.
Now came the crisis. An American officer rode out of the ranks forward to the rear of the abattis, and began to harangue the troops in front. DeSalaberry seized a musket from the nearest soldier, aimed fire, and the American would-be Demosthenes threw up his arms and fell from his horse a dead man. At the same moment, the Canadian bugles sounded the order to fire, and a blaze of musketry belched forth from the abattis and the swamps, full on the head of the American line. It halted, paused for a moment, made a turn then to the left, formed line and began to pour in a vigorous fusilade, but of no avail, as their fire was thrown into the wood where it did little or no execution. But their vigorous fire on the right compelled all the Canadian pickets to retire within the abattis. Mistaking this movement on the part of the pickets to flight, the Americans raised a great shout, but it was returned with interest by the men within the abattis. While both sides were thus huzzaing, DeSalaberry ordered all his bugles to sound and pretend that his forces were far more numerous than they really were. This ruse acted completely. After a time their fire slackened, but they never placed their foot upon or within the Canadian abattis.
Thus went it on, here and at other points, attack and defence, and when from a high stump the Canadian Commander beheld his friend Daly with his company of the 5th Incorporated boldly plunge into the river, and shoulder to shoulder stem both the
46 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
water and the enemy, whom they thrust back on reaching the other side, he gave words of encouragement to him and his men. But overpowered by numbers, and the well-sustained fire of the enemy, he was over-matched, and slowly fell back. He had been wounded in that glorious advance of the 5th when crossing the river, and while retiring and faint from loss of blood, encouraging his men, he received a second wound and fell. Capt Bruyere also was wounded and fell. Slowly, and like a lion at bay, they receded step by step under command of Lieutenant Schiller, and so close to the enemy that they heard (hard thing to bear) the shouts and jeers of the American soldiers. Little did they think that they were being drawn into an ambuscade. Suddenly they became exposed to a crushing fire in flank, which arrested their march and threw them into total and utter confusion. Vain was the attempt to rally, they broke and scrambled back into the bush ; and thus the Canadian Militia slept that night on the field of Chateauguay. Gen. Hampton with- drew his forces. Many prisoners fell into the hands of the Canadians. They found on the way of advance next day, muskets, knapsacks, drums, and all kinds of provisions. No less than forty dead bodies were interred by them, and many graves were seen — notably two of American officers of distinction who had fallen in the fight.
All did their duty well and nobly that day, but let especial mention be made of Cap- tains Ferguson, de Bartzch and Levesque, Capt. L'Ecuyerand the two Duchesnays* Captains Daly, Bruyere and Lamothe, who handled his Indian warriors well, Lieuts. Pinguet, Guy, Johnson, Powell, Hebben and Schiller — all displayed courage and vigor. Capts. Longtin and Huneau were examples to their men. Capt. Longtin did, as the Ironsides of England under Cromwell were accustomed to do. It is re- lated of him that before the battle he knelt down at the head of his company and offered a short but earnest prayer. " And now, mes enfans," he said, rising, " having done our duty to God, we will do the same by our king."
Last, but not the least, stand out the names of the " simple soldats," Vincent, Pelletier, Vervais, Dnbois and Caron, all of the Voltigeurs, who, in the face of diffi- culties, danger and death, swam the River Chateauguay and cut off the retreat of the prisoners, who were taken, amounting to near a score. All honor be to them too. Let their names for ever be remembered in the hearts of all Canadians, whether they be French or English speaking. I doubt not but the same " esprit de corps," the same love of country, fills the hearts of nine-tenths of our people to-day ; and if neces- sity came (which may God avert), the same courage and pluck as seen in the volunteers of 1812-13 would be displayed in those of 1892 and following years.
Here are some interesting items which are picked out from an old Almanac of A.D. 1813, printed at Quebec. They will shew the great changes which have taken place in Montreal since the days of the last war between Canada and the United States. Many old and well-known names are also recorded worth remembering, as many of our streets, squares and avenues are still called after them. The printer was J. Neilson, of Quebec, and the name of the volume is " The Quebec Almanac and British American Royal Kalendar," and the year, 1813, in the 53rd year of the reign
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 47
of His Majesty George III. The Governor was H. E. Sir Geo. Prevost; Hon. F. N. Burton, Lieut.- Governor of Lower Canada; H. W. Ryland, Secretary to the Governor-General ; Alex. Forbes, Esq., Lieut-Governor of Gaspe. Among the members of the Legislative Council we find Hon. Jon. Sewell, Speaker, and Rt. Rev. Jacob, Lord Bishop of Quebec.
In the House of Assembly, elected March, 1810, 7th Provincial Parliament, the Honorable J. A. Panet was Speaker, and for Montreal the members were Stephen Sewell and Joseph Papineau ; Wm. Lindsay was clerk, and P. E. Desbarats, clerk's assistant.
The King's Honorable Executive Council was composed of the Honorable Chief Justice Monk, Rt. Rev. Jacob, Lord Bishop of Quebec, and the Hon. T. Dunn, Jn. Richardson, P. R. St. Ours, Js. Irvine, F. Baby, Js. M. Gill, A. L. Duchesnay, Js. Kerr, P. A. Debonne, Ross Cuthbert, M. John, Young, H. Percival, J. Williams, John Mure, Jn. Craigie, O. Perrault.
PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS.
We find Tho. Amyot, secretary of the Province; Jn. Taylor, deputy, etc. ; Jn. Caldwell, receiver general ; Ed. Burke, auditor : Thos. Douglas, acting secretary ; J. B. Dupre, inspector of police, Montreal ; L. R. C. De Lery, grand voyer ; L. Char- land, inspector of highways ; J. Bouthillierand W. J. Holt, inspectors of pot and pearl ashes ; Geo. Hobbs, inspector of flour; J. C. Turner and F. Tison, inspectors of beef and pork ; P. Charland, clerk of the markets.
Commissioners " reposer les Eglises" for Montreal — James McGill, Pierre Fortier, Louis Chaboillez, three well-known names, the first and the last giving names to McGill College and Street and Chaboillez Square.
" Commissioners for the administration of the estates heretofore belonging to the late Order of Jesuits " — Honorable Francis Baby, Thomas Dunn, Jenkin Williams, Berthelot Dartigny, H. W. Ryland, jr.
The trustees next mentioned are all of them well-known names. They were " Trustees for improving, ordering and keeping in repair the road from the city of Montreal to Lachine through the wood" — Honorable James McGill, Hon. John Richardson, Joseph Papineau, Isaac W. Clark, Louis Guy, and Jean Marie Mondelet.
About this time the old walls of Montreal were removed, the commissioners for that purpose being J. McGill, J. Richardson, J. M. Mondelet and L. Chaboillez.
Cour du Bane du Roi, Court of King's Bench, Montreal — Honorable Js. Monk, Chief Justice :Wm. Pollock and J. Reid, clerks; Judges Isaac Ogden, J. Reid, L. C. Foucher; F. W. Ermantinger, sheriff; J. M. Mondelet, coronerj; Jacob Khun, gaoler.
There were only thirty advocates in Montreal at this time, but what important names are found amongst them ! How many figured afterwards on the Bench or at the
4g HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Bar, or in Parliament, or on the stage of their country's history. The same may be said of the nineteen notaries, their names being found below this list of advocates — Stephen Sewell,Chas. F. Hamelin, Dr. Ross, Jos. Bedard, D. B. Viger, J. D. Lacroix, Ben. Beaub:en, Ross Cuthbert, Dr. Ogden, F. H. Bender, A. Levesque, J. R. Rol- land, P. D. Debartzch, L. M. Viger (he was called Beau Viger), F. A. Quesnel, S. Gale, Hy. Georgen, T. P. Fortune, John Boston, L. Jos. Papineau, J. C. Herse, M. O'Sullivan, Alex. Reid, J. C. Rentier, W. Davidson, H. Heney, Chs. Ogden, Alex. Elliot and Alexis Bownet.
THE LIST OF NOTARIES
is as follows : — Jean Delisle, J. Jorand, J. Papineau, G. Beck, L. Chaboillez, J. G. Delisle, P. Lukin, J. M. Mondelet, Thos. Barren, Chs. Prevost, Louis Guy, Louis H. Latour, J. M. Cadieux, L. Sarrault, Jos. Roi, P. Mercier, A. Dumouchelle, Jos. Desau- tels, Thomas Bedouin and Henry Griffin.
Among the Justices of the Peace the following are a few of the English names. Some of these are extinct, while others remain in their sons and grandsons — P. Murray, Alex. Henry, Js. Hughes, John Lilly, Wm. Lindsay, Win. McGillivray, Jas. Cald- well, Jas. Cuthbert, Rod. McKenzie, C. Carter, Jas. Connolly, Jas. Sawyer, Duncan Cameron, Calvin May, Gilbert Jeune, John Whitlock, E. Nash, A. Wilson, Ph. Luke, Henry Collins, O. Barker, John Ferguson, Thomas Porteous, J. Oldham, Alex. Mab- but, S. Anderson, Sam. Willard, Jonas Abbot, George Cook, Henry Mounsey, Henry Denyke, William Kell, Joel Ives, John Savage, Joseph Baker, Richard Adams, P. Wright, Wm. Bullock, Ph. Hubbard, John Whitman, Joseph Power, John Manning, Joseph Odell, Charles Kilburn, Simon Fraser, Henry McKenzie, Jas. Finlay, Henry Cull, Ezra Ball, Elisha Bartholomew, Wm. Bryne, John Lane, Richard Nevison, Jeremiah Meacham, George Kitson, Robert Jones, John Chester, J. Milner, Wm. Smith, Thomas Coffin, John McGinnis, Thomas Dawson, Joseph Richardson, John Ogilvie, Angus Shaw, Wm. Atild, Thomas Thomas, Geo. Gladman, Wm. H. Cook, Thos. Tapping and Abel Edwards.
DOCTORS AND DENTISTS.
We now come to the Doctors, and we find that the whole number in the city was ten, and in the country (district of Montreal) thirty. The city names are : Geo. Selby, Hy. Loedel, John Rowand, F. H. Bender, Daniel Arnoldi, Benj. Green, Grant Pow- ell, D. T. Kennelly, Abner Rice and Rene Kimbert. At the present day not one of these names appears on our medical list ; the families have become extinct, or have left the city. Among the country doctors there are some well-known names, which afterwards figured in Canadian History, such as Henry Munro, Wm. D. Selby, Simon Fraser, Henry Carter, Wolfred Nelson and Samuel Newcombe. The last two were well known in the Rebellion of 1837-8. Then besides the doctors there were the apothecaries. There are only three : A. Lyman, George Wadsworth and Moses Nichols.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 49
Next come what is styled " Seigneurs et Aracjieurs de Dents," or in English, 11 Bleeders and Drawers of Teeth,"— Jos. Borgue, Chas. Schiller, Charles Thenel, Guil. Le Bat, and An. Berthier.
A peculiar title was given to doctors about this time in connection with this name. In an old account of a trial now in the archives of the Court House, there is a physician called Alex. Spence, who is designated accachen and man-midwife. This seems to have been, in legal parlance, the designation at the beginning of this century.
In the Customs, N. H. Percival was collector ; Hugh McDonald, tidesrnan ; Wmt Lindsay, collector at St. Johns ; Wm. McCrae, gauger at same place ; and Hugh O'Hara, deputy collector.
D. Sutherland was postmaster, and the post packets which sailed to the Bay of Fundy were the schooner " Matilda," 50 tons, and the sloop " Mary Ann," 29 tons.
We now come to the militia and military then in Canada. In the 4th Co. of volunteers, of the ist Battalion Militia of Montreal, we find P. Caldwell, major, commanding ; Capts. P. Dunlop, J. Richardson, John Forsyth and John Oglivy ; Lietits. David Ross, Thos. Blackwood, Geo. Gillespie, Hart Logan, Alex. Allison, Geo. Gordon, William Hallo well and Thos. Thain ; Ensign Jas. Leslie and Adjt. Thos. Ahern. In the Troop of Cavalry of Montreal, Geo. Platt was captain j Rt. Gillespie, lieut. ; John Molson, cornet.
THE ECCLESIASTICAL STATE.
We now come to the ecclesiastical state of Canada, which shows a startling advance since those early days. In the whole provinces of Upper and Lower Canada there were only thirteen clergymen of the Church of England and three of the Church of Scotland. There is not one Methodist, Baptist or Congregational minister given. Rev. Dr. Mountain was rector of Christ's Church, Montreal, and Rev. Mr. Somer- ville was the Presbyterian clergyman in the city. There were about twenty-two or twenty-four Roman Catholic priests in the city then. Schoolmasters were more plentiful than clergy, no less than eighteen English teachers being then in the Province of Lower Canada. Finley Fisher is the teacher for Montreal, and we find Mr. Nelson at William Henry (now Sorel), Mr. Baker at Durham, Rev. Mr. Wilkie, Quebec, with Mr. Thorn and Mr. Sprat.
The greatest quantity of wheat ever exported from Canada up to the date of this Almanac was in 1802. It amounted to 1,010,033 bushels. There were besides exported that year 28,301 bbls. of flour and 22,051 cwt. of biscuit.
It may be interesting to know that our esteemed fellow-citizen, Mr. W. W. Ogilvie, and Senator Ogilvie's grandfather, was the first man who exported flour from Canada, and in this year 1802 ; in the previous one 1801 he had come from Scotland to Quebec, and started a flour mill at Jacques Cartier near Quebec, and this same year opened up one at Lachine. What a difference now ! Last year his grandson exported from Manitoba over 7,000,000 bushels.
4
c;o HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
New ships 5896 tons weight were built in the province in the year 1813. Bread and beef continue much about the same as then. Bread quoted at 2^d. per lb., and beef 5d. Lastly, when Montreal was not one-fifth the size that it is now, there were four members of Parliament allowed. Why not reorganize and give the wealthiest and largest City of the Dominion her just rights as regards parliamentary representation ? She would now have at least 12 members in proportion to the 4 of 1813.
It may be worth while here to write about the Montreal of this period — 1815-16. These records are generally taken from a paper by the late J. H. Dorwin, which appeared in the Star* and are very correct, as he was an eye-witness to all he speaks about : " Viger Garden was a swamp, and from this swamp a sluggish creek or ditch ran south-westerly along what is now Craig street, past the east end of St. Antoine street, making a turn at Dow's Brewery, coming east through the Priest's Garden across McGill street at St. Ann's market and into the river, where the Custom House now stands. Its lower course was at least twenty feet deep, allowing canoes in times of high water to come up to McGill street. Over its banks was thrown all the filth and refuse of the city, to be washed away once a year by the spring freshets. It was crossed by four bridges, over which ran roads into the country. In the bed of this creek is now Craig street tunnel, the main sewer of the city.
" About where St. Louis street now is was a small deep pond, the resort of musk- rats and waterfowl. Between Bonsecours street and St. Mary was ' Citadel Hill/ sixty feet high, occupied by the military, having on its summit a large block house, where cannon were fired at sunrise and at noon, and a sentry paced constantly. The eastern portion of this hill, where Dalhousie square is now, was removed in 1812 to construct the plateau of the Champ de Mars, and in 1819 the remainder, between Bonsecours street and the square, was taken to fill up and level off the pond just mentioned. Mr. Dorwin was one of the contractors in the latter removal, and earth to the depth of 55 feet was taken from where the old Donegani Hotel stands, and St. Mary street was thus joined with Notre Dame. There was a tradition among the old settlers that the hill had originally been built with material dug from the pond, but this was disproved by the disclosure through it of the natural strata and layers of earth. On the side of the hill next the pond were found several coffins, some of them well preserved. The coroner was notified ; but instead of holding a long judL cial and scientific investigation, he ordered them to be tumbled into the pond with the rest of the earth. Under the block-house on the summit was found a human skeleton wrapped in the remains of an old blanket.
" Five roads, corresponding to St. Mary, St. Lawrence, St. Antoine, St. Joseph and Wellington streets, ran out of the city to the country, four of them passing through groups of houses forming four small suburbs.
" The Quebec suburbs, the most aristocratic locality outside the city limits, con- sisted of a score or two of buildings, mostly small, scattered along both sides of St. Mary street from a gate at the east end of St. Paul street to beyond Molson's Brew- ery. There were a few side lanes, the outlines of the present cross streets, and the
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 51
Papineau road had just been opened, through which the habitants from the country to the north and east began to pass as the shortest way to market. On the right hand passing down were the three fine stone residences of Bishop Mountain, Judge Reid and Baron Grant, all now standing, the last afterwards bought by William Molson. Molson's Brewery stood then as now. and a short distance beyond was a foundry carried on by the large firm of Allison, Turner & Co. Between the two was a shipyard, the only one then in the place, where a shipbuilder named Johnson built vessels for Mr. James Miller ; and below the foundry was the fine country residence of the Hon. John Richardson, the prime mover in the digging of the Lachine canal. In Hochelaga were a few farm-houses and a tavern or two.
" St. Lawrence suburb, the most populous of the four, commenced at a bridge over the creek at the foot of St. Lawrence street. This street, as far up as where Ontario now intersects, was quite thickly lined with small low wooden buildings. Above Sherbrooke street, before reaching the Mile End tavern, there were but two houses, both of stone, and on the left side of the street, then belonging to John Clark and now the property of the Bagg estate. Sherbrooke street was then opened from St. Lawrence street about as far west as Bleury. In 1819 two fine residences were built on this street,— one by Jacob Hall and the other by Torrance. They were both prominent objects to the citizens below, and the latter, being the only cut-stone structure outside the main city, was the admiration of every passer-by. It is now the residence of the Molson family. To the west, ' The Towers,' still well pre- served, had even then been standing for over a hundred years, and are probably the oldest buildings in Montreal. A foot bridge crossed the creek at Bleury street, and a narrow lane ran up about as far as Dorchester street, along which straggled about half a dozen small houses. This was called ' Flirtation Lane,' and was a favorite promenade for romantic couples during the long twilight of the summer evenings.
" St. Antoine suburbs began at a bridge crossing the creek at the east end of St. Antoine street, and was a road with several cross lanes pretty closely built up as far west as Mountain street. There was only one first-class house, that of Norman A. McLeod, a rich ' North-Wester,' or member of the North-West Company. The chief man of this company, the Hon. Wm. McGillivray, had a fine stone residence in Cote St. Antoine, about the end of Dorchester street, the most magnificent building in the whole city, afterwards owned by the Hon. Charles Wilson.
ST. ANN'S SUBURBS.
" Over the creek at Dow's Brewery was a third bridge crossed by the Upper Lachine road ; at the foot of McGill street, near St. Ann's market, was a fourth, over which ran the Lower Lachine road, both roads much travelled in those ante-canal days. Beyond the latter bridge the Grey Nun road led down to the water. At Pointe Calliere the Grey Nunnery then stood, and a little farther west were three wind- mills. West of this, in what rejoiced in the name of ' St. Ann suburbs,' were seven
52 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
buildings scattered confusedly over the common, and other than the Lachine road not even an attempt at street-making. The nearest buildings were H. & R. Corse's dwelling and linseed oil factory. Thomas McCord had a block house near the Canal Basin, and William Forbes lived in a two-storey Yankee house near the corner of King and Wellington streets. Robert Griffin, from whom Griffin town took its name, had a soap factory near the latter street, and away west the Gregory house was standing called * Woodlands ' then ; a fine stone house was standing with polar trees around it, owned by Gregory, a ' North-Wester.' A little beyond was Chap- man's Brewery. Much of the land around was then a swamp, flooded during the spring freshets and wet seasons.
" Point St. Charles was a common. Beaver Hall Hill was a field with a long low wooden building at its foot called ' Frobisher's ' house. The mountain was cov- ered with trees, and had on it McTavish's monument and unfinished house. All the rest of the country round not before mentioned, now cut up by miles and miles of streets, lined with the best residences of the city, was then orchards, gardens and open fields, dotted here and there with farm houses.
THE MONEY OF OUR FATHERS.
" Most of the money in use then was silver. The coins were Spanish dollars, French half-crowns valued at two shillings and ninepence, pistareens valued at one shilling, and sevenpence half-penny pieces. The only paper money ever seen in the country were army bills which had been issued by the Government during the war, and were most of them redeemed shortly after. The habitants, not being able to read, would not take paper money, and preferred silver coin, perhaps, to any other. Con- sequently, all kinds of silver coins, depreciated and otherwise, poured into the coun- try from all quarters, and passed at par and sometimes above it. Half-crowns and pistareens were worth only half a dollar and lycts., respectively, in Boston, but were brought over here by the boxful and passed at the above quoted values. Specula- tors brought over large quantities of American half-dollars and exchanged them for army bills, which were at a heavy discount here, took the.army bills over the* border and sold them at a high premium."
THE FIRST CANADIAN BANK.
In the summer of 1817 a number of prominent merchants of the city, after hold- ing several meetings, formed a company with a capital of $1,000,000 and started the Bank of Montreal. They had no charter, for in those days the obtaining of rights for private companies was a very difficult and tedious undertaking, as after the neces- sary legislation had passed the Provincial Government, the whole matter had to be sent to the British Government for sanction. It was a great puzzle to the Bank how to issue bills for circulation without making each stockholder personally liable for their payment, but at last the following form for the reading of their notes was adopted : —
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 53
" The President and Directors of the Bank of Montreal promise to pay A. B., or bearer, the sum of five dollars (or other amount) out of the joint funds of the Association, and no other."
This form was, of course, dropped when the charter was obtained. Several years ago one of these old notes was presented as payment to the Metropolitan Bank of this city. John Grey, a retired dry goods merchant, was the first President of the Bank; Robert Griffin, the first Cashier. The directors were some of the most pro- minent business men of the city. They were Hon. John Richardson, Samuel Gerard, Thomas Thain, Horatio Gates, George Auldjo, John Molson, Thomas A. Turner, William Ermatinger, Zabdiel Thayer and David David. On the ist of October, 1817, the first bank note ever issued in Canada was issued by the Montreal Bank. Not- withstanding the prejudice of the habitants against paper money, the Bank prospered until 1824, when Samuel Gerard was made President. He, by his mismanagement, had lost the one-third of its capital by 1827. John Molson then became President, and the losses were redeemed in a few years, but for five years at that time the Bank paid no dividend. It occupied for the first few years of its existence a small building in St. Paul Street, and then moved into a much larger one in St. James Street.
ANOTHER BANK.
In 1818 the Bank of Canada was started by a few wealthy individuals, who were dissatisfied with the directorship of the Bank of Montreal. Thomas H. Turner was President, and Robert Armour, Cashier. There was not room for two banks, how- ever, and the influence of its rival was too powerful, so it died in a few years, and fell into the hands of two firms — H. Gates & Co. and Wm. Peddie & Co., who wound up its affairs without any loss to the stockholders. Many persons have a belief that such an institution as the " Bank of Canada " never existed, so for their better con- vincement the following business notice has been clipped from the Canadian Courant of May 13, 1820 :
BANK OF CANADA.
Director for following week — Abner Bagg, Esq. Days of Discount — Wednesday and Saturday. Opens at ten and shuts at three o'clock. Exchange on Quebec, New York and London for sale.
ROBERT ARMOUR, Cashier,
These advertisements occur weekly through the Canadian Courant for 1820, side by side with similar announcements of the Bank of Montreal.
WHAT IT COST TO SEND LETTERS. ^
The mail system of that time was a part of the English Postal Service, and the Province had no voice in the matter. The Montreal Post Office was a room about twelve feet square in St. Sulpice Street, near St. Paul. There were no letter-boxes ; it was all " general delivery " in its crudest form. The few letters lay scattered about on a table, and had all to be looked over at each application at the door. Very few
54 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
letters came or went ; the mail to Upper Canada was weekly, and the seven days' col- lection could be contained in one small mail-bag. That to Quebec was oftener and larger. The English mail, carried in sailing vessels, arrived during the summer at periods of from a month and a half to three months apart. In winter it came by New York and was longer on the way. Postage was very dear, about gd. to Quebec, 5d. to St. John, is. 6d. to western part of Upper Canada, and is. 6d. to the Lower Pro- vinces. In 1820 there appeared in the various newspapers an official advertisement signed by a member of the English Postal Service, giving a list of reduced rates between Canada and many foreign countries, the postage on a letter to the various countries of Western Europe varying from 35. lod. to 43 4d. There were no money letters, for indeed there was no money in a form convenient for sending thus. The recipient of a letter paid all the postage except in cases where it crossed the United States boundary, when the sender paid as far as the lines. There was much private mail carrying both for pay and free. Anyone travelling to the United States or Upper Canada was expected to fill half his baggage with letters and various articles for per- sons there.
THE NEWSPAPER PRESS.
There were three English newspapers published in Montreal in 1816, the Gazette, Herald, and Canadian Courant. There was no French paper. The Gazette, started in 1778, was at the time of which we are writing owned and printed by James Brown in a small wooden building which has been before spoken of, standing on the corner of St. Francois Xavier and Notre Dame Streets. The Herald had been started in 1809 by a man named Kay. The Canadian Courant, established in 1807 by Nahum Mower, was still conducted by him in a small building in St. Paul Street in 1820, and was perhaps then the most influential and widely read of the three. Mower, however, was the life of it, for when he died it died shortly after him, in 1833. A glance at its pages for 1820 shows that it was conducted with considerable ability. The local columns were well filled and well written ; the many abuses of the time were denounced, and necessary improvements advocated. The European intelligence, the most important part of which in 1820 concerned the trial of Queen Caroline, was about two months behind time. The Canadian Courant was published twice a week in 1820, and its advertising columns were well patronized. Many of the inser- tions there would now be called unique and amusing. Here is a sample :
A PERSON IN THIS CITY has in his possession a good Silk UM- BRELLA known not to be his own : he is desired to examine its folds, on which he will find the owner's name marked in several places with a pen, and to be kind enough to return it.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 55
WHAT GOODS USED TO COST.
As another matter for comparison, we give the prices of a few staple articles taken from the market price list in the Canadiaji Courant of May, 20, 1820, which are: Beef, £2 los per bbl; pork, £4 to £5 do; flour, £i 53 to £r los do; coffee, £8 to £9 per cwt; sugar, £3 to £3 los do; butter, best quality lod per Ib ; tea, 45 to 8s 6d ; tobacco, 6d to is 3d do; brandy, 45 to 53 per gal; coal, £i los to £i 155 per chaldron. All these articles sold at a much higher rate during and shortly after the war.
THE MERCHANT PRINCES OF 1816.
The principal wholesale firms doing business in Montreal in 1816 were: McGillivray, Thain & Co., otherwise called the " North-West Company;" Forsythe, Richardson & Co., who were agents East India Company; Maitlands, Garden & Auldjo ; Gerard, Gillespie, Moffatt & Co.. then agents Phoenix Fire Insurance Co., of London, and now existing as Gillespie, Moffatt & Co. ; H. Gates & Co. ; Allison, Turner & Co. ; Desrivieres, Blackwood & Co. ; Blackwood, LaRoque & Co. ; Rob- inson, Masson & Co. ; Hector Russel & Co., also retailing fancy dress goods — the great retail dry goods house of that time ; Miller, Parlane & Co. James Miller left the firm in 1819 and engaged exclusively in shipbuilding, and was really the founder of the Allan line of steamships ; James McDougall & Co., merchants and brokers; Hart, Logan & Co. ; Geo. Platt & Co., hardware ; J. & J. M. Frothingham, hardware, now existing as Frothingham & Workman : J. T. Barrett, hardware ; Jacob DeWitt, hardware ; Lewis Lyman, druggist, the founder of the present house of Lyman, Sons & Co. ; Day, Gelston &Co., druggists, Mr. Day being the father of the late Judge Day ; Wadsworth & Nichols, druggists ; Thomas Torrance and John Torrance, both wholesale and retail grocers ; Bowman & Smith, grocers ; Zabdiel Thayer, crockery ; Toussaint Peltier, grain merchant ; Felix Souligny, do ; McNider, Aird & White, auctioneers ; M. C. Cuvillier & Co., do., and Bridge & Penn, do. Most of these firms did what would even now be called a very large business, and many of the men composing them were reputed wealthy. The possession of $25,000 in those days made a rich man, and $100,000 a very wealthy man.
I will now give the principal events of the Court of King's and Queen's Bench in a tabulated form and in chronological order, beginning A.D. 1812 to the Rebellion of 1837-38. This is to show the Administration of Justice before the Responsible Government which was procured by '37-38 was given to the people of Canada.
l8l2 — APRIL TERM.
D. McDougall, stealing in a shop, to be hanged, executed ; S. Trask, horse steal- ing, to be hanged, executed.
56 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
1813 — SEPTEMBER TERM.
A. Vaudri, stealing an ox, to be hanged, executed; P. Kacicot, rape, to be hanged, executed; J. Montreuil, horse stealing, to be hanged, executed; B.Clement, a boy 13^ years old, stealing a cow, to be hanged, executed; P. Dufresne, petit larceny, 39 lashes.
1814 — MARCH TERM.
D. Curran, murder, hanged, and "that his body be delivered by the Sheriff of the district to George Selby, Esq., of the City of Montreal, Surgeon, for the purpose of dis- section, conformable to law " ; J. B. Potvin,j>etit larceny, 39 lashes ; M.Williams, high- way robbery, to be hanged, executed ; Lot. Gray, stealing, to be hanged, executed.
SEPTEMBER TERM.
Roger Hallan, rape, to be hanged, executed.
1815 — MARCH TERM.
A. Pelletier, theft, 39 lashes and branded on the hand ; D. Emmanuel, horse stealing, to be hanged, executed.
SEPTEMBER TERM.
J. Raymond, stealing, 39 lashes ; A. Latulippe, larceny, 39 lashes ; L. Fortin, horse stealing, to be hanged, executed ; W. Leopord, larceny, to be hanged, executed ; Jos. Wilson, shoplifting, to be hanged, executed ; Geo. Cross, burglary, to be hanged, executed ; J. Roy, burglary, to be hanged, executed ; J. B. Robillard, horse stealing, to be hanged, executed.
l8l6 — SEPTEMBER TERM.
Jos. Quinn, petty larceny, 39 lashes and 12 months ; Joseph Barbeau, stealing, to be hanged, executed; J. Rousseau, petty larceny, 39 lashes and 18 months House of Correction ; L. Lavigne, petty larceny, 39 lashes and 18 months House of Cor- rection.
1817 — SEPTEMBER TERM.
Frs. Gendron, sacrilege, to be hanged, executed ; Joseph LeBrien, horse steal- ing, to be hanged, executed. And two other men, same crime, to be hanged, executed.
l8l8 — MARCH TERM.
L. Bourguignon, grand larceny, to be hanged, but prays for the benefit of Clergy , which being allowed him by the Court, he is sentenced to 2 years House of Correction.
BENEFIT OF CLERGY.
It was an ancient privilege allowed to the Clergy of claiming those accused of felony to be delivered up to the ecclesiastical judge — always favorable to his own order — for compurgation, instead of being tried in the ordinary way before the lay judges of the land. In ancient times few persons except those in Holy Orders could
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 57
read, and accordingly the test for an accused person claiming benefit of Clergy was his ability to read. If he could not, the courts would not part with the defendant, but proceed to try him as if he were a layman. Afterward, when education became more general, other persons besides Clergymen were able to read ; and so, in the reign of Edward III., Parliament extended the privilege of Clergy, as it is called, to clerkly laymen until the reign of Elizabeth. Women were not allowed their Clergy until the reign of William and Mary, when Parliament extended the benefit to them. In the reign of Henry VII., however, a blow was aimed at this singular privilege as enjoyed by laymen, and a statute was then passed against ft divers persons lettered, who have been more bold to commit murders, rapes, robbery, theft, as well as other mischievous deeds," which enacted that persons " not within Holy Orders," accused of these offenses, and convicted thereof, were in cases of murder to be marked with the letter " M " on the brawn of the left thumb, and in all others with the letter " T," to denote, it is presumed, that the person had been guilty of theft. In cases of high treason, benefit of Clergy was never allowed to be pleaded. It is stated that when an accused person claimed his Clergy it was usual to test his learning by requesting him to read the first verse of the fifty-first Psalm, which in Latin begins with the words " Miserere mei Deus." In addition to the extraordinary character of this proceeding, in which a touch of grim humor seems perceptible, its absurdity is apparent, for, of course, men might easily have coached themselves up in the required test. The ecclesiastical judge, who was generally the Bishop, might, however, have given the defendant any- thing else to read, and, in either case, in the event of his inability to comply, might have handed him over to the law, and this proceeding generally meant death. A custom which favored criminals solely on account of their good education appears to us, when it is unjustly thought that superior intelligence adds a stain to criminality of any kind, to be in the highest degree absurd ; yet we are told by able writers that the benefit of Clergy or learning — for " clergy " is here tantamount thereto — was not so ridiculous as it seems. Without saying more on the subject, it may be stated that the privilege was abolished in the reign of George IV.
M. Munroe, stealing from a dwelling house, to be hanged, executed ; Jos. Verdon, horse stealing, to be hanged, executed.
May 21 — James Healy, burglary, to be hanged, executed; Edmund Burk, burglary, to be hanged, executed j E. Sidney, burglary, to be hanged, executed.
1819 — JANUARY TERM.
January 19 — W, Burk, stealing fowls, 39 lashes and 3 months.
May 8 — Ch. Walker, stealing goods, 39 lashes and 3 months ; J. B. Delinette, horse stealing, to be hanged, pardoned to 3 years in House of Correction.
September 26 — J. Slack, stealing gold watch, to be hanged, pardoned.
October n — T. Ozalpha, stealing, 39 lashes and 12 months.
November 24 — A. Combe, assassination, to be hanged, transported for life.
December 7 — T. Lalancet, stealing, 39 lashes and 3 years in House of Correc- tion.
58 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
December 9 — J. Menard, horse stealing, 39 lashes and 3 years in House of Cor- rection.
l82I — OCTOBER TERM.
October 15 — J. Gondreau, forgery, 39 lashes and 3 months.
October 25 — Custley Huff, manslaughter, branded in the hand and six months ; J. B. Bourgoin, horse stealing, to be hanged, pardoned by the King; two men, Louzon and Beaudry, petty larceny, 39 lashes and 6 months.
November 7 — T. Burk, arson, to be hanged, pardoned by the King ; Jn. Wight- man, arson, to be hanged, pardoned by the King : N. Gauson, forged bills, to be hanged, executed ; A. Jeffreys, forged bills, to be hanged, executed.
1822 — FEBRUARY TERM,
February 21 — J. Smith, stealing, 39 lashes and 3 months.
March 15— E. Gilley, horse stealing, to be hanged, commuted to 6 months; J. Lambert, stealing fowls, 39 lashes and 6 months.
April 22 — J. Ouimet, petty larceny, pillory and 3 months; N. Black, murder, to be burned in the hand ; J. Gain, murder, to be burned in the hand.
July 23 — J. Clap, sheep stealing, to be hanged, respited.
September 5 — J. Larose, sheep stealing, to be hanged, 12 months.
September 22 — Fr. Lambert, horse stealing, to be hanged, respited.
November 9— J. Hurtt, burglary, to be hanged, respited ; J. Bradham, burglary, to be hanged, respited.
November 15 — Jos. Moreau, stealing a book, 39 lashes and 12 months. Another man, stealing clothes, 39 lashes and 12 months.
November 18 — P. Vazina, stealing an ox, to be hanged, pardoned by the King.
1823 — JANUARY TERM.
January n — Five men, for burglary at Lachine, were arrested; three were executed and the other two got 6 months House of Correction.
May 14 — A. Paradis, stealing a cow, heifer and three horses, to be hanged, executed.
June 8 — Jas. Connolly, drowning a man, 6 months in jail and to be " burned in the hand in open Court."
June 16— Ch. Perrault, burglary, to be hanged, respited and sent 5 years to Quebec.
August 16 — W. Daley, murder, to be burned in the hand and 6 months.
August 30 — Robert Blair, manslaughter, to be burned in the hand and 6 months.
October 28 — R. Chambers, murder, to be hanged, transported.
1824 — JANUARY TERM.
January 16 — M. Giroux, rape, to be hanged, transported.
January 19 — Jos. Leger, murder, to be hanged, respited ; J. Mongeon, sheep- stealing, to be hanged, respited ; J. B. Verdun, burglary, to be hanged, respited. January 29 — John J. Prime, horse stealing, to be hanged, respited.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 59
September 10 — J. B. Belair, stealing a silver watch, to be burned in the hand. September 29 — Jos. Bellerose, burglary, to be hanged, executed ; J. B. Delenelle, burglary, to be hanged, executed.
October 18 — J. Potvin, sheep stealing, to be hanged; pardoned.
1825 — JANUARY TERM.
January 7 — E. Hurd, forgery implements, to be hanged, pardoned.
January 17 — J. Belanger, sheep stealing, to be hanged, pardoned.
March i — P. Renso, horse stealing, to be hanged, pardoned.
August 27 — Ob. Sherwood, burglary, to be hanged, pardoned ; Moses Emer- son, burglary, to be hanged, pardoned.
December 14 — Alex. Brunette, stealing horses, to be hanged, executed; J. B. Monancie, stealing horses, to be hanged, executed.
1826 — FEBRUARY TERM.
February 13 — F. Goyette, sheep stealing, to be hanged, transported. February 20 — M. Magoon, forgery, to be hanged, transported. April 14 — B. Demers, horse stealing, to be hanged, transported to Bermudas ; Marie Belanger, horse stealing, to be hanged, transported to Bermudas. April 30 — D. Brosette, horse stealing, to be hanged, respited. August 29 — J. Bouchard, murder, to be branded on the hand. November 25 — J. Moses, burglary, to be hanged, transported to Bermudas.
1827 — JUNE TERM.
June 22 — John McDonald, forgery, to be hanged, executed.
July 29 — Jos. Sinclair, burglary, to be hanged, transported to Bermudas.
September 9. — J. B. Mousseau, grand larceny, "to be whipt, 39 lashes on the naked back by the hands of the common hangman on the public market place of this city"; J. Bouthillier, stealing £15, to be hanged, executed; Js. Collins, Js. Leary, manslaughter, to be hanged, they plead the benefit of Clergy, which was granted, and they were sent six months to jail.
September 18. — L. Masse, robbery, to be hanged, executed.
October 9. — P. Duplessis, stealing a mare, to be hanged, pardoned by Gov. Kempt.
1828 — JANUARY TERM.
January 10 — Anson Church, burglary, to be hanged, i year.
March 30 — Bisson, uttering counterfeit money, i year in gaol and pillory.
1829 — JANUARY TERM.
January 2 — Kimball, horse stealing, to be hanged, pardoned. January 19— Jane Couture murdering her 5 children, to be hanged, reprieved. February 25—6. Davis, uttering bad money, 3 months in gaol and pillory. May 31 — A man, horse stealing, to be hanged, pardoned by Gov. Kempt.
60 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.J
September 12-— J. Godin, sheep stealing, to be hanged, pardoned by Gov. Kempt ; P. Larivee, stealing a cow, to be hanged, imprisonment.
December 2 — F. Fowral, passing bad French crowns, to stand on the pillory.
December 9 — Two men, horse stealing, to be hanged, pardoned to one year in gaol.
1830 — JULY TERM.
July 14 — Mary McNaughton, robbing, to be hanged, pardoned by the Governor General; Mary McManus, robbing, to be hanged, pardoned by the Governor General.
July 1 6 — M. Kelly, wilful murder, to be hanged, executed; Alex. Boyer, mur der, to be hanged, executed.
October n — Thos. Gibson, stealing a heifer, to be hanged, pardoned.
November 14 — W. Hammond, stealing a heifer, to be hanged, pardoned.
November 21 — B. Sabourin, burglary, to be hanged, one year in gaol.
1831 APRIL TERM.
April 21 — Larochelle, robbery, to be hanged, pardoned to imprisonment. September i — An. Labelle, burglary to be hanged, respited. October i — Chas. Gauthier, robbery, to be hanged, "flogged." October 3 — A. Kellenstein, robbery, to be hanged, transported for life. October 28— J. B. Beauchamp, robbery, to be hanged, " lashed."
1832 — MARCH TERM.
March i — F. Laverdure and M. Fournier, robbery, to be hanged, respited. December 25 — Chas. Gagnon, murder, to be hanged, executed.
1833 — APRIL TERM.
April 13 — Adolphus Dewey, murder of wife, to be hanged, executed. July 20 — Geo. Burt, bad $10 bill, imprisonment and pillory. December 14 — T. Lanauvite, burglary, to be hanged, discharged.
1834 — JANUARY TERM.
January 10 — E. Fermaine, burglary, to be hanged, pardoned with condition to transport himself out of the Province.
July 12 — L. G. Larue, forgery, to be hanged, liberated.
1835 — MARCH TERM.
March 3 — B. McLean, horse stealing, to be hanged, commuted.
1836 — FEBRUARY TERM.
February 2 — N. Gauthier, horse stealing, to be hanged, i year in gaol. March n — J. B. Moreau, horse stealing, to be hanged, imprisonment i year. March 29 — T. Lanneville, burglary, to be hanged, executed. March 30 — Picard, Audy and Tomaile, burglary, to be hanged, broke gaol and escaped. Picard was recaptured and hanged.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 6l
August 13 — L. Clouthier, larceny, to be hanged, transported.
August 28 — G. Charet and J. Barnard, larceny, to be hanged. Charest broke gaol and escaped, and Barnard transported for life.
September 15 — J. Dalleur and J. Gordon, burglary, to be hanged, transported for life.
September 23 — W. S. Sloan, burglary, to be hanged, transported for seven years .
October 2 — J. Smith, horse stealing, to be hanged, transported for seven years.
October 30— F. Laroque, fired a barn, to be hanged, transported for life.
November 21 — E. Rouleau, shop stealing, to be hanged, 9 months in gaol.
November 22 — H. Leclaire, stealing a cow, to be hanged, 9 months in gaol.
1837 — MARCH TERM.
March 3 — A. Thibault, horse stealing, to be hanged, transported for seven years.
July 8 — Two brothers Asselin and J. Giroux, larceny, to be hanged, pardoned by Governor General.
July 19 — L. A. Cook, N. Laverdure, larceny, to be hanged, broke gaol and escaped, the other was pardoned.
November 6 — C. Oulettte, larceny, to be hanged, broke gaol and escaped.
December 4 — Pat. Gorman, horse stealing, etc., to be hanged, broke gaol and escaped ; J. B. Prevost, larceny, to be hanged, pardoned.
1838 MARCH TERM.
March 28 — M. Griffin, larceny, to be hanged, broke gaol and escaped ; Jos. Taylor, horse stealing, to be hanged, broke gaol and escaped.
March 30 — V. Fortin, cow stealing, to be hanged, pardoned.
I will now give an example of the order which the military authorities issued for the punishment of Desertion.
l< Sentence awarded against private Christ. Smith, No. 948 of the 43rd Regt.
"To be transported as a Felon for the term of 14 years, and further -to be marked with the letter D in the manner prescribed in the Mutiny Act.
" N. BOOTH, L. Col. 43rd Regt. "Chambly, Lower Canada, 9 May, 1838."
On the 1 6th May the following paper clearly shows that the soldiers of Her Majesty then stationed in the Montreal district were continually on the part pf some of them trying to escape or desert, although more than one English Historiap of the present period states that not a single soldier deserted during the period of 1837-8-9.
" TOWN MAJOR'S office, Montreal, 15 May, 1838. " Mr. Wand,
"Will have the goodness to receive from the officer of the 34th Regt, 14 sojdiers, deserters under sentence of transportation, and I shall be at the gaol this evening, and will inform Mr. Wand what is to be done with the prisoners.
" Colin McDonald, Town Major."
62 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
On the nth July, three soldiers are sentenced thus: Thos. Stewart, 14 years transportation; Henry tTindal, 21 years transportation; John M. Miller, 21 years transportation.
This is signed by G. A. Wetherall, Lieut. Col. commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion " The Royal."
On the same day as the above, Henry Fisher, for desertion, was sentenced to transportation " for the period of his natural life." He was of the yist Regt.
Thos. Sutherland, for desertion of the same corps, received the same sentence, and George Connolly, also of the yist Regt., for the same crime, " Desertion," was punished "as a felon (transported) for his natural life."
Again on the 3rd August, five soldiers of the yist Regt., committed by Lieut. Col. Grey, were all sentenced to transportation for 14 years, for " Desertion."
On the 3rd September, 1838, J. Mathewson, for desertion and selling his kit; received " transportation for 14 years and to be branded, and further to be marked with the letter D." Same day Peter Kelly, for same crime, received 7 years and the mark D. Same day, Thos. Carty, Thos. Francis and Pat. M. Donnely, for same crime, received each 14 years and all marked D. The last three belonged to the i5th Regt., the other two to the 7ist.
In May, 1839, no ^ess than twenty-four soldiers were committed at one time for desertion by order of the Town Major ; five were discharged, the remainder were transported. These men belonged to the 85th and 34th Regiments.
Again, on the i4th of the month, eight soldiers were committed of the same Regiments, and all were transported for desertion. On the 3oth May, two soldiers of the 73rd Regiment were transported for desertion, and on the 4th July five more were transported for the same crime, belonging to the 85th and 32iid Regiments. Two men were committed by Lieutenant Maclachan, R.A., for desertion, and trans- ported on the 3ist July.
These records are sufficient to show that many British soldiers deserted or tried to desert during the Rebellion of 1837-38.
After the country had quieted down from the American War, and peace and pros- perity once more reigned over Canada, in Montreal a movement was made towards getting more light for the city. In 1811, the manner of lighting the city had been suggested, but no definite conclusion had been arrived at up to the year 1815. The following curious inducement for the successful carrying out of the street lighting at the time was " that ladies might be induced to visit their friends much more fre- quently."
In November, 1815, entirely through the exertions of Mr. Samuel Dawson, part of St. Paul street was lighted by twenty-two lamps, costing $7.00 each. They were distant from each other fifty-four feet. This was the west end of St. Paul street, and by Christ- mas, same year, the east end of St. Paul street was similarly lighted. Notre Dame street followed, and thus began the lighting of Montreal — now in this year 1892 lighted by
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 63
Electricity. An Act passed in 1818 provided for the erection of street lamps and night watches also, consisting of twenty-four in number — their duties being to trim and attend to the lamps, and also act as police guardians of the city.
Let me record what the well-known writer, M. de Gaspe, says of travelling between Montreal and Quebec at this period, 1818 :
" This reminds me of a first voyage from Quebec to Montreal by steamer. It was in October of 1818, at eleven o'clock in the evening, when the Caledonia, in which I had taken passage, left the Queen's wharf. Between seven and eight o'clock on the following morning my companion, the late Robert Christie, opened the windows of his stateroom and called out * we are going famously.' We were really progressing well, for we were opposite Pointe-aux-Trembies ; aided by a strong wind we had made seven leagues in nine hours. We arrived at the foot of the current below Montreal on the third day, congratulating ourselves on the rapidity of steamer trips, nor did we feel humiliated in the absence of favorable winds, which did not last more than twenty-four hours, to have recourse to the united strength of forty-two oxen to assist us in ascending the current. I acknowledge that the Caledonia deserved to be ranked as a first-class steamer of that time, and it was with regret that we bade adieu to it, after the pleasant time we had on board."
On i yth July, 1827, the Lachine. Canal was begun, the first sod being removed by Hon. J. Richardson. This year what had hitherto been Citadel Hill and a powder magazine was turned into a square, and as the Governor had donated it to the citizens* it has received the name of Dalhousie Square ever since. A great fire occurred in 1825. But for the efforts of the men of the 7oth Regiment the conflagration would have been much greater. This year must be remarkable for the exertions the mer- chants of Montreal made towards the navigation between Quebec and Montreal. Very modest was the petition to Parliament, " that steps should be taken to deepen the channel of the river, particularly at Lake St. Peter, and thereby, render it navigable throughout the season for vessels of two hundred and fifty tons fully laden." What a contrast to the magnificent vessels " The Parisian " or " The Vancouver " of the present day, and all this has been accomplished within the past forty years !
The year 1832 will ever be remembered for the first appearance of the Asiatic Cholera, by which four thousand four hundred and twenty citizens were attacked, and one thousand nine hundred and four died. The Bill incorporating Montreal took effect in 1833, and Jacques Viger was appointed Mayor. He continued in office till 1840, when Peter McGill was elected till 1842 ; then Joseph Bourret, till 1844. James Ferrier succeeded to 1846, and John E. Mills in 1847. Mr. Mills died in November and was replaced by Mr. Bourret, who held the office till 1848, when E. R. Fabre was elected to 1850. Charles Wilson was Mayor in 1851-52-53, and was succeeded by Wolfred Nelson in 1854-55. Henry Starnes was next Mayor in 1856 and 1857, and he was succeeded by C. S. Rodier, who had four terms of office, in 1858-59- 60-61. J. L. Beaudry succeeded, and was Mayor in 1862-63-64-65, when Henry Starnes was again elected, but, being appointed to the Legislative Council, he resigned,
64 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
and Mr, Workman succeeded him. He was Mayor during 1866-67. Charles J. Coursol succeeded him ; Francis Cassidy was elected in 1872, but dying in June of that year he was succeeded by Aldis Bernard. Dr. Kingston was Mayor in 1875-6. J. L. Beaudry again in 1877-78-79-80-81-82. He was succeeded by Mayor Rivard in 1883, and H. Beaugrand in 1885. Hon. J. J. C. Abbott was electedin 1887, Jacques Grenier in 1889, and our present Mayor, Hon. James McShane, in 1891.
The administration of justice for the District of Montreal in the year 1831, just before the beginning of the agitation, and for some years previous to 1837-38, was in the hands of gentlemen of approved mental ability and of great legal lore. The Chief Justice was the Hon. James Reid, whilst the Puisne judges were the Hon. Geo. Pyke, Hon. Norman Uniacke and the Hon. Jean Roch Rolland. The Sheriff was the Hon. Louis Gugy ; the Deputy Sheriff, Francis Perry ; Coroner, Jean M, Mon- delet, and Clerk of the Crown, John Delisle.
The Joint Prothonotary were Samuel W. Monk and Robert L. Monough.
In the year 1837 tne Sheriff was Mr. De Saint-Ours, and Mr. A. M. Delisle was Clerk of the Court.
In 1831 the following gentlemen were Advocates in Montreal, names, many of whom have passed away, leaving no successor, whilst others were and have been intimately connected with the advance of Lower Canada or the Province of Quebec, and especially of the City of Montreal.
Amongst them are Stephen Sewell, K.C., David Ross, K.C., Joseph Bedard, K.C., Hon. Denis B. Viger, Janvier D. Lacroix. B. Beaubien, F. H. Bender, Ant. L. Levesque, Hon. P. D. Debartzch, Logins M. Viger, F. A. Quesnel, Samuel Gale, John Boston, Hon. L. J. Papineau, M. O'Sullivan, Hugues Heney, Chas. R. Ogden, Sol.- General, Alexis Bourrett, James U. Grant, D. B. Roliin, Samuel W. Monk, Alex. McMillan, Toussaint Peltier, Geo. S. Henshaw, William Walker, Peter N. Rossiter, Alex. Buchanan, C. C. S. DeBleury, D. Mondelet, Philippe Bruneau, Robt. Mor- rough, Hyp. St. George Dupre, C. S. Cherrier, C. J. E. Mondelet, Hypolite Guy, E. A. Clark, J. S. McCord, Henry Driscol, Pierre Bibaud, Wm. Badgley, Frederick Griffin, Wm. Ryan, John Stanley, J, H. Johnson, Daniel Salmon, John Bleakley, James G. Scott, Francis P. Terroux, Duncan Fisher, Campbell Sweeney, Edward T. Jones, C. D. Day, E. E. Rodier, Arthur Ross, Levi Adams, Thomas Nye, Thomas Barron, James Smith, Augustin N. Morin, P. B. T. de Montigny, N. C, Radiger, J. M. H. Lennox, Leon Gosselin, Pierre Moreau, John Sexton, William K. McCord, Louis Hyp. Lafontaine, John Usher, Hugh Taylor, Robert Armour, and John Pickel.
When reading over the above list, how many of these names are to the inhab- itants of present Montreal as "Household Words." We see the origin of the names of many of our streets and blocks of buildings taken from them, but above all how many bearing these names in after years sat on the Bench of Lower Canada, or occupied most important situations, either in the administration of justice or in the political arena of their country, or were connected with the troubles of 1837-38.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 65
The notaries of 1831, residing in Montreal, were Joseph Papineau, Jean M Mondelet, Thomas Barren, Louis Guy, Charles Provost, F. X. Dezery. Nicolas B. Doucet, Louis H. Latour, Charles Huot, Henry Griffin, Thomas Bedouin, Andr£ Jobin, Charles Deseve, Peter Lukin, Pierre Ritchot, Genereux Peltier, P. E. Leclerc, Joseph A. Labadie, William N.Crawford, Louis Marteau, George D. Arnoldi, Joseph Guy, Etienne Guy, Chevalier de Lorimier, Zephirin J. Truteau, Joseph Belle, James Grant and Joseph D. Vallee.
Again in this list we see many who have left their names in streets, etc., in Montreal, or who figured in the troubles of 1837-38, or on the checkered board of Canadian History.
As the Militia played an important part in the troubles of 1837-38, let me give a short sketch of those belonging to the Island of Montreal. It will be interest- ing to our present Volunteers, and one can see how many French names are enrolled as officers belonging to the different corps.
The Militia of the City and County of Montreal formed one corps, consisting of eight battalions of Infantry, two Troops of Volunteer Cavalry, two companies of Artillery and two companies of Rifles. The first Battalion of Infantry was composed of those residing within the Faubourg Ste. Marie, the division of Ste. Marie and St. Martin and the division of La Visitation, county district, and was commanded by Lieut. -Col. the Hon. Charles Grant, the Majors being Benjamin Beaubien and Michael O'Sullivan. The Col. Commandant of all was Louis Guy.
The 2nd Battalion consisted of all those included in the centre of St. Joseph street, Dalhousie square, the River and Commissioners street, Craig to Sanguinet street, then to St. Louis street, also the Faubourg St. Louis and St. Michel in the county. Lieut.-Col. the Hon. Louis Gugy, Majors Samuel Gerrard and Janvier D. Lacroix.
The 3rd Battalion consisted of all between St. Joseph to McGill streets, Craig street, the River, les Soeurs Crises, la Pointe a Callieres and the division of the Tanneries, county district. Lieut.-Col. J. Botithillier, Majors Pierre De Rocheblave and L. J. Papineau.
The 4th Battalion consisted of all the St. Lawrence suburb, generally called " Grande Rue of the suburb of St. Laurent," as far as Sanguinet street, and the division of Ste. Catherine and that of Cote Notre-Dame des Neiges, of the county district. Lieut.-Col. the Hon. Toussaint Pothier, Majors Fred. Aug. Quesnel and Jos. Shuter.
The 5th Battalion consisted of all within the west part of St. Lawrence suburb , the suburb of St. Antoine, and the divisions of St. Antoineand St. Luc in the county district. Lieut.-Col. R. Hervieux, Majors F. A. Larocque and Austin Cuvillier.
The 6th Battalion consisted of all residing in the suburbs of St. Joseph and St. Ann, the division St. Pierre, St. Paul and Island St. Paul, of the county district. Lieut.-Col. John Jones, Majors John Molson and L. M. Viger.
The 7th Battalion consisted of alljresiding within the parishes of Lachine. Pointe-
5
66 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Claire, Ste. Anne and Ste. Genevieve. Lieut.-Col. J. M. Mondelet, Majors Dominique Mondelet and Alexis Berthelot.
The 8lh Battalion consisted of all residing in the parishes of Longue-Pointe, Pointe aux Trembles, la Riviere des Prairies. Sault au Recollet and St. Laurent. Lieut.-Col. Jacques Viger, Majors John Delisle and Hypolite St. George Dupre.
Lieut.-Col. Hon. John Forsyth commanded the volunteer militia, the Majors being George ' Gregory (Cavalry), John S. McCord (Rifles), and Peter McGill (Artillery).
In the summer of 1837, public meetings were held in almost every county in the Province, especially in the District of Montreal. At these meetings the people were harangued, by the leading members of the Assembly, in the most inflammatory language, and resolutions were passed repudiating the authority of Parliament, deny- ing the obligations of the laws, and enforcing a scheme of general organization. About this time the tri-colored flag was displayed for several days at St. Hyacinthe, and in the neighborhood of St. Charles and St. Denis. Associations were formed, with a design of overthrowing the Government; and the "Central Committee of Montreal" were active in forwarding it. "The Sons of Liberty" published in Oc- tober an *'c Address to the Young Men of the North American Colonies," avowing sentiments of the most dangerous tendency. Every method was employed to circu- late these sentiments, drilling took place on Sundays and other holidays ; armed bands paraded the streets of the city in the night time, the tri-colored flag was hoisted, and the peaceable inhabitants felt themselves insecure if they ventured out unarmed after the day had closed.
A grand meeting of the " Confederation of the Six Counties " took place at St. Charles, on the 23rd of October, when a fuller and unreserved avowal of treasonable designs was made. The Cap of Liberty was raised, and a solemn oath taken under it to be faithful to the revolutionary principles of which it was emblematical. All allegiance, and every pretence to it, were at once discarded, and a determination evinced to take the management of affairs into their own hands. This meeting was attended by the Speaker (L. J. Papineau) and twelve Members of the House of Assembly, and no time was lost in carrying the treasonable part of the resolution into effect. Justices of the Peace and Officers of Militia were compelled to resign their commissions, and many took refuge in Montreal.
On the same day a meeting of the loyal and constitutional inhabitants of Mon- treal took place in the City, for the " maintenance of good order, the protection of life and property, and the connection now happily existing between this Colony and the United Kingdom, at present put in jeopardy by the machinations of a disorganiz- ing and revolutionary faction within this Province." Troops were sent for from Nova Scotia and from Upper Canada. The Attorney General arrived from Quebec for the purpose of directing measures.
The Magistrates of Montreal having received information, on the 5th of Novem- ber, that numerous bodies of men, of different parties, intended on the following day
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 67
to parade the streets of the city, immediately issued a proclamation to prohibit such a measure. On Monday, the 6th, persons were anxiously inquiring as to the motions and intentions of the two parties ; and about two o'clock it was known that a con- siderable number of the " Sons of Liberty " had assembled in an enclosed yard near St. James street, although some of their leaders had pledged themselves to the Magistrates that no procession should take place. About three hundred of them sallied forth, armed with bludgeons, pistols, and other weapons, and made a furious and indiscriminate attack on all that fell in their way. For a time they had full posses- sion of the street, breaking windows, and threatening other mischief. But the Con- .stitutionalists were soon aroused and dispersed the riotous assemblage, but were far from satisfied with this success. About six o'clock the Riot Act was read, and the military were called out. A party of the Constitutionalists were encountered by the Royal Regiment in front of Papineau's house ; but instead of offering any resistance they heartily cheered the gallant regiment, and accompanied it to the Champ de Mars, where it was ordered to take post. A company of the Royals was posted near the Bishop's Church, St. Denis street. After this all became quiet, and the Magistrates ordered the troops to their barracks. In proceeding thither, the Royals found a party attempting some injury to Papineau's house, but they desisted the moment the troops came upon them. In the course of the evening the office of the Vindicator was destroyed. The military patrolled the streets till daylight.
On the 1 6th of November, warrants were issued, and rewards offered, for the appre- hension of twenty-six individuals charged with high treason, of whom all were of French origin, except one ; eight were Members of the Provincial Parliament, and the greater part of the whole number were in the higher classes of society. Eight of them were committed to prison at the time ; but all the others who resided in town made their escape. Two of them resided at St. Johns, and one at St. Athanase, and the war- rants for their apprehension were entrusted to a peace officer, who, accompanied by a body of the Montreal Royal Cavalry, proceeded to execute them, by way of Lon- gueuil and Chambly. Demaray and Davignon were arrested at St. Johns, and the party were returning to Montreal with them by the same route. When within about two miles of Longueuil, the Cavalry and peace officer in the charge of the prisoners were intercepted by a large body of armed peasantry, who fired upon them from their houses, from behind fences, and from a barn which bordered the road, and compelled them to abandon their prisoners. Several of the Cavalry were .wounded, and their horses injured, by the fire of the insurgents.
On the 2oth of November, intelligence was received that T. S. Brown had col- lected a large force at the village of St. Charles on the River Richelieu, which he was proceeding to fortify, and that Papineau, O'Callaghan, and Wolfred Nelson were concerned in these measures. Warrants had been issued for their apprehension; and the civil authorities applied to the Commander of the Forces for aid in securing them. On the 23rd a body of troops under Col. Gore embarked on board the steamer St. George for Sorel, where they landed in the evening. At ten o'clock they
68 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
marched towards St. Denis, intending to attack the force at that place, and then move on rapidly to assist Colonel Wetherall of the Royal Regiment in his attack upon St. Charles. The march was a terrible one, in consequence of a heavy rain, and the muddiness of the roads. They did not reach St. Denis till after daylight. An attack was commenced ; several were killed, but finding it impossible to dislodge some of the rebels from a large stone house from which they were firing, and his men being exhausted by the fatigues of the preceding night and day, the Colonel retreated upon Sorel, where, after much suffering, the party arrived on the morning of the 24th.
Colonel Wetherall had received orders to attack St. Charles at the same time the other forces were to be engaged at St. Denis. For this purpose he left Cham- bly on the 22nd, but the roads were so bad that his troops were notable to reach the place till noon of the 25th. The houses along the route were deserted, the bridges broken down, barricades erected, and every precaution taken against an attack. Halting to reconnoitre, Colonel Wetherall observed that two guns commanded the road, and he therefore resolved to attack by deploying to the right. The troops were saluted with a loud cheer from the stockade, and a constant fire was kept up by the rebels from the opposite bank of the river. When he had approached within two hundred and fifty yards from the works, he took up a position with the hope that a display of his force would induce some change among the infatuated people. They, however, opened a heavy fire, which was returned. He then advanced nearer to the works, but, finding the defenders obstinate, he stormed and carried them, burning every building within the stockade except Mr. Debartzch's house, which was extinguished, and occupied by the troops. The affair occupied about an hour. The slaughter was great on the side of the rebels, but slight on that of the troops. Sev- eral prisoners were taken. Brown, Papineau, Drolet, and others crossed the river to St. Mark, on the arrival of the troops before St. Charles. On the whole, the means and preparations of the rebels were more formidable than many persons had supposed. Having thus captured St. Charles and dispersed the insurgents, who are said to have amounted at this place to fifteen hundred fighting men, the Colonel determined to attack a considerable body of the rebels collected for the purpose of cutting off his retreat to Chambly ; and on the morning of the 23rd, he discovered them in a well-chosen position, and under the protection of an abattis. They fled, however, as soon as he had formed to attack, leaving their two guns behind them.
On the 2Qth of November, the Governor-in-Chief issued a monitory proclama- tion to the insurgents, inviting them to return to their allegiance, and promising them forgetfulness and immunity for the past, and a continuance of paternal protection and favor ; at the same time offering rewards for the apprehension of the leaders. Martial law was proclaimed in the district of Montreal on the 5th of December, and Sir John Colborne invested with authority to execute it.
In the course of the summer and autumn of 1838, rumors were circulated and surmises formed, that another rising of the disaffected was in progress, or at least in
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 69
agitation. An unusual run upon the banks, in the demand for cash on the part of the habitants, who had notes in their possession, with various murmurings and other symptoms, gave sign that all was not at rest. The "sympathy," as it was termed, shewn to the insurgents by many of the inhabitants of the border States kept alive the expectation. Early in October, if not before, many facts were in the knowledge of the Governor-in-Chief and the Commander of the Forces which called for in- creasing vigilance, and justified active preparation. The lenient measures which had been adopted with regard to several of those who had been apprehended for their share in the first rebellion, instead of being followed by a grateful return of alle- giance, were, in many instances, construed into fear, and abused to the purposes of renewed aggression and tumult. These seditious movements were, for the most part, confined to the south side of the St. Lawrence ; the country above St. Eustache and its neighborhood remaining perfectly quiet, whatever might have been the hints or threats of individuals.
On the 29th and 3oth of November nearly a hundred rebels from Napierville and Beauharnois were brought in as prisoners.
The Hon. D. Mondelet and Charles D. Day, Esq., having been appointed Judge Advocates in conjunction with Captain Muller, the Court-Martial commenced the trial of the twelve following prisoners on Wednesday, the 28th of November : — Joseph Narcisse Cardinal, Joseph Duquette, Joseph L'Ecuyer, Jean Louis Thibert, Jean Marie Thibert. Leandre Ducharme, Joseph Guimond, Louis Guerin, Edouard Therien, Antoine Cote, Maurice Lepailleur, Louis Lesiege. After a patient and impartial investigation, in which the prisoners had the benefit of able advocates, two of them, Edouard Therien and Louis Lesiege, were acquitted, the other ten were found guilty, and condemned to death, and two of them, J. N. Cardinal and J. Duquette, were executed on Friday, the 2ist of December.
On the i8th of January, 1839, nve were executed over the front gateway of the Gaol : P. K. Decoigne, engaged at Napierville, and Jacques Robert, two brothers of the name of Sanguinet, and P. Hamelin. The gallows had been removed to a more public situation to convince the habitants of the reality of the executions, for on that point they appear to have been incredulous.
On the 1 5th February, 1839, tne last nve Patriots were hanged. Perhaps the most interesting fact at the death of De Lorimier was the act of our late citizen, William Workman, who, the day before the execution, went to Sir John Colborne and showed him that those executions were illegal, — that the military can never ride over the civil law except in revolutions when no civil courts are in existence, — but all in vain. Mr. Workman, who was then a Captain of Militia, took off his sword and presenting it to the Commander, said that henceforth he would never serve the Queen as an officer, and for the whole course of his life he never after had anything to do with the Militia or Volunteers, as he considered those deaths " military murders?
On the 6th of May, 1839, Benjamin Mott, of Alburgh, Vermont, was found guilty of treason at Lacolle by the Court Martial, and sentenced to death, but was
70 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
reprieved. With this trial the Court finished its labors, after a session of five months and a half, during which one hundred and ten prisoners had been tried, twelve exe- cuted, nine acquitted, and the remainder placed under sentence of death.
MONTREAL, DECEMBER, 1837.
The following fine word-paintings are from the facile pen of John Eraser, who was one of the most active members of the Loyalists of that day. It includes a picture of 1837 anc* one of 1838. They are taken from a most interesting volume published last year by him and entitled, " Pen and Ink Sketches of Montreal." Those who have not the book itself will read these pages of his with great satisfaction.
" There was a sound through the dark and narrow streets of old Montreal on the night of the i3th of December, 1837.
It was the sound of armed men mustering and hurrying in wild confusion and under fearful excitement, all concentrating to a rallying point — the old Champ de Mars.
In the early morning of that eventful day Sir John Colborne, the Commander- in-Chief, started from Montreal on his march, with about 2,000 men, to disperse the rebel force encamped at the village of St. Eustache, some twenty miles to the north. The whole northern district was then in open rebellion. The city had been left almost entirely under the protection of the volunteer force.
Such of the citizens as were on the street about eight o'clock that night would have seen a horseman, one of the Lachine Troop of Cavalry, so well known by their fierce-looking bear-skin helmets, dashing along our streets at a mad gallop. The guard at the city gate at Dow's brewery was no hindrance to his wild speed, the crossed bayonets of the four sentries posted there being cleared at a bound : his uniform being known to the sentries saved him from a passing shot. Then along old St. Joseph and Notre Dame streets, at the same wild pace, to the Main Guard, which stood nearly in front of the present Court House, and there delivered his verbal despatch from Major Penner, commanding officer at Lachine, to the officer of the day in command at Montreal, nearly as follows : — * The rebels have escaped from St. Eustache, and are reported advancing in force on Lachine to capture the arms stored there for the frontier volunteers.' This despatch was delivered at the Main Guard within thirty minutes after the trooper had mounted his horse at Lachine ; the distance being over eight miles.
Then there was wild hurrying on the streets of Montreal. * To arms ! ' was the cry ; * the rebels are at hand ! ' The alarm bells rang — the news flew like lightning, reaching every nook and corner of the city in a few minutes ; the city was confined within small limits at that time. Few of the young volunteers of that day are now living, but the wild excitement of that night can never be forgotten by the living ones. All was uproar and disorder, but amid this disorder and uproar there was method, pre-arranged, to meet any such emergency.
The rallying words were : ' Every man to his post ! ' — the headquarters of his
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 71
company or regiment, — and, within the space of two hours, nearly 4,000 armed men — volunteers, old and young ; professional men, clerks, mechanics and laborers — stood side by side in their ranks, shoulder to shoulder, a solid mass of living valor ready to do their duty.
It was a grand sight to see the mustering squads falling in and taking up their double-quick march to the rallying point, with bugles blowing and drums beating announcing their approach, but it is regretable, now, to think that so dire a neces- sity ever existed in our country. The different regiments took up their line of march to the outskirts of the city, and proceeded as far as the top of the Tanneries Hill, the high road to Lachine, waiting orders from the front to direct their onward course.
The alarm had reached Lachine about seven o'clock. A French-Canadian loyalist, Paul Lebert, living near St. Genevieve, brought the report of the supposed rebel advance on Lachine. Major Penner immediately sent orders to the captains of the four Foot companies of the Lachine Brigade to muster their men ; some of them had five miles to march in. By ten o'clock every man was in front of Laflamme's hotel, the headquarters of the brigade, presenting a front of two hundred and forty bayonets and nearly sixty swordsmen — as fine a body of men as could be found in the Province. Word having been sent over to Catighnawaga, about two hundred Indian warriors crossed the river and joined the Brigade.
By the advice of old Colonel Wilgress, a Peninsular veteran, then living at Lachine, who undertook or assumed the direction of affairs, the Lachine Troop and the Village Company of Foot (Captain Leponsee's) were sent to the front or advance, half-a-mile above the village, to watch and to report the rebel advance. The three other companies of Foot arrived shortly afterwards.
The first to arrive was Captain Begley's company from Lower Lachine. The writer was with this company. They came in at double-quick, nearly a run, and drew up opposite Laflamme's. Such a cheer as greeted their arrival; it rent the very air. Then Captain Carmichael, with his company from Cote St. Paul, reached the village by way of the banks of the Lachine canal, and lastly, Captain Charles' com- pany, from Cote St Pierre and the Tanneries, arrived and formed, amid a deafening cheer. But let us turn our eyes to the St. Lawrence. What a cheering sight was to be there seen ! The river was literally covered with canoes. Every warrior in Caugh- nawaga was on the river crossing to join the Lachine Brigade.
The cheer of welcome from that little band of volunteers which greeted the arrival of the Indian warriors, and their wild warwhoop in response, was a sound, a sight and a scene ; the like of it may never again be heard or seen in this province ! By ten o'clock fully 500 armed men of all classes stood in the old village of Lachine. The night passed over without any enemy putting in an appearance. There were no telegraphs in those days. All communication was made and kept up by the Cavalry. The Lachine Troop was then overworked, carrying despatches and keeping up the lines of communication between the outposts."
72 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
(Written on the Jubilee of the Day.) SUNDAY THE 4TH OF NOVEMBER, 1838.
" The present generation will appreciate a pen and ink sketch of the opening day of the second rebellion of Lower Canada by one who was an eye-witness and shouldered his musket at that time. The rebellion of 1837 naol closed and the winter of 1838 passed over quietly so far as Lower Canada was concerned, and the volun- teers were called upon to pile their arms and to lay aside their warlike apparel. It was, literally speaking, * turning their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks and to study war no more/ The boys did not altogether relish this, for, it must be admitted, they were spoiling for a fight.
Springtime came, summer passed, a bountiful harvest crowned the year, and the blasts of November have again made fields and forests bare. Low, murmuring sounds of discontent were then heard, here, there and everywhere over the whole length and breadth of the land, something like a smouldering volcano, ready to burst forth at any moment ; and instead of the usual autumn thanksgivings of a grateful people for a bountiful harvest, the standard of rebellion was again raised in Novem- ber, 1838. Roofless walls and ruined homes marked its desolating tracks, leaving a dark blot on the pages of our country's history.
On Sunday morning, the 4th of November, 1838, the standard of rebellion was again raised in Lower Canada. The whole south side of the St. Lawrence was once more in open rebellion. The principal camps were at Beauharnois and Chateauguay. The first actual outbreak of this second rebellion occurred at Beauharnois on Saturday afternoon, the 3rd. The patriots, as they styled themselves, seized the mail steamer ' Henry Brougham,' while on her way down from the Cascades to Lachine. The passengers were detained as prisoners, among whom were Sheriff Mclntyre, of Cornwall, and Duncan McDonald, now of Montreal.
In the early morning of Sunday, the 4th, the patriots of Chateauguay marched in force on Caughnawaga to disarm the Indians. The Indians were then attending early mass in a small Chapel half a mile behind their village. The Chapel was sur- rounded by the patriots. They said they came as friends to have a parley. The Indians expressed surprise that friends should come armed, and asked them to pile their arms preparatory to a friendly talk. The innocent patriots piled their arms — they were immediately taken possession of by the Indians. Sixty-four of the patriots were made prisoners ; eleven more were secured during the day ; making in all seventy- five prisoners. The rest of them escaped through the woods to their camp at Cha- teauguay.
The arrival of the prisoners at Lachine was the first intimation there of the outbreak of the second rebellion. The Indians of Caughnawaga crossed the river with the first lot of sixty-four prisoners and landed them near the Windmill, close by the old Parish French Church, just at the foot of the cross road leading through Cote St. Paul. This was about ten o'clock. The people of Lower Lachine were
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 73
then on their way to attend morning service at their different churches. Fancy their surprise ! Here was new work for them. It did not take long to muster Captain Pegley's Company of Foot and twenty of the Cavalry, who took the prisoners in charge.
The line of march was soon formed. Instead of taking the high road to Mon- treal by the way of Cote St. Pierre — the Upper Lachine road — the march was taken . by the cross road through Cote St. Paul. It was a hard tramp of three hours ; it had been raining most of the previous week ; the mud was ankle deep. The men would not hear of any conveyances being provided ; the prisoners must walk it — they said ; the men also walked. The march of this escort and their prisoners through Cote. St. Paul and the Tanneries caused great excitement.
By the time it reached the Tanneries fully one hundred stragglers had joined, but not exactly comprehending what it really was, as perfect silence was maintained in the ranks.
News of the incoming prisoners, with their escort, had early reached town. Their numbers were swelled by hundreds of stragglers on their onward course. There were no telegraphs in those early days to transmit the news, and the report had reached Montreal that the Lachine Brigade was marching in, in full force, having the whole rebel camp of Chateauguay as prisoners ; such was the actual report that reached the city that Sunday morning, the 4th November, 1838.
The reader of this day may picture to himself the excitement, hurry and bustle on the streets of old Montreal caused by this report.
Far out in the outskirts of the city, towards the Tanneries, the escort was met by thousands of the citizens. The sight that met their astonished gaze was strange and new to them. Heie was a large body of men advancing, having been largely supplemented by stragglers. Ten of the Lachine Troop rode in front and ten in the rear, and on both sides were thirty men of the Lower Lachine Company of Foot, having the sixty-four prisoners in the centre. The stragglers who had joined were totally ignorant of the whole affair, except the fact of seeing the prisoners and their escort. The writer was one of the escort. There have been, time and again, many programmed processions in our streets, but never before nor since that day has so remarkable a procession passed along the streets of old Montreal. In front and in rear, as steady as regulars, rode the young boys of the Lachine Troop with their bear- skin helmets and drawn swords, and the Foot Company on both sides with fixed bayonets, guarding and protecting the prisoners from the surrounding excited and enraged citizens. They moved along steadily and in perfect silence.
Come, young Canadian reader, and take your stand with us on the front steps of the old French Cathedral ; let us suppose the time to be about three o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, the 4th of November, 1838; and, in retrospect, let us cast our eyes up Notre Dame street ; an immense crowd, reaching back to McGill street, having no flags waving nor drums beating to announce their appproach, is slowly, solemnly advancing in funeral-like procession ! What is it, and who are
74 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
they ? It is the escort from Lachine with their sixty-four prisoners wending their way down to the then ' new gaoi,' with thousands of the citizens lining the streets and following in the rear.
It was a sad day and truly ' a funeral-like procession ' for the poor prisoners, all young men, in the prime of life and manhood. They had marched out from their camp at Chateauguay in the early dawn of the Sunday morning, in high hopes and full of life and vigor. They were now in the afternoon on their way to be enclosed within prison walls ! The writer remembers well the imploring and anxious looks of those poor young boys ; and although fifty years have passed away he can hardly now restrain the ; welling tears ' as that picture rises vividly before him. A few of them were afterwards liberated ; others of them suffered the extreme penalty of the law for the crime of high treason !
It were well if we could draw a dark veil over those dark days and darker scenes and blot them out of memory. We cannot.
On our arrival at the new gaol, and during our short stay there, cabs and caleches were arriving filled with prisoners to be locked up, having some notable characters among them. The sun had gone down, and that never-to-be-forgotten Sunday night closed in darkness over the unlighted streets of old Montreal. The Lachine escort, after handing over their prisoners to the gaol guard, reformed for their rendezvous at Grant's Hotel, on St. Henry street, the Montreal headquarters of the Lachine Brigade, to partake of refreshments preparatory to their return march home.
The escort, after leaving the gaol, had over ten miles to reach home ; rain was then pouring down in torrents.
That return march is as fresh in ihe memory of the writer as if it were yesterday.
The tramp up old St. Mary and Notre Dame streets was a tiresome one of two miles over muddy roads to Grant's Hotel. The streets were crowded with armed men ; all was excitement. Guards and pickets were being posted at every exposed part of the city, and cannon placed at every avenue or road leading into the country and facing the river.
After leaving Grant's Hotel, our return march was up old St. Maurice street ; we had in charge a large quantity of ammunition and other supplies which we found waiting us at Grant's to be conveyed to Lachine. The city gate at Dow's brewery closed behind us with a death-like sound, allowing us to grope our way as best we could through the thick darkness ahead.
There were no macadamized roads in those early days ; it was mud underfoot — mud to the right — mud to the left of us, mud everywhere, and thick darkness all around ! Worse still, a concealed enemy might be met with at any moment.
At nearly every mile a cavalryman dashed past, hailing us, with despatches to or from Montreal ; it was an exciting march. Tired, wet and hungry, the escort reached its headquarters, Laflamme's Hotel, Lachine, by 10 o'clock that night.
The writer is one of the very few now living of the three hundred of the Lachine Brigade who did duty at Lachine during the week ending the eleventh of Novembe^ 1838.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 75
The Brigade and the Caughnawaga Indians marched on Chateauguay on Saturday night, the loth. A small portion of the Brigade, the writer among them, was at the burning of Beauharnois on Sunday morning, the nth of November, 1838.
Fifty years have passed away, and from the seed sown broadcast over the land during that rebellion, there arose high and above the ruins of the patriots' visionary republic, the grand structure or foundation of Canada's present responsible govern- ment, entombing or casting to the winds all family compacts or other obstructions, and securing to Canadians their rights as free-born British subjects ; and, in truth, it must be said, that Canadian liberty had not its birthright under the sunshine or the smile of heaven, but was nursed and cradled amid the rage and the strife of fratricidal foes.
The time will come when the memories of Canada's rebel dead of 1837 and 1838 will be revered and held sacred in every British colony, distant or near, as the fathers of colonial responsible government, under which every British colony is now governed.
And on the pages of Canadian History — yet to be written — the rebel dead of Canada of 1837 a°d 1838 will be classed in comparison and held up side by side with the great Barons of England who, on Runnymede, demanded and obtained from King John the great charter of English liberty."
Let me now give this generation a few of the commitments, etc., of this interest- ing period.
The first on the list is that of the late Sheriff Leblanc, and the document thus reads :
" District of Montreal. [SEAL.]
TURTON PENN, ESQ., One of the Justices of Our Lord the King assigned to keep the peace within said District.
To the keeper of the Common Gaol of the said District,
GREETING :
Whereas, Charles A. Leblanc, of Montreal, gentleman, stands charged with crime of High Treason.
These are therefore to authorize and command you to receive into your custody the said Charles A. Leblanc and him safely keep for examination.
Given under my hand and seal, at Montreal, this i6th day of November, in the ist year of Her Majesty's reign.
TURTON PENN, J.P."
On the 1 7th, the next day, were committed Jean Francois Bosse" Lionais, and on the 1 8th, Louis Michel Viger, an advocate and afterwards a well-known politician, who had been admitted to practice A.D. 1807.
76 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
On the 2ist, Michel Vincent, who was of the Parish of Longueuil, was committed by P. E. Leclere, J.P.
On the 26th, Narcisse Lamothe, of the Parish of Laprairie, was committed by the warrant of B. Hart, Esq., J.P.
These seem to be all who were arrested and committed during the month of November, 1837. The very first name which begins December, and who was then arrested, was Come Seraphin Cherrier, a name which has been one of the longest in remembrance in Montreal. The bearer of it was one of the most prominent members of the Montreal Bar since 1831, and died not long ago full of years and honors. Be- sides being Q.C. at the time of his death, he had been decorated by His Holiness The Pope, and his children may rest assured that all he did in 1837 was done from a full conviction that he considered it (as it was afterwards) for the present as well as the future good of his native land.
On the same day another prominent individual was arrested and committed to .gaol, Toussaint Peltier, also an advocate, who had been admitted to the Bar in 1816. Mr. Cherrier had been admitted in 1822.
On the 3rd December, George Dillon was committed for high treason, and on the 4th, Andre Giguere and Toussaint Merville.
The next commitment is dated gth December, 1837, an(^ *s that of Louis Boindon. His offence is thus stated : That being of the Parish of St. Cesaire, in the County of St. Hyacinthe : " D'avoir conseille et engage le peuple dans la Paroisse St. Cesaire centre les droits de notre Souveraine, la Reine Victoria, suivant deposition annexee."
The deposition is in English and sworn to by one Thomas Wood, who thus declares : " I, Thomas Wood, of Granby, being in St. Cesaire on Monday, the 27th November, 1837, (swear) that a person known by me as son-in-law of M. Papineau, L. Boindon, did endeavor to excite the people there to actual rebellion, and did endeavor to raise a force to rescue some provisions which had been stopped in Her Majesty's name for the insurgents, and did call upon and threaten the miscalled Patriots who were inclined to be loyal to take arms against Her Majesty's liege sub- jects, and was in communication with the rebels at Point Olivier."
Daniel Forbes alias McNaughton, hailing from St. Eustache, is arrested the same day as the last two on a writ signed by B. Hart, J.P. He was arrested in Montreal, having come from St. Eustache " as a spie."
The 1 2th December, 1837, is the commitment by P. E. Leclere of Francois Jal- bert, offence, murder, and in the body of the commitment it thus reads : " Whereas, F. Jalbert, of the Parish of St. Denis, in the District of Montreal, yeoman, stands charged on oath with having on the 27th day of the month of November last, at the Parish of St. Denis aforesaid, feloniously and wilfully and of his malice aforethought killed and murdered one George Weir."
On the same day were -committed Robert S. M. Bouchette, Henri A. Gauvin, Timothy Kinebert, Rodolphe Desrivieres, Simeon Marchesseault, Jean Bte. Lan- guedoc, Francois Leford, Alexandre Pinsonnault, Ambroise Hebert, Denis Duchaine,
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 77
Jean P. Boucher Belleville, Louis Tremblay, Toussaint Dufresne, Alexis Richard,. Pierre Languedoc, Toussaint H. Goddin and Dr. Wolfred Nelson.
The commitment of Dr. Wolfred Nelson thus reads : " Whereas, Wolfred Nelson, of the Parish of St. Denis, Esq., stands charged, on oath, with the crime of high treason, committed in the said District of Montreal, these are to authorize and com- mand you to receive into your custody the said Wolfred Nelson. P. E. Leclere, J.P." He signed all the above warrants.
Here is the order regarding the writing of letters by prisoners, especially when Henry A. Gauvin is mentioned in the above list. It thus reads :
" Prisoners to be allowed to write to their friends on any matters excepting politics, on the past or passing events, their letters to be sent in to the Attorney General at any time before one o'clock at the room in the Gaol where the examina- tions are now going forward. They may intimate to their friends that their answers must be sent through the same officer, and no other. This indulgence is not to ex- tend to the prisoner H. A. Gauvin, and it will be withdrawn if abused by any other person."
On the 1 5th were committed for high treason, Jean Bte. Tetreault, Jacques Surprenant and Francois Surprenant.
On the i6th, Luc Auger, Luc H. Masson and Damien Masson.
On the lyth, Alexandre Fournier, Joseph Robillard, jun., Jean Bte. Dumouchelle, Jos. Danais, Charles Larose, Francois Grignon, Magloire Guindon, Edouard Beaution dit Major, Joseph Malboeuf, Felix Cardinal, Leon Mane et Augustin Laurent dit Lortie.
On the iQth, William H. Scott, of St. Eustache.
On the 2oth, Louis Coursolles, Ambroise Lapierre, Jean Baptiste Bousquet, Toussaint Langlois, Hypolite Moyer, E. Villairs, Stanislas Roy, Modeste Roy, H. Dumouchelle, Cam. Dumouchelle, P. Marie, G. DeLorimier, Chas. Lemoine, Jean A. Berthelot.
On the 5th January, 1838, there were committed for high treason, Timothy Franchere, Louis Marchand and Richard A. R. Hubert.
On the 6th, Jean Blanchette, Francois Guerin, Antoine Rochon, Isaac Foisy, Jean Bte. Belanger and Auguste Sanche.
On the loth, Joseph Maz dit Lapierre, Francois Seguin, Joseph Vadenais, Michel Frejeau, Guillaume Montplaisir, Paschal Viger, Marcel Sauvee, Christophe Daigneau, Fran£ois Bertrand, Louis Brouillard, and Hugh Ward.
On the 2oth, Chs. Olivier, and on the 23rd, Francois Nicolas. His commitment charges him with, at St. Johns, " Feloniously, wilfully and of his malice aforethought killed and murdered one Joseph Armand, otherwise called Joseph Chartrand."
On the 25th of this month, 16 prisoners from St. Johns were committed ; their names are : Louis M. Decoigne, Francois Ranger, Theophile Roy, Joseph Tellier, Leon Breault, Barthelemy Poissant, Jean Bte. Tremblay, Frs. Surprenant, Jean Jabotte, Luc Hebert, Olivier Glantenel, Joseph Gervais, Robert McMahon, Pierre R. Narbonne, Joseph Hebert and Dr. Leonard Brown.
78 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
On the 27th, Joseph Duvernay and Benjamin Senecal. On the 29th, Jacques Demers, and on the 3ist, Louis Charette.
On the ist of February, Joseph Robillard, sen., Joseph Duval and R. P. Belair.
On the 2nd February, Andre A. Papineau of St. Hyacinthe, gentleman.
On the 5th, Patrick Murray, Michael Dwyer, Peter O'Callaghan and Louis Papineau.
On the 6th, James Watts, Augustin Labrie, Jean Bte. Dumouchelle, Joseph Raymond and Eustace James de Carriere. One-half sheet of note paper is all that is used in each of these commitments.
On the 8th, Noel Scott, Frangois Lemaitres and Joseph Letorree. From St. Eustache, William Blythe, Jerome Longpre, Frangois Pillon, Jerome Latour and Andre Lavallee were committed to gaol ; also on the 8th another batch of prisoners, viz., Moise Marchesseault, Joseph Phaneuf, Medard Bouchard, Noel Duval, Mor- phile Lamaremy, Joseph Tougas, Louis LaBerge and Zephirin Girardin.
On the Qth, Louis Dirige dit Laplante and Etienne Lonctin.
On the loth, Joseph Petit dit Lalumiere and Barthelemy Godin dit Laparie, of the parish of Ste. Anne de Varennes. The same day from St. Benoit, Hyacinthe Derouin, Alexandre Derouin and Jean Bte. Richer were committed.
On the i3th, Jerome Longpre, sen., Medard Gagnon and Laurent Longpre.
On the 1 5th, David Beauchemin, Jean Bte. Ethier, Jean Marie Latour and Jean Bte. Fluneau.
On the 1 6th, Pierre Barriere alias Langevin, of St. Cesaire. This prisoner is handed over to the officer of " The Main Guard of II. M. Forces in Montreal." His crime is thus set forth : " High treason and endeavoring to keep up the excite- ment in the country, and also having refused to find bail for his future good con- duct."
On the 1 7th, from St. Denis, Frangois Richer dit Lafleche, Marcel Cordeaux, Pierre Mondor and Edouard Besse.
On the ist March, four prisoners were discharged by order of Attorney Gen- eral : Pierre Roberge, Eusebe Blanchette, Alexandre D'Aigle and Charles Blan- chette. Adolphe Dugas same day is committed for high treason, also Jean Char- lebois and Appolline St. Germain.
Nothing appears now till the 2oth March, when Samuel Hatt and Chs. DeSala- berry, J. Ps., send in Francois Mace dit Sancene for " high treason." These Jus- tices are well-known names of Chambly.
On the 28th, by order of Attorney General, there were . discharged Benjamin Poirier, Frangois Cabana, Benjamin Cabana, Frangois Aubry, Constant Cartier and Frangois Renaud.
On the 3ist March, " Messire A. M. Blanchette" is discharged, having given bail for future good conduct.
On the 2nd April, Frangois Molleur. On the 3rd, Enoch Jacques, of the Totvn- ship of Potton, under warrant of Thomas Oilman, J.P.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 79
On the 5th, Joseph Mongeau. On the nth, James Murphy and Francois Ant. Lavigne.
Patrick Murray, Michael Dwyer and Peter O'Callaghan were discharged and same day allowed to go home to St. Cesaire, and give bail for future good conduct to Mr. Chaffers, who had committed them, " within so many hours else they would be immediately recommitted."
On the 24th, Patrick Flanaghan and Hugh Feenan. On the 25th, Jean Bte. Molleur, and on the 26th, Alexandra Drolet, gentlemen, of the parish of St. Charles. On the same day, Joseph I. Drolet, of the parish of St. Marc, Esq.
On the 3oth, there were forty-one commitments, all for high treason. The names are Joseph Gariepy, Louis Lussier charged with the murder of Lieut. George Weir, at St. Denis, Felix Chenier, Louis Poulin, Olivier Arcand, Amable Paradis of Sorel, Dominique Chartrand, Andre B. Papineau of St. Martin, gentleman, Paschal Bourbonnier, Jean Bte. Arcand, Wm. Whitlock of Vaudreuil, Francois Migneault^also for the murder of Lieut. George Weir, at St. Denis, Nicolas Rolland, Jean Felix Labrie of St. Ours, gentleman, Pierre Amiot, Esq., of Vercheres, Louis Lacoste, Esq., of Boucherville, Isaac S. Larocque, of Rigaud, gentleman, Louis Chapdelaine, Charles Gouin, Louis Chicon Duvert, of St. Charles, Esq., Eusebe Durocher, Esq., of St. Charles, Antoine Charles Bardy, of St. Anathase, gentleman, Andre Lacroix, Esq., of Montreal, Francois Tavernier, gentleman of Montreal, Jean Bte, Vallee, Jean Bte. Lussier of St. Denis, Francois Chicon Duvert, gentle- man of St. Charles, Augustin Labelle, Antoine Consigny, gentleman, Michel Car- riere, of St. Eustache, Hyacinthe Charlebois, Narcisse Valois, of Vaudreuil, Benjamin Lefebvre, George de Boucherville, of Montreal, Esq., Amable Simard, Esq., Hector Barsalou, Captain Beulac, of St. Ours, Louis Michel Viger, Esq., of Montreal, Toussaint Peltier, of Montreal, Andre Ouimet, Esq., and Bonaventure Viger, of Boucherville.
The first commitment of May, 1838, for high treason is on the 3rd, where Jacques Lacombe from St. Scholastique, under the warrant of W. Snowdon, Esq., J.P., is admitted to prison. On the same day, Andre Jobin, of the parish of St. Genevieve, is committed for " seditious practices " by O. Berthelot, Esq., J.P.
During November, 1838, the second outbreak took place, and in this month there are very few single papers of commitments, but papers containing long lists of such. The following was received at the gaol, i6th November, 1838.
" The prisoner, Dr. Brien, is to be kept separate, and on no account is anyone to be permitted to speak with him.
" By command of His Excellency,
"To the Keeper of the " C. R. OGDEN, Attorney General.
Common Gaol, Montreal."
The only two commitments, November 26th, are those of Dr. Allard and John Fratetelin alias Braditch. The first is signed by Lieut. Col. Cathcart of Chambly, and thus reads : "Charged with treason and rebellion, Jean Bte. Allard, a medical practitioner of Beloeil." The other is signed by C. R. Ogden, and reads as follows :
8o HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
" The keeper of the Common Gaol will receive into his custody the prisoner Fratelin alias Braditch from Major McCord, and will keep him in a separate room and allow no one to speak with him or see him.
" By order, C. R. OGDEN, Attorney General."
The following is the copy of the commitment of two of the Patriots who were executed in the Montreal Gaol and others :
" St. Pierre, La Prairie, Dec. 10, 1838.
" SIR,
" You are desired to receive into the City of Montreal Gaol the following prisoners,
at the same time to give a receipt for their bodies to the sergeant commanding the escort, in charge of them :
" Antoine Sanguinet, Frs. Xavier Hamelin, Jacques Longtin, Jacques Daigneau, Clovis Pattenaude, Thdophile Robert, Joseph Pinsonnault.
" You cannot be too careful of the prisoners Sanguinet and Hamelin, as the charges against them are very serious.
" Your obedient servant,
" W. DENNY, " To the Gaoler, Montreal Gaol. Special Magistrate for La Prairie."
On the outside address is this direction :
H. M. SERVICE.
The Gaoler, Montreal Gaol,
with eight prisoners charged with murder,
treason, &c.
An order of date i5th December, 1838, thus reads :
" H. B. Leblanc, Dr. D. Leblanc, Frs. Trepannier and Jos. Robert, to be re- moved to the new gaol. The three first to be kept in the room where the French- man is now ; and Jos. Robert to be put in a safe ward.
" By order, WM. E. FLETCHER,
" R. DE ST. OURS, Sheriff."
Copy of warrant of F. X. Guertin. On the back it thus reads: "Mittimus against F. X, Guertin of St. Cesaire, for high treason."
" To the Gaoler of any of Her Majesty's Gaols for the District of Montreal, in the City of Montreal.
"Whereas F. X. Guertin, late of the Parish of St. Cesaire, district aforesaid, farmer, stands accused under oath of the crime of high treason and treasonable practices.
4< These, etc., etc.
" igth Dec,, 1838. Signed, WM. A. CHAFFERS, J. P.'^
This finishes the two years of 1837 and 1^38. Cardinal and Duquette were the only ones hanged in December of this year, the other ten suffered in 1839.
The following are a few of the commitments in extenso at the commencement of the troubles of 1838. We must recollect that the 4th November was a Sunday.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 8l
The events of that day have already been well described by Mr. John Fraser. Three quarters of a half sheet of foolscap contains the commitment paper, no seal or legal looking document. It consists of only a long list of names with this heading : " To the Hon'ble Roch de St. Ours, Esq., Sheriff,
" SIR,
" You are hereby requested and ordered to receive into your custody in the Common Gaol of the District of Montreal, the following prisoners until further orders." And this is signed by N. Edmond Barren, J.P. This paper contains sixty-five names.
Two orders or letters are of this date, 5th November, viz. :
" La Prairie Barracks, Nov.^th, 1838.
u I hereby give into your charge Pierre Dresi, an inhabitant of La Prairie, who was taken prisoner last night about six o'clock, near the Barracks, by a volunteer named Melton. I ordered him to be searched, when some copper caps and a ball were found on him. Melton says he threw something into the river. The prisoner was mounted on a white horse, which I send with him.
" Your obedient servant,
" A. W. BIGGS, Major, "The Gailor, Montreal. " 7th Hussars."
The other letter of the Major's thus reads :
" I hereby deliver into your charge the prisoner Duffile Vershereou, who was taken by a party of Hussars on the morning of the 4th of November, armed with a muskel with ball ammunition, a powderhorn and dagger. The prisoner was one of the party of Rebels who fired at the Hussars.
"The evidences against him are Privates Hinds and Wilson, yth Hussars, and Volunteer James Melton, of La Prairie.
" A. W. BIGGS, Major, " Commd. yth Hussars, at La Prairie.
" La Prairie, November 5th, 1838."
On the i st January, 1839, a letter from Robert Nickle, Colonel and J.P. , of Stan- stead, dated December 3oth, 1838, and addressed to Her Majesty's Gaoler, Montreal, thus reads : " You. will be pleased to take charge of the body of Captain Taylor Wadley, charged with treasonable practices." This letter is annexed.
UMR. WAND, Gaoler, Montreal. "SiR,
" Some days since depositions (which are'now in my possession) were sent in from the country against Capt. Taylor Wadley, of the Hatley Militia, Eastern Townships, in consequence of which he was ordered to be sent in to Montreal a prisoner, and
6
82 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
the Attorney General told me that on his arrival in town he was to be taken to the City Gaol until his case was examined into and disposed of.
"You are therefore commanded to receive him, the said Captain Taylor Wadley, and detain him in custody a prisoner until further orders.
"F. J. GRIFFIN, "Dep'y Ass. Adj. Genl.
" Dep'ty Adj. General's Office,
" Volunteer Department."
" Montreal, ist January, 1839.
" Captain Taylor Wadley 's commitment from Colonel Nickle, C.B. , commanding at Stanstead, Eastern Townships, is also herewith enclosed.
" F. J. GRIFFIN, D. A. A. G."
On the 8th January, 1839, lne following letter is recorded :
"General Court Martial Room,
" Montreal, 8th January, 1839. " Sir:
" I am commanded by His Excellency, Sir John Colborne, to inform you that the three undermentioned prisoners having been acquitted by the General Court Martial, they are to be discharged from the Montreal prison.
" Edouard Therien, of Chateauguay : Jean Bte. Dozois, sen., of St. Cyprien ; Louis Lemelin of St. Cyprien.
" I have, etc., etc.,
" G. MULLER, Capt., " Deputy Judge Advocate. "THE SHERIFF
of Montreal."
The following were committed this month for high treason : Etienne Langlois, Le"on Leclaire, Chas. Bouc, An. Roussin, all of Terrebonne, Yeomen, Frs. St. Louis, Pierre Urbain, Paul Gravelle, of Isle Jesus, Yeomen. Denis Berthelot, merchant of Lachine. Jacques Robert, John Squires, Dominique Poissant and Eustache Poissant, Andre A. Papineau, Philippe N. Pacaud, Jean Frs. Tetu, Francois Surprenant, Fran- cois Nicolas, Michel Meunier, Antoine Boyer, sen., Joseph Smith, Antoine Denault, Pierre Leduc, Jean Bte. Lague, Cyprien Boyer and Joseph Langevin.
During February, 1839, there were committed Ovide Beauchamp, Jean Bte. Bourque, Erastus Chamberlain, Toussaint V. Tremblay, Michel Tessier and James Johnson, alias James Johnson Pratt alias N. Ordway. This man's offence was " suspected of being a spy." His commitment is signed by Colonel Williams, and thus reads : " Whereas James Johnson alias James Johnson Pratt, alias N. Ordway, of Woodstock, in the State of Vermont, in the United States of America,
HIS TORY OF MONTREAL. 83
stands charged on oath made before Lawrence Ford, J.P., for this district, with evil intentions towards the British Government, and acting as a spy in favor of the Canadian refugees. And further for travelling with1 a passport obtained under false pretences and a feigned name, etc., etc."
Copy of commitment of Nicolas, who was afterwards hanged :
of 'uolni-eal } VlCTORIA> by the Grace of God> Q"ee»-
" To the Keeper of the Common Gaol of the District of Montreal,
'•' GREETING : —
" You are hereby commanded to receive into the Gaol of the said district of Montreal, Francois Nicolas (the murderer of Chartrand), who now stands charged upon oath with high treason, and him there safely keep, until he shall be discharged by due course of law.
" Given under my hand and seal at the village of Christieville, this i9th day of January, 1839.
" W. McGiNNis, J.P."
The next is dated 25th April, 1839 :
" Dpt'y Adj. Gen'l's Office, Volunteer Department.
" Montreal, 25th April, 1839. "SiR,
" I have the honor by direction of His Excellency the Governor General and Commander of the Forces, to request that " Freeman Millar," of Stanstead, accused of seditious practices, and now sent in by Col. Nickle, commanding at Stanstead, in custody of the bearer, Lieut. Whitcher, of the Stanstead Cavalry, may be received and detained as a prisoner in the Gaol of Montreal until further orders.
11 The necessary communications upon this subject will be made to-morrow morning to the Sheriff by the Attorney-General.
" I have the honor to be, Sir,
" Your most obedient humble servant,
" F. J. GRIFFIN, D. A. A. G. " Mr. Wand, Gaoler of Montreal Gaol."
The following two commitments bear date 20th June, 1839. The first, "Louis Dubbis, for treasonable practices and threatening language towards the Government."
11 Province of Lower Canada, \ William King McCord, Esquire, one of the Jus- District of Montreal. j tices of Our Sovereign Lady the Queen, Assigned
to keep the peace within the said district.
,84 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
" To the Keeper of the Common Gaol of the said District,
" GREETING : —
" Whereas Louis Dubois, master blacksmith, of St. Anne des Plaines, in the county of Terrebonne, in the said district, stands charged upon oath with having made use of threatening language towards the Government of Our Lady the Queen, and having declared his readiness to assist the Rebels whenever the opportunity offered, also as having threatened the Reverend Mr. Poirier, the curate of said parish, ( that he would persecute him until his death, or until he ceased preaching loyalty to the inhabitants, his parishioners,' thereby and in other treasonable prac- tices exciting discontent, dissension and rebellion among the people against the Government and against the peace of Our Lady the Queen.
" These are therefore to authorize and command you to receive into your custody the said Louis Dubois, and him safely keep to be dealt with according to law.
''Given under my hand and seal at St. Scholastique, this i5th day of June, 1839, and in the 2nd year of Her Majesty's Reign.
" W. R. McCoRD, " Stip. Magistrate & J. P."
The next commitment is that of Moyse Granger, and after same heading as the above the body of warrant thus reads :
" Whereas Moyse Granger, of the Parish of Ste. Anne des Plaines, in the County of Terrebonne, in the District aforesaid, stands charged upon oath with having within the last three months continually threatened the life of the Reverend Mr. Poirier, Cure of said Parish, if he did not cease preaching loyalty to his parishioners, at same time using threatening language towards Her Majesty's Government, thereby encouraging rebellion and resistance to said Government, and by other treasonable practices and secret meetings assisting and forming a seditious opposition to the loyal inhabitants of said Parish and the Government in general and the peace of our said Lady the Queen, her crown and dignity.
"These are therefore, etc., etc.," with the same committing Magistrate's name. On the ist July, 1839, tne 'ast commitment thus reads :
" Whereas Jean Baptiste Leroux dit Rousson, of the Parish of St. Hennas, in the County of Lake of Two Mountains, in the District aforesaid, blacksmith, stands charged upon oath ' having declared that he would aid and assist the rebel cause and endeavor to overthrow the Government of Our Sovereign Lady the Queen, and was ready to assist any foreign invasion from the United States of America against this country, of which he had positive information,' and by other treasonable practices endeavoring to disturb the peace of Our Sovereign Lady the Queen. " These are therefore, etc., etc." The signature is W. R. McCoRD, J.P., but he adds Stipendiary Magistrate.
N. W. M. D.
This finishes these interesting documents of 1837, 1838, and 1839. Sketches of the principal actors in this Canadian drama will be found in the body of the GAZETTEER at their respective places.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 8£
On July 23 rd, 1840, the Bill to unite Upper and Lower Canada became law, being then sanctioned by the Queen. It did not, however, from some cause, come into operation till February loth, 1841.
The City Charter having expired, it was renewed, and Honorable Peter McGill was appointed Mayor.
In 1844, the Government was translated from Kingston to Montreal.
The following graphic account of the ship fever of 1846, from the pen of an ex- Chief of Police, is truthful and correct : —
" In the summer of 1846, Montreal was visited by the dread pestilence that came to be known as the ' Ship Fever.'
As Chief of Police I was thrown into the midst of the saddest scenes possible for man to witness. Tragic were the sights that thus came under my daily view. Officials of all grades and classes, Government, Municipal and Clerical, carried their lives in their hands, in their ministrations to those sad outcasts from their native land.. Amongst the sacrificed were the Mayor and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Montreal, many clergymen of all denominations, and very many Sisters of Charity and others. How often I have witnessed the blessed ministrations of those admirable women at the bedsides of the sick and dying at what was then a veritable pest house, the Emigrant Hospital at Point St. Charles. Their errand of mercy was in so many cases an errand of death to themselves, that one could not help pitying and admir- ing the heroic and self-sacrificing devotion of these
1 Noble types of good heroic womanhood.'
By God's good providence I escaped unscathed, whilst so many of my co- laborers fell around me. The small police force then under my command, number- ing forty-five men all told, suffered pro rata of its strength pretty severely. Four men died of the ship fever^ fourteen others contracted the disease, but ultimately re- covered. From about midsummer until far into September the pestilence raged in our midst, and day after day crowds of infected emigrants were cast upon our wharves. These were generally landed where the Allan steamships now berth, the nearest spot to the Emigrant Sheds at the Point. Policemen were stationed at all the bridges over the Canal, to stop them getting back from the sheds, for which they had a great horror and detestation. In consequence of this they were ever endeav- oring to make their escape therefrom. Many did so escape, and were afterwards picked up sick, dying or dead, hid away in stables, out-houses, or alley ways in the city, to which, despairing, they had betaken themselves. To meet this emergency, I had organized a sort of ambulance, a spring wagon, covered by a white tilt, which was kept constantly on duty at the Central Station, ready for the first summons. From the day of its establishment, ipth July, to the day that it was discontinued, igth September following, this ambulance had conveyed to the hospital no less than 472 sick and 60 dead, found hid away in various holes and corners of the city.
86 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
It may be readily imagined that it was no easy task to find people to undertake so dangerous and forbidding a work. The carter who drove the ambulance would do nothing else. To handle the dead, or dying, it was no easy matter to find men will- ing to run the risk. As it was not possible to get men for this purpose, volunteers had to be sought for, at high wages, amongst the loafers who hung about the wharves. Strange to say, none of these men ever suffered from their contact with the infected. One of the common daily sights in Wellington street, in those sad days, were the coffins on their way to the Emigrant Hospital. These plain deal coffins might be seen any day piled up in the Hospital yard, awaiting the daily toll of the dead, who were always buried at night.
The duties of the police in such times, as may well be imagined, were onerous, and trying in the extreme. I cannot say that they were borne cheerfully, but I must freely admit that they were submitted to without a murmur. As I have before noted, the casualties for so small a body were severe. A third of the Force were prostrated by sickness, whilst death exacted its tenth. Death stalked abroad in the streets at noonday, and when he struck his victims it was suddenly and swiftly.
At Point St. Charles, near the northern end of the Victoria Bridge, in a small plot of land, lie deposited the remains of 6,000 of the victims of that calamitous year. A large boulder stone, placed on a solid base of ashlar masonry, marks their burial place. This monument, erected by the generous contributions of the workmen on the Victoria Bridge, in 1859, commemorates the sad event, and preserves from desecration the spot hallowed by such tragic memories."
We cannot close the account of this dreadful event without inserting the poem of our own well-known writer, Mrs. Leprohon, on
THE EMIGRANTS' MONUMENT AT POINT ST. CHARLES.
ERECTED BY THE WORKMEN OF VICTORIA BRIDGE.
A kindly thought — a generous deed !
Ye gallant sons of toil ! No nobler trophy could ye raise,
On your adopted soil,
Than this funeral stone to the good and brave, Who came to our shores but to find a grave.
Like you they left their fatherland
And crossed the ocean foam, To seek for themselves a new career,
And make another home. But alas for hearts that had beat so high ! They reached the goal, but only to die.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 87
Let no rich worldling dare to say,
For them why should we grieve ? But paupers came they to our shores,
Rags, poverty, to leave. Each stalwart frame full of power and health, And each active arm was a mine of wealth.
'Twas a mournful end to day-dreams high,
A sad and fearful doom. To exchange their fever-stricken ships
For the loathsome typhus tomb, And ere they had glanced at our clear bright sky, In a stranger land breathe their dying sigh.
The strong man in the prime of life,
Struck down in one short hour ; The loving wife ; the rose-cheeked girl.
Fairer than opening flower ; The ardent youth with fond hopes elate — O'ertaken all by one common fate.
Long since forgotten, here they rest,
Sons of a distant land ; The epoch of their short career,
Mere foot-prints on life's sand; But this stone will tell through many a year, They died on our shores and they slumber here.
In January, 1847, Lord Elgin arrived in Montreal as the newly appointed Gov- ernor-General of Canada.
In January of next year, 1848, a great inundation took place, and much resem- bled the great flood of a few years ago.
On the 1 8th of June, the largest bell in Canada was christened, an immense congregation of citizens being present at Notre Dame for the ceremony.
Among the public buildings erected this year were the Reid Wing to the General Hospital, St. Andrew's Church, and the Protestant Orphan Asylum.
The following is taken from my " History of the Montreal Prison from 1784 to 1887 ":
During the Session of Parliament in 1849, a Bill was introduced and passed providing for the payment of losses sustained during the Rebellion. The British inhabitants were indignant that any such bill should have been introduced, and every means were taken to prevent its passage through the House. When it had been passed, great anxiety was manifested as to whether it would receive the sanction of the Governor General. On Wednesday, the 25th April, 1849, — a day which will be
•88 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
long noted in the annals of our city, — Lord Elgin proceeded to the Parliament House to sanction the new tariff, and other Acts. About five o'clock in the afternoon he sanctioned a number of bills, and among them was the objectionable Rebellion Bill* No sooner had the bill become law than the information was conveyed to the crowds in waiting outside of the building, and when His Excellency appeared he was re- ceived with groans and pelted with stones and eggs. The excitement was intense. Printed notices were posted in various parts of the city, calling a mass meeting to be held immediately on the Champ de Mars, and by eight o'clock an immense num- ber of persons had assembled, when, after some strong resolutions had been passed, the cry was raised "To the Parliament Buildings."
The House of Assembly was engaged in discussing the Judicature Bill, when a loud shout gave the members warning that a riot was fomenting outside. A number of stones were now thrown through the windows, and in a short time there were but few squares of glass left unbroken in the whole range of the buildings.
By this time the members had all retreated, when about a dozen persons entered the Assembly Hall, and one of them of the name of Courtney boldly seated himself in the Speaker's chair, and muttered something about dissolving the Parliament. The others then commenced the work of demolishing all that came before them, sticks being thrown at the glass globes on the gasaliers which were beyond their reach.
The cry of fire was now raised, and it was discovered that the building had been fired by some of the mob. The fire spread with great rapidity, and in half-an-hour the whole building was wrapped in a sheet of flame. No attempt was made to save the building, and the engines were only used upon the surrounding property. By this fire the valuable library, containing the archives and records of the colony for over a century, \vas completely destroyed. The only article saved was the mace belonging to the Lower House. The party who saved the mace carried it to Done- gani's Hotel, and delivered it to Sir Allan McNab.
The mob now proceeded to the residence of Mr. Lafontaine, and set it on fire, but through the efforts of some of the citizens the flames were extinguished, but the whole of the furniture and library was completely demolished. Several other houses, occupied by obnoxious members of the Parliament, were also destroyed.
It was feared that the Governor might suffer from the violence of the mob. He therefore left his residence at Monklands and remained in the city under the pro- tection of a military body.
On the 26th, Messrs. Mack, Howard, Ferri?, Montgomery and Perry were arrested on the charge of arson, and were committed for trial. A crowd of nearly 3000 persons accompanied them to gaol, but no violence was shown.
The Parliament Building destroyed during this riot was originally the St. Ann's
market, the interior of which had -been remodelled for the accommodation of the
- Legislature. It was 342 feet irr length by 50 in width, the central portion projecting
four feet beyond the wings. It was constructed of Montreal limestone, and though
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 89
plain, — its only ornament being a portico at either end, — presented an effective appearance.
The excitement continued, and men of all ranks then invited the interposition of the Americans. The popular feeling on the British side was roused to madness, and threatened the integrity of the Empire. It was seriously and openly proposed to sever the connection with Britain and annex Canada to the United States. Does not this seem amazing? Not more than ten or eleven years had passed and these same annexationists were Constitutionalists against the Patriots of 1837-1838. Now they are exactly in the same position as the French party during that period. Two days after the obnoxious Bill had passed, a riot took place and Colonel Gugy was of the greatest use then in calming the populace. An eye-witness of this thus described it :
" Having worsted the police, and defying the troops, the populace assembled round the Government House, bent on taking it by storm, and killing Lord Elgin, who was in it. Without Colonel Gugy the attempt would have been made, but walk- ing coolly up and down he soothed the multitude, and persuaded them to desist. So happy was he in his manner of dealing with them that, notwithstanding his opposi- tion to their wishes, they carried him home on their shoulders in triumph. Neither the police or the troops produced any effect on the infuriated multitude. The administration thereupon put muskets into the hands of a body of French Canadians who were drilled and intended for the repression of the British population. The latter arming themselves, marched in a sort of military array to attack the French, and a terrible night conflict was about to take place in the streets of Montreal. To prevent it, a wing of the yist Regiment, and two guns loaded with grape, were drawn up, with orders to fire with effect on the advancing multitude. The latter had nearly reached the limit assigned them by the officer commanding, and the troops were about to fire, when Colonel Gugy met the crowd and threw himself into its midst. Ascending a lamp-post, he addressed them for upwards of two hours without faltering, eventually inducing the multitude to disperse. It was like a man tied to the guillotine, making a speech with the axe pendent over his neck. If it be true, as it is true, that but for his intervention four or five hundred natives of the British Isies might or would on that occasion have been slaughtered by the troops, it is manifest that the connection with Britain must have been severed."
Mr. Powell writing in the Quebec Mercury of date 4th January, 1855, an<* recounting the events of this memorable night, thus says :
" There is a dark spot in the page of Canadian history ; the angry passions of men were roused by an act which was by them deemed to extend, not only the sanction of the law to treason, rebellion and murder, but worse still — to reward them. The spirit of those who had lived obedient to law all their lives rose in passionate revolt against an enactment to their minds subversive of every principle of religion, morality and law. The flames of the House in which the statute was passed, with all the most valuable records of the country, fearfully attested the state of men's minds. It was at such a moment, when energy and determination were most re-
90 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
quired, that the energies of those whose duty it was to quell the storm seemed thoroughly paralyzed. There was one man, at least, who proved an exception to the prevailing cowardice. That man was Colonel Gugy. Dark as is the memory of those days, they would have been darker still but for him.
" Not only did he throughout those trying scenes, by his influence, by his examplCj by his unwearying exertion, restrain the passions of the enraged multi- tude, but on one particular occasion he stayed the tide of riot, of bloodshed, and what might have, caused a rebellion worse than that which had been so lately terminated.
''Well do I remember the second night after the Parliament House was burnt, when the tidings spread like wild-fire through the City, that the Government had armed their supporters in the suburbs, and that even at that moment they were assembled at Bonsecours Market. A spirit was evoked in the breast of every opponent of such a rash and one-sided act as the arming of one part of the population against the other, that boded fearful results, had the flame once burst its bounds. Arms were in the hands of every man and boy who could bear them, and a stern determination in the minds of all to meet in deadly hostility. The military were drawn up across Notre Dame street, near Jacques Carder Square, cutting off communication by that street. It was at this time, when all were resolved to force their way through the armed troops to reach the Bonsecours Market, that Gugy appeared amongst them, and from the paling on which I was standing by his side, addressed the assembled mul- titude, and by his commanding eloquence, his boldness, his energy and strong com- mon sense, succeeded in allaying the popular excitement, and inducing all to dis- perse in quiet to their homes. Had he not been the instrument in the hands of that Power who rules over all, He alone knows what might have been the consequence of the shedding of the blood which must have flowed on that night.
" Up to the present time, I have never, amid all the obliquy which has been heaped upon his name, seen one word of tribute in justice to conduct which was as honorable to the man, as invaluable to our common country. Such is the testimony of an eye-witness. Under a lamp elevated about ten feet, above an armed and infuriated mob, in the full glare of the light, hearing the imprecations of the frantic multitude around him, varied by the occasional flash of fire-arms and the whistling of a ball, Colonel Gugy was a mark which no man could miss. He could at any moment have been killed, even with a brick bat, and as every man has his friends and his enemies, he must have felt that his time was at hand. He knew that within a hundred and fifty yards were two guns charged with grape — and upward of 200 soldiers with guns loaded and capped, and he must have heard the officer in command press on the troops the necessity of firing with effect. He must have felt that any half dozen imprudent or drunken fellows might have brought all the fire upon him. Yet, for two long hours and more, despite con- tinual interruption, he never faltered. Avoiding all irritating topics — gently insinuating respect for order — appealing to the. hearts of his audience — drawing
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. g^
affecting pictures of desolated hearths, widowed mothers, and helpless orphans — soothing this one, cracking a joke with another, then provoking the laugh which indicates the calming down of irritation, he eventually induced the assembled thou- sands peaceably to disperse. He performed the same part on several evenings, always at more or less risk, and it is undeniable that it was owing to his efforts that no blood was shed.
"On the night above referred to, considering the proximity, number, and dispo- sition of the soldiery, with the dense mass of closely packed thousands in the street, no one can affect to rate the killed and wounded, had the troops fired, otherwise than by hundreds."
In March, 1855, an Industrial Exhibition was held in the City Concert Hall for the purpose of selecting articles to be sent to the Paris Exhibition. It was publicly inaugurated by His Excellency Sir Edmund Head, the Governor-General, who visited Montreal for the first time (for that purpose) on March 5th. This visit was celebrated in the most enthusiastic manner, and every possible effort was made to render it agreeable.
In August, 1857, Montreal was visited by the most distinguished company that ever met in the Provinces. On Wednesday, 12th, the " American Association for the Advancement of Science " assembled in the Court House, and continued in session for one week. On Thursday evening, a soiree was given by the Natural History Society, in the City Concert Hall, and was numerously attended. On Saturday, by invitation of the officers of the garrison, the party visited St. Helen's Island. On the Monday following, a Conversazione was given by the Governors, Faculty and Fellows of McGill College, and was a magnificent affair. At the closing meeting of the Association, addresses were given by ex-President Filmore, Professors Henry, Swal- low, Ramsay, Caswell, and other celebrities. One of these speakers congratulated the citizens on possessing such a city, and stated that there was " a power stored up here upon the shores, which, within less than one hundred years, will probably result in making this city the greatest city in America. This immense water power being directed to the manufactures which might be established here, will make this one of the great cities of the globe."
On Tuesday, 4th January, 1859, the Bishop's Church, St. Denis street, was destroyed by fire.
The formal opening of the Victoria Bridge was, in colonial importance, the chief feature in the visit of the Prince of Wales to Montreal. As an engineering triumph over natural difficulties of the most stupendous kind it is without its equal in the world.
While the city was in the midst of excitement on account of the seizure of Mason and Slidell, an event occurred which tended to throw a sadness over its inhabitants/ On Tuesday, December 24th, the news was spread that the husband of our beloved Queen had suddenly died, A large meeting of the citizens was held at the City Concert Hall, and adopted an address of condolence to Her Majesty, for which she returned her thanks.
92 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
In July, 1862, the Governor-General, Lord Monck, paid his first visit to the city, and was hospitably entertained by the Corporation, who presented an address of welcome, and provided every possible means towards rendering his visit agreeable.
One of the most important trials ever held in Montreal was that of the St. Albans' Raiders. During the terrible fratricidal war between the Northern States of America and the Southern, a band of young men, sworn soldiers of the Confederate Army, entered from Canada the State of Vermont and raided the town of St. Albans, in that State, and after committing certain acts of violence, escaped back to Canada with their spoil. The account has been culled principally from the History of the Trial, by L. N. Benjamin. The names of those incarcerated and tried for this offence and acquitted were Bennett H. Young, S. E. Lackey, Marcus Spurr, A. Pope Bruce, C. M. Swager, C. McD. Wallace, Joseph McGrorty, George Scott, W, H. Hutchinson, Dudley Moore, T. B. Collins, J. A. Doty, S. S. Gregg, and S. T. Teavis. These men, according to their commitment, robbed the Bank of St. Albans of $70,000, and one man, a depositor at the time, of $300. The best array of legal talent that the Province could produce was enlisted on both sides, but it must be averred that the prisoners' counsel carried the day, and were completely sustained by the Privy Council of England. When the case was opened on November 2nd, 1864, the Court was crowded. Hon. Mr. Abbott, Q.C., Hon. Mr. Laflamme, Q.C., and Mr. Kerr, Q.C., were the lawyers who appeared for the St. Albans' raiders, Mr. Devlin, Q.C., appeared for the United States Government, Mr. Johnson, Q.C., now Sir Francis Johnson, Chief Justice of the Court of Review, and Mr. Carter, Q.C., represented the Crown ; Mr. Strachan Bethune, Q.C., Hon. John Rose, Q.C., and Mr. Ritchie, Q.C., were also connected with the trial.
It began before Judge Coursol, who dismissed the prisoners, as he held he had no jurisdiction ; then coming before Hon. Judge Smith, after along and most careful examination of facts and documents, and after speeches remarkable on all sides for terseness, fluency and fervor, His Honor concluded and discharged the prisoners.
I now come to one of the most stirring periods of the history of the country and of the City of Montreal.
This was the disgraceful invasion by a body of men, called Fenians, of Canada contrary to all international law.
For some time during the early part of the year 1866 the attention of the authorities had been directed towards the movements of an organization existing principally in the United States, and known as the " Fenian Brotherhood," whose design was the liberation of Ireland from British rule. At its organization, and for a considerable time afterwards, little attention was paid to threats made by its leaders, but when they proceeded so far as to threaten the peace and safety of the country, the authorities made preparation whereby they might be able to repel an attack made.
A short account of the proceedings of June, when Pigeon Hill was first brought prominently before the Canadian people, will now be given.
When it was known throughout Montreal and district that the Fenians were
HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
93
actually attempting to invade Canada, the utmost indignation prevailed. When the British troops arrived at St. Armand's Station between eleven and twelve o'clock of the Qth June, they found two wagons which arrived from Pigeon Hill with five Fenian prisoners, who had been captured that morning by different parties. " These, '; writes one present, " were little scamps such as one sees about the streets of all great cities. One was a tolerably stout, resolute looking fellow • another, a mild looking young man much better dressed than the rest."
These men were left in the custody of the St. Armand's volunteers, and the column of attack on the Fenians at Pigeon Hill started at two p.m. The Granby and Waterloo volunteers, commanded by Captain Millard, formed the advance guard, being followed by two twelve pounder Armstrong guns of Captain Balfour's Battery, Royal Artillery, then stationed in Hochelaga, accompanied with their regular quota of artillery guns, commanded by Captain Phipps, R.A. These were followed by two companies of the Rifle Brigade under Major Nixon, who commanded the whole column, also two companies of the 25th Regiment, then stationed, as well as the Rifle Brigade, in Montreal. Another company of the 25th brought up the rear and formed the rear guard.
Between the main body and rear guard, the supply wagon and a farmer's wagon, carrying the surgeon's apparatus and medical comforts, were placed.
The officers and men were in the highest spirits, only fearing lest the redoubt- able Fenians should seek shelter too promptly in the United States, the " lines " being only half a mile from their camp. The day was very fine, the sun was shining brightly, ye.t tempered by a cool breeze. This made the roads dry and the marching pleasant. One thing regarding this march must not be passed over. Although .several soldiers of the Line and Rifles were knocked up with the march and obliged to fall out, yet such was the pluck and training of our volunteers, and they were the advanced guard and in front of the strong Artillery horses of Captain Balfour's Battery, not one single man evinced the least fatigue, but kept straight ahead. A •short halt was made at a place called Holt's Corners and another prisoner was brought in from the south road, having been captured by a farmer, who, with his son and hired man, had been reconnoitering the enemy. The Fenian was mounted on a handsome horse, and was rather of a gentlemanly and refined appearance. He was speedily dismounted, being succeeded in the sacldle by Captain Hallowes of the 25th Regiment, and the Fenian was conducted to the rear in charge of a guard from that Regiment. Another prisoner was soon met, squatted in a single wagon between the feet of two farmers of Stanbridge, who had captured him. Just before the column reached Pigeon Hill there was the cry " Incline to the right " and that splendid body of horsemen " The Guides," under Captain D. Lorn McDougall, dashed past in single file and took their place in front. They had no opportunity that day and more is the pity to " flesh their maiden swords " upon any large body of Fenians. But they rode round by the Cook's Corner's Road, and at a later period of the day cut off the retreat of some who would have escaped and took two of the miserable
94 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
scoundrels prisoners. If the Fenians had a good sight of them, and they had from their position, they must have felt inclined to keep out of their way. In turning to the right at the tavern at Pigeon Hill, the whole column descended the hill on the road leading directly to the lines, the Artillery taking the lead. The guns were placed in position on a high point overlooking the whole valley in the direction of the woods and about half a mile from the lines. The company of the 25th remained with the guns, and the remainder of the Infantry in two lines with the Rifles thrown out in front as skirmishers descended into the valley. The last red coat disappeared among the trees, and presently a single rifle shot was heard echoing loudly enough through the woods, two more followed, then a dripping fire of musketry and all was silent.
At the first report every one sprang to his feet. The gunners placed themselves by their pieces, and the officers of Artillery prepared to point them upon any body of the enemy that might break cover. The disappointment was very great when the firing ceased.
Presently the red coats emerged from the woods, marched across a small clear- ing and disappeared in the woods beyond. After waiting some time longer, and the sun beginning to approach the western horizon, the horses were put to the guns and wagons, and preparations were made for returning to St. Armand. One com- pany of the 25th rejoined their comrades on the hill. The rest of the force made their way by the Cook's Corner's Road back to Pigeon Hill with the exception of one company of the Rifles, which was detached towards Frelighsburg. The rest of the force reached St. Armand's Station between nine and ten o'clock at night.
In the early part of 1868 the mutterings of a new Fenian excitement were again heard on our borders, and after an interval of nearly two years of peace and quiet, we were once more threatened by an invasion. As in the previous case, this report was the result of the unfriendly feelings existing between the United States and England. But, fortunately for Canada, the resources of the " Brotherhood " were not sufficient to enable them to carry out their design ; but while the invasion of the country was abandoned, still the diabolical spirit which animated many of its par. tisans made good its foothold in the country, and, as -in other places throughout the world, those who opposed the mad scheme were singled out as victims, and a more distinguished victim could not have been chosen than the Hon. Thomas d'Arcy McGee, a representative of the City of Montreal in the Dominion Parliament, who was foully assassinated on the morning of April yth, 1868, while returning from the Parliament Buildings to his lodgings in Ottawa.
The funeral which took place on Monday, i3th, will be long remembered. The streets were covered with mourning flags and festoons of black, giving the scene a striking and funereal aspect, and those streets through which the procession was to pass were lined on either side by soldiers, regulars and volunteers.
On Friday, September nth, 1868, His Lordship Bishop Fulford, the first Angli- can Bishop of the Diocese of Montreal, died at his residence after a painful illness, and was buiied in Mount Royal Cemetery.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 95
On Friday, the 8th of October, 1869, Prince Arthur, third son of Her Most Gracious Majesty, arrived in Montreal to join the P.C.O. Rifles, here stationed, he holding a lieutenant's commission in that splendid regiment.
His Excellency the Governor-General, having left Canada for England, Sir John Michel was sworn in at Montreal as Administrator of the Government in theabsence of the Governor-General. Sir John took up his residence in the city, and during his administration the Executive Council met here twice in each month for the trans- action of public business.
I now come to what is called the second Fenian Invasion, and it seems the result of the first had no effect on these men. About April roth, 1870, an intima- tion was received by the Dominion Government from the British Minister at Wash- ington to the effect, that the American Executive had received warning of an in- tended Fenian raid into Canada along the frontier from Port Huron to St. Alban's. Later on, information was received that the intended raid would not be made at the place indicated, but that all the Fenians were concentrating at Malone, a town on the north side of the State of New York and near to the frontier, and that they intended making a raid on St. Armand and Frelighsburg. In consequence of this information several frontier corps were ordered to hold themselves in readiness for immediate action, and by the end of the week all the battalions so ordered were under arms. From Montreal on the Monday following this information Muir's troop of Cavalry was ordered, and they arrived at Huntingdon on Tuesday after- noon. Col. Chamberlain had already gone to Missisquoi to bring out the force under his command, whilst a large force was collected of the Volunteers in Montreal. During the following week the streets of Montreal appeared gay with marching troops and sounds of martial music from the many bands which were moving to and from the execution of their military duties. Rumors were plentiful, but not until H. M. G. Majesty's Birthday following were the rumors turned into fact. The celebration of the Queen's Birthday was interrupted by a call for the Regulars and Volunteers to move to the front. Word was received that the Fenians were massing both at St. Alban's and Malone, as well as in Upper Canada on the Niagara frontier, and also at the Town of Prescott. St. Johns and Frelighsburg were at once well garrisoned by troops from Montreal, Fort Wellington at Prescott was garrisoned by the Ottawa Volunteers, and every thing was done to protect the frontier of Canada from the lawless rabble.
The day after the Queen's Birthday, viz., 25th May, a band of over two hundred of these misguided men, under the command of one O'Neil, crossed the frontier and entered Canada, trying to effect a lodgment at Pigeon Hill. Many hundreds of Fenians were in and about St. Alban's during this time. Also there were large bodies of them arrived at Malone and elsewhere. The proclamation of General Grant, the President of the United States, rather disconcerted their plans, whilst on the morning of the 2oth, a finely equipped little army of itself in the shape of the Prince Consort's Own Rifles (Regulars) of seven hundred strong, under command
p6 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
of Lord A. Russell, and accompanied by Prince Arthur, went by special train to St. Johns, where the Volunteers had preceded them. General Lindsay assumed com- mand of the whole. Col. Smith with a detachment of the 6oth arrived at Stan- bridge, and left early next morning with Col. Chamberlain's Corps for Cook's Corners, the old Fenian camping ground. When they arrived there, they found that the Homeguard was already on the spot, recruited only the day before by Col. Westover, and a few other loyal and spirited farmers and gentlemen living on the borders, who took upon themselves the duty of defending their hearths and homes, waiting the arrival of regular troops.
General Lindsay disposed of all his forces at the best available spots, but it was only here that any fighting took place, as all the other bands of Fenians fled when- ever they were opposed to the regular troops of Her Majesty or the Canadian Vol- unteers. All along the frontier at Cook's Corners, the Fenians had scattered their arms and ammunition in their hurry, and it is supposed on good authority that over a thousand men were at this time either on Canadian soil or near it in the frontier.
Disregarding the proclamation of the Government of the United States, and the Marshal then there requesting him not to proceed, O'Neil with Donnelly, his second in command; crossed the lines into Canada. The Homeguards were posted on the hill side, about five hundred yards from the American line. On the Queen's Birth- day and on the following morning they were joined by a portion of the forces under Col. Smith and Lieut. -Col. Chamberlain. The whole number of the Canadian troops did not here exceed seventy men, though ample reserves were in waiting at points near at hand. About noon the Fenians moved onwards, and actually in a body crossed the lines. The Burlington (Vt.) Company of Fenians dashed down to form a skirmish line across a little brook that flowed between the combatants. The moment they crossed, the Homeguards and others opened fire, one man was instantly killed and others wounded. The Fenians wavered and fell back. Another company tried and too receded, and it so resulted that, from the sharp firing of the Canadians, no Fenian dared to approach the bridge, and all fell into confusion and a stampede. In the afternoon they again attempted to cross, losing one man killed and several wounded, though the actual number could never be ascertained. O'Neil and the other leaders were then taken prisoners by the U. S. Marshal and driven off to St. Alban's Gaol. Thus collapsed the Fenian raid of 1870 at Cook's Corners.
On the 2ist November, 1872, the ceremony of formally presenting to the city the statue of Our Gracious Majesty the Queen was performed by Lord Dufferin, the Governor-General.
In 1873, Sir George E. Cartier died in London, and his funeral in Montreal was the largest ever seen in the city. The expenses of his obsequies were borne by the Dominion Government.
In 1875, the Guibord burial case occasioned some ill-feeling in Montreal, but by the energetic action of Dr. Kingston, the Mayor, all passed off without any actual disturbance.
HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 97
In November, 1878, the Marquis of Lome and the Princess Louise arrived in the city. Great rejoicings showed the welcome which every one gave to the Queen's daughter.
During the past ten or twelve years, the city has steadily increased, and its boun- daries are extending in every direction. Among the principal items and events of the past few years may be mentioned the Riel Rebellion in the North West, when two Montreal regiments were sent to the scene of the uprising — the Garrison Artil- lery and the 65th ; the first an English, the second a French-Canadian corps.
During the summer of 1885, the Small-Pox epidemic was of such magnitude that several thousand fell victims to its scourge, the most noted being the late well- known politician, Honorable Sir Francis Hincks.
The execution of Louis Riel, after the close of the Rebellion, caused great excitement in Montreal, happily without any serious outbreak, although thousands met on the Champ de Mars and passed condemnatory resolutions.
A great bridge, built by the C. P. Railway, has been erected at Lachine within the past few years, and Lord Mount Stephen and Sir Donald Smith's magnificent gift of the Jubilee Victoria Hospital is now, at the beginning of 1892, rapidly approaching completion. Some magnificent buildings of all kinds have been erected inJVEontreal within the past year or two; and if the inhabitants only stand by their motto — which is recorded in the title page of this History — shoulder to shoulder, their city will yet be, not the seventh, as it now is, but the fourth in size of all the cities on the Ameri- can Continent, when the first decade of the twentieth century has come and gone.
PART II.
TtlK
BIOGRAPHICAL GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
IN the arrangement of the following Biographies there is no significance of position to be attached to any one. An alphabetical list could not have been completed without waiting too long on the publication of the work, seeing the Author might have to wait for a sketch in the letter A or B long after he had those of M or W complete. A full Index will obviate all difficulty in the matter. A little prominence may have been given at the commencement of the GAZETTEER, but that could not be helped. What the Author has particularly striven to do is, so to place the photo- engravings throughout the work, that notices of different families will follow each other in succession. These engravings will add much both to the beauty and the value of the Book. A few photo-engravings of Montreal Ladies are also interspersed. Considerable prominence is given to the female writers and singers of Montreal, as in a work of this kind they should be honorably mentioned as well as the male writers, poets and savants.
In connection with these Biographies a vast amount of information, not gen- erally known, will be made public, and the whole will form a galaxy of the most prominent Montreal citizens, from the founding of the City in 1642 to the present day.
100 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
These Biographies have been either culled from various books previously printed, or made up from notes given by the parties themselves to the Author. Chief among the books consulted and extracted from are Morgan's " Celebrated Cana- dians," " The Canadian Biographical Directory," " Cyclopaedia of Representative Canadians," " Montreal, Its History and Biographical Sketches," L. O. David's "Les Patriotes de 1837-8," "Parliamentary Companions," " Histoire des Grandes Families Frangaises," Dr. Campbell's lt History of St. Gabriel Church," and Lareau's " Literature Canadienne."
The Author intended to print the volume in double column, but finds that single column is preferable for the work.
HON. JAMKS McSHANE, MAYOR OF MONTREAL.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 1 01
HON. JAMES McSHANE, M.P.P.
MAYOR OF MONTREAL.
THE subject of our sketch is one of the few names in this GAZETTEER whose birth- place is Montreal. He was born in St. Joseph street, now Notre Dame, in 1834, a short time after his parents, James and Ellen McShane, came from the county Armagh, Ireland. His mother died a few months after he was born, of cholera, which was raging here at that period. His father died but a few years ago, at the advanced age of eighty-seven, after having lived some fifty-four years in this city. The Mayor went to school until about fifteen years of age to Mr. Daniel Mahoney, a good old Irish master, one of the leading teachers at that time, many of whose pupils have since distinguished themselves, and who have held and occupied leading positions all over the country. Mr. McShane afterwards finished his studies at the Sulpician College, then situated on College street, but which has since been transferred to that magnificent edifice on Sherbrooke street west.
He began business early in life, at about eighteen years of age, with his father, who was then the most extensive cattle dealer, packer and exporter of meats in Montreal. They had the contract for supplies to the Allan line and other steamers coming to our port, and also supplied Her Majesty's troops for about four years previous to their departure from Canada.
About 1870 he retired from this business, when he began operating largely (on St. Francois Xavier street) in Montreal Bank and other local stocks, besides carrying on an extensive business in New York stocks and in Chicago pork and grain, in which business he is still engaged. In September, 1874, he, with Mr. Roddick, of Liverpool, began the shipping of cattle from Canada and the United States to England, being the pioneers of a trade which has grown since to such immense proportions, and which is now classed amongst the largest exports of the country. He has had as many as ten to fifteen steamers on the Atlantic at one time, loaded with cattle.
The honorable gentleman was an alderman of Montreal, representing St. Ann's Ward for over twenty years, and has occupied many prominent positions in the City Council : chairman of City Hall and Market Committees, member of the Roads, Finance and other important Committees. He is at present a member of the Chicago and Montreal Boards of Trade, member of the Montreal Harbor Board, director of St. Bridget's Asylum, a governor of the Montreal General Hospital, member of the Provincial Legislature for Montreal West and Centre since 1877, having twice been elected by acclamation, in 1887 and 1890. In 1887, at tne downfall of the Conservative Government at Quebec, he was called by the Mercier Adminis- tration to accept the portfolio of Minister of Public Works and Agriculture, which position he held for nearly two years, but retired from it as he did not agree with a certain element of the Cabinet.
In politics Mr. McShane is a strong Liberal — one of the old school. While Minister of Public Works he provided and gave out immense work to the poor of
IO2 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Quebec during the hard winters of 1887 an^ 1888. He is as popular in Quebec as in Montreal. He is a born politician, faithful to his friends, and his popularity and success are due, amongst other reasons, to that liberality of disposition which en- ables him by the generosity of his acts to win the esteem of every one with whom he comes in contact. It is this same trait of character which has made him so many staunch friends.
He is so ready to oblige the man who has recently voted against and op- posed him, that it can be instanced in thousands of cases where those who had been for years ranged against, now think with and vote upon the same side as the Honorable Member for Montreal Centre. In all his transactions through life his word once given has never been broken, and in dealing with the people as a busi- ness man, he has treated Conservative and Liberal alike. No man was kept out of work on account of his politics when he appealed to him.
His reputation is not alone confined to the city of which he is chief magistrate, but he is well known in England, in the United States and throughout Canada as a man of broad and liberal views. He has always been an ardent and fearless cham- pion for the masses, and he is, perhaps, more widely known as the " People's Jimmy."
In Parliament, when Montreal's interests were ever concerned; he has always been faithful to his native city, even against his own party ; and the people of Mont- real, irrespective of creed or party, recognizing his ability, outspoken honesty, vigor and earnestness, called upon him last year to accept the highest honor at their bestowal, that of the Mayoralty. Mr. McShane, acceding to the request of his fellow- citizens, came forward as a candicate for that important office, and, although opposed by a powerful and popular man, Ex-Mayor Grenier, he received the largest majority (nearly 6000 votes) ever given to a Montreal Mayor.
The platform he laid down when a candidate he has carried out to the very letter, opposing jobbery and corruption in all departments of civic administration. Close and assiduous attention to the public weal has given him a name that has come to few in our midst. In his position as Mayor of Montreal he has shown himself to be a liberal and gracious host to the visitors from England and the United States and Canada, and in thus discharging his social duties he has done credit to his city and its people. The large daily levees which he holds are an evidence of the confi- dence reposed in him by all classes. The poor people go there to consult him on their temporal troubles. His kindness to the distressed is characteristic, and many a " God bless you " has been showered upon him. He has always devoted a great deal of his time and attention to all charitable institutions of whatever denomi- nation. His presence has conduced in a great degree to their success, and they have all had occasion to remember Mayor McShane's magnetic influence at their festivities and reunions.
Mr. McShane was married twice : first in 1863 to Elizabeth Jane Darragh of Montreal ; she died on 26th June, 1867, leaving one child ; and in January, 1868, he married Miss Josephine Kathleen Mirom, of Plattsburg, New York, U.S.A.; but
MRS. McSHAXK.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 103
though of Plattsburg, she has the old French blood within her veins. Mrs. McShane, whose beautiful artotype is at the head of this sketch with her husband's, is one of the best known ladies in the social circles of Montreal. And there is this to be said besides, that although her domestic duties are of course those of every mother and housekeeper, she nevertheless never shirks from appearing publicly when her hus. band has officially to appear in gatherings of all nationalities and demonstrations. And of all the ladies who have, in the past, graced the position of consorts to the Mayors of Montreal, none have done more, none have appeared to better advantage, none have so effectually realized what a mayor's wife should be — publicly and pro- fessionally— than Mrs. McShane, the accomplished wife of the present Mayor of Montreal.
DE MAISONNEUVE.
PAUL CHOMEDY DE MAISONNEUVE was the founder of the City of Montreal in 1642, where he had already settled some French colonists, and was appointed Gov- ernor. In 1647, he was advanced to the governorship of the whole Province, and succeeded in getting M. D'Aillebout appointed in his stead, when he retired.
A pension was conferred upon him by the Seminary of Paris, in consequence o^ his important services to the Church of Rome in Canada. After a lapse of nearly 250 years Maisonneuve appears to appeal to his fellow citizens as the founder of their city. A monument is to be erected to his memory in Place d'Armes, and aided too by the Corporation of the City by a substantial grant. No man deserves more of his countrymen than he, as the first Governor and founder of Montreal, and all nationality is laid aside in the monument to be erected to the memory of him who began the city and made it what it now is — the Commercial Emporium of Canada. Much of the life of Maisonneuve is given in the History of Montreal, in the first part of this book. He well deserves all the praise and public recognition which he is about to receive from his fellow citizens on this 25oth anniversary or the 5th Jubilee of the foundation of Ville Marie — Montreal.
CHARLES LEMOYNE
WAS the ist Baron de Longueuil and among the very first persons born in the City of Montreal, having been born in this city loth December, 1656. On account of his bravery, chivalry and life, he has received the name of " Le Machabee -de Montreal," in allusion to the brave family of the Machabees mentioned in the Apocrypha of the Bible. He distinguished himself in the war of Flanders, where he immortalized Canada and especially his native city by his heroic acts and military fame. Returning to Montreal he became in 1706 " Major de Montreal." In 1683 he married a niece of one of the first priests of the city. He rendered such great service to the Province at the siege of Quebec, 1690, where he was wounded, also in the Iroquois War, that Louis XIV created him a Baron with the above title. Afterwards he was successively Governor of Three Rivers in 1720 and of Montreal in 1724.
104 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
He died 7th June, 1729, at Montreal, and he had a magnificent funeral. A true Montrealer — born, died and buried in it, one of whom all succeeding citizens may feel proud.
CHEVALIER DE CALLIERES.
Louis HECTOR DE CALLIERES was a wise and prudent Governor of New France, and a gallant French military officer. Originally, he came from Torigny in Normandy to Canada, as a member of the Montreal Company, and afterwards became Governor of this place. He exhibited great wisdom during the war, and in his relations with the Iroquois, with whom he concluded a peace in 1701, at Montreal. He succeeded De Frontenac in the government of the country in 1698, and con- tinued to hold his appointment until 1703.
Charlevoix does not hesitate to proclaim him one of the best generals Canada ever possessed under French rule.
LEMOINE D'IBERVILLE
" WAS a Canadian navigator, who began the colonization of Louisiana. Born in Montreal in 1642, he died in Havana, July 9, 1706. He was one of seven brothers, who were all active in Canadian affairs in the latter half of the seventeenth century. He early went to sea, and distinguished himself for bravery and ability as a volunteer in the midnight attack on Schenectady ; as commander of the expedition which recovered Fort Nelson from the British (1686), and with it the control of the Indian commerce of the region of Nelson's river ; as a successful invader of the English possessions in Newfoundland, and as a victor in naval contests (1697), in spite of icebergs and a shipwreck, in Hudson's Bay. He was reputed the most skilful naval officer in the service of France, when in 1698 he was commissioned by the French Government to explore the mouth of the Mississippi, which had never yet been entered from the sea, and to erect a fort near it. With two frigates, two smaller vessels, a company of marines, and about two hundred settlers, he set sail from Rochefort, October 17, 1698 ; was welcomed at San Domingo, found Pensacola preoccupied by Spaniards, and cast anchor, February 2, 1799, on the Island of Massacre, near Mobile. Accompanied by his brother, Lemoine de Bienvilie, a Franciscan, who had been a companion of La Salle, and forty-eight men, in two barges, and with provisions for fifteen days, he sailed thence to seek the Mississippi, which they entered 2nd March, and ascended to the village of the Bayagoulas. They also visited the Oumas, among whom they found a letter written by Tonty to La Salle, in 1684, and they probably reached the mouth of the Red River. Returning to the bay of Biloxi, Iberville erected a fort as a testimony of French jurisdiction, the command of which he entrusted to his two brothers, Sanville and Bienvilie. He himself sailed for France, but returned when the French supremacy on the Mis- sissippi was endangered by British aggression, and the French Protestant refugees were seeking there an asylum after their exile from France. He again ascended the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 105
Mississippi (1700) as far as the country of the Nachez, while his brother explored western Louisiana, crossed the Red River, and approached New Mexico. Bilious fevers desolated the colonists at Biloxi ; Sanville was a. victim to it, and the chief command devolved on Bienville ; and when Iberville arrived with reinforcements, July 22, iyor, there were but one hundred and fifty of them alive. Soon after, this fortress was transferred to the western bank of Mobile river, the first European settlement in Alabama. Iberville also constructed fortifications on the Island of Massacre, which he named Dauphine Island, and which became the centre of the colony. Attacked by the yellow fever, he escaped with broken health. In 1706, in command of three vessels, he made a descent upon the English Island of Nevis, which he captured ; and he died at Havana, on board of his ship, on the eve of an expedition against Jamaica."
CHARLKVOIX.
" PIERRE FRANCOIS XAVIER CHARLEVOIX, a celebrated traveller and writer, was a member of the Order of Jesuits, and was born at St. Quintin, in 1684. He was for several years a missionary in America, and more particularly in Canada. On his return he had a chief share in the "Journal de Travaux " for twenty-four years. He died in 1761, greatly esteemed for his high moral character and extensive learn- ing. His works are : " Histoire et Description Generate du Japon" " Histoire Generale de Paraguay," " Histoire de I1 Isle de St. Dominique," " Vie de Mere Marie de V Incarnation" and " Histore Generale de la Nouvelle France?' Of these, the latter is the most valuable, describing his own experience, and the manners and customs of native Americans. He is often quoted as a writer of good authority. His style is simple and unaffected."
MARQUIS DE VAUDREUIL.
" PHILIPPE DE RIGAUD, Marquis de Vaudreuil, a Lieutenant-General in the French army, and Governor of New France for the space of several years. He was a brave soldier, and had distinguished himself at the siege of Valenciennes. He was sent to Canada as Commander of the Forces, and brought with him eight hundred men. With three hundred of these he went to the relief of Montreal during the massacre of Lachine, and served under De Frontenac in the grand expedition against the Iroquois. In 1690, he was engaged in the defence of Quebec against the attack of Admiral Phipps. Three years afterwards, he surprised and defeated La Chaudiere Noir, the most terrible and cunning of the Iroquois. But he gave up the military for the naval service, and in 1702, before inheriting his father's title,' he obtained a seigniory, and was appointed Governor of Montreal.
" He succeeded M. de Callieres in the government of Canada in 1703. He was married at Quebec to Louise Elizabeth Joybert de Soulange, daughter of Chevalier Joybert de Soulange. This marriage was viewed with dissatisfaction by the French ministry, who did not wish him, nor any of their colonial governors, to ally them- selves with the residents.
106 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
" He displayed great activity in 1710, in the defence of Quebec — the expense •of which, however, was mainly borne by its inhabitants ; and he made preparation for the relief of Montreal.
"After the accession of Louis XV, he effected in the colony numerous reforms, which were much required, and the most important were those of improved educa- tion and civilization. He died at Quebec on the loth of October, 1725, universally regretted by the people of the colony. His administration was tranquil ; and his measures, whether civil or warlike, were usually crowned with success."
MARQUIS DE BEAUHARNOIS.
" CHARLES, MARQUIS DE BEAUHARNOIS, succeeded M. de Vaudreuil in the gov- ernment of New France in 1726, and held that appointment for more than twenty years — a fact which goes far to prove his fitness and capacity for such a high office. He was Commodo.e in the Royal Navy of France, in which he had gained distinction in bygone years, and had filled some important posts besides.
t; During the long and critical period in which he exercised the gubernatorial
functions in Canada — although inundations and earthquakes, death, famine, war and
-sickness prevailed and had to be contended with — the French ministry had never
cause either to reproach him for remissness of duty, or correct him in his general
administration of affairs, except once, when he took part in the quarrel between the
Clergy and the Chapter on the occasion of the collision of those parties relative to
the burial of the body of Bishop de Vallieres.
" In consequence of the sanguinary inroads which the Outagamis were making on the unprotected colonists throughout the country, he found it necessary, during the early part of his administration, to give a sudden and decided check to their pro- ceedings. A small army was organized, composed of the colonists, who pursued the „ savages as far as where the City of Chicago now stands, and the Mississippi. They met in with the Indians, and signally defeated them ; besides destroying their huts and plantations, they indeed nearly exterminated the cruel and unrelentless red men of the tribe of the Outagamis, while they avenged the death of their countrymen. It was a just retribution.
" When war was declared between England and France, and the conquest of Canada and the other French colonies resolved on by the former, and when only a small and feeble force was at his disposal, he fortified and strengthened the several weak positions of the country, and founded the impregnable Crown Point. By his representations and entreaties, he at length prevailed on the French Ministry to send an expedition to recapture Cape Breton, and to drive the English from the West Indies. Had this expedition been commanded by a competent and able officer, great damage would certainly have been done to our sea and land forces. As it happened, the French fleet was annihilated by fierce and violent storms, which the inexperienced D'Auville was unable to contend against. Beauharnois was succeeded in 1746 by M. de la Jonquiere."
. GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 1 07
MARQUIS DE VAUDREUIL.
" PIERRE FRANCOIS, Marquis de Vaudreuil-Cavagnal, was the last Governor of Canada under French domination, and undoubtedly one of the best. He was a son of the former Governor of New France of the same name, and was born at Quebec in 1698. Having joined the military service he rose to the rank of Major in the Marine Corps. In 1733 he was appointed Governor of Three Rivers, and in 1743 of Louisiana, in both of which situations he was greatly popular. In 1748 he suc- ceeded to his father's title; and in 1755 was elevated to the high and responsible appointment of Governor of New France, — an appointment, which, if Montcalm and he had acted in concert, and the former had paid more attention to the plans of the latter, he would certainly have held for a much longer period than he did. The jealousy — or rather, the contempt — with which Montcalm regarded M. de Vaudreuil and his valuable suggestions, certainly tended, in a great measure, to hasten the downfall of the French nation in America. M. de Vaudreuil ever studied the wel- fare of Canada, and was devotedly attached to his sovereign. He would rather have died and sacrificed all he possessed, than tarnish the glory and honor of the arms of his country. He was a true Frenchman, bold and energetic in his measures, and yet wise and judicious in carrying them out. This was clearly manifested when he capitulated to Amherst at Montreal, notwithstanding the intention of the valorous De Levis to hold out with his scanty forces to the last; a determination which De Vaudreuil saw was hopeless, and would involve the needless destruction of Montreal, and the loss of many valuable lives. He therefore pursued the wisest, and indeed the only course open to him, and no one can justly impeach his loyalty or patriotism in so doing.
" After his return to France he was imprisoned in the Bastille on some charges preferred against him by the friends of Montcalm, but a trial before the Chatelet de Paris exonerated him from these, and from all blame in his administration of the affairs of Canada. He was released from imprisonment, but stripped of nearly all his worldly possessions. He died in 1764."
GENERAL THOMAS GAGE
" WAS the last Governor of Massachusetts by the King of England. He accompanied General Braddock to America, and was present when that officer was killed. In 1760 he was made Governor of Montreal, and in 1763 was appointed Commander- in-Chief of the British Forces in North America, in succession to General Amherst. In 1774 he was appointed Governor of Massachusetts, in which office he rendered himself very obnoxious to the people by his arbitrary proceedings ; and in the following year the Provincial Congress disqualified him from serving as Governor. Soon after he returned to England, where he died in 1787."
io8 .GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
DUG DE LEVIS.
"MARSHAL Due DE LEVIS, although only ' Chevalier de Levis' during the time he fought under Montcalm in this country, held the rank of second in com- mand. He was a most brave and chivalrous general, whom Garneau declares superior in many respects to Montcalm; born in 1720 at the Chateau d'Anjac en Languedoc, the same birthplace as Levy de Ventadour, who was Viceroy of New France in 1625. He had early adopted the military profession, to which he was an honor and a credit ; he energetically mastered every difficulty that lay in his way or obstructed the fulfil- ment of his desire to become a perfect soldier; and the result showed how well he had accomplished the task which he had imposed on himself. He took part at the battle of Carillon, where he commanded the right division ; as also at Montmorenci, where the French repulsed Wolfe in his endeavor to gain the fortified camp that covered Quebec. He was, however, absent at Montreal when the first battle of Quebec was fought ; and therefore, when Montcalm fell, could not take the command. This was an unfortunate circumstance for the French, as they had no one in whom they could place so much confidence as in their recognized leader, De Levis; the army, consequently, felHnto confusion, and the English gained the victory. At the second battle of Quebec, which took place near St. Foy, and where he had gathered the remnant of the French army with the ostensible purpose of wresting Quebec from Murray's hands, he commanded, and achieved a victory over Murray ; but this so-called victory was not so complete as to prevent the latter from holding the city. De Levis, elated by his success, still kept near Quebec until spring, when, on reinforcements arriving from England, he had to beat a hasty retreat to Montreal; and even there he would have held out aganist the English until the very last, had not De Vaudreuil wisely capitulated. He returned to France and again sought active service. In 1762 we find him at the battle of Johannisbourg, where the Prince of Conde obtained a signal victory over the forces of Prince Ferdinand. In 1783, the Government of Artois, as a reward for his services, created him a French Marshal, and in the next year, a Duke and Peer of France. He died in 1787, whilst endeavor- ing to uphold the State of Arras."
BISHOP PLESSIS.
11 JOSEPH OCTAVE PLESSIS was the greatest man who ever occupied the Roman Catholic Episcopal seat at Quebec since Francois de Laval Montmorency. M. Plessis was the first Canadian Bishop who ever visited Rome, and the first ever appointed by the Crown to be a member of the Legislative Council. He was born at Montreal, 3rd March, 1762. He was ordained a priest at Quebec nth March, 1786. From time to time, he was employed as Professor of Humanity, at the Col- lege of St. Raphael, also as Secretary to the Bishop of Quebec and Curate of the Capital. On the 6th September, 1797, he was created Coadjutor to Bishop Denault, and obtained the royal acceptance through General Prescott ; but the venerable
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 109
Pontiff, Pius VI., having been dragged into captivity, after his death, the Church remained for some time without a chief. The nomination of Monseigneur Plessis, which had been long expected, became one of the first acts of the Roman Pontiff Pius VII. A bull, dated 26th April, 1800, appointed him Bishop of Canatte in Palestine, with the succession to the seat at Quebec. He was consecrated on the 25th January, 1801, and employed himself during his coadjutorship in founding the college at Nicolet as well as primary schools at Quebec. He succeeded Monseigneur Denault, and took possession of his seat on the lyth January, 1806. In him was to be seen a Bishop altogether loyal, firm, of good policy, with an ability much needed in his relations with certain rulers. The British Government hesitated to place in him that confidence which he afterwards acquired. Under Prevost, Plessis began to reap the fruits of his services, and triumphed, at least partially, in the opposition raised against the provincial ordinance of 1791, since Sir George Prevost acknowl- edged his title of Roman Catholic Bishop of Quebec. He was called by the Crown to the Legislative Council in 1818, and in this honorable position he proved him- self to be a loyal and patriotic Senator. In 1821, when the majority of the Legisla- tive Council resolved not to concur in any bill from the Lower House, relative to the Civil List, in which special items wouldabe contained, this prelate, as well as Judge Olivier Perrault, dissented therefrom, and declared that the said resolution was pre- mature, too general, and did not contain a precise specification of the objects com- prised under the head of the Civil List. This indefatigable Bishop meditated the erection of all the English Colonies into one ecclesiastical province, of which Quebec should be the metropolis. He left for England and Rome in 1819. In considera- tion of eminent services which he had rendered to England, during the French Revolution, and during the War of 1812, as Legislative Councillor, he met with a kind and hearty reception from Lord Bathurst, with whom he had several interviews, and was his guest at his country seat. Although he could not obtain his consent to the appointment of an archbishop at Quebec, nor to that of bishops for Montreal and Kingston, he was allowed district bishops at Kingston, Red River, and in the Lower Province ; their bulls not only denominated them auxiliaries; but suffragans to the Bishop of Quebec, and they were thus assimilated to other metropolitan bishops of the first centuries of the Church, before the title of archbishop was known. With respect to Nova Scotia, the Sovereign Pontiff had placed there a vicar-apostolic. It was Monseigneur Edmund Burke, ex-grand vicaire to Plessis, who consecrated him in 1818, prior to his departure for Europe. He returned to Quebec on the i6th August, 1820, and was received with great demonstrations of respect and affection by the inhabitants of Quebec. He was accompanied by the Abbe Lartigue, named suffragan and auxiliary for the district of Montreal, where Monseigneur Hubert had already tried to have an Episcopal See erected. He consecrated him in the ancient Parochial Church in 1821. The mandate of installation, issued by Monseigneur Plessis, accorded to the suffragan's auxiliaries the same honors as to himself. He died at the General Hospital, in Quebec, on. the 4th December, 1825, aged sixty-two
110 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL,
years and nine months. He was buried on the 7th, with all the religious and civil honors ; the troops of the garrison lining the road of the funeral procession, and Lord Dalhousie following with his staff and the principal men of rank in the Province. His coffin was placed in the sanctuary of the Cathedral, under the spot where grand mass is usually celebrated. His heart was deposited in the wall of one of the chapels of the Church of St. Roch, and a monument of marble was erected near it. A marble tombstone was also erected on the 2nd December, 1833, in the sanctuary of the Cathedral, above his tomb. The correspondence of this prelate, which is most important, is preserved, and a series of Latin sermons for the union of the clergy."
HON. PIERRE L. PANET
" WAS a distinguished member of the Bar of Lower Canada, and rose to be mem- ber of the Executive Council, and to be elevated as one of the Judges of the Court of King's Bench for the District of Montreal. He died of an apoplectic fit on the 3rd December, 1812. A journal of the day, recording his demise, said: — ' In him his associates on the Bench will have to lament a coadjutor second to none in ability, knowledge and integrity ; his family, a parent and friend, whose character was their honor, protection and example ; and the community an individual, whose virtue and services as" a judge and member of the Legislature of this Province, and whose humanity and benevolence in every relation of life, have entitled him to their highest respect and gratitude.' "
A. O. BERTHELET
WAS born in Montreal, 25th May, 1798, and married in 1822 Angelique, daughter of M. L. Chaboillez, N.P., a name well-known in those days, and after whom Cha- boillez Square, in this city, is called. From 1839 ne occupied himself with doing works of charity. Under the direction of Bishop Bourget (afterwards Archbishop) he employed the greater part of his immense fortune in doing good to his fellow men. He founded the Hospice of St. Joseph for orphans, also PAsile du Bon Pas- teur. With others, he greatly aided the Asile de la Providence. He founded in great part the Convent of the Sceurs de la Misericorde. His great work was the founding of the Reformatory for Boys, at a cost of $100,000, also buying a farm at Longue Pointe to attach it to the institution1 He was elected to Quebec Parliament in 1832, and by LordSydenham in Special Council. He always endeavored to per- form all duties of his office with honesty and precision. He was President of the Committee of Pontifical Zouaves in 1868, and received the Cross of Commander of the Order of Pius IX. He died 25th September, 1872, at seventy-four years of age. His funeral was attended by an immense concourse of citizens ; two bishops, Mon- seigneur Bourget and Monseigneur Vinet, being present.
LADY MOUNT STEPHEN.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. m
LORD MOUNT STEPHEN.
GEORGE, LORD MOUNT STEPHEN, formerly Sir George Stephen, was born at Dufftown,. Banff. Scotland, 5th June, 1829. He commenced his business life in the town of Aberdeen. Afterwards he went to London, where his business education was com- pleted. In 1830, at twenty-one years of age, he came to Canada, where, in Montreal,. he entered into arrangements with his cousin, the late William Stephen. After three years, he was given a partnership in the business. The elder Mr. Stephen dying in 1862, the subject of this sketch purchased his cousin's interest in the business, and began on a large scale the manufacture of cloth. Proving highly lucrative, he with- drew from the wholesale business and devoted himself entirely to manufacturing. He was elected a Director of the Bank of Montreal, and in 1876 was made Vice- President. When David Tor ranee died, he was made President. At this time he gave much attention to certain railways in the Far West, and which led to his con- nection with the formation and development of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1881, he was elected its President, and he richly deserved that, in 1885, the Govern- ment of Canada gave him the Confederation medal. Next year, 1886, Her Majesty the Qneen, also to recognize his energy and great services in this wonderful under- taking, created him a Baronet. In 1885, with Sir Donald Smith, he founded what is called " The Montreal Scholarship." It is tenable for three years and open to all residents of Montreal and its vicinity, and gives the recipient a three years' course in the Royal College of Music, London. But the best as well as the largest of all his munificent gifts was that, also in conjunction with Sir Donald Smith, who is ever first in every good cause, of the princely gift of $1,000,000, or $500,000 each, to build a new hospital, to be called ''The Victoria Hospital," in commemoration of the Jubilee of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.
In commemoration of this munificent gift, the Queen raised him, in 1889, to the high rank of a Peer of the Realm of Great Britain, and under the title of Lord Mount Stephen, which is the highest mountain of the Rockies, acknowledged his worth and generosity towards the citizens of Montreal in particular, and all Canada in general. He married when quite a young man, but having no children, Lady Mount Stephen, some years ago, adopted a Montreal little girl as her own daughter ; she is now married to a son of the well-known English politician, Sir Stafford Northcote, and, as Lady Northcote, resides in England. His Lordship resides part of the year in England and part in Montreal. The reasons of the Author why the dedication of this book is given to Lord Mount Stephen show the principal events- of his public life, and why these honors have been showered on him. He is not an old man by any means, but still energetic and active, and let us hope has many years of usefulness and ease still in store for him and his most estimable lady.
Since the above short sketch of Lord Mount Stephen has been written, he has lost his father. A few weeks ago, and in Montreal, the old gentleman died, full of years and peace, at the advanced age of ninety-one. Little did the father think, more than
112 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
sixty years ago, when looking on his boy of two years old in " Bonnie Scotland," that he would live to see him a Peer of the greatest Empire ever existing in the world — a Pear of that Realm on which the sun never sets. But truth every day is stranger than fiction, and it all points to the fact that what has been done in the past may be accomplished in the future, and there may be some Saxon or Celt in Montreal at the present day who in the coining twentieth century will also make his mark (like the subject of this sketch) among the nations of the earth, and his praise throughout his native land.
In the slow passage of such a large work as this through the press many events take place which if possible must be either inserted in notes at the end of the volume or by inserted leaflets. Not long after the death of Lord Mount Stephen's father, his mother also died, and the two people, with only a short time between their deaths, now lie peacefully in Mount Royal Cemetery.
" Where the wicked cease from troubling, And the weary are at rest."
BISHOP LARTIGUE.
" THIS most estimable and learned divine, J. J. Lartigue, was born at Montreal, on the 20th of June, 1777. He was named by Pope Pius VII., on the ist February, 1820, Bishop of Felmessa in Lycia. and suffragan bishop to the Bishop of Quebec for the district of Montreal. He was consecrated in the Parochial Church of Mont- real, by His Grace Bishop Plessis, on the 2 ist January, 1821. He labored hard during 1837-8 to allay the agitated feelings of his people, and was most useful during that troublous time. He died on the i6th April, 1840."
HON. JOHN YOUNG
WAS born in Ayr, Scotland, 4th March, 1811. He taught school for some time near Ayr, but in 1826 emigrated to Canada. In 1835, he entered into partnership with David Torrance, of Quebec. Removing to Montreal he joined Harrison Stephens in business. No man was more imbued with a love for developing Montreal than John Young. In 1851, he was chosen Commissioner of Public Works, in the Hincks-Morin Cabinet, and retired from ill-health in 1857. In 1872, he was elected for Montreal West, for the House of Commons. In two years he gave up political life and devoted himself to the interests of Montreal. He was President of the Board of Trade, for years one of the Harbor Commissioners, and after doing as much as any man had ever done for developing the growth of his adopted city, he died on the i2th April, 1878, universally mourned by all classes of the community and city which he had so greatly loved and so faithfully served.
SIR DONALD SMITH, M.P.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 113
SIR DONALD A. SMITH.
THE subject of this sketch, remarkable for his generosity and gifts to Montreal, was born in Morayshire, Scotland, 1821. He came to Canada when quite a youth. There is no living man so identified with the Northwest Territories of Canada and the Hudson Bay Company as Sir Donald Smith. Early in life he entered the employ of the Hudson Bay Company, and rose gradually from post to post till he became a Director and afterwards President, Governor and Chief Commissioner of that vast concern. In 1870, he was appointed an Executive Councillor of the Northwest Territories and one of the Commissioners to inquire into the reasons of the insur- rection of 1869-70. He has had an active life, and has been connected with the Mitchell Steamship Company, the Bank of Montreal, of which he is now the esteemed President, and the Railway Equipment and Stock Company. He repre- sented Winnipeg from 1871 to 1874 in the Manitoba Assembly, when he resigned,, in order to confine his attention to the House of Commons. He Was returned for Manitoba on its admission into the Union in 1871, re-elected in 1874, and again in 1878. At present he is the worthy member for Montreal West in the House of Com- mons of Canada.
Sir Donald Smith was the last resident Governor of the Hudson Bay Company, and has been greatly connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway from its com- mencement. When the last spike of that celebrated railway was driven in on the 7th November, 1885, at Craigallachie, B.C., Sir Donald Smith was present. His house in Montreal is one of the finest private residences in the city. His munificent gifts to McGill College are still fresh, in the public mind, and especially that of the " Donalda College " for women, entirely purchased and equipped by him. He is justly a Governor of McGill, which he has so much benefitted. The crowning act of Sir Donald's is in conjunction with Lord Mount Stephen of their princely gift for building and endowing the " Victoria Jubilee Hospital."
Perhaps, among all the thousands of the gifts to Her Majesty on her auspicious Jubilee, none were so costly or princely as that one of Lord Mount Stephen and Sir Donald Smith. The writer, when looking at the vast variety of these gifts exhibited from every land and shore in the Glasgow Exposition of 1888, could not but feel proud of his adopted country, Canada, and a wave of national pride passed through his bosom when he looked upon the hand-made socks and mitts and the scarfs and mufflers knitted by old palzied hands of "Scottish birth and Scottish name" among those gifts, and then thought of the grand Christian cosmopolitan one of the "Jubilee Hospital of Montreal."
"Show me thy faith by thy works." Christ went about ever doing good. All manner of disease He cured, and the man or men who devote their energy and means to do the same, receive a better testimony than they who give their all to advance their family and name. The great command of the Christian religion is — " to love thy neighbor as thyself." All praise, then, to the two citizens of Montreal who have so grandly exemplified these words of the Evangel.
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Upon the whole, the career of Sir Donald Smith has been marked by individual generosity and public gratitude, by fine abilities and the highest sense of public in- tegrity and honor. May he live long to dispense his gratitude and benevolence, and to him may the declaration at last be applied, " Well done."
SIR JAMES CRAIG, K.C.B.,
WAS born at Gibraltar in 1750, where his father was both civil and military judge- He chose the military profession, and, after an eventful career, was sent out to Quebec as Governor-in-Chief of British America. A disease, which was incurable, rendered him unable to continue longer his command, so he retired and left Canada, ipth June, 1811. His name is perpetuated in Craig street, Montreal. He died January, 1812.
Christie, in his History of Canada, thus describes him : —
" He was of an agreeable countenance, and impressive presence, stout and rather below the middle stature ; manly and dignified in deportment, but social, polite and affable ; positive in his opinions, and decisive in his measures. Although hasty in temper, he was, like most men who are so, far from implacable ; and, as we have seen, easily reconciled to those who may have incurred his displeasure. Hospitable and princely in his style of living, he was also munificent in his donations to public insti- tutions ; and to charitable purposes, a generous patron ; and lastly, we shall mention, though not the least of his virtues, a friend to the poor and destitute, none of whom, applying at his threshold, ever went away unrelieved."
CHIEF-JUSTICE SIR J. STUART, BART., LL.D.
" SIR JAMES STUART was the third son of Dr. John Stuart, a Clergyman of the Church of England at Fort Hunter, and afterwards Rector of Kingston. Sir James was born at Fort Hunter, on the Mohawk River, State of New York, on the 2nd of March, 1780. He went to the College at Windsor, in Nova Scotia, then the only Protestant collegiate institution in British North America. Having completed the ordinary course of study in that College at the unusually early age of fourteen, he became, in 1749, a student-at-law with Mr. Reid, then Prothonotary of the Court of King's Bench at Montreal, with whom he remained four years. In 1798, he entered the office of the late Jonathan Sewell, then Attorney-General, and afterwards Chief-Justice of Lower Canada, and was called to the Bar 28th of March, 1801. Before being called, however, he received jfrom Sir Robert Shore Milnes, Lieutenant-Governor of Lower Canada, the appointment of assistant-secretary, which he retained for several years, practising at the same time his profession at Quebec.
In 1805, at the early age of twenty-five, he was appointed Solicitor-General for Lower Canada, and removed to Montreal, which was the usual station of the Incum- bent of that office.
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At the General Elections in 1808, he was returned to represent the county of Montreal, and also the county of Buckingham, and declared his option to sit for Montreal. In 1809, in consequence of some difference with the Executive, he was removed from the office of Solicitor-General. He remained a member of the Assem- bly until 1817, when he withdrew for a time from political life.
In December, 1822, he was sent to England as the delegate of the British inhabitants of the city and county of Montreal, to advocate the re-union of Upper and Lower Canada, under one legislature; and, while in England advocating that measure, he was offered by the British Government the office of Attorney-General for Lower Canada, which he accepted, and to which he was formally appointed in 1822.
In 1827, he was appointed a member of the Executive Council, and elected a member of the Provincial Parliament for Sorel. In March, 1831, inconsequence of the part which he held it his duty to take in the political struggle of the day, he was suspended from office by Lord Aylmer, the then Governor-General, which suspension the Colonial Minister (Lord Goderich) thought it expedient to advise the Crown to confirm, in November, 1832; but in the following month of May, after the change in the administration, by which the Right Honorable Edward G. Stanley (afterwards the Earl of Derby) became Secretary of State for the Colonies, Sir James received from him an official communication, acknowledging in effect the injustice of the decision against him, and accompanied by an offer of the office of Chief-Justice of Newfoundland, which was respectfully declined. Sir James then returned to Lower Canada, and resumed practice as an advocate at Quebec.
In 1838, the Earl of Durham, after completing his well-known inquiry into the state of the provinces, and before leaving Quebec on his return to England, ap- pointed Sir James Chief-Justice of Lower Canada, in the place of the Honorable Jonathan Sewell, who retired upon a pension.
During the administration of Lord Seaton (then Sir John Colborne) he was a member of the special Council of Lower Canada, and acted as Chairman of that body. The incorporation of the cities of Quebec and Montreal, and a general municipal system for Lower Canada, are also understood to be his work; and his talents were also made available by Lord Sydenham in preparing the act to re-unite the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, and for the government of Canada, passed by the British Parliament in 1840, and now forming the constitution of Canada.
For his eminent public services, he was created a Baronet of the United King- dom in 1840, on which occasion he selected for his motto: " Justitice propositique tenax? which few words contain an epitome of his character. He was married in 1818 to the only surviving daughter of Alexander Robinson, Esquire, of Montreal, and left four children, three sons, the eldest of whom inherits the baronetcy, and one daughter. His death occurred on the i4th July, 1853."
Il6 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. CHIEF JUSTICE REID.
THE HONORABLE JAMES REID was the nephew of John Reid, Prothonotary of Montreal, who had removed from Quebec in 1780, and was one of the Trustees of the McGill estate. His wife built the Reid wing of the General Hospital, and the Manor House and grounds are now the Sohmer Park. He filled the judicial office of one of the Judges of the Court of King's Bench, Lower Canada, for a period of thirty-three years, fifteen of which he presided as Chief Justice.
Mr. Reid was admitted to the Bar in the year 1794, and in May, 1807, raised to the Bench, as one of the Puisne Judges.
In the year 1823, he was elevated to the orifice of Chief-Justice, and presided as such on the Bench until the year 1832, when the weight of declining years warned him to seek repose, and he then resigned his office. After relinquishing office, Mr. Reid and his family visited Europe, and, while in England, the honor of knighthood was offered to him as a mark of the Royal approbation of his long and valuable ser- vices ; " but a long life of public service, and a conscientious and faithful discharge of public duty, had secured to him the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and conferred upon him a rank beyond the records of the Herald's office, or the fugitive honors of a title, and he declined accepting it." He died igth of June, 1748, aged seventy- nine years.
HON. JAMES McGILL.
MR. McGiLL was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and was born in that city on the 6th of October, 1744. He came to this country at an early age, and immediately engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he was most successful, amassing a large and handsome fortune. He was successively a member of the Parliament of Lower Canada for the City of Montreal, and member of the Legislative and Executive Councils ; he was also an officer in the Militia, and rose to the high rank of Brigadier- General in the War of 1812.
Mr. McGill was distinguished for his charity, his sound practical judgment and his kindness of heart ; he mixed much in society, both English and French, being connected with the latter by marriage, He died on the iQth December, 1813, being sixty-nine years of age, in the City of Montreal, where he had resided ever since he came to Canada, and where for his liberality, goodness of heart, and philanthropical munificence, he left behind him a monument of his worth, having bequeathed his house of Burnside and all his property and a sum of ^10,000 to found the College which bears his name, which will assuredly carry his name down to posterity with honor and distinction.
He married on the 2nd December, 1776, Charlotte Guillemin, daughter of Guil- laume Guillemin, in his lifetime[Councillor of the King of France, Lieutenant-General of the Admiralty of Quebec, and Judge of the Court of Prerogatives.
James McGill was one of the twelve who signed the capitulation of Montreal to General Montgomery on i2th November, 1775. There were six English and six
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French signers. The other English signers were John Porteous, Richard Himtley, John Blake, Ed. W. Gray and J. Finlay. He resided at " Burnside House," demol- ished in 1860.
ABBE FERLAND.
ABBE FERLAND'S reputation rests upon his literary productions, although he is at the same time a distinguished ornament of the Roman Catholic Church. He is des- cended from the family of Freland, formerly of Poiton, in Vendee, France, in the i yth century; a member of which emigrated to this country and settled on the Island of Orleans, near Quebec. Here the name was changed to its present style; and the father of the historian was married to a daughter of M. Lebrun De Du- plessis, one of the four advocates who remained in Quebec after the Cession. M. Ferland was born at Montreal on the 25th December, 1805.
In 1816, he entered the College of Nicolet, where he remained until 1823, when he was admitted to Holy Orders ; served for one year as Under Secretary to Mon- seigneur Plessis, and afterwards became Professor of Arts, Rhetoric and Philosophy, at Nicolet. In 1828, he was admitted to the priesthood ; was Vicar, and served at Riviere du Loup, and St. Roch, Quebec ; and acted as First Chaplain of the Marine Hospital during the cholera of 1834. He was appointed Curate of St. Isidore ; and, in the first of the same year, was appointed Curate of St. Foy, as also at Ste. Anne de Beaupre, in 1837.
In 1841, he was appointed Superintendent of students at Nicolet, and became Superior of that institution in icS47« A vear later, he was called upon to reside at the Archiepiscopal Palace, Quebec.
In 1856, he proceeded to France, for the purpose of gathering materials for an early history of Canada. In this expedition he was eminently successful ; and on his return, published " Observations on an History of Canada by r Abbe Bras- seur /" and subsequently, " Notes on the Registers of Notrz Dame de Quebec;" 11 A Voyage, to Labrador ;" afterwards the first volume of " Courses of History of Canada, from 1534 to 1633 / " and " A Journal of a Voyage to the Coast of Gaspe" with other narratives.
HIS GRACE ARCHBISHOP FABRE.
EDWARD CHARLES FABRE is a true Montrealer, both his father and mother having also been born in this City. His father, E. R. Fabre, is well known from the benevo- lence of his actions toward the families of the political offenders in 1837-1838. He also was amongst the number who were incarcerated at that unhappy period. After his release he devoted himself entirely to the families of his co-patriots then suffering. He was connected for years with the well-known establishment of Fabre & Gravel, Booksellers. In the year 1849-1850, he was the Mayor of Montreal, and hadtoplay a prominent part, as Mayor, during that eventful day in April, 1849, when the Parliament Buildings were fired and burned to the ground. In the dreadful
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visitation of the cholera, in 1854, he remained faithful to his post, and died on i6th July in that year of this terrible disease. R. I. P.
His son was born 28th Feb., 1827, and a younger brother of His Grace is the well-known Hon. Hector Fabre, who is the Canadian Representative in Paris, France. His sister Hortense married the late Sir George E. Carder, Bart., and with her daughter lives abroad.
The subject of our sketch was educated at St. Hyacinthe College and in Issy, France. His first charge was Curate of Sorel. In 1852, he was Parish Priest of Pointe Claire. In 1854, he returnd to the "Bishop's Palace, was made a Canon in 1855, appointed Bishop of Gratianopolis in 1873, and was consecrated by Archbishop Taschereau of Quebec. In 1876, when Bishop Bourget resigned, His Grace then became Bishop of Montreal, and afterwards was raised to the high and responsible office of Archbishop. His Grace is much beloved by his people, and has admin- istered the affairs of the largest and most important Diocese in Canada with marked ability and judgment and great success. Long may he be spared to do so.
REV. FRANCIS FULFORD, D.D., FIRST METROPOLITAN OF CANADA.
DR. FULFORD was the second son of Baldwin Fulford, Esq., of Great Fulford, Devon. The family is descended from William de Fulford, who held Fulford, temp., Richard I. The Right Reverend Prelate was born at Sidmouth, 1803, and married, in 1830, the eldest daughter of Andrew Berkeley Drummond, Esq., of Cadlands, Hants, granddaughter of the second Earl of Egmond. He was educated at Tiverton Grammar School, and subsequently entered Exeter College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1824, and was elected a Fellow, in June, 1825 ; he received the degree of D.D. in 1850 ; was Rector of Trowbridge, Wilts, from 1832 to 1842 ; Rector of Croyden, Cambridgeshire, from 1842 to 1845 ; was Minister of Curzon Chapel, Parish of St. George's, Hanover Square, London, from 1845 ^ ms consecra- tion in 1850. He published a volume of sermons, and a work on " The Progress of the Reformation"
In 1860, he was appointed by royal letters patent " Metropolitan Bishop of this Province." He did much to promote the advancement and peace of the Church, was popular with all denominations, and endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. His services towards Science and Art were extremely valuable ; so much so indeed that he was elected on several occasions to high offices in some of our best institutions. After a most successful career, he died on the gth Sept., 1868, univer- sally regretted. A beautiful monument, which cost $5,000, has been erected to his memory on the grounds of Christ's Church Cathedral, Montreal.
BISHOP BOND.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. IIQ
RIGHT REV. BISHOP BOND, LL.D.
THE subject of this sketch is one of the best known and oldest of our citizens. He was bora in Truro, Cornwall, England, in the year 1815.
He came to Canada in 1838 at a time when the country was in the throes of the Canadian Rebellion. He shortly after studied for Orders, and was ordained Deacon at Quebec in 1840, and advanced to the Priesthood at Montreal in 1841. His head- quarters then were at Lachine, whence he travelled as a Missionary throughout the greater part of the Eastern Townships.
The house in which the Bishop lived for five years at Lachine is rather of an histori- cal character. It was built by John Finlay, and called then " The Finlay House." He was the head officer of the King's Post, and a kind of Commissary General during the war of 1812. It was then one of the finest places on the Island of Montreal. Among others who occupied it was the late Col. Wilgress, and then Mr. David Davidson of the Bank of Montreal ; but the most noted and only living occupant at this day (D. Davidson died a few weeks ago) is our own beloved Bishop, and for the past forty years it has ever gone by the name of " THE BOND HOUSE."
In 1848, he was appointed Assistant Minister to St. Gorge's Church, Montreal. Dr. Leach was then the Incumbent. After the Doctor's resignation to give more attention to his duties in McGill College, the Bishop was appointed to succeed him as Incumbent. As Incumbent and Rector he remained for over thirty years. Dur- ing his connection with St. George's, he was successively Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Archdeacon of Hochelaga and Dean of Montreal.
On the i6th October, 1878, he was elected to the high office of Bishop of the Diocese. This was occasioned by the resignation of Most Rev. Bishop Oxenden, The Metropolitan, who returned to England. His consecration took place on the 25th January, 1879, and though only twelve years ago, of all the Clergy and Diocesan Dele- gates then present, two-thirds are either dead or have left the Diocese for other fields of labor. Of the Clergy then present nearly forty have passed away or gone to other Dio- ceses, whilst amongst the Laymen who welcomed their new Bishop that day the most prominent of the dead are James Hutton, C. J. Brydges,Col. Wilgress, Hon. Thos. White, Sir Wm. Johnson, M. H. Sanborn, Hon. L. S. Huntington, M. H. Gault, H.Spence, Charles Gibb and many others, all personal friends of the Bishop. But the severest trial of all was in the sudden loss of her who had so faithfully stood by him in all the changes in his career, and who died only a short time after he was elected Bishop. It was decided at the election of Bishop Bond, or just before it, that the office of Metropolitan should be no longer stationary in Montreal Diocese, but that the longest consecrated Bishop should always be the Metropolitan, and Montreal continue to be the seat of the Provincial Synod, which meets every three years, and includes all the Provinces of the Dominion east of Manitoba.
The Bishop received the degree of M. A. from Bishop's College, Lennoxville, and LL.D. from McGill University, in 1877.
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He has always been a great friend of education, and was a member for some time of the Council of Public Instruction for the Province of Quebec.
He was instrumental, with the first Metropolitan, in getting the Normal School (Protestant) opened in this city. At the jubilee of his ministry last year, a con- siderable sum of money was presented to the Bishop, with the best wishes of his many friends and admirers. He is still able to travel through his extensive diocese, and annually visits every Church and Parish within its bounds. He has ruled the affairs of the Diocese most successfully, and has been at all times, to his Clergy and the Laity of every Parish, not only their spiritual father, but their friend.
His sons are well known in Montreal. Col. Frank Bond for many years was the genial Commander of "The Prince of Wales Rifles Regiment," and his other son, Edward — once Major in the same corps — is now an extensive Marine Insurance agent in Montreal. He is a successful worker in the Temperance cause and Equal Rights, and on the floor of the Synod is ever ready to uphold whatever is beneficial to the Diocese, and likely to promote its welfare. He is very useful in the Societies for "The Protection of Women and Children," and that of " Cruelty to Animals." The two brothers are true Montrealers — both having been born in this city, and educated in the High School and McGill University.
SIR GEORGE CARTIER, BART.
GEORGE ETIENNE CARTIER was born at St. Antoine, on the Banks of the Chambly River, on the 6th September, 1814. His grandfather was one of the first represen- tatives of his native County of Vercheres. In 1791, the present name of Vercheres was not known, tbe county was called Surrey. Sir George was educated at St. Sulpice College, Montreal, afterward studied Law, and in 1835 was admitted to the Bar of Lower Canadi. The year after broke out the rebellion of 1837-38. It is needless here to say that the French Canadians almost to a man supported Papineau, their leader, and that the family compact had much to do with the uprising. Cartier was one of those, and, as a price was set upon his head, he escaped to the United States. At the close of hostilities he returned to Canada a sadder and a wiser man. Papineau found him a " mastering rival." He was first elected for Vercheres in 1848, and continued to 1861 to represent the county, till he defeated Mr. Dorion, whom a writer styles " The Goliath of the Rouges in Montreal," and became the member for the East District of the city. Previously, in 1856, he was Provincial Secretary in the McNab-Tache Administration, and the same year succeeded Mr. Drtimmond, Attorney General for Lower Canada. In August, 1858, he became one of the Cartier-McDonald Administration. He was instrumental in getting passed many prominent Acts for the better administration of the affairs of the Dominion. Her Majesty, shortly after Confederation, created him a Baronet. He had much to do in the project of the C. P. Railway, etc. Elections took place in 1872, and Sir George was utterly overwhelmed by Mr. Jette, now Hon. Justice Jette. This
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broke his heart. He retired to England, and shortly after died. His funeral was one of the grandest ever seen in Montreal. It was a public testimony to his great worth. Lady Cartier and daughter still live abroad.
SIR L. H. LAFONTAINE, BART.
OF the history of this celebrated man we cannot say a great deal, as the space at our command is very meagre. He is the descendant of Antoine Menard Lafontaine, Esq., who was a member of the Parliament of Lower Canada from 1796 to 1804. Sir Louis Hypolite was born at Boucherville, Canada East, in October, 1807 ; he is the third son of A. M. Lafontaine (son of the former), and of Marie J. Fontaine Bienvenu, his wife.
For the sketch of his career, we are indebted to the clever writer of the " Wash- ington Sketches,'" written at the time that the Chief-Justice was at the zenith of his political life : —
" For many years M. Lafontaine applied himself to the Bar with great diligence and success. He accumulated a handsome fortune and made an advantageous match. It was not until he thought himself " rich enough " that he gave much attention to politics.
" At first he was follower, then a rival, of Papineau. The latter was with the parti pretre, the former led that of La jeune France, and the priests shook their heads at his orthodoxy ; in fact, spoke of him as little better than an infidel. But "circumstances alter cases. " Both fled, in 1837, fr°m warrants for high treason. M. Lafontaine reached England, where, not feeling himself safe, by the assistance of Mr. Edward Ellice, who had the greatest single property in Canada, he escaped across the channel to France.
" More fortunate than M. Papineau, he was very soon enabled to return, there in reality being no evidence against him.
" In 1843, M. Lafontaine, who, after the death of Lord Sydenham, had worked himself into place as the head of the French party, quarrelled with Lord Metcalfe, in whom he met a man resolute as himself. The issue was taken on a general election, The Tory party was then in the ascendency in Upper Canada, and, united with the Moderates, out of forty-two representatives, returned all but nine, and of these three doubtful. M. Lafontaine brought up his wing of the brigade gallantly ; but it was of no use ; the centre and the other wing were routed. He was doomed for three years to the " cold shade of opposition," in which he showed great constancy and industry.
" In March, 1848, the Tory party fell. Their opponents in Upper Canada gained twenty seats, saved all the French counties, and gained Montreal and three English or mixed counties, giving them a majority of two-thirds of the House. M, Lafontaine then resumed his old place, and became the virtual premier.
" M. Lafontaine was not an eloquent speaker, his utterance being thick and guttural, and his English, though good in structure, bad in pronunciation. In fact
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he rarely tried the latter. But he was a close and compact logician, and never lost his temper.
" M. Lafontaine had a handsome countenance, of a style which much resembled that of Napoleon, and a magnificent forehead."
Sir Louis remained in office until October, 1851, when the Hincks-Tache Admin- istration was formed. On the i^th August, 1853, he was elevated to the Chief- justiceship of the Court of Queen's Bench of Lower Canada, and on the 28th August, 1854, was created, for his eminent services, a Baronet of the United Kingdom.
Sir Louis married twice, but had no issue ; first in 1831, to Adele, only daughter of A. Berthelot, Esquire, advocate, and secondly, in 1860, to a widow lady of Montreal. He died a few years ago.
HON. J. J. C. ABBOTT, PREMIER OF CANADA,
WAS bornatSt. Andrew's, Quebe:, on i2th March, 1821. His father was the late Rev. Joseph Abbott, M.A., who came to Canada from England in 1818, and settled at St. Andrews. After his school days he entered McGill College, passed a brilliant career and graduated B.C.L. Afterwards he studied Law, and in 1847 was called to the Bar of Lower Canada. He has always been a standard authority on Commer- cial Law. It was in 1859 he first entered politics, being the representative of his native county in the old Canadian Assembly till the Union, when he was returned to the House of Commons. From 1874 to 1880 he retired from public life, but again represented Argenteuil. His great work was the Insolvent Act of 1864. For a short time in 1862 Mr. Abbott held the appointment of Solicitor- General in the Sandfield Macdonald-Sicotte Administration. Some time before this he had been made a Q.C. He is the author of several important public measures. For some years he has been a Senator. On the death of the late Sir John A. Macdonald, he was called to form a new Cabinet, and now holds the high position of Premier of Canada. His wife is a daughter of the first Dean of Montreal — May, daughter of Rev. John Bethune, D.D., and sister of our well-known citizen Strachan Bethune. Esq., Q.C., Chancellor of the Diocese of Montreal.
C. J. COURSOL, Q.C.,
WAS born in Ontario, 1820, being the son of an officer of the Hudson Bay Company. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1841. In the Trent affair he raised the Regiment of the " Chasseurs Canadiens," and during the Fenian excitement Judge Coursol was with his Regiment on the Borders of Canada. Afterwards he was appointed Judge of Quarter Sessions and Police Commissioner. He is well known in connection with the St. Alban's Raiders, and his decision thereon was endorsed by Lord Cairns. He was connected with the reception of the Pontifical Zouave movement and was elected Mayor of Montreal in 1871. He was also Director of various public Institutions, and died some years ago universally regretted.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 12$
SIR FRANCIS G. JOHNSON, CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPERIOR COURT.
THE subject of this sketch was born at Oakey House, Bedfordshire, England, on New Year's day, 1817. His father was Godschall Johnsjn, an officer of the loth Royal Huzzars. This Regiment was then known as the Prince of Wales Regiment. His mother, Lucy Bishop, came of an historical family. She was a daughter of Sir Cecil Bishop, and sister to Col. Cecil Bishop, who fell in the War of 1812-14, and was buried at Niagara, where a fine monument, visited by many tourists, is still to be seen. Our subject was educated at St. Omer, France, hence Sir Francis' thorough knowledge of the French language and Parisian accent. Afterwards he went to a large educational establishment at Bruges, Belgium. In 1835, ne came to Canada and studied Law with the late Hon. Justice Day, was called to the Bar in 1840, prac- tised in Montreal, and created a Q.C. in 1846; a rapid career for one not thirty years of age. -It was whilst Crown-Prosecutor that the ability of the lawyer was shown. His eloquence was so noted that he had few compeers at the Bar.
So thoroughly versed in legal lore was Sir Francis at this time that he held one or two civil appointments. One was the Secretary of the Commission to revise the Statutes of Lower Canada ; another, the Recorder of Rupert's Land. The third was the most important, being the position of Governor of Assiniboine, Manitoba, which he held for four years, and returned to Montreal in 1858.
He resumed his practice in the city for seven years after his return, till June, 1865, when he was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court, rising gradually on the Bench till he is now the Chief Justice of the Superior Court for the large and most important District of Montreal.
In the year 1870, Judge Johnson was deputed by the Dominion Government to act as Special Commissioner to Manitoba, and to report on and organize the Courts of that new Province.
He was also appointed the sole Commissioner to settle the Rebellion Losses claims after the first Riel uprising. He returned to Montreal in 1872, and was offered the Governorship of the Province he had labored so much to bring into legal existence, but as this would necessitate the resignation of his being Judge, he pre- ferred his profession, and remains in it as one of its most illustrious lights.
Sir Francis has been twice married. His first wife was Mary Gates Jones, who died in 1853. She was a daughter of Mr. Jones of Montreal, a partner in the once famous firm of Horatio Gates & Co., of Montreal. His second, whom he married in 1857, was Mary Mills, daughter of John M. Mills, of Somersetshire, England. He has had six children, and though now in his 75th year, no man walks the street so upright and soldier-like as himself.
His long services to his country were recognized by the Queen, and on the 24th of May, 1890, the Chief Justice received the distinguished honor of Knighthood, and is now known by the name of Sir Francis Johnson. May he be long spared to bear this name.
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GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. CHIEF JUSTICE LACOSTE, D.C.L., COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH,
WAS born at Boucherville, Province of Quebec, on i2th February, 1842. His father, Hon. Louis Lacoste, was a Senator of the Dominion, his mother being Marie A. T. Proulx. He was educated at the College of St. Hyacinthe, and con- cluded his studies at the Laval University, Quebec. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada when he had just completed his majority, being twenty-one years of age in 1863, and soon found himself with a lucrative and important legal business. His practice was prompt, he was an able lawyer and he was to be trusted. In 1880, he was made a Q.C., and called on the 4th March, 1882, to the Legislative Council of the Province of Quebec for the Division of Mille Isles. Resigning the next year, he was appointed a Senator in 1884. He was called to the Speakership of the House in 1891. On the death of the late Chief Justice, Sir A. A. Dorion, from a number of names mentioned in the papers of all kinds, the subject of our sketch was selected by the Dominion Government to fill this high and important position on the Judiciary Bench. That he will do so, he already has shown his ability, and even in this yet short period of his incumbency has inaugurated certain reforms, much needed, and thus endorsing the Government's judgment that as Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench he is the right man in the right place.
HON. J. A. CHAPT,EAU
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 125
HON. JOSEPH ADOLPHE CHAPLEAU, LL.D., Q.C., SECRETARY OF STATE FOL CANADA,
WAS born in Ste. Therese, in 1840. The ancestors of Mr. Chapleau came from Old France and early settled in the Seigniory of Terrebonne. The primary education of the lad was procured at the College of Terrebonne, and thence he went to that of St. Hyacinthe, where he passed a brilliant curriculum. Having completed his college career, he entered for the study of Law the office of Messrs. Ouimet, Morin & Marchand. When the Hon. L S. Morin was called as Solicitor-General to the Executive Council, Mr. Chapleau then first came into notice. His maiden speech on the hustings was delivered at the town of Terrebonne, on the 25th of December, 1859, and his success on that occasion made him at once an important factor in that celebrated campaign which resulted in the return of the Solicitor-General. In 1861, he was called to the Bar, and retained by the new firm of Moreau vV Ouimet, on account of his legal acumen in the exciting spheres of the Criminal Courts. His first case was the defence of a whole family implicated in a case of child-murder. The miserable condition of the accused, the indignation of the people of the ward, where the crime had been committed, and the weight of the evidence, had doomed the unfortunate prisoners to certain condemnation. The young lawyer nevertheless ac- cepted that unequal challenge, and after superhuman efforts saved the whole family from the gallows. Since that period more than twenty prisoners accused of capital offences have, nearly all successfully, been defended by the learned Criminalist, whose record in the Court of Queen's Bench has bten one of the most complete in the ranks of those who have given themselves specially to the practice of Criminal Law in Canada. In 1873, he was made a Queen's Counsellor, and in 1882 had the high honor of being created " Commander of the Legion of Honor of France." The year previous he had received from Rome the distinction of having been made a " Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great."
However, politics had already absorbed a large portion of the young lawyer's attention and studies. From 1860 to 1867 there was not an electoral contest in which he did not take a most active part. On the ist of January, 1862, he became the joint proprietor and editor of " Le Colonisateur" a tri-weekly newspaper which was the centre of action of the young Conservative element during the two years of its existence. At the advent of Confederation, he was found fighting for the cause of Confederation. He had during the fifteen months that preceded Confederation, successfully canvassed the District of Montreal, where the " Parti National," headed by the late Mederic Lanctot, was trying to raise an anti-British movement. He was elected by acclamation member of the Quebec Legislature for Terrebonne in 1867, and was returned without opposition in the next General Elections of 1871. At the opening of the first Provincial Parliament of Quebec he was intrusted with the task of presenting the address in answer to the Speech from the Throne. As early as in the session of 1868 he strongly advocated the policy of protection to Canadian
126 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
industries and the policy of railways, as being the only means of securing to this Province the rank that its geographical and commercial situation in the Confedera- tion entitled it to occupy. His speeches on the question of the St. Maurice and Grandes Piles and the North Shore Roads are still in the memory of the Members of the Assembly. He deprecated the building of wooden railroads, then the hobby of the Chauveau-Dunkin Cabinet, as being a utopy with our rigorous climate. With the member of Shefford at the time, Mr. Bessette, he first brought before the House the question of Stipendiary Magistrates, which became an accomplished fact the year after. His party recognized his services in promoting him to the Executive Council when the Hon. G. Ouimet was called to reconstruct the Chauveau Cabinet in February, 1873. He received then the portfolio of Solicitor-General of the Pro- vince. In January, 1876, he entered the De Boucherville Government as Provincial- Secretary and Registrar. He held this until the fracas of the Letellier affair in 1878, when he became the Leader of the Conservative Opposition, and was mainly instru- mental in giving the death-blow to the Joly Government. When it fell, the new Lieutenant-Governor, Hon. M. Robitaille, called upon Mr. Chapleau to form a new Government. In this he remained Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Public Works and Minister of Railways till 1882, when he was called into the Federal Cabinet as Secretary of State for Canada, in the place of the late Mr. Mousseau, who succeeded him as Premier of Quebec. In July, 1884, he was appointed a Commis- sioner to proceed to British Columbia to investigate and report upon China immi- gration into Canada.
In the field of letters he has been a frequent and brilliant writer, but it has always been in his oratory that he has so far eclipsed all his contemporaries. He is truly a born orator, and never made by the precise rules of rhetoric and belles-lettres. Eloquent, fiery and fluent, with a clear musical utterance, every syllable falls on the listener's ears distinct and perfect. As professor in Laval University, where he occupied the chair of Criminal Law, it was right he should receive from that institution his title of Doctor of Laws, and among all the titles and affixes to his name, not one is more richly earned, nor does any one sound better than this one by which the writer desig- nates the subject of this sketch. May he live long to be an honor to the University from which he derived it, not as Premier of Quebec nor as Secretary of State for the Dominion of Canada, but as a Doctor of Laws from the oldest University in British North America.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. I2J
SIR J. W. DAWSON, F.R.G.S., C.M.G.,
PRINCIPAL OF McGiLL UNIVERSITY.
THE name of this distinguished and justly celebrated savant is not unknown to most of our readers. His labors in the cause of Science, History and Education are calculated to give him a high place among Canadian literati.
Sir William Dawson is a native of Pictou, Nova Scotia, where he was born of a good Scottish family, in October, 1820. After completing a course of study in Classics, Mathematics, Physics, Mental Science, Chemistry, etc., in Pictou Academy, taking lessons in Drawing and Taxidermy, and spending some time in collecting specimens in Natural History, he matriculated in the University of Edinburgh, and attended more especially the lectures of Professor Jameson, throughout the session of 1840-41, on Mineralogy and Geology. On his return to Nova Scotia, in 1841, he travelled with Sir C. Lyell, and, under his direction, he explored and described, in the " Pro- ceedings of the Geological Society of London" several points of interest regarding the geology of that province. After having lectured on Botany and Geology in the Academy of Pictou, and in the Dalhousie College, and having published several educational works, Mr. Dawson was appointed, in 1850, Superintendent of Education for Nova Scotia. In 1853, he resigned his office, and was appointed one of the Directors of the new Normal School. Dr. Dawson was appointed Principal of the McGill College in 1855, and had subsequently conferred on him the honorary degree of LL.D. by the same University. Sir William Dawson is, moreover, a Fellow of the Royal Geological Society of London, the Royal Society and a Member of the Natural History Society of Montreal, and of the Canadian Institute, Toronto, Cor- responding Member of the Academy of Natural Science, of Philadelphia, Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science, and Honorary Member of the Botanical Society of Canada. He has contributed several papers to the British and American Associations for the promotion of the sciences. Besides the numerous essays pub- lished in the Transactions of scientific bodies or in pamphlet form, he has published the following works : — " Handbook of the Geography and Natitral History #f Nova Scotia^ " Hints to the Farmers of Nova Scotia" " Acadian Geology" " Archaia" Besides these he has published a long list of works — lectures, pamphlets and papers on almost every subject connected with his favorite study, Geology. Sir William was awarded the Lyell Medal of the Geological Society of London for his eminent discoveries in Geology. He was the first member of the Royal Society of Canada. In recognition of his brilliant career and eminent qualities in Science, Her Majesty honored him, in 1881, with the title of C.M.G., and in 1884 made him a Knight. He has travelled in Egypt, Palestine and Syria, and published most in- teresting geological observations on his tour through the Holy Land. In 1884, ne received the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University of Edinburgh. His whole desire is the promotion and advancement of McGill University., The writer well remembers when he first joined the College. It was then the day of small things, but like the mustard seed planted firmly by his governing hand, it has increased, till the literary birds of all denominations and nationalities have now, at the close of the nineteenth century, come and lodged in the branches of it.
128 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WM. ROBERTSON, M.D.
WILLIAM ROBERTSON was born at Kin-Drochet, his father's estate, near Blair Athol, Perthshire, Scotland, on the i5th March, 1774. After completing his professional studies he received the appointment as Surgeon to the 49th Regiment of the Line. They were ordered to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the vessel being wrecked on the voyage, he had a very narrow escape for his life. At Halifax he became acquainted with Miss Elizabeth Amelia Campbell, the daughter of Sir William Campbell, after- wards Chief Justice of Upper Canada, and she ultimately became his wife. They were married January 2ist, 1806, and shortly after he removed with his Regiment to Canada. This union was more than blessed, Dr. Robertson having had twelve children. Duncan, who married Grace A. Stewart, of Scotland, one daughter mar- ried Ferdinand McCulloch, another became the wife of Hon. J. Pangman, another the wife of D. C. Cooper, another the wife of Dr. Wm. McDonald, whilst the fifth became Lady Cunninghame, of Miln Craig, Ayrshire, Scotland. Dr. Robertson was instrumental in founding the Medical School now merged in the Medical Faculty of McGill, and he was one of the patrons of the General Hospital. ' After a distin- guished and honorable career he died in Montreal.
CAPTAIN ROBERTSON.
CAPTAIN G. ROBERTSON is a son of the well-known Dr. Robertson of Montreal. He joined the army as late as lyth June, 1851, and in December, 1859, nao^ been pro- moted to a captaincy. He served with the i2th Regiment, in the Caffre War of 1851-53, for which he received the medal, and was with the 95th Regiment at the siege and fall of Sebastopol, from 26th January, 1855, f°r which he received the medal and clasp, and was honored with the fifth class of the Medjidie. He also served in 1858. at the siege and capture of Kotah (medal). The Gazette, in speak- ing of his former services, said : " Our citizens will join with us in expressing our hearty congratulation on the honors bestowed upon him, which we cannot doubt have been well earned ; " and of him and other Canadians "the whole country will rejoice at these honors won by Canadians."
MAJOR FORSYTH.
MAJOR G. J. FORSYTH was a native of Montreal. " He entered the military service at an early age, and rose to the rank of Captain at the age of twenty-six, without the aid of those influences that help others on. He served through the Eastern Cam- paign of 1854-55, including the battles of Balaklava and Inkerman, siege of Sebas- topol, capture of the Quarries, attack on the Redan, on the i8th June (with the storming column), and on the 8th September, also at Kinbourn, for which he re- ceived the medal and clasps, the Sardinian medal, and was decorated with the Legion of Honor by the Emperor of the French. He retired with the rank of Major on the 26th December, 1856. His career testified to the valor and patriotism of the Canadians, and has been a source of honor both to himself and his country."
HON. J. S. HALL, Q.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 1 29
HON. JOHN S. HALL, Q.C.
THE subject of this sketch is one of the very few names in more than five hundred biographical memoirs in this GAZETTEER who were actually born in Montreal — " The Commercial Metropolis," therefore, being their native city. This much can be said of all those who claim Montreal, in this GAZETTEER, as their birthplace, that there is not one of them but has made his mark in the social, religious, legal, political or mercantile phases of his native city and country. Among these names may be men- tioned— besides the subject of this short sketch — Monseigneur Fabre, Archbishop of Montreal ; our present Mayor, Hon. James McShane ; Joseph Duhamel, Q.C., F. W. Henshaw, G. W. Stephens, Hon. Judge Baby, Hon. R. Laflamme, etc., among the living, and Judge Badgley, Judge McKay, Hon. Thomas White, the first Baron de Longueuil, Sheriff Leblanc, Stanley C. Bagg, Benaiah Gibb, Hon. L. Renaud, Hon. Justice Smith, Sir William Logan, etc., among the dead.
Mr. Hall was born in Montreal, ;th August, 1853. He was the son of John S. Hall, sen., a member of the late well-known firm of Grant, Hall & Co., extensive lumber merchants of this city. He was educated at Bishop's College School, and after- wards in McGill University. From this latter institution he graduated B.A. in 1874, and B.C.L. in 1875. Choosing Law as his profession, after his curriculum, he was called to the Bar of the Province of Quebec in January, 1876, and appointed Queen's Counsel, 1887, on which occasion he was heartily congratulated by his confreres at receiving the *' silk " so early in his legal career. During his incumbency as a Q.C. he has suc- cessfully conducted several most important cases, and has appeared before the Privy Council of England on more than one occasion. For some years he has been the active partner of the extensive legal firm of Chapleau, Hall, Nicholls & Brown — the Hon. J. A. Chapleau, the Secretary of State for Canada, being the senior partner, but taking no part in the legal work. Since ever he was called to the Bar, Mr. Hall has always taken a lively interest in public affairs. It was reasonable, therefore, to find that he looked to politics and the public government of his native province as the arena where he could display his talents and show his administrative ability.
At the General Elections in 1887 he was returned for the Fifth Division of the City of Montreal by acclamation. As a member of the Legislative Assembly he has won the confidence of both sides. His tact in debate, his industry in committee work and general straightforwardness have given him not only the confidence of his own colleagues but the respect of his opponents. At the dismissal of the Mercier Government by the Lieutenant-Governor on the 2ist of last December, the new Premier gave Mr. Hall the important portfolio of Treasurer of the Province, which position he now retains.
Mr. Hall was elected a member of the Corporation of McGill University in 1883 and re-elected in 1886. He was also President of the University Literary Society in 1880 and President of the McGill Graduate Society in 1884. He has also been President of the Junior Conservative Club, Montreal.
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I30
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Amongst all his legal and political duties, he has always taken an active and lively interest in the Volunteer Force, and is now Major, commanding the Montreal Field Battery of Canadian Artillery — of which we may only remark that Colonel A. Stevenson was for years its genial and enthusiastic commander. Yet, since his retire- ment, under the command and discipline of the member for Montreal No. 5, it has lost nothing of its efficiency, general appearance, or respect of the citizens of Mon- treal. Mr. Hall married on January 3rd, 1883, Miss Brigham, of Ottawa, and resides at 862 Sherbrooke street, Montreal.
JOHN REDPATH
WAS born at Earlston, Scotland, in 1796, and came to Canada in 1816. He became one of the most successful contractors in the country. The Lachine Canal is an example of his capabilities and work. When he retired from business he became con- nected with many of Montreal's institutions. For the long space of thirty-five years he was a Director of the Montreal Bank and became its Vice-President. He was also connected with the Montreal Telegraph Company and the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company ; but he is best known as the one who started the first sugar refinery in Canada, a large institution which still bears his name. He married Janet Macphie, Qth December, 1818, and had a large family. His eldest son, Peter, lives in England, but will ever be remembered in Montreal from the magnificent building which he erected, and known as the " Peter Redpath Museum," which he pre- sented to McGill College and University. One of the daughters of John Redpath married John Dougall of the Witness ; another, T. M. Taylor, who was one of our most efficient Insurance Agents, and was well known in all Christian good work. A third married Hon. George A. Drummond, so well known in Montreal as Senator and connected with the Refinery. A fourth married Professor Bovey of McGill Uni- versity ; and the fifth married C. J. Fleet, Advocate, of the firm of Messrs. Robert- son, Fleet & Co.
Mr. John Redpath was for years the Chairman of the General Hospital Com- mittee and President of the Mechanics' Institute. But perhaps the most important act of his was his laying the foundation of the Theological Seminary of the Pres byterians, now the " Presbyterian College," and which has been so successful in training men for the ministry of their church. He died universally lamented at his house, " Terrace Bank."
HON. JUSTICE TOUCHER.
fl Louis CHARLES FOUCHER was born in 1760, and died 26th December, 1829. He was admitted to the Bar in 1784, and was first returned to Parliament in 1796, as member for the City of Montreal. Some time after, he was appointed Solicitor- General, an honor well merited by M. Foucher, else he could not have attained it, as in those days it was seldom conferred upon a French Canadian. Subsequently he became resident Judge of Three Rivers ; and, in 1803, attained the position which he held at his death."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 131
HON, H. W. RYLAND, G. H. RYLAND AND W. H. RYLAND.
H. W. RYLAND was born in Northampton, England, in 1770. He entered the Public service at the early age of twenty-one as Assistant Paymaster-General in charge of General Burgoyne and Lord Cornwallis' armies in the first American War, in which he look part and rendered important services. He accompanied his friend Sir Guy Carleton (Lord Dorchester), Commander-in-Chief, to England.
In 1793, when Lord Dorchester was appointed to the Government of British North America, Mr. Ryland was induced by the then Prime Minister, under promises which never were fulfilled, to surrender a high and lucrative office to accompany him to Canada as Civil Secretary.
On Lord Dorchester's return home Mr. Ryland continued to hold the same office under his immediate successor and several succeeding Governors.
In the year 1809 he was appointed by the Government to proceed to England on a public mission, the ostensible object of which was to endeavor to get the Im- perial Government to amend or suspend the Constitution to render the Government independent of the people by appropriating towards it all the revenues accruing from the estates of the St. Sulpicians at Montreal, and to assume the patronage exercised by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Quebec to the cures or church livings in his diocese. Returning to Canada no one could ascribe to him the failure of the Govern- ment scheme.
The darling object of his heart was doubtless to anglicize the French Canadian people.
On Sir George Prevost's accession to the Government, Mr. Ryland gave up his post of Civil Secretary and retained only that of Clerk of the Executive Council, also an important appointment, which he held until his decease on the aoth July, 1838, at the age of seventy-eight.
His son, the late G. H. Ryland, was the Registrar for Montreal, As a boy he was intended for the navy, but entered the Civil service in 1817 as Secretary to the Commission for the management of the Jesuits' Estates. In 1821, he was appointed Assistant Clerk of the Council of Lower Canada and succeeded his father as Her Majesty's Clerk of the Council, which office he afterwards on public grounds con- sented to surrender, receiving under guaranty the Registrarship of Quebec, from which he was transferred to Montreal. He married, in 1833, Mary Pitt, youngest daughter of Lieut.-Colonel Ralph Gore and niece of Admiral Sir John Gore. His second son, Warwick Hastings Ryland, is now the Registrar of Montreal West. He married Miss Kaulback, of Nova Scotia.
132 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
REV. JOHN BETHUNE, REV. DEAN BETHUNE, AND STRACHAN BETHUNE, Q.C.
PERHAPS no English family in this city is so long and intimately connected with the advance and growth of Montreal as the Bethime family.
The first mentioned, the founder of the family on this Continent, was born in the Island of Skye, Scotland, in 1751. He was educated at King's College, Aber- deen, and emigrated to South Carolina before the War of Independence. Being made a prisoner by the Americans, he so continued till an exchange took place, when he went to Nova Scotia and resided at Halifax. After the Peace he came to Mon- treal, not the only U. E. Loyalist who found his way thither. He remained in Mon- treal till 1787, when he removed to Upper Canada. One reason of this removal was his wish to locate on the land which as a U. E. Loyalist he had received from the Government. His grant was 3,000 acres, he ranking as a military chaplain, equal to a captain. He took up his residence at Williamstown and resumed his ministerial work there. To show how zealously he worked during his term of office in that part of Upper Canada, he baptized no less than 2,379 persons. He died 23rd September, 1815, universally regretted. Two of his sons and the most eminent members of his family became high dignitaries in the Chur ch of England — John, the third son, being the late Very Reverend the Dean of Montreal, and Alexander Neil, the fifth son, the late Right Reverend Bishop of Toronto.
The Rev. John Bethune, D.D., late Dean of Montreal, was born about the time his father removed to Upper Canada, ordained in 1814, and was first settled at Augusta, near Brock ville. In 1818, he became Rector of Christ Church, Montreal. In features he very much resembled his father. An admirable portrait likeness of the Dean can be seen in the Vestry House of the Cathedral. In 1835, ne was appointed Principal of McGill College. J. McGill, the founder, wished the Rev. Dr. Strachan, who was afterwards the first Bishop of Toronto, but the Rector of that city then, to be the Principal. However, he declined, and the choice fell on the late Dean. The college question, however, not being ever satisfactorily settled, a new charter was pro- cured in 1852, and the present regime of that Institution then began. From 1850, when Montreal District became a separate diocese under Bishop Fulford, the Dean was ever prominent in ecclesiastical affairs, and through all the changes of chief Diocesan Pastors, and meetings of both Provincial and Local Synods, he was ever ready to advise and counsel what was best to be said or done. He was more than once the Bishop's Commissary during the absence of the Head of the Diocese in England, and for six months before the second Bishop was elected. During his long incumbency he saw great changes in the city. At one time he was the only clergy- man of the Church of England in Montreal, now there are resident at this day over thirty. After an honored life he died some years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 133
STRACHAN BETHUNE, Q.C.
HE was the eldest son of the late Very Reverend John Bethune, Dean of Montreal, and was born on the 6th November, 1821. After a successful study of Law, he was called to the Bar of Lower Canada, 22nd May, 1843. He was appointed Queen's Counsel on the i2th February, 1864. He is now one of the oldest members of the Bar of Montreal, and has held different positions of trust in the Court House and Bar from the hands of his confreres, who have always highly esteemed him for intelligence, probity, and legal lore. He still continues the duties of his profession, his son being associated with him in the law firm of Bethune & Bethune. For many years he has been the Chancellor of the Diocese of Montreal, and, so far as I know, has never missed for a quarter of a century its annual meetings, where, with his well-timed remarks, he generally settles matters when they begin to appear irrational, absurd, outrageous, insignificant, or trifling, as is always seen in every large body of men — political, classical or national, who gather for consultation, research, advice or govern- ment. His eldest daughter is married to the Ven. Archdeacon Evans of Montreal. Two others are married in England. His sister married Hon. J. J. C. Abbott, now the Premier of Canada, so that the sons and grandchildren of at one time the only Protestant clergyman in Montreal near the close of the last century are all in respon- sible phases of life ; and to the founder of the family may be applied the Biblical words, " A little one will become a thousand."
DUNCAN FISHER.
THE subject of this s'ketch, and from whose family of sons and daughters so many of our present well-known Montreal families are descended, was born in Dunkeld, Scotland, and came to Montreal very soon after the end of the American War of Independence. His wife was Catherine Embury, daughter of Rev. P. Embury, the pioneer clergyman of Methodism in America.
His eldest son, Daniel, a merchant on St. Paul street, was killed by an explosion in 1826. His second son, John, did business both in Montreal and Quebec. From him are descended Dr. Arthur Fisher one of the best known citizens of Montreal, and his sons, Roswell C. Fisher, advocate, and Sydney A. Fisher, late M.P. for Brome.
The late T. W. Ritchie, Q.C., was married to a daughter of John, whose son, W. F. Ritchie, advocate, is associated as partner with Leo H. Davidson, Esq., D.C.L., in an extensive Law practice in this city, and his daughter has greatly distinguished herself in the study of Medicine, and her career in McGill University and elsewhere is a remarkable one.
The third daughter married the late John Torrance, whose family are connected with that of Sir A. T. Gait, Rev. Dr. Matheson and the late Robert Esdaile.
The third son married a sister of the late William Limn.
The son who most distinguished himself was Duncan, and by marriage became connected with Mr. E. H. King, once President of the Bank of Montreal. He was a Q.C. and partner of the late Justice Smith. He died in 1845. ' Tne late Judge Tor- studied in his office, and also Judge Cross, who married his niece.
134 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. •
SYDNEY A. FISHER, B.A.
SON of the well-known Dr. Fisher of Montreal. He was born in this city, i2th June, 1850. His great grandparents came from Dunkeld, Scotland. Sydney was educated in the High School and McGill College, and afterwards went to Trinity College, Cam- bridge, where he graduated a B.A. He has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and is a J.P. for the District of Bedford. He was first returned to Parliament at the General Elections of 1882, and re-elected at the last General Election. Retired in 1 887, but will return again when opportunity offers. He is a Liberal in politics. His farm is called " Alva Farm," one of the finest in the Eastern To wnships.
HON. LOUIS OLIVIER TAILLON, Q.C.,
WAS born at Terrebonne, i6th September, 1840, and educated in the College of Terrebonne, in company with the Hon. J. A. Chapleau, Dr. Desjardins and his brother, A. Desjardins, Esq., M. P. for Hochelaga County, Rev. L. M. Taillon, Cure of St. Monique, and Rev. F. H. Leclerc. When he had completed his studies he en- tered as an ecclesiastic and was Professor in the College for six years, but not wishing to proceed any further in Theology, he quitted Masson College and studied Law. Mr. Taillon passed successively into the offices of Messrs. Fabre, Lesage & Jette and Mr. Laflamme, and then to that of Mr. Girouard. After his admission to the Bar, in November, 1865, he entered the office of the latter-named gentleman, but very soon left it to enter into partnership with the late Mayor Rivard, where he remained till May, 1872, when he formed a partnership with the Hon. F. X. Trudel. In 1875, Mr. Taillon was returned as representative of Montreal East to the Local Par- liament, and re-elected at the General Election in 1878 by acclamation ; ap- pointed Speaker of the House in 1882, and Attorney General in 1884. He ever advocated the interests of his country in Parliament, and in the downfall of the Ross Administration at Quebec, in 1887, Mr. Taillon was called as the Premier to form a Conservative Government, but the fates being against him he only held the position a short time. When the Mercier Government came into power, Mr. Taillon retired from politics, and directed his whole time to the duties of his profession.
Mr. Taillon was a member of the Committee which organized the grand fete of <{St. Jean Baptiste," in 1874, and as one of the Commissioners of that day he greatly contributed to its success. At the dismissal of the Mercier Government on Dec. 2ist, 1891, he was invited by Hon. Mr. DeBoucherville to enter the new Cabinet, which he has done, without portfolio.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 135
WILLIAM SCOTT.
THE subject of this memoir is ushered into public life as a baker in St. Lawrence street in the early years of this century. His son, Wm. H. Scott, was a merchant of St. Eustache, and a staunch rebel in 1837-8. I find his commitment in the records of that time, thus: "Committed for High Treason, William H. Scott, of St. Eustache." This was on the ipth December, 1837. After remaining some time in prison he was discharged on bail, and became after the Rebellion such a loyal subject that he was returned to Parliament for Two Mountains, and became ever after a firm supporter of Sir Geo. E. Cartier.
Another son, James, died, when a student, from a wound received in a duel with the late Sir Wm. Meredith, Chief Justice of Quebec.
His three daughters will be more remembered by posterity than the sons. Barbara gave $32,000 to McGill College to found the William Scott Chair of Civil Engineering, and $2,000 to found a Scholarship which bears her name. Anne gave $17,600 to the Trafalgar Institute when she died, January 7, 1879. Another sister, Jane, only died 3rd December, 1880, aged 83, and left $2,000 to St. Gabriel Church ; she was very eccentric and retired.
HON. PETER McGILL
WAS born at Cree Bridge, Wigtonshire, Scotland, August, 1789. When twenty years old he arrived in Montreal. He first entered the employ of the firm of Parker, Gerard, Ogilve & Co., and afterwards his firm was styled Peter McGill & Co. Per- haps no man. at least no Scotchman, was ever more respected or beloved. This was seen in his election as first Mayor under the new Constitution in 1840, when he remained in office for three years. He was the first to form a Volunteer force, which he did during the trying season of 1837. For the long period of twenty-six years he was President of the Bank of Montreal. He was a Director of the G. T. R., and Chairman of the first one ever run in Canada, viz., "The St. Lawrence and Champlain." He was President for some time of the Bible Society and Governor of the General Hospital. He was appointed a member of the Legislative Council, No- vember, 1832, and when the Canadas were united in 1840, he became a member of the united Legislative Council. He became a member of the Executive Council under Lord Elgin, but resigned because of the aspect of affairs at the Rebellion Losses Bill in 1848. He became a Governor of McGill College, and Trustee of Queen's College. Kingston. After an honorable career, he died in Montreal.
136 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
CHARLES SMALLWOOD, M.U., LL.D.
/DOCTOR SMALLWOOD is entitled to rank among the most eminent scientific men which this Province has produced. During the short time he resided in Canada, he con- tributed much to advance the branch of science to which he chiefly devoted so much of his valuable professional time and private means.
" He is an Englishman, having been born in the town of Birmingham, in the year 1812; where he pursued his studies, graduated at University College, and obtained his medical degree. He came to Canada in the year 1853, and in 1854 he settled at St. Martin, Isle Jesus, where he acquired a large practice as a medical practitioner, and soon after established his meteorological and electrical observatory, a description of which is given in the Smithsonian Reports.
He discovered the effects of atmospheric electricity on the formation of tl <; snow crystal, and instituted extensive investigations on ozone in connection with light, electricity and the effects of germination of seeds, on its development and effects in disease.
In 1858, Dr. Smallwood received the honorary degree of LL.D., from McGill College, and was appointed Professor of Meteorology in that University. In i8'~>, he obtained, through the liberality of the Canadian Government, a small grant for i purchase of magnetic instruments, which were duly received, and observations wjre commenced on the 3rd of August, 1861.
Dr. Smallwood contributed largely to the various scientific periodicals, not only in this country, but also in the United States and in Europe. He is likewise the author of " Contributions to Canadian Meteorology?' The object of the whole of these observations have always been directed to practical utility, with reference to Medical Science, and to the health of mankind. They have been written during the brief intervals which he could snatch from a very active and laborious professional life, and therefore are the more valuable and interesting.
Dr. Smallwood was one of the Governors of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada, Member of the British Meteorological Society, of the Montreal Natural History Society, of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, member of the Society Met£orologique de France, of the National Institute of the United States, Corresponding Member of the Academy of Natural Science o Philadelphia, of the Observatoire Physique Central of St. Petersburg, and of the Academic Royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux Arts of Belgium. He died in 1873."
JUDGE W. W. LYNCH.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 137
JUDGE W. W. LYNCH, D.C.L.
WE have pleasure in presenting our readers with a portrait of this popular public man, whose appointment on the 5th July, 1889, to tne position of Judge of the Su- perior Court of the Province of Quebec was hailed with satisfaction by the entire community without regard to race, creed or politics. William Warren Lynch, who had been for over twenty years engaged in political life, was born in Bedford in 1845, ar>d is thus in the prime of vigor and usefulness. He first entered the Legis- lature in 1871, and though only twenty-five years old, was soon recognized as one of the leaders of the Conservative party. His judgment, candor, freedom from preju- dice and genial manners won him the respect of both friends and foes, and by the former he was implicitly trusted as a safe guide in seasons of difficulty. His former constituency (Brome) twice elected him by acclamation, and in five contests gave him large majorities. On the formation of the Chapleau Government in October, 1879, Mr. Lynch was accepted as a fit person to represent the interests of the Pro- testant minority, and he was admitted to the Cabinet as Solicitor-General, a post which he held till its abolition in July, 1882. He then assumed charge of the De- partment of Crown Lands, which he administered with his wonted ability and cir- cumspection until the defeat of the Ross Government in January, 1887. Mr. Lynch has been a member of the Bar for more than twenty-one years. He is a graduate of McGill, having taken his B.C.L. and won the Elizabeth Torrance Gold Medal in 1868. He is also a D.C.L., honoris causa, of Lennoxville University, in which, as in his alma mater, ,he has always taken a deep interest. He has also concerned himself in common school education, and has served on the Protestant Committee of the Council of Public Instruction. It was he who initiated the movement which resulted successfully at the last Session of the Legislature, for the recognition of the B.A. degree as sufficient, without examination, to secure admission to the study of any of the learned professions. He was, after the Session of 1887, appointed by the Attorney-General one of the Committee to revise the work of codifying the Statutes of this Province, and later on in October, 1887, he was named by the Federal Gov- ernment, in connection with Mr. Justice Burbridge and Mr. Dingman of the Indian Department, a Commissioner to settle the Indian title to lands in the Town- ship of Dundee, and he has always been credited with having prepared the report upon which the Government finally acted, as being fair to Indians and settlers alike. He has been a Queen's Counsel since 1880. Mr. Lynch's home has always been at Knowlton. In September, 1887, ne removed to Montreal to practise his profession, which he did there until his appointment to the Bench, in connection with J. S. Archibald, Q.C.,and George G. Foster. As Judge Lynch's patriotic spirit, firmness and integrity have won him universal esteem in public life, so in social intercourse he is a favorite with all classes. He is sure to do credit to the Judicial Bench.
138 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
L'ABBE VERREAU, D.L.,
WAS born at L'Islet, Quebec, on the 6th September, 1828. His father was Germain Verreau, and his mother, Marie Ursule Fournier. He was educated at the Quebec Seminary, and after his graduation taught for two years in that institution. At the early age of twenty-one years, he went to St. Therese College as the Principal, which position he occupied for the next eight years. In 1856, M. Verreau removed to Montreal, and in 1857 he became the Principal of the Jacques Cartier Normal School when it was instituted, a position he has filled to this day, a period of nearly thirty- four years. In 1873, the Provincial Government sent him to Europe to make investigations there regarding Canadian History. The result of this trip was the publishing of most interesting items by the Government in their Report on Agricul- ture. Principal Verreau is a Doctor of Letters and an Officer of Public Instruction, France, which position was granted him by the French Government. M. Verreau was ordained Priest in 1851 by Bishop Prince, and he frequently officiates, though such a busy man in the Normal School. L'Abbe Verreau has written some articles on Canadian History, and it is a pity for the country at large that he could not be induced to partly give up his laborious work and devote himself and his splendid talents to purely literary work.
HON. JUDGE MOUSSEAU, Q.C., M.P.
THE subject of this sketch was born at Berthier, i6th July, 1838. He was the son of Louis Mousseau, and grandson of Louis Mousseau, who sat in the Quebec Assembly as one of its members for several years. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1860, and early showed great aptitude in his profession, which resulted in his being made, in 1873, a Queen's Counsellor. He was one of the partners of the firm of Mousseau, Chapleau & Archambault. Mr. Mousseau was well known as a political writer and for the periodical press. He was one of the founders of La Coloni- zateur newspaper in 1862, of L' Opinion Fublique in 1870. He is the author of a pamphlet in defence of Confederation against the attacks of the Opposition, 1869, which was highly thought of when it appeared. He also wrote a brochure " Car- dinal & Duquet, victimesde 1837-38." He was first returned to Parliament for Bagot County, 1870, and re-elected in 1878. He moved the expulsion, in 1879, of Lieut.- Governor Letellier from office — the results of which are hardly smoothed at this day, 1891. He became one of the Privy Council, resigning for Hon. Mr. Chapleau, and exchanging for him as the Premier of Quebec. His ministry being defeated after- wards, he was elevated to the Bench and died some years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 139
HON. JOSEPH GIBB ROBERTSON
WAS born in Stuartfield, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on the ist January, 1820. His father was the Rev. James Robertson of that place, where he had been Pastor of the Congregational Church for thirty years. He afterwards resigned, and came to this country in 1832, and went to Derby, Vermont, and remained there nearly four years ; then came to Sherbrooke in May, 1836, and became Pastor of the Sherbrooke Congre- gational Church for twenty-five years, where he died in September, 1861, full of years and Christian work.
Joseph finished his education in Sherbrooke, became a merchant there, and re- tired some years ago. Was for years President of the Stanstead & Sherbrooke Mutual Life Insurance Company, and President of the Quebec Central Railway Company, and was its principal originator, and most ardent supporter for many years. Is now, and has been for many years, President of the Sherbrooke Agricultural Society. Was Secretary-Treasurer of the County of Sherbrooke for the establishment of County Councils, till the present system of Township Councils came into operation. Was Mayor of Sherbrooke for eighteen years, and President of the Temperance League in 1870-71.
He was elected to the Provincial Assembly for Sherbrooke in 1867, and has since then held this important position. He was appointed a member of the Exe- cutive Council in 1869 in the Chauveau Cabinet as Treasurer of the Province, and held that office in all for eleven years and six months, under four succeeding administrations. In 1874, he was sent to England to float a loan of $4,000,000, which he successfully accomplished, and on his return some two thousand citizens of Sherbrooke turned out to congratulate him on his success. In 1870, he married Mary, daughter of A. G, Woodward, of Sherbrooke.
The family of the Rev. Mr. Robertson has abundantly proved that they have all come of a good stock. Perhaps no man in the legal fraternity of the City of Mon- treal was better known in his day than Andrew Robertson, Q.C. He was one of the brightest jewels in the galaxy of Montreal lawyers, and his quiet and unostentatious manner secured him the respect and profound admiration and confidence of his confreres. He died in March, 1880, universally lamented as an upright Christian man.
Another brother, George, also in the legal profession, and partner with his brother Andrew for many years in Montreal, was a successful lawyer, and much esteemed by his confreres and the general public. He died in Sherbrooke, Feb- ruary, 1871.
To another brother, William, can be applied much, if not all, of the encomiums of his brother Andrew. He is a well-known lawyer of Montreal, and universally esteemed by all shades of political opinion, and by all sorts and conditions of men. He now represents one of the largest legal firms in the city.
But it is to the sister, Margaret, that I would, as a literary man myself, wish to
140 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
draw attentoin. Miss Robertson is an ornament to Montreal. She is a literary niche in Canada's monuments of arts and literature. She has had wonderful success in her published works in England, in the United States, as well as in Canada, and no one feels more than the writer the pleasure of hearing from her agent, Mr. Grafton, the well-known bookseller, that he had lately been giving her a cheque for royalty on her beautiful story books, which have emanated from her fertile brain and pen. The following are the names of some of her publications : — "The Two Miss Jean Dawsons," " Shenac's Love and Service," " By a Way which She Knew Not," " My Friend's Friend," " Janet's Love and Service," " David Fleming's Forgiveness," etc. May Canada at large, and Montreal in particular, be benefitted by these moral and well-written books. Nothing she has written but may be read by all.
DR. ANDREW F. HOLMES.
DR. HOLMES, ex-Dean of the Faculty of McGill College, was a most talented savant as well as one of the most estimable gentlemen in this country.
In the year 1767, the father of Dr. Holmes was on his way to Canada with his wife, when the vessel in which he sailed was captured by a French frigate, and taken as a prize to Cadiz. There the doctor was born, and was baptized at the Church of St. Jago by the name of Andrew Fernando. The family reached Canada in 1801. In 1811, he was articled to the late Dr. Arnoldi, with whom he studied for several years, after which he went to Edinburgh to complete his studies, and thence to Paris. In 1819, he returned to Canada with the diploma of M.D., and began the practice of his profession as a partner of his former patron. This partnership being subsequently dissolved, he continued to practice alone up to the day of his death. After his return, in 1824, with the late Drs. Caldwell and Robertson, he founded the Montreal School of Medicine, known afterwards as the " Montreal Medical Institution," which, when the University of McGill College was set in operation in 1828 or 1829, was merged in the Medical Faculty of that institu- tion. This school has long ranked among the foremost on this Continent, and has been a boast of Montreal. Up to the year 1836 he filled the chair of Materia Medica and Chemistry. In that year the duty was divided, he taking Chemistry alone, which he held till 1842, when he succeeded Dr. Robertson in the chair which he held up to the day of his death. At the reorganization of the Faculty in 1854, he became, and continued to his death, Dean, discharging the duties of his office with zeal and diligence, also holding the chair of the Theory and Practice of Medi- cine. He was then the oldest professor in Canada. Dr. Holmes was also the founder, with a few others, of the Natural History Society, and pursued for many years the study of the natural sciences with great zeal and success, winning for him- self reputation as a Naturalist, in days when students in those fields lacked the many aids and incitements to diligence possessed now. His herbarium, consisting of a very complete collection of the plants of Canada, was presented to the Museum of the University. He died in Montreal, in September, 1860.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. I 4!
SIR JOSEPH HICKSON
WAS born at Otterburn, Northumberland, England, in the year 1830. Starting life in the offices of the North Eastern Railway of England, he left their employ as agent at Carlisle. In 1851, he went into the employ of another line, where he remained for ten years, and became assistant to the General Manager. In this situation he attracted the notice of Sir Ed. Watkins, who was President of the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada, and who quickly appointed him to be Accountant of that road. Thus he arrived in Canada in January, 1862. Shortly after he was made Secretary Treas. urer of the Company. In 1874, Mr. Hickson was appointed General Manager. In 1861, when Mr. Hickson joined the Grand Trunk Railway, its earnings were about $4,000,000 ; when he retired in 1891, they were very near five times as much. For his great ability and management Mr. Hickson was Knighted by Her Majesty in 1890. Sir Joseph Hickson has well merited this honor. He is President of other roads and industries. He married, in 1869, Catherine Dow, niece of the great brewer, and has six children living. The position he now holds is entirely due to his honest and straightforward dealings with his fellow men. As a writer says of him, " He does right because it is right."
J. B. MEILLEUR, M.D., LL.D,
JEAN BAPTISTE MEILLEUR was indeed one of the literati of Canada, and a gentle- man of many attainments,, to whose efforts we owe much of the present admirable system of education in this province. Born at St. Laurent in 1796, he was educated in the College of Montreal, admitted to Medicine in 1825, and returned to Parliament in 1834. He was the first Superintendent of Education for Lower Canada.
At the request of Lord Durham, with the assistance of the Abbe Duchaine, he conducted a polemical contest on the subject of electricity, and was engaged giving lectures on the foundation of the Society of Natural History, when he was appointed Superintendent of Public Instruction by Sir Charles Bagot, with the promise of that Governor that the situation should not be made a political one. He made two trips round Lower Canada, to obtain information as to its extension, but failed. During ihe fifteen years and upwards that he occupied this elevated station, he contributed from the funds of the department to the foundation of forty-five superior educational establishments. He afterwards was Postmaster of Montreal, an office from which he retired and went to reside in Quebec.
Dr. Meilleur was a member of several learned American and Canadian institu- tions. His principal works are " A Treatise on the French," 1823 ; " New English Grammar," 1854, and " Traite sur 1'art expistolaire," 1853.
1.2 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
GENERAL LORD DORCHESTER, K.B.
« THE name of Dorchester deserves to be mentioned with the greatest eulogy and praise, for the great services he rendered Canada in the two capacities in which he served her interests, as Commander-in-Chief, and as her Governor and the preserver of her high destinies.
•' Guy Carleton, Lord Dorchester (the Saviour of Quebec, as he is called) was the descendant of an ancient and honored family, which had lived in Cornwall, England, five centuries previous to the Norman conquest. He was born abqut the year 1725, and being destined for the army, entered its ranks after completing his studies, and speedily made his way onward in the service. He accompanied Wolfe's expedition to Canada, and was present at the first and second battles on Abraham's Plains, in both of which he displayed such skill and precision in commanding the part of the army under his command, as to leave no doubt on the minds of his superior officers that he would rise to distinction in the profession he had chosen. Being, we believe, specially mentioned in the despatches of both Townshend and Murray, and having continued under the command of the latter, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier- General. In 1767, General Murray having to proceed to England, the government of the colony devolved on Carleton, who was much liked by the French Canadians and the English (of whom there were then few) generally. In 1770, he proceeded to England on leave of absence, and whilst there, the celebrated Quebec Act passed the Houses of Parliament, and some ascribe it in a great measure to representations he made to the Home Government respecting Canada, it being well known that he carried home a compiled form of the French civil laws, or Coutumes de Paris, for the con- sideration of the Imperial authorities. In 1774, General Carleton returned to Canada, and took prompt measures to carry out the provisions of his new instructions relative to the Act just passed. He had, however, little time to think or act upon this matter, for the next year the Americans, having declared their independence, entered Canada in large forces, with the hostile intention of wresting it from the hands of the English ; but they made a sad mistake in their estimate of the man they had to deal with ; brave and gallant, and of chivalrous courage, and yet perfectly cool and self- possessed in the greatest and most critical moments, Carleton. although with but eight hundred men at his disposal — all attempts to coax or coerce the natives to assist him proving fruitless — at once took measures to prevent the meditated attack. On the lyth September, Montgomery, with his army, amounting to two thousand, arrived at Isle-aux-Noix ; the fall of Chambly and St. Johns followed, and Carleton, in his endeavor to succor the latter, received a check from a part of the Americans, near Longueuil, which compelled him to retreat to Montreal. Here, anticipating the intention of Montgomery to take possession of the town, he burnt and destroyed all the public and valuable stores, and left the city one way, just as the American General was entering at the other. During the night, he had a narrow escape from the enemy, who was encamped at Sorel, and whose sentinels he had to pass in an open
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 143
boat ; this he accomplished with the aid of muffled oars, and arrived at Quebec on the i gth .November, to the great joy of the people. He hastily made the most judicious arrangements in his power, for Arnold and Montgomery were advancing, and expelled from the city all those he thought were disaffected, who would not volunteer to defend it, and assist in strengthening the works.
" The united forces of Montgomery and Arnold succeeded in gaining the city on the 4th of December, and after concocting their plans, divided their forces so as to attack the city in several places; this Carleton, nowise intimidated, became cognizant of, and on the Americans raising the siege, took renewed measures for the safety of the place. On the 3 ist, Montgomery was killed; Arnold and Morgan's forces were routed at first and captured afterwards, and the remnant of the American army com. pelled to retreat to some distance from the city. On being reinforced, however, during the winter they made a stand for another attack on Quebec, but disease and famine at last compelled them to retreat, being actually chased towards Sorel by the gallant Carleton. In the spring, when the reinforcements arrived from England, he possessed himself of Crown Point, and launched a fine fleet on Lake Champlain, which, after several actions, completely annihilated that of the Americans. In 1777, upon Burgoyne being appointed Commander-in-Chief in America, Carleton, thinking that he had been slighted by the Government after his brilliant successes, at once demanded his recall, and proceeded to England. His suspicions, although well- founded, were, notwithstanding, unjust ; for on his proceeding to England, he was well received by his sovereign, who conferred upon him the honor of knighthood.
"In the year 1782,116 was appointed as the successor of Sir Henry Clinton, Commander-in-Chief of all His Majesty's forces in America. He arrived at New York with his commission in the beginning of May. After the treaty of peace was signed, he delayed for some time the evacuation of the city, from regard to the safety of the loyalists ; but on November 25th, 1783, he embarked, and withdrew the British ships from America. In 1786, on returning to England, his grateful Sovereign was pleased to raise him to the peerage as Lord Dorchester, and Parliament voted him a pension of £1,000 per annum during his own life, and the lives of his wife and two elder sons ; and towards the latter end of the same year, he was again appointed Governor- General and Captain-General of Quebec, and Commander-in-Chief of the forces therein. His re-appearance in Canada was hailed with delight by the majority of the people. He continued to govern the province until 1796, and during that time did much towards the welfare of the country, particularly in ameliorating the laws.
" On his final departure, the unfeigned regret that was expressed was universal, and many were the addresses presented by the inhabitants to the good old Genera], conveying their heartfelt gratitude for all that he had done, and prayers for his eternal welfare .
" His lordship, although, it appeared, a very strict disciplinarian in the execution of his duty, was as humane and kind of heart as any man that ever breathed ; indeed, his kind treatment of the French Canadians during his government and of the
144 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
American prisoners during the American war evinces that in the highest degree. He was, besides, a man of honor and a gentleman, a sincere Christian, and a devoted soldier and servant of his country. He married, in 1772, Lady Maria, daughter of the second Earl of Effingham, by whom he had many children. His death occurred on the i Qth November, 1808, in the fine old age of eighty-three."
HON. GEORGE PYKE
WAS born at Halifax, N.S., 1775. He practised as a Barrister in Quebec, and held the offices of Solicitor and Attorney-General and Advocate-General. He was promoted to the Bench of Montreal about the year 1820. He delivered the great judgment of the Court, maintaining the claim of the Church of England to the University of McGill College, but which by mismanagement has been lost to that Christian body. He retired about the year 1844, and went to live at his country residence in the Seigniory of Vaudreuil, Hudson, which was beautifully situated on the banks of the River Ottawa, and which he named " Mount Victoria."
He died at Hudson, 1851, aged 76, much regretted. He left three sons, viz., George, for many years a chief clerk in the Prothonotary's Office of Montreal, afterwards Deputy Prothonotary, and who died in 1882. John (M. D.) who died at St. Andrew's in 1847, and James W., a clergyman of the Church of England, ordained in 1841, and appointed the same year to his present charge, viz., Mission of Vaudreuil. On the i8th of October, 1891, he had served fifty years — his Jubilee — in the Diocese of Montreal, and fifty years in the same Parish, which no other clergy- man of any denomination can say in the District of Montreal. He is now in his 75th year, and has seen great changes in the country since his appointment to the Mission of Vaudreuil.
HENRY HOWARD, M.D., M.R.C.S.L. ENG.,
WAS born in Nenagh, County Tipperary, .Ireland, on the ist December, 1815, and studied medicine in Dublin under the celebrated Dr. Jacob. He took his degree in London, England, in 1838, emigrating to Canada in 1842, first residing on Amherst Island, afterwards in Kingston, coming to Montreal in 1845. He practised his profession in Montreal till 1861, when he was appointed Superintendent of the Provincial Lunatic Asylum, St. Johns, Q., which position he occupied till 1875, when he received the appointment of Government Superintendent of the Longue Pointe Lunatic Asylum, which position he filled until the day of his death. Dr. Howard was author of several works, those most noted being " The Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Eye," " The Philosophy of Insanity, Crime and Responsibility," " The Somatic Etiology of Crime," and other works. He was an honorary member of the American Association for the Cure of Inebriates, and an ex-president of the Medico- Chirurgical Society of Montreal, being its oldest member at the time of his death. Dr. Howard was a personality in his profession and as a public man, through his long public career of Superintendent of the Insane. His views on the subject of
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 145
the unbalancing of the mind were quite pronounced, and in several printed works he laid down the doctrine of Moral Insanity, and upheld the essential relations between physical lesion and mental and moral obliquity. In his professional relations Dr. Howard was highly esteemed for his old-fashioned sense of etiquette and the ob- servance of the normal proprieties. In the intimacy of private life, he was a most estimable man, devotedly attached to his family, and thoroughly sympathetic to a wide circle of friends. The Doctor was good company, and had the gift of anec- dote and broad reminiscence of men and things. He liked to recall his student days in the old country, and his political adventures in Montreal, especially in the case of St. Patrick's Society, of which he was at one time one of its most honored Presidents* He died at the age of seventy-two, on the i2th of October, 1887, after a life well spent, and left behind him the legacy of a name honored by the public at large, and beloved by his personal friends. He fought the battle of life with credit to himself, and with benefit to the nation — none the less great, because his worth was what all true worth is, unassuming and modest.
LOUIS L. L. DESAULNIERS, M.D.,
WAS born at Yamachiche, Quebec, i6th February, 1823. He is descended from an old and well-known family, three of his brothers having been Professors of Philosophy, Mathematics and Theology in the Colleges of Nicolet and St. Hyacinthe. He studied chiefly at Harvard University, Boston, where he graduated M.D. in 1846. Since 1876 he has resided in Montreal. He has been for years a member of the Council of Public Instruction, is also a member of the Medical Society of Mass., U. S., and for the past twenty-three years he has been one of the Inspectors of Prisons and Asylums for the Province of Quebec. The writer has had now an intercourse of all this time with Dr. Desaulniers, and has ever found him a gentleman both in his official visitations and in private life. Through his indefatigable exertions much of the great change to be seen in the condition of the criminal classes, and other better means of classification, etc., are due to him, and the separation of the sexes in separate prisons was finally brought about by the work and perseverance of Dr. Desaulniers and his colleagues.
JOHN A. PROCTOR
WAS born at Liverpool, England, in 1833, anc^ came to Canada in 1838. For some time he was a Professor in the University of Lennoxville. His poems were published in the different journals of the day, but principally in the Gazette, of Montreal. His " Essays of a Ragged Philosopher" appeared in The Freeman of Sherbrooke. In 1861, he published his book, " Voices of the Night." This work on its appearance stamped him as a poet of no mean ability. He has written several other poems since.
10
146 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JOSEPH MACKAY AND EDWARD MACKAY
WERE the founders of the Well-known dry goods firm of " Mackay Brothers," of McGill Street. All the Mackay brothers having been born in Kildonan, Sutherland- shire, Scotland, no wonder when the eldest built a home in Montreal he should call it " Kildonan," on Sherbrooke Street. Long has it been the " shelter " of travel- lers of every shade and section of Christianity. Ever and always are its doors open to Montreal strangers, and not more so than now in the present generation of the clan. Joseph came to Montreal in 1832, Edward in 1840. Nobly did they admin- ister what the Lord had given them as stewards. "The Mackay Institution" will ever stand as a mark of Christian sympathy and benevolence for the poor deaf and dumb. Joseph left $10,000 to the Presbyterian College at his death, which occurred 2nd June, 1881. Edward was as sterling a man as his brother, at one time a Director of the Bank of Montreal, and died 6th May, 1883. He added $40,000 to the College, and endowed the Joseph Mackay Chair of Systematic Theology in the College. His nephews, Hugh, Robert, and James, have also followed their uncles' worthy examples, and endowed a Chair in memory of their Uncle Edward. The firm still retains the old name, and when walking down McGill Street, the eye still meets with the well-known sign of " Mackay Brothers." This firm has been identified with all progressive measures looking toward the improvement and extension of the trade of Montreal. Mackay Bros, have been important factors in aiding to develop the commercial greatness of the city and make its name more widely known beyond the bounds of Canada. The 'past record of this house is perhaps the best guarantee for its future. Honorable it has been, and marked by intelligence and enterprise. These have their reward in a steady and successful trade. Long may it flourish as one of the old solid names of Montreal, and a landmark that may not easily be obliterated.
REV. FATHER DOWD.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL *4/
RtV. PATRICK DOWD.
(t FATHER DOWD, as his parishioners love to call him, was born in the County Louth, Ireland, in 1813. At an early age he evinced an ardent desire to devote himself to the Church, and made his classical course at Newry. He went to Paris in 1832, when he made his theological studies in the Irish College in that city ; his course was a brilliant one. In 1837, May 2oth, he was ordained Priest by Monseigneur Quelan, Archbishop of Paris. After his ordination, he returned to Ireland where he lived about ten years, six with the Archbishop of Armagh, and was President of the Dio- cesan Seminary of that town for one year.
In 1847, ne resolved on joining the order of St. Sulpice, and went to Paris for that purpose. After spending a year in that noviciate he was admitted a member of that illustrious body. He came to Montreal, 2ist June, 1848, and officiated at St. Patrick's Church. When Father Connolly left St. Patrick's, in 1860, Father Dowd was appointed, by the Superior, Director of the congregation, a position which he retained to his death.
Shortly after his arrival he saw the necessity of an asylum for Irish orphans here, and early in 1849 established one, and the same year commenced the building of the present St. Patrick's Orphan Asylum, which was opened in November, 1851.
In 1865, he established St. Bridget's Home for the old and infirm, and the Night Refuge for the destitute. In 1866-7, he erected the present commodious building on Lagauchetiere street for the Home and Refuge.
In 1872, he established St. Patrick's School on St. Alexander street, opposite the •Church, — the building is large and commodious. This school is for girls, and is con- ducted by the Rev. Ladies of the Congregation of Notre Dame, whose reputation as educators is known all over America. Over five hundred pupils attend this school.
Besides the above Father Dowd has done much to ornament and beautify the interior of St. Patrick's Church, which next to Notre Dame is the most richly decorated in this city.
In 1866, when the dismemberment of the ancient parish of Notre Dame was proclaimed, Father Dowd's quick and vigilant eye saw that the congregation of St. Patrick's, and the other Irish churches of this city, would suffer seriously thereby, and he promptly petitioned the Holy See that the Irish Catholics of Montreal should be left in the undisturbed possession of their old privileges ; his petition was received and substantially granted, and their position confirmed and defined to their satisfaction.
In 1877, he organized the great Irish Catholic Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Rome. We can all recollect the prayerful anxiety that was felt, when the vessel carrying the pilgrims and their beloved Pastor was not heard of for several agonizing weeks Prayers were offered in all the churches without distinction of creed, a pleasing proof that we Montrealers are not so bigoted or intolerant as some would make us appear.
When God in His great mercy was pleased to restore them to their homes and friends, Father Dowd met with an. enthusiastic reception, and was presented with a life-size portrait of himself for the Presbytery of St. Patrick's, where it now hangs.
148 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Father Dowd has, on several occasions, been offered the highest dignities in the church, but has always declined them, — twice at least having refused the mitre, namely: — the Sees of Toronto and Kingston. On December i7th, 1852, he was named Bishop of Canee, in partibus, and Coadjutor of Toronto, but declined, preferring to remain with the St. Patrick's congregation."
It is impossible in this brief sketch to do full justice to the Rev. Pastor of St. Patrick's; indeed, to write his memoir in full, since he came to this city in 1848, would be to write the history of the Irish Catholics of Montreal for the last fifty years, so intimately has he been associated with every good and charitable work. One trait of his Catholic life must be recorded, and appertaining to the Author of this Book. More than a quarter of a century ago, he published a volume as a Reader for schools, containing everything pertaining to British North America. His great friend Father Dowd was one of the Council of Public Instruction. When the book was discussed at the Council table as one of those to be the authorized books for all kinds of schools, Father Dowd firmly said : " I will not rise from this meeting till that excellent book is adopted," and adopted it was ; and in the Statutes of Quebec in the Education Act mention is made of this, same book, and what regulation was to appertain thereto in the examination of future teachers for the Province. He died on the 1 9th December, 1891, full of years and Christian work, and his funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Montreal. All denominations attended the service, and showed that all nationalities were determined to do respect to the good old man.
SIR ALEXANDER GALT, G.C.M.G.,
Is the youngest son of John Gait, a name not unknown both in literature and Canada, as he was the author of several books and the founder of the populous and important town of Gait in Ontario. The subject of this sketch was born at Chelsea, England, 6th September, 1817. He early came to Canada in connection with the British American Land Co., and lived in Sherbrooke. In 1844, he was appointed Commis- sioner, and for twelve years after held this important position. In 1849, Mr. Gait entered Parliament as the representative of Sherbrooke. Retiring from political life for some years he again entered it in 1853 and once more represented Sherbrooke, which he continued to do till Confederation, when the Brown-Dorion Administration came to an end. Sir Edmund Head, the Governor-General, invited Mr. Gait to form a new Ministry, but he declined. In the Cartier-MacDonald Government, Mr. Gait accepted the position of Minister of Finance. In 1864, he became again same minister in the Tache-MacDonald Government.
In the first Dominion Government under Sir John MacDonald, he again was the Minister of Finance. Not long after, he resigned and took his seat as a private member of the House. In 1869, he was created a K.C. of Order St. Michael and St. George. In 1872, he entered into private life. In 1880, he was appointed a High Commissioner for Canada at the Court of St. James, London, with a salary of $10,000 per annum and a residence, and he resigned from this in 1883. Ever since he has remained in private life, but perhaps he may yet be induced to re-enter public life and the troublesome arena of political warfare. Time will tell.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 149
HON. LOUIS AMABLE JETTE, LL.D.,
JUDGE of the Superior Court and President of the late Royal Commission, is the son of Amable Jett<§, formerly a merchant at L'Assomption, and Dame Caroline Gauffreau, granddaughter of a St. Dominique planter. Bom on January 5, 1836, the Judge received his education at L'Assomption College, where he went through a most brilliant course of studies with great success. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1857, a°d at once took a leading position. In 1862, he married Berthe, daughter of the late Toussaint Laflamme and sister of the Hon. Rodolphe Laflamme, ex-Minister of Juslice. For many years he has been a corresponding member of the " Societe de Legislation Compared de Paris ; " editor of the " Revue Critique de Legislation et de Jurisprudence dti Canada," and a correspondent of the " Revue de droit Internationale de Gand," Belgium. He was at various times Treasurer and subsequently Batonnier of the Montreal Bar, Director of the Isolated Risk & Farmers' Fire Insurance Company, of the Lauren tian Railway Company, and President of the Reform Association of the Parti National. For a short period in 1862-63, he was editor of L'Ordre, a paper which has long since ceased to be published. His first great prominence as a lawyer was in the celebrated Guibord case, when he acted as Counsel for the Seminary of St. Sulpice. In 1872, at the time of the General Elec- tions, he came out as the Candidate of the Liberal party in Montreal East against Sir George E. Cartier, and after a hard and stubbornly fought struggle he succeeded in defeating the then all-powerful leader of the Conservative party by a majority of over 1,300 votes to the great astonishment of the entire country. He was re-elected by acclamation at the General Elections which followed, and while in Parliament took a leading part in the debates. In 1878, he was raised to the Superior Court by the Mackenzie Administration, and he has continued to fill that position to the entire satisfaction of Bench, Bar and public. In 1880, he became Professor of Civil Law in Laval, and since that time has been closely connected with that Institution. He is recognized as one of the most careful, learned and painstaking Judges on the Bench.
150 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
EDMOND LAREAU, B.C.L.,
WAS born at St. Gregory, Mount Johnson, Iberville, i2th March, 1848. Educated at the Seminary of Ste. Marie de Monnoir. Following the profession of Law he was called to the Bar of Quebec in 1870, having graduated as Bachelor of Law at the University of Victoria, Cobourg. In 1874, he also received the same degree from McGill University. Mr. Lareau gave up much time to literature, history and journalism. In 1870, he edited Le Pays, and in 1872 he assisted the National. Ke wrote articles in L 'Opinion Publique upon the ancient French archives. In 1873, he published L' Hist o ire du Droit Canadien. But his great work was Histoire de la Litterature Canadien, an important volume containing the short notices of all those (with their works) who had to that date contributed to Canadian literature. After this effort he devoted himself to the duties of his profession, especially as a lecturer in the Faculty of Law of McGill University, and after a brilliant career died in Montreal universally lamented.
ISIDORE ASCHER
WAS born in 1835, *n Glasgow, Scotland. At the age of eight he came with his parents to Canada, studied Law, was received at the Bar, and lived till 1864 m Mon- treal; afterwards he went to reside in London, England. In 1863, he published a volume of poems entitled "Voices from the Hearth." He had a sound imagina- tion, and a tone of morality runs through all his poems.
WM. FITZ HAWLEY
WAS born at Laprairie, in 1804, and died at his native place in 1855. He will ever be remembered from his fine poem on Quebec, found in his " Quebec, The Harp, and other Poems," which was printed in Montreal, in 1829, — a book very rare now, and, like " Hochelaga Depicta," costly. He received the medal for the above poem from the Society for the Encouragement of Arts and Sciences in Quebec. He wrote another interesting work, also very scarce, viz., " The Unknown ; or, Lays of the Forest," in 1831.
WM. ALFRED HIMSWORTH
WAS born in Montreal, 28th August, 1820. His father came from Berwick-on- Tweed, Scotland. William served in the Commissariat from 1838 to 1842. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1841, appointed Clerk of the Executive Council in 1843, and Assistant-Clerk of the Council in 1851. He was sworn in as Clerk of the Privy Council in 1872. Besides other temporary appointments he was Deputy-Governor for signing Letters Patent for Dominion lands, Commissioner Dedimus potestatem ; he was also a Commissioner of the Queen's Bench for Ontario and Quebec. Mr. Himsworth married, in 1844, Louise Morrison, and had two sons and two daughters. He died in January, 1880.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 151
HENRI BENJAMIN RAINVILLE
WAS born at Ste. Angele de Monnoir, 5th April, 1852, and is the son of Felix Rain- ville, fanner, by his wife Marie Daignault.
He was educated at the College of St. Hyacinthe and Ste. Marie de Monnoir, and passed a brilliant career in both. He studied Law under the late Joseph Doutre, and graduated at McGill University -in 1873, and admitted to the Bar, i4th January, 1874.
He practised for some years with his brother, the late Hon. H. F. Rainville, Judge of the Superior Court, and is now the head of the extensive Legal firm of Kainville, Archambault & Gervais.
He was elected Alderman of Montreal, for the Centre Ward, ist March, 1882, and has always been re-elected since, and has been Chairman of the Light Com- mittee for the last six years.
Was for three years (1884-1887) a member of the Board of Roman Catholic School Commissioners of Montreal.
He was returned to the Provincial Legislature for Montreal, Division No. 3, in June, 1890, and has ever since secured the respect and confidence of his constituents.
He married, i8th July, 1876, Eugenie Archambault, daughter of the late Alex- andre Archambault, who represented L'Assomption County, under the Union, from 1861 to 1863.
152 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
LIEUT.-COLONEL JOHN MACPHERSON
WAS born in Glengarry, 8th January, 1830. Was for some years in business in Montreal. In 1840, he received a commission in the 3rd Battalion Mounted Militia, and in 1856, organized the first Highland company in the Province of Quebec. He was, in 1861, promoted to the rank of Major, and appointed Brigade Major to the Active Forces then in Montreal. The following year he was made Brigade Major of Military District No. n. He became a Lieut.-Colonel in the Militia in 1865. In this capacity he served with General Lindsay on his staff at Montreal during the Fenian troubles in 1866. This year he was appointed D.A.G. commanding district No. 3, Ontario. In 1870, he was appointed Acting-Superinten- dent of Military Schools in the Dominion, until the threatened Fenian troubles in April of that year, when he was again appointed to the staff of General Lindsay, as Assistant Adjutant-General, and assumed command of the Active Militia Brigades concentrated in Montreal ; acccompanied the staff of H. R. H. Prince Arthur to the front both on the Missisquoi and Huntingdon frontiers. On the termination of this service, he joined the staff at headquarters, and for some time acted as Deputy to the Minister of Militia and Defence and as Accountant to the Department. He was appointed to his present situation of Director of Stores and Keeper of Militia Properties in 1880.
DOUGLAS BRYMNER.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Greenock, Scotland, in 1823, where his family had been long and favorably known. He came out to Canada in 1857 , and began farm- ing in the Eastern Townships, at Melbourne. This did not suit the ideas and feelings of the young Scotsman. The proprietors of the Montreal Herald (who were then Messrs. Penny, Wilson & Stewart) soon found him out, and discovered that Douglas was far better fitted to guide a pen than a plough, and so it happened that he was shortly after placed on the staff of their paper. Mr. Brymner was then appointed editor of the Presbyterian. This Was then, as now, the mouthpiece and organ of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. He continued connected with this paper till he removed to Ottawa, where he was appointed Archivist to the Dominion Government. Here he is in his native element, and Canada has much indeed to be thankful for when such a man undertakes the mighty task of classifying, arranging and docketing her archives and records of the past two hundred years. Whilst the work lasts, his annual volume which he produces shows the character of the undertaking and the laborious nature of the charge. Long may he be spared so that all the remaining records be also as systematically arranged. The result of his investigations into these old records has been the publicity of a vast amount of knowledge which otherwise would never have been known to the public, and which is of so much value to all historians.
HON. F. E. OILMAN, M.L.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 153
HON. FRANCIS EDWARD OILMAN, LL.D.,
COMES from an old English family. His ancestors came from Hingham, England, and settled in Hingham, Mass., in the year 1638. His great-grandfather, Israel, served in the Revolutionary War and died in 1778. His son Israel, after the close of the war, came to Canada with other U. E. Loyalists and settled in the Eastern Townships at Melbourne, in the Province of Quebec. His father, Stephen M. Oilman, was born in Melbourne, in the Eastern Townships, where he lived and brought up a family of six boys. The subject of the present sketch was his second son, born at Granville, in the County of Richmond, on the nth April, 1842. Was educated at St. Francis College, Richmond, and McGill University, Montreal, where he graduated, taking the University Degrees of B.A. in 1862, M.A. in 1865, B.C.L. in 1866, and LL.D. in 1877. Was called to the Bar of Lower Canada, at Montreal, in 1865, and commenced the practice of his profession there.
Mr. Oilman was married in May, 1866, to Amelia M., second daughter of the late George W. Weaver. Has always resided in Montreal, and taken an active interest in educational work and municipal government. He represented St. Antoine Ward in the City Council for a number of years, and was Chairman of the Police Committee. While in the City Council, in the year 1880, he was requested to represent the City, and attended a grand celebration of the 25oth Anniversary of the Settlement of Boston, Mass., at which were present representatives from all the cities in America, and subsequently he attended, the Sesquicentennial at the City of Baltimore, as representative of Montreal.
He is a Life Governor of the Montreal General Hospital, the Western Hospital, the Mechanics' Institute, and various other institutes and organizations in Montreal. Mr. Oilman has always been a Liberal in politics. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the County of Argenteuil in the Legislative Assembly at the General Elections in 1882. Was appointed to represent Wellington Division (his native county) in the Legislative Council of the Province of Quebec, 1887, which he still continues to represent. Was the first to introduce a measure in the Legislature to permit parties to a civil suit to testify in their own behalf; was the first to introduce a measure for Compulsory Voting and for the Abolition of the Legislative Council. His family consists of wife and two sons.
154 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ALEXANDER MILTON ROSS, M.D.
" THIS eminent Canadian philanthropist, scientist and author has had a career of striking interest. He was born on December i3th, 1832, in Belleville, On- tario. His father, William Ross, was a grandson of Captain Alexander Ross, an officer of General Wolfe's army of invasion. Captain Alexander Ross took part in the battle on the Plains of Abraham, which resulted in the defeat of the French and the conquest of all Canada. He subsequently received a grant of land from the Crown and settled in Prince Edward County, Upper Canada, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1805. Captain Alexander Ross was grandson of Alexander Ross, laird of Balnagown, Ross-shire Scotland, who descended in a direct line from Hugh Ross, of Bariches, second son of Hugh, the sixth and last Earl of Ross, of the old family. Dr. Ross' grandmother, on his father s side, wns Hannah Prudence Williams, a descendant of Roger Williams [1595-1683], the famous liberal preacher and apostle of freedom, of Rhode Island. His mother, Frederika Grant, was the youngest daughter of John Grant of the British Army, who died from wounds re- ceived at Niagara, in the War of 1812-14. His maternal grandmother was Mary Jenks, a daughter of Joseph Jenks, Colonial Governor of Rhode Island. Governor Jenks tias left a famous record of public services. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives of Rhode Island, from October, 1698 to 1708 ; Deputy Governor from May, 1715, to May, 1727 ; Governor from May, 1727,10 May, 1732. He was a staunch and persistent friend and advocate of political and religious liberty. In his boyhood Dr. Ross made his way to New York city, and after struggling with many adversities, became a compositor in the office of the Evening Post, then edited and owned by William Cullen Bryant, the poet. Mr. Bryant became much interested in young Ross, and ever after remained his steadfast friend. It was during this period he became acquainted with General Garibaldi, who at that time was a resident of New York, and employed in making candles. This acquaintance soon ripened into a warm friendship, which continued unbroken down to Garibaldi's death in 1882. It was through Dr. Ross* efforts in 1874 that Garibaldi obtained his pension from the Italian Government. In 1851, Dr. Ross began the study of Medicine, under the direction of the eminent Dr. Valentine Mott, and subsequently under Dr. Trail, the celebrated hygienic physician. After four years of unremitting toil, working as a compositor during the day and studying Medicine at night, he received his degree of M.D. in 1855, and shortly after received the appointment of surgeon in the the army of Nicaragua, then commanded by General William Walker. He subsequently became actively and earnestly engaged in the anti-slavery struggle in the United States, which culminated in the liberation from bondage of four mil- lions of slaves. Dr. Ross was a personal friend and co-worker of Captain John Brown, the martyr. Although Dr. Ross' sphere of labor in that great struggle of human freedom was less public than that of many others in the cause, it was not less important, and required the exercise of greater caution, courage and determination, and also involved greater personal risks. Senator Wade, Vice-President of the United
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 1 55
States, said in speaking of the abolitionists : — ' Never in the history of the world did the same number of men perform so great an amount of good for the human race and for their country as the once despised abolitionists, and it is my duty to add that no one of their number submitted to greater privations, perils or sacrifices, or did more in the great and noble work than Alexander Ross.'
He has received the benediction of the philanthropist and poet^Whittier, in the following noble words, which find their echo in the hearts of thousands : —
For his steadfast strength and courage
In a dark and evil time, When the Golden Rule was treason,
And to feed the hungry, crime.
For the poor slave's hope and refuge,
When the hound was on his track, And saint and sinner, state and church,
Joined hands to send him back.
Blessings upon him ! — What he did
For each sad, suffering one, Chained, hunted, scourged and bleeding,
Unto our Lord was done.
JOHN G. WHITTIEK,
Secretary of the Convention in 1833 "which formed the American Anti- Slavery Society.
The sincere radical abolitionists, with whom Dr. Ross was laboring, were despised, hated and ostracised by the rich, the powerful and the so-called higher classes; but Dr. Ross always possessed the courage of his opinions, and prefers the approval of his own conscience to the smiles or favors of men. During the Southern Rebellion he was employed by President Lincoln as confidential correspondent in Canada, and rendered very important services to the United States Government. For this he re- ceived the special thanks of President Lincoln and Secretary Seward. .When the war ended, with the downfall of the Confederacy, Dr. Ross offered his services to President Juarez, of Mexico, and received the appointment of surgeon in the Repub- - lican army. The capture of Maximillian, and the speedy overthrow of the empire, rendered Dr. Ross' services unnecessary, and he returned to Canada and to the con- genial and more peaceful pursuits of a naturalist. The object of his ambition was now to collect and classify the fauna and flora of his native country, a labor never before attempted by a Canadian. He has collected and classified five hundred and seventy species of birds that regularly or occasionally visit the Dominion of Canada ; two hundred and forty species of eggs of birds that breed in Canada ; two hundred and forty-seven species of mammals, reptiles, and fresh water fish ; three thousand four hundred species of insects ; and two thousand species of Canadian flora. Dr. Ross has been a member of the British Association of Science for the last twenty-one years, and of the French and American Associations for the past seventeen years. He has devoted special attention to the ornithology, ichthyology, botany and ento-
156 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
mology of Canada ; has personally made large and valuable collections of the fauna and flora of Canada ; has enriched by his contributions the natural history museums of Paris, St. Petersburg, Vienna, Rome, Athens, Dresden, Lisbon, Teheran and Cairo, with collections of Canadian fauna and flora. He is author of 'Birds of Canada' (1872), 'Butterflies and Moths of Canada' (1873), 'Flora of Canada' (1873), * Forest Trees of Canada ' (1874), ' Mammals, Reptiles, and Fresh Water Fishes of Canada' (1878), * Recollections of an Abolitionist ' (1867), ' Ferns and Wild Flow- ers of Canada' (1877), 'Friendly Words to Boys and Young Men' (1884), 'Vaccination a Medical Delusion' (1885), and 'Natural Diet of Man ' (1886). He received the degrees of M.D. (1855; an^ M.A. (1867) ; and was knighted by the Emperor of Russia (1876), King of Italy (1876), King of Greece (1876), King of Portugal (1877), King of Saxony (1876), and received the Medal of Merit from the Shah of Persia (1884), the decoration of honor from the Khedive of Egypt (1884), and the decoration of the Academic Frangaise from the Government of France (1879). He was offered (and declined) the title of Baron by the King of Bavaria, in recognition of his labors as a naturalist, and was appointed Consul to Canada by the King of Belgium and the King of Denmark. Dr. Ross was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the Linnaean and Zoological Societies of England j the Royal Societies of Antiquaries of Denmark and Greece ; the Inipeiial Society of Naturalists of Russia ; the Imperial Botanical and Zoological Society of Austria ; the Royal Academy of Science of Palermo, Italy ; a member of the Entomological So- cieties of Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Bohemia and Wur- temburg ; member of the Hygienic Societies of France, Germany and Switzerland ; honorary member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and member of the European Congress of Ornithology. For several years past Dr. Ross has labored with his characteristic zeal and energy in behalf of moral and physical reform. He is the founder (1880), of the Canadian Society for the Diffusion of Physiological Knowledge, and enlisted the sympathy and active support of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Earl Shaftsbury, the Archbishop of Toronto, and two hundred and forty clergymen of different denominations, and three hundred Canadian school teachers in the work of distributing his tracts on 'The Evils Arising from Unphysiological Habits in Youth ' ; over one million of these tracts were distributed among the youths of Britain and Canada, calling forth thousands of letters expressing gratitude from parents and friends of the young. Dr. Ross is one of the founders of the St. Louis Hygienic College of Physicians and Surgeons, in which he is Professor of Hy- giene, Sanitation and Physiology. He is always on the side of the poor and the oppressed, no matter how unpopular the cause may be. He does his duty as he sees it, regardless of consequences to himself. When Dr. Ross had attained his fiftieth birthday, he was the recipient of many tokens of regard and congratulations from friends and co-workers. From the poet Whittier the following : —
DEAR FRIEND — The fifty years have not been idle ones, but filled with good works ; I hope another half century may be added to them.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 157
From Wendell Phillips :—
MY DEAR Ross — Measured by the good you have done in your fifty years, you have already lived a century.
From Harriet Beecher Stovve : —
DEAR DR. Ross — As you look back over your fifty years, what a comfort to you must be the reflection that you have saved so many from the horrors of slavery.
During the small-pox epidemic in Montreal in 1885, Dr. Ross was a prominent opponent of vaccination, declaring that it was not only useless as a preventative of small-pox, but that it propagated the disease when practised during the existence of an epidemic. In place of vaccination, he strongly advocated the strict enforcement of sanitation and isolation. He maintains that personal and municipal cleanliness is the only scientific safeguard against Zymotic diseases. When the authorities attempted to enforce vaccination by fines and imprisonment, Dr. Ross organized the Anti-Com- pulsory Vaccination League, and successfully resisted what he considered an outrage on human rights. Dr. Ross is a radical reformer in religion, medicine, politics, sociol- ogy, and dietetics, and a total abstainer from intoxicants and tobacco. He is a grad- uate of the allopathic, hydropathic, eclectic and botanic systems of medicine, and a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Provinces of Quebec, On- tario and Manitoba."
RICHARD BIRKS.
THE subject of this sketch is one of the oldest merchants in Montreal. He was born at Wombwell, Yorkshire, England, near the beginning of this century, in 1807. His father was Richard Birks, civil engineer, and his two brothers, Edward and Thomas, followed their father's profession. Richard was educated at Brampton Grammar School. He then studied Pharmacy under the well-known Dr. Hudson in London, England. After some years he went to the West Indies, to Jamaica, and remained their until 1832, when, on the liberation of the slaves, and abolition of slavery throughout the British Colonies, he returned to England. He came ta Canada in 1844, and settled in Montreal. He is now sixty-five years in the drug business, and, though over eighty years of age, is still active and strong, walking a mile or more every morning from his home to the store on McGill street, and such are his perfect faculties that he can yet, without the aid of glasses, write very small texts on the prescriptions which are prepared in his establishment.
The ancestors of the subject of this sketch have lived in Wombwell for over eight hundred years, in the one homestead for over four hundred years, and they have been the agents of Sir George Wombwell of Wombwell Hall for the past three hundred years, and at the close of this century the old homestead is still in the family.
Mr. Birks married Mary Morris in 1848, and has two sons and two daughters. His oldest son, Robert, has been in the employ of the Allan Line of Steamers for over eight years. His second son, James, is with his father in the drug business. His oldest daughter is married to George Sutherland, dry goods merchant of this City,, and the youngest to W. N. Slayton of the United States.
158 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JAMES COURT.
MR. COURT came to Montreal when he was about nineteen years of age and entered the employ of his maternal uncle, William Blackwood, who died in 1831, and young Court began, on his own account, the profession of public accountant and house agent — the first person in the city who did so — and greatly prospered in his new undertaking. He was one of the earliest champions of " Total Abstinence." The late John Dougall, J. S. Orr and he, organized a Christian Young Men's Society as early as 1832. He was intimately connected with all the moral, social and intellec- tual advance of the city to his death. It took place February i4th, 1883, in Glasgow, Scotland, where he then was, dropping dead in endeavoring to overtake a tramway
car.
C. J. BRYDGES
WAS born near London, England, in 1827. At fifteen he was employed by the South Western Railway Company, and remained for ten years with them — gaining in that time different positions, and lastly that of Assistant Secretary. In 1852, he was ap- pointed Managing Director of the Great Western Railway of Canada, and in the same year he arrived in Canada and established himself at Hamilton in the interests of this line. In 1861, he received a public banquet at Hamilton for his services to the country, when he was presented with a service of plate made by Tiffany, of New York, and costing $3,000. At this time he joined the Grand Trunk, where he con- "1 tinned for many years as its efficient Managing Director. Afterwards he had Government control of the Intercolonial, and latterly was agent for the Hudson Bay Company in Winnipeg, where he died some years ago.
Mr. Brydges was intimately connected with the English Diocese of Montreal, of which he was for years the Treasurer, and his decisions in the Synod were gener- ally followed by both clerical and lay members.
PETER MUNRO, M.D.
PETER MUNRO, son of Dr. Henry Munro, of Montreal, and grandson of the Honor- able John Munro, U. E. Loyalist, of the ancient house of Fowlis, County of Ross- shire, Scotland, was born at Montreal, i4th September, 1811. He studied under the celebrated Doctor Robert Nelson, was licensed 23rd April, 1834, and appointed physician to the Hotel Dieu Hospital, yth September, 1838. He was one of the founders of the School of Medicine and Surgery, also called the University of Vic- toria, and of the Montreal Dispensary, with the following medical confreres, viz., Drs. Arnoldi, Badgeley, Sutherland, and Horace Nelson.
Doctor Munro was Professor of Surgery in Victoria Medical School, and also of Clinical Surgery at the Hotel Dieu Hospital. He was also President of the School of Medicine in connection with the University of Victoria.
His father, Dr. Henry Munro, of Montreal, was licensed 1 7th. April, 1795, and served the North West Company and the Hotel Dieu for several years. Dr. Selby preceded him in-Tthe:Hotel Dieu, aad Drs. Beaubien and Nelson succeeded him in 1829.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 159
E- H. TRUDEL, M.D.,
WAS born at St. Genevieve de Batiscan, 1821, and was youngest son of O. Trudel. His father was the first member elected for the County of Champlain , and represented it until 1837.
His son, E. H. Trudel, passed with eclat all the courses of study in the College
of Nicolet, then studied Medicine at the University of McGill, where he graduated in
1844. He was made Professor of Chemistry in the School of Medicine in 1848,
.which position he held for several years. In 1850, he was appointed to the Chair of
Midwifery and the Diseases of Women and Children.
He was also President and Vice-President of the School of Medicine and Surgery of Montreal, President of the St. Jean Baptiste Society, President of the Medical .Society of the Dominion, a Director of the Banque Ville Marie and Credit Foncier. He died universally regretted by all who knew him.
REV. ROBERT CAMPBELL, D.D.,
WAS born in the Township of Drummond, Out., June 2ist, 1835. His parents came to Canada in 1817 and took up land near what is now the town of Perth. Recollect what Canada was in those days, and think of the difficulty of the subject of our sketch getting what he panted for — education beyond what the common schools of those days afforded. At last the day dawned, and an Irishman who could leach a liberal education offered his services for the school. Thus Mr. Campbell eagerly entered the arena as a studious candidate. So determined was he, that one hundred lines of Virgil at one sit- ting of " The Dominie " was not an uncommon occurrence. After a few years of such study he entered Queen's College, Kingston, with flying colors, and graduated B. A. in all subjects in 1856, and M.A. in 1858. Afterwards he was Head Master of Queen's College Preparatory School, and was, in the autumn of 1861, ordained Presbyterian minister of Gait. Remaining there for five years, he came to Montreal in 1866, where he has ever since been the well-known and much respected minister of St. Gabriel Church. In 1863, he married Margaret McDonnell. He has given a con- siderable amount of his time to literary work — being connected with the Presbyterian. In 1870, he was given the prize for the best essay on the Presbyterian Union in Canada. His great work in the literary line is the valuable book he issued a few years ago on St. Gabriel Church, from which the Author of this work acknowledges having received a great amount of information. He is Chairman of the Ministers' Widows' and Orphans' Fund, which office he has held ever since the death of the late Dr. Matheson. He is also a member of the Board .of Trustees of Queen's University, Kingston, from which — quite unexpectedly— he received the highest honor a clergyman can receive, that of the degree of D.D. This honor was conferred on Dr. Campbell in April, 1887, and if any man deserved recognition from the hands of his college, it is he. He is still in the prime of life, a great curler — which, perhaps, goes to prove that manly exercises are not opposed to physical health and clerical virtues. St. Gabriel Church, the oldest Presbyterian Church in Montreal, was sold a few years ago to the Local Government for Court House improvements, and the congregation have removed to St. Catherine street, very near Phillips Square, where he has a large and flourishing congregation.
!6o GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
DR. G. P. GIRDWOOD
WAS bom in London, England, 22nd October, 1832. His father was also a physi- cian, Dr. Gilbert F. Girdvvood, of Edinburgh, but who practiced Medicine for thirty-five years in London. The Girdwood family belonged to Corstorphine, near the Scottish Capital, where they had been for over three hundred years. His mother was Susan, daughter of the Rev. Thos. Blazeley, once Chaplain to the Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria. Dr. Girdwood, the subject of this sketch, received his education in London at the University College and St. George's School of Medicine. In 1854, he entered the army as Surgeon to H. M. Grenadier Guards. Here he served till December, 1861, when he was ordered to Canada, the "Trent" affair having disturbed the peace of this country with its neighbors the United States. In 1864, he retired from the service and was appointed Surgeon to the Military Prison, Hochelaga, and also to the Victoria Rifles. In 1866. he went to the front with this corps during the Fenian excitement, and was appointed Medical Staff Officer of the Militia of Canada the same year. He has been Professor of Chemistry in McGill University from 1879 to tne present day. He married a daughter of the late Thos. E. Blackwell, C.E., and who was a grandmother of the celebrated Dr. Buckland, Dean of Westminster. Dr. Girdwood is one of the most distinguished analysts in the city.
VERY REV. ARCHDEACON LEACH, LL.D., D.C.L.,
WAS a native of Berwick-on-Tweed, and received his early education there, com- pleting it at Stirling, before entering the University of Edinburgh, where he took his degree of M.A. Shortly after this he came to Canada, and for some years was minister of St. Andrew's Scotch Church, Toronto, and Chaplain to the 93rd High- landers.
In 1843, ne was ordained in the English Church by Bishop Mountain of Que- bec, and was the same year appointed Incumbent of St. George's Church, Montreal, and continued for the long period of twenty years to be its faithful and conscientious pastor, when he resigned the Incumbency.
By the late Bishop Fulford, Dr. Leach was " collated and instituted to the dignity of Honorary Canon in the Cathedral Church of Montreal," and eleven years afterwards Bishop Fulford appointed him one of his domestic chaplains and Arch- deacon of Christ Church Cathedral.
Upon the recommendation of the late Dean Bethune and Bishop Mountain he was appointed as one of the Professors of McGill College as early as in the year 1846,. an appointment which received the confirmation of the Imperial Government. He was promoted shortly afterwards to the office of Vice-Principal of that University and to that of Dean of the Faculty of Arts. He was for years a member of the Protestant Council of Public Instruction for Lower Canada. He was Professor of English Literature in McGill College, holding the Molson Chair of the University, and also Professor of Logic. After an eventful and busy life he died some years ago.
HON. HONORE MERCIER, Q.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. l6l
HON. HONORE MERCIER.
A BIOGRAPHICAL sketch printed eleven years ago thus speaks of our present energetic Premier : " The member of the Quebec Assembly for St. Hyacinthe is a man of no ordinary parts." His after record justifies the prophecy of the writer of the sketch in the year 1880, as found in the " Canadian Biographical Dictionary :" "He is a man of mark, and calculated by his magnetic power to exert a mighty influence. The subsequent years of his career fully verify this." Perhaps no man in this present stage of the History of Canada has been more honored by the ecclesiastical powers that be, none more spoken of " for evil and for good report," none more criticised, none more blamed on the one hand and lauded on the other, none more looked up to by a certain portion of the political community, and none more looked down upon by the other, none more successful politically, none more ennobled by him who rules the spiritual destinies of more than 200 millions of the inhabitants of the world, none more opposed by foes on the one hand, and none more upheld by friends on the other — than the subject of this sketch — HONORE MERCIER, PREMIER OF QUEBEC.
He was born at Iberville on the i5th October, 1840. He received a first-class literary education at the Jesuit College, Montreal, entering the college at the early age of fourteen years. He studied Law with Messrs. Laframboise & Papineau, of St. Hyacinthe, and was admitted to the Bar in 1865. Even in his younger days he engaged, as almost all our young French legal and medical students do, in literary pursuits. This is an incentive to our English students. My experience after years in Montreal and Canada shows me that the French students in their colleges, and when studying their professions, are much more given to literary pursuits than their English confreres. When Mr. Mercier was admitted to practice he then dropped journalism and gave his whole time and mind to the duties of his profession, in which he soon attained to the first rank as an Advocate.
In 1872, he was returned as member for Rouville to the House of Commons. In 1879, ne was elected to the Legislative Assembly, as the Liberal candidate, to represent St. Hyacinthe, and became Solicitor-General in the Joly Government, and held that position till the Cabinet went out of power in that year.
The biography quoted above thus goes on to speak of Mr. Mercier : " It is almost needless to say that Mr. Mercier has lived a very busy life, his time having been divided between law and politics. He belongs to that class of men who are always ready for duty — always fully equipped for a fight, and his blows never fail to be felt. His friends have thought that at times his political contests have been too fierce, his struggles too hard for his health. But he has great courage, much pluck, and never yields. We should add that he has the name of being a manly fighter, never taking any improper advantage of his adversary. He has made a success in whatever he has undertaken."
Let us then follow his career from this date, 1880, to the present time, and see whether or not the words of his Biographer then are now verified. He continued to lead the Loyal Opposition at Quebec till the fall of the Taillon Ministry in 1887,
11
1 62 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
when he was called on to form a Ministry, which he did, and it has continued ever since. In 1887, the General Elections placed Mr. Mercier at the head of the Government, being returned to power with a majority of over twenty-five. It then behoved him to do what he had long wished to do — settle the Jesuits' claims. This was successfully done, and by the payment of $400,000 cash, all claims, demands and dues of the Jesuits against the British and Colonial Governments were finally and for ever settled, and this subject, distracting for years, has at last by his intre- pidity been laid to rest. Many reforms have accompanied his administration, Political, Social, Criminal and Civic; and let his enemies say what they will, they must all conclude that "exceeding much benefit has accrued to the Province of Quebec from his spirited administration of its affairs." In a book of short biographical sketches like this, the Author eschews as much politics as possible, and if he intro- duces such, it is what must be recorded in a statistical sketch of the person written about. The following are the principal events in the life of the Premier since he accepted power in 1887. Besides his settlement of the Jesuits' Estates he has been instrumental in expanding the development of the country by railways, railway bridges and other public works ; and not the least has been his Bill to grant to each father who has twelve living children of any nationality whatsoever, the gift of 100 acres of land for a settlement of one or more of the family on the homestead. If in the old Roman Law men were exempted (who had just married) from military service for a year after, so that they might enjoy the pleasures of matrimony, and if a man had seven living children he was free from taxation ; surely, the parents who have given twelve living children to swell the population of their country deserve the above grant of land. It is pleasing to record that more than one thousand families have applied for or already received the grant.
At the commencement of the Session of 1883, the Hon. Mr. Joly retired from the Leadership of the Liberal Party, and Mr. Mercier was unanimously elected to fill his place; and during his administration, whether on the Treasury Benches or in Opposition, all must maintain that he has fought manfully, successfully and spiritedly against every insinuation of maladministration of public affairs or partiality in his official career. So far no man has done more for his country in all its spheres than Honore Mercier has done, the Premier of Quebec. He has ever tried to do justice impartially to majority and minority, as his bitterest enemies must admit ; for instance, in the Protestant Insane Hospital at Verdun, Montreal. He has been most generous and fair in his dealings with that Institution, and without him it never would have existed.
In a volume lately published by M. Pelland, Advocate, of Montreal, and called " The Biography and Speeches of the Hon. Honore Mercier" there are some very fine flights of rhetoric, which might, as some parts of our best French and English Divines, Lawyers and Statesmen's speeches, be adopted as recitation or reading lessons for the higher classes in our colleges and schools.
The first of these quotations refers to the time when, in the Autumn of 1880, a
MADAME MERCIER.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 165
report was in circulation that he was in favor of a Coalition Ministry, and that he would accept a portfolio in the Conservative Cabinet at Quebec, of which Hon. Mr. Chapleau was then the Premier. In a speech at St. Hyacinthe he set himself right before the public, and we call the attention of our readers to the nobleness of the sentiments therein contained.
In a speech delivered before His Excellency the Marquis of Lome on " Patriotism," he displayed a remarkable flow of language and sentiments that redounded to his credit and called forth plaudits of admiration.
In this sketch we have said nothing of the high honors which have been placed upon him. He is a Count of the Holy Roman Empire, and wears more thai one decoration from European Powers. The Pope himself has conferred on him marked gifts, and this may, perhaps, have stirred the spleen in certain bosoms which have made his enemies so bitter in some quarters against him. Be that as it may, Canada has produced some men of mark which is the more remarkable in so young a country. If Sir John A. Macdonald stands conspicuously out (a native of Scotland) as the helmsman of Canada, so Sir George E. Cartier in the Province of Quebec ; and if among the Premiers that have been, or are, in this Dominion, Sir John holds the first rank, surely the subject of our sketch as a Premier holds no insignificant place. This may displease some, nevertheless I close with Pilate's address to the Jews, " What I have written, I have written"
Since the above sketch was written a great change has taken place in the Govern- ment of Quebec. The Ministers possessing a majority of twenty-five votes in the Legislative Assembly of the People have been dismissed. On the 2ist December last, the Lieut. Governor of the Province did so, and immediately after ordered the formation of a new Ministry. The Assembly was also dissolved and new general elections gazetted for the 8th of March.
Hon. Mr. Mercier married on the 2Qth May, 1866, Leopoldine Boivin of Sr. Hyacinthe. She died a year or two after. On the pth of May, 1871, he married again a lady of St. Hyacinthe, Virginie St. Denis. A fine portrait of her is found in this GAZETTEER. Oae of thsir children is the wife of Mr. Gouin, advocate.
164 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ARTHUR DANSEREAU.
ONE of our most prominent men of letters in Canada. He was born July 5, 1844, at Contrecceur. Some well-known men have been born there, such as Mgr. Duhamel, Archbishop of Ottawa, and the late Senator Holland. His father was Clement Dansereau, and his mother Louise Fiset. Arthur was the eldest son. He was sent to Vercheres College first, then to that of L'Assomption, where he passed a brilliant career. He arrived in Montreal, September, 1862, and presented himself to Sir George Cartier, a friend of his father, and asked him where he should go. Being advised to be a student with Mr. Girouard, he entered that gentleman's office, and for three years was a diligent student of Law. Afterwards he entered McGill College, and from that Institution received his B.C.L., and in 1865 was admitted to the Bar. He did not go on with his profession, but chose literature and entered the office of La Minerve. 9 In 1870, he became one of its proprietors. In 1880, he retired. Dur- ing the years between the above date and this year, Mr. Dansereau employed him- self in literature and other congenial occupations, and on the ist February, 1892, he was appointed Post Master of Montreal, on the retiring with a pension of Mr. Lamothe. During the short time Mr. Dansereau has been in office, he has proved himself both a courteous and capable head of this important department. The whole internal economy of the Post Office has been improved, and Mr. Dansereau bids fair to be as popular a Post Master as any who have gone before, as he pos- sesses energy and patience, two gifts especially necessary in the right performance of such an onerous and public position.
DESIRE GIROUARD, M.P.,
WAS born at St. Timothy, in the County of Beauharnois, ;th July, 1826. After finishing his preliminary studies, he entered the Montreal College, and passed with eclat through all his studies and classes. He then entered the Law office of Edward Carter, Esq., Q.C., and was admitted to the Bar on the ist October, 1860. Mr. Girouard is one of our most important Law writers. In 1860, he published a work entitled, " Essai sur les lettres de change et sur les billets promissoires." The importance of the subject, the diffusion and obscurity of our laws at this epoch upon this matter, rendered the work of Mr. Girouard of the greatest utility. The intro- duction, which contains the historical part, is treated in a most lucid manner.
In 1868, he published another work entitled, "Considerations sur les loisciviles du mariage." This work first appeared in the columns of the Nouveau Monde.
In 1869, he printed the " Etude sur 1'Acte Concernant la Faillite." "M. Girouard exprime le regret de voir de si notables alterations s'operer dans notre droit, et compliquer dans une certaine mesure le fonctionnement des regies courtes et simples du droit commun de nos lois statutaires. Cette brochure se recommande par des commentaires et des discussions utiles. Elle est divise"e endix-sept chapitres et subdivisee en cent un paragraphes. L'auteur fait preuve des connaissances sur ce sujet, mais la phraseologie est loin d'etre irreprochable."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 165
In the work which Mr. Girouard published on marriage, taken from a notice in a recent French work, he divides his part on Catholic marriages into four sections, viz.: ist. " En face de 1'Eglise ; 2nd. Par le propre cure des parties; 3rd. Apres publication ou dispense des banes ; 4th. Enfin, il ne doit exister aucun empdche- ment non dispense par leur eveque."
In the Protestant marriages it is thus divided : — lt Le manage des Protestants doit aussi etre celebre par leur propre ministre ; il doit etre celebre publiquement apres publication de banes, suivant les usages de chaque congregation ; une licence de mariage dispense de toutes ces formalites, il suffit alors qu'il soit celebre par le ministre des parties, sans autre forme."
He promoted and carried, during the session of 1882, the Bill authorizing mar- riage with a deceased wife's sister.
Mr. Girouard has contributed a great deal to the columns of the Revue Critique, in which he writes in the English language. These writings on the reports of the Church and State show much work, much research and a great love of study.
He has held the position of one of the members of the Counsel of the Montreal Bar, and has always maintained a high position in the city as an intelligent and well instructed advocate ; hence he has often been retained in some of the most important law suits which have appeared before the Court for the past years.
His Parliamentary career may be thus summed up. He was first returned to Parliament for the present seat at the General Elections of 1878. Was an unsuccess- ful candidate for Beauharnois at the elections of 1874. He was re-elected for Jacques Cartierin 1882. and also at the last General Elections. Besides the carrying through of the above very important Bill, he has been Chairman of many important Committees in the House.
Mr. Girouard first married the daughter of the well-known and much respected citizen, John Pratt, Esq. This lady having died, he again married an American lady, Essie Gran well, of New Orleans ; his third consort is Edith B., daughter of J. Beatty, M.D., of Cobourg, and has an interesting family.
SIR HUGH ALLAN
WAS born at Saltcoats, in the County of Ayr, Scotland, on the 2Qth September, 1810. He was the second son of the late Captain Allan, who was long and favorably known as a highly popular shipmaster, trading between the Clyde and Montreal. During the thirty years he was engaged in that business, the different ships he com- manded were much sought after by passengers ; and several persons still living throughout the Province retain to this day pleasant reminiscences of the voyages which they made across the Atlantic under his watchful care.
Sir Hugh sailed from Greenock for Montreal, on the i2th of April, 1826, in the brig Favorite, of which his father was then commander, and his eldest brother second officer. Arriving in Montreal he filled an engagement in the establishment of Wm. Kerr & Co. After this he travelled for some time in the United States, and re. visited Scotland, where he remained one year, and returned to Montreal.
1 66 .GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Having decided to make it his home he entered the firm of J. Millar & Co., shipbuilders and shippers, and thus had ample scope in the display of his acquired knowledge. So well did he acquit himself, that after the short period of four years he was admitted as a partner of the firm. In the year 1838 Mr. Miller died, and the business was thereafter conducted by Edmonstone & Allan, which firm, through various mutations of title, and vastly increased business relations, is still continued under the title of H. & A. Allan,
In '837-38 Sir Hugh served as Captain in the Volunteers. He was President of the Montreal Telegraph Company, of the Canadian Navigation Company, the Merchants' Bank of Canada, Lake Memphremagog Navigation Company, the Mul- grave Gold Mining Company, Montreal Warehousing Company, Vermont and Canada Marble Company, besides a great number of other industries and companies. Indeed no man in the Dominion of Canada deserved public recognition like Sir Hugh Allan, and therefore Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen on her part acknowledged his past sevvices by Knighting him with her own hand, and thereby proving that indomitable perseverance and continued industry will ultimately and always succeed. Ke died some years ago.
ANDREW ALLAN,
THE brother of Sir Hugh, and the third of the four sons of the late Captain A. Allan, was also born at Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland, on the ist December, 1822. On completing his education he came to Montreal, and entered into business in the firms with which his elder brother was connected, and he continued throughout to be an energetic and industrious supporter of all the commercial enterprises in which Sir Hugh has been engaged. He married a daughter of the late Mr. John Smith and sister to Lady Allan. Mr. Allan is President or Vice-President of many of our most enter- prising companies, ever ready to lend his hand and means to the advancement of Montreal and everything connected with its development, We feel pleasure in appending the following record, from a Liverpool paper of the Allan Line of Steam- ers, as an honor to these gentlemen and to Montreal itself: —
" As an instance of the great development of the Canadian trade, we may remark that up to the year 1840, about a dozen sailing vessels of from four to five hundred tons register were sufficient to conduct all the trade that then existed. Now the Allan Company alone possess twenty-one first-class steamers, with a gross tonnage of 56,000 tons, the bulk of which are engaged in the Canadian trade. From the year 1840 to 1850, the sailing fleet of the Allan Company was increased according to the advance of the Canadian trade, the requirements of which were attentively watched by the late Mr. Bryce Allan, Mr. Alexander Allan, Mr. Andrew Allan, and the late Sir Hugh Allan. Nearly all the Captains in the service have been, literally speaking, born in it, and consequently have a thorough knowledge of the trade.
;< Towards 1850 the various Provinces now forming the Canadian Dominion
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 167
awoke from a long lethargy, and, no doubt, inspired by what was passing in the United States, determined to enter with earnestness into the struggle for recognition as a power in the world. The leading men of Canada, the major portion of whom were Scotch either by birth or descent, began to turn their minds to the opening up of the country, by railways, canals, and the establishment of a more regular and rapid communication with the mother country. The enormous stream of emi- gration which was then flowing from the old to the new world attracted their atten- tion, and to some extent naturally aroused their jealousy. They were not the men to rest quietly on their oars without making any attempt to discover whether there were not hundreds and thousands of Englishmen, Irishmen and Scotchmen who, while they were desirous to emigrate, looked with more favor on the United States than Canada. It was, therefore, against many and difficult obstacles that Messrs. Allan established a line of steamships to promote and accommodate the growing trade between Great Britain and the Dominion of Canada, and also for the purpose of carrying the mails. At this period the sailing fleet of the Allan Company numbered fifteen vessels ; but in the year 1853 two fine iron screw steamships were added t} the fleet. These were the Indian and the Canadian of 1,500 tons register, and 250 nominal horse-power each. These vessels were intended to trade regularly between Liverpool and Quebec and Montreal. In the beginning of 1857, the fleet having been increased by the steamers North American and Anglo-Saxon, the Allan Company entered into arrangements with the Canadian Government for a fort- nightly service of mail steamers between Liverpool and Quebec in the summer, and Portland (Maine) in the winter months ; and since that date the Company has carried the Canadian mails under contract with the Government of Canada. In 1859, however, the original contract was extended to a weekly instead of a fortnightly sailing, which continues up to the present date — the steamers leaving Liverpool every Thursday, calling at Moville on the following day for the supplementary British mails. In addition to this service, the Allan Company a few years ago entered into a fresh contract with the Canadian Government for the carriage of the mails between Liverpool and Halifax, Nova Scotia; and St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1859 tne trade between Liverpool and Canada had so far increased that the Messrs. Allan were obliged to add four new steamers to their fleet; and from that year up to the present time their line of steamships has increased until it stands at its present strength. In connection with the construction of their steamers we may state that Messrs. Allan were the first Company to adopt the spar or flush deck to their steamers, and in doing this they were opposed strongly by the Board of Trade, who would not allow them any concession in the way of measurement for harbor dues, etc., and thus put them at the great disadvantage of placing superior ships at an extra cost upon the transatlantic line of traffic, without the slightest recognition of the circumstances in their favor. But when the unfortunate London went down in the Bay of Biscay the death-knell of the open deck system was tolled, and the Board of Trade itself was literally 'pooped,' and it was compelled by the inexorable logic
1 68 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
of facts to take cognizance of the value of Messrs. Allan's improvement by making over to them the necessary concessions in the way of a reduction of measurement. Now, with but few exceptions, all the recently constructed steamers employed in the Atlantic trade have the spar deck, than which nothing conduces more to the safety and comfort of the passengers — as, even in the heaviest weather, a vessel with a spar deck is, as a rule, dry. The Hibernian, which was constructed in 1861, was the first l covered-in ' vessel of the Allan fleet.
"We may state that during the Crimean war two of Messrs. Allan's steamers, viz., the Indian and Canadian, were employed in the transport service, in conveying British troops from Portsmouth, and French troops from Marseilles ; whilst the Sarmatian and Manitoban were employed in a similar service in connection with the Ashantee campaign."
The following is a partial list of the steamers belonging to this great Ocean Steamship Company : —
Ships. Tons.
Sardinian , 4,200
Circassian 3,2 n
Scandinavian 2,840
Moravian 3,400
Hibernian 2>752
Nova Scotian 3,3°5
Manitoban 2>395
Polynesian , ... 3,985
Sarmatian 3,647
Prussian 2,794
Peruvian 3>27°
Caspian 2,728
DU CALVET.
IN reading the second division or part of the History of Canada, we perceive a figure who stands forth as the glorious defender of our rights. This figure, this type, this old patriot is Du Calvet. He was arrested 271)1 September, 1780, over no years ago, because of his liberal ideas, and was committed to prison by the order of Governor Haldimand. There he was deprived of his papers and his money. After his libera- tion he went to England to demand justice from King George, and there requested that Haldimand be brought to London that he might be accused before an English tribunal. There was no attention paid to his request. He, however, published a volume of letters, which Garneau declares to be written in a style showing a fiery and independent spirit. His works were printed in London in 1784. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the City of Montreal. His work treats of Cana- dian History between the years 1774 and 1791.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 169
I must give to the present generation some of the liberal ideas which he held at that early period, and which have many of them been since made law. ist. Pre- servation of the French Laws. The Law of Habeas Corpus. Trial by Jury. Immova- bility of Legislative Councillors and Judges. The Governor amenable to the Laws of the Province. Establishment of an Elective Legislative Chamber (Assembly). The nomination of six members to represent Canada in the Imperial Parliament, three from the District of Quebec and three from the District of Montreal. Liberty of Conscience, a person not to be deprived of his civil wrights for the cause of Religion. The creation of a Canadian Regiment of two battalions. Liberty of the Press. Colleges for the education of the young, to employ the Jesuit Estates for carrying on such, and Public Schools in the Parishes ; and lastly, Naturalization of Canadians throughout the British Empire. One must come to the conclusion after reading the above, that Du Calvct was a true patriot, but born years before some of these very things were at last procured by Canadians. He is indeed one of the brightest stars in the galaxy of Canadian History.
DONALD MACM ASTER, Q.C.,
WAS born in Glengarry, September 3rd, 1841. He was educated at the Grammar School of Williamstown, afterwards in McGill University, where he took the degree of B.C. L. in March, 1871. In the College he was senior honor man and gold medal- ist, prize essayist and valedictorian of the year, a series of distinctions rarely falling to the lot of any one young man. After the study of his curriculum in Law he was called to the Bar of Quebec, January, 1871, and to the Ontario Bar, January i, 1882. He was made a Q.C. at the same ti me. First elected to represent Glengarry in the Legislature of Ontario in 1879, he continued such for three years. Resigning his seat he ran for the House of Commons, May, 1882, and defeated Hon. D. A. Macdonald, ex-Governor of Ontario, by a majority of 224 votes. Mr. MacMaster has resided in Montreal since 1868, and is now the senior partner of the well-known firm of MacMaster & McGibbon. He married, September, 1880, Janet Sandfield, daughter of Ronald Sandfield McDonald, of Lancaster. She died in 1883. Mr. MacMaster is one of our foremost lawyers, h aving for years past eschewed politics and devoting himself entirely to the ever-increasing duties of his profession. He has lately been appointed one of the Royal Commissioners in the investigation of the affairs of the Government of Quebec. M r. MacMaster has conducted some important cases before the Privy Council of England.
REV. JAMES SOMERVILLE.
HE was a native of Lanarkshire. At an early age, he was sent to Glasgow University, where he passed his curriculum and completed his course in Arts at seventeen years of age, just when most young men are thinking of beginning. After his Divinity course, he was licensed to preach in 1799. In 1802, he landed in Quebec, to under- take the education of the children of the large Scottish lumber merchants resident there. He was then only twenty-seven years of age. His school afterwards was-
170 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
well known, especially when Dr. Wilkie, who succeeded him, was at its head. A year after his arrival, he was ordained, in Montreal, to St. Gabriel Church. He was a man of much social influence, and, on account of his erudition and position, he held -a large amount of sway among the Scotch citizens of Montreal at this time. His name is the first in the Montreal Curling Club, organized in 1807. He began a Literary Society in 1809. He also greatly contributed to the existence of the "Natural History Society" and the "Montreal General Hospital." The first of these Institutions was born i6th May, 1827. He left a large bequest to it at his death— the balance of his estate, after paying certain legacies./' Tne second — the •General Hospital — Mr. Somerville often said, was due to his servant falling sick of an infectious fever. She had no friends nor place in the city. Some fr.ends. and he took a house and sent her to it. Others required the same, so arose that most Christian of all Institutions, the General Hospital.
Mr. Somerville was twice married. His first wife was Marianne Veitch, of Edinburgh, to whom he was united 8th July, 1805. She died when her daughter, named after her, was born in 1806. Two years after, he married, 4th April, 1808, Charlotte Blaney. After thirteen years, his wife died on the trip from Quebec to Montreal, leaving one child, a son, who subsequently died at nineteen years of age, a bright medical student, who had caught fever from a patient he was visiting This, with his daughter's death, only three months after her brother, rendered his home wifeless and childless, and his mind and nervous temperament became unbalanced. He died 2nd June, 1837, a§ed sixty-two years. On his tablet are these words :— 41 Having been bereaved of his children, he consecrated, at his death, the whole of his property to the cause of Science, Friendship, Humanity and Piety."
We must remember that a thousand pounds in those days equalled at least three or four times the amount in the present, and that the large fortune he had at his death was received from his children, willed to them by different individuals, and falling to him as the only heir.
THOMAS WORKMAN,
BROTHER of William, also of Benjamin. He was born near Lisburn, County Antrim, Ireland, i7th June, 1813. Came with the rest of the family to Montreal, in 1827. Educated in Montreal. During the Rebellion he rose to the rank of Lieutenant in March, 1838, and was the officer in command of the Montreal Gaol Guard when at the time nearly five hundred political prisoners were incarcerated. On one occasion he signed the receipt for two Patriots who were admitted to prison, and also after- wards held the highest positions under Government. He and his brother William were partners in the great iron firm of Frothingham & Workman. He was connected with the business for over fifty years. Senator Murphy is the head of the establishment since his death. He was also connected with Molsons Bank, and for nearly thirty years on its Board of Management. He was elected to the House of Commons for Montreal Centre, after Confederation in 1867. He was, in 1875, elected for Montreal West. After one of the most useful lives in Montreal, living in the city for over sixty years, he died not long ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. I? I
ROBERT MILLER.
THE subject of this sketch was born in the City of Cork, Ireland, in the year 1819, his father being then the Principal of St. Finn Burs Academy. The family emigrated to Canada in the year 1820, and settled in St. Johns, Province of Quebec, where his father became the Government School Teacher, holding the position until his death, which occurred in 1826. His mother and family removed to Montreal in the year 1835. After serving an apprenticeship to the bookbinding and book selling business, partly with Arriel Bowman and finishing with Campbell Bryson, he com- menced business on his own account in 1841. Since that time he has continued, first in his own name, and afterwards with his brother Adam as R. & A. Miller until their dissolution in 1863, and now for some years as Robert Miller, Son & Company, to carry on an extensive business as wholesale dealers and importers of stationery, paper hangings, and publishers of school books, together with bookbinding in all its branches, and still gives his personal attention to all orders entrusted to his House. He has during these years been an active member of the Methodist Church? the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society.
ROUER ROY, Q.C.,
WAS born in Montreal, yth January, 1821. His father was Joseph Roy, whose sketch is given elsewhere in this work. His mother was Miss Lusignan, wlio belonged to a family of Italian origin, and which was allied to the noble house of the Rouer de Villeroy of France. Our genial City Attorney was educated at the Montreal College, where he took a full classical course under Monsieur Bayle, and finished his curricu- lum in 1838. He then entered the office of the celebrated Hon. M. O'Sullivan. who was once Solicitor-General for Lower Canada and afterwards Chief Justice of Quebec. Mr. Roy continued his studies under the Hon. Andrew Stewart, when Hon. M. O'Sullivan was raised to the Bench. He made such a brilliant course that before he was twenty years of age he had completed his Law studies as a student. He was called to the Bar of Quebec, February, 1842, and appointed Queen's Counsel in 1864. In 1862, he was elected as joint City Attorney, and acted as such till 1876* when he became City Attorney. In 1856, he was elected Syndic of the Bar, and held that position for four years. In 1864, he was appointed President of the Library Committee of the Bar and has been ever since, Mr. Roy is quite a linguist, know- ing exceedingly well Latin, Greek, Italian and English, and being well versed in Greek study, a branch of language not much followed in Canada. Some very impor- tant cases have been handled by Mr. Roy successfully, and he has more than once been before the Privy Council in England in support of the City. He was married 22nd January, 1857, to Corinne Beaudry, daughter of the late Hon. Justice Beaudry. Of a large family he has only, one son, who is making his mark as civil engineer in Canada,
Tj2 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. CHARLES DE BOUCHERVILLE,
THE Prime Minister of the Province of Quebec, comes of an old and most dis- tinguished French family. The Bouchers and De Bouchervilles for over two hun- dred years have played no unimportant part in the history of Canada. The first known of the family in Canadian annals was Lieutenant-General Pierre Boucher, Sieur de Grosbois, who was Governor of Three Rivers in 1653, and the founder of the Seigniory of Boucherville. He was a man of great distinction and influence in his day. The father of the Premier was also one of Canada's able legislators, being one of the Legislative Council for Lower Canada for many years.
The subject of this sketch was born at the family seat, Boucherville, in 1820. He was educated at the St. Sulpice College in this city, and subsequently went to Paris to finish his medical studies, and graduated with the highest honors in his profession. He did not enter political life before 1861, when he was elected to the House of Assembly for the County of Chambly, which he continued to represent until 1867, when he was appointed a Legislative Councillor of Quebec Province, and became a member of the Chauveau Ministry, with the office of President of the Council, which office he held until 1873. On the reconstruction of the Cabinet on September 2> 1874, he was entrusted with the formation of a Ministry. This he successfully accomplished, taking for himself the portfolio of Secretary and Registrar and Minis- ter of Public Instruction. In 1876, he changed his portfolio for that of Agriculture and Public Works. Early in March, 1878, the De Boucherville Ministry were sud- denly dismissed from office by the late Lieut. Governor Letellier de St. Just on alleged charges of extravagance and of giving way to undue influence of railway " rings " of supporters in the House and their friends, contractors, etc. These reasons appeared sufficient for the Lieut. Governor to dismiss them, and with very little time or ceremony they were put out of power. Mr. De Boucherville, feeling that fair play had not been meted out to him, refused to name a successor, and thereupon Mr. Letellier sent for Hon. Mr. Joly de Lotbiniere and invited him to form a Ministry, which he did. One of his contemporaries was Hon. Honore Mercier, now dismissed in turn by Governor Angers, who was then a colleague of Mr. De Boucherville and Attorney General. In October, 1879, tne Joty Ministry was defeated, and Mr. Chapleau came back to power with the Conservatives and as Premier, but Mr. De Boucherville did not enter the Cabinet, having accomplished all he wanted in driv- ing his opponents from office. In 1879, he was called to the Senate of Canada. He was married twice, his second wife being Mile C. Lussier of Varennes, who died a few days ago. Last December he was called on to form a new Ministry on the dismissal of the Mercier Cabinet, which he did, and the result of the Elections of the 8th of March last has replaced him in power with an overwhelming majority.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 173
ROBERT ARMOUR.
THERE were three brothers, Robert, Hugh and Shaw — all born in Kilmarnock, Scot- land. Robert, the eldest, came to Canada in 1798. He commenced business in Montreal, and soon became the head of the firm of " R. Armour & Co." In 1817, his name occurs as the senior partner of the firm of Robert Armour & Davis. Robert, his son, died in Montreal, 1859. He had been the first partner in the old and well- known publishing firm of " Armour & Ramsay." They had owned the Gazette for many years. His uncles, Hugh and Shaw Armour, had come to Canada a few years after their brother Robert. Hugh died in 1822 at St. Therese, and Shaw removed to Upper Canada in 1820, where his descendants are found at the present day.
HEW RAMSAY.
HEW RAMSAY was well known in Montreal thirty-five years ago. He was a pub- lisher with Armour. He married Agnes Hunter, and then resided at a fine suburban residence at the Tanneries called " The Glen," where he died some years ago. Their son, the late advocate, Robert A. Ramsay, was a brilliant youth, and at his death was universally lamented. He had passed most successfully through McGill High School and the University, and was one of the Fellows when he died. Mrs. H. Ramsay died not long since.
JOHN FISHER
WAS born in Montreal in 1788, thus his family must have been among the earliest in the city. When he grew up, his business was known as that of " Daniel & John Fisher," grocers and dry goods merchants — or what was in those early days " a general store," as seen in the country at the present day. In October, 1821, he married Miss Hunter of Quebec. She was one of the handsomest women of her times, and the writer well remembers her, between forty and fifty years ago, as such, with her daughters. They lived then in St. Antoine street. He represented Montreal West in the Provincial Parliament from 1830 to 1834. After an eventful life he died in Montreal.
EUSTACHE PRUDHOMME
WAS a Notary of Montreal, being born there, and studied in that city. His poetry is most descriptive, and for the most part published in the Revue Canadienne. In the one " Mon Village " the author shows an immense amount of vivacity. His best poem is " Les Martyrs de la Foi en Canada." For this work he obtained the silver medal in the Congress of Poesy, in 1868. He was also honorably mentioned in that of 1867 for his poem of " La decouverte du Canada."
174 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
DAVID MORRICE.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Perth, Scotland. His was a home where careful Christian advantages of teaching were seen in everything. He attended the High School of his native city, and received there a thorough secular and commer- cial education. Afterwards he entered business in Perth, but shortly after went to Ireland, remaining a short time in the cities of Dublin and Cork. Thence he went to England, and resided chiefly in London, Liverpool and Manchester — the great manufacturing and exporting cities of Britain. In all these places he was receiving that knowledge and experience which has been turned to so good account in this country. When he was twenty-three years of age, he left England and arrived in Montreal in 1855. Remaining a short time there he went to Toronto where he lived for some time, being employed by a large wholesale establishment in that city. In 1863, Mr. Morrice removed to Montreal, and began to build up the immense busi- ness now managed by him and his sons. As general merchants and manufacturers' agents, they carry on the largest business of their line in the Dominion. They have large warehouses in Montreal and Toronto, and control over forty cotton and woollen mills throughout the country.
On the arrival of Mr. Morrice in Montreal, he attended Cotte Street Church, where Rev. Dr. MacVicar was the Minister, and the late Hon. Justice Torrance the Sunday School Superintendent. On the retirement of the latter from his duties, Mr. Morrice was elected Superintendent, and has now been for a quarter of a cen- tury the efficient and beloved head of the large Sunday School in connection with the church.
In 1876-77, he was an active worker and a generous donor to Crescent Street Church, which was erected when the old building in Cotte street was sold. But the work by which he is most widely known, and by which his name will be perpetuated to distant generations, is part of the Presbyterian College of Montreal, or as it is better known by the name of " David Morrice Hall." This cost the large sum of $80,000, and was opened with great rejoicings on 28th November, 1882. This was the beginning of other substantial donations to the College since. He has been a liberal giver to the Young Men's Christian Association, the General Hospital, the. Sailors' Institute, the House of Refuge', etc.
In June, 1881, he married Anne S. Anderson, of Toronto, a lady who has admirably helped him and seconded all his undertakings — a true helpmeet to him. He has seven sons and one daughter. His two eldest sons are now members of the firm, and another is practising Law. He is a member of various societies, the chief being the Microscopic Club, and for many years a Director of the large cotton mills in the East End of the City. In conclusion I may quote from a former writer, who says : " In combining Christian effort, and in freely and wisely dispensing his bounty during his own lifetime, he has set an example which our merchant princes and wealthy men generally would do well to follow."
ATHANASE BRANCHAUD, Q.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 175
ATHANASE 6RANCHAUD, Q.C.
MR. BRANCHAUD, son of the late Jean Baptiste Branchaiid, and of the late Louise Claire Primeau, was born at Beauharnois in the year 1840. Received his educa- tion at the College of St. Therese, but graduated and received the degree of B.C.L. at McGill. Studied Law in the office of the late firm of Messrs. A. & W. Ro- bertson, was admitted to the Bar in 1862, and commenced practice at Huntingdon in partnership with W. W. Robertson, Q.C., whom he has always looked upon as one of his most esteemed friends. Married Charlotte IsidoraCaine in 1864, by whom he had two daughters, who died in 1869. Married a second time to Miss Louise Malhiot, by whom he has another daughter. Removed to Montreal in the year 1874, and entered into partnership with Frederick T. Judah and the present Judge Wurtele -y the firm now being Judah, Branchaud & Kavanagh. At the death of the late Henry Judah, Q.C., he was, jointly with Mr. F. T. Judah, appointed Solicitor of the Trust & Loan Company of Canada, and he is also Solicitor of the City and District Savings Bank. He was created a Queen's Counsel in January, 1890.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ALEXANDER McAULEY MURPHY.
THE subject of this short sketch was born in Carrickfergus, Ireland, on the 26th May, 1791. Two years before he came to Canada, in 1817, he married Jane Allen, who shared all the trials of a new country with her husband. He arrived in Canada in 1819, and from that period was a citizen of Montreal. Coming from thegreat linen districts of Ireland, Mr. Murphy's store was always a great rendezvous for all kinds of Irish linen, etc. He commenced business in 1819, the year of his arrival, in Notre Dame Street, and retired in 1860. The business was carried on in the same store where Mr. Murphy had been so long and well known by his two sons, Alexan- der and John, under the title of Murphy Brothers. After some years they dissolved partnership. John, the younger son, is at this day one of the largest dry goods merchants in the city, his extensive premises being about opposite the place where his father did business for over fifty years.
Of his daughters, one married George Childs, merchant ; another Dr. Bowlby, of Berlin, Ontario ; and a third H. F. J. Jackson, of Berlin.
WILLIAM PARKYN
WAS born at St. Austell, Cornwall, England, in the year 1807. His father was also named William Parkyn. In 1818, he came to Halifax, N.S., where he remained for six years, and afterwards to Montreal in 1824. In 1825, he commenced business, and after four years he began running the steamboat "Cornwall" from Lachine to Carillon, afterwards he was on the " St. Lawrence," " John Molson," " Canada," and "John Bull."
In 1838, he commenced with Mr. Molson the St. Mary's Foundry, now the Montreal Rubber Works, till 1845, m which year he took the establishment on his own account and continued it to 1849. The next year, 1850, we find him running the " St. Lawrence," between Montreal and Quebec. In the year following he fitted up the steamer " Jenny Lind," which also plied between Montreal and Quebec. In 1853, he bought all the water power of the Canal from the Government which is situated at Cote St. Paul; selling part, he built on the remainder several factories which were rented out as shovel, axe, and other factories ; after this he devoted himself to flour milling, chiefly in the Avon Mills, which were burnt down.
He built the only steamboats of iron ever made in Montreal, viz., " The Prince Albert," « Fire Fly," "Richelieu," and the " Iron Duke" ; also the " Emerald" and " Oregon," which last two are now running on the Upper Ottawa. He died some years ago.
FREDERICK T. JUDAH, Q.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 177
FREDERICK T. JUDAH, Q.C.,
WAS born at Three Rivers in the year 1828, and removed to Montreal in 1836. He studied Law in the offices of the late Honorable C. S. DeBleury and the late Andrew Robertson, Q.C., and was admitted to the Bar in 1848, and in the following year accepted a position in the Department of Crown Lands, and for many years had charge of the Jesuits' Estates property and the Royal Domain, consisting of the Crown Seigniories, Mines and Fisheries. He resigned his office at Confederation in 1867, and came to Montreal to practice Law in partnership with the present Judge Wurtele. The firm, which is the Solicitor of several large financial institutions in this city, is now Judah, Branchaud & Kavanagh. He was married in 1851 to Miss Sarah Caine, daughter of the late John Caine, and descendant of the late William Lapsley of Glasgow, Scotland, and has seven children. He was created a Queen's Counsel in the year 1887. Mr. Judah replaced his uncle, the late Henry Judah, Q.C., and Chief Seigniorial Commissioner, whose heir he was, and is one of the largest real estate owners in Montreal. He is a Director of the City and District Savings Bank.
12
178 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
F. C. DAVID, J.P.
THE subject of this sketch is the son of David Fleury David, sculptor. He was born at Sault-aux-Recollets in 1824, and educated there. In 1843, ne married Olive, the daughter of Mr. Francois Boyer, who having died in 1868, he then married Sophie Homier, relict of the late Joseph Papin, Esq., M.P.P., a leading man of the Liberal Party of Lower Canada. He was an alderman of Montreal, having been first elected to the Council in 1857, and perhaps no member of the Corporation has been so intimately connected with city improvements as Alderman David. In 1868, he was President of the St. Joseph Society. He died some years ago. He was President of the Montreal Colonization Society, Vice-President of the St. Jean Baptiste Society and a Director of the Northern Colonization Railway. He was first returned to Parliament for his seat, Montreal East, at the General Election, 1873.
CAMPBELL SWEENY, SEN.
HE came from the North of Ireland. His family occupied a high social position in Montreal. His sons seem to have been hot-blooded youths. One of them, a lawyer by profession, had a duel with a person named Js. Scott, who, although a novice, shot Sweeny in the leg. Previous to this he had had an affair of honor with the celebrated Walker, also a brother lawyer, when he shot Mr. Walker in the hand, thereby destroying one of his fingers.
The event of the family was the tragedy in which Robert Sweeny had a mis- understanding with a Major Ward of the <( Royals," then quartered in Montreal. He was, like his brother, a lawyer, and the quarrel arose about some foolish nonsense connected with his wife, who afterwards as a widow married the late Sir John Rose, Bart. Having sent a challenge to Major Ward, they met May 22iid, 1838, and Sweeny, who had an unerring aim, shot his opponent dead. The witnesses or the seconds with Sweeny immediately fled to the United States. The only witness besides was a French farmer called Lanouette. The duel was fought on " the old Race Course." Lanouette said to Sweeny : " Vous avez mal commence votre journee." At the Grand Jury, no witnesses appearing, Sweeny had a " No Bill." Afterwards he returned to Montreal, but he died not long after from melancholy over the sad event. He was well known among the Cavalry Volunteers of Montreal at that time, and it is said he could hit a post at full gallop every time, so true and splendid a marksman he was, hence the melancholy death of poor Major Ward.
ROBERT ANDERSON
WAS born near Glasgow, Scotland, some eighty years ago, and removed to Mon- treal in the year 1840. By diligence, prudence and temperance he has amassed one of the largest fortunes in the city. He has ever been ready to aid each good cause, and especially his own Church, the Presbyterian, has received many substantial testi- monies of this. He is Vice-President of the Merchants' Bank, and has always been an active worker in the Church. Mr. Anderson has never married. His property consists almost entirely of stocks — bank and otherwise.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 179
HON. L. HOLTON
WAS born at South Leeds, Ontario, January, 1817, and removed to Montreal in 1826. Whilst a young man Mr. Holton engaged in commercial pursuits, and for years was a member of the firm of Hooker & Holton, forwarders. He was also engaged in railways, and was connected with the firm of Gzowski & Co., who built a considerable part of the Grand Trunk west of Toronto. He was for some time a member of the Montreal Corporation, was repeatedly President of the Board of Trade and Montreal Savings Bank, was a Harbor Commissioner and a Director of the late City Bank. He sat for Montreal in the Canadian Assembly from 1854 to 1857. From 1852 to 1857 he was a Governor and Director of the Grand Trunk Railway. He was a member of the Executive Council of Canada for the Brown-Dorion Administration, holding offices on these two occasions of Commissioner of Public Works, and in the Short Administration that of Minister of Finance. He was a member for the Victoria Division of the Legislative Council of Canada from 1862 to 1863. Being appointed Minister of Finance, he resigned and was re- turned for Chateauguay, which he represented till 1867, and after Confederation to his death in 1880. After having faithfully served his Queen and country for the long space of upwards of twenty-six years, he died suddenly at Ottawa in the midst of his Parliamentary duties on the 4th March, 1880. He married Eliza Forbes, who died a few weeks ago ; and of all his children only two survive — his son, Mr. Edward Holton, having been the elected candidate to represent the county a month after his father's death. At the last General Election he retired, but it is to be hoped that he will again be induced to enter Parliament, as he was one of the few who thoroughly knew (like his father) Parliamentary usages, and the peculiar routine of a member of the House of Commons, Ottawa.
EDWARD HOLTON, B.C.L.
HE is the only surviving son of the well-known Hon. Luther Holton, who repre- sented Chateauguay in the Commons from the Union to his death, March, 1880. Edward was born in Montreal, September, 1844. Educated in Montreal and Mc- Gill University. Called to the Bar of Quebec, June, 1867. Married in October, 1873, Helen, daughter of Mr. Wm. Ford, of Kingston. He was returned to Parliament when his father died in April, 1880, and re-elected at the General Elections in 1882. He is a Liberal in politics. Mr. Holton retired from Parliamentary life at the last General Elections, and is devoting his energies to the duties of his profession. His aged mother died a short time ago. It is to be hoped that he may be induced to reconsider his resolution and once more enter public life, as with his own experience and the eclat of his father's, the House of Commons would be the better of his influence and presence.
I go GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JOHN JAMES DAY, Q.C.
THE subject of the following sketch is perhaps the oldest of our Advocates, and therefore the Father of the Montreal Ban Possessing a clear and comprehensive mind, an energy and directness of purpose, which admitted of no deflection, he has always been in trie world of mind and action a powerful and most remarkable man.
Born in London, England, September nth, 1805, a month before the heroic Nelson fell in his decisive battle of Trafalgar, he grew up amid the wild and exciting scenes which marked the splendor and the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, and among his earliest recollections would be the national joy and festivities which followed the crowning victory of Waterloo.
In the year 1824, he married Cybella Ann, only daughter of Thomas Eastman, a prominent London merchant and shipowner. Leaving the land of 'his nativity, he crossed the ocean, and passing through the United States, arrived in Montreal in the autumn of 1828. Determining to make the Law his profession, he studied for some time in the office of Wm. Walker, Q.C., a famous advocate of that time, and was called to the Bar in the year 1834. During the troubled period of 1837-38, Mr. Day, as a loyal subject of Her Majesty, shouldered his musket, and endured the hardships of a soldier's life. Being made a Captain on account of his conspicuous and sterling qualities, he contributed materially to the order and quiet of the country.
Entering the Corporation of the City of Montreal, he performed valuable service in securing the beautiful Viger Gardens as a public square, at a time when the bene- faction of the Hon. D. B. Viger was in danger, through the inaction of the civic authorities, of being irretrievably lost.
The subject of this memoir was also one of the originators and founders of the Montreal High School, an institution which has had the honor of educating hundreds of the leading men of this city and Province. At first affiliated with McGill College, it stood as an adjunct to that famous seat of learning ; subsequently, however, it was made over to the Protestant School Commissioners, under whose care it has remained ever since.
Mr. Day was also one of the promoters of the Mount Royal Cemetery, a quiet resting place for the sainted dead, which has elicited the praise of all who have visited it.
It was, however, during the stormy scenes of the Rebellion Losses Bill, in 1849, that the strong, manly and determined character of Mr. Day shone out with peculiar lustre. He alone went to Lord Elgin, at that time residing in Monklands, and urged him to visit the city and assert his authority as the Governor General of the country and the representative of the Queen. Mr. Day considered that by His Excellency adopting such a course, not only would the dignity of the Crown be maintained, but also the lawlessness and anarchy then rampant in the city be effectually suppressed.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. l8l
In 1862, as a mark of the high estimation in which he was held, Mr. Day was appointed Queen's Counsel, an honor which he richly deserved. It is only justice to Mr. Day to state that throughout his long legal practice he has ever been distin- guished by two great and ever to be appreciated virtues. We refer first, to his in- tense honesty and integrity of purpose. Seeking only what was right rather than what was profitable, he has earned for himself a reputation more to be desired than fine gold. And secondly, for the unwearying industry with which he has always labored in the interest of his clients, not only endeavoring to grasp to the uttermost their contention, but also to leave no stone unturned and no argument unused to secure a judgment in their favor.
His family are well known in Montreal. His eldest son, James Gilmour, is an advocate, practising in Troy in the State of New York ; his second son, George Bosworth, is Consul General for the Republic of Chili, and doing business in Mon- treal ; his youngest son, Edmund Thomas, is an advocate of the Montreal Bar ; his eldest daughter, Cybella Ann, was married to one of the most revered and respected ministers of the city, the late Henry Wilkes, D.D. ; his second daughter, Mary Amelia Park, was married to the late Chas. A. Burgess, of the city of Buenos Ayres, South America ; his youngest daughter, Sarah Jessie, is married to the Right Rev. Maurice S. Baldwin, Bishop of Huron.
We are glad to say that Mr. Day still lives in the enjoyment of comparatively good health, and is yet able at his advanced age to discharge the various duties of
his profession.
MAXIMILIAN BIBAUD
WAS the son of the illustrious Michel. He inherited a great share of his father's classic mind. He founded what is called in French, " L'Ecole de droit du College Ste. Marie." His writings were very original and instructive. His great work was u Dictionaire Historique des homines illustres du Canada et de L'Amerique." He wrote many interesting pamphlets Jon Canada or connected with her affairs, and after an eventful life died some years ago in Montreal.
L'ABBE DANIEL.
THE author jf '' Histoire des Grandes Families du Canada ou Apercu sur le Chevalier Benoit et quelques families contemporaires," was one of the St. Sulpicians, or " du Seminaire de St. Sulpice." It is a work of great merit, and some of the most ancient of the Canadian families are traced there by the hand of a master. It is full of facts, details, adventures and incidents belonging to these high families. When I men- tion a few of those written about one can see the value to the future historian of such a work. We find there the families of Longueuil, de Beaujeu, de Montigny? Duchesnay, Guy, de Vaudreuil, de Lotbiniere-Harwood, Baby, de Boucherville, De- Salaberry, etc. L'Abbe Daniel is an ornament to Canada. When he published his work over twenty years ago, he had all the portraits (steel engravings) made in Paris, such a thing could not be procured in Montreal. Now any kind of engraving can be made in our city, and for fineness of work and finish will compare favorably with that of older cities.
1 84 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WILLIAM COFFIN.
THE subject of this sketch was once the Sheriff of the District of Montreal. His great work is "1812, The War audits Moral, A Canadian Chronicle." He has made a most interesting narrative of one of the most important periods in Canadian History, and every after writer has drawn considerably from his well-written book when writing on the War of 1812. His name will ever be lernembered in Canadian History as a reliable, honest and valuable writer on the war between his native country and the United States.
MICHEL BIBAUD
WAS born in 1782, and died 1857. He was a great historian, and his History of Canada to this day holds a first part in the annals of the country. " The Voyage of Franchere " is also another interesting and instructive book, containing much infor- mation of America from 1810 to 1814. It was published in Montreal in the year 1820, and is, perhaps, one of the best and oldest of our literature. C, JB. Pas- teur, of Montreal, was the printer.
JACQUES VIGER.
HE is otherwise called Commander Viger, and was born in Montreal, in 1787, and died in 1858. He made his classical studies at the College of Montreal, which then was called by the name of the College of St. Raphael. In the War of 1812, he was an officer under DeSalaberry. He passed the greater part of his life as a collector of historical documents and pamphlets pertaining to the history of the country. Every- body consulted Jacques Viger on any difficult historical point. He was Mayor of Montreal in 1832, and was recommended by Lord Gosford to a seat in the Legisla- tive and Executive Council. He was a great writer, and perhaps his most interesting work for Montreal was that published in 1841, and titled, "Rapports surles chemins, rues, ruelles, ponts de la Cite et Paroisse de Montreal avec Notes." Huston, a well- known writer, calls him tl Le Benediction du Canada." Every one who wrote on Canada in his time consulted him freely — as Garneau, Taillon, Mergry, Aupere. etc. He was an ornament to his native city.
DR. GAUVIN.
HE belonged to one of the most estimable families of Montreal. His mother and sisters are gratefully remembered for their help and assistance to the Patriot pri- soners, and their charity. The sisters afterwards were Mrs. Brault and Mrs. Ostell. Dr. Gauvin contracted disease whilst incarcerated as a political offender in the Montreal Gaol, and died not long after the cessation of the troubles of 1837-38,
HHCTOR Mt'NKO.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 185
HECTOR MUNRO.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Blanislie, Roxboroughshire, Scotland, on the 2ist Janury, 1807. When he was about twenty-four years of age his parents left Blanislie to reside in the City of Edinburgh. Hector went with them, having learnt his trade in his native place with his father, who was a contractor. Marrying at the age of twenty-five, he and his wife, in 1832, left Scotland for America. They made Canada their destination, and arrived in Montreal the same year. Quite a misfortune overtook them on their way out, the ship having been wrecked, and the newly wedded couple lost all they possessed save their clothes. With his indomi- table pluck he soon set up for himself in Montreal, and prospered as a contractor. Some of the largest and most important buildings and highways were constructed by him. The well-known Bonsecours Market was one of his largest public buildings. He had very large contracts with the Government on the Lachine and Rideau Canals, and also 'at Sorel, Three Rivers, St. Johns, and Chambly.
In railways he was also a large contractor, being employed on the Lachine Rail- way, and especially on the Grand Trunk between Longueuil and the Province Line. In all these undertakings Mr. Munro displayed remarkable energy.
He held the office of Protestant School Commissioner for some years, and his practical knowledge was of the utmost importance to the School Board in the build- ing of several of their large schools. He was one of the founders of the Mechanics' Institute, one of its Presidents, and an active member till within a few years of his death.
He was also a great friend and supporter of the Bible Society of Montreal, and almost daily visited the Bible House to give any help or advice required. After an eventful and active life he died on the 5th October, 1888, aged eighty-one.
At the special meeting of the Committee of the Bible Society after his deathr the following resolution was unanimously passed and sent to his family : — " The Committee have heard with much concern the intelligence now received of the sudden decease of their esteemed colleague, and they desire to place on record their high sense of the value of the services rendered by him to this Society, in various ways, during the long period of his connection with it, and also of the loss the Society has sustained by his death, whereby it will be deprived of his unfailing interest and long continued efforts to promote the work in which it is engaged."
He left three sons and three daughters. One daughter is married to our well- known and highly respected citizen, Mr. James Harte, Chemist and Druggist, whose establishment, for over thirty years, has been a landmark in Central Notre Dame street. Another daughter is married to Dr. McBean. late of Mart in town, Ontarior and now of this City.
1 86 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
PIERRE ETIENNE PICAULT, M.D.,
WAS born at Courtenay, Department of the Loire (France), i2th April, 1809, from a distinguished family of physicians, being the fifth physician from father to son. His father, Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur, received one silver medal in 1808 from the Emperor Napoleon the ist, and another in 1 8 18 from Louis the i8th, King of France, for his zeal and success in the propagation of the vaccine.
He took his degree as Doctor in Medicine in 1831, and arrived in Montreal in I^33- Foreign Diplomas not being admitted in Canada at that time, he was em- ployed as Professor of French Literature by the most important schools of the day.
In 1838, the law having been altered, he took his licence to practice medicine, and soon opened a pharmacy, which to this day has ranked amongst the best in the city.
Called to succeed T. Doucet, Esq., he was appointed by the French Govern- ment, in 1868, Agent Consulaire of France, and promoted to the Grade of Vice- Consul in 1869. He died some years ago.
CHARLES HEAVYSEGE
WAS born in Liverpool, England, on the 2nd of May, 1816. Arriving in Montreal he took up the work of a machinist. Afterwards he became a local reporter for the Witness. He was over forty years old before he published any poetry. He pub- lished "Saul," his greatest work, in 1857. This work fell into the hands of Haw- thorne, who had it favorably reviewed in the North British Review. Longfellow and Emerson both spoke highly of its excellence. Longfellow declared it " The best tragedy written since the days of Shakespeare." After this his adopted countrymen discovered that they had a genius of no common order amongst them. In 1860 he published "Count Philippe", and in 1865 his " Jephtha's Daughter," a drama in some respects even superior to that of " Saul." The same year he printed the novel, " The Advocate," a story of old Montreal. The last poem he sent to the press, just before his death, was "The Dark Huntsman." His death occurred in August, 1876, in Montreal, where he had resided ever since his arrival, twenty-eight years before.
WILLIAM H. HICKS,
HE is a native of Portsmouth, England, being born on the i7th November, 1816. After teaching school for fourteen years in England, he came to Montreal in connec- tion with the Colonial Church and School Society. When the Normal Schools were established Mr. Hicks was made Professor of English Literature, Sir William Dawson being President. About 1871, he resigned the situation on account of old age. He married in 1843 Isabella Barren of London, and has a large family, the most noted being Francis, known as Frank Hicks, who was one of our most popular teachers in Montreal some years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 187
SIR JOHN ROSE.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1820. He came to Canada with his parents in 1836. He was called to the Bar in 1842, and became Solicitor-General in 1857, entering Parliament the same year for the City of Montreal. In 1858, he was Receiver-General of Canada, and Minister of Public Works in 1859. He became Finance Minister and a member of the Privy Council in 1867. Resign- ing office in 1869, he removed to London, England, in 1870, and there became a partner in the banking firm of Morton, Rose & Co. He was sent on a confidential mission to the United States after the Civil War in connection with the settlement of difficulties arising from it between the countries. This resulted in the Treaty of Washington. For this service the Queen created him a Baronet. In 1869, he again went to Washington for the Dominion Government on the subject of Reciprocity, the Fisheries, and other International questions. Afterwards the Queen made him a Privy Councillor and a Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. He was a trustee of the Royal College of Music, and a member of the Council of the Duchy of Cornwall. For the last ten years of his life he took an active part in Lon- don affairs, being a Director of both the Westminster and London Banks and Royal Exchange Insurance Co., and a Deputy-Governor of the Hudson Bay Co., and the Chairman of the South Australian Co.
He had gone deer-stalking in Caithness, Scotland, and fell dead as he was about to fire at a stag. His first wife was the widow of Robert Sweeney, a name well-known in Montreal, on account of the Major Ward duel in 1838, and his second wife was the Dowager Marchioness of Tweedale. In early life he was a teacher of a little school in Huntingdon, his parents having settled in that locality.
The remarkable career of Sir John Rose should be an incentive to the present generation. What has been done can be done, and in the coming century more wonderful things will yet be done. Let then the young man's motto ever be " Excelsior."
HON. JUDGE MCKAY.
HE was born in Montreal, 27th October, 1816, and was the second son of Col. Robt. McKay, of the Indian Department. He was educated in Montreal, studied Law and was called to the Bar in 1839. He was appointed one of the Commissioners to consolidate the General Statutes of Lower Canada and Canada respectively in 1856. He was appointed a Judge 27th August, 1868, and in November of the same year an Assistant Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench. After many years of useful- ness he died some time ago. He is remembered by his gift of valuable pictures to the Art Gallery, and other donations to different institutions. He was a man of sterling value, virtue and respect ; tall, spare and somewhat stern, nevertheless the public had great confidence in his legal decisions.
1 88 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WALTER SHANLY
WAS born at Stradbally, Queen's County, Ireland. His father, James Shanly, came to Canada about 1836, and settled near London, Ontario. From 1843 to l85^ Walter Shanley was the Resident Engineer in the Beauharnois as also in the Welland Canals; of the Ottawa and Prescott Railway from 1851 to 1854; in the Western Division of the Grand Trunk Railway from 1851 to 1857 ; and General Manager of the Grand Trunk Railway from 1858 to 1862. His greatest achievement, however, was the construction of the Hoosac Mountain Tunnel, Mass., U.S. In 1863, ne was returned to Parliament for South Grenville, and continued to represent it to 1872. In 1885 he was again elected, and is still the member for that constituency.
HONORE BEAUGRAND
WAS born at Lanoraie, 24th March, 1848. and educated in Joliette College. He entered the Military School in 1865. Passing there, he went to Mexico and joined the French army, which was supporting Maximilian. After two years he returned with the French army to France, receiving the Mexican Medal for his services. After this, he came to New Orleans, and joined the staff of one of the papers of the Crescent city. He returned to Canada in 1878, and founded the well-known paper called La Fatrie. He received in 1885 the Cross of a Knight of the Legion of Honor from President Grevy, of France. His paper is a recognized one among the Liberals of the Province of Quebec. In 1885, he was elected Mayor of Montreal, disputing with Hon. J. L. Beaudry, who had kept the office for ten years past, and who was then considered infallible. He married Eliza, daughter of S. Walker of Fall River, Mass. During the term of his office as Mayor he displayed very remarkable powers of organization, fitness of office and a single desire to promote the best interests of the city at a time when the city was much moved, viz : during the Riel trouble, small-pox epidemic and Orange excitement, and the flood of 1885-86. He was one of the most efficient Mayors who ever sat in the Civic Chair of the City of Montreal.
J. P. ROTTOT, M.D.,
WAS born on the 3rd of July, 1820. Studied at the Montreal College and passed with eclat. He was commissioned Captain of Militia of the loth Battalion, 9th July, 1847, and admitted to the practice of Medicine on the i6th November of the same year. He was elected one of the Councillors of the Corporation of Montreal in 1856. He is Attending Physician to the Hotel-Dieu Hospital, and Professor of Medical Jurisprudence in the School of Medicine and Surgery of Montreal ever since 1860. He is a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Province of Quebec, and a member of the Board of Governors of that College. He was the Editor in Chief of L? Union Medicate, during the years 1872-1873, and was President of the Su James Building Society of Montreal. He is still in extensive practice of his profes- sion.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 189
HON. LOUIS RENAUD
WAS born near Montreal, i8th February, 1818. On account of his father's sick, ness much of the providing for the family devolved on him from a very early age, but so successfully did he apply himself to business that at thirty years of age he had a considerable fortune. Associating his brother J. Baptiste, the firm became one of the most widely known in Canada in the flour and grain business. In 1856, he entered with the late Hon. John Young upon a gigantic enterprise, nothing less than exporting to England and France the products of the Western Continent, and so great was their business that during one year of exportation twenty-four million dollars worth of grain and flour passed though their hands. In 1856, he was elected Legislative Councillor for the Division of Salaberry. In 1867, he was appointed a Senator by Royal Proclamation, but he was obliged to resign the office on account of sickness in 1873. He had a large family, one son, Napoleon, was in the Pontifical Zouaves, and his only daughter married Hon. F. X. A. Trudel, who succeeded him as Senator, and was well-known politically as well as in connection with the paper called L'Etendard, of Montreal. He was twice married : first, to Marie Aimee Pigeon, and second, to Dame Helene C. Duvert, widow of M. Drolet, of Montreal.
HON. THOS. WHITE
WAS born in Montreal, on the 7th August, 1830. His father was Irish and his mother Scotch. His father was a leather merchant for many years in Montreal. The subject of this sketch was sent to the High School where he obtained a good educa- tion. After leaving school he engaged for some time in mercantile pursuits, but soon abandoned this and accepted a position on the Quebec Gazette. In 1853, he started with his brother-in-law, Robert Remain, the Peterboro' Review, and was con- nected with this paper until 1860. After this he studied Law for four years. In 1864, with his brother Richard White, he went to Hamilton and became proprietor of the Spectator. Here he resided till 1870. Afterwards they returned to their native city and bought the Gazette, making it to this day the chief Conservative English paper for the Province. In 1879, the name of the firm was changed from T. & R. White, to "The Gazette Printing Co." In 1878, he was first returned to Parliament for Cardwell. In 1885, Mr. White was invited by Sir John A. Macdonald to enter the Dominion Cabinet. He did so, and as the Hon. Thomas White con- tinued as a Privy Councillor to his death, which occurred some few years ago. His funeral was one of the largest seen for years in Montreal. All denominations of Christians and nationalities turned out to do respect to one of their own citizens, one born in Montreal, and of whom Montrealers may feel proud.
!p0 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
EDWARD CARTER
WAS born in Three Rivers, ist March, 1822. He was the son of Dr. George Carter, and educated by Rev. Mr. Wood, of that city. He then went for three years to Nicolet College, where he became a perfect French scholar. In 1838, he removed to Montreal. In 1840, he went to Quebec and entered the office of Aylwin & Short, both afterwards Judges, but returning to Montreal he completed his studies in the office of the late Sir John Rose, and was admitted to the Bar of Lower Canada in February, 1845. *n l85^' ne published " A Treatise on Summary Convictions and Orders by Justices of the Peace," which work is still recognized as an authority by Bench and Bar. In 1862, he was made a Queen's Counsellor. On account" of ill- health, he accepted the office of Clerk of the Crown, which he held for two years. Returning to practice, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Constitutional and Criminal Law in McGill College, being associated with the late Judge Badgley. He received the degree of D.C.L. from McGill and that of LL.D. from Lennoxville, of which Institutions he was one of the Governors.
In 1871, he was elected by acclamation to represent the County of Brome in the Local Legislature. After a busy and eventful life he died in Montreal some years ago.
JUDGE BADGLEY
WAS born in the City of Montreal, 2yth March, 1801. His father was a merchant of the city, and represented it in the Provincial Parliament from 1801 to 1805. Having finished his scholastic education he was called to the Bar, November, 1823, and created Q.C. in 1847. He was made a D.C.L. by McGill College in 1843. From 1840 to 1844 he was Commissioner of Bankrupts. Resigning his office as Circuit Judge in 1847, he was appointed a Puisne Judge of the Superior Court of Lower Canada in 1855, continued such till 1862, when he was transferred to Court of Queen's Bench as Assistant Judge, and in 1866 as a Puisne Judge of that Court. He retired on a pension in 1874. From 1844 to 1851 he sat for Missisquoi in the Canadian Assembly, and for Montreal to 1854. He was also a member of the Executive Council and Attorney- General of Lower Canada from 1847 to 1848. He married in 1834 and left six chil- dren. He was a great Freemason, being District and Provincial Grand Master for England from 1849 to ms death.
GEO. E. FENWJCK, M.D.,
WAS born in Quebec, October 8th, 1825. He commenced his career by studying Medicine and Surgery in the Marine Hospital of his native city in 1841. In November, 1842, he entered the Medical Faculty of McGill University, Montreal. He passed his final examination with great credit in 1846, but having not then attained his majority could not receive his Diploma till January, 1847, when he had the high honor of having a special Convocation of the College called to confer on him his degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Master in Surgery. Since then Dr. Fenwick's
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 191
name has been one of the most prominent in our city. In 1849, *n conjunction with the late Dr. Howard and others, he established the Montreal Dispensary. In 1867, he was appointed to the chair of Clinical Surgery of McGill, holding it to 1876, when in that year he became Professor of Surgery. He is now Emeritus Professor of the College. He has devoted a good deal of his spare time to medical writings, and is as well known perhaps as any medical man (by these writings) on this Continent. He established with Dr. F. W. Campbell the "Canada Medical Journal" in 1864, and edited it to 1879, when he resigned. For many years he represented the physicians of Montreal as Governor of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada. He is a consistent and earnest Christian and member of St. John the Evangelist Church. He married, in 1852, Eliza C., daughter of Colonel de Hertel, of St. Andrews, and has had seven children.
REV. WILLIAM HENDERSON, D.D.,
WAS born in Londonderry, Ireland, 22nd May, 1834. His father was the Principal of Foyle College. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, graduated in 1854 with classical and ethical honors, was ordained in 1857, and held incumbencies at Brompton Ralph, and at Monksilver, England, and Ballymore, Ireland.
In 1862, he came to America and had several appointments, chiefly in the United States. He held at one time the Rectorship of Dunham, and was then Examin- ing Chaplain to the Metropolitan.
In 1877, he was appointed Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Montreal, and Principal of the Theological College, which he still fills.
Principal Henderson has published several works, among which are Lectures on " Total Abstinence " and lt Baptismal Reformation." Under his able manage- ment, the College has entered on a useful and prosperous career for the Diocese.
ARCHIBALD FLETCHER
W\s born in Glenorchy, Argylshire, in 1788; came to Canada in 1823; went to New Glasgow for four years, but returned to Montreal in 1827. In the spring of 1831, Mr. Fletcher met with an accident which ultimately caused his death same year. His son, John Fletcher, was born in Greenock on the 23rd May, 1815. The late Mr. John Bruce, Inspector of Schools, when John was fifteen or sixteen years old had him as one of his best pupils, but Archibald, his father, dying as above said, he had to leave school at sixteen and assist his mother. In 1834, he organized for the city a Hook and Ladder Co. which did good service until 1840, when a Fire Department was instituted by Charter for the city. In 1837-38, he was two years a Volunteer in the Scotch Company No. 6, and in 1840, when the troubles were over, Mr. Fletcher joined the Fire Brigade, and in 1845 was appointed Captain. In 1849, he became First Assistant Engineer. In 1858 he joined the looth Regiment.
As a militia officer, he first made his appearance in 1847, being appointed Lieutenant and Adjutant, and in 1850 he received the rank of Captain. When the
!02 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Militia Bill became law he raised one of the two Rifle Companies allotted to Montreal, and was made Captain in 1855. Next year he was promoted to the rank of Major. The same year he became Instructor of Musketry and Drill for the Rifle Corps of Lower Canada. When the looth Regiment was raised in 1858, he received a com- mission in it and served four years in it. Returning to Montreal in 1862, during the "Trent affair," he resigned from the looth and joined the 5th Battalion, being gazetted Major in July, same year. In November of that year he was appointed Brigade Major in the permanent staff of the Militia of No. 6 Military District of Lower Canada, commanded the Volunteers at St. Johns during the Fenian troubles of 1866. He also commanded a brigade at Huntingdon in 1870 at the second Fenian Invasion. In March, 1874, he became Deputy Adjutant General, and in this capacity commanded the troops in Montreal in aid of the civil power. For all these services he was made, as he deserved to be, a C.M.G. by Her Majesty the Queen.
He has commanded Brigade camps at Laprairie, Franklin, Granby and Sher- brooke. In 1863, he organized the ist Rifle Association for the Province of Quebec, and no man has done more than Colonel Fletcher for the furtherance and progress of the Militia and Volunteers of his adopted country, making the Volunteers what they were said to be in the general orders of 1856, and what the Montreal Volunteers are this year, 1892 — " A force whese discipline and appearance are not excelled by any .corps in the Province."
JUDGE AYLWIN
WAS born in Quebec, 5th January, 1806. His father was Welsh and his mother Irish. His early education was in Quebec under the well-known Rev. Dr. Wilkie. After passing a short time at Harvard College, he returned to Canada and devoted himself to the study of Law. When only sixteen years of age he was interpreter in the Criminal Court at Quebec. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1828. During the troubles of 1837-8, Mr. Aylwin espoused the popular side, and wrote many vigorous articles against the Government of the day. At the Union in 1841, he entered Parliament as representative for the County of Portneuf. The next year he became a member of the Executive Council as Solicitor-General for Lower Canada, remaining so till December, 1843. His parliamentary career lasted till 1848, being during that time twice elected' for Portneuf, and three times for the City of Quebec. In 1848, he again entered Parliament, but in two months was elevated to the Bench, being made Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench, and removed to Montrealin 1850. To 1867, Mr. Justice Aylwin continued to be one of the brightest ornaments of the Bench. He died on the i4th October, 1871, one of those Judges who, though genial off the Bench, was remarkable for stern discipline and punctilious severity when on it.
Enn. by c- r._Wi!i,6ms & Br. N.f
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 193
JOSEPH DUHAMEL, Q.C.
THE subject of this sketch was born in the City of Montreal on the 2oth day of January, 1836. His father was Joseph Duharael, a merchant, who died at the ad- vanced age of eighty-eight years. His mother was Domithilde Mousset.
At the age of seven, Mr. Joseph Duhamel entered the preparatory depart- ment of the College of St. The~rese ; he, subsequently, followed a full course of studies at the College of St. Hyacinthe and at the Jesuits' College in Montreal. At the age of nineteen he had completed a brilliant classical education.
The great oratorical qualities which he had developed at college, his sound reasoning and argument, shewed at their early stage that he was destined to become an ornament of the legal profession ; and immediately upon leaving the college he selected Law as his profession. He passed his course of legal studies in the office of Messrs. Badgley & Abbott, two of the most eminent Barristers at that time.
Upon his admission to the Bar on the yth of April, 1857, he formed a partner, ship with the late Cyrille Archambault, a lawyer of great reputation in the profession- who, whilst travelling, came to an untimely death by the explosion of the boiler of the steamer " St. John," on the Hudson River, near New York.
He subsequently made a partnership with Mr. Gustave Drolet, a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor (France), who has since retired from the practice of his pro- fession. Mr. Duhamel afterwards became the head of the firm of "Duhamel, Rain- ville, Rinfret & Rainville."
The acceptance by one member of this firm of a Superior Court Judges hip and the demise of another resulted in the formation of that of " Duhamel, Pagnuelo & Rainville."
At the present time, Mr. Duhamel is the senior member of the firm of " Duhamel, Marceau & Merrill."
In 1878, he was appointed a Queen's Counsel by the Government of the Province of Quebec. The Liberal party was, at that time, in power in that Province. The right of Provincial Governments to confer this title was, later on, put in question by the Federal authorities, who contended that they alone had the power, under the Constitution of Canada, to make such appointments. However, Mr. Duhamel cannot be said to enjoy a doubtful honor, for, shortly afterwards, he received 'another com- mission from the Government of Canada, appointing him Queen's Counsel, although • he was their political opponent, — the Conservative party being in power.
Owing to his high reputation among his fellow countrymen, his great oratorical ability, his knowledge of the law, and his unbounded energy and devotion to his pro- fession, Mr. Duhamel, immediately on his entering the Bar, commanded one of the largest practices in the Province of Quebec.
His legal career has been very lucrative to himself. He is one of the legal advisers of the " Grand Trunk Railway Company," the " Canada Atlantic Railway Company," the C{ Jacques Carrier Union Railway," the "St. Lawrence and Adiron-
13
I£4 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
dack Railway Company," and commands also a large commercial practice, represent- ing many wholesale houses.
During his legal career he obtained very great success in several important law- suits with which he was connected, amongst others that of Duncan McDonald against the Grand Trunk Railway Company, involving nearly $100,000 ; and also in obtaining for the same company the settlement with the City of Montreal of dispu- ted claims reaching nearly one million and a half of dollars ; then the cases on writ of injunction and in damages amounting to more than one million and a half of dollars of Messrs. Stanton & Balch against the Canada Atlantic Railway Company were also decided in favor of his clients, the Canada Atlantic Railway Company. These cases were most complicated as well on questions of law as of facts, and were tried before all the Courts of the Dominion of Canada. We might also mention the case of Mr. Charles Alexander against Mr. Samuel Nordheimer, involving many very important legal questions, which case was also carried before all the courts of the land, and was always decided in favor of his client.
In days when the question of representation according to nationality in the City Council was very prominent, and the exigencies to serve therein seemed to demand the very best talent, the residents of St. Mary's Ward solicited him to become a candidate, and he was elected by a large majority. He served in the City Council of Montreal before he obtained his majority, an example of popular favor unknown in the history of Montreal's Municipal Government.
Mr. Duhamel did not disappoint the anticipations of those who had brought him forward. Indeed, so thoroughly satisfied were they with their choice that, when his term of office had expired, his constituents strongly urged him to present himself again, but he declined on account of his professional duties. Some years afterwards, yielding to the pressure of his friends, leading merchants, lawyers, etc., etc., of the Montreal East Ward, Mr. Duhamel was re-elected their representative for three years more, during which time he devoted himself with much zeal and assiduity to the interests of Montreal.
During the last twenty years Mr. Duhamel has been repeatedly solicited to become a candidate for the mayoralty. Several times large and influential depu- tations of men, representing all nationalities and professions, have waited upon him and urged him to allow himself to be put in nomination ; but, his professional duties requiring all his time, he declined.
In politics, Mr. Duhamel has always been a Liberal, and for his assistance, both by his pen and as a speaker on the public platforms, the Liberal party is under very considerable obligation.
Immediately on his leaving college, he took an active part in electoral struggles. At the age of twenty, he was the victim of his devotion to his party during an election which took place for the Senatorship in the Alma Division, a thorough Conservative constituency. At a meeting of the whole Division, which took place at Sault-au- Recollet, near Montreal, in spite of the warnings of his friends, and in defiance of
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 1 95
the threats of a very large crowd, composed of several thousand persons, he succeeded in gaining the platform, where he spoke so successfully that the political enemies of the Liberal paity, in order to put an end to the discussion, overturned the hustings. Then the infuriated mob attacked him with sticks, fired several pistol shots at him, beat him and left him for dead. When attended to, it was found that two of his ribs and his right arm had been broken, and that his head had received several sore cuts as a result of which he was confined to his bed for several weeks.
Mr. Duhamel has repeatedly been asked to become a candidate for legislative honors, but has always preferred to devote himself to the Law, a career in which his energy and ability have been crowned with success.
On the 28th of April, 1882, as a mark of respect as well as in acknowledgment of his well-known talents and faithfulness to his party, at a general meeting of the leaders of the Liberal party, which was held at Montreal, Mr. Duhamel was unani- mously elected President of the " Reform Association."
It is not unreasonable to suppose that the sterling qualities which have enabled him to fulfill so well his duties will win success in a still more extensive field of action ; and should he ultimately consent to enter the political arena, he will no doubt attain the position which his ability marks out for him.
. Having paid several visits to Europe he has availed himself of all the advan- tages and opportunities afforded thereby. He knows how to respect the honest con- victions of others, and is prepared to grant to them the toleration and privileges he claims for himself.
He was married in 1859 to Miss Alphonsine Masson, a daughter of the late Mr. Damase Masson, who was formerly one of the most eminent wholesale merchants of the City of Montreal, and one of its most useful and enterprising citizens.
HON. S. L. HUNTINGTON
WAS born at Compton, County Stanstead, Quebec, 26th May, 1827. Educated in the Common School and studied Law at Sherbrooke ; he taught the Township High School for some time. Called to the Bar in 1853, in 1856 he became proprietor of the " Waterloo Advertiser." In 1861, he was elected to the House of Commons for the County of Shefford, and arrayed himself on the side of Her Majesty's Opposition. In 1863, he became Solicitor-General East in the John Sandfield Macdonald Adminis- tration. In the Liberal Cabinet which came into power on the downfall of the Sir John Macdonald Ministry on the so-called " Pacific Standal," Mr. Huntington in the McKenzie Cabinet became President of the Council. In 1865, he became Postmaster- General. In 1870, he resigned with his colleagues. He is the author of a political novel called " Professor Conant." He is best known in Montreal as the principal mover in the " Huntington Copper Mines," and in his attendance yearly at the Angli- can Synod of the Diocese of Montreal, where his sage addresses generally resulted in arranging matters which were then getting complicated and mixed. He died not long ago.
I96 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JAMES DUNCAN^
WAS born in Coltraine, Ireland, in 1806. He came to Montreal in 1830, where he was for years a most successful artist and teacher of drawing. He drew the sketches of that rare book " Hochelaga Depicta." which was published in 1829. He was principally a water-color painter ; nearly all the principal Institutes of this city had him as teacher. Some of his larger works are reckoned among the best in Montreal, such as that one representing the "Giants Causeway," Ireland. He died 28th September, 1880. Two of his sons have held commissions as Surgeons in the British Army, Dr. J. S. Duncan, late of the 8ist Regt, now of Plymouth, and Dr. Geo. Duncan, who retired from Her Majesty's service and has a large practice in Ports- mouth, England. A third son, David, is in the Customs Department of Montreal.
JOSEPH DOUTRE, Q.C.
THE history of Mr. Doutre's life is that of the struggles of his countrymen for civil and religious liberty, and is, therefore, of more than personal interest. His ancestors were from the old province of Roussillon, in the department of Pyrenees-Orientales. His grandfather came from the immediate neighborhood of Perpignan, and had hardly arrived in Canada when the country passed under the dominion of England. Mr. Doutre was bom at Beauharnois, in 1825, and was educated at the Montreal College. He was admitted to the Bar in 1847. IR l844j at tne a§e °f eighteen, his first work, a romance of five hundred pages, entitled : Les Fiances de 1812 (The Betrothed of 1812), was published. He was an early adherent of the Institut Canadien, and ever since the warm friend of that institution, which obtained its charter under his presidency. As soon as the Avenir newspaper had taken a fair start in 1848, Mr. Doutre became one of its contributors. Mr. Doutre has been a liberal contributor to the newspaper press, and most of the journals of the province have at times published contributions from him. In 1848, he published Le Frere et la Sceur, which was afterwards republished in Paris. In 1851, he was the author of the laureate essay, paid for by the late Hon. Mr. DeBoucherville, on " The best means of spending time in the interest of the Family and the Country." In 1852 was published Le Sauvage du Canada. To these should be added a series of biographical essays on the most prominent political men of that date which appeared in the Avenir. As one of the Secretaries of the Association formed in 1849 for the Colonization of the Townships, he was instrumental in starting the first settlements of Roxton and the vicinity, which work, it is said, Mr. Cartier did much to impede. In 1853, Mr. Doutre took the direction of the great struggle for the abolition of the feudal tenure, and by means of meetings held throughout the country, and diligence and care in the preparation of practical measures the agitation came to a crisis at the General Elections of 1854, when the Parliament, filled with moderate abolitionists, passed a law which did away with this mediaeval system of land tenure, to the mutual satisfaction both of the seigniors and tenants. Another campaign of equal
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 1 97
importance began immediately after for making the Legislative Council elective instead of being nominated by the Crown, and a law was passed to this effect in 1856, at which time Mr. Doutre was requested to stand as candidate for the Division of Salaberry, but he was defeated. In 1858, there commenced in a decided manner on the part of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Montreal, the long looming work of destruction against everything which gave manifestation of life in the minds of educated Catholics. Mr. Doutre stood foremost in the hand to hand battle which followed, and the victory was a painful one, being achieved in the face of the conscien- tious opposition of many friends. In 1861, Mr. Doutre, under party pressure, accepted the candidature for Laprairie, which resulted in another defeat. This election, however, had the good effect of drawing attention to the evil system of two days' polling, as it was evident that his first day's majority had been upset by large sums of money being brought into play upon the second day. This is the last time we find the subject of our remarks in the arena of politics. He then devoted himself entirely to his profession. In 1863, he became Queen's Counsel. In 1866, he delivered a lecture before the Institut Canadien on "The Charters of Canada," a remarkably concise and complete synopsis of the political constitutions of the country under the French Government.
In the same year he was intrusted with the defence of Lamirande, the French banking defaulter, whose extradition was sought for before our Courts. After the kidnapping of the man, when he was about to be released, he followed up the demand for his restoration to the jurisdiction of our Courts, through the Foreign Office in London, to a point when the British and French Governments were very seriously out of harmony, when Lamirande solved the difficulty by surrendering all claims to further negotiations.
In 1869, the refusal of the Roman Catholic authorities to bury Guibord, because he had been a member of the Institut Canadien, brought Mr. Doutre face to face with the necessity of choosing between a direct contest with the authorities of his Church or renouncing his right to belong to a literary society, which implied the right of any personal liberty of action. His choice in this matter entailed political ostracism, and imposed upon him the most arduous task of following the case in question from court to court through all the degrees of jurisdiction in Canada, in order to obtain the burial of Guibord, and of continuing the same in England, where he went to argue, before the Privy Council, not only without fee, but at his own expense, and where he gained at last his case.
In 1872, Mr. Doutre and his friends brought the Institut Canadien to a con- dition of permanent and final success. By a careful management the institution was made self-supporting, but is now defunct. Mr. Doutre was afterwards connected with the Fisheries' Question and other important cases. After an eventful life he died in Montreal much regretted by a large circle of friends.
198 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JOSEPH LENOIR
WAS born at St. Henri, Montreal, on the 251!! September, 1822, and died in this city on the 3rd April, 1861. He was admitted to the Bar in 1847, an<^ after some years of practice, was attached to the Department of Education. There he contributed much to the columns of The Journal of Public Instruction. Death came before he published his poems and writings in book form. They abound in rich images and much vivacity. He had a brilliant imagination, and we must regret that he was cut off in the flower of his age and the height of his poetic aspirations. But man proposes and God disposes.
HELEN McPHERSON.
THIS poetess was born at Magog, Province of Quebec, in 1835, and died in 1863, at the early age of twenty-eight. She seems to have been born under the wings of poetry. At fifteen years of age she composed some beautiful verses, at twenty she published a volume of poetry of two hundred and fifty pages, which was publicly received with favor and encouragement. In 1858, she published " The Bride of Christ." Of this peculiar named production, even one of our French Canadian authors, lately deceased, says : " Sa poesie est ardente,e c ii y a comme un souffle puissant de ge"nie qui anime et vivifie ses strophes ; sa diction est riche et variee." Among her minor pieces are those most familiar, " Good Night," " To a Dandelion," "I shall Depart," and "The Watcher." I am more than pleased in being able, to insert in the GAZETTEER this short and imperfect sketch of one of our most dis- tinguished female writers, from what is called in our Province " The Eastern Town- ships." The Townships have given to Canada many of our prominent business, literary and political men and women, and the mixture of races as seen there demon- strates that the mind is improved and vivified by the same as much as the body.
T. STERRY HUNT
WAS born at Norwich, Connecticut, on September the 5th, 1826. In 1845, entered Yale College as a Student, under the well-known Benjamin Silliman. About 1846 the Geological Survey of Canada was organized, and Sir William Logan applied to Professor Silliman for an assistant, and the subject of our sketch was appointed in 1847. Here he continued for more than a quarter of a century, and in 1872 resigned, to pass the rest of his life in ease and comfort.
He collected the Canadian specimens for the Foreign Exhibitions of 1851, 1856 and 1867. He was one of the Judges at the Centennial Exhibition of Philadelphia, in 1876. During 1856 to 1862 he was one of the Professors of Laval University, Quebec, being that of Chemistry — he is still an honorary one ; afterwards he was a Lecturer in McGill University. In 1872, he was Professor of Geology in Boston In- stitute of Technology. He was made M.A. at Harvard in 1852, Doctor of Science of Laval, and LL.D. of McGill. In 1881, he received the unusual honor of LL.D. from Cambridge University, England, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Lon- don. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, of which he is one of
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 199
the founders, also that of the American Society for the Advancement of Science. He was decorated by Napoleon III with the Legion of Honor, and the King of Italy bestowed on him the Cross of St. Mauritius and St. Lazarus.
His published articles, essays and writings on all subjects probably amount to over two hundred. He married, in 1870, the oldest daughter of the well-known Mr. Justice Gale, and has no children. Judge Gale is oftened mentioned in the annals of Montreal in the early part of this century.** His large farms have been sold to Henry Hogan, and the Canadian Pacific Railway runs through them now.
JAMES A. CANTLIE
WAS born at Mortloch, Banffshire, Scotland, on the 5th June, 1836. After serving some time in Aberdeen in the dry goods business in different establishments, so well did he show his ability in this department, that on an offer being given him for Can- ada far more propitious than that of the Old Country, he left Aberdeen and arrived in Montreal in May, 1863, entering the employ of the firm of William Stephen & Co. For years Mr. Cantlie was employed in buying in England for the firm, continuing thus till the firm emerged into its present name of Robertson, Linton & Co. After this he did not continue long with the new firm, entering into a co-partnership with Alexander Ewing and William Stephen, in the firm of Cantlie, Ewing & Co. He was elected President of the " Dominion Commercial Travellers' Association of Montreal" in 1880, and by acclamation in 1881. He was the mainspring in the suits connected with the commercial tax laid on travellers in New Brunswick and Quebec, and effected a lasting cure for a barbarous and feudal law and system which then prevailed. He is still devoted to his business, and is now one of the most suc- cessful merchants of the city.
JONATHAN BARBER, M.D.,
WAS born in London, England, April 27th, 1784 ; was a graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons, London, Eng., and practised extensively in Scarboro and London. He came to America in 1821, and practised in Washington, District of Columbia, but he abandoned the practice of Medicine for the more congenial pursuits of general litera- ture and elocution, and many of the American orators, notably Charles Sumner and Wendell Phillips, were his pupils in Harvard and Yale Universities. In 1843, ne became warmly interested in Homoeopathy, and for ten years practised it successfully in Montreal. His maternal grandfather died at eighty, and it was his earnest wish to attain the same age, and he was eighty years and two weeks when he died May nth, 1864, at Knowlton, Quebec.
His two daughters were well-known. The oldest married the late Judge Dunkin, a n,an of distinguished learning, and one of the most prominent workers of Montreal in his day. She died a few weeks ago. The other Miss Barber needs no pen of mine to commend her to the public. The amount of good which she has accom- plished in Montreal in her Sheltering Home, her Rooms for Girls, and many other
200 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
things, will ever remain a beacon of her work. The writer well remembers the father when associated with him in the old High School, and Barber's method of Elocution, then in vogue, was one of the most interesting lessons the youth of Mon- treal learned.
JOCELYN WALLER.
A CANADIAN Journalist. He was an accomplished Scholar, and the editor of the Canadian Spectator •, and greatly distinguished himself as a talented political writer. He died in Montreal, 2nd December, 1828.
SYDNEY ROBERT BELLINGHAM,
SON of Sir Allan Bellingham, of Castle Bellingham, County Louth, Ireland, was born the 2nd of August, 1808. Educated in Ireland, he married Arabella, the daughter of Mr. Holmes of Quebec. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1841. He was Colonel of the Argenteuil Rangers ; was for many years political writer for the newspaper press of Lower Canada, chiefly the Montreal Times and Daily News. Elected in 1854 to the Canadian Assembly, he sat there until 1860. In 1867, he was returned by acclamation, and re-elected at the General Elections in 1874. After- wards he left Canada and returned to Ireland. Mr. Bellingham became the pur- chaser of a large and valuable tract of land beautifully situated on the north brow of the Mountain (Mont-Royal). There he built a comfortable house, in which he resided, with his family, for many years. Mr. Bellingham was ever an active and useful citizen. He served this country as a British subject faithfully and honorably, as an able writer, as one of its legislators in the House of Commons, but especially in the trying times of 1837-38, when he rendered signal service during the march of a handful of soldiers to St. Charles, under the command of the valiant Col. Wetherall, being the magistrate sent out with Col. Wetherall. He still lives at his home at Castle Bellingham.
REV, DR, MATHESON
WAS born in 1795, at Renton, Scotland. Such was his advance in college, that at twenty he took his degree of M.A. In 1823, he was licensed to preach, and ordained the same year. Shortly after he arrived in Montreal he was appointed to St, Andrew's Church of this city. In 1837, Mr. Matheson received his Doctor's degree. Happening to be in Glasgow at that time, he visited the University at the instal- lation of the Duke of Montrose as Chancellor, and was surprised to hear his own name read out as one of those on whom the honor of D.D. had been conferred. In 1860, he presented to the Prince of Wales the address of welcome from the Presby- terian Church of Canada. He was connected with St. Andrew's Society from its inception, and was the first Chaplain, and continued such for twenty-five years. After a life of usefulness, for both his Church and country, and after a long illness, he died on the I4th February, 1870, aged seventy-five years.
RAPHAEL
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 2OI
RAPHAEL BELLEMARE
WAS born at Yamachiche, on the 22nd February, 1821. He is descended from an old and honorable French family. Receiving his education in the College of Nicolet, where he was a brilliant student, it was not a matter of surprise that he should after- wards be for two years, from 1845 to ^847, Professor of Belles Lettres in the same institution. Afterwards he studied Law and was admitted to the Bar of Lower Canada.
He was at this time the Editor of La Minerve, which position sufficiently shows his progress and advancement in the world of Letters. At Confederation he was appointed to the office which he still fills, that of Inspector of Inland Revenue for the District of Montreal. Among his public records may be mentioned that he held the office of Alderman for the City for St. Louis Ward for six years. He was one of the originators, as he was a graduate and Secretary of Nicolet College. He had much to do with the organization of the Pontifical Zouaves. He is also one of the Direc- tors of the City and District Savings Bank, and has been for more than a quarter of a century President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was one of the founders of the tl Societe Historique de Montreal ", and, like very few of the citizens of Mon- treal, has a fine collection of valuable and rare books. As a French Canadian immersed in a troublesome profession, it redounds to his credit that he can yet find time to prosecute his favorite classical and literary studies, and Yamachiche may be proud of the sons who have made her a name, and whose records are inserted in the GAZETTEER.
202 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
REV RICHARD NORMAN, D.D.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Bromley, Kent, England, on the 24th of April, 1829. His father, of the same name, died in Canada in 1860. His mother, daughter of Mr. Stone, senior partner in one of the oldest banking houses of Lon- don, had died about thirty years before her husband. Dr. Norman was educated partly at King's College, London, then at the University of Oxford^ Graduated there B.A. in 1851, and M.A. in 1853, ordained Deacon in 1852, and Priest in 1853, by the Bishop of Oxford.
For seven years he was Classical Master at Radley College, near Oxford, and for six years Head Master of the same. For six months he was also Head Master of St. Michael's College, Tenbury. In 1866, on account of ill-health, he was obliged to resign his offices, and came to Canada in quest of renewed health. He was first associated with St. John the Evangelist Church and School, Montreal ; afterwards for eight years assistant to St. James Church. He was made a D.C.L. of Bishop's College, Lennoxville, of which he is now the Vice-Chancellor, He is also a Doctor of Divinity. His last appointment was Dean of Quebec.
He is a profound scholar, and an elegant writer and preacher. Among his writings and published works maybe mentioned " Occasional Sermons," " School Sermons,'' and "Thoughts on the Best Mode of the Conversion of the Heathen." For several years he was one of the Protestant School Commissioners for the City of Montreal. He is also a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Montreal ; takes a lively interest in all matters of Art, and was a member of the Art Association, and was Vice-Presi- dent of the Montreal Philharmonic Society. In Quebec he has followed the career of Montreal, and none of the many Rectors of the Ancient Capital has held that position with more honor and grace than the present Incumbent, Dr. Norman. May he long be spared to fill this important office.
SEVERE R1VARD
WAS born at Yamachiche, in the District of Three Rivers. He entered as a student at the College of Nicolet, and passed through the classes with credit. After his study of Law he was admitted to the Bar of Lower Canada in June. 1859. ^n 1870, he was elected to the position of Councillor for the City, and again in 1873 he was re-elected. He was one of the originators, and a member of the committee, in the organization and carrying out of the Pontifical Zouave movement, for which he received from Rome the Medal, and was made a Chevalier of Pope Pius IX. Mr. Rivard, with Messrs. David and Drolet, made an immense change in the north- west portion of the City, where they purchased property and re-sold it in building lots. He was elected Mayor of Montreal in 1883, ano^ again the following year. He died a few years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 2O3
REV. D. H. MAcVICAR, D.D,, LL.D.,
WAS born in Dunglass, Mull of Cantyre, Scotland, on the 29th November, 183 1. A few years after his birth his parents came to Canada and settled at Chatham, Ontario. He was educated at Toronto Academy and University. In 1859, he became a Preacher, and accepted a call to Knox Church, Guelph. In 1860, he came to Cotte Street Church, Montreal, succeeding the well-known Dr. Fraser, of London, England. He remained in charge for eight years. In 1868, was appointed Professor of Divin- ity in the new Presbyterian College of Montreal. The Doctor is a bom teacher, and has published two very well-known books on Arithmetic, which have been approved of by the Protestant Council of Public Instruction for the Province. In 1870, he received the degree of LL.D. from McGill University, and he is a Fellow of that Insti- tution. In 1881, he was made a member of the Athense Orientale de Paris. In 1883, his Alma Mater conferred on him the degree of D.D. He was married on May ist, 1860, to Eleanor, daughter of Robert Gouldry, and has three sons and two daugh- ters. Dr. Mac Vicar has long been a member of the Protestant School Commission for the City of Montreal.
JOSEPH ACHILLE PINARD
WAS born in Montreal, on the nth March, 1842. He is the son of the late Hilaire Pinard, a merchant of that city. Having completed his education in the College of Ottawa, he entered mercantile pursuits till 1878. During all his career he has con- tributed much, and taken an active part in literary, mutual and benevolent societies. He entered the Civil Service, January, 1879, as Assistant Bookkeeper of the Inland Revenue Department (office) at Ottawa. He was then appointed Assistant Ac- countant of the Dominion Lands Branch of the Department of the Interior, then promoted to the Senior Second Class Clerkship, 1882, ist class in 1883, and appointed the Accountant to the Department of the Interior. He devised a system of keeping the books and accounts of the Department which has resulted in the most satisfactory effects, and for which he was promoted to the rank of Chief Clerk, July, 1885.
RICHARD ALBERT KENNEDY, M.D., C.M.
WAS born in 1839, m Montreal. He is the son of the late William Kennedy, builder, formerly of Yorkshire, England. Educated in the High School, he commenced the study of Medicine in 1860. entering the University of McGill that same year. He completed the curriculum of studies, passing all the examinations and being a partici- pant in the first prize given for the best examination in the primary branches in 1863. The following year, 1864, he received the double degree ofM.D., C.M., from the University of McGill, and in May of the same year obtained the Licence of the Col- lege of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada, becoming a member of the same in 1874. Commenced practice in Montreal, but shortly after went to Dunham. After practicing for some time in Dunham he returned to Montreal, and recommenced pro- fessional practice in 1869. In 1871, he was elected one of the attending physicians
204 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
to the Montreal Dispensary, afterwards taking an active part in the management of that institution and becoming its Secretary in 1875. He was a member of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Montreal, and read several papers at its meetings ; also a member of the Health Association, and author of a paper on the "• Disposal of Sewerage."
In 1871, he joined with others in establishing a new Medical School which was affiliated to the University of Bishop's College, Lennoxville, as the Medical Faculty of that Institution, receiving the same year from that University the ad eundem de- gree of M.D., C.M., and also the degree of A.M. During the four following sessions he occupied the Chair of Anatomy, but in April, 1875, having resigned that Chair he was elected to the Professorship of Surgery, a position he was eminently fitted for, as his long acquaintance with the Chair of Anatomy rendered him proficient in that branch. Some years ago he died of consumption at an early age, much regretted.
COLONEL BOOKER.
ALFRED BOOKER, the subject of this sketch, was born in Nottingham, England, in 1824, consequently at the time of his early death he was only forty-seven years of age. The family came to Canada in 1842. His father was a Baptist clergyman of Hamilton, and lost his life at the terrible Desjardins Bridge accident, Great Western Railway, in 1857, when Samuel Zimmerman, Alderman Stuart, and many other men of note all perished. His son commenced business in Hamilton, and soon by his assiduity and honesty attracted the confidence and patronage of the business men of Canada.
It was, however, as a devotee to the promotion of the volunteer movement that he deserves especial mention. No man evoked the martial spirit of the young men of the old Gore District of Upper Canada, now Ontario, more than the late Colonel Booker. He organized the ist Battery of Volunteer Artillery there in 1853, and at his own expense bought two field-pieces and the whole accoutrements for both men and guns. In 1855, he organized Field Battery B. In 1858, he was gazetted Lieut. - Colonel commanding all the active force of the City of Hamilton. He commanded at Niagara Falls, when he was specially thanked by H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, and also a general order to that effect was sent by the Governor-General. In 1864, he visited England, and had the high honor of being presented to the Queen by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. In 1866, during the Fenian Raid at Ridgeway, he did his duty fully and well, and although the results of that action, owing to the slow movements of Colonel Peacock and the Regulars, were not altogether such as might have been realized had Colonel Booker been promptly supported by Her Majesty's Troops, nevertheless, when an investigation took place at his request, the verdict was that both his action and conduct were entirely approved of by those in authority. He retired shortly after from the service, and removed to Montreal, where he devoted his whole attention to business, and to him we may apply the French term that in his business standing he was " sans reproche." He died in Montreal some years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 205
LIEUT.-COL. OUIMET, M.P.
u LiEUT.-CoLONEL JOSEPH ALDERic OUIMET, LL.B., Q.C., M.P., Laval, is a member of one of the oldest families in the Montreal District. He is a son of Mr. Michael Ouimet, J.P., and was born at St. Rose, P.Q., on May 2Oth, 1848. His education was received at the Seminary of St. Therese de Blainville and Victoria College, Cobourg, where he graduated in 1869 with the degree of LL.B. Having c hosen the Law as his profession, he was called to the Quebec Bar in 1870, and has since pursued an eminently successful legal career, being now the head of the well- known Montreal firm of Ouimet & Emard. He was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1880, when he was also appointed Crown Prosecutor jointly with Mr. (now Justice) Chas. P. Davidson. They both filled that very important office with the greatest efficien- cy and honor until 1887, Colonel Ouimet has always taken an active interest in milita. ry affairs, and rose to the rank of Lieut. -Colonel of the 651!! Battalion Mount Royal Rifles, which he commanded during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. His battalion was in the field in the Edmonton District, and Lieut -Colonel Ouimet rendered valuable service in pacifying the Indians and prevailing upon the Half-breeds to maintain their loyalty to the Government. Colonel Ouimet has been for the last three years, and is yet, Chairman of the Council of the Dominion Rifle Association, and has always been a warm friend of that organization. He is interested in educa- tional work, and in 1874 was appointed a member of the Board of Roman Catholic School Trustees for Montreal. The parliamentary experience of Colonel Ouimet, for a man of his years, has been remarkably long and successful. In October, 1873, when only twenty-five years old, he was returned to Parliament, after a fierce fight against Mr. L. O. David, one of the brightest champions of the Liberal party. He was re-elected by acclamation at the General Elections in 1874, and again in 1878 and 1887. He was also returned in 1891, and from the i3th of April, 1887, to the close of the sixth parliament in 1891, he held the honorable position of Speaker of the House of Commons, an office for which his ability and experi- ence amply fitted him. Colonel Ouimet possesses a wide knowledge and clear grasp of public affairs in Canada, and is an able and eloquent speaker. Still in his prime, there seems every reason to predict for him a continued career of eminence and use- fulness. In politics he is an Independent Conservative, an advocate of provincial- rights and a strong protectionist. Colonel Ouimet is a director of the Montreal City and District Savings Bank, and President of the Laval Agricultural Society. On May 3oth, 1874, he was united in marriage with Theresa, daughter of Alfred LaRocque, Esq., of Montreal, and has now five children. On the 2oth of May last, 1891, his forty-fourth birthday, he was sworn a member of Her Majesty's Privy Council." When just going to press we find that Col. Ouimet has again, for the fourth time^ been elected by acclamation to represent the county of Laval, in the House of Commons, Ottawa.
206 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JEAN LUKIN LEPROHON, M.A., M.D.,C.M.,
BORN at Chambly, April yth, 1822, is the representative in Canada of the Leprohon family, whose ancestor, Jean Philippe Leprohon, came to Canada in 1758, Lieutenant in a French Regiment, and settled in Montreal after the cession of the country to Great Britain.
Edouard Martial Leprohon, the father of Dr. Leprohon, served during the War of 1812, was present at the battle of Chateauguay, and was decorated later for services rendered in that action. His wife, Marie Louise Lukin, was of Swiss descent. Her grandfather came to Canada shortly after the conquest as Secretary to one of the early English Governors.
He went through a complete classical course in Nicolet College, of which estab- lishment his uncle, the Rev. J. O. Leprohon, was Director for a period of thirty years. On leaving Nicolet College Dr. Leprohon entered on the study of Medicine under Dr. Holmes, following the lectures at McGill College, and graduating at that Institution in May, 1843. He then visited Europe, and remained abroad till the fall of 1845. On his return he commenced practising his profession, and entered also on the publication of a French medical periodical : La Lancette Canaditnne. He also lectured several times on Hygiene, the climate of Canada, etc., before L'Institut Canadien. In 1851, he was married to Miss R. E. Mullins, already known in literary circles through tales and serials contributed to the Literary Garland, printed and published by John Lovell, under the signature of R. E. M. In 1858, he represented the St. Antoine Ward in the City Council, receiving a vote of thanks from that body on his retirement from office.
Dr. Leprohon has been attached to the Montreal Dispensary as Consulting Physician since 1864. In 1866, he was appointed with another medical gentleman to report on the sanitary state of Montreal, and a report was published by them embodying valuable suggestions concerning hygienic improvements in the city. In 1870, he received a call to the chair of Hygiene in the Medical Department of Bishop's College. Dr. Leprohon holds the honorable post of Vice-Consul of Spain for Montreal since September, 1871. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1851 ; Surgeon in the loth Battalion of Militia in July, 1855 ; and is one of the Founders of the Women's Hospital. He was appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province in September, 1890, a member of the Roman Catholic Council of Public Instruction for the Province of Quebec.
MRS. LEPROHON.
A FRENCH writer — indeed, the author himself of " Histoire de la Literature Canadienne" — says thus of Mrs. Leprohon : " Les femmes qui se sont livrees aux travaux intellectuels, parmi nous, forment une rare exception. A peine, dans toute la liste de nos ecrivains, rencontre-t-on quatre ou cinq noms feminins. A la tete de ces exceptions se place Madame Leprohon."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 207
Mrs. Leprohon, better known to the public by her maiden name of Miss R. E. Mullins, the accomplished and talented authoress, was born in Montreal, and received her education in this city. At the early age of fourteen, she evinced a strong inclina- tion for writing; and from that time became a steady contributor, both of prose and verse, to the celebrated Literary Garland. Under the initals of "R. E. M." she became speedily known ; and her pieces were invariably admired and received the encomiums of all. Among the many tales contributed by her to the Garland, none were so well received or so popular as " Ida Beresford ' (since translated and pub- lished in French), " Florence Fitz Hardinge" and " Eva Huntingdon " — tales of fiction and pathos of so high a character, that they may, without exaggeration, be ranked among those of the same class, by the best English or American contributors to the periodical press. She afterwards became enrolled on the staff of some of the American journals and magazines.
In 1860, Mrs. Leprohon became connected with the Family Herald, and whilst engaged on that paper, wrote her celebrated tale of the " Manor House of De Villerai" wherein she made it her object to describe faithfully the manners and cus- toms of the peasantry or habitants, as they are called, of Lower Canada. It was also written to illustrate that period of our history embracing the cession of Canada to England. In all that she purposed, the authoress was eminently successful, and so popular was this work, that it was translated into French, and published in book form. This work has, according to general opinion, been considered as the very best written on Canada, and adds another laurel to Mrs. Leprohon's well-earned fame. In the same year she translated into English the words of the cantata of Mr. Sempe, written to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, sung before His Royal Highness, whilst in Montreal, by the Oratorio Society of that city.
Mrs. Leprohon was also a very superior musical artiste and linguist, endowed with great general abilities and accomplishments. She died some years ago. We append to this short sketch her poem on the two old towers of the Grand Seminary, and are happy to be able to give a place in this GAZETTEER to one so talented and at the same time a native of Montreal.
THE OLD TOWERS.
On the eastern slope of Mount Royal's side, In view of St. Lawrence' silvery tide, Are two stone towers of masonry rude, With massive doors of time-darkened wood ; Traces of loop-holes still show in the walls, Whilst softly across them the sunlight falls ; Around, stretch broad meadows, quiet and green Where cattle graze — a fair, tranquil scene.
208 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Those old towers tell of a time long past When the Red man roamed o'er these regions vast, And the settlers — men of bold heart and brow, Had to use the sword as well as the plough : When women, no lovelier now than then, Had to do the deeds of undaunted men, And had higher aims for each true warm heart Than study of fashion's or toilet's art.
It was in those towers — the southern one — Sister Margaret Bourgeois, that sainted Nun, Sat patiently teaching, day after day, How to find Jesus — The Blessed Way, 'Mid the daughters swarth of the forest dell, Who first from her of a God heard tell ; And learned the virtues that woman should grace, Whatever might be her rank or her race.
Here, too, in the chapel tower buried deep, An Indian brave and his grandchild sleep, True model of womanly virtues — she — Acquired at Margaret Bourgeois' knee ; He, won unto Christ from his own dark creed, From the trammels fierce of his childhood freed, Lowly humbled his savage Huron pride And amid the pale faces lived and died.
With each added year grows our city fair ;
Churches rich, lofty, and spacious square,
Villas and mansions of stately pride,
Embellish it now on every side ;
Buildings — old landmarks — vanish each day,
For stately successors to quick make way ;
But we pray from change time may long leave free
The ancient towers of Ville Marie !
HON. EDWARD MURPHY.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 2OQ
HON. EDWARD MURPHY.
HON. EDWARD MURPHY was called to the Senate by Order in Council, May 3oth, and gazetted June 6th, 1889, as representative for the division of Victoria, in succession to the late Hon. Thomas Ryan. Mr. Murphy was born in Ballyeilen, County Carlow, Ireland, on the 26th July, 1818. His family were for over a cen- tury extensive mill owners and corn merchants in the County Carlow. Mr. Murphy claims lineage from Donald Morr& Chieftain of considerable power and territory in the County Wexford, dating back to the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI, under whom the major part of his estates were confiscated to the Crown. His mother was a descendant of the old distinguished family of the O'Byrnes, of County Wicklow ; he is related to the Kavanaghs, Rudkins, Fitzgeralds, Motleys, Butlers and other families of position in the east and south of Ireland. Mr. Murphy was twice married : first, in 1848, to Miss McBride, of Dublin; and secondly to Miss Power, second daughter of the late Hon. William Power, Judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, and of Susanne de Gaspe, his wife (daughter of the late Philippe Aubert de Gaspe, seigneur of St. Jean Port Joli, author of Les AnciensCanadiens and other works on Canadian History). Mr. Murphy has never from his earlier manhood sought to hide his firmly grounded opinions respecting the various political, religious and social questions which are being discussed around him, yet he has at all times made his con- victions known, his influence felt, and his generosity of heart manifest in so worthy a manner that, when at last an honorable reward came to him for long years of service to Crown and country, there is in all Canada to-day no pen to write or voice to utter a word other than in unqualified praise. In a word, we may say that he possesses to an extraordinary degree the goodwill, the respect and even the affec- tion of all classes of the community. In business his word is as good as his bond, and in politics he has been a sincere and steadfast supporter of the Liberal-Conser- vative party. Mr. Murphy, while being a devout adherent of the Church of his fathers, has never allowed his generous impulses to rest exclusively within the pale of his own denomination, and consequently he has been recognized by all races and creeds as a true-hearted, faithful, Christian gentleman. His devotion to the cause of the land of his birth has been never known to fail, and a representative Irish Cana- dian in every sense of the word now sits for the Victoria division in the Canadian Senate.
Mr. Murphy with his parents came to Montreal in 1824, where he has since resided. He was put to commercial business at the early age of fourteen years, and from being a salesman in the extensive wholesale hardware firm of Frothingham & Workman, he became in 1859 a partner in the concern, and is to-day one of the senior members of that great establishment. Mr. Murphy's connection with St. Patrick's Church of this city dates back from its foundation, and the influence for good which he has exercised over his co-religionists and compatriots can never be too highly appreciated.
14
210 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL-
The temperance people of Montreal and the Dominion have likewise possessed in Mr. Murphy a man worthy of that great cause, and although his views on that question have always been moderate, yet his greatest desire has invariably been to promote the sobriety and general welfare of the people. In support of this, we may add that the St. Patrick's Temperance Society, with which he has been associated since its organization in 1840, and an office bearer in it almost since its inception, have frequently testified their appreciation of his services to the cause by present- ing him on several occasions with valuable testimonials and addresses : viz., on Christmas Day, 1861, with a massive silver water jug and tray; on another occa- sion with a splendid portrait in oil of himself, and on his call to the Senate, in 1889, with a beautiful address illuminated in gold colors, by Cox, in an ebonized cabinet on an easel of same material.
In February, 1890, he was selected to preside over the grand social enter- tainment held in the Queen's Hall to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Society, the 5oth anniversary of its establishment in the old Recollet Church of this city, under the late Bishop Phelan, then Father Phelan, Pastor of the Irish Congregation of Montreal.
In 1862, Mr. Murphy re-visited the Old World and the scenes of his child- hood. During his absence he was elected a Director of the City and District Savings Bank of Montreal. This position he filled till 1877, when he was elected President, an office to which he has been annually re-elected and holds at the present time. He is one of the Harbor Commissioners of Montreal. He is also a member of the Board of Trade. Over thirty-five years ago he was mainly instru- mental in inaugurating the early closing movement on Saturday afternoons for the benefit of the hardware clerks. His generous founding of the " Edward Murphy Prize," of the annual value of $100 in perpetuity, for " the encouragement of commercial education in Montreal," open to all, has done much to stimulate our youths to higher excellence in commercial pursuits.
Mr. Murphy is a Life Governor of the Montreal branch of Laval University. He has been for many years a Life Governor of the Montreal General Hospital and also of Notre Dame Hospital of this city. He is a Magistrate for Montreal ; and was a Captain in the old militia organization of this city. Mr. Murphy is a Knight {Chevalier} of the Sacred and Military Order of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem).
Mr. Murphy has found time, ir?the midst of his many occupations, to cultivate his taste for scientific pursuits. His public lectures, always delivered for the benefit of charitable and educational objects, on the Microscope and on Astronomy, have invariably met with a hearty reception by the public. His well-known interest in scientific matters, Archaeology and Canadian History has led him to take an active part in the following bodies : the Natural History Society, of which he is one of the Vice-Presidents ; the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society, of which he is also a Vice-President; the Microscopic Society, and also the Societe Historique de Montreal, etc. He is a life member of the Art Association of this City and also a member of the Mechanics Institute of Montreal.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 21 1
We close by saying that Mr. Murphy is esteemed by all the citizens of Mon- treal as a man of ability and integrity, as one whose kindness of heart, sympathy with distress and need, and whose abhorrence of evil has made him a factor for good in this community. His life has been that of a Christian gentleman, without fear and without reproach.
L. P. BRODEUR, M.P.
Louis PHILIPPE BRODEUR, M.P., Rouville, was born at Belceil, County of Vercheres, on the 2ist August, 1862, and is consequently but in his twenty-ninth year. He was educated at St. Hyacinthe Seminary and graduated at Laval University, Montreal, where he received his law degrees. Mr. Brodeur studied Law under the Hon. Mr. Mercier and Mr. C. A. Geoffrion, Q.C., of Montreal, and was admitted to practice in 1884. Going to work with an energy and capability which few men of his years possessed, he soon built up a large and lucrative practice, and taking a deep interest in the politics of his province it was no wonder that, possessed of the flow of oratory with which he is endowed, he was soon brought forward by the Liberal ranks to represent them in the House of Commons ; and at the last General Election defeated his opponent, Mr. Gigault, by a majority of seventy votes. He takes a deep interest in all that concerns the public good, whether in a commercial, municipal or political sense, and can always be counted on to do his duty intelligently and as a good citizen. In 1887, Mr. Brodeur married Emma, second daughter of Mr. J.. R. Brillon, notary of Belceil, P.Q. By the Courts sitting on various election cases of the last General Elections, that of Rouville was voided by the acts of one of his agents, so that a new election will, most likely, again place Mr. Brodeur in possession of the county.
HON. THOS. RYAN.
WAS born at Balinakill, Ireland, 2ist August, 1804. He was educated at Clongowes College, and came to Canada when quite young. He was for many years head of the firm of Ryan Bros. & Co. of Quebec and Montreal, and in 1863 retired from busi- ness. He was elected for the Victoria Division in the Legislative Council, and sat there till Confederation. In May, 1867, he was called to the Senate. He was Roman Catholic Commissioner of Education for the Province of Quebec. In 1871, he married Duding W., a daughter of Chs. De Montenach and granddaughter of the late Baroness De Longueuil. He always took a prominent part in national education, and was an ornament to the Canadian Senate by the dignity and character of all his actions in that body. He died some time ago.
HON. GEORGE MOFFATT
WTAS born in the County of Durham, England, 15111 August, 1787. He came to Montreal at the age of thirteen, and entered the counting house of Gerrard, Yeoward & Gillespie in 1800. He was connected with the Bank of Montreal in 1817. In November, 1832, he was made a Legislative Councillor, and was to his death a well- known figure in the Episcopal Church. After a residence of sixty-five years in Montreal, he died 25th February, 1865, in the seventy-eighth year of his age.
212 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
L. C. ALPHONSE DESJARDINS, M.P.
" WAS born at Terrebonne, Quebec, on the 6th of May, 1841, and is descended from a family that settled in Canada before the cession of the Province to Great Britain. He received his early education at Masson College, and when his course ended he entered the Seminary of Nicolet. He afterwards chose Law as his profession, and commenced his studies in the office of Wilfred Provost, subsequently studying in the office of Messrs. Fabre, Lesage & Jette, of Montreal. He was called to the Bar in 1862, and began the practice of his profession, which he continued until 1867, but seeing at this time a brighter field in journalism, he relinquished " Blackstone " for the pen, and became one of the associate editors of L'Ordre, where his pungent pen will long be remembered by its readers. For some four years he remained with L'Ordre, at the conclusion of which he accepted the editorship of Le Nouveau Monde, which position he held from 1872 to 1878, and which paper like its brilliant editor was Liberal-Conservative. In every sentence that it uttered there was an independent ring, and it is due to Mr. Desjardins to say that his pen was largely instrumental in infusing courage, life and ambition into his political confreres. He was first elected to Parliament by acclamation at the General Elections of 1874, and was re-elected in 1878, 1882, 1887 and 1891. Being a comprehensive and convincing speaker, he always commands the attention of the House. His speeches favoring the construc- tion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, also urging an amnesty to Riel after the Rebellion of 1870-71, showed marked ability. He is a believer in separate schools, and warmly co-operated with Mr. Costigan in his exertions to have the Free School Law, passed by the New Brunswick Legislature, repealed. Mr. Desjardins retired from journalism in 1879, anc^ accepted the presidency of the Jacques Cartier Bank, which position he still ably fills. After his return in 1872 from a visit to Rome, where he had the honor of being admitted to an audience with His Holiness, he was created a Knight of the Order of Pius IX. He had taken an active part in the organization of the Canadian Papal Zouave contingent which went to the assistance of the Holy Father in 1868. He was one of the authors of the "Programme Catholique," first published in April, 1871, which was prepared for the purpose of being offered to the Conservative party as a basis on which the several opposing sections of that party might agree. In 1882, Mr. Desjardins was elected President of " Le Credit Foncier du Bas Canada," and in 1883 became a director of the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Co. In July, 1887, he was elected Vice-President of the Montreal and Western Railway Co., a line now being built from St. Jerome terminus of a branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway to the Desert, where it will cross the Gatineau Valley Railroad, and thence run westerly through the Ottawa Valley region. He has always taken an active interest in the development of the commercial relations between Canada, France and Central Europe. He has been chairman of a committee of business men selected to study and promote such a policy, and open new markets to the industries and resources of Canada."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 213
ALEXANDER SKAKEL, LL.D.,
WAS an accomplished scholar, and in the early days of Montreal did much to foster a taste for Science among the citizens. He had a large school in what was then called Little St. James Street, having among his pupils such names as Sir William Logan and Chief Justice Badgley. He took a prominent place in the City's affairs, and was one of the persons named in the Act of Incorporation of the General Hospital. A marble tablet which strikes the eye on entrance to that useful Institu- tion tells what he did towards it. He died i2th August, 1846, aged seventy-one years.
HON. JAS. LESLIE
WAS born at Kair, Kincardine, Scotland, and was the son of Captain Leslie, i5th Regiment, and Assistant Q.M. General to General Wolfe at the capture of Quebec, He came to Montreal, 1808, and began business on his own account. He served as a Volunteer in 1812, and held a Commission in the Militia from 1811 to 1862, when he retired. He was one of the First Directors of the Bank of Montreal, as also of the General Hospital. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada from 1824 to the Union in 1840. After the Union of the Provinces, he was member for Vercheres from the first General Election till he was summoned to the Legislative Council. In 1848, he was President, and continued till appointed Provincial Secretary and Registrar, which he held to 1851, continuing to sit till Con- federation, in 1867, when he was appointed Senator. He died May, 1873, aged eighty-seven years, universally respected and beloved.
HON. CHS. RODIER
WAS born in Montreal, 4th October, 1797, and educated in the College of St. Sulpice. He was for many years a wholesale merchant. Afterwards called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1841. He was elected Mayor of Montreal four times, and as such received the Prince of Wales, Prince de Joinville and Prince Napoleon Bonaparte. He was a Commissioner to settle losses arising out of the Rebellion of l837~38. Called to the Legislative Council. He died in 1867.
PIERRE J. O. CHAUVEAU, LL.D., D.L.,
WAS born in Quebec in 1820. His ancestors came from France (Diocese of Bordeaux), and settled at Charlesbourg. He was educated at Quebec Seminary. Studied Law under Okill Stuart, and admitted in 1841. Returned for County of Quebec in 1844. In 1851, in the Hincks-Morin Administration, accepted office as Solicitor-General, and in 1853, on retirement of Mr. Caron, was Provincial Secretary. He then became a member of the McNabb-Morin Government, and in 1855 became Superintendent of Education on the appointment of Dr. Meilleur to the office of Post- master of Montreal. At the Trent affair, Mr. Chauveau formed a Company of the Chasseurs Canadiens, being Captain of the Corps. In 1866, he visited the various edu-
214 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
cational establishments of Europe. Returning, he was sent for to form the First Admin- istration of our Frounce, and succeeded, being returned by acclamation for the County of Quebec for both Local and Federal Parliaments. In this office of Premier, he was succeeded by Hon. G. Ouimet, and in 1877 ne accepted the office of Sheriff of Mon- treal. He was Dean of the Faculty of Law, Laval, Montreal, and Professor of Roman Law. He received the degree of LL.D. from both McGill and Bishop's Colleges and Doctor of Literature from Laval. He was a member of many literary and scientific institutions, and a versatile writer on every subject. His younger son is now Judge of the Sessions at Quebec. He had two sons and six daughters. All his beautiful daughters save one died before him, and the only surviving one is the wife of our well- known Scientist and Professor of Laval, Dr. Vallee. The Author of these Sketches and the subject of this sketch were for many years intimately connected, first in the education of the Province, and latterly for years, the one as Sheriff of the District and the other as Chaplain to the Prisons. The first volume that the Author of this book ever published was dedicated to the Hon. P. J. O. Chauveau in the year 1860. He died two years ago.
LUDGER DUVERNAY
WAS born at Vercheres, 22nd January, 1799. After receiving an elementary edu- cation, he came to Montreal in 1813, and entered the office of the Spectator. After four years, he published The Three Rivers Gazette. In 1823, he issued The Constitutional, which only lived two years. In 1826, in Three Rivers, he published Ike Argus, but next year he returned to Montreal. He was greatly mixed up in the troubles of 1837, and had to flee to Burlington, United States, where he published in 1839 a paper called Le Patriote. He returned to Canada in 1842, and by the generosity of Mr. Fabre continued to publish La Minerve, having Mr. Lafontaine, afterwards Sir Louis as its editor. He died 28th November, 1852. His principal work was the founding of the St. Jean Baptiste Society, one of the largest in the city, and which has ramifications all over the Continent.
HON. P. D. DEBARTZCH.
A MEMBER of the Lower Canadian party of 1837. He first entered the Legislature as a Member of the Assembly in 1810, and enrolled himself in the ranks of the Opposition of the day. He was elevated to the Upper House in 1815. He founded a Journal in Montreal which contributed in a great measure to excite the people to the outbreak of 1837 '> an<3 he protected and defended some of the leaders of the Insurrection.
DR. L. H. MASSON AND DAMIEN MASSON.
IN 1837, lne above two Patriots, as L. O. David says, were " big and grand looking men, with black eyes, bronze countenances, robust constitutions and determined character." Their father was Louis Masson, a merchant of St. Benoit, and they were at
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 215
the time of the Rebellion, the one twenty-six and the other twenty-one years of age.
After completing his studies in the Seminary of Montreal, Dr. Masson studied with the celebrated Dr. Robt. Nelson, During the cholera of 1832, he was at Point St. Charles, and shortly after went to Beauharnois to take the place of Dr. Fleming, struck down with the epidemic. There he remained for some years, and afterwards removed to St. Benoit. In June, 1837, ne was nominated Secretary of that grand assembly held at St. Scholastique, under the presidency of Jacob Barcelo, to protest against the propositions of Lord John Russell.
As Dr. Masson was a Justice of the Peace for the District of Montreal, he re- ceived a letter from the Secretary of Lord Gosford, demanding an account of his conduct at the above assembly. Dr. Masson courteously replied, and two days after the order for his arrest was made, and the two brothers were captured at Coteau du Lac, before escaping to the United States. They were conducted to Montreal to prison. When arrived at the old gaol, they found PAbbe Blanchet, the Patriot cure of St. Charles. After some delay, the two brothers were bound to each other, and conducted to the new gaol under an escort of military commanded by Major C. Sabrevois de Bleury. Afterwards, he was banished to Bermuda. Before embarking, permission had been granted for the eight exiles to see their families. Mme. Masson came to the prison to bid farewell to her sons, whom she loved so well. She was a noble woman. When quitting them, she said these words, — I give them in her own language, not to spoil them by translation : " Mon fils, tu pars pour 1'exil, tu as voulu te sacrifier pour tes compagnons de prison, sois courageux jusqu'a la fin. Je suis fiere de toi. Je me consolerai dans ton absence en pensant que Dieu m'a donne des enfants aussi bons patriotes et dignes de moi."
At his return from exile, Dr. Masson settled for some time at Fort Covington, State of New York, and afterwards returned to Canada. He was elected member of Parliament for the County of Soulanges, and died at an advanced age, universally
regretted.
J. J. CURRAN, Q.C., LL.D., M.P.
SON of Chs. Curran, who came from County Down, Ireland, and settled in Montreal early in the present century. The subject of our sketch was born in this city, being a true Montrealer and of whom the citizens may be proud. He was educated at St. Mary's College and at the Ottawa University. He graduated B.C.L. in McGill, in 1862. and was called to the Bar of Quebec, March, 1863. He was appointed a Q.C., January, 1882. The Manhattan College, New York, under the presidency of Cardinal McClosky, conferred the degree of LL.D. on him, June, 1881. He has been a fre- quent contributor to the magazines and newspapers. Has had a large practice in his profession. He was first returned to Parliament for Montreal Centre at General Elections in 1883, and re-elected at the last General Elections in 1887. He married, in 1865, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of late P. Brennan, of Montreal. Dr. Curran is one of the most genial of Irishmen, and a general favorite. He is perhaps one of the best orators in Canada, and is held in requisition at entertainments of all national- ities, where he is ever welcome. His law firm is styled Curran & Grenier.
2l6 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WILLIAM MOLSON,
WHOSE name is so prominently connected with the rise and progress of Montreal, and indeed of Canada, was of English descent. Hon. John Molson, his father, visited Canada in 1782, and was so much pleased with the country that he decided to settle, and two years after returned to England, raised a considerable sum of money on his English estate, and came back. He was a member of the Executive Council of Lower Canada in 1836, and died at the age of seventy-two, leaving three sons, John, Thomas and William. The youngest was connected with most of the enterprises for the advancement of the country, and took an active part in furthering them. He was a Grand Trunk Railway Director. In 1853. he retired from the Board of Directors of the Bank of Montreal, and with Hon. John Molson, his brother, established Molsons Bank under the free Banking Act. In 1855, tne institution obtained a Charter, and their brother Thomas became a shareholder in it. He was highly conservative in his views, and frequently refused to enter public life, preferring to carry out important enterprises tending to the advancement of his country. He took part with other loyal men in suppressing the Rebellion of 1837, but strongly objected to the passage of the Act of 1849 against the Rebels, and signed the Annexation manifesto. He was then deprived of his commission of Justice of the Peace, and also his position in the Militia ; and though, afterwards, the Government sought to make amends, he persistently declined reinstatement in office, considering he had been unjustly dealt with.
As a private citizen he was highly esteemed, there being scarcely any educa- tional or charitable institution in the city which did not experience his beneficence. He was a member of the Senate of McGill College, and selected that seat of learning as one .of the almoners of his bounty. It thus happens that the name of Molson is associated with McGill on the honor roll of the University. Deceased built the Library, Convocation Hall, corridors and class-rooms, in honor of which, one wing of the University bears the name of William Molson Hall. The stone tower and spire of Trinity Church has associated with it the name of Molson. It was erected by him, at the request of his wife, in the interest of Religion, and to the memory of his only son, who died in 1843, at twenty-one years of age. Mr. Molson never forgot the sick or poor. He gave $5,000 towards the Montreal General Hospital, and with others established the House of Refuge. He gave $2,000 towards the erection of a con- valescent hospital in connection with the General Hospital. He also joined with his brothers in endowing an English Literary Chair in McGill. He was President of the General Hospital at the time of his death, and also held the same position in the Bank which bears his family name. His two married daughters are Mrs. D. L. Macpherson and Mrs. John Molson. His acts were those of a good man, and his deeds will long be held in loving remembrance by his fellow citizens.
MAJOR ED. L. BOND.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 217
EDWARD LANGLEY BOND.
HE was born in Montreal, 1850, and is the youngest son of Right Rev. W. B. Bond, Lord Bishop of Montreal.
His name is familiar throughout Canada in connection with business and social matters. He is the Chief Agent of the British and Foreign Marine Insurance Com- pany and Reliance Marine Insurance Company, two of the leading corporations of Great Britain, with sub-agencies throughout Canada; is a member of the Board of Trade and Corn Exchange, and Treasurer of the Montreal Board of Marine Under- writers.
He has been closely connected with the military history of Canada for over twenty- five years. Was one of the first of the High School boys to join the Cadet Corps, organized by the late Major Barnjum in 1863, and which corps furnished a large number of officers to the Militia during the troubles of 1866 and 1870. He was captain of No. 2 Company of the Cadets when he joined the Prince of Wales Regiment as Ensign in 1866, in time to take part in the defence of the Huntingdon Border against the Fenians. Was in command of No. 6 Company Prince of Wales Regiment at St. Armands and Pigeon Hill, in 1870. Was appointed Major of the Prince of Wales Rifles in 1873, and served in that rank till 1884, when he resigned; but the regiment being called out for active service in the North-West in 1885, he was offered and accepted the post of Adjutant and second in command, and, after the rebellion was checked, resigned finally in 1886.
Major Bond has served on the Executive of the Dominion Rifle Association, and is now Chairman of the Executive of the Province of Quebec Rifle Association.
He was one of the leaders in the Equal Rights movement of 1890, speaking at several meetings in Montreal and the Townships.
He is Vice-President of the Dominion Alliance for the total suppression of the liquor traffic, and is President of the Citizens' League of Montreal, an organization having the support of the leading citizens, both clerical and lay, and formed for the purpose of enforcing the laws, particularly .those governing the sale of liquor.
2l8 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. SAMUEL CORNWALLIS MONK, LL.D.
To begin at the beginning of this well-known and important family who have been so prominent in the annals of Lower Canada, we must go back to the early days of last century. The family of the late Judge Monk, the subject of this sketch, came from Devonshire, England — a county that has, with its contiguous one, Cornwall, produced many eminent men in literature, art, and science, in the Church, Bar and Senate. They come from an old Norman family, the name having originally been Moyne or Le Moine.
We first find trace of the family in Boston — not then ' ' The Hub," but a small English town during the days before the War of Independence. James Monk, of this time, married in Boston an Ann Bering, a daughter of the well-known Henry Bering. After having taken part in the expedition against Louisburg, then held by France, he received a grant of land in Nova Scotia, and going there, settled near Halifax, where he died. He had three sons, James, Henry and Charles. The oldest afterwards became Sir James Monk, Chief Justice of Montreal. We find his name at the opening of the first Court of King's Bench on the ist September, 1802. The judges then present were " Chief Justice Monk, Mr. Justice Panet, and Mr. Justice Bavidson." The second son, George Henry, after having been a naval officer, became a Judge in Nova Scotia. The third, Charles, went to live in England, and became the father of James Henry Monk, at one time Bean of Peterboro, and afterwards Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol.
George Henry Monk married a Miss Gould, a niece of Governor Benning Went- worth. His son, at an early age, became Prothonotary of Montreal. This was by the influence of his uncle, Chief Justice Sir James Monk.
Samuel Wentworth Monk had an only son, Samuel Cornwallis Monk. The subject of our present sketch was born at Windsor, Nova Scotia, on the 2pth of July, 1814. He was educated at Windsor, and subsequently entered Trinity College, Bublin. Arriving in Canada in 1831, he commenced immediately the study of Law, and was admitted to the Bar of Lower Canada in the midst of revolution and rebellion, viz., in 1837. For the next two years he made a tour of Europe, thereby saving himself from either side of the political volcano, which, during 1837 an(^ I^3^J raged through- 'otit the Province. On his return to Montreal he entered into partnership with the late Sir John Rose. He was made a Q.C. in 1854, and for some years represented the Attorney General of Lower Canada as Crown Prosecutor. In 1859, he was raised to the Bench of the Superior Court of Lower Canada. When the well-known Mr. Justice Aylwin retired in 1868 from the Queen's Bench, the subject of this memoir became his successor — and from then to his death he was one of the most revered and successful judges of that Court.
He had a perfect knowledge of both the English and French languages, and his manly and grand presence in the judicial chair at once commanded respect, and his fine countenance the admiration of the beholders. The University of Laval made him a Boctor of Laws of their Faculty, a distinction rarely granted to an English-
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 219
speaking subject of Canada, except for peculiar attainments. He married in 1844 a daughter of the late Hon. P. D. De Bartzch, M.L.C., of Lower Canada, and had a family of five sons and one daughter. He died loth April, 1885. His son, F. D. Monk, LL.B., is a promising advocate of Montreal, and is following the legal foot- steps of the past generations, Law having been their favorite branch of study. He married a granddaughter of one of our most well-known political patriots of 1837, Come Seraphin Cherrier, Q.C., whose biography is also inserted in this GAZETTEER. He has held already some prominent places in the city, and is Professor of Consti- tutional and Civil Law in Laval University, and has been one of the Catholic School -Commissioners for Montreal.
SIR A. A. DORION
WAS born at St. Anne de la Perade in 1824. After his studies, he was called to the Bar in 1842. He entered public life in 1854, when he was elected for Montreal, for which constituency he sat till 1861. In the Brown-Dorion Government he became Attorney General East. In the Government which met in 1862, Mr. Dorion accepted the office of Provincial Secretary, and in the following year was elected to represent Hochelaga. He left the Cabinet same year, but next year returned in what is politically known as the Sandfield McDor.ald-Dorion Administration, in which he became Attorney General for Lower Canada. In 1864, he retired from politics. Returning to the business of his profession, he rose to be Chief Justice of Quebec, and died universally lamented in 1890. The Author of this volume dedicated his " History of the Montreal Prison " to him, and, in his reply, he says : — " I have no doubt that you will make a most interesting book, and more particularly so to the members of the Legal Profession, and I readily acquiesce to your demand, and con- sent to the honor of having your book dedicated to me." In the dedication the Author writes thus : — " The high position to which you have attained by your own sterling worth and perseverance commends itself to every right-minded man in the Province of Quebec, of whatever religious denomination or political sect, and should be an incentive to the younger members of the Bar to follow in your illustrious -footsteps."
HON. M. LAFRAMBOISE.
HE was the son of the late Alexis Laframboise, of Montreal. Was born in Mon- treal, i8th August, 1821, and lived "in the City up to October, 1846. Was married, i8th February, 1846, to Mademoiselle Rosalie Dessaulles, co-seignioress of the Seig- niory of St. Hyacinthe. Lived in St. Hyacinthe from October. 1846, up to October, 1862, when he returned to Montreal. Was elected member of the Legislative Assembly of Canada, in 1857, for the County of Bagot, which he represented until the Confederation in 1867, when he was defeated. Was a member of the Executive Council as Commissioner of Public Works, from July, 1863, until March, 1864, when the Government resigned. Was for many years Mayor of the City of St. Hyacinthe. Was elected in June, 1871, by the County of Shefford to represent this county in the Provincial Legislature of Quebec. Had always been a Liberal in politics.
220 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Le National, of which the Hon. Mr. Laframboise was proprietor, and Mr. N. Aubin the editor in chief, was started on the nth May, 1872, and was a paper of somewhat political influence. He was raised to the Bench shortly after, and died a few years ago.
HON. CHAS. JOS. LABERGE
MR. LABERGE was born in Montreal the 2oth October, 1827, and entered the College of St. Hyacinthe in 1838. Whilst at school the Hon. Louis Joseph Papineau was forced to say to him, " Frankly, sir, I have never heard any one speak as well as you. If I have had the reputation of an orator you have the talent, and I predict that you will be a great orator." Leaving school in 1845, ^r> Laberge studied Law under Mr. R. A. R. Hubert, and was admitted to the Bar in 1848. He was elected to Parliament in 1854, by the County of Iberville, and soon placed himself in the first rank as a Parliamentary orator. In 1858, he was appointed Solicitor-General in the Brown-Dorion Cabinet. In September, 1863, Mr. Laberge was appointed Assistant Judge for the District of Sorel, in place of Judge Bruneau. On the 23rd November, 1859, Mr. Laberge married Mile. Helena Olive Turgeor, daughter of the Hon. J. O. Turgeon, Member of the Legislative Council. Twice elected Mayor of St. Jean, he refused re-election a third time. He established \\\z Franco- Canadien which was conducted by him and by his successor, Mr. Marchand, with much wisdom and talent. At the time of his death he was the editor-in-chief of Le National. A man of probity, inflexible principles and brilliant qualities — one of the finest intellects that Canada has ever produced. He died the 3rd August, 1874.
WILLIAM KENNEDY
WAS born in Montreal in 1822. Eldest son of the late Wm. Kennedy, in his lifetime builder in Montreal, a native of Yorkshire, England, both parents being English. On leaving school learned his business as a builder, and also studied architectural design- ing. In 1842, entered into partnership with his father and carried on the business for several years until the retirement of the senior partner. Afterwards on his own account, and has continued the occupation to the present time, combining with it the professions of architect, valuator and expert. During this time has supervised and assisted in the erection of many public and private buildings. In 1838, was a member of the 2nd company of the Battalion of Volunteer Militia under Colonel Maitland, which served during the rebellion of that period, being stationed to guard the approaches of the city ; afterwards served in the Light Infantry while under the command of Colonel Dyde.
In 1865, was member and Librarian of the Choral Musical Society, which was organized under the direction of the late Mr. Maffre, the Society giving many con- certs at which they rendered the compositions of the old masters. During the early struggles establishing the Mechanics' Institute, Mr, Kennedy became a Life Member, and actively assisted in placing the Institution on a permanent basis, being a Member
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 221
of the Finance and other Committees. The grant from Government not being sufficient to enable the Directors to engage professional teachers, Mr. Kennedy ten- dered his gratuitous services, and for several years successfully taught the classes in architectural drawing and designing. During the excitement of 1861, volunteer corps were formed, and Mr. Kennedy actively assisted, being elected First Lieutenant of the Second Montreal Engineers. In 1864, he received a first class certificate from the Military Board for proficiency in military duties, and was also gazetted Captain of his company. In 1869, was promoted to the rank of Major in the Active Militia of Canada. During the Fenian Raid of 1870 he was at Huntingdon, and took part in the engagement at Trout River. In 1874, was elected one of the Life Governors of the new Western Hospital. In March, 1872, was elected Councillor for the St. Law- rence Ward and afterwards Alderman, actively attending to his duties during the term of three years, when he received an influential requisition for renomination, but declined. While in the Council was member of the Market, Water and Health Com- mittees, and also the Sub-Committee of the new City Hall. For eighteen months was Chairman of the Health Committee, and rendered essential service to the city by his activity in carrying out sanitary measures in the Mountain Park and Civic Hospital, which was visited daily. House scavengering was also carried out daily and regularly for the first time under his regime, and many useful sanitary laws were projected by him which have since been established by Parliament. He has been one of the longest members of the City Council, and introduced, as seen, many valuable measures for the good government of the city.
HON. JUDGE TORRANCE.
FRED. WILLIAM TORRANCE is one of the few in this GAZETTEER of native-born Mon- trealers, having been born in Montreal, July 16, 1823. His father was John Torrance, merchant of this city, and his mother, Elizabeth Fisher. He was educated at Nicolet College and in Edinburgh, Scotland, and latterly at the Unversity of that ancient seat of learning. He graduated M.A. in 1844, ranking second in Classics and Ma- thematics. Returning to Montreal, he studied Law in the offices of Duncan Fisher and Hon. James Smith (afterwards the well-known Judge), and was called to the Bar in 1848. For twenty years he practised in the Montreal Courts. He was made Q.C. in 1867, and advanced to the Bench, August 27, 1868.
Judge Torrance was one of the founders of the " Lower Canada Jurist" in 1857, and was its editor for four years.
He was Professor of Roman Law in McGili University from 1854 to 1870, and from this institution he received his degree of B.C.L. in 1856. He was also a Governor of McGili from 1870 to his death. In 1865, he was appointed a commis- sioner to inquire into the St. Albans raid. In 1875, he married Mrs. Laura Pugh nee Hensley, of Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S.A. He died a few years ago universally regretted, and especially by the members of the Church to which he had so endeared himself, Crescent Street Presbyterian Church.
222 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. JUDGE CROSS.
ALEXANDER CROSS, although not a native of Montreal, is yet one of those citizens who may be called such. He is the son of Robert Cross, who was born in Lanark* shire, Scotland, 22nd March, 1821. The Cross family had lived for generations in a property called " Old Monklands." The mother of our sketch was a Janet Selkirk, hence the name of our rising young lawyer, his son, Selkirk Cross.
Hardly a year elapsed from the time of the Cross family coming into Canada till the head of the house, Robert Cross, died. This necessitated the family removing to a farm on the Chateauguay River, not far from the place where the battle had been fought. The youngest son, the subject of this sketch, did not take kindly to agricul- ture, but showed a preponderance to literary pursuits. Being encouraged in this laudable object by his elder brother, who had in Scotland been educated for the Scottish Bar, he rendered Alexander every assistance in his power, seeing that his brother bent his mind on the legal profession. When sixteen years of age he came to Montreal and entered as a pupil the Montreal College at the time the cele- brated Rebellion broke out.
Judge Cross studied Law with John J. Day. He also enlisted as a volunteer in Col. Maitland's Battalion, and served throughout the uprising, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. This is a different title to that of Sergeant in the London Law Courts. When the rebels were defeated at Beauharnois, he was one of the first to reach that village after the troops had entered it. Some time after he was chosen the Clerk of the Council of the County of Beauharnois. So well did he attend to- ' the duties of this situation that Lord Selkirk and others who had stayed at the Manor House to see its workings, complimented him on the abilities which he displayed. He was called to the Bar in 1844, and was in practice in Montreal, first with Dun- can Fisher, Q.C.,and afterwards with James Smith, Q.C., late Attorney General and Judge of the Superior Court. He was made Q.C. in 1864. I must mention here, and taken from the second vol. of " Men of Progress," published in New York, that at the burning of the Parliament House of Montreal in 1849, tne subject of this sketch was then present, and assisted the late Sir Louis Lafontaine and some others of the notable politicians in making their escape from the burning buildings, escorting them unmolested through the turbulent crowd of rioters, among whom he exercised an amount of influence."
He was raised to the Queen's Bench, 3oth August, 1877, where he has continued ever since one of its brightest ornaments. He seems all his life to have had a great aversion to publicity. When a young man he was more than once offered positions of public trust, but always refused.
In 1848, he married Julia, a daughter of William Lunn and sister of Mr. Limn, the well-known advocate, of the firm of Lunn & Cramp.
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ALEXANDER BERTRAM
WAS born in Berwickshire, Scotland, 1811. He was the son of a blacksmith, and learned the business with his father. He came to Canada in 1834, and was then attached to the Volunteer Fire Protecting Company till 1841, when the Fire De- partment was organized under J. B. Bronsdon, as Chief Engineer. He was then attached to No. 4 fire engine cataract, worked at the brakes, was then raised to be branchman, then lieutenant, then captain : all these changes took place between the years 1841-1849. In 1849, ne was appointed assistant engineer. When he received that appointment, the members of the company over which he was captain presented him with a handsome silver snuff box. This position he held till 1852, when he was appointed Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. After that he was entirely occupied with fire matters, and several times visited the United States for the purpose of inspecting the fire departments in the large cities of the Union. For several years after his appointment, the Fire Department was composed of about four hundred men. So soon as the new water works of the city, and the cistern on the present elevated position (the water being available from the pressure in the pipes), were found sufficient to extinguish fire, he advocated the reduction of the number of the firemen, until they were reduce.d to the present strength, 57 men and officers.
In 1860, when the Prince of Wales visited Canada, and the firemen took an active part in the display and torchlight procession, he was presented with a very handsome silver cup by a few friends as a mark of respect.
In 1863, the firemen presented him with a very handsome silver cup, which bears a great resemblance to fire apparatus, as the foot is a miniature hydrant, and, the cup is supported from that by hose keys.
In 1873, when he had held the position of Chief Engineer for twenty years, the members of the brigade under his charge presented him with a very fine oil painting of himself in uniform. He died a few years ago.
CHARLES NICHOLS, L.R.C.P.
His father was a teacher of celebrity in the County of Suffolk, England. His father's, sudden death caused his removal from school, and at the early age of fifteen he commenced his educational career, afterwards holding the Classical and Mercantile chairs in Bury, St. Edmunds, Stanton, St. John, and Cavendish Grammar School, in his native county. He then filled high positions in the large private schools in the vicinity of London, viz., Barnes, Willesden, and Kensington. The head classical, assistant mastership in the Royal Reading Grammar School falling vacant,, he became an applicant, and, after a severe examination, was successful in obtaining the appoint-, ment, which he held for five and a-half years. It was during his residence in this famous school that he became connected with the College of Preceptors, and whose Licentiate's Diploma he obtained in 1852. After his departure from Reading, he was called to manage the Diocesan Commercial School, at Dunmow, during the ill-.
22 4 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ness of the Principal, who, dying, the committee being so satisfied with him, offered him the Head Mastership, which he accepted, and held for two and a-half years. After raising the school to a high standing in education, and filling the school house with boarders, he resigned his position to the great regret of all, passing on to a mastership in the Thorp Arch College, Yorkshire, where he stayed but a short time. The Board of Management of the Commercial Travellers' Schools elected him as their Head Master, etc., which he held for some years, carrying on successfully its arduous duties.
In 1856, he left his native country for Montreal, and opened an Academy. Mr. Nichols is and has been one of the most successful teachers in the city, and is still spared to carry on his important work.
PERCIVAL WALTER ST. GEORGE,
Civil Engineer, Montreal, was born at Forres, Morayshire, Scotland, on the 2 2nd of October, 1849. He is a son of Lieutenant Colonel James D. N. St. George, a Lieutenant-Colonel in Her Majesty's Ordnance Staff Corps, and had charge for many years of the clothing establishment of the British Army in London, England. Walter was sent to France by his parents to be educated, and spent seven years of his boyhood days in that country, and then finished his educational course in Edin- burgh University, where he took honors in mathematics. He came to Canada in 1866, and began the practise of his profession. From 1866 to 1868, two years, he was the pupil of Alexander McNab, Chief Engineer for the Province of Nova Scotia ; from 1868 to 1 87 2, four years, he acted as Assistant Engineer on the construction and survey of the Intercolonial Railway of Canada; in 1872-73 he was Engineer on sur- vey of the North Shore Railway of Canada ; in 1873-74, Engineer maintenance of way on the Intercolonial Railway, in charge of one hundred and eight miles ; in 1874-75? Engineer on survey of the Northern Colonization Railway, from Ottawa to the Mattawa ; in 1875-76, he was Assistant Engineer of Montreal ; and from 1876 to 1883, eight years, Deputy City Surveyor of the same city; from July to December, 1883, ne was Engineer in charge of three hundred miles of line on the Norfolk and Western Railway in Virginia; and in December of 1883, he was appointed City Sur- veyor of Montreal, and this position he has held ever since. He was also one of the members of the Royal Flood Commission of Montreal, appointed in 1886. Mr. St. George has been an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers of England since 1877 ; and is now a member of the Council of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers. He has travelled a good deal, and his profession has made him familiar with the greater part of Canada. He is a member of the Church of England. On the nth July, 1872, he was married to Flora Stewart, daughter of the Rev. Canon Geo. Townsend, Rector of Amherst, Nova Scotia, and Elizabeth Stewart, daughter of the Hon. Alexander Stewart, C.B., Master of the Rolls, and Judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court, and has issue five children.
CHARLES ALEXANDER.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 22$
CHARLES ALEXANDER, M.P.P., J.P.,
WAS born in Dundee, Scotland, and left it with his wife and son on the 5th of April, 1840, and on the 5th of May following he was shipwrecked in the middle of the night at Torbay, eighteen miles northeast of St. John's, Newfoundland, with all the passengers, and the loss of everything. He was safely pulled up a high rock and on to the main land, with the others, and thus saved.
After suffering much privation, without food and clothes for two days, women and children, they pushed on to St. John's, where the noble Scotchmen of that place lodged them, and provided needful clothing and other necessaries. When opportunity offered they were sent by ship onwards to Montreal. They landed in July, and Mr. Alexander had work at once in Mr. Keiller's confectionery store.
Having lost all their effects by the shipwreck, the first winter was a hard one to the young people, and needed all the economy both could exercise.
"Our first duty," says Mr. Alexander in another memoir, " after being settled, was to seek church-fellowship. Our letters to Rev. Dr. Wilkes, from our church in Dundee, with all else, had been lost, with our hard earnings brought from home ; but we did not need a letter. We were one with the brethren then worshipping in old St. Maurice Street Church."
In 1841, Mr. Alexander started business in London, C. W. ; but after nine months he came back to Montreal, as the town of London was then too small for two confectioners, where he worked hard until the next year. A church member then gave him the loan of sufficient money to start himself.
Making all necessary arrangements, he began business in September, 1842, in McGill street, at a rent of£ioo. He rented the upper part for £60 and slept behind the shop and thus saved all he could. The bakehouse was in the cellar. " Saving and toiling early and late, Our Father blessed us, and we got on prosperously."
After some two or three years, he paid off what was borrowed, then went ahead fast until the small premises were now too confined, and he moved to Notre Dame Street.
He then took hold, with others, of the St. Andrew's Society — was a life member for some years on its Committee and its Charitable Fund. After several private efforts and beginnings a soup kitchen for suffering poor was commenced, and, after many conferences, a charter was obtained and the Protestant House of Industry was established in 1865. This was for respectable friendless Protestant poor as perma- nent inmates, also for a night refuge for any poor wanderer.
The subject of this sketch was at its beginning, and subscribed a good sum to help it. He has been connected with it ever since, and for the past twelve years its President. As a blessing to the community its annual reports speak for themselves.
To the noble and useful Institution, the General Hospital, he became a Life Governor some twenty-seven years ago, and on its Board of Management almost ever since. Has been the Secretary to the Board, Treasurer and Vice-President ; but resigned this position, and is still on the Management.
15
226 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
He was afterwards elected to the City Council for the West Ward, and served for three and r. half terms of office, or nearly ten and a half years. He left the Council of his own accord, when he had attained to the high position of Chairman of the Finance Committee.
As Chairman, was one of a Sub-Committee to go to Great Britain to negotiate a large loan for the city with the late Treasurer, Mr. Black. Mr. Alexander quaintly adds to this item the following : — " The emolument for this time was — nothing, only expenses paid."
While in the Council his attention, from frequent visits to the common gaol, was directed to a state of things there that pained him much. He saw " very small and young boys in the prison yard, as a punishment, breaking stones, and that side by side with old offenders. There could be no hope of these poor boys being made morally better by such treatment as this."
He brought this question time and again before the Council as to a remedy. He wrote to the Press, the Judges on the Bench, and the Police Magistrates. All these endorsed his views. At last the movement took shape, when the Rev. Abbe Ramsay and Mr. Alexander agreed that the remedy could be found in the passage of an Act (founded on the Imperial Act) to be entitled " Reformatory and Industrial School Act."
To press this on the Dominion Parliament, Abbe Ramsay and he went together to Sir John Macdonald, and in due time it became law.
In his visits to the gaol, he saw women who were there for slight offences sitting in a circle, teasing oakum, their chief employment as labor, young and old together, and he asked himself the question, " How could reformation be expected under such a state of things ? " To remedy this he wrote of the matter U> the Press and to influential men to have a remedy provided, in order that poor women might have decent occupation and such as might give hope of reformation after their return to society again.
In the Council he gave them no rest, and at last got an open letter from the Mayor to introduce him to Boston city authorities and New York.
He visited these cities and many of their institutions for women, and was shewn great attention, especially at Boston, where the Aldermen shewed the work which they had done for fallen women. They afterwards took him down their harbor in a steamer to see their Institution for Boys Reformatory, built on an island.
Again, Mr. AlexandeV quaintly writes in apposition of other journeys taken by the Dominion and Local officials for the same or other purposes : — " The whole journey was taken at my own cost and charges?
On his return he reported the result to the City Council, which was kindly received. The Council was then forced to see to the matter.
The result of all was that the City Council voted $25,000 to aid in the erection, of suitable buildings for a Female Gaol.
This question had to be lobbied through the Provincial Parliament, and to aid
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 227
in this work, the Rev. Father Huberdeau, the present Protestant Chaplain, the Writer of this sketch, and Mr. Alexander, went to Quebec, and saw the Ministry of the day.
The result was we have now a fair building for Protestant and Roman Catholic women, respectively, in Fullum street.
While in Council he presented himself for election to represent the Centre Ward of our city in the Provincial Parliament, and, though contested, was elected by a large majority. He remained for two terms, but then retired, as his private and business interests required his undivided attention.
About this time, when the Witness and Star issued their daily afternoon paper, many poor children were employed selling them, sometimes until a late hour at night. Something had to be done for those who had no homes.
The matter then took shape. Mr. Alexander said he would build a suitable house. Another, J. Baylis, said he would give the land. Thus arose the Boys' Home in Mountain street.
In 1869, a meeting of citizens was held to care for the deaf and dumb of our city and Province, being Protestant. The late John Dougall and Thomas Cramp, and others who have since died, desired to begin the work. Mr. Cramp collected quite a sum of money. A locality was bought in Cote St. Antoine, and the work begun. Mr. Alexander was President; F. McKenzie, Secretary-Treasurer, with a good committee of men and women.
For six years it kept on under much discouragement, until Joseph Mackay built the Institution further out on Cote St. Antoine. Then, on the opening by Lord Dufferin, Mr. Alexander retired from being President, but is still closely identified with the work.
Probably in all the public efforts of the subject of this memoir, none cost him more anxiety from the first inception until this present time than that of the beginning and continuing of the great work of the Protestant Hospital for the Insane. This Institution is now, it is to be hoped, settled on a firm basis, and its valuable benefits spread far and near.
For many years Mr. Alexander has been an active helper in the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is now the President. It employs two Inspectors — one for the East and another for the West of the city. Both these men report to the President daily.
Mr. Alexander was at the first meeting several years ago of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Women and Children, and is still an active member of the Society. It is doing a good work ; has an earnest agent daily employed hearing complaints and trying to remedy them.
Whatever the subject of this sketch has done in any humble way since he has been in this city, he attributes all to the goodness of God, who has put it in his heart to do so, and given him grace and strength and time for such work.
If ever a man in all this great city deserved a niche — a public monument from his fellow citizens for the public charities and blessings he has bestowed upon the
228 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
people, Charles Alexander does so. There is not, save one or two exceptions, a single man in those six hundred memoirs who has done as much as he has done in public benefactions, and in regard to many of these public ameliorations, the Writer of this book can testify. To him may be applied the words of Scripture in the Epistle of St. James : " Show me thy faith without thy works and I will show thee my faith by my works." Long yet may he be spared to work for the good of his fellow citizens. Many other items still demand a master hand to regulate and change — chief among which are : the selling of the poor man's goods to pay debts ; heavy water-tax for the poor man ; free education for all alike, rich and poor ; no high schools for the rich only ; six days' work for six days' pay ; a more equalized distribution of school taxes for all classes, and a thousand other things which will in all probability be rectified in the Twentieth Century.
JOSEPH EMERY CODERRE, M.D.,
WAS born at St. Denis, River Richelieu, 23rd November, 1813. His father was a farmer of that place. At the age of fourteen he was sent to an advocate and then some years after to a merchant, whence he returned home and afterwards continued in mercantile pursuits till 1843. I" l837> during the troubles, he was made prisoner and passed thirty-eight days in prison. He contributed to the establishment of the L'Aurore des Canada, a journal devoted to the Liberal party of the country. In 1840, he studied Medicine with Dr. O. Bureau ; in 1844, he was admitted to the practice of Medicine; in 1847, ne was named an Associate Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the School of Medicine and Surgery of Montreal, and in 1857, Doctor to the Hotel Dieu. The same year he received from the University of Castleton an honorary diploma of Doctor of Medicine. In 1853-4, he was elected President of the " Institut Canadien." It was during his presidency that the Society became proprietors of the beautiful block in Notre Dame street. He was greatly instrumental in raising the memorial monument in the cemetery to the unfor- tunate victims of 1837-38.
He has published several Medico-Legal works which are important, and render the course of justice in imprisonment for certain crimes more regular. He has also written several pamphlets. He is chiefly known, however, by his determined stand against vaccination, and has imbued a large number of medical men with his opinions, and adopted his practice, chief among whom is one of the most celebrated physicians of Europe, Dr. Herman, of Vienna. The latest pamphlet which the Doc- tor wrote is worthy of perusal. He was Professor of Medicine and of Surgery in the Montreal Faculty of Victoria College. After a busy life he died in St. Denis street some years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 22 9
REV. JAMES BARCLAY, M.A.,
" PASTOR of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Montreal, is a native of Paisley, Scot- land, having been born in that town on the igih June, 1844. His parents were James Barclay and Margaret Cochrane Brown. He received his primary education in Paisley Grammar School, and Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, and then went to the University of Glasgow, where he graduated with high honors. He was then called to St. Michael's Church, Dumfries. On the occasion of his ordination, the Rev. Dr. Lees, of St. Giles, Edinburgh, who was present, spoke in the most kindly manner of the young minister, and said that during Mr. Barclay's college course the Presbytery of Paisley had great cause to be proud of him ; he had carried off one prize after another — in fact, his name was seen on every list of honors pub- lished by the University. Rev. Mr. Barclay's next charge was Canobie, Dumfries- shire ; then he preached for some time in Linlithgow, and was afterwards induced to seek a wider field for his talents, and was chosen colleague of the Rev. Dr. Mc- Gregor of St. Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh. Here he soon won for himself a name, and became one of the most popular preachers in the Scotch metropolis. St. Paul's Church, Montreal, being without a pastor, it extended a unanimous call to Mr. Barclay, asking him to come to Canada and take charge of this church, which he consented to do, and was inducted as its minister on the nth of October* 1883. Since then his ministry in Montreal has been eminently successful, and his influence among the young men of that city is greatly marked, so much so that they flock to his church in great numbers, and regard him in a special sense as their friend. The Rev, Mr. Barclay has great mental qualities, is an independent thinker, and never hesitates to enunciate the scientific and theological thoughts of the times we live in. His sermons are prepared with great care, and are delivered with earnest- ness and force. He is a good reader, and an impressive platform speaker. Physically the Rev. Mr. Barclay is tall and muscular, giving one an idea of strength and power. He belongs to the Charles Kingsley school, and is a lover of outdoor pastimes and sports, a champion cricketer and golf player, and a great admirer of the " roaring game" — curling. The Edinburgh Scotsman has spoken of him as being the best all round cricketer in Scotland, and a terrifically fast bowler who has won victory after victory for the West of Scotland. Pie was captain of the Glasgow University cricket and football clubs for some years, and also captain of the " Gentlemen of Scotland." We are glad that in this matter of out-door recreation, and also in some other matters, he has shown the courage of his convictions, and we do not think he has lost any- thing by it. There is such a thing as being too professional and too priestly, and there can be little doubt but that this has done its full share in creating the somewhat general prejudice that exists among young men against religion. This popular divine has been honored by being called on to preach before Queen Victoria on several occasions, and he stands high in Her Majesty's estimation as an expounder of the Gospel of Christ. The congregation of St. Paul's Church is large and influential. Its ministers have always been men of commanding intellect and gentlemanly bearing.
230 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
and who held their several pastorates for a considerable number of years. Their names and good deeds are kindly remembered by the citizens and the members of the church and congregation. The several organizations of the church are doing good work for humanity, and there is a large and flourishing Sunday School. The Victoria Mission, at Point St. Charles, is supported and carried on by this church ; and it also supports a missionary in Central India. Its annual revenue amounts to about $22,000.00, and the pastor's salary is $7,300.00, the largest paid to any minister in the Dominion."
N. LOVERIN, M.D.
HE was born at Greenbush, Elizabethtown, 1829, and educated at Brockville Gram- mar School under the principalship of J. Windiat, Esq.
In the University of Toronto, in 1852, he took the prize for anatomy and phy- siology.
He graduated in McGill College, May, 1855, and married Miss C. Bronsdon of Montreal, the daughter of one of our most well-known and oldest citizens.
He practiced for many years as a physician in Chicago, and was surgeon in the late American civil war in the army of McClellan, being present at the battles of Gentreville, Antietam and South Mountain.
In the disastrous and terrible conflagration in Chicago in 1871 he was, with thousands of others, burned out. After the fire he was appointed First President of the Dominion Benevolent Association of Chicago, which society was organized to aid the sufferers by that awful fire.
He presented before the Canadian Public the interesting and novel method of studying History invented by Count Zaba, a system which will perhaps supersede all other systems of teaching History, and become the one and only method of imparting that interesting and useful branch of education to the rising generation of every civilized country.
He invented a most ingenious school requisite, " The Historical Centograph and Statistical Register," which commanded the esteem of Rev. Abbe Verreau of Jacques Cartier Normal School and other well-known Historians. He died some years ago.
PIERRE EVARISTE LEBLANC, M.P.P.
His family came to L'Isle Jesus, County of Laval, from Acadia (Nova Scotia) in 1757, after the conquest and dispersion of its inhabitants by the British Army. He is the son of Joseph Leblanc, by his wife Adele Belanger. He was born at St. Martin, County of Laval, loth August, 1853, and educated at the Academy there, at Jacques Cartier Normal School, and at McGill University. He married i2th January, 1886, Hermine, daughter of the late Theodore Beaudry, Esq., of Montreal, by Madame ^Catherine Vallee. He was called to the Bar, P.Q., nth July, 1879, and first returned to Legislative Assembly i3th October, 1882, in the room of Hon. L. O. Loranger, who was then elevated to the Bench. He was unseated on petition and re-elected. Re-elected at last General Election.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 23!
COL. JOHN DYDE
WAS the son of the late Robert Dyde, of London, and was born in 1795, at A.ltona, in the Duchy of Holstein in Denmark. The French Revolution was then at its height, and his father being compelled to come to Paris, where he had large business relations, sent Mrs. Dyde to Altona, a town on the River Elbe, which was soon after taken possession of by the French, under whose flag the Colonel was born. Mrs. Dyde disguised as a sailor, with her young son concealed in a clothes basket, escaped to Hamburg and afterwards reached Paris, where her husband, with many of his countrymen, was a prisoner, for having too openly expressed opinions hostile to the powers that were. He was subsequently released, and in the spring of 1810 came with his family to New York, and in 1813 moved to Boston. In 1814, the family came to Montreal, and he was at once installed in the Militia, subsequently becoming Sergeant Major and Ensign and Adjutant. In 1817, he obtained a situation in the North West Company, and then set out for the Red River Country, going as far as the Rocky Mountains. In 1819, he returned to Montreal. In 1822, he married Eliza, daughter of W. J. Holt, a veteran officer who had been taken prisoner at Saratoga while serving under Burgoyne. He afterwards made two voyages to the West Indies, and was twice shipwrecked. After suffering great hardships, he arrived in 1829 in New York and immediately came to Montreal, where he had been given up as lost by all but his wife. In 1831, he went to Quebec as Inspector of Ashes, and was subsequently made manager there of the Towboat Company, retaining his place as Inspector. In 1833, he was appointed Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Garrison Artillery. In 1835, in addition to his other appointments, he received the position of Manager of the St. Lawrence Steamboat Company. At the outbreak, in 1837, of the political troubles he raised the Company of Grenadiers in twenty-four hours after the order had issued to raise a regiment of a thousand strong, " The Loyal Quebec Volunteers," and thus became senior officer. The rebellion having been apparently quelled, the " Loyal Quebec Volunteers " were on the ist of May, 1838, disbanded, and he returned to Montreal, and received the situation of Inspector of Ashes. In November the rebellion having again broken out, he was transferred to the Montreal Light Infantry, and served with them till the troubles were over. In 1845, during the Oregon difficulty, he organized the Montreal Light Infantry in three weeks.
In 1850, he acted as Magistrate with the Troops in suppressing the fearful riots in Griffintown, when 207 houses were burned. In 1855, at the reorganization of the active militia, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Montreal Rifles, now the Prince of Wales, and on his promotion to command the brigade was presented by the Regiment with a magnificent testimonial. In 1860, he was appointed Commandant of the whole active Force in Montreal, and subsequently received the high rank which by special clause in the Militia he held to his death, that of full Colonel. In 1861, during the " Trent " difficulty, the Force was. through his efforts and the loyalty of the citizens raised in a few days from 1,000 to 4,000 men. His eldest son Robert, who was Major of the Light Infantry, fell a sacrifice this year to disease contracted in the service,
232 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
his second son Charles having previously died from the effects of the climate while serving in India in the i4th Light Dragoons. In the same year — 1861 — he was President of the First Rifle tournament held in Canada ; he was also President in 1863 of the Grand Rifle Tournament held in Montreal, "grand " because no tourna- ment since has equalled it in splendor or success ; he was President also for some years of the St. George's Society of Montreal. In 1866, during the Fenian difficulties, he commanded the Second Brigade, the First being composed of all the Regulars, the Second of all the Volunteers. In 1868, by the provision of Sir George Cartier's Militia Bill, his connection with the force was, much to his regret, unexpectedly severed after fifty-four years of uninterrupted service. He was, however, by special privilege allowed to retain his rank. On the 25th of March, 1871, he was presented by the Volunteer Force with a magnificent fall length portrait of himself, painted by the late well-known artist, Mr. Bell-Smith, sen. So great was the number of persons present on the occasion that the ceremony became a perfect ovation. The hall was densely packed, and hundreds were unable to gain admittance. His sixty years service in the Military Force of the country did not impair his vigor. To the last he was fond of all athletic pursuits, and was a keen curler. On one occasion he had the honor, at his Lordship's special invitation, of playing a single-handed match with the Governor General, the Earl of Dufferin, who had been a pupil of the Colonel's in curling. After a most eventful life and beloved by all classes of the citizens, he died at the advanced age of eighty years a few years ago.
R. S. WHITE, M.P.,
" WAS born at Peterboro', Ontario, March i5th, 1856. He is the eldest son of the late Hon. Thomas White, who at the time of his death was Minister of the Interior in Sir John Macdonald's Cabinet. Mr. R. S. White received his education at the schools of Hamilton and at McGill University. He engaged for a time in commercial pursuits, and was a short time employed in the Bank of Montreal ; but having a decided taste for journalism he joined, in 1874, the staff of the Montreal Gazette, on which he rose to the position of chief editor, an office he yet fills. With an active interest in political affairs he became a member of the Junior Conservative Club of Montreal, and has filled the office of president of that flourishing organization. Upon the death of his father, who had represented Cardwell, the electors of that constituency returned the son to Parliament as their representative, at the election held on October 3rd, 1888. At the last General Election he was re-elected by a considerable majority. Mr. White has from the first taken an active part in the proceedings of the House of Commons. He is an able and vigorous speaker, as well as a clear and forcible writer on political subjects ; and whatever he may have to say invariably commands attention. He ranks among the ablest of the younger members of the House. Mr. White married, in 1888, Annie, daughter of Captain Barclay, of Montreal."
J. O. H. BERGERON, DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 233
J. G. H. BERGERON, B.C.L.
" J. G. H. BERGERON, B.C.L., advocate, M.P., Beauharnois, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, is one of the best known of the younger members of the Canadian Parliament. He is a son of the late T. R. Bergeron, Esq., notary, of Rigaud, Que., and the late Lacadie Caroline Delphine Coursol, daughter of Gideon Coursol, Esq., notary, of St. Andrews. Born at Rigaud, October i3th, 1854, the subject of our sketch received a part of his education at the Jesuits' College, Mon- real, thereafter entering McGill College, whence he graduated in 1877 with the degree of B.C.L. In the same year he was called to the Bar of the Province of Quebec. Prior to this he had, in 1874, entered the Military School in Montreal, taking a second- class certificate, a.nd then joined No. i Cavalry Troop. Since 1875, he has been an active member of St. Jean Baptiste Society, Montreal, and, in 1880, became a member of the same society in Valleyfield. His first appearance in the arena of active politics was in 1879, wnen tne death of the sitting member for Beauharnois left a vacancy in the representation of that constituency. Mr. Bergeron was nominated and elected by thirteen votes over his opponent, and was re-elected by acclamation on the i3th June> 1882. To illustrate the confidence which his electors repose in him, it may be noted that when, in 1887, Mr. Bergeron — having taken a very active part in the North-West political difficulty, and fighting the Government on such a point — offered himself again for re-election, though opposed by a Government candidate (Mr. Pelletier), and in spite of the constituency been looked upon as a Tory strong- hold,— in spite also of the patronage exercised by them on a large scale, Mr. Bergeron carried the election by a majority of 222 votes. When the House opened, after the election of 1887, tne administration which Mr. Bergeron had supported for eight years previously was still in power, and as the Riel and North-West questions were matters of the past, and could not be brought before Parliament any more, Mr. Ber- geron, still holding on those questions the same views, continued his support to the Government, whose general policy, he was convinced, was in the interest of the country. In the election of 1891, Mr. Bergeron had to cross swords with his first opponent, Mr. L. A. Seers, who presented himself as an Independent-Conservative, having the support of the entire Liberal party, but Mr. Bergeron was elected by over 300 majority. At the Session of 1882, Mr. Bergeron moved the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. He was then but twenty-seven years of age. During the last Parliament, from 1888 to 1890, Mr. Bergeron was Chairman of the Standing Committee, one of the most important committees of the House. At the opening of the last Session of Parliament, he was elected Deputy Speaker of the Commons, a further proof of his ability and popularity. On July 7th, 1890, Mr. Bergeron was united in marriage with Miss Ada Wall, daughter of the late Robert Wall, of Mon- treal. Mr. Bergeron is a pleasing speaker, an indefatigable worker, and thoroughly versed in parliamentary procedure. Having youth, ability and popularity on his side, the friends of Mr. Bergeron may fairly be pardoned if they indulge the confident hope that his will be a bright and eminently successful public career, even as it has been in the past. Mr. Bergeron is a member of the St. Denis Club, Le Canadien Club, City Club, St. James Club, and the Montreal Hunt Club."
234 • GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WILLIAM FRANCIS LIGHTHALL, N.P.
THE subject of this sketch is William Francis Lighthall, whose name is well known as one of the heads of the Notarial profession of the Province. Mr. Lighthall is a son of the late-Mr. Douw K. Light-hall, a gentleman long known in his time as Registrar of the old County of Beauharnois, and as a leading figure throughout the district of Chateauguay. Mr. W. F. Lighthall was born in 1827 in the Ten Eyck Schuyler mansion at Troy, N.Y. The Schuylers and Van Rensselaers, to whose circle the family belonged, are well known names in Colonial history.
In 1829, his father was induced by relatives who possessed considerable interest in Canada to cross the border into the Chateauguay region and undertake the building up of a town at Huntingdon, around which point population was just begin- ning to fill in, and which seemed to promise well as a centre. His efforts did much for the place and its neighborhood, but were not a pecuniary success to him, and he soon accepted the offered position of Registrar, then becoming one of comparative importance in such a country. A man of kind manners and progressive views he wielded unlimited influence throughout a" large district.
The early part of William F. Lighthall's life was thus spent at Huntingdon and Ormstown. In 1846, he studied his profession at Montreal under Mr. J. J. Gibb, and afterwards under the late Mr. J. H. Jobin. Passing in 1848, he com- menced practice in Ormstown, where he acted at the same time as deputy of his father. On the invitation of Sir A. N. McNab, Premier, he went to Hamilton, Upper Canada, to study for the Bar of that Province, but he never completed his course. While there he acted as Deputy Registrar of the City, and assisted in totally reforming the system of registration, which had been in a bad state. Finding after two years that he preferred Montreal to Hamilton, he, in 1859, removed to the former city, where he resumed the practice of his original profession. He had mar- ried in the meantime, at Hamilton, a daughter of Captain Henry Wright, of Chateau- guay. He has long enjoyed a -large practice in Montreal, and may fairly be styled one of the landmarks. He -has served on different occasions as representative of the Montreal Notaries on the Provincial Board of Notaries. The improvement of the Profession has always been one of his aims, and it is to his efforts that the estab- lishment of a Notarial Chair at McGill University is due. He was appointed a Jus- tice of the Peace in 1865, and has been a number of times called upon to accept the representation of Chateauguay in Parliament, and the aldermanship of influential wards in Montreal, but has refused to touch politics or civic honors. His sons are Mr. W. D. Lighthall, advocate, and Mr. G. R. Lighthall, notary. Mr. W. D. Light- hall is becoming widely known on account of his literary career. He has collected and printed a fine volume of poetry, embodying all the best pieces of native literature, and he has been very active in the erection of the various notice boards now being placed throughout the city at those places which are marked in the history of Mon- treal. He is a member of several literary and scientific societies, and a young man of promise.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 235
BONAVENTURE VIGER
WAS born at Boucherville. In 1837, ne was a nne young man of thirty-four or thirty- five years of age. In the Grand Assembly at St. Charles, on the 26th October, 1837, he seconded one of the resolutions. One day previously at the church door, after Mass, he declared he would give two hundred bushels of grain to buy powder, which so inflamed the young men that they joined him in numbers. After the battle of St. Charles, Viger escaped, but was taken prisoner near Isle aux Noix, and conducted to the Montreal Prison. The first one he. saw when he arrived at the Jail was " le traitre Arnoldi."
This patriot was cousin to Hon. D. B. Viger. After many trials and adventures he was taken prisoner and conducted to Montreal Gaol. He was the most refrac- tory of all the '• Sons of Liberty " therein confined. A story is told of him that shows his quick and resolute spirit, which was seen in all his actions during the Rebellion. One day whilst everything was going on smoothly inside the gaol, Viger asked for some water from the sentinel. Now, water in those days was not so easily procured as at the present time. The water had to be fetched from the St. Lawrence opposite, and many stories are told of how prisoners, when sent out for water, espe- cially during the winter time, would escape by crossing the river and getting away on the neighboring side into the woods and then to the States. The Montreal Water Works never were applied to a better purpose than in the now plentiful supply of water within the prison, for culinary and cleansing purposes. Indeed a very great amount in the decrease of disease and filth is entirely owing to the, I might say, super- abundant use of water and soap, so plentifully applied by the late Mr. Payette and his efficient successor, Mr. Vallee. When the sentinel was asked for the water he at first refused, but thinking better of it, he took a cup of water and carried it to Viger- He took the goblet and threw the contents in the face of the guard. Furious at this insult, the guard discharged his gun, the ball traversing the window sill of Viger's cell, passed him at some distance and lodged in the wall of that of Mr. Lacoste, who was also imprisoned at this time as one of the Patriots. The guard having thrust through his head between the bars to see what effect the shot had done, received a tremendous blow from Viger, who had seized a bottle and brought it down with such force as to lay open and smash his nose. As might be expected this scene caused a great commotion in the prison, and the authorities, exasperated, determined to proceed against Viger for his unmerciful attack. Next day quite a stir was made by the arrival of the Deputy Sheriff and several soldiers to place Viger in chains. He at once, acting on the spur of the moment, seized by one hand the coat of the Deputy Sheriff, and with the other drawing a knife from his pocket, said to him : " What right have you to put a man in irons without the Sheriff saying so ? " Sometime after this, Viger, with others, was sent as an exile to Bermudas, and about the time of Robert Nelson's defeat at Ode 1 town, in 1858, he. with dthers, had returned from Bermudas to the United States, and returning to Canada he was again
236 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
arrested, on the 8th June, 1839, tr^e<^ and bailed out, and afterwards became a 11 citoyen paisible " as one account gives of him. His son is now one of the largest grocers in Montreal, belonging to the well-known firm of Fraser, Viger & Co., of St. James Street.
CAPTAIN JALBERT.
THE trial of Captain Jalbert was one of the most interesting in the annals of the Rebellion, and the only one tried by Civil Court, the Court. of Queen's Bench. On the 3rd day of September, 1839, ne was arraigned before the Bar of Justice in the Court House of. Montreal, after an incarceration of nearly two years. His accusa- tion was that he was guilty "on the 23rd November, 1837, of the death of Lieuten- ant George Weir, of the 32nd Regiment of Her Majesty."
Three Judges sat on the Bench, viz : Judge G. Pyke, Judge J. R. Rolland and Judge S. Gale, Attorney-General Ogden conducted the trial, and, with the cele- brated Andrew Stuart, represented the Crown. Mr. Walker and Mr. Chas. Mondelet were retained for the accused. The jury, says one, was composed entirely of French Canadians. Another account (LeMoine) says it was composed of nine French Canadians and three old country men. And another account makes it eleven French Canadians and one old country man. To set this matter right the real truth is that the jury consisted of eight French Canadians and four Englishmen, as is seen with their names further down this sketch, and which list the Writer himself took from the original papers in the archives in the Court House.
Previous to this date, Mr. C. Mondelet had put into the Court of Queen's Bench — Criminal side — a motion withdrawing Jalbert's plea of " not guilty " and substituting a special one which he founded on the general amnesty of Lord Durham promulr gated on the 28th day of the previous June. The general substance of this special plea was that Lord Durham had proclaimed a general pardon, and not mentioning any particular prisoner's name to whom it did not apply, that in virtue of this Ordin- ance the prisoner Jalbert, though accused of the murder of Lieut. Weir, was included in the amnesty as the proclamation had been approved off by Her Majesty and by Her Representative, the Governor General in Chief. After a long and animated discussion between Mr. Mondelet and the Solicitor-General Stuart, the motion was rejected by the Judges, and on the 3rd of September, the prisoner was arraigned before the Bar of the Court.
The accusation, held against four persons, Jalbert, J. Bte. Maillet, Joseph Pratte, and Louis Lussier, and was divided into four charges : ist. "That the prisoner Jalbert had carried the sword of the deceased Lieut. Weir, and had been aided and abetted by the other three. 2nd. That when J. B. Maillet had the sword in his hand, the prisoner with the other two aided and assisted in the murder of Lieut. Weir. 3rd. That when Joseph Pratte had a sword in his hand, the prisoner with the other two aided and assisted in the murder of Lieut. Weir. 4th. That when Louis Lussier had fired a gun at the deceased, Jalbert and the two others were present, aiding, assisting and encouraging in the commitment of the murder."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL, 237
The other three mentioned in the indictment had fled to the United States. As an historical fact, and especially as in all smaller English Canadian Histories, very little is told us of this unfortunate episode of the times of the Rebellion, I. will give the Solicitor-General's opening remarks, which clearly and succinctly state all the circum- stances connected with this melancholy affair. He said : " You will probably recol- lect that in November, 1837, a detachment of troops under the command of Col. Gore marched upon St. Denis. Lieut. Weir of the 32nd Regiment of Her Majesty, which was then stationed in Montreal, received orders to go to Sorel to carry despatches for Col. Gore. Determined to reach Col. Gore in the shortest possible time, he went by land, as the Col. and his little army had gone by water. Full of the accomplishment of this object, Lieut. Weir hired a vehicle to take him to Col. Gore before he should reach St. Denis. It is but right to state here that, at the distance of four miles from Sorel, the road divides into two branches, one of which is much longer than the other. Lieut. Weir, presuming, without doubt, that Col. Gore had taken the shortest route, passed by the other and thus missed him. Going along this way, he was arrested by a guard, and brought as a prisoner into the presence of Dr. Nelson. The latter then gave orders that he should be sent as a prisoner to St. Charles under the charge of Jalbert and others. His hands were then bound and he was mounted in a waggon. A short time after they untied his hands. Near the church Lieut. Weir jumped out of the waggon and is struck by a man of the name of Maillet who had a sword in his hand. Jalbert, who at that moment was on horseback, and had a sword at his side, cried out ' kill him, kill him, the deserter.' At the same instant Jalbert gave him a cut of his sword under which the deceased fell. The others fol- lowing his example, Lieut. Weir succumbed to the storm of blows that fell upon him. The band standing around him, he breathed again, when one of them cried out with a loud voice, ' He is recovering, he is recovering.' The prisoner at the bar is one of those who believed so. A man named Lussier then came up and discharged a gun or pistol at the deceased. Several days after the engagement with the troops, the authorities made a search for the body, and they found it at some distance from the river, covered with wounds and horribly mutilated."
The trial continued seven days, witnesses for the Crown proving such facts that the Crown prosecutions were established. It was proved that Maillet, Pratte and Lussier had struck the body of Lieut. Weir many times, but there was a contradiction in the case of Jalbert ; several witnesses affirmed that Weir had been killed before Jalbert arrived where they were.
From the records taken from the trial of C. of Q. B., I find that the debated point of the composition of the jury is settled once and for all by the following being the sworn jurors :
Etienne Courville, Charles Lenoir dit Holland, Pascal Lemieux, Edwin Atwater, Simeon Lecomte, Elie Deseve, Benjamin Trudelle, Amable Desautels, Daniel McKercher, George Fraser, John Cadotte, John Mabell.
The trial continuing seven days, or rather some of the Jury determining to bring
238 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
in a verdict of not guilty, day by day refused to come to an understanding except that of non-agreement. On Saturday, the yth September, one of the Jurors, Edwin Atwater, was indisposed and required refreshment. The Jurors then received food, etc., and were locked up for the night and all Sunday. On Monday, not agreeing, they were again ordered to retire, and I find this : " The following constables are sworn to keep the jury in this case without meat, drink, fire or candle, and to suffer none to speak to them, nor speak to them themselves, expect to ask if they are agreed."
Daniel Shannon and George Gibson were the constables.
On the last day of the term the Jury were again remanded to their room, and the Court adjourned to half-past eleven at night, when Judges Rolland and Gale were present. It records " the Court at fifteen minutes before twelve, or midnight, desires that the Jurors be brought into Court," and the Jurors unanimously delare that they have not agreed upon a verdict, nor are ever likely to agree.
The Attorney-General and the .prisoner's Counsel " having declared that they had nothing more to move," and " the term as fixed by law for holding this Criminal Session extending only until midnight, the Court at that hour quitted the Bench, the Session being over and the Jury were discharged."
- .';: In a few moments no persons were in the room save Wand the Gaoler, and the prisoner, and the late Mr. Schiller, then quite a young man. Jalbert was taken back to the prison and soon discharged.
A considerable riot occurred, several of the Jurors receiving hard blows, and a. detachment of the Guards and a troop of cavalry of the- 7 th Hussars were necessary to restore order. As one writer quaintly remarks concerning the riot : " La foule se disperse, et ainsi se termine ce proces oii se concentra tant d'animosite de la part de cette population jadis si loyale, mais aujourd'hui enfin, devenue revolu- tionnaire."
ELKANAH BILLINGS, F.R.G.S.
MR. BILLINGS was one of the most talented palaeontologists that Canada ever pos- sessed, and whose name was for years associated with the Geological Survey of Canada. He was an Ottawaite, having been born in the township of Gloucester, on the Ottawa, on the 5th of May, 1820. His father's family came originally from Wales, and settled in the New England States. His father was born in Massachu- setts during the war of the Revolution, shortly after which his grandfather came to Canada, and settled near Brockville.
Mr, Billings pursued his studies partly at Ottawa city and partly at Potsdam, N.Y. He entered the Law Society of Upper Canada as a student-at-law in Trinity term, 1840; and studied at different offices, in Ottawa and Toronto. At the latter place he completed his probationary studies, and was called to the Bar in 1845. He practiced in Ottawa city and the adjoining county of Renfrew until June, 1856, when he was appointed Palaeontologist of the Geological Survey of Canada. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Geological Society of London in February, 1858.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 239
While residing in Ottawa city, Mr. Billings made a large and valuable collection of the fossils which abound in the rocks of the neighborhood. By studying these, he made himself well acquainted with the palaeontology of the Silurian rocks of Canada. His first papers were published in the Ottawa Citizen newspaper, and in the Cana- dian Journal of Toronto ; the latter the organ of the Canadian Institute, and a most valuable publication. In February, 1856, Mr. Billings published the first number of the Canadian Naturalist, a periodical devoted to scientific objects, which proved extremely successful. The first volume was edited by Mr. Billings. He also took an active part in the compiling and issuing of the Canadian Journal and of SHU- man's Journal. In 1863, he obtained a medal of honor at the Universal Exhibition of London, and in 1867 the Historical Society of Montreal conferred on him the same honor. Perhaps there is no man who has written so much as Mr. Billings has on a vast variety of subjects connected with his profession. It would be impossible here to enumerate them. He is thus spoken of in Litterature Canadienne : " Mr. Billings est, an dire des savants, la plus haute autorite" de la puissance en fait de paleontologie." He died full of honors some years ago.
REV. ROBT. L. LUSHER,
AN eminent Minister in the Wesleyan Denomination, was born in London in the year 1786, and at an early age was trained and educated for the Ministry. In 1817 he was appointed to take charge of the Society in Montreal, and arrived here in December of that year. The Wesleyan chapel at that time was in St. Sulpice street, once occupied by the Fabrique, but now pulled down, where he preached for three years. He returned to England in 1828, and nine years later he was reappointed as Chief Pastor of the Wesleyan Body in Lower Canada, and arrived here in October, 1837. Shortly after his second arrival in this country his health gradually failed, and after a career of great usefulness, he died in July, 1848, in the sixty-second year of his age and thirty-third of his Ministry. He was chiefly eminent for his learning, gentleness of disposition, and deep but unobtrusive piety. The science of Astronomy was a favorite study of his, and his lectures on that subject showed great research. As a preacher he was seldom equalled, if excelled, in his day, as the following extract from the Canadian Courant, under date 23rd January, 1810, will shew :
" We have sat under the preaching of the ablest divines, but we conceive the pulpit elocution of the Rev. Mr. Lusher in this or almost any other country stands unrivaled. Uniformly eloquent, his language is chaste, persuasive and classically correct, full of pathos and a laudable zeal. Although he preaches extemporaneously, the eye of criticism discovers nothing in his language redundant, nothing to retrench j. and whilst it sweetly allures the understanding, is free from ostentation,- bigotry and enthusiasm, remarkable in a preacher of that persuasion." It was not an uncommon occurrence that when it was known of his intention to preach in the country parts, he had to take his position at the church door, so that all might hear him both outside and in. Mr. Seymour, of Montreal, remembers this to have been the case. His son is the present Superintendent of the Montreal Street Railway.
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HON. L. O. LORANGER,
THE subject of this sketch was born at St. Anne de Yamachiche on the loth April, 1837. He commenced his studies in the College of Montreal and finished them in that of the Jesuits. After studying Law for some years he was admitted Advocate on the 3rd May, 1858. He entered into partnership with his two brothers, T. J. J. Loranger, Esq,, late Judge of the Superior Court, Three Rivers District, and Joseph Loranger, Esq., who died not long ago. He was obliged to work hard and to display a great energy to keep and satisfy, after the advancement of his brother to the Bench, a very large number of clients. He was considered one of the best lawyers of the Bar of Montreal. Since 1866 he was a member of the Council of the Bar, and was elected to represent the St. Louis Ward in 1861, and continued for some time to represent the Ward. He was President of the Committee of Arrangement of the great St. Jean Baptiste/<?/£ held 24th June, 1874. He was elected to Parliament in 1873 for the county of Laval, and soon became one of the members of the Quebec Cabinet, and, after being one of the best Attorney-Generals ever in office, was promoted as Judge of the Superior Court of Montreal, where he has been ever since. He is distinguished by a practical spirit, a sound judgment, an easy and agreeable speech, and an impressible but prudent disposition.
HON. JOHN HAMILTON
WAS born in Quebec, 1827. Originally the family came from Wandale, Scotland He was the third son of Colonel George Hamilton of Hawkesbury, Canada, and educated in Montreal. He was a member of the extensive lumber firm of Hamilton Bros., and proprietor of the Hawkesbury Mills, Ontario. He was also a Director of the Bank of Montreal, and was for some time President of the Merchants Bank. In 1860, he was elected to the Legislature of United Canada, for Inkerman, and retained his seat till Confederation. Then by Royal Proclamation he was called to the Senate, in which body he remained till he died in Montreal not long ago. His son who died in Colorado recently must be remembered in the history of Montreal — a fine young man who by his will left $100,000 to the funds of the General Hospital, besides other large benefactions to private individuals and other public institutions.
MAJOR GODDU
WAS one of the exiles to Bermudas. After the battle of St. Charles he brought back his men to St. Cesaire, but very shortly after was arrested by one of his own friends, who was a Constitutionalist, and being conducted to Montreal, laden with chains, was thrown into the gaol, where he remained till the 2nd July, 1838, when he was sent to Bermudas.
RAYMOND PREFONTAINE, M.P.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 24!
RAYMOND FOURNIER PKEFONTAINE, B.C.L., M.P.
"WAS born at Longueuil, Province of Quebec, on the i6th of September, 1850. He is descended from one of the oldest and most honorable families in the Province. His ancestors settled in what was then New France, in 1680. Receiving a sound edu- cation, partly by private tuition and partly at the Jesuits' College in Montreal, and gifted with strong natural abilities, a brilliant future was predicted for him at an early period. He graduated from McGill University, at Montreal, and in 1873 was called to the Bar, receiving the degree of B.C.L. the same year from McGill College. His success in the practice of the law has been an unusually brilliant one, and he is now a partner in one of the leading Law firms of the Metropolis. At an early age, like most young lawyers, he went into politics, and ere long he was looked upon, not only as an exceedingly active worker, but as an effective orator of great power and a coming man. At the General Elections of 1875 for the Quebec Legislative Assembly, he was nominated as Liberal candidate while only in his 25th year. He carried the county against overwhelming odds. It was then hoped that he had entered upon a career of great credit to himself and usefulness to the Province, when he was relegated to private life. The successful candidate, however, was unseated, and in 1879 Mr. Prefontaine was re-elected. In 1881, at the time of the General Elections, when "the Conservative wave " swept over the Province, Mr. Prefontaine found himself again defeated. While a member of the Legislature he was elected Mayor of Hochelaga, and secured a re-election in 1884. A year later Hochelaga was annexed to the city, and Mr. Prefonlaine became an Alderman of Montreal. The eyes of the Dominion were turned on Mr. Prefontaine in 1886, when he ran as the Nationalist candidate in Chambly, the first constituency opened by the Dominion Government to test their strength after the execution of Louis Kiel. The election was one of the most stubborn and fiercely fought contests in Canada, and it resulted in the return of Mr. Prefontaine, to the great satisfaction of his friends and his party. The Dominion Elections of 1887 came on before Mr. Prefontaine could take his seat, and again he had to go through a great contest, but he did so successfully. With a similar result at the next General Elections Mr. Prefontaine may be considered as possessing the entire con- fidence of his electors, who look with pride upon their champion. Mr. Pre- fontaine ranks high among his colleagues of the Commons , and is one of the most popular members of the House. He does not speak often, but when he does it is to the point, and his remarks are effective. He is possessed of a keen, discerning judgment, and his great business abilities stand him in good stead. He is a hard worker and full of energy. The laboring classes, among whom he is very popular, owe him much. He was the member who succeeded in having the first law adopted for relieving the workingmen from the persecution of insatiable creditors. Only one half of the wages of laborers can now be seized for debt. In Ottawa he has devoted much time and labor in securing a practicable charter for
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the Montreal Bridge Company, an enterprise which is destined to benefit very exten- sively Montreal and the south shore of the St. Lawrence by bringing them into closer relations by easy access from one side of the river to the other. Lately Mr. Prefon- taine has devoted much of his great energy and applied his talents as an Alderman and Chairman of the Road Committee to entirely renovate the roadway of the streets of Montreal, and in this he has succeeded in a wonderful manner. During the four years that he has presided over this important body he has succeeded in carrying out a considerable part of a vast scheme of improvement, extending over the entire city, and which is intended to make of Montreal one of the cleanest and best paved cities on the Continent. Personally he is very popular, and although one of the busiest men among his fellow-citizens, he is always ready and willing to help his friends and those who apply to him. He is especially popular, and leads among the younger generation who have great faith in the future of Montreal, and wax enthu- siastic over its prosperity. In 1876, Mr. Prefontaine married Mile. Hermantine Rol- land, second daughter of the late Senator J. B. Rolland, and has three children."
JOHN WANLESS, M.D.
" THIS famed homoeopathic physician is a Scotchman by birth, having been born at Perth road, Dundee, near St. Peter's parish church, where the celebrated Rev. R. M. McCheyne was pastor, on May 26th, 1813. He is the second son of the late James Wanless, a man who was in his day very much respected by his fellow townspeople, and who for many years carried on business as a manufacturer of green cloth in Dun- dee. His mother, Agnes Sim, at the age of ninety-six years, was in full possession of her mental faculties, and could see to read without spectacles. Dr. Wanless much resembles this wonderful woman in many respects. Dr. Wanless's father intended that his two sons should succeed him in his own business, but after his death, which took place when the doctor was only ten years old, the executors of the estate, when he had reached his thirteenth year, apprenticed him to Dr. James Johnston, one of themselves, a leading physician in Dundee. This gentleman having died shortly afterwards, James Hay, merchant and ship-owner, another of the execu- tors, and one of the governors of the Dundee Royal Infirmary, discovering the boy's aptitude for medical study, was induced to secure for him the position of dresser and clinical clerk in the above hospital, which for three years he filled to the entire satisfaction of the governors and medical men of the institution. While he was here he was a great favorite with the celebrated lithotomist, Dr. John Creighton, of Dundee, and this gentleman often asked young Wanless to assist him in his private operations, as well as in the hospital, and on the eve of his leaving to prosecute his studies in Edinburgh, he bore high testimony to his ability and diligence as a student, and as to his practical knowledge of his profession. It may be as well to mention here that young Wanless, like all other boys on the Scotch seaboard, was very fond of paddling in the water, and on several occasions narrowly escaped drowning.
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When about ten years of age he and some other boys were amusing themselves on some logs that had got adrift from the ship Horton, of Dundee, just arrived from America, and had floated up the river into a small bay, which at its mouth had a sort of pier with arches on it. While astride a piece of this timber it capsized, and our young hero was soon at the bottom of the river. On coming to the surface, he found himself immediately below a raft, and considering that his time had not yet come to be drowned, he struck out boldly from under, and gasping for breath, he was hauled on the raft by his terrified comrades. On getting ashore he dried his clothes and made for home ; but his father nevertheless discovered that he had had a duck- ing, and gave him a sound thrashing and confined him indoors for some time for his boyish escapade. The doctor now thinks that if his father — who was a very loving man — had not been imbued with the idea that u he that spareth the rod hateth the child," he would have done better had he given him some dry clothes, or sent him for a time to a warm bed. In 1831, John Wanless left Dundee and went to Edin- burgh, as a student in the Royal College of Surgeons, under the then celebrated Pro- fessors Mclntosh, Listen, Lizars, Ferguson, and others, Fellows of the College, all of whom are now gone to their final rest. During the College Session of 1831, his friend, Mr. Hay, offered him the position of Surgeon on board the whaling ship Thomas, which office he cheerfully accepted, although he was then only seventeen years of age. This good ship sailed from Dundee in March, 1832, and returned with a full cargo in time to permit the young Surgeon to attend the opening of the College Session of 1832-3. Subsequently during college vacation he went three times to Davis Straits in the same ship, and thereby greatly invigorated his previously rather slender physical frame. While on one of his whaling voyages he one day was out in a boat shooting loons, which are very numerous in Davis Straits, and a good many can be killed by one discharge from a gun. In the act of gathering the killed he espied a wounded bird at a short distance, and in his endeavor to reach it he leaned too far over the gunwale, lost his balance, and went head first into the Arctic Sea. His shipmates were alarmed, and waited in dread suspense for some time, but at length he came up, holding on to the loon by one of its legs. The mate afterwards remarked " that the doctor should always be taken with the shooting parties, for he could dive for the wounded fellows." It may be here mentioned that the doctor was a good swimmer, and as a youth practised swimming in the Tay of Dundee, and was in the habit, sometimes, of carrying younger boys on his back out into the stream, and then throwing them off; but before doing this, however, he always gave them instructions how to swim on their " own hook." He has been known to swim for three miles on a stretch, resting occasionally on his back. At Pond's Bay he one time fell out of a boat, while steering with a long oar, amongst a lot of whales. There were about fifty ships' boats and their crews in a crack in the land ice, which extended about twenty miles from the shore, and in some places the rent was about one hundred yards wide. In this opening the whales were so numerous that the har- pooners only selected the largest fish for capture. During the excitement, and when
244 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
passing another boat, the blade of one of their side oars unshipped the doctor's steer- ing oar while he was pushing it from him, and, losing his balance, he fell into the water. He, however, did not feel the least alarmed, but at once^struck out for the ice, and, drying his clothes as well as he could, walked to his ship, which was anchored about two miles away, in the field ice, and soon found himself on deck, not much the worse for his ducking. In the spring of 1835, having passed his examination before the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, he returned to Dundee and married Margaret McDonald, the only daughter of Duncan McDonald, a well-known manufacturer of that town, and Margaret Rose, his wife. To Miss McDonald he had been betrothed for several years. He then became House Surgeon in the Dundee Royal Infirmary, and having filled this position for about two years, gave it up, and entered into private practice, his office being in the same house in which he was born and married. In 1843, Dr. Wanless, accompanied by his wife, mother, brother, and sisters, with their husbands, emigrated to Canada, and ultimately settled in London, Ontario. While in this city the doctor built up a good practice, and as Coroner for the City of London and County of Middlesex he was highly spoken of by the press for the luminous and logical way in which he presented evidence to his jurors. In 1849, ne received his license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada. One day, in 1859, as he was walking along a street in London to visit a patient, he observed Dr. Bull, a homoeopathist, give some pellets to a man who had fallen out of a two-storey window. Having a prejudice against homoeopathy, he accosted Dr. Bull in these words, " Don't you think shame of yourself in giving that useless trash to a man in that condition ?" Dr. Bull rose up, in a defensive attitude, and said, " I have always taken you for a sensible man, and instead of acting as you have done in your persecutions of us, why don't you try to test our remedies accord- ing to the law of cure ? I will give you some of our books to read, and also some of our medicines for that purpose." Dr. Wanless accepted the offer, and took the books and medicines, thinking that he would be able to expose what he then thought was a humbug. After studying the principle of homoeopathy for some time he gave the medicines to some of his patients, strictly according to the principles of homoeopathy, beginning with some cases which had resisted the allopathic treatment under his own care, and that of some of the ablest men in the country, keeping a strict account of the symptoms and disease, and the symptoms and pathogeny of what the medicine would produce on the healthy body, and after carefully testing this method of prac- tice for nearly two years, he found that, instead of persecuting the homoeopathists, he would have to become a homceopathist himself. After thorough conviction of its benefits to his patients, like Paul with the Christians, and in order to carry out the practice of homoeopathy with more efficiency, he ceased from practice in London, and devoted himself to renewed study at the age of fifty years, and obtained the degree of Bachelor of Medicine from the University of Toronto in 1861, and the degree of Doctor in Medicine from the same University in the following year, 1862. He then, in order to have a wider field to labor in, went to Montreal (but before leaving having
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 245
been complimented by the press of London upon his previous professional attain- ments), where he no v resides, enjoying a good practice. In politics, as in medicine, Dr. Wanless has sought to conserve the good, and set aside the effete and worthless. Both in London and Montreal, by his spirited and able contributions to the press, he has done much to popularize homoeopathy, and establish its prime tenets. He was instrumental in procuring an Act of the Provincial Parliament of Quebec, in favor of Homoeopathic Education, and with power to grant licenses to those who had studied according to the curriculum specified by the Act, and who had passed a satisfactory examination before the appointed Board of Examiners, as he always upheld that homoeopaths, as well as allopaths, should be able to show that they possessed a thorough medical education and training. Dr. Wanless is nominal Dean of the Faculty of the College of Homoeopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Montreal, and Professor of the Practice of Physic and one of the Examiners of the College. He attained the license of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 1835 > College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada in 1849; M.B. of the Univer- sity of Toronto, 1861 ; M.D. of the University of Toronto in 1862, and is a member of the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and Quebec. He has a son9 Dr. John R. Wanless, who now practices in Dunedin, New Zealand. This gentleman is a graduate M.l).,C.M. of McGill University, Montreal, and, like his father, has adopted the homoeopathic principle from conviction. In religion, as in politics and medicine, the doctor is thoroughly Liberal, and belongs to the Congregational body of worshippers. He is broad in his views, giving liberty of opinion to all, and exhibits no desire to scold and burn those who differ from him, except to show them their error by fair reasoning."
DUNCAN McNAB McEACHRAN, F.R.C.V.S.,
"PRINCIPAL of Montreal Veterinary College, Chief Inspector of Stock, etc., was born at Campbeltown, Argyleshire, Scotland, on the 27 tli October, 1841. He is the oldest son of the late David McEachran, who for many years was a member of the Town Council, and for five years preceding his death was senior Bailie of Campbeltown* The family is one of the oldest in Kintyre, descended from McEachran of Killellan and Penygowan. The Ionic cross of Campbeltown, one of the oldest in Scotland, bears the names of Edward and Malcolm McEachran, and the family tombstones which are found within the ruins of the old church of St. Kiarian, date back as far as the fourteenth century. David McEachran is also buried here. Duncan received h-is earlier education in the schools of his native place, and at the age of seventeen entered on his professional studies at Edinburgh, under the late Professor Dick. In the autumn of 1862, he came to Canada, and took up his abode in Woodstock, Ontario, where he practised his profession for neaily three years with marked success, at the same time being engaged during part of the winter in giving lectures at Toronto, and by this means rendered valuable service in the establishment of the Veterinary
246 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
College in that city. During his residence in Woodstock, he contributed in various ways to the advancement of his profession, by lectures at farmers' meetings, by con- tributions to the agricultural press, and by the publication of a manual of veterinary science. The work on the " Canadian Horse and his Diseases," under the joint editorship of himself and his friend, Professor Andrew Smith, of the Toronto Veter- inary College, soon ran through two editions, and although a third edition is now called for, Professor McEachran will not consent to its issue, as he fondly hopes to find time in the near future to publish a larger work on the same subject. In 1866, he left Ontario and settled in Montreal, but before he left for that city, the Board of Agriculture for Upper Canada passed a very complimentary resolution, expressing regret at his departure, and he was entertained by a large number of his friends at a public dinner at Woodstock. On his arrival in Montreal, thanks to his good reputa- tion which had preceded him, and the influence of his numerous friends, his success was speedily assured. Through the influence of the late Major Campbell, President of the Board of Agriculture, aided by Principal (now Sir) J. W. Dawson, and the late G. W. Campbell, Dean of the Medical Faculty ofMcGill University, an arrangement was made for Professor McEachran to deliver a course of lectures on Veterinary Science, in connection with the Medical School, which was the commencement of the now widely-known Montreal Veterinary College. In 1875, tne present commodious College buildings were erected on Union Avenue, at the expense of the founder and Principal, the Government guaranteeing $i, 800 per annum toward its expenses for ten years, with the privilege of sending to it thirteen French and seven English students annually free. This College is now considered the first of its kind in America, and justly ranks high, even when compared with many of the schools in Europe, owing to the appreciation of its head for thorough education. While the Veterinary Schools at Toronto and New York admitted students without matriculation, and graduated them in two sessions, here a matriculation is required, and the course extends over three sessions of six months each. This plan was adopted by the Montreal College before the English schools ; even the Royal Veterinary College of England was led by the Montreal school in this very important matter. Professor McEachran has associated with him in teaching the learned Principal and Professors of McGill University, whose classes his students attend for collateral studies. Year by year since the establishment of this college, its progress has been most marked in the number and educational standing of the pupils, and students have been attracted to it from all parts of the United States and Canada. A Veterinary Medical Association has been established in connection with the College, for the reading of papers and the discussion of professional and kindred subjects, and a well-furnished library, con- taining most of the old works, and all the new ones, embraced in veterinary litera- ture, has been added to the College, mainly through the efforts of its energetic Trincipal. Professor McEachran, during the past few years, has contributed many valuable articles to professional journals and the agricultural press, as well as by public lectures, on his favorite theme. In 1875, he earnestly pressed upon the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 247
attention of the Dominion Government, the necessity for the establishment of a quar- antine system, to prevent the importation of certain cattle diseases from Europe, where they were then prevailing to a deplorable extent. Acting on his advice the Govern- ment created, in April, 1876, a quarantine station at Point Levis, Quebec, and made the Professor Chief Inspector for the Dominion, and this position he still continues to occupy. In January, 1879, he was sent by the Dominion Government to the United States, to investigate the lung-plague — pleuro-pneumonia — and visited New York, Long Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia ; and on his return he reported the prevalence of this serious disease in all the States he had visited. The result was that shorly afterwards an embargo was placed on the importation of all cattle from the United States to Canada and Great Britain, requiring that they should be slaughtered at the port of debarkation, within fourteen days after landing. This action of the British Government entailed a heavy loss on cattle exported from the United States, but Canada, owing to her freedom from the disease, and the perfect condition of her quarantine system, be- came a gainer in proportion to a large amount. Professor McEachran's name will ever be associated with the early history of the export cattle trade of Canada, as one who, at the proper moment, gave sound advice to the Government, which, being promptly acted upon, helped in these early days to assist a trade that has since grown to vast proportions. The efficiency of the quarantine for cattle under his management has been thoroughly tested on two occasions, viz., 1885, when the contagious disease, "foot and mouth," or vesicular epizootic, was twice brought into the quarantine from Great Britain, so thorough was the quarantine that not only did it not extend beyond but it did not even affect any other cattle, of which there were several hundred within the enclosure. The prompt and effective manner in which pleuro-pneumonia was dealt with in 1886, when that fell destroyer was im- ported in a herd of Galloways, proved beyond doubt the efficiency of the quarantine, and the ability of the inspectors to deal with contagious diseases. If Canada to-day is free from contagious disease, it is due in a great measure to his energy and know- ledge of disease. In acknowledgment of his professional attainments he was elected one of the original Fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, on that body being raised to the rank of a University in 1875, being the only one in Canada on whom that honor was conferred. He has been intimately connected with the cattle ranching business in the District of Alberta, Senator Cochrane and he being the pioneers in that business on a large scale in Canada. Together they visited Alberta in 1 88 1, going via the Missouri River to Fort Benton, thence driving across the plains to where Calgary is now built. On his return he published a series of inter- esting letters, being a narrative of his trip, and description of the country. He was Vice-President of the Cochrane Ranche Co., till 1883, when he became General Manager of the Walrond Cattle Ranche Co., of which Sir John Walrond, Bart., is President, and which is now the largest and one of the most successful ranches in Canada. Professor McEachran was married on the Qth of June, 1868, to Esther,
248 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
youngest daughter of the late Timothy Plaskett, Esq., St. Croix, West India Islands, to whom two children 'were born, viz., Evelyn Victoria, born May 24th, 1869, who died May, 1874, and Jeanie Blackney, born ipth September, 1871. In politics, Pro- fessor McEachran is a Conservative, but in consequence of his devotion to profes- sional work he has never taken a very active part in politics. He served in the militia force for ten years as Veterinary Surgeon to the Montreal Field Battery of Artillery. He became a Justice of thePeace in 1866, with jurisdiction over the entire Province of Quebec."
HORACE NELSON, M.D.
ELDEST son of the late Dr. Wolfred Nelson. A graduate of the University of New York and McGill College. He was about to proceed to Europe, in 1837, to com- plete his medical studies, when the Rebellion of that period prevented his doing so, when he went to New York and became an office student of the late celebrated Dr. Valentine Mott. He was admitted to practice in 1843, and resided in Plattsburg, New York, for a number of years, returning to Montreal in May, 1858, where he practiced with his father and brother. He died in December, 1863. At various times he held the following appointments : Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine and Pathology, in the Medical Department of the University of Vermont ; Fellow of the Pathological Society, Lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology in the School of Medicine and Surgery and in Descriptive and Surgical Anatomy, in the St. Lawrence School of Medicine, Montreal, and was Editor of Nelson s American Lancet, an ably conducted journal on Medical science. Surgery was a branch of his profession to which he was devotedly attached, and in which he had great success.
ALFRED NELSON, M.D.,
WAS a licentiate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada, and was admitted to practice in 1849. He was tne second son of the late Dr. Wolfred Nelson, and was for many years Staff Surgeon of Volunteers. He succeeded his father and brother in their practice, and died on the 6th of February, 1872.
WOLFRED NELSON, M.D.
ELDEST son of the late Dr. Horace Nelson. A graduate of the Medical Faculties of Bishop's College, Montreal, and of McGill. Was admitted to practice and licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada in May, 1872. After a visit to the London Hospital, he returned to Montreal, where he practised very successfully, and is a young surgeon of much promise.
On the Staff of the Medical Faculty of Bishop's College, he held the appoint- ment of Assistant Demonstrator of Anatomy, and Curator of the Museum. He is now, after some years being Physician on the Panama Canal, located in Brooklyn, and has published a most interesting volume of his appointment at Panama, and what he heard and saw.
THE HONORABLE ARTHUR TURCOTTE,
ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.
1888-89.
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HON. HENRY RENE ARTHUR TURCOTTE, Q.C.
SON of the late Hon. J. E. Turcotte, in his lifetime Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Canada, born igth January, 1845. Married r6th January, 1873, Marie Eleanor Isabella, only daughter of Angus Macdonald, Esq., of Becancour. He was educated at the Jesuits' College, Montreal, and at Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, England. He was called to the Bar, Province of Quebec, June, 1867, and appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1879. Is an Honorary Director of the British Empire Mutual Life Assurance Company. He has been Councillor, Alderman and Mayor of Three Rivers. Was Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Province of Quebec, from 4th June, 1878, until the dissolution of the House, December, 1881. First returned to Legislative Assembly, i8th March. 1876, and re-elected by acclamation at the General Elections, 1878. Was an unsuccessful candidate at General Elections, 1881, but the sitting member, Mr. Dumoulin, being unseated, he was elected 27th March, 1884. Re-elected at last General Elections. Appointed member of the Executive Council 29th of January, 1887, as Attorney General of the Province. Introduced and carried the Act exempting from seizure under execution one-half of a laborer's wages, and has carried through several measures amending the Civil Code and simplifying Legal procedure. He is an independent Conservative in politics.
He acted as Premier during Hon. H. Mercier's first trip to Europe, and also Commissioner of Crown Lands during Hon. Mr. Garneau's absence at the same time. He was defeated at General Elections, June, 1890, and appointed Prothonotary of the Superior Court of Montreal, igth August, same year, which office he now worthily fills.
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ROBERT NELSON, M.D.,
WAS born January, 1794, and at an early age was apprenticed to the late celebrated Doctor Arnoldi, of Montreal. While yet in his youth lie was appointed surgeon to a regiment called the " Indian Warriors," and served during the War of 1812. He was one of the most distinguished and celebrated doctors of the day. It is told that on one occasion an influential patient of his who had a ball lodged in his thigh for a considerable time, and which Dr. Nelson was unable to extract, went to England to consult some of the medical celebrities there. These, on ascertaining who had attended him in Canada, said, " if Dr. Nelson is unable to do anything for you, we are perfectly sure we can do nothing." The gentleman returned and died without the ball having been extracted. Having been prominently mixed up with the politics of the day, after a warm contest, the Doctor was elected in 1827, conjointly with M. Papineau, to represent the City of Montreal in Parliament. He soon, however, with- drew from that position to devote his time solely to his profession, which he loved beyond all other things. He did not take an active part in 1837 ; but he was arrested and cast into prison. After a time he was admitted to bail.
In 1838, the most eventful period of his career, he played a conspicuous part in the affairs of the country. Being induced by a number of dissatisfied persons of Canada, as well as some " sympathizers " from the States, to take up arms against his country, he entered madly as chief into the chimerical scheme of invading Canada, which proved abortive to those engaged in it. His property was sold at a great sacrifice. He himself, a fugitive from justice, went to California, were he amassed a considerable fortune. He died at his country seat on Staten Island, N.Y., in March, 1873, aged eighty-four, leaving a large fortune to his son and suc- cessor, Dr. Eugene Nelson, of New York.
HON. PETER MITCHELL.
His parents came from Scotland to New Brunswick, and settled on the Miramichi, in that Province, 1818. Born in Newcastle, Miramichi, 1824. Educated at the Grammar School there. Married, 1853, Mrs. Gough, of St. John. Called to the Bar New Brunswick, 1848. Has been an extensive shipbuilder. Author of A Review of President Grant's Recent Message to the United States Congress Relative to the Canadian Fisheries and the Navigation of the St. Lawrence River (Ottawa, 1870). Sworn of the Privy Council, July, 1867, and was Minister of Marine and Fisheries from that date until 5th November, 1874, when he retired from office with his Chief, Sir John A. Macdonald. Was a member of the Executive Council, New Brunswick, from 1858 to March, 1865, when his party was defeated on an appeal to the people on the scheme for the Confederation of British North America. In April, 1866, after the resignation of the Smith Cabinet, was called upon to form a Government, in connection with the Hon. R. D. Wilmot, which he did, holding the office of President of Executive Council from that date until the Union.* Was a delegate to Quebec in
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 251
1 86 1, and again in 1862, on the subject of the Intercolonial Railway ; to the Union Conference, in same city, 1864; and to the London Colonial Conference to complete terms of Union of British North America Provinces, 1866. Sat for Northumberland in New Brunswick Assembly from 1856 to 1860, when appointed to the Legislative Council, same Province, where he remained until the Union. Called to the Senate by Royal Proclamation, May, 1867 ; continued to sit in that house until the General Elections, 1872, when he resigned, and was returned for Northumberland in the House of Commons by acclamation. Re-elected at General Elections, 1874 ; defeated 1878 ; re-elected by acclamation in 1882, and re-elected at last General Elections, when after a short incumbency he was defeated and retired for the time being from Politics.
HENRY LYMAN.
MR. HENRY LYMAN, of McTavish street, is now in his seventy-ninth year, nearly the whole of which has been passed in this city. Mr. Lyman entered upon his business career in 1829, in his sixteenth year, in connection with the firm of Hedge & Lyman, druggists, St. Paul street. With the view to public usefulness he early joined John Luckins' fire company, called the " Property Protecting Fire Company," to protect portable property, and prevent pilfering at fires. He about the same time joined the " Philomathic Society," a small club, formed for literary discussions, of which he is now probably the sole representative. In 1837, ^r< Lyman joined the ranks of the " Montreal Rifles," under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel, the late Henry Griffin, Notary Public, and both as private and commissioned officer, saw active service during the Rebellion.
Subsequently he assisted his brother and partner, ihe late Benjamin Lyman, in the formation of a volunteer fire engine company, the " Union," which proved a model company, and its improved engine, the first of its kind, by emulation led to substantial improvement in the then existing civic fire department. Mr. Lyman took an active part in the establishment of the " American Free School," the late Rev. G. W. Perkins, of the American Presbyterian Church, taking the initiative in the movement. A government grant in aid was obtained from the Government of Lord Sydenham, and voluntary subscriptions provided the balance of funds necessary. The school supplied a crying want, was a success from the beginning, and continued its operations for many years, very quietly and without ostentation, but with increas- ing usefulness. In 1845, Mr. Lyman assisted in the direction of the ''Montreal Building Society," which was the first institution of the sort in the city, and so far as is known only one other member of the board survives at this date. The society was wound up under Mr. Lyman's presidency in 1856. In 1851, Mr. Lyman was a member of the local commission for the great London Exhibition under the pre- sidency of the late Prince Consort, and received a diploma and medal " for services." About this period, associated with others, all of whom have passed away, Mr. Lyman
252 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
assisted in the formation of the " Canada Sunday School Union," an organization for the promotion of mission schools in Upper and Lower Canada. In 1853, Mr. Lyman was elected a member of the City Council from the West Ward, where he rendered yeoman service, more especially in the establishment of the then new water works, the introduction of the fire alarm telegraph, which added to the value of all insur- able property for all time to come, and also in the establishment of the Mount Royal Park, a boon of inestimable value to the citizens. Mr. Lyman represented the Centre Ward in 1867, and retired in 1870 with a vote of thanks from the Fire Committee and Council. In 1856, Mr. Lyman assisted as honorary treasurer for the celebration of the opening of the Grand Trunk Railway, a very noticeable event, and numerously attended by prominent persons from Ontario and the neighboring United States. In 1863, Mr. Lyman was Vice-President of the Board of Trade, and represented it on the Harbor Commission. The other members were the Hon. John Young, the Hon. Jean L. Beaudry, Thomas Cramp and Alex. M. Delisle, all of whom are dead. He filled the office of President of the Board of Trade in 1881-1882.
Believing that the Insolvent or Bankrupt Law was injurious to the commercial interests of the country, he took an active and successful part in effecting its -repeal.
Mr. Lyman is a Life Governor of the House of Industry and Refuge, and a life member of the Mechanics' Institute and of the Natural History Society.
In 1867, he was elected a member of the board of the Citizens' Insurance Com- pany, and succeeded the late Sir Hugh Allan in the presidency at his decease in 1881. In 1876, Mr. Lyman took an active part as chairman of the building committee of Emmanuel Congregational Church. Mr. Lyman lias now retired from many of the active labors which occupied his time and energies in former days, but he is still anything but an idle man, attending regularly to business and other pursuits, being the senior partner of the firm of Lyman Sons & Co.. Montreal, and Lyman Bros. & Co., Toronto.
HON. HORACE ARCHAMBAULT
WAS born at L'Assomption on the 6th March, 1857. His father was the well- known Hon. Louis Archambault. He was formerly a Legislative Councillor for Quebec and a member of the House of Commons of Canada. He is best known as a member of the Administration and Executive Council of Hon. P. J. O. Chauveau as Premier, and afterwards of the Hon. G. Ouimet as Premier.
The subject of our sketch was educated at L'Assomption College, and after- wards at Laval University. He chose the legal profession, and after studying Law successfully, he was admitted to the Bar of Quebec in October, 1878. He has been Professor of Commercial and Maritime Law at Laval University since 1880. He was appointed to the Legislative Council, 5th June, 1888. He married 2 2nd September, J882, at Quebec, Delle Lizzie Leheime. He is one of the most promising lawyers and rising politicians, and will make his way in the Province of Quebec during the early part of the 2oth century.
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WM. EVANS.
THE subject of our sketch was one of the most well-known agriculturists of Lower Canada. Nearly thirty-five years ago the old gentleman, full of honors and patriotism, passed away from this busy scene, but his endeavors to elevate the standard of agri- culture in this Province and to raise the position of a farmer (the real bone and muscle pf any country, except a purely manufacturing one) still live and are observ- able, as annually, the various country and other exhibitions and cattle shows come round. Improved breeds of animals, and latest styles of agricultural implements, better barns and stables, a much improved system of planting and reaping, and many other things have all been the offspring of Mr. Evans' endeavors to promote the agricultural interests of this Province. He was for many years the Secretary of the Agricultural Society of Lower Canada. A contemporary writing of him at the time of his death, 1857, Sa7s : " ^ nas been our fortune to meet few worthier or more patriotic men than he, few more diligent in the promotion to the uttermost of his ability of the prosperity of this his adopted country." Enthusiastically devoted to agricultural pursuits, he spent over forty years as an agriculturist in Canada. He was also editor of the Agricultural Journal ^ published under the auspices of the Society of which he was Secretary. During his latter years, after retiring from the Secretaryship, he was a frequent contributor to the columns of the Journal. Almost the last words he wrote were these : " While it may be the will of God to spare me I shall persevere in the good cause of endeavoring to promote the improvement of agriculture in Canada." Even while the good old man wrote these words the vow so to speak was fulfilled. He died rather suddenly, though he had been ailing some time previously. " Full of years, enjoying the esteem of all who knew him, and sur- rounded by a large circle of tried friends, he has passed peacefully away — a man whom many loved while living, many will regret his death; one who strove faithfully to do his duty in that state of life in which it pleased God to place him."
His sons are well-known merchants of Montreal. One is in the coal and wood business ; the second died not long ago, well respected by his fellow citizens; whilst the third owns the well-known agricultural implement and seed depot opposite St. Ann's Market, and whose name to farmers in all parts of Canada is almost as familiar as his father's was of old. He is also a tried and intelligent agriculturist and seedsman.
MATTHEW HUTCH INS ON
WAS bom in Halifax County, Nova Scotia, 2Qth October, 1842. He is the grandson of a United Empire Loyalist, who emigrated there after the War of Indepen- dence in America. The family afterwards removed to Upper Canada, near Clinton. He was educated in London Grammar School and McGill College, where he attained his B.C.L. degree in 1873, being the gold medallist of the year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1874, and has ever since given all his attention to the duties of his profession. In 1879, he was appointed Associate Professor of McGill on Civil Procedure, and still retains the Chair.
254 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ALDIS BERNARD.
THE subject of this sketch was born on the banks of Lake Memphremagog, Province of Quebec — consequently Dr. Bernard is a Canadian by birth, although when quite a child he was taken to the United States. There he obtained all that could be acquired in dentistry. He practised about ten years in the Southern States, and in 1840 came North on account of his health. Previous to his leaving the South he had married a lady of Maryland. He spent a short time at Niagara and other parts of Ontario, but in 1841 came to Montreal, where he lived till his death. There were only three dentists in Montreal then, the names of whom few of the present generation have ever heard of. The three dentists were called Spooner, Logan and Scripture. In 1844, when Montreal was the seat of Government, Dr. Bernard endeavored to improve the condition of his profession by legislation, but the burning of the Parliament House with the Act containing the improved clauses put an end to his attempts at that time. He, however, persisted in his efforts, and being strongly aided by the dentists of Montreal and Quebec, finally succeeded in obtaining an Act of Incorporation which has greatly elevated the standard of ability in his profession and made it honorable and useful. He was appointed the first President under the provisions of the Act, and, having from time to time afterwards been elected by the Association, held the office. In 1844, a heavy bereavement fell upon him in the death of his wife and only child.
He was always an active member of the City and its Council. In 1858, he was elected City Councillor for the Centre Ward, and for many years represented that Ward. Among other public matters in which he took a most active part and interest, he was President of the Mechanics' Institute, one of the founders of the So- ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an honorary member and dental licentiate of Ontario, and also of the Ontario Dental Society. He was successively Chairman of the Finance Committee, of the Police, and of the new City Hall. He is the Author or the chief promoter of many of the most beneficial by-laws of Mon- treal, such as City Passenger, Sunday Liquor, Milk Inspection and Tree Planting by- laws.
On the 23rd of June, 1873, he was unanimously elected to the highest office in the city on the death of Mayor Cassidy, and next year, 1874, in opposition to five other candidates, he was again re-elected Mayor of the City. During his term of office the Mountain Park was acquired by the city, also the Dominion Square, the old Protestant Burying Ground, Quebec Gate Barracks, St. Helen's Island and Logan's Farm for public purposes. The new City Hall was begun, and many other essential and recognized improvements in the Montreal City Charter, Water Works, sanitary and other matters.
Dr. Bernard was a Harbor Commissioner, a Director of the Northern Coloniza- tion Railway, a Justice of the Peace, and one of the License Commissioners by Act of Parliament. In politics, a Liberal ; in religion, a Wesleyan. He re-married in 1851, and had a family of five sons and two daughters. He died some years ago.
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WILLIAM CRAIG BAYNES
WAS born in Quebec in 1809, and went home with his parents in 1815. He was the eldest of five sons, three of whom entered the army. He was educated for the civil service of the Honorable East India Company, to which he received his appoint- ment, and went to Heylebury College. He was a contemporary there with Sir Thomas Lawrence, the late Governor General of India. On the death of his father he gave up his appointment, and shortly after entered Trinity College, Cambridge, taking his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1836, passing through the Divinity School with a view to Ordination. In 1839, ne was summoned to take his Master's degree, but conscien- tiously declining the oath of conformity, the degree was refused. Having married in 1841 a daughter of Dr. Augustus Harvey, of Cole Park in the County of Wilts ; in 1843 he came to Canada, and settled on the lands purchased by his father in 1809, and having arrived, proceeded to Kingsey. where he farmed extensively for twelve years, and assisted materially in the introduction of improved breeds of cattle into the neighboring districts. In 1856, on the Secretaryship of the Royal Institution for Advancement of Learning being vacant, and being solicited by his friends to apply, the appointment was conferred upon him in May of that year, and he held the appointment to his death; and while ardently desiring the progress of the estate and welfare of the University, he secured at the same time a material end he had in view, viz., the education of his four sons, all of whom took their degrees in one or other of the Faculties, being trained at the High School and graduating at McGill University. He died some years ago.
The connection of this family in Canada is as far back as the early part of this century. Major General Baynes was born in the year 1771, and was trained at the Military Academy at Marlow. He was the eldest of five sons ; the four younger were all educated at Woolwich Academy, where their uncle, the late General Sir John McLeod, was Adjutant General, who married Lady Emily Kerr, daughter of the Marquis of Lothian, whose eldest son was Lieutenant Colonel of the 42nd High- landers, and fell leading the Forlorn Hope at the capture of Badajos. They entered the Royal Artillery and served in the Peninsular war; two of them were in the battle of Waterloo. Major General Baynes received his commission in 1783 ; and after serving at Gibraltar and the West Indies be became aide-de- camp to Major General Sir James Henry Craig, K.C.B., in 1784. He was with Sir James at the taking of the Cape of Good Hope in 1795, and also at the capture of a Dutch Force in Saldanna Bay in 1796, and obtained his majority in 76th Foot; he proceeded with Sir James to India, where he served through the whole of that General's active service. Here he married Anne Francis, the only child of William Cator, of the Honorable East India Company's Civil Ser- vice, who fell in the action of the Kent, East Indiaman captured by French privateers in 1800. On returning to England, in 1803, he was appointed Lieut.- Colonel of the 5th Foot, and in 1805 joined the Expedition at Portsmouth under Sir James Craig, who again wishing his services as his first aide-de-camp he was
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placed on half-pay and served with Sir James at Gibraltar, Malta, Naples and Sicily until 1806, when the Expedition returned to England. For a long time there had been a serious misunderstanding with the Cabinet at Washington, and war was considered imminent with the United States; the English Government, therefore, felt it was necessary to set the Canadas in defence. Upon the urgent solicitations of the Government, Sir James Craig, whose health was then con- siderably impaired, at that time consented to come out as the Governor General, with the nomination of the King's two appointments of Adjutant-General and Quarter Master General of British North America; to the Adjutant Generalship Colonel Baynes was appointed, and Colonel, afterwards Lieutenant General Sir James Kemp, G.C.B., to the Quarter Master Generalship. They arrived in 1807, and took active measures to carry out the end in view. One of them was the strategical road, known as the present Craig's road, that passes through the East- ern Townships, then the only communication between Quebec and that district. The expenses of this undertaking were met by the sale of lands in the townships, and the subject of this memoir purchased a considerable tract in the Township of Kingsey. On the raising of the Glengarry Fencibles, the Colonelship was given to the Adjutant General. Sir James' health failing him rapidly, he begged to be recalled, and was succeeded by Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost, Baronet. Colonel Kemp had previously returned to England and joined the Duke of Wel- lington, but the Adjutant General remained, and was actively engaged through the war of 1812: among other engagements he led the troops at the taking of Sacket's Harbor. On Sir Gordon Drummond succeeding Sir George Prevost, General Baynes, being earnestly pressed to attend the trial of Sir George Prevost, returned to England, and peace being shortly after declared his military services closed. The General died in 1829.
VICTOR HUDON
WAS born at "Riviere Ouelle " in 1812. his father being a farmer of that place. He came to Montreal at the age of twenty-five, and has ever since lived here. He early commenced his career in the grocery trade, and rapidly, by strict attention to business, acquired a large fortune. No man can better claim the name of patriot than Victor Hudon. Victor by name, he has been victorious over many difficulties, and struggled on to affluence and success. Well does a man deserve a niche in his country's history, who at the allotted term of man's life nobly began such a patriotic enterprise as Mr. Hudon did, in building the extensive mills which once bore his name in Hochelaga, and endeavoring to bring back his countrymen from the United States to work in their own land to emigrate no more to other scenes of labor.
Mr. Hudon is a Director of the Jacques Carder Bank. As a good Christian he has given no less than three sons to the Church, who are priests in the Jesuits College of St. Mary. He has always refused all positions in the City Council and in the Government of the country. And now, after many misfortunes in business, still appears, as he has ever been, victor over all.
C. S. CHERRIER, Q.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 257
C. S. CHERRIER, Q.C., LL.D.
THIS well-known citizen of Montreal was born at Repentigny, 2 2nd July, 1798. His father was poor, but the son had for his protection a man who occupied the first rank in the annals of his country, the Hon. Denis Benjamin Viger, son of Denis Viger, into whose house young Cherrier had been received.
At the time the celebrated Mr. Roque was principal of the Montreal College, the subject of our sketch was a student under him. After passing his curriculum, he entered the Law office of his patron, Hon. D. B. Viger, and, in course of time, was received as an advocate, 25th August, 1822. Mr. Cherrier entered society in company with one of the most distinguished advocates of the time, Louis Michel Viger, who is generally known by the name of Le Beau Viger. In 1827, Attorney General Stuart was beaten at Sorel by Wolfred Nelson, the Liberal candidate, and the whole power of the bureaucracy was levelled against many of the electors, who were accused of perjury. Mr. Cherrier defended them in routine, and they were all acquitted.
In the following year, Walker, of the Canadian Spectator, Duvernay of the Gazette, Samuel Nelson, and M. Lee, of Quebec, also Charles Mondelet of Three Rivers, were all arrested and brought before the Tribunals, for writing seditious libels against the administration of Lord Dalhousie. The question of the illegality of the composition of the petit jury, impannelled for the trial of Mr. Waller, was success- fully pleaded in the Court of King's Bench by Cherrier, Walker and Dominique Mondelet, and ended in the acquittal of Walker.
Mr. Cherrier was associated with Mr. L. H. Viger from 1832 to 1834; with M. Laberge from 1835 to 1841 ; with Chas. Mondelet, afterwards Judge, from 1841 to 1860 ; and also for some time with the late Sir A. A. Dorion and Wilfrid Dorion, afterwards Judge. Mr. Cherrier married, in 1833, Dame Veuve Coursol, mother of the well-known Judge, lately deceased. All the honors which the Montreal advocates, are wont to confer on their most distinguished confreres they conferred on Mr. Cherrier. He was the Batonnier of the Bar of Montreal, and the University of St. John, Fordham, New York, conferred on him the degree of LL.D., Doctor of Laws. He was decorated by Pope Pius IX., on the occasion of his great speech on the temporal power of the Papacy, a speech remarkable in every way, and which he delivered in the Notre Dame Church.
In the troublous times of 1837-38 the young advocate, with his friend D. B. Viger, were both arrested and lodged in gaol for high treason. He was amongst the very first names marked off, and among the first commitments signed by P. C. Leclere, Police Magistrate ; but, afterwards, he was allowed out on bail. On the fiftieth year of his profession a great banquet was given him in Montreal. A fine address was presented to him by his confreres and citizens. The orators that evening - were of the most distinguished ranks : Judges Monk, Mondelet, Loranger, Coursol, and Armstrong, Mr. Doherty (afterwards Judge), who was then Batonnier of the Bar,
17
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and who presided on the occasion. Hon. Mr. Dorion (afterwards Sir A. A. and Chief Justice), Mr. Lacoste (now Chief Justice), and Messrs. Hunter, Cassidy, and J, A. Chapleau. The last two made stirring speeches in reply to the " Health of the Ladies." " Le premier en sa qualite de vieux garcon actuel, 1'autre en sa qualite de futur vieux garcon deja pas mal avance."
Let me finish this short sketch of Mr. Cherrier's life in the words which I used in his sketch seventeen years ago, for the sentiments were unchanged to his death.
11 La vie de M, Cherrier offre le spectacle d'une riche nature perfectionnee par le sentiment religieux, illuminee par le flambeau de la foi. C'est grace a cette lumiere qu'il a pu marcher toujours si droit dans la voie du bien, pratiquer toutes les vertus, remplir si parfaitement tous ses devoirs envers Dieu et envers la societe,
Quoiqu'on en disc, la philosophic seule formera difficilement un honnete homme comme M, Cherrier, un homme dont la viedepuisles ardeurs de la jeunesse jusqu'aux graces de la vieillesse est un enchainement de bonnes actions, d'actes de vertu."
WILLIAM HENDERSON
WAS born at Derannanning, County Fermanagh, Ireland, ist June, 1810. He was of Scotch descent. He came to Quebec with his father, David Henderson, in June, 1820. Afterwards he was engaged in the firm of A. Jackson & Co., lumber mer- chants of that city. At the end of two years he entered into partnership with Messrs. Jackson and Me Alpine. In 1828, he went into partnership with his father, when they commenced manufacturing lumber on the St. Anne, Batiscan and Champlain Rivers, sixty miles west of Quebec. At this time he also kept a general store at Ste. Gene- vieve de Batiscan, which he continued till 1840. He was at the same time, from 1830 to 1838, the Superintendent of Allan, Gilmour & Co.'s Wolfe-Cove and Ship- ping Department, Quebec. In 1842, he came to Montreal, and started in business. In connection with the lumber and timber trade he started steam saw and planing mills and a box factory on the Lachine Canal Bank. These large mills were all burned down in 1874, but in January, 1875, were rebuilt, and are now the finest and largest saw and planing mills in the city, doing an immense amount of business during the year. In 1872, he also built steam saw mills in TAssomption for the manufacture of sawn lumber, where he had many miles of well wooded limits extending on the different rivers round about the mills. Almost all the produce of these mills was for the English and American markets, although a quantity was sent to South America. He owned several boats for shipping his lumber and timber, all of which industries gave employment to a large number of men.
Mr. Henderson was a member of the City Council from 1868 to 1871. He was a life member of the Protestant House of Industry and Refuge, and took a most active part in the welfare and support of the Montreal General Hospital and other charitable institutions.
He married, in 1835, a daughter of the late Captain Jamieson of the 4th Royal Battalion, and his sons are actively employed in the business. After a busy life he died not long ago in Montreal.
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HON. SENATOR DRUMMOND.
iCTHE Hon. Geo. A. Drummond. Senator, needs no introduction to the Canadian public. As a citizen of Montreal, as a business man, as a patron of art and a friend of all good works, he has earned and holds to-day an honored place in the ranks of the leading men of his adopted country. Mr, Drummond is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was born in the year 1829. In 1854, he came to Canada, to act in the capacity of Superintendent for the Canada Sugar Refining Company. Gifted with fine business ability, as well as energy and force of character, he rose to the position of President in the company. He has also interested himself in many other important industrial and commercial enterprises. His standing in the business world is indicated by the fact that he is Vice-President of the Bank of Montreal, and was for several years President of the Montreal Board of Trade. In whatever concerned the welfare and progress of Montreal, the Hon. Mr. Drummond has interested himself heartily and to good purpose. In addition to being the President of the Canada Sugar Refining Company he is President or Vice-President or Director in many other important companies engaged in commerce, mining or manufacture. Apart from purely business concerns he is an intelligent and discriminating patron of art, and possesses one of the finest collections *of paintings to be found in Canada. His private residence is one of the handsomest in Montreal. Mr. Drummond was called to the Senate on December ist, 1888, and the appointment was received with universal satisfaction. His high reputation, coupled with the knowledge of his wide reaching and successful business career, inspired confidence that the talents so ably exercised in personal concerns would be no less worthily and ably devoted to the general interests of the country."
GEORGE BROWNE
WAS born in Belfast, Ireland, 1811. His father, of the same name, was an architect of that city. He came to Quebec in 1830, where he resided for a number of years. During 1837-38 he held a commission in the Militia, and then took an active part. In 1840, he removed to Montreal. In 1841, he was sent to Kingston to prepare the Parliament Buildings there, and was at the same time the architect of the City Hall and Market. In 1844, he was sent by the Board of Works Department to Montreal to prepare the Parliament Buildings and other Government offices; and "Monk- lands," the residence then of the Governor General, the City Hall and the City Concert Hall were fitted up under his supervision. In 1851-52, he was employed by the Board of Works Department to proceed to Quebec to plan and superintend the alterations in the Parliament Buildings (since destroyed by fire) and Spencer Wood, the then Governor General's residence.
In 1854, he was unanimously elected to represent the Centre Ward. In 1857, he was appointed to the Commission of the Peace. Special mention may be made of the Montreal Merchants' Exchange, subsequently destroyed by fire, and the Molson Banking House, which were also designed by Mr. Browne. He died a few years ago.
260 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. JUDGE C. P. DAVIDSON
" WAS born in this Province in i843,and is the eldest son of the late Captain Alexander Davidson. The learned judge was educated at McGill University, Montreal. He graduated B.A. and B.C.L. in 1863, and received his M.A. in 1867. He was admitted to the Bar in 1864, and practised in partnership with Mr. Justice Cross of the Court of Appeals. During his career at the Bar Mr. Davidson greatly distinguished himself as an able and eloquent pleader. For several years he acted as Crown Prosecutor in this city, and was in every respect a model Crown Counsel. He was created Queen's Counsel in 1878, in which year he published a work on " The Banking Laws of Canada." He contested Montreal Centre for the Legislature in 1882 and Huntingdon for the House of Commons in 1883, but was unsuccessful on both occasions. His appointment to the Superior Court in June, 1887, was a very popular one, and it is not too much to say that Judge Davidson has fully justified the brightest prophecies of his friends. He has not only been a diligent and faithful judge, whose decisions have been It gaily found and gracefully expressed — for the learned judge is a master of English — but his conduct of trials has invariably been marked by great judicial dignity and suavity. His promptitude in deciding cases has been remarkable, though he has never sacrificed thoroughness to celerity. Since his appointment, he has presided over most of the large commercial jury trials with great acceptance. He is in the full vigor of life, and his nomination as a late Royal Commissioner was well received. Judge Davidson was Colonel of the Victoria Rifles, and for many years President of the Montreal Snowshoe Club and the Victoria Skating Club. He is an enthusiastic yachtsman, and spends his vacations at his beautiful summer home at Dorval, on Lake St. Louis."
J. T. FINNIE, M.D., L.R.C.S., EDIN.,
WAS born at Peterhead, Scotland, i4th September, 1847. Dr. Finnic was educated partly in the Parish School of his native place, and, after coming to Canada, in the High School of McGill College, Montreal, and latterly in the University. He gradua- ted as Doctor of Medicine from the latter Institution in 1869. After this, he wtnt to Edinburgh, London and Paris, walking the hospitals of these celebrated cities, and in October of that year he passed the necessary examination at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, and received from that Institution the degrees of Surgery and Midwifery. He returned to Montreal in 1879, and for the first quarter of a century has successfully practised his profession. Dr. Finnic is well known amongst various Societies, national and other kinds, and on two occasions has been elected President of the Montreal Caledonian Society. He has also been President of the Montreal Swimming Club. He is too busy to attend to Municipal or Provincial politics, though more than once offered positions both in the City Council and Legislature. If time permitted he would make a valuable addition to any party to which he would ally himself. He married gih April, 1874, Amelia, daughter of the late Chas. Healy, of Montreal, and has four children.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 261
JOHN G. DINNING
WAS born July loth, 1807, in Glasgow, Scotland. He was educated in the principal commercial school of that city. He was there a clerk in the firm of Edward Walkinshaw & Co., engaged in the Australian trade, and by them was sent to Liver- pool in 1831. A friend of his family, a Mr. Middleton, offered him a position in a house in Gibraltar, and after some time in that interesting fortress town, he was transferred to Cadiz, Spain, where he remained until the Spaniards closed the port. He then came to Canada to push a claim of Mr. Middleton against a Montreal firm of that day. After forty-two days of tempestuous struggle against wind and sea, the vessel reached New York in the spring of 1835. He came on to Montreal and met with a cordial reception from Messrs. H. & A. Allan. In 1836, the ice on the St. Lawrence, which had done great damages by " shoves " and floods, drove in the walls of Handyside's distillery on Commissioners street. The ice piled thirty feet high. At a point on Common street, not far from what is now McGill street, the ice crushed a house in which a man named White, wife and three children were killed while sitting at dinner. Mr. Dinning then commenced writing upon the flood question. The floods of 1838, 1840 and 1841 followed, and a public meeting was held and a Royal Commission of the Royal Engineers was appointed. Nothing came out of it but a report, and Mr. Dinning employed, at his own expense, the late George Wait to make surveys. In 1836, Mr. Dinning entered into a partnership with Mr. Senior, a Liverpool commission merchant, under the name of Dinning & Senior, and an extensive and lucrative trade was built up between Montreal and Liverpool, Glasgow, Hamburg and Dundee. Then came the Rebellion, and exchange on London reached thirty-eight per cent premium. Several heavy losses resulted in a closing up of the partnership. Mr. Dinning served in the Royal Montreal Cavalry, under Captain Sweeney, and was mentioned honorably for his services. Mr. Dinning' s next venture was the purchase of the Courier about 1856. With Mr. Turner as editor, he pub- lished the journal until 1862, when he sold it to the late Edmund H. Parsons, who changed the name of the paper to the Evening Telegraph, and made it a two-cent daily, which continued to be in Montreal the rampant organ of the Southern States, then fighting for states' rights. The Witness inaugurated the one-cent newspaper system, and the Telegraph died a natural death. Mr. Dinning, in 1851, was appointed Secretary of the Board of Trade, and filled the duties of Secretary of the Corn Exchange and of Secretary of the Merchants' Exchange. He resigned the position after nine years of service. Mr. Dinning held the position of Secretary of the Mer- chants' Exchange Reading Room for twenty-eight years. He was constantly at his post until stricken down with palsy. In 1882, Mr. Dinning removed to Lachine, where he resides with his family of two daughters and one son. In 1842, Mr. Dinning himself paid for the first water cart on St. Antoine street, and paid for the first posts and chains on Victoria Square in order to protect the public from accidents. Mr. Dinning's public spirit is recorded in the improvements now seen and so often advocated by him.
262 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
DAVID ROSS AND DR. GEORGE ROSS.
THE grandfather, David Ross, was a Banker of Tain, Scotland. The father, John Ross, was in the 7 8th Fraser Highlanders under Wolfe at the taking of Quebec, 1759. His brother John was Prothonotary for years of the District of Quebec, and his son, the Hon. David A. Ross, has long been connected in the Government of the Province and Quebec Institutions.
One of the very few representatives now in Montreal of this family is the well-known Physician and Professor, Dr. George Ross of McGill University. He was the son of David Ross' eldest son, Arthur. Mr. D. Ross was a prominent member of the Montreal Bar, and Attorney-General in 1820. The writer many years ago had the aid and Christian help of Mr. Arthur Ross, in visiting and helping him in his ministrations and work as Chaplain to the Gaols, and he looks back with pleasure to the days when Dr. Ross and many others of his present contemporaries were pupils under his tuition in the High School of McGill College, and remembers the pleasure experienced when Dr. Ross as a student became the Gold Medallist of the University of McGill. His career as a medical man is well known in Montreal. He has been connected with his Alma Mater for years as one of her Professors of Medicine, and he is Vice-Dean of the Faculty of that Department.
HON. JUSTICE SMITH,
JAMES SMITH was a Canadian by birth, though a Scotchman by origin. He was born in the City of Montreal, and received his education in Scotland ; although previously he had been placed with a gentleman (Rev. Mr. Doty) at Three Rivers. He re- mained in Scotland for seven years, and returned to Montreal in 1823 ; and was immediately articled as a law student, first with Mr. B. Beaubien, with whom he remained four years ; and secondly, with Mr. (afterwards the Honorable Justice) Gale, with whom he completed his time. Mr. Smith was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1830. He at once entered into partnership with an old and experienced practitioner and a King's Counsel, the late D. Fisher, Esq.
In November, 1844, he was elected for the County of Missisquoi, in the Eastern Townships, after having on the ist September previously gone into office in the Viger-Draper Administration, as Attorney General, East. Party feeling ran exceedingly high, and many offices in the Administration were unfilled, consequently the others were the more arduous and onerous to hold, especially when the Ministry had only a very small majority (about five or six) in the House. Nevertheless they held together; and Mr. Smith continued to hold office until the 22nd April, 1847, when he resigned, and was appointed a Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench of Lower Canada. Judge Smith will be best remembered in connection with the St« Albans Raiders. He died some years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 263
JOHN SLEEP HONEY.
HE was bora in Callington (Borough), County of Cornwall. His father was a master-builder. At the age of thirteen John S. Honey entered the office of a dis- tinguished lawyer, in his native Borough, as clerk, and continued in this employ- ment for four years. In the month of July, 1832, the family emigrated to Canada. Mr. John S. Honey was favored with a kind letter of introduction from Sir William Pratts Call, Baronet, to Lord Aylmer, then Governor of Lower Canada. The family were promptly conveyed from Quebec to Montreal by the Steamer " John Bull." In December following his arrival Mr. Honey had the good fortune to be engaged by the Joint Prothonotaries of the then Court of King's Bench, Messrs. Monk & Morrogh. He was first employed as Enquete Clerk, and at the end of the engage- ment, which lasted about a week, he became Clerk in the Inferior term of the Court of King's Bench, whence, after some two weeks' service, he was promoted to the permanent staff of the Court of King's Bench. In six months after his promotion he was articled for five years as a law student in the office of the Prothonotaries, who were both lawyers, and at the end of this term was duly admitted to the Bar. but as his services in the Department were considered valuable by the Prothonotaries, and his salary having been handsomely augmented, he declined to enter upon the practice of the profession. In the course of four years Mr. Honey's administrative capacity effected many important changes in the office, which continue in operation to the present period.
In 1850, the fees of the Court in Lower Canada were ordered by law to be funded. About the same period took place, under another enactment, further decen- tralization of the administration of justice, which, by establishing several Courts in new localities, so reduced the fees in all the old Districts that the Government was obliged to pay from the general revenue a large amount annually to meet deficien- cies.
In order to remedy this defect in the working of these several Courts, Mr. Honey submitted to the Government, in the year 1860, a readjustment of the Montreal Tariff of Fees of the Superior Court, which was adopted in March, 1861, and extended uniformly to all the Districts. As a result of this change, instead of a deficiency there has been always an annual surplus.
In the year 1862, Mr. Honey rendered important services to the legal profession by the publication of a Table of Fees and Disbursements payable to Attorneys and Officers of the Courts in suits at law j also, Rules of Practice of the Court of Queen's Bench; and Tariffs of Fees for Registrars, Advocates and Officers of the Courts, including schedules of taxes upon Proceedings in Courts of Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction in Lower Canada.
In the year 1844, upon the death of Mr. Morrogh, Mr. Honey was appointed Deputy Prothonotary of the Superior and Circuit Courts, and so continued till the year 1865, when upon the demise of Mr. Monk he received the appointment of Joint
264 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Prothonotary with Messrs. Coffin & Papineau. In the following year Mr. Coffin died, and was succeeded by Mr. Hubert, the firm then becoming Hubert, Papineau & Honey. Mr. Papineau retired, Mr. Hubert died, and Mr. Honey continued sole Prothonotary to his death.
SIR JOHN COPE SHERBROOKE, G.C.B.
"GENERAL SHERBROOKE, who succeeded General Sir Gordon Drummond in the government of Canada, in 1816, was a military commander of some repute, and had seen some service. He was the youngest brother of W. Sherbrooke, Esq., of Oxton, and of Colonel Cope, of Sherwood Lodge, Notts. He distinguished himself in the .taking of Seringapatam, in the East Indies, in 1797. He afterwards served on the Peninsula in the early campaign of the Duke of Wellington. Previously to his con- nection with Canada he administered the Government of Nova Scotia, as history tells us, " with much tact and dexterity."
He assumed the reins of government at a most critical period of the country, — namely, that in which the farmers of Lower Canada suffered the total loss of their wheat crop. The wise and prudent course adopted by Sir John in this instance secured for him the love and esteem of all. He took the responsibility of advancing to the relief of the farmers the sum of ^14,216 to secure them from destitution, and to assist them in laying down another crop. On the meeting of Parliament, it not only released him from the responsibility which he had taken on himself, but voted an additional sum of ^35,500 for the same purpose, and to loan to industrious and deserving farmers.
He took a bold and determined stand in the matter of Judges Sewell and Monk ; and, when advised by the Home Government to support those gentlemen, plainly advised that it would be hopeless, and strongly advised the impeachment to be tried before the Privy Council. To his resolute, manly and open conduct in this instance must be ascribed the result.
During his administration, he also effected the entrance of the Speaker of the Assembly ex-offido to a seat in the Executive Council ; and the concurrence of the Imperial Government was announced, that it accepted the Canadian Government's offer to defray the expenses of the Civil List.
Sir John governed the Province from 1816 to 1818; and on account of ill-health? but principally from dislike of the station, he requested his recall. Accordingly he left the country on the i2th of August, carrying with him the best wishes and regards of the majority of the people of Lower Canada. Prior to his departure numerous addresses were presented to him from different sections of the country, all breathing alike the warmest sentiments of goodwill and prayers for his future welfare.
He returned home, but did not leave the military service, as, in May, 1825, he was raised to the high rank of General. His death occurred on the i4th February, 1830, at Claverton, Nottinghamshire."
COL. C. HARWOOD.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 265
ROBERT UNWIN HARWOOD
*' EUSTACHE G. M. DE LOTBINIERE was the last male representative of the ancient house of Lotbiniere, having inherited from his father the Seigniories of Vaudreuil, Rigaud and Lotbiniere, with the title of Marquis. In 1793, he was made Speaker of the House of Assembly, succeeding Mr. Panet. To him is justly due that all political, civil, military or criminal affairs are transacted in either or both the English and French languages. At the close of his great speech on this question, he thus said : " Nous demandons que I'mie et 1'autre soient permises ; que nos proces-verbaux soient ecrits dans les deux langues."
He died in 1821 at Vaudreuil, and was buried in the Parish Church there. He had been twice married — first to Mile, de Tonnancour, who died leaving no children. Afterwards he married Mile. Munro, who bore him three daughters. The Marchioness died in 1834, and was buried beside her husband. The Lotbiniere family is now repre- sented alone by his three daughters. Marie L. J. de Lotbiniere married, in 1823, Robert Unwin Harwood, an English merchant and a member of the Legislative Council. The Harwood family was one of the first families in Sheffield, England. In 1822, he came to Canada to found a branch of the Sheffield business, and fixed on Montreal as the locality. After his marriage, having plenty of money and the beautiful Seigniory of Vaudreuil, which his wife had brought him as her dowry, he retired from business and resided at the Manor House of Vaudreuil, giving up all his spare time to agri- culture. He was named Legislative Councillor in 1832, and in 1838 a member of the Special Council. After having represented the County of Vaudreuil and Clark from 1858 to 1860, he was elected to represent the Division of Rigaud, which he held to his death in 1863. He had ten children. Antoine C. de L. Harwood, the eldest, was born in Montreal, 23rd April, 1825. After finishing his studies in the College of Montreal, and being called to the Bar in 1848, he became Member of the Provincial Parliament for the County of Vaudreuil for seven years, from 1863 to 1870, He married on February 4th, 1851, Mile. Margaret Angelique Lefebvre de Bellefeuille, the daughter of the Colonel of that name. His military career dates from January, 1869. Since then he was one of the most esteemed officers of the Militia, and an ornament and example to the service. The most notable speech which the gallant Colonel ever made was at the dedication and unveiling of the monument to DeSala- berry, at Chambly. All were charmed by the dignity, brilliancy and fluency which he then displayed. He had a magnificent voice, and thus often delighted those who had the pleasure of meeting him in social circles. He died in Montreal 6th August, 1891.
The other Sons are Robert Unwin Harwood, second son, who was Prefet du Comte de Vaudreuil and highly esteemed. He was born in Montreal, 27th October, 1826, and educated at St. Sulpice College ; has been a Member of Parliament. Wm. Bingham Harwood, merchant, of Montreal. Alain C. Harwood, who resides at Vaudreuil. Henri Stans. Harwood, Civil Engineer and Provincial Surveyor, who resides also at Vaudreuil, and Chas. L. Harwood.
266 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Of the four daughters, three were married, The first, Marie Louise, married de Bellefeuille McDonald, of Montreal. Marie Antoinette married Mr. Taschereau, Advocate, of Quebec, and who is now Judge of the Superior Court. Marie Henriette married Lieutenant-Colonel Panet, Advocate.
^Another daughter, the second of the House of Lotbiniere, married in 1821, as Seignioress of Rigaud, Mr. Wm. Bingham, a millionaire of Philadelphia, U.S.A. He was the son of an American Senator. His daughter was married to the celebrated Lord Ashburton, whom we Canadians have to thank that we were deprived of the territory of the State of Maine in the Ashburton Treaty between Canada and the United States in settling the Boundary Line, when he foolishly gave over that large tract of pinewood territory to the United States, and thus enabled them, as they do, to run within a few miles of Quebec.
By the marriage of this second daughter to Wm. Bingham's son there were born five children, two sons and three daughters. One of the daughters married Count Olivier Brian de Bois-Guilbert, a descendant of the famous Templar, who is spoken of in the beautiful tale of " Ivanhoe," by Sir Walter Scott. All the family reside in France.
The third daughter, Mile. Julia de Lotbiniere, married in 1830 M. Gustave Joly, and gave him the Seigniory of Lotbiniere as dowry. They had three children. The Honorable and well-known Gustave Joly is their son, whose career needs no pen of mine to describe, as his past deeds show him to be " un chevalier sans peur et sans reproche." Amelio married Mr. Savage, an English officer. Edmund was also in the English army, and was slain at the siege of Lucknow, in the Indian revolt.
The two portraits in this sketch are those of Colonel Harwood, whose death is above recorded, and Henri Stans. Harwood, M.P.P. for Vaudreuil. His son is a Doctor in Montreal. He studied at Bourget College, Rigaud, and was admitted to practice as a physician and surgeon in 1890. He married Miss Marie Masson, niece of the ex-Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, and is now in the present Cabinet of the Province without portfolio, and whose sketch is given elsewhere in this Gazetteer.
This family represents in its branches many of the best French families in the country, including a mixture both of English and American.
HON. JOSEPH MASSON.
THE subject of this sketch was born in St. Eustache, 1791. After receiving his education there and remaining for a short time in St. Eustache, Mr. Masson came to Montreal, and in 1814 entered into partnership with W. & H. Robertson, of Glas- gow, Scotland, under the title of Robertson, Masson & Co. in Montreal, and W. & H. Robertson in Glasgow.
This partnership continued until 1820, and on the death of Mr. W. Robertson Mr. Masson entered into partnership with F. A. Larocque and Struther Strang.
HENRI S. HARWOOD.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 267
.<*?.'.' •""'• «> JB^r'r/SS^A-
They opened a new house in Quebec under the name of Masson, Larocque, Strang & Co., which continued until 1832, when the two latter gentlemen retired from the firm, when it was continued by H. Robertson, the Honorable Joseph Masson, John Strang and Charles Langevin. This firm continued to 1846, when the firm in Mon- treal was styled Joseph Masson, Sons & Co. ; in Quebec, Masson, Langevin & Co.; in Glasgow, Masson, Sons & Co., which continued till the death of the founder of the firm, Honorable Joseph Masson, in 1847. After his death Wilfred A. R. Masson formed a partnership with J. B. Bruyere and Henry Hannay. Hon. J. Masson married, April, 1818, Sophie Raymond, daughter of J. B. Raymond of Laprairie, who will be ever remembered by her munificent and generous gift to the education of the country, in the building and endowing Masson College, Terrebonne, one of the finest educational establishments in Lower Canada.
The honorable gentleman died on the i5th May, 1847, an<^ was buried in the Church of Terrebonne.
HON. LOUIS FRANCOIS RODRIQUE MASSON
WAS born at Terrebonne in 1833, and was educated at the Jesuit College, George- town, and at Worcester, U.S., and completed his classical studies at St. Hyacinthe. He studied Law, and was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1859. He nrst entered public life in 1867, representing his native county in the Commons of Canada from that time up to 1882, when he was called to the Senate. He was sworn of the Privy Council as Minister of Militia and Defence in 1878, but resigned in 1880 and ac- cepted the portfolio of President of the Council, which office he was forced to give up through severe ill health to the regret of the whole country. His record as Minister of Militia stands much to his credit as a soldier and administrator. He knew the wants of the service, having served himself as a volunteer since 1862. In the Militia he has held the positions of Brigade Major, 8th Military District, from 1863 to 1868, and served on the frontier during the first Fenian raid, March, 1866, and was also on active service during the second raid the same year. He was promoted Lieutenant- Colonel, 1867. On the resignation of the late Hon. Mr. Mousseau, Premier of Quebec, he was called upon to form an administration, but was compelled to decline owing to his continued ill-health. He was next appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec in 1884, and held this office up to 1887, when his health again forced him to resign. After his temporary retirement from political life he studied Literature and published an '' Historical Sketch of the Old North- West Company," which comprised many unpublished records, letters, etc., relating to the early history of the North- West Territories. He was reappointed to the Senate in 1890. He has been twice married : first, in 1856, to Louisa Rachel, eldest daughter of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Mackenzie, who died in 1880 ; and second, in 1883, to Cecile, daughter of John H. Burroughs, of Quebec. He has been Mayor of Terrebonne, and has always been a staunch Conservative. He has again entered political life, having been appointed one of the present Cabinet at Quebec without portfolio.
268
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WOLFRED NELSON, M.D.
THIS well-known gentleman was born in Montreal on the loth July, 1792. His father was William Nelson, son of a victualling officer in the Royal Navy, as the Com- missariat of that department was then termed. His mother was a daughter of Mr. G. Dies, of Hudson River, State of New York. Being an enthusiastic loyalist, he lost all he possessed, and took refuge in Canada, where he terminated a long and respected life.
At the early age of less than fourteen years Wolfred Nelson was apprenticed to Dr. Carter, of the army medical staff, at Sorel, December, 1805. There being few medical men in Canada at that period, he was soon forced into practice, and had the drudgery of a small military hospital confided to him. In January, 1811, he was duly licensed, and established himself at St. Denis, on the Richelieu river, and soon enjoyed a flourishing practice.
When the war was declared in 1812, he volunteered his services, requesting at the same time to be the right hand man of his regiment of militia ; he was, however, forced to take the Surgeoncy, as medical men were " few and far between."
In 1827 he was solicited to contest the representation of the "Royal Borough of William Henry," against Mr. James Stuart, the Attorney-General ; and although great influence was used against him, he was elected by a majority of two, after seven days of the hardest election contest ever experienced in Canada. The Attor- ney-General instituted actions of so harassing a nature, that the House of Assembly was petitioned ; this resulted in Mr. Stuart's suspension from office. But he assumed such a fierce and determined attitude towards the then Governor, Lord Aylmer, that it led to his being deprived of his high office.
The part that the Doctor took in the troubles of '37 are sufficiently well known not to be here reproduced, suffice it to say that two thousand dollars had been offered for his arrest. He was conveyed to Montreal, and confined for seven months in the gaol. At the end of that time, having previously received his sentence, which was banishment for life, he was, with other persons connected with the rebellion, taken to Quebec, and placed on board one of Her Majesty's vessels, in order to be taken to the West Indies. When in the West Indies, the exiles received the proceedings which had taken place in the House of Lords declaring their transportation illegal ; they were allowed to depart, and reached the United States, ist November, 1838- In the United States the Doctor remained until August, 1842, when he returned to his native city, with a wife and large family, to begin the world anew, having lost all his fine property by fire. He had deeply atoned for the past ; and, by his services in preserving human life during the time when fever and cholera were raging, and when grim death was stalking and carrying off numberless victims, he endeared him- self to a great many, and became entitled to the grateful remembrance of the people of the country. In 1845, Dr. Nelson was triumphantly elected for the County of Richelieu, in opposition to the great Hon. D. B. Viger. He represented that county for two parliaments, and was a member of the House when the celebrated Rebellion
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 3 >
Losses Bill was discussed and passed. When the hard names of traitor and rebel were hurled against him, the old man rose in his place, and in a determined manner^ claimed to be heard : u Those who call me and my friends rebels," said he, u I tell them they lie in their throats ; and here and everywhere else, I hold myself respon- sible for the assertion. But, Mr. Speaker, to love my country quite as much as myself, if to be ardently attached to the British Crown and our glorious Sovereign, is to be guilty of high-treason, then I am a rebel indeed. But I tell those gentlemen to their teeth, that it is they, and such as they, who cause revolutions, who pull down thrones, trample crowns into the dust, and annihilate dynasties. It is their vile acts that madden people, and drive them to desperation. As for my own great losses, wantonly inflicted as they were, I cheerfully make no claim for them ; but I call on you to pay those whose property you destroyed in my hands ; and I am happy, for I feel that with the protection of an Almighty Providence, I may yet honorably, by my own exertions, acquit my dues, advanced as I am in years. But there are hundreds of others with less encouraging prospects before them, whose only crime was, repos- ing confidence in the man they loved and trusted; pay these unhappy men, I ask no more."
Doctor Nelson refused re-election, and devoted himself with his wonted energy to his profession, in the line of which the inspection of prisons clearly ran. He was made Inspector of Prisons in 1851, and so continued until December, 1859, when he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Prison Inspectors for the two Provinces. He was also a Justice of the Peace and Co'iimissioner for the trial of small causes — offices which he threw up in 1837. He was repeatedly elected Vice-President and Pres- ident of the Medical Board and College of Surgeons. He was appointed Chairman of a Board of Commissioners during the prevalence of the emigrant fever in 1847, on which occasion he rendered great service in preventing the spreading of that dreadful disease ; as also Chairman of the Board of Health during the time that the cholera raged in the country. He was also twice elected Mayor of the City of Montreal* His reports on prisons, etc., are well written, and contain much valuable informa- tion, He died full of years and honors, and the name of Dr. Wolfred Nelson will ever, like that of Papineau, be held in veneration by those who now enjoy that liberty and freedom for which they fought in 1837 and 1838.
JOHN SMITH
WAS a native of Athelstanford, Haddingtonshire, Scotland. He came to Canada when quite a youth. He became a successful dry goods merchant, and retired from active business in 1844, and built a fine house for himself in Alexander street, then one of the fashionable streets of Montreal. He was one of the original members of St. Andrew's Society. He was one of the nine commissioners for the management of the Clergy Reserves, and died on 2nd March, 1872. His wife survived him six years, dying i8th May, 1878. One daughter afterwards became Lady Allan, being the wife of Sir Hugh, of Ravenscrag; another the wife of his brother, Andrew; a third the wife of J. G. Bellhouse ; and the fourth the wife of Hartland M. Mac- dougall.
27O; «; GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ALEXANDER SCLATER.
FOR many years one of the most prominent figures in Montreal, and especially wherever that portion of the business community interested in shipping "most do congregate/' was the imposing form of Alexander Sclater, the late Port Warden.
Born at Saltcoats, Ayreshire, Scotland, on the i3th March, 1819. he followed a sea- faring life, and when grown to manhood commanded a merchantman, visiting during this time every portion of the globe.
He happened to be in Africa with his vessel when the Kaffir wq,r broke out, narrowly escaping being murdered by the natives. He carried to his grave the mark of an assegai which was thrown at him by one of the Kaffirs who attacked him, which he grasped, receiving a severe wound in the palm, but saving his own life by his quickness and presence of mind.
In the course of his career he saved from drowning several people, and for his various noble and humane acts of heroism was presented by the Royal Humane Society of London with a gold watch and several gold medals suitably inscribed. He came to Montreal to settle in 1858, and was appointed Port Warden in 1863, holding the office till his sudden death on May 4, 1876.
He was accorded a public funeral, the various places of business being closed, the flags being at half mast on all the shipping and the public buildings. Work was suspended, and all the public bodies in the city, including all the laborers in the Harbor, attended to show their respect for his many sterling qualities.
Captain Sclater married a daughter of the late Dr. James Grant, of Martintown, County of Glengarry, Upper Canada, a sister of Sir James Grant, M.D., of Ottawa, by whom he had ten children, seven daughters and three sons, nine of whom survived him. William and James, of the firm of Wm. Sclater & Co., are in business in this city as asbestos miners and manufacturers, and are widely and favorably known, their business having been established in 1876. Alexander is also engaged in com- mercial pursuits in the City of Montreal.
CHARLES GLACKMEYER
WAS born in Montreal on the 22nd June, 1820. He followed a complete course of studies at the Montreal College under the auspices of the Gentlemen of the Seminary of St. Sulpice. He studied Law under the late Messrs. Peltier & Bourret, and was admitted to the Bar on the loth October, 1843. Two years after, in 1845, ne entered the Corporation as Assistant City Clerk of Montreal, and on the 1 5th April, 1859, was appointed City Clerk — an office which he has continued to hold to the present day with perfect satisfaction to the various Mayors and Councils which have been since then.
Mr. Glackmeyer has rendered important service to the City on many occasions, aud his services could ill be spared to the Corporation of Montreal. He is, in his official capacity, the right man in the right place.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 27!
ALBANI— EMMA LAJEUNESSE.
THIS distinguished songstress, a credit to Canada in general, and Montreal in parti- cular, was born near Chambly some thirty-five or thirty-six years ago. Losing her mother when quite a child, she and her sisters were sent to the Convent of the Sacred Heart to be educated. Her proficiency on the organ was such that in a few years we find her in Albany, New York, directing the music and officiating as organ- ist in St. Joseph's Church and giving lessons in vocal music. The Roman Catholic Bishop seeing ihat she had extraordinary talents sent her to Europe. Finally she came to Milan, and became a pupil of the celebrated Lamperti. After studying some time with him it became necessary to make a choice of a stage name, and she chose Albani, from the city of her first love — the place that recalled home. and tender mem. ories, Albany in the State of New York. After singing in Malta she first attracted the attention of Col. Mapleson. Having heard her,he at once offered her an engage- ment in London, England. She accepted and made her debut at Covent Garden Theatre, under the direction of Mr. Gye. There she won a magnificent triumph, and ever since it has been one triumphal career. The effect of all this was, that most costly presents poured in upon her. In Berlin the Empress gave her a pair of valu- able porcelain vases from the Royal Pottery ; but better still, she was dubbed then " Hof Kammer Sangerin," a " Royal Chamber Singer." by the Emperor himself. In 1879, she was presented by the Czar of all the Russias at St. Petersburg with a magnificent set of diamond studded jewels. At the wedding of the Grand Duke Michael she sang and shared in the festivities. In Brussels, with the characteristic generosity which distinguishes her, she arranged a concert for the sufferers by the inundations and was presented with a beautiful wreath of silver. Her social position is an enviable one, and is acknowledged throughout the world. The Queen of Eng- land, in acknowledgment of her worth as a woman and greatness as an artist, has received Madame Albani at lunch, a tribute which has never yet been paid to any other artist. Her progress has been one continued triumph. She married Mr. Gye as a matter of course, he who had introduced her to future fame and name. The Queen is fond of Albani, who now possesses a fine property a few miles from Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
With the two following notices we close her past career, and hope that she may yet for years appear before the public as one of the most talented Canadians that the world ever saw : —
" In addition to Madame Albani having been commanded to sing at Windsor Castle, before the Queen, it may be mentioned as an instance of the kindness of Her Gracious Majesty to her, that when Albani was singing in Berlin last winter, 1890, the Queen telegraphed from the Isle of Wight to the Crown-Princess of Prussia, specially recommending Madame Albani to her care, and asking the Prin- cess to do all in her power to help her."
Col. De Winton tells the following : " During the visit of the Prince of Wales to this country, in 1860, in visiting the Convent of the Sacred Heart, the Lady Su- perior introduced a child of seven years old as Mile. Lajeunesse, who would sing for H.R.H., when with marvellous sweetness and power, that astonished the whole company, the future Albani sang, * God Bless the Prince of Wales.' "
272 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
LOUJS EDWARD HUBERT.
NEARLY two hundred and forty-four years ago, in the year 1648, the year in which King Charles I. of England was beheaded by his rebellious subjects, there lived in the City of Paris, in the Parish of Saint Genevieve des Ardents, in the Archbishopric of that city, Ren6 Hubert, an honorable man and of good position. He held the high appointment of Apostolic Notary and Registrar of the Officialite of Paris (one of the most remarkable and highest of all the Parisian Courts of Law). His wife was Anne Horry, a daughter of Nicholas Horry, who, when living, was also Apostolic Notary of the Parish of St. Nicholas du Chardonnel of Paris.
This couple had a son who figured in the early history of Quebec, of the same name as his father, Rene Hubert. When living, he held the responsible position of Registrar of the Provost Marshal of Quebec, receiving his commission directly from King Louis XIV. of France, and dated 20th April, 1700. He was also the Clerk of Conseil Superieur, of Quebec, by commission, from April i3th, 1703, until his death, ist September, 1725. All the papers, edicts, and ordinances of that court from i4th June, 1703, to ist November, 1705, were signed by him.
His son was Pierre Hubert, who left Quebec to reside in Montreal. He married Dame Marie Joseph Chartier de Beauce. He was a " constructeur de vaisseaux," or ship builder, doing a large business and making latterly a good competency. The subject of this sketch, Louis Edward Hubert, his son, was born in Montreal, on the 1 6th February, 1766, just seven years after the cession of Canada to Britain, and the same year in which the old Pretender to. the British throne died neglected at Rome. After passing with eclat all his studies in the Colleges of Montreal and Quebec, he married, on the 22nd November, 1796, Demoiselle Marie Cecil Cartier, only daughter of Jacques Cartier, merchant of the Parish of St. Antoine, River Richelieu, and aunt of the late Sir George E. Cartier, Baronet.
He represented the County of Richelieu in the Parliament of Lower Canada from the year 1801 to 1805, and when the War of 1812 broke out between Great Britain and the United States, he was named Captain Quartermaster of the Militia of St. Denis.
It was in 1813 that the combined movement of the American armies took place, their intention being to invade Canada at different points. One army of this move- ment was to march from the States by way of Champlain Lake and invade Montreal.. The inhabitants of Montreal District then showed their loyalty and bravery, and they offered themselves voluntarily to serve against the invaders.
The subject of this sketch holding an appointment in the Militia, with many others, responded immediately to the appeal made by the Governor, and the Camp at Laprairie was formed, among whose citizen soldiery were Joseph Cartier of St. Antoine, Col. Bourdages of St. Denis, and J. J. Girouard, notary, of St. Benoit, and an old member of the Provincial Parliament of Lower Canada.
Mr. Hubert died at St. Denis in 1843, at tne advanced age of seventy-seven. He left several children, the only one surviving being Pierre David Hubert, Doctor of Medicine. Rene Auguste Richard Hubert, late the Prothonotary of the Superior Court of the City and District of Montreal, his other son, died some years ago.
GEORGE HAGUE.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 273
GEORGE HAGUE.
MR. HAGUE, the well-known General Manager of the Merchants' Bank of Canada, is a native of Rotherham, a manufacturing town in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England (a short distance from Sheffield). He is of an old family who have been residents of the same locality for many generations, an ancestor having held a farm in the neighborhood from the Earl of Strafford, of Charles the First's time, by the curious old tenure of a peppercorn a year.
At an early age he displayed a remarkable faculty for calculation, and carried off the prize in mental arithmetic against the whole of a large boarding school when only eleven years old. In subsequent years at school he was distinguished for industry and application, and became proficient in every branch of an ordinary English education.
Leaving school, he pursued for years, in leisure hours, a course of private study in Mathematics, Logic and Languages, forming thus those habits of application, concentration and accuracy of thought which have been of signal service in subse- quent stages of his career.
His arithmetical proficiency naturally led to the choice of Banking as a profes- sion, and in 1840 he was placed as a junior in the office of the Sheffield Banking Co., which was then, and has ever since continued to be, one of the most ably managed banks in the North of England. To the thorough training received in this institution, Mr. Hague has always attributed much of his success as a banker in Canada.
After a service extending over eleven years in this bank, he made an engage- ment with a firm of railway contractors who had large enterprises on hand in Canada, and was sent out by them in the first place to New Brunswick to make an audit of their business, and afterwards to Montreal to take charge of their office. Here he remained until the death, in the year 1854, of the senior partner of the firm by shipwreck. This untoward event, taking place at the time of the outbreak of the Crimean War, compelled a suspension and final abandonment of the extensive operations in which the firm was engaged. During these years Mr. Hague obtained an experience of business and commercial life which rarely falls to a banker's lot. The contracts undertaken by this firm anticipated by some twenty-five years the lines of railway through the Ottawa Valley and along the North and South shores of the St. Lawrence, which have now become incorporated in the Canadian Pacific system.
After the winding up of the affairs of this firm, Mr. Hague decided to return to banking as a profession, and took service as Accountant with the Bank of Toronto. This was in 1856. To the small beginnings of this now prosperous Institution, Mr. Hague has referred in a lecture on " Canadian Banking " published some years ago.
After several years' experience in the Head Office of the Bank, he was placed in charge of one of the Branches in which a too enterprising style of management had resulted in a mass of undesirable business. The process of weeding and trimming was a most laborious one, but during its progress invaluable lessons were
18
274 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
learned as to the country business of a Canadian Bank, and especially of that which is doubtful and dangerous. The experience gained was a preparation for the same kind of work on a far larger scale which it fell to his lot to accomplish nearly twenty -years afterwards.
His services in this Branch were recognised by a transfer to the Head Office. Translated to a higher sphere, and having an able Board of Directors around him,. Mr. Hague developed and extended the business of the Bank on the sound principles which he had learned in England. He instituted a methodical system of loaning and discounting, of the government of branches, of inspection, and of supervision, which resulted in time in placing the Bank in the first rank of sound institutions in the Dominion.
It was during his incumbency of office in the Bank of Toronto that the Dominion Government made a strenuous effort to introduce the American system of currency into Canada. Mr. Hague was among the first to apprehend the dangerous consequences to the mercantile community and to the Banks of this measure, and took the lead in a persistent opposition to it. The difficulties were great, for the Government had a strong majority at its back, and at one time it seemed as if all hope of successful opposition would have to be abandoned. He displayed in those difficult circumstances an undaunted spirit, and succeeded in rallying the scattered forces of those who were with him in sentiment, and finally, by their assistance, in winning over so many influential members of both Houses of Parliament that the Government considered it prudent to withdraw the measure.
After the advent of Sir Francis Hincks to office as Finance Minister, various conferences of bankers were held with him, in all which Mr. Hague took part, the result being the preservation in all its essential features of a system of Bank circulation which has been of inestimable service in the growth and development of the country, and which is looked upon as a desirable model by eminent financiers in the United States.
During the whole progress of this agitation, which continued for several years^ and necessitated constant visits to the seat of Government, close watch was kept upon the business of the Bank, which continued to grow and prosper until it had reached that happy goal of all Bankers of that time, when the " Reserve Fund "was. equal to one-half of the Capital.
During these years Mr. Hague had been actively engaged in hours of leisure, and as opportunity offered, in the service of the Christian Church, and took part in various religious and philanthropic enterprises in Toronto. Some of these, which are now important and flourishing institutions, owe much of their development to his assiduous care, and this at a time when the full weight of Banking responsibilities was upon him.
So much, indeed, was his heart in such enterprises, that he concluded it to be his duty to relinquish his position in the Bank in order to devote to them his whole time and the remaining energies of his life. This resolution was carried out. On
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the 3ist December, 1876, he severed his connection with the Bank of Toronto, and with the business world generally, and entered upon the service of the Christian Church as a layman.
In less than two months, however, events transpired which led to a return to his old sphere, and to the entrance upon responsibilities even larger than any that had hitherto fallen to his lot. The times were difficult, for several years of depres- sion had already passed over Canada, and every interest had felt the effect of it. Insolvencies had been multiplying at an alarming rate, and the whole commercial and financial atmosphere was clouded. The full effect of this state of things fell with great weight upon the Merchants' Bank of Canada, an Institution which was doing an immense business in all parts of Canada, and also carrying on extensive oper- ations in New York and London, Eng. It became known that the Bank was suffer- ing severe losses, and its stock fell steadily downwards. Efforts to stem the tide proved unavailable, and at length meetings of stockholders were called to discuss the position. These resulted in a call for a change of management. Thereupon the President, Sir Hugh Allan, and the General-Manager, Mr. Jackson Rae, both resigned their positions. The Hon. John Hamilton was immediately elected President, and Mr. John McLennan, Vice-President. These, changes, however, did not prevent a drain of deposits from going on, and the Bank was rapidly drifting to the point when, a stoppage would have been inevitable. It was under these circumstances that an appeal was made to Mr. Hague to assume the general management of the Bank. The crisis was urgent. There was little time for consideration, and after such an exam- ination of the Bank's position as could be had, with assurances of support from other banks and of active co-operation from the Board of Directors, he assumed charge of the Institution about the latter end of February, 1877, removing to Montreal for the purpose. It was said at the time by one of the daily journals that it would be a tremendous task to wade through the masses of securities and bills possessed by the Bank, together with the diversified assets of many insolvent estates with which it was encumbered, but that the work must be done before the Bank could b^ put upon a proper foundation. The Board lent a zealous co-operation to the task.
The staff of the Bank worked vigorously in the same direction. The whole internal economy of the Bank was overhauled and strengthened. Unprofitable Branches were closed. Large operations in which the Bank had engaged, in connection with the first Quebec Provincial Loan, and also with the gold market of New York, were brought to a termination ; while zealous care was exercised in preserving such business as was sound and valuable. The task of reforma- tion and reconstruction proved, however, to be a far heavier one than any person had anticipated. Insolvent estates amounting in the aggregate to many millions had to be dealt with in the way of settlement, and before the Annual Meeting, in July, it became apparent that a heavy reduction of capital would be required in order to place the Bank upon a solid foundation. The necessary authority for this was granted by Parliament during the ensuing session, but many years of toil and labor
276 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
elapsed before the Bank was in a position which justified the Board in looking upon it with satisfaction. During the whole of this period an amount of labor became necessary far beyond what is customary amongst Bankers, constantly protracted to late hours of the night, and which would have proved exhausting but for those habits of persevering application of which the foundation had been laid by Mr. Hague many years before. There is also another word to be said. Those who know the subject of this memoir are aware that he is not given to obtruding religious matters in conver- sation. But they know well that he has stated repeatedly that but for strength from a Higher than any human source he must have been utterly broken down by the experience passed through during these adverse years.
The clouds, however, broke at length. In 1881, a marked improvement in trade took place, and the country began to recover prosperity. The credit of the Bank was thoroughly re-established, and Mr. Hague stated at an annual meeting of stock holders that, notwithstanding the severe process of pruning and weeding that had been necessary, the Bank had retained all the valuable business that had formerly belonged to it. The history of the Bank for the last ten years has been one of steady growth and increasing prosperity.
During the period of Mr. Hague's incumbency of the general management the whole subject of Banking has been twice brought before Parliament in connection with the renewal of the Bank charters. On the first occasion, in 1880, the question again arose of assimilating the circulation of Canadian Banks to that of the United States. The Finance Minister of the time favored this idea, but on the strong representations made by a majority of Bankers the project was again abandoned. It fell to Mr. Hague's lot, at the request of the Bankers convened in Ottawa, to present to the Finance Minister their views on this question.
In 1890, it became known that the Government were proposing considerable modi- fications in the Banking Law, and Mr. Hague took the initiative in calling a con- ference of the Bankers of the Dominion to consider the changes proposed. In the discussion that followed he naturally took part, and also in the interviews that were had with the Finance Minister and the Privy Council on the subject.
For some years back it has been customary with the general management of large banking institutions in Canada, following English precedents, to deliver an address at the Annual Meeting, reviewing not only the business of the Bank itself, but the position and prospects of the trade of the country. The addresses of Mr. Hague from year to year have been noted for their comprehensive and practical character, being eminently readable, devoid of technical and abstruse discussion, dwelling on matters of universal business interest, and have been widely read and commented upon both in Canada and the United States.
So far with regard to the practical position of Mr. Hague's banking career. He has, however, been active in the theoretical as well as in the practical sphere of Banking. His contributions to the Press on financial subjects have been carried on without intermission for more than twenty years, in the shape of leading articles
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in financial journals. His addresses to Bankers in the United States at the annual meeting of their Associations have been received with marked approval, and all of them are now in print in pamphlet form. Amongst other addresses was one delivered before the British Association for the Advancement of Science, when it met in Montreal, four years ago. Few men in Canada have written as much on banking and financial subjects, or done more to diffuse sound principles, to expose prevalent errors, and bring about honorable and wise methods of business, or to warn the community against commercial rocks and shoals, and generally to promote the per- manent prosperity of the country.
Mr. Hague has long taken a warm interest in the young men of Canada, and has been identified with the Young Men's Christian Association and other agencies for their improvement. Before this body he has delivered papers and addresses on various subjects, most of which have been printed. He has taken special pains to educate the young men who have at various times served under him in his banking career, and has had the satisfaction of seeing many of them rise to prominent positions in the banking world. He was for many years Chairman of the Congregational College of Canada, and is one of the Governors of McGill University. For mere party poli- tics he has no particular taste, but has for some time been a member of the Imperial Federation League, and has always taken a deep interest in the development of Canada as an integral portion of the British Empire.
He has lately been honored by the Privy Council of Canada in being appointed Chairman of the Royal Commission to enquire into the working of the Civil Service of the Dominion.
THOMAS STORROW BROWN
WAS born at St. Andrews, New Brunswick, on the 7th of May, 1803. His grand- father was a Boston merchant, who sacrificed his all for the Royal cause, and left that city for Halifax in 1776, when Boston was evacuated by General Gage. His grandmother was the granddaughter of John Wentworth, and niece of Sir Benning Wentworth and cousin of John Wentworth (afterwards Sir John, Governor of Nova Scotia), who in succession were the three last Royal Governors of New Hampshire. She accompanied to New Brunswick a son-in-law, Captain Thomas Storrow, of the British Army. On the approach of war with the United States in 1811, when friends on the opposite side of the River St. Croix were to become enemies, Mr. Brown retired as far as possible from the frontier to Woodstock in the State of Vermont. From this place, his son, the subject of this sketch, in May, 1818, then fifteen years old, came friendless and alone to Montreal, to enter the hardware store of Mr. J. T. Barrett. In 1825, he commenced the hardware business on his own account, and in a few years had one of the largest establishments of this trade in the city, which he gave up in 1835, devoting himself to public matters and land speculations. In 1832, he was one of the principal organizers of the Vindicator newspaper, and
278 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
soon became a public writer. He was the most active promoter of the Charter of the City Bank, which commenced business in 1833, and soon after equally active in organizing the Banque du Peuple, of which he was one of the first directors. In the summer of 1834, the law for the protection of emigrants had expired, and there was no office or provision for them in Montreal. Suddenly the cholera broke out, creat- ing universal panic ; the city being without funds, applied to Lord Aylmer, then Governor General, for an advance, but was refused ; the Mayor called a meeting of the citizens, and in this way related his position, when Mr. Brown moved and carried a resolution naming himself and four other citizens, Felix Souligne, Toussaint Peltier, James Duncan Gibb, and Francois Desautels, as a committee, to do all things need- ful. These gentlemen at once assumed full authority, and with their own funds established Cholera Hospitals and shelter for emigrants, furnished provisions to all in need, forwarded daily to their destination all who were in health, paying the passage of all who had come destitute. Mr. Brown devoted every morning to attendance ,in the hospital, and the afternoon to forwarding emigrants. In all public agitation up to the fall of 1837, Mr- Brown, being in daily communication with Mr. Papineau and other leaders of his party, was among the most active and ubiquitous in writing and public speaking. He wrote a series of letters, signed L. M. JV., to the New York Express, on the affairs of Canada. When the Sons of Liberty were organized in August, he was chosen General of that body. On the sixth of November, when returning home alone after their last meeting, he was assailed by a body of the opposite party, and nearly beaten to death, losing the sight of his right eye, which he never recovered.
The injuries thus sustained confined him to his home till the i6th November, when hearing that a warrant for high treason was issued against him he went down to Point aux Trembles, from which, after passing a day in bed on an island, he crossed to Varennes. When at supper there he was jeined by Alphonse Gouvin and Rodolph Desrivieres, two chiefs of the Sons of Liberty, who, by accident, arrived at the same time. These three determined to establish a Military camp at St. Charles. Riding over night they accomplished this the following morning. Mr. Brown being too weak for action, his two associates completed the preparations. .The people of the village and county, supposing that a general rising had commenced, came to the camp in great numbers, and such as had arms of any kind, to the number of about two hundred, remained.
Trees were felled to form defensive works, but as there was not time to throw up earthworks it was merely a log fence, nor were there officers or military organizations. At the same time Dr. Wolfred Nelson had collected a number of armed men at St. Denis, for the defence of that place. When news reached Montreal of these doings, Col. Gore was sent with a force against St. Denis, by way of Sorel, .and Col. Wetherall to St. Charles, with a brigade of infantry, two pieces of field artil- lery and a small body of cavalry. Resting a day at St. Hilaire, and the roads being good and weather fine, on the 25th November he marched rapidly to St, Charles,
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 279.
using the ordinary military stratagem in an open level country of setting fire to a few barns as he approached. The great columns of smoke .and flame, bursting up from them produced its usual terror, and the country people came flocking before him. In the midst of this Mr. Brown was thrown to the frozen ground from his horse, with a shock that in ordinary times would have knocked him senseless, but mounting again he endeavored to restore what order he could.
In the camp were less than a hundred men who made a heroic stand, but the firing of Colonel Wetherall's musketry and guns soon scattered all, except about thirty, who were killed, and whose names have been carefully antf religiously pre- served. All order being ended, and Mr. Brown finding himself only one among the many, proceeded about nightfall to St. Denis, where he joined Ur. VVolfred Nelson, and after returning for a day to St. Charles, remained with him for a week. On the 2nd of December, they left with four companions for the States. Getting separated, all were captured except Mr. Brown, who, by passing through the woods, and lodging in barns, reached the United States, on the 9th of December, after many romantic adventures, having been obliged to sustain life on raw peas, etc. He now found that $2,000 had been offered for his apprehension. Subsequently he was by a decree of Lord Durham declared guilty of high treason, to be punished accordingly, if found in Her Majesty's dominions. Taking no part in the border disturbances he went to Florida in 1838, being occupied while there with public questions. In the spring of 1844, hearing that a Nolle Prosequi had been entered in his case in Montreal, by the Attorney General of Canada, Mr. Lafontaine, for what reason he never knew, he returned to this city, welcomed by his old acquaintances of all parties as one who had merely returned from a journey.
Finding his land operations, after six years' neglect, all in ruin, he returned to the hardware trade, in which he continued until 1862, when he was appointed by the Macdonald-Dorion Government Chairman of a Commission to inquire into the posi- tion of the Public Departments, and their manner of keeping accounts. In 1864, he was the first named official assignee under the Insolvent Act of that year. Mr. Brown was married in 1829 to Miss Jane Hughes, who died in 1833, leaving one daughter. He was again married in 1860 to Mrs. Hestor Livingstone, of St. Augustine, Florida. His connection with the Board of Trade has been from its earliest day. He has held a high social position as a man of honor and cultivation, his connection with the press as an independent and popular writer on all social questions has been continual, and he has been prominent in all matters connected with Temperance Reform. When looking back on his long eventful life, and especially to 1837, Mr. Brown saw what he and his compatriots fought and -bled for. We have now the blessings of Constitutional Government and a free, loyal and prosperous commu- nity, thanks to him and the Fils de la Liberte of 1837.
280 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
EDMUND BARNARD, Q.C.,
WAS born at Three Rivers, on 23rd January, 1831. He is a son of Edward Barnard, for many years Prothonotary of Three Rivers, whose family was originally from Yorkshire, England, settled at an early day in the history of the Colonies, at Deer- field, Mass., and immigrated thence into Canada. Mr. Barnard received his education in the Colleges of St. Hyacinthe, Nicolet and Montreal, and took his degrees of B.A. and M.A. at St. John's College, Fordham, N.Y. He studied Law in the office of Judge Polette, in Three Rivers ; also with Sir John Rose and the late Mr. Justice Monk, of the Court of Appeals, and was admitted to the Bar on the 23rd of October, 1853. Mr. Barnard is known as one of the most studious, painstaking and successful lawyers in Montreal. He has made a specialty of certain branches, such as real estate, French law, municipal law, and law of banks and corporations, he having a very extensive clientele in those several departments. He often visits England to attend to Canadian cases before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. A fellow member of the Montreal Bar gives Mr. Barnard credit for having a very keen perception of the old French law — second to that of no other lawyer in the province, for being a very indefatigable worker in preparing his cases, and for being a fluent and strong Advocate, equally good in the French and English languages. In 1858, Mr. Barnard was married to Ellen King, daughter of the Hon. C. L. Austin, Recorder of the City of Albany, N.Y. His son is associated with him in his office.
REV. J. U. LECLERC
WAS bom at Isle Bazarre, August 7th, 1836. He is the son of Francis Lech re, farmer, and Josephte Demers, his wife. While still a youth, his parents determined to dedicate their son to the service of the Church, and with this object in view his education was properly attended to. He took, first, a Classical course at Montreal College, after studying Philosophy at St. Mary's College, Montreal, and St. Michael's College, Toronto. He next went to Sandwich College, as Professor, in 1858, but soon resigned this position to enter on a course of study in Theology at the Grand Seminary at Montreal, being ordained Priest in June, 1862. His first clerical charge was at Vaudreuil, where he was Curate for two years. In 1865, he left Vaudreuil, having been appointed Chaplain of the Reformatory Prison at St. Vincent de Paul. In 1873, he was appointed Chaplain to the great Penitentiary there, and for the ten years following he filled that very important post with great acceptability to the officers of the institution, who were deeply struck with the Chaplain's piety, and the zeal with which he ministered to the spiritual wants of the many unfortunate outcasts from society who were confined within its walls. In 1883, Father Leclerc was transferred to the important parish of St. Joseph's, Richmond street, Montreal, where he has since ministered. He is also Pastor of St. Anthony's Parish, for the English-speaking classes of St. Joseph's and St. Cunegonde, by whom he is much beloved. About four years ago he visited Manitoba, and was much impressed with the richness of the country, and the immense resources of the Northwest Territories. He has also twice visited the Maritime Provinces, and has thus a good knowledge of the topography of the Dominion from personal observation.
CLEOPHAS
. M,P.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 281
CLEOPHAS BEAUSOLEIL, M.P.,
WAS born iQth June, 1845, at St. Felix de Valois, County of Joliette. Fourth son of Joseph Beausoleil and of Rose Ducharme. He was educated at the Academy of Berthier and at Joliette College. He came to Montreal in August, 1864, and studied Law at the office of Messrs. Belanger & Desnoyers, now judges. In 1866, his love of politics induced him to enter journalism. He wrote first for E Ordre, then for EEvenement. In 1868, he became one of the editors of Le Nouveau Monde under Mr. Joseph Royal, now Lieutenant-Governor of the North West, and chief editor in 1870, a position he occupied until 1873, when he established Le Bien Public in co- partnership with Mr. L. O. David . His career as a political writer was one of the brightest. In 1875, Mr. Beausoleil left politics and was appointed Official Assignee, in which office he obtained the confidence of the trade and acquired quite a com- petency. In 1880, Mr. Beausoleil resumed his legal studies, and was admitted to the Bar, July, 1880. Six months later he entered into partnership with Hon. Honore Mercier, Premier of the Province of Quebec, and the firm still exists under the name of Mercier, Beausoleil, Choquet & Martineau. In 1882, Mr. Beausoleil contested St. James Ward for the Municipal Council against Alderman Louis Allard, and was elected by 221 votes of a majority after one of the bitterest contests on record. He was re-elected by acclamation in 1885, and resigned in 1888. His principal works in the Council were the repeal of the Abattoir Monopoly, the repeal of the Statute Labor Tax and the annexation of Hochelaga and St. Jean Baptiste Wards, thus giving the control of the city to the French element. In 1867, Mr. Beausoleil was elected to the House of Commons for the County of Berthier, defeating the late member, Mr. Robillard, by a majority of 231. He was re-elected in March, 1871^ defeating Mr. Victor Allard by 157 votes. Mr. Beausoleil has taken a prominent part in some very important debates, such as the Reciprocity, Dual Language and Beet- root Sugar debates. Mr. Beausoleil speaks as he writes, with knowledge of the subject, clearness of expression, going straight to the point and bringing all the arguments in the most lucid manner. Mr. Beausoleil is a National-Liberal, devoted to his Church, to his country and to his party. He is one of the most trusted Lieutenants of Hon. Wilfred Laurier. He has once more (Feb., 1892) been elected by acclamation as one of the Aldermen of the City of Montreal.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. MICHAEL PATRICK RYAN.
THE subject of this sketch was born at Palis, in the County of Tipperary, one of the finest and most delightful counties of the many such in Ireland, on the 2Qth Sep- tember, 1824. He is the third son of William and Mary Ryan. He received his education there, and at an early date came to Montreal and commenced business. He married, in 1850, Margaret, eldest daughter of the late Patrick Brennan, Esq., of this city. Mr. Ryan was at one time one of the most extensive merchants in Mon- real in his own line, which was that of produce, and ranked amongst the merchant, princes of the great Canadian Metropolis. He has been most active in the welfare and prosperity of his adopted city. He was Vice-President of the Artisans' Mutual Building Society, and a Director of the Metropolitan Bank, of which the well-known Honorable Henry Starnes was at one time the Manager. He was also a Director of the Northern Colonization Railway, and is the President of the Local Directors of the Confederation Life Association. He is also a Justice of the Peace for the District and City of Montreal. Whilst he was a member of the Corn Exchange Association he had the high honor of three times being elected to serve as the President. He was a Harbor Commissioner from August, 1873, to August, 1874.
In 1868, Canada lost her noblest adopted child, Thomas D'Arcy McGee. The -election that preceded that Statesman's last return to Parliament had been conducted with a bitterness unprecedented in the annals of electioneering warfare. The passion of the multitude had not subsided when the tragic event occurred that sent poor McGee to an untimely end. Many of the Protestant population, with whom he was a great favorite, registered a vow that no Irish Catholic should be his successor. The moment was a trying one. Had the tacit understanding as to the representation of Montreal in the House of Parliament been then broken through, it is impossible to say what might have been the result politically ; but in any case it must have proved disastrous to the interests of the Irish Catholics. Meeting after meeting was held to bring forward a candidate ; the names of many prominent citizens were mentioned ; but the Protestant section refused to hear of any unless Mr. M. P. Ryan, who had most emphatically refused to offer himself, should be the candidate. No doubt those who desired to see the Irish people deprived of their representation, never dreamt that Mr. Ryan would consent to sacrifice his business, involving hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, for the profitless task to him of sitting in Parliament, and the late Mr. Morland, a gentleman of high standing, was ready in the background to step forward, with the whole support of the Government, to snatch the coveted prize. Mr. Ryan's patriotism had nowto.stand a severe test. His fellow-countrymen, those who had, with himself, followed the fortunes of the late lamented McGee, and those who had fought hardest on the other side, were clustered around him, and, responsive to the solicitations of clergy and laity, he consented to accept the candidature that he in no way desired, and which, whilst it preserved the seat to his fellow-countrymen and co-religionists, was destined to be one of the causes of the great commercial misfortunes that overtook him later on. Thus, however, was finally settled the question of Irish-Catholic representation in the City of Montreal, and so effectually
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 283
that no political party, without counting inevitable defeat, can afford to trample upon that acknowledged right. Mr. Ryan was, therefore, elected by acclamation in 1 868, .and again in 1872. In the memorable campaign of 1874,. the late Mr. Devlin opposed Mr. Ryan, but was defeated by 383 votes. On a subsequent occasion, the seat having been declared vacant, Mr. Devlin succeeded in carrying the election by a majority of 73; but, at the General Election following (1878). Mr. Ryan defeated Mr. Devlin by the sweeping majority of 802.
In Parliament, Mr. Ryan occupied positions on most of the important com- mittees of the House. He seldom spoke except on questions affecting the interests of the people he more especially represented, and on subjects affecting the fiscal policy of the country, when he commanded universal attention and respect. His devotion to his party was well known, but it had never led him so far as to swerve for one moment from the strict path of duty. On the New Brunswick school question? in the exciting, and bitter controversy on the Manitoban difficulty, in a word, on every occasion where manly independence was necessary, Mr. Ryan showed that by voice and vote he was prepared to stand by the good cause, let the consequences to Government or political parties be what they might. During his long and useful career, Mr. Ryan connected himself with many organizations for the moral and social improvement of his people, but with none more actively than the St. Patrick's Temperance Society, of which he was President for several years. Many is the weak and erring man his kind word has comforted, and his noble example strengthened in his resolve to turn over a new leaf, and adhere to that total abstinence which has effected so much good everywhere, but in no instance more markedly than amongst the Irish people.
In 1882, Mr. Ryan retired from public life to take the position of Collector of Customs at the Port of Montreal, and was succeeded by the present member, J. J.
Curran, M.P.
JOSEPH BRUNET
WAS born at St. Vincent de Paul, 26th November, 1835. .His father was also of the same name and of that village. The family went to Laprairie when Mr. Brunet was thirteen years old, and after four years he came to Montreal and was apprenticed to a large building firm. At the age of twenty-one he began business on his own account, and by strict assiduity and correct management of his affairs, has acquired the position he now holds. In February, £871, he was elected as Councillor for the St. Louis Ward, and since that date for some years he continued to represent the Ward, being for two years elected as Alderman.
He is one of the Directors of the Metropolitan Building Society, also of the St. James', also the Canada, and of the Magog Association for giving cheap and healthy residences in the country to those who are members of the Society. His place of businesses on Mignonne street. He was elected to the Local Provincial Legislature for Montreal last General Elections, and is now awaiting the result of March 8th next — what the General Elections caused by the dismissal of the Mercier Government will bring forth.
284 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
THOMAS FORTIN, LL. L.
HE was born in St. Francois, Beauce, yth December, 1853, consequently he is thirty-nine years of age. He was educated first at the elementary school of the locality up to the age of twelve, then went away to the State of Minnesota for two years, after which he tried farming, and then travelled in the Eastern States for a couple of years. After this he was apprenticed to a blacksmith for six months. Afterwards he really worked by the day on the Quebec Central Railway, near Sher- brooke, for some time in 1872, so determined was he to get the means to prosecute his further studies. From there he went to the Military School of Quebec, where the usual certificate was obtained. It was when he was in Quebec attending the Military School that he met some friends who thought he could do something else than travel about and work by the day. With the assistance of his parents, and with the few dollars earned by the pick and shovel, he attended Mr. W. Thorn's Com- mercial Academy for one year. He then entered the employ of Fyfe & Garneau, dry goods store, as bookkeeper, and was there and elsewhere until the i5th November, 1876, when he came to Montreal in search of a better situation. Through the pro- tection and recommendation of a friend in Quebec, he entered as bookkeeper in the Canadian Rubber Co., and remained until March, 1879. Whilst there, he met friends who were taking night lessons from the late L'Abbe Chandonnet, one of the best teachers ever known in Canada. He joined the class of L'Abbe Chandonnet in January, 1878, and in January, 1879, was admitted to the study of Law without oral examination, and with much congratulations from examiners on his proficiency and advancement. He then entered the office of the Hon. J. E. Robidoux, in March, 1879, as a student, and followed the Law course at Laval, Montreal. He graduated there in Law, in June, 1881, obtaining the degree of LL. L., Summa cum laude, the highest degree obtainable, at the end of the course. He was admitted to practice in January, 1882, also coming out first from the examinations, and entered into partner- ship with Mr. Robidoux. He married in May, 1882, Miss Amanda Fortier, daughter of Antoine Fortier, Esq., N.P., of Ste. Scholastique. In 1885, he removed his residence to St. Rose, where he still lives, partly on account of poor health. Chosen as a candidate in 1888 to oppose Mr. Leblanc in a bye-election for Laval, he was defeated. He met with the same experience in 1890 in the General Elections. By request, he replaced Mr. Robidoux as Professor of Civil Law at McGill during the Session of 1888-89 ; was appointed Assistant Professor of Law in said institution* and given the Course of Professor Lareau in 1889—90. At the reorganization of the Faculty of Law, in 1890, after the munificent endowment of Mr. McDonald, he was appointed Professor of Civil Procedure and Municipal Law, which position he still holds. He dissolved partnership with Mr. Robidoux, when the latter entered the Provincial Government as Provincial Secretary, and is now practising alone.
In the List of our Biographies I don't think there is one single example which should arrest the attention of the youth, not only of Montreal, but the Province at
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
285
large, such as that of Thomas Fortin, now one of the Professors of Law in the University of McGill. It is a grand incentive to all our young men nil desperandum, for through every amount of difficulty, trouble and opposition, if a young man will only set himself in a determined manner to succeed, he will in the end accomplish his desire. A good, honest, religious and healthy life, moral and physical, will always succeed in the end. Let all remember the old Roman adage : " Labor omnia vincit."
RENE AUGUSTE RICHARD HUBERT
WAS the son of Louis Edward Hubert, merchant of St. Denis, River Richelieu, and of Dame Marie Cecil Cartier, aunt of the late Sir George E. Cartier, Baronet, and was born on the 5th of June, 1811.
When he had made with distinction all the classes of his course of study in the College of St. Hyacinthe, at twenty-five years of age, he was admitted on the i6th April, 1836, to the Bar of Lower Canada. Among his classmates maybe mentioned the Bishop of St. Hyacinthe, Hon. Judge Sicotte and Pierre David Hubert, M.D., his brother. He studied in the offices of the late Louis Michel Viger, Esq., and in that of the well-known C. S. Cherrier, Esq.
Choosing Montreal for the exercise of his profession, for the long period of thirty years he always had a large number of rich and lucrative clients as a reward for his assiduity to his profession, his talents and great integrity. No man deserved a better position than R. A. R. Hubert. In after years, his sterling qualities were well known and his honest purpose appreciated by those in power.
He married, on the 26th December, 1833, in the Parish of Pointe aux Trembles, Dlle. Hermine Viger, the daughter of the late Joseph Viger, Esq., and of Therese Archambault of that place.
Just thirty years after his admission to practice as an advocate he was named Prothonotary, nth January, 1866, and occupied this important position and difficult situation to his death, to the entire satisfaction of the Bench, the Bar and the public.
A new Bank had been established in Montreal and received the name of the patron saint of Canada, the St. Jean Baptiste Bank. The subject of this sketch was the Provisional President of the new enterprise.
A sale which Mr. Hubert made at Cote St. Paul, near Montreal, showed the advance of property in this city at that time. The farm consisted of ninety-six arpents extent, and cost the small sum of $4.800 in the year 1866, and was sold to a company of capitalists for the fabulous price of $280,000.
Let us now go back to 1837. A. year after his admission to the Bar he was engaged in the troubles of that year, and was present on the i4th December at the battle of St. Eustache with the late Dr. Chenier, slain in the fight ; J. H. Peltier, Esq. advocate, then his co-partner ; J. Chevalier de Lorimier, who was one of the victims of the troubles of 1838. St. Eustache is pleasantly situated on the north branch
286 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
of the Ottawa river or the Riviere du Chene. The malcontents were strongly entrenched in the church which was set on fire, as was also the presbytere and about sixty of the principal houses in the village. Nearly 200 fell victims to their folly from the fire and charges of the troops, or they were suffocated in the flames -of the buildings destroyed. Mr. Hubert was exposed to the fire of the 32nd Regiment and a battalion of volunteers on the north side when he was riding on horseback on the south side of the Petite Riviere du Chene, having had a ball pass through his hat, and he would certainly have been killed, exposed as he was to the fire of more than 800 guns, if the balls had been better directed, but for the most part they lodged in the sides of the houses opposite to the Royal Regiment. On the 6th January, 1838, he was taken prisoner with his brother, Francois Xavier Hubert, N.P., of St. Denis, at St. Antoine, River Richelieu, and thrown into the Montreal gaol, where were then confined the late Sheriff Leblanc, the late Dr. Wolfred Nelson and many others. He remained in gaol for some months, till Lord Durham, converting his mission into one of peace, on the occasion of the coronation of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, caused the gaols of Canada, now crowded with political offenders, to be emptied — many being released on giving security for future good behavior. Mr. Hubert gave recognizances of $10,000 that he would not " trouble the peace again for five years." More than fifty years have passed since the subject of this sketch gave these bonds, a new generation has arisen, Mr. Hubert and all his old companions have passed away, but what he and the other " Fils de la Liberte " fought and bled for, this generation and their children have now obtained, viz., responsible government and the election of its members by the people themselves.
Very few have such an unblemished escutcheon and genealogical register as Mr. Hubert, and very few can tell, especially in a new country, of the position and occu- pation of his great-great-grandfather.
CARDINAL AND DUQUETTE.
WE will give the closing scenes of the life of these two Patriots, the first of the twelve who were hanged above the gate of the present Gaol. All these memoirs are taken from my " HISTORY OF THE MONTREAL PRISON."
" Cardinal and Duquette were at the head of the Patriots who went to the village of Caughnawaga to possess themselves of the Indians' weapons, when they were arrested on the 4th November, and on the 28th with Lepailleur condemned to die. The last named escaped the gallows, and was transported to Australia, but afterwards returned to Montreal, where he died not long ago.
On the 20th December, from his cell in the Montreal Prison, Cardinal wrote, amongst other things, these words to his wife : Demain, a Pheure ou je t'ecris, mon ame sera devant son Createur et son Juge. Je ne crains pas ce moment redoutable. Je suis muni de Unites les consolations de la religion. Oh Dieu, ayez pitie de moi, de
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ma fern me et de mes enfants, je vous les recommande, veillez sur eux, servez leur d'epoux et de pere, et ne tardez pas de les reunir tons avec moi dans votre saint paradis.' And yet such is the height to which party feeling will be carried during times like those of which we are now writing that The Montreal Herald, of date November iQth, 1838, thus says : ' We have just seen the new gallows made by Mr- Bronsdon, and we believe that it is to be set up facing the prison, so that the incarcerated rebels may .enjoy a sight that doubtless will not fail to assure to them sound sleep and agreeable dreams ! Six or seven of them can be strung up at once, without difficulty on the new gibbet, but a yet greater number at a pinch would it accommodate.'
Great efforts were made to save Cardinal, and his wife sent a most touching letter to Lady Colborne. It was of no avail. The last scene of bidding adieu between him and his family was heart-rending as the Historian of this period, Mr. L. O: David, justly says in his late interesting work from which the Author here acknowledges to have gained, as from former works of his, a great deal of information : ' Quand 1'heure fatale de la separation sonna a 1'horloge de la prison, quandils se donnerent dans un long sanglot le baiser de 1'eternel adieu, ils etaient plus morts que vivants.'
At last the fatal day arrived. It was a gloomy, cold, cheerless morning. The sun was as it were ashamed to shine; massive clouds floated like funeral trappings- all over Montreal. Nine o'clock arrived. The procession wended its way from the condemned cell on to the scaffold. The friends of the prisoners and others recited the De profundis. One great cry arose from the assembled thousands round the walls and gate. The trap fell and Cardinal was launched into eternity.
Joseph Duquette had a more tragic end. He was quite a boy, not yet twenty- one years of age. Everything possible was done to mitigate his sentence. Even the Indians of Caughnawaga, regretting their haste arresting Cardinal and Duquette, sent a beautiful petition to Sir John Colborne, but in vain, he suffered the same day as Cardinal. One of those horrible spectacles sometimes seen at executions happened to him. The cord was badly adjusted round his throat and became disarranged. They saw the body of the unfortunate young man swinging from right to left and strike violently the wood work of the scaffold. Some one called out ' pardon, pardon,' but this was of no use. The executioner hardly knowing what to do,, seizing the cord, brought back the body upon the scaffold and at last all was over.
On the 2oth December, 1838, L. F. Drummond, afterwards the well-known Judge Drummond, sent a most pathetic letter to His Excellency Sir John Colborne, to arrest the execution of Cardinal and Duquette, stating therein that they had been illegally condemned, and proving the facts by declaring their actions during the uprising. Besides the last named was not a major in the eye of the law, as Duquette was not twenty-one years of age. But all seems to have been in vain as they both suffered execution."
288 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ROBERT, HAMELIN, DECOIGNE, A. SANGUINET AND CHARLES SANGUINET.
<{ THE prisoners Robert, Hamelin and the two Sanguinets were accused of having taken part in the expedition against La Tortue and the death of the unfortunate Walker, and for this they suffered death. On the i8th January, these four with Decoigne, also condemned to suffer death, marched with steady tread from their cells to the scaffold, where they were hanged in a row.
J. J. Robert was the leader of a band of insurgents who, on the 3rd November, endeavored to disarm the Loyalists at St. Philippe, St. Constant and Laprairie, and had besieged the house of Mr. Walker. He was a farmer of St. Philippe. His position and character and age were sufficient to make him a leader among the patriots of his parish. He had long been an admirer of Papineau, and was one of the first who had remitted to the Authorities his Commission as a Captain of Militia. On the morning of his execution he consoled his companions in the condemned cell, and prayed both for them and for his country. Efforts was made for a respite of his sentence by his friends on account of his age, but in vain.
F. X. Hamelin was a Lieutenant in the company of which Robert was Captain. He had taken an active part in the attack of Mr. Walker's house, when Walker was killed. Hamelin was quite a boy, not more than eighteen years of age, and as in the case of Duquette, strenuous efforts were made to save him on account of his youth, but all in vain. Frightened at first with the fear of death, he afterwards maintained a calm demeanor during all the fearful preparations, and having received the last rites of the Church, and pitied by everyone, he bravely died, as he firmly believed, in the discharge of his duty and for his country.
The two Sanguinets were brothers, and belonged to one of the oldest and most respectable families in the country. Their father was the proprietor of the Seigniory of Lasalle in the County of Laprairie. The father lost all by law. The sons had been active ever against the Government, and by their energy, the unfor- tunate Cardinal had been returned as Member for their County. Both were married now and highly esteemed by their fellow citizens. The one was called Ambrose, and was thirty-eight years old when he suffered; the other, Charles, was thirty-six. They were both in the company of Robert, one as Captain, the other as Lieutenant.
Decoigne was a notary of Napierville, married, and twenty four years of age. He was condemned on account of being one of the chiefs in the camp of the Patriots at Napierville. Expecting to escape, as the proof against him was feeble, he received the news on the i2th January to prepare to die on the i8th with calm resignation, and on that day he expired as the others, fortified by the rites of his Church, and the feel- ing that what he had done was for his country."
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NARBONNE, NICOLAS, DAUNAIS, HINDELANG AND DELORIMIER,
"AT their execution, i5th February, 1839, another of those disgusting spectacles hap- pened as in the case of poor Duquette. When the rope was placed round the throat of Narbonne, and the execution about to take place, on account of one of his arms having nearly been cut off when a child, and the executioner having neglected sufficiently to secure the other, the poor soul, when the trap fell (his arms becoming loose) seized the cord and suspended himself both by his maimed and whole arms. Twice they had to let go their hold and twice Narbonne seized the cord. At last after this bungling and sad spectacle, death kindly came and terminated his sufferings.
At the same time was executed a Quebecer named Nicolas. After the battle of Odeltown, he was taken prisoner, when he had wandered nearly half-starved and frozen, into a miserable cottage, and sent under a strong escort to the Gaol of Montreal. Having been condemned, he was executed with the other four on the i5th February, 1839.
On the 1 8th January, when he arrived at the prison of Montreal, he passed under the gallows where a few hours before the five unfortunates and his friends, Decoigne, Robert, the two Sanguinets and Hamelin had been executed. One of the guards then said to him : ' Look at the ropes, one of them is waiting for you/ Nicolas quickly replied: 'I will die as I have lived, a Patriot.' Only eight hours elapsed from the arrest of Nicolas till he was court-martialed and condemned to death. He, on the i5th February, mounted with his companions the steps of the scaffold with a firm tread, and when on the platform spoke to the crowd, the substance of which has been much debated about ever since. Some say he expressed regret at the part he had taken in the rebellion, whilst others say, according to all trustworthy accounts his last words were the following : — ' Je ne regrette qu'une chose, c'est de mourir avant d'avoir vu mon pays libre ; mais la Providence finira par en avoir pitie, car il n'y a pas un pays plus mal gouverne dans le monde.'
Daunais was only twenty years of age, and in the last hours of his life was calm arid silent, and endured without a murmur, and died without a struggle.
Charles Hindelang was the only Protestant among the twelve who suffered death, during these times, by execution at the Montreal Gaol. He was not a French Canadian, but came from Paris. Originally Swiss, and for a long time residing in the Capital of France. After the affair of Odeltown, Hindelang was taken prisoner and thrown into the Montreal Gaol, and on the 24th January condemned to be hanged, but he was not executed for three weeks afterwards, as he was one of the five hanged 1 5th February.
We find, the evening before their execution, the five prisoners obtained permis- sion to give a banquet to their other unfortunate compatriots confined in the Gaol. Hardly any one ate much, for their hearts were overcharged with sorrow, and it was, indeed, a sad and melancholy scene. After supper, DeLorimier said these words :—
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* Ma patrie, puisse-t-elle ne jamais oublier que nous sommes morts pour elle sur l'e"chafaud ! Nous avons vecu en patriotes et nous mourrons en patriotes ! A bas les tyrans ! Leur regne acheve.'
Hindelang also spoke, and in the course of an eloquent harangue he burst out and said: — ' Oh, France, cherie, tu as regu mon premier soupir ; ton fils qui va mourir demain sur une terre etrangere t'aime toujours.' On the morning of the i5th February, as he was busy writing what he would say on the scaffold, at eight o'clock the officials entered his cell and told him that the hour had come for his execution. ' Oui,' replied he, 'je suis prSt, accomplissez votre ceuvre infame.' When he left his cell, he saw his friend DeLorimier, who called to him : — ' Courage, my friend, the end draws near,' — when Hindelang replied : — ' Death is nothing for a French- man.'
The prisoners then bade adieu to all their comrades and companions, and with firm steps marched on to the scaffold. DeLorimier leading the double band, followed immediately after by Hindelang, then Nicolas and Narbonne, and last the youthful Daunais.
A great crowd lined all the streets and avenues leading to the Gaol. Whilst very many wept, others positively laughed at the awful spectacle.
Arrived on the scaffold, when all was ready, Hindelang addressed the crowd in these words : — ' Sur cet echafaud, eleve par des mains anglaises, je declare que je meurs avec la conviction d'avoir rempli mon devoir. La sentence qui m'a con- damne' est injuste, mais je pardonne volontiers a ceux qui Pont rendue. La cause pour laquelle je meurs est noble et grande, j'en suis fier et ne crains pas de mourir. Le sang verse pour elle sera rachete par le sang. Puissent les coupables en porter la responsabilite ! Canadiens en vous disant adieu, je vous legue la devise de la France : " Vive la liberte ! " '
Having pronounced these words with a loud and firm voice, he was launched into eternity. His body, it is believed was buried in the Military Burying Ground on the Papineau road. Hindelang was escorted to the scaffold by the late Rev. John Bethune, D.D., his spiritual adviser, who remained till the last.
DeLorimier was the last of the five executed this day. He was a native of Montreal, his family a noble one, and one that remained in Canada when it became a British Province. After Napierville, he was arrested and brought to the Montreal Gaol on foot, where he was tried by Court Martial, and condemned to be hanged. This sentence was carried out on the fatal i5th February. When he was about to go to the scaffold, he gave Prieur a lock of his hair, that was contained in a letjter, which read thus :
PRISON DE MONTREAL, 15 Fevrier 1839. CHER PRIEUR,
Vous me demandez un mot pour souvenir. Cher ami, que voulez-vous que je vous derive, je pars pour 1'echafaud. Soyez courageux, et je meurs votre ami. Adieu.
CHEVALIER DELORIMIER.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 29!
At a quarter to nine o'clock, DeLorimier parted with Hindelang, in the presence of the gaoler, military officers and several soldiers, he saying to the execu- tioner : ' I am ready.' He mounted the scaffold with a firm step, and when Hinde- lang had finished his address with the words * Vive la liberte,' he nodded his head, in approval of the sentiments, and almost immediately after, the sign was given, and the trap fell, and the five unfortunates were launched into eternity.
A letter written to his wife, at seven o'clock of the morning of the day of his execution was found on his heart, after he was cut down, full of love and heroic sentiments, the last paragraph of which is given as a sample of the whole : — " Sois done heureuse, ma chere et pauvre femme, ainsi que mes chers petits enfants, c'est le vceu le plus ardent de mon ame. Adieu ma tendre femme, encore une fois adieu ; vis et sois heureuse.
Ton malheureux mari,
CHEVALIER DELORIMIER.
I cannot close this imperfect sketch of the last sufferer on tne scaffold for 1837- 38 without just stating that, within the past year or two, Colborne avenue, next the Gaol, has had its name changed to DeLorimier avenue, after the Chevalier DeLorimier. Sir John Colborne is often spoken about, especially at St. Eustache, after the disas- trous engagement ; perhaps our fellow French citizens had this in view when they changed the name of the avenue.
A beautiful monument has been erected in the Roman Catholic Cemetery of Cote des Neiges to their memory, and to the lasting praise of our French Roman Catholic fellow countrymen, Hindelang's name is as conspicuous (although a Swiss and a Protestant) as any of the others. On the four sides of the splendid column's pedestal are engraved mementoes of this melancholy epoch, recording also the names of C. O. Perrault, who figured then, an Advocate and Member of Parliament, and J. O, Chenier, a Physician, who fell at St. Eustache.
The oration on the occasion of the inauguration of the monument was pronounced by the late worthy Chief Justice, Sir (then the Honorable) A. A. Dorion, and speeches were also delivered by Mr. Wilfred Dorion and Mr. Hector Fabre. Thus rest till the Great Day of final judgment these twelve Patriots of 1837-38. Let the prayer be softly said over them, Requiescat in Pace, and let us all ever bear in mind the saying of one of the eminent Latin writers, Horace, ' Dulce est mori pro pat rid'
I will close with an account of what took place exactly forty-four years after DeLorimier had written those beautiful words in his last letter to his wife, the night before he was hanged, and when he penned : ' O mes compatriotes, je vous confie mes enfants. Je meurs pour la cause de mon pays, de votre pays, ne souffrez done pas que ceux que je suis oblige de quitter souffrent de la pauvrete apres ma mort,'
And how, though tardily, this was done was seen when an article appeared in 1883, m La Tribune, of Montreal, making public that the widow and two daughters
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of DeLorimier were living in poverty and want at the beautiful village of L'Assomp- tion, about twenty-four miles from Montreal. The effect was electrical, and stirred up the heart of the French community to the very core, and under the presidency of Mr. L. O. David, Mr. Louis Frechette, the poet, being vice-president, and the late Mayor H. Beaugrand, as secretary, subscriptions were soon raised, and a trip taken to the village, where an address and a large purse of money were given to Madame DeLorimier. Among the chief promoters, besides the above three gentle- men, were MM. Archambault, Saint-Pierre, Deseve, Madame Saint-Pierre and Mile. Peltier."
SKETCHES OF CANADIAN PATRIOTS.
I WILL give, on the side of the Constitutionalists, a series of short sketches as they appeared in * The United Service Journal ' of 1838. Among the sketches from this writer of 1838, it will be seen that he speaks most kindly of several of the Patriots, but makes an egregious blunder in causing Dr. Wolfred Nelson to die in the Mon- treal Gaol. The article is given as originally printed : —
" Louis JOSEPH PAPINEAU is the son of Joseph Papineau, a Notary in Montreal, who is still living, although ninety years of age. He has ever been denominated by the Canadians as ' Father of the Patriots,' but not a patriot either in the spirit or. sense in which it is now applied to his son. This aged individual has never been, the enemy of Great Britain, neither was he opposed to the Government at a period when it was generally believed by the Canadians to be the intention of England to make innovations on the institutions and privileges guaranteed to them at the con* quest of the country. Yet, naturally jealous and fearful of such consequences, he was induced to take the chair at a large public meeting held on the Champ de Mars, against the then projected Union of the Upper and Lower Provinces, at which a petition was voted to the Sovereign, and afterwards signed by eighty thousand Canadians, expatiating on the blessings they enjoyed under the Constitution as it then stood, and still stands, and praying that it might remain unaltered.
Such was the spirit of the aged parent of the rebel Papineau. We have been .induced cursorily to mention him, merely to show that the revolutionary opinions of the son were not inculcated from early jyouth, but merely the outbreakings of a discontented mind, embittered by events and disasters of his own seeking. On the contrary, we have reason to believe that the aged Papineau earnestly endeavored to check the rebellious principles exhibited by the son in all his actions for several years past, being fully convinced that he was guided and governed in all his extra.- vagant and rebellious designs far more from vanity and ambition than from any con- viction that his patriotism, so called, could lead to the welfare of his country, or that he had the means or ability of carrying his measures into effect.
The individual we have here alluded to is about forty-nine years of age, and of mild and courteous manners, which have no similarity with his opinions or appear-
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ance. In height he is about five feet eight, and inclining to embonpoint. His features, which are prominent, have something of the Jewish cast, which is much added to by his dark hair and eyebrows, which are thick and arched, giving much fire to the eye. He is undoubtedly a man of much information, and in society his conver- sational powers are most fascinating. It cannot but be deplored that an individual so gifted should be led by motives of ambition to seek his own ruin, instead of employing his talents for the benefit of his fellow men.
The Commander-in-Chief of Louis Papineau's rebel army is named BROWN, who appears, if we may judge of his speedy abandonment of the forces under his com- mand, to have as much mistaken his calling as the cause which has joined him with the great Canadian chief. This individual, denominated General Brown, is an American, but very unlike the American portion of the Montreal community, who, it is but justice to say, have always been as true to the cause of Great Britain as the most loyal of her subjects, which, by-the-by, is another argument to the prejudice of Mr. Papineau.
General Brown is a miserable squalid-looking person, of short stature and con- temptible appearance ; his countenance being stamped with an expression of dis- content, meanness, and indecision of character in mind— in fact, by his own country- men he would be termed a ' crooked cretur.' Not long before the rebellion he .became a bankrupt ironmonger, and thus having nothing to lose, but everything to gain, he placed himself at the head of the factious army. In this capacity, how- ever, he proved himself unworthy the confidence of the poor deluded victims whom he and his leader Papineau had seduced into their service.
A character not less conspicuous is Doctor WOLFRED NELSON. His person was handsome and manly ; in height about six feet ; and his disposition was far more determined, courageous and active than any of his brother traitors ; and had he been well supported, he would have proved a dangerous and powerful enemy. This individual was the son of an Englishman of high respectability, who formerly kept a school at Sorel. He married early a Canadienne, and settling at St. Charles, the hot- bed of democracy in that section of the country, and being possessed of talent, intel- ligence, and energy, he was sought out, flattered, and caressed, until at length falling into the snare, he became the tool of the factious party, until, hurried on step by step, he fell a victim to ultra-liberal opinions, and having had leisure to brood over his follies and disappointed ambition as an inmate of the prison at Montreal, died within its walls, a sacrifice to the cowardice and ill-advice of his flatterers, and his own weakness.
Doctor O'CALLAGHAN may rank next amongst the list of factious heroes. This gentleman is the ci-devant editor of Louis Papineau's gazette, mis-termed ' The Irish Vindicator,' and the coadjutor of the traitor chief in every thing that was vile and miserable. He was first known in Canada as the apothecary at the Montreal
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Hospital, which place he left for Quebec — being at that period an Ultra-Tory in every sense of the word. Having persecuted the then Governor, Lord Aylmer. with constant applications for lucrative employment, without success, he forsook his old calling. Dissatisfied and inconsistent, he offered himself as an agent for Canadian agitation, and ultimately succeeded in being appointed by Mr. Papineau editor of ' The Irish Vindicator,' in which situation he catered fully for the seditious tastes of his employer. His advance was afterwards as rapid as his fall. Rewarded for his democratic scribbling by a seat in Parliament, he there made himself conspicuous by taking a part prominently and diametrically opposite to that with which he had hitherto sided. He then proceeded with his patron to the action of St. Charles, from whence he accompanied him to his secret hiding-place in the United States, and neither the one nor the other have since been heard of.
Doctor COATES, of L'Acadie, another prominent rebel, the chief of that district, is a man of about thirty-five years of age, and a member of the Provincial Parliament. He is, however, a man of little ability, and still less personal courage, strength of mind, or fitness to head any party whatever, but is a fit associate for those with whom he has connected himself.
Another far more talented individual is Mr. SHORE MILNE BOUCHETTE. He is the son of the Surveyor-General, and a young man of not more than twenty-five years of age, of courteous and distinguished manners and address. If it may be termed dis- tinguishing himself in such a cause, he did so ; for he fought bravely at Missisquoi Bay, and was taken after being severely wounded, and his unhappy fate may be ter- minated before his career had well begun. He is now in the Prison of Montreal, and is to be regretted that one so promising should have been betrayed into his present difficulties under promises of great preferment and reward.
GIROUARD is well known from his height, which is above six feet. He is also of dark complexion, with jet-black hair and eyes. This leader is by profession a notary, and has always been known as a thorough Revolutionist at heart. Since his discom- fiture at Grand Brule he has been taken by Mr. Simpson, the Collector of Customs at Coteau du Lac, who is stepfather to Mr. Roebuck, although entirely differing from him in political opinions.
M. DUMOUCHEL, of St. Benoit, or Grand Brule, is also one of the principal promoters of the Rebellion, which is the more to be regretted as he can boast of more than sixty years of age, many of which he has passed in the bosom of his family, and surrounded by the most peaceful peasantry in the world. He has also been rich in fortune and prosperity, both of which have hitherto been deserved as amassed by his own labors and honest exertions. Alas ! that his overwrought Republican opinions should, at the close of a long life, have led him to commit those offences against the law of his country which must terminate in his own ruin and the sacri- fice of his valuable property.
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GIROD, frequently confounded with and mistaken for Girouard, was a Swiss. He went to Canada about six years ago as an adventurer, thrust himself upon the notice of the Government as having imported into the province a new system of agriculture peculiarly adapted to the Canadian farmer, and requesting assistance to carry his plan into effect ; but not meeting with the encouragement he anticipated, he conceived he might turn his talents to more advantage by joining the rebels ; and being unsuccessful with them at Grand Brule, he retreated to Pointe aux Trembles where he put an end to his republican schemes and adventures by blowing out his brains.
The British settlers in this part of the Montreal district had, from the commence" ment of the revolt, been so persecuted and annoyed by the Canadians, nay, even driven from their homes, and that during the most inclement season of the year, that it is not surprising when they found themselves in a position to retaliate, they should have inflicted on the inhabitants of St. Eustache and Grand "Brule that severe degree of retributive vengeance which they experienced from the hands of the loyal- ists, but which the Queen's troops (to whom have been falsely attributed those acts of severity) endeavored, with their wonted forbearance, to prevent. True it is that the small force under the orders of Colonel Wetherall, at the battle of St. Charles on the Chambly River, were directed by that gallant officer to follow up their successes •by those decisive and rigorous measures which dictated the necessity of destroying the property of the principal traitors in that quarter ; but when we consider the very critical situation of that brave and little band, surrounded as they then were by an extensive disaffected population marching upon them from all sides, no alternative remained but to employ such measures as should frighten the traitors from their rebellious purpose, which, to persons unacquainted with the true state of that part of the country, may have appeared harsh and uncalled for, yet, upon dispassionate reflection, must be deemed most merciful and salutary, resulting, as they did, in staying the progress of the rebellion, and thereby preventing that effusion of human blood which must unavoidably have ensued had the warfare been protracted, and the deluded habitants not have retired to their homes as they did, and that very rapidly, on learning the fate of their misguided compatriots ; besides which, it has been posi- tively ascertained that, had the expedition under Colonel Wetherall failed, the revo- lution would then have been complete, as the entire Canadian people, flushed with the check the troops under Colonel Gore experienced from the Patriot force at St. Denis, were only waiting a similar result at St. Charles to rise en masse.
There are now about 270 prisoners in the Montreal Prison under a charge of high treason, among whom are some persons of respectable standing in society, but who have long been among the most active partisans of the great rebel Papineau, and are now implicated as concerned in the councils of that plot which was to destroy the connection now subsisting between Canada and Great Britain. The most influ- ential person of this party is Mr. Louis Michel Viger, commonly called ' Beau Viger,' from possessing a very handsome and prepossessing person and mien. He
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'is about fifty years of age, a lawyer by profession, a member of the Provincial Par- liament, and brother of the Hon. Denis V. Viger, well known at the Colonial Office *as a Canadian Ambassador, and to be remembered by those Ministers whom he has not failed to fatigue with his favorite theme of Canadian grievances. The said Mr. Louis Michel Viger was president of a recently established institution in Montreal styled 'La Banque du Peuple,' whose notes were peculiarly stamped on blue paper, and inscribed in the French language, for the purpose, as it was stated, of causing a ready circulation of money among the habitants, who, prior to the forma- tion of this institution, refused paper-money of any description. But subsequent events have caused it to be suspected that the projectors of this bank had a deeper scheme in view, as it is now supposed to have been originated for the purpose of according facilities to the rebel army ; and Mr. Louis Michel Viger stands now com- mitted, charged with having made large advances and otherwise assisted the rebel cause. There is also in company with him, in the same prison, Mr. Come Cherrier, a lawyer of eminence, and member also of the Provincial Parliament, a young man of promising abilities, but who, unfortunately for himself, has employed them in the cause of sedition and rebellion, for which he is now under confinement. It is, how- ever, believed, that he had been betrayed into this error by the natural bias of attach- ment to his uncle, Papineau. But among the extensive group of accused rebels there is one, who was arrested at Quebec at the commencement of the revolution, more specious, artful and dangerous than any of them. This person, who has con- trived to get admitted to bail, is Mr. Arthur Norbert Morin, the last missionary of the Canadian faction to the British Government, whose evidence before a committee of the House of Commons on Canadian affairs has recently appeared in some of the leading public journals of the Metropolis, and who, prior to his mission, had the dar- ing audacity to appear before the Governor of Canada, with the other members of the House of Assembly, decorated with a tricolor riband, which was a clear indica- tion of the revolutionary principles he then entertained, and of his hostile feelings towards Great Britain. The period must, however, shortly arrive when these parties will all be heard in defence of the crimes for which they stand accused, when they will have awarded to them that justice which they severally merit."
J. I,. ARCHAMBAUI/T, Q.C.
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JOSEPH LOUIS ARCHAMBAULT, Q.C.,
WAS born at Varennes, igth June, 1849. His father was J. N. A. Archambault, Notary Public, of Varennes, who had for years been a member and president of the Provincial Board of Notaries, Quebec. His mother, Dame Aurelie Mongeau, of Vercheres, from her ancestors, is one of the most ancient families established in this Province. He was educated in the College of St. Hyacinthe, where he obtained great success. He was then a student in the law office of Cartier, Pominville & Betournay, in Montreal. Took his degree of B.C.L. at McGill University, 3ist March, 1871, and was admitted to the Bar of Quebec, nth July, 1871, at twenty-two years of age. He married Ernestine, eldest daughter of the late Senator Rolland, of the Electoral Division of Mille Isles.
Soon after his admission to the Bar he went into a partnership with the Hon. J. A. Chapleau, now Minister of Customs in the Dominion Government, and the late Hon. J. A. Mousseau, late Prime Minister of Quebec, andJ.S.C. of this Province. At the appointment of the late Hon. Mr. Mousseau to the Bench, Mr. Archambault formed a new partnership with the Hon. W. W. Lynch, late Commissioner of the Crown Lands Department, Quebec, and now a Judge of the Superior Court, and G, H. Bergeron, M.P., the present Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons fQ^. Canada, and P. B. Mignault, advocate, a former student in his office.
The career of Mr. Archambault as a legal member of the Bar has been one marked with continuous success and great devotion to the interests of his profession. From his first start in his profession he has been entrusted with very important cases in all the Courts of this Province and the Dominion, and even in the Privy Council in England, whither he had been twice called to argue two important cases. He was appointed a Q.C. by the Dominion Government on the i8th February, 1887, before leaving on his second trip to England for professional business before the Privy Council. This was a well-deserved reward, and a compliment paid to his legal attainments and ability. He has always stood one of the most foremost refor- mators of his profession, and interested himself in all the good and efficient work of the legislation dealing with the Bar of the Province. He was appointed a member of the Council of the Bar in 1889.
Mr. Archambault has the reputation of being fully versed in the history and literature of his country. His contributions to the literature of Canada are scattered in a great many pamphlets and periodicals. One of the most important of his works is a legal study on the vexed question of the Laval University and School of Medicine difficulty.
Mr. Archambault never entered into politics. A staunch Conservative, he always took an active part in the political struggles of his party. At three different times when the Cartier Club was the only political Conservative Association of the Province, he has been unanimously appointed its President.
Mr. Archambault is of very amiable disposition. His turn of mind and char-
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acter bring to him men of all classes of society and of all political shades. He is yet in the prime of life, and if circumstances permit he will be a marked man in the future, whether in the pursuit of a public career or in the higher ranks of his pro- fession. Mr. Archambault has lately been appointed Crown Prosecutor for the Dis- trict of Montreal.
WILLIAM WORKMAN.
PERHAPS no man deserves a public place in our Biographical Sketches better than Wm. Workman. He was one of our most prominent citizens for the long period of nearly fifty years. Mr. Workman was born near Belfast, North of Ireland, and came to Canada about the year 1829, previously having spent three years of service with the Royal Engineers on the Irish Survey. He was a young promising man when he made his debut in Montreal as assistant editor of the Courant. His elder brother, Dr. B. Workman, now of Toronto, was associated with him. Abandoning journalism, he entered into the large establishment of Frothingham & Co., where he soon commanded so much confidence and esteem that, shortly after his entrance, he was admitted partner, and the name of the firm was then changed to what it is still styled to this day, " Frothingham & Workman." This firm has always been the largest establishment in the hardware business in Canada, and its name is " familiar as household words " throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion, Hon. Senator Murphy being now the head of the firm. Mr. Workman retired from the firm in 1859, having made an ample fortune. In 1849, ne vvas elected President of the City Bank, and continued for some years to hold this responsible office, when he resigned. He was the founder of the City and District Savings Bank. He was the first President of the Bank, and held the office for six consecutive years. He received from the Bank officials a grand epergne and service of solid silver plate. He was a Liberal in politics, and a strong supporter of the Lafontaine-Baldwin party. Having these views, Mr. Workman was often brought into close relations with the French Canadians of this party, and the Author can personally testify to the unfailing expressions of respect and esteem entertained by many leaders of the Liberal party towards him. In 1868, Mr. Workman was elected to the high and honorable position of Mayor of Montreal, and for the next two years following he was re-elected by acclamation. During his term of office his house was always open, as his generous hospitality was always profusely dispensed to all strangers who visited Montreal, During the office of Mayoralty, Mr. Workman was twice honored with a public banquet in which all classes of the community joined. On the occasion of the second, and on his retirement from the office of Mayor, he was presented as a gift from the citizens with a magnificent diamond ring which cost $1,000, and two costly pieces of solid silver plate, accompanied by a most flattering address, signed on behalf of the citizens and Corporation by a committee composed of the most wealthy and influen- tial citizens of Montreal. The following names of the Committee show trie-esteem in which Mr. Workman was held by, every shade of political opinion : C. J. Coursol,
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Mayor; William Molson, L. H. Holton, M.P., M. P. Ryan, M.P., Louis Beaubien, M.P.P., E. P. Pominville, J. A. Berthelot, S. Sup. C.T. ; Stanley Bigg, C. A. Leblancv Champion Brown, Henry Judah, Olivier Berthelet, Hon. J. J. C. Abbott, M.P., Hon. Henry Starnes, M.L.C., C. S. Cherrier, A. M. Delisle. P. S. Murphy, H. Cotte, A. Bernard, L. J. Beliveau, and Duncan McDonald. During the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Arthur to Montreal, Mr. Workman, as Mayor, received him when he landed, and was the recipient of many thanks from the Royal party during their sojourn in this city. For some years before his death, Mr. Workman had been gradually retiring into private life. Death had thinned his family, and he felt that during the remaining term of his allotted career, having done his duty to this, his adopted country, he might now retire from the battle of life and let the mantle of his intelligence, energy and success fall upon the shoulders of some other rising men. He died a few years ago. His gifts to the Protestant poor of Montreal in the Work- man Wing of the Country House of Refuge will never be forgotten.
DR. BLAKE.
THIS name often appears in the garrison and criminal records of the City of Montreal. Dr. Charles Blake was a retired Army Surgeon. He came from Ireland. After leaving the army he practised in Montreal. In one of the first murder cases ever recorded, we find his name in the Judge's sentence. This is the first record in the annals of the Court of King's Bench of a murder case in Montreal. The Judges present were Hon. Chief Justice Monk, Mr. Justice Panet and Mr. Justice Davidson. It reads thus : — Dominus Rex vs. Ignace Vaillancourt. A jury of twelve French Canadians was empannelled, and the Attorney-General opened the case and examined the witnesses. After the return of the jury into Court by their foreman, Antoine Desloriers, the prisoner is declared guilty, and the Court pronounced the following sentence : " That the prisoner be taken from hence to the Common Gaol of the District from whence he came, and from thence, the day after to-morrow, that is to say, on the ninth day of March instant, to the common place of execution, and that he then and there be hanged by the neck till he be dead, and that his body immediately afterwards be delivered to Charles Blake, Esq., of Montreal, Surgeon, to be dissected and anatomized."
We again find his name in a petition to be appointed " Surgeon to the Garrison at Montreal." In 1774 or 1775 he received the appointment, as we find his name recorded afterwards as such. One of his daughters married the well-known late Judge Aylwin, and his widow, in 1814, married Major B. A. Panet, another well- known name. He was rather a prominent man in his day. I find he was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1795, and was one of a Commission of Doctors to report on a curious disease which had broken out in 1782, called, " Mai Anglois Lustacun, or Sibbins" This disease was since widely known by the name of " St. Paul Bay Disease" Dr. Blake, like most of his countrymen, was a ready wit, and it is said that he dictated this inscription to be placed on his tomb, " The Last of the Blakes."
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STANLEY CLARK BAGG, J.P.
DURING the latter part of the last century one of the members of this family, who had married a daughter of the old English house of Stanley, came to settle in America, and was the paternal grandfather of the subject of the present memoir.
The ancient family of Bagg can claim descent from the distinguished race of Normans, or Norsemen, and the first ancestor of whom any authentic record is pre- served came over from the icebound shores of Sweden in the time of Hardicanute, about A.D. 1040, and settled in England, where a branch of the family still exists.
The coat of arms of the Bagg family of Plymouth was granted in 1607. Shield : Paley and bendy of six counter-charged ar. and gu. on a chef or ; three cinque foils az. Crest : a cinque-foil az., between two wings endorsed the dexter gu., the other ar. The motto " Remember" is an expression under which great mysteries were supposed to be concealed, it being the last word uttered by King Charles, the martyr, in 1649.
Stanley Clark Bagg was born in Montreal, A.D. 1820. He received his educa- tion at some of the principal city academies, and at McGill College. In 1842, he was admitted to the notarial profession ; but, after practising successfully for some years, was induced to relinquish it, as he wished to give his personal supervision to the management of his estates, being at the time (after the seigneurs of St. Sulpice) the largest landed proprietor on the island of Montreal, having inherited his exten- sive properties in that city, as well as a freehold estate in England, from his grand- father, the late John Clark. In 1844, Mr. Bagg married the eldest daughter of the late Robert Mitcheson, of Monteith House, Philadelphia, a native of Durham, England.
As early as the Rebellion of 1838, Mr. Bagg's ever thorough loyalty to the Crown was evinced, when he volunteered as Ensign, and was at St. Eustache, subsequently rising in the service to the rank of a Captain of Cavalry.
He was also an honorary member of the Montreal Field Battery of Artillery and the Hochelaga Light Infantry; but in 1859, by his own request, was placed on the unattached list with a view to future service in the Active force.
He was appointed one of Her Majesty's Justices for Montreal in 1859, and for a time performed judicial duties. In January, 1865, a large deputation, consisting of seven representatives from each ward in the city, waited on him to solicit his acceptance of the position of Mayor, which he declined. He also invariably refused to participate in politics, or to accept a seat in Parliament ; but took great interest in the Benevolent, Literary, and Scientific Societies of Montreal, having being one of the founders of the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society, in which he continued to take great interest until the time of his death, and of which he was President.
When the publication of the journal was first suggested, he entered most heartily into the project, and was unanimously placed upon the editorial staff; and a more pleasant and genial companion in editorial labors could not have been selected.
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The local press was largely indebted to his pen, and many of our readers are acquainted with Mr. Bagg's Numismatic and Archaeological Treatises ; but we can- not refrain from giving the titles of some of his most able productions, which have all been warmly noticed by the press of England and America: i. " Notes on Coins,"* 2. " Coins and Medals as aids to the Study and Verification of Holy Writ" 3^ '*' A Chronological Numismatic Compendium of the Twelve Ccesars, etc." 4. " Archczologia Americana." 5. " Canadian Archceology" 6. " Tadousac" 7. " The Antiquities and Legends of Durham" He was also one of the founders and the first President of the English Workingmen's Benefit Society, which has been of incalculable value to the families of the hundreds of members who were induced to join through his instrumentality and patronage. In addition to the societies just named, Mr. Bagg belonged to other literary, scientific,, national, religious, and charitable associations, being Life Governor of the Protestant House of Industry and Refuge, Vice-President of the Montreal Dispensary, and a Life Member of the following Societies : The Cathedral Young Men's Christian Association, the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the Numismatic Societies of London and' Philadelphia, the Natural History Society of Montreal, the Horticultural and Agricultural Society, the Mechanics' Institute, and a Corresponding Member of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, U. S.
Surrounded by all the members of his family, except his only son, who was absent in Europe, and by clergy and friends, he died on the 8th of August, 1873, at his residence, Fairmount Villa, Sherbrooke Street. The funeral was attended by a very large number of citizens.
We are glad to append here what is recorded of Mr. Bagg in the " Histoire de la Litterature Canadienne," printed in 1874 : " M. Bagg a rendu, comme on le yoit, de grands services a la science en Canada. Les connaissances geologiques de notre sol ne font que commencer a percer ; c'est une etude neuve encore pour nous. Nous ne pouvons que gagner en etudiant des couches de notre terrain et la composition de nos terres.
" Les travaux de Logan, Dawson, Hunt, Billings, Bagg, et de quelques autres encore, ont deblaye en partie la route, mais le champ qui nous est ouvert est encore vaste et spacieux; entrons y courageusement, et bientot la geologic et 1'archeologie seront en Canada sur le mdme pied que 1'histoire."
ANDREW ROBERTSON
Was a Scotchman by birth, having been born in Paisley, Scotland, on the i8th June, 1827. He was the eldest and only son of the late Alexander Robertson,, of Paisley, by his first wife, Grant Stuart Macdonald. Mr. Robertson received his education at the Paisley Grammar School, going through the usual curriculum of English, Latin and Greek. Shortly after leaving school, like the majority of Scotch boys, he learned a trade, that of weaving. He went, in 1840, to Glasgow to push his fortune. Here lie served for four years in a dry goods store, and then took a position in a manufac-
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turer's establishment. In this new position he worked hard, and having gained the confidence of his employers, he was four years afterwards, in 1848, admitted a partner in the business. A few years later on, his health having given way, he was admonished by his medical adviser to leave Glasgow, and try the effects of either the climate of Australia or Canada on his enfeebled constitution. He decided on the latter country, and along with his wife and two sons came to Montreal in 1853. Shortly after his arrival he went into the dry goods business, and soon became one of the leading men in the trade, as senior partner in the firm of Robertsons, Linton & Co., of that city. Business having succeeded. Mi. Robertson was enabled to retire from it in 1885, and afterwards enjoyed other and perhaps more congenial pursuits. Being a public- spirited gentleman, he never shirked his lesponsibilities as a citizen. In 1868 and 1869, he accepted the position of President of St. Andrew's Society of Montreal; in 1876, he was President of the Dominion Board of Trade ; in 1876 and 1877, ne was President of the Montreal Board of Trade ; was the first President of the Dominion Travellers' Association ; was the President of the Royal Canadian Insurance Company since 1876 ; and President of the Bell Telephone Company of Canada since its organization in 1880. In 1872, Mr. Robertson became one of the Governors of the Montreal General Hospital, and since that period has filled the offices of Treasurer, Vice-Presklent, and President. In 1879, ne vvas elected Chairman of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for Montreal, and he occupied that position to his death. He also took an interest in military affairs, and in 1861, during the ll Trent " excitement, he was First Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the Montreal Light Infantry Company. Mr. Robertson was an adherent of the Presbyterian Church; and as for politics, we think he would rather act the part of the Good Samaritan than indulge in political discussions. He was married on the igth April, 1850, to Agnes, youngest daughter of the late Alexander Bow, of Glasgow, and died a few years ago.
DENNIS BARRY, B.C.L.,
TAKES rank among the most distinguished Irishmen of Montreal. Born in the City of Cork in the year 1835, ne> early in life, emigrated from Ireland to America with his father, James Barry, who is still living at Rockwood, Ont. Mr. Barry began his education at the common school and continued his studies at Rockwood Academy. Subsequently he went through a classical course at Regiopolis College, Kingston, Ont. Studied Theology for some time at the Grand Seminary and at Laval University, and Law at McGill University, where he graduated as B.C.L. Entered the volunteer service of Canada as Lieutenant in the St. Jean Baptiste Company, Montreal, M. W. Kirwan, Captain, in 1877; was promoted to the captaincy of the same company and remained in command thereof till the corps was merged in the 85th Battalion, when he retired; went through the Military School, Montreal, and obtained the certificate that entitled him to his rank. Has been President of St. Patrick's Society of Montreal for four years consecutively. Is Past-President of the Young Men's Reform Club of Montreal. Has taken an active part in political contests, both Pro-
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vincial and Federal ; also in Municipal affairs, having been an unsuccessful candidate for Alderman in St. Ann's Ward, Montreal, in 1882. Since his adoption of the pro- fession of the Law, Mr. Barry has resided at Montreal, where he has achieved a very high position. He was particularly noted as a nisi prius practitioner, and con- ducted a large number of famous cases successfully. As a speaker, Mr. Barry is not surpassed at a Bar distinguished for the oratorical abilities of its members, while, in his addresses before popular audiences, he comes up to the best standard of the times. He married, in 1869, Kathleen, daughter of the late Michael Morgan, merchant, of Sorel, P.Q. A year or two ago he was raised to the position of one of the Stipendiary Magistrates of Montreal, which onerous occupation he fills with every mark of approbation of the public, and his decisions in the Court are rarely appealed against.
ANDREW FREDERICK GAULT.
" IN every branch of business and in every profession throughout the world there are always some men who, by natural force of character, conspicuous ability, or marked individuality, reach and maintain a commanding position. Foremost among the merchant princes of Canada stands the name of A. F. Gault, senior member of the firm of Gault Bros. & Co., wholesale dry goods, Montreal. Few men in this country are more widely known, or exercise a more powerful influence in commercial circles than Mr. Gault. He was born in a village near Strabane, Ireland, in 1833, a"d arrived in Montreal when in his boyhood. There he attended the High School for a short while and afterwards was employed in a wholesale clothing house. In 1854, when comparatively a young man, he started in the wholesale dry goods business in partnership with the late Mr. J. B. Stevenson, under the name of Gault, Steven- son & Co. After a few years the firm dissolved partnership and Mr. Gault was joined by his brother, Robert L., the firm's name being changed to Gault Bros. Shortly after Mr. Samuel Finley, a brother-in-law, was admitted to partnership, and the name was changed to Gault Bros. & Co., under which it has been in existence for about thirty years. Mr. Finley retired about five years ago, and Messrs. R. W. MacDougall and Leslie H. Gault were admitted. Such in brief is a history of the firm from its inception to the present time.
Mr. Gault has be^n practically the leading spirit in promoting the cotton indus- tries of this country, and the present advanced stage of our cotton manufacturing is very largely due to his business enterprise, energy and sagacity. He has always taken a lively interest in that industry, believing that a great future is in store for it. He is, at present, probably the largest holder of cotton stock in the country, and during the last few years his attention has naturally been more devoted to that branch of his business. He is President of the Dominion Cotton Mills Company, which has a capital stock of $5,000,000. The mills owned by this company are the Hochelaga and St. Anne's Mills, Montreal; the Cotton Mills at Magog, Coaticook,and Chambly, P.Q., the Craven Cotton Company of Brantford, Ont. ; Kingston Cotton Company, Kings- ton, Ont. ; Moncton Cotton Company, Moncton, N.B. ; Nova Scotia Cotton Com- pany, Halifax, N.S. ; and the Windsor Cotton Company, Windsor, N.S. Besides
304 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
this he is President of the Montreal Cotton Company of Valleyfield, Que. ; of the Stormont Cotton Company of Cornwall ; of the Montmorenci Cotton Manufacturing Company, Que.; of the Globe Woolle i Mills Company, Montreal; of the Trent Valley Woollen Manufacturing Company of Campbellford, Ont.
Notwithstanding this tremendous responsibility his restless activity and unceas- ing energy enable him to give a portion of his time to other matters. He is a Direc- tor of the City and District Savings Bank, and the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company, and is also connected with all the leading benevolent societies, in which he has always taken a deep and practical interest. In educational matters he has always taken a prominent part, being one of the Governors of McGill College. It is largely due to his beneficence that the Montreal Diocesan College owes its existence, as the college building was presented by him to the Lord Bishop of Mon- treal some years ago. He is one ©f the leading members, if not admittedly the lead- ing member, of the Church of England in Montreal, and was once treasurer of the Synod. He has never sought municipal or political honors, but has more than once been the choice of the Liberal Conservative Party as their standard bearer for Mon- treal West, but has always declined the honor. He has also been the unanimous choice of the citizens for Mayor, but declined that honor also. His residence on Sherbrooke street is one of the finest in the city, and is looked upon as one of the principal sights of Canada's commercial centre. Perhaps one of the most prominent features of his character, and which has in no small degree contributed to his excep- tionally marked success, is a capacity for viewing the most complicated or most exciting of business matters with a calm and philosophic spirit. His callers are numerous, and although, owing to the multiplicity of his duties, his time is most valuable, he -is always the genial and courteous gentleman, ready to listen but quick to decide. It is unnecessary to say that he is esteemed by all classes in his adopted city, and no man occupies a more honored place in the regard of Canadian business
men than he does."
M. H. GAULT.
THE Gaults came from Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland. His father was Leslie Gault, and his mother Mary Hamilton, Terra House, Donegal. Matthew was twenty- one when he came to Canada, and settled in Montreal, where he engaged in the Insurance business. Me was for some years connected with the British American Assurance Company, the Royal Insurance Company, and the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. He was interested in, many industries, and at one time was President of the Montreal Loan and Mortgage Company, Vice-President of the Sun Insurance Company, and the Montreal Mining Company. He was a Director of the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company, the Windsor Hotel Company, and the Hochelega Cotton Company, etc. He was one of the founders of the Irish Pro- testant Benevolent Society, and took an active part in the Volunteer movement. In 1878, he was elected M. P. for Montreal West, and continued so to the day of his death, which occurred some years ago. He married the only daughter of the late; George Browne, of Montreal, in 1854.
HON. JUDGE DRUMMOND.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 305
HON. JUDGE DRUMMOND.
LEWIS THOMAS DRUMMOND, late Judge of the Court of Appeals, and some time Attor- ney General for Lower Canada, was one of the most prominent Catholic Irishmen in Canada. Born in 1813, at Coleraine, where he was well grounded in English and Mathematics, he was, at the age of twelve, while crossing the Atlantic, entrusted with some responsible calculations of the ship's course by the captain, who was too unwell to work out the figures himself. At fourteen, having learned French in the interval, he was sent to the Canadian Seminary of Nicolet, near Three Rivers. There he was the first to introduce and keep up, in spite of ridicule, the current Parisian pronun- ciation instead of the antiquated Louis XIV. style, which still prevails in some of the French Canadian Colleges.
In 1836, he was called to the Bar. So great had been his reputation as a Law student, that in his first term he was employed on sixty different cases. Soon after, he defended the Rebels of 1837-38 with most brilliant success, and yet without in any way departing from loyalty to the Crown.
He was, in his day, considered the best criminal lawyer in the Province of Quebec. And in one famous murder trial, it was curious to note that he, an Irish- man, counsel for the defence, and the present judge Johnson, now Sir Francis John- son, an Englishman, Crown Prosecutor, both held the crowded Court House entranced with the charm of their French speeches. For some sixteen years, ending with 1863, Mr. Drummond was a member of the Canadian Legislative Assembly. His political adversaries were pleased to qualify his eloquence with the epithet " theatrical " ; but they were forced to own that this perhaps excessive brilliancy adorned depth of thought, breadth of view, great powers of organization, and perfect unselfishness. These latter qualities were particularly shown in the way in which, as Attorney-General, he carried the Seigniorial Tenure Bill against determined opposi- tion, and in spite of the fact that this very Bill, while sweeping away the abuses then attaching to all the Canadian seiyienries> cut down the fortunes of his nearest and dearest relatives and friends.
At the time when so-called wise men seriously entertained the project of fortify- ing a country which is all frontier, he won for himself the sobriquet of " no armament ''' Drummond, because he had said in the House in his antithetic way: ''The best armament for Canada is no armament at all." When asked how much preparation he had given to an exhaustive speech of several hours on a vital commercial question, he answered: " Remote preparation, eighteen years; proximate, half an hour."
In 1864, he was raised to the Bench as a Puisne Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench. The lucidity and wisdom of his judgments, together with the clear, cogent earnestness of his charge in the Criminal Court, are matters of Canadian history ; his decision in the " Lamirande Extradition Case" is known to jurists who have never seen the banks of the St. Lawrence.
Worn out by the immense labors of his youth — when already in the forefront of
20
306 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
his profession, he looked so young that strangers took him for a mere boy — and by exposure in all weathers on the hustings, he spent the last years of his life in retire- ment in the society of a few kindred spirits who delighted in drawing him out on his reminiscences of the Bar and of Parliament. Like most good talkers, he could give you plenty of humorous and grave sayings of his own, though he did not fail keenly to appreciate wit and wisdom in others.
While ever able to silence the wrongdoer with the keenest irony and satire, he was the kindliest and most forgiving of men. He was too open-handed and gener- ous in the management of other people's affairs to take any successful interest in his own. But in his closing years he found especial interest in directing, as its President, a Conference of St. Vincent de Paul almost exclusively composed of small trades- people and workmen.
As to his devotedness to Ireland, Maguire in his Irish in America (p. 90) tells -us how he gave to Irishmen in Montreal a social status from which they had been up to his time debarred. Others might tell how he helped to link together in public life two interests which ought never to be parted, and which" in his private life he had knit indissolubly into one — the interests of Irish and French Canadian Catholics. He was just and merciful to his fellow men ; we have firm hope that he now enjoys the reward of the just from the hand of our merciful God.
He died on the 2oth November, 1882. His son, the Rev. Abbe Drummond, is at present the esteemed Rector of St. Mary's College (Jesuits), and under his able management the affairs of that Institution will, no doubt, flourish more than they have ever done. The portrait of the Judge is from an old photograph in the Abbe's possession.
E. P. LACHAPELLE, M.D.
BORN at Sault-au-Recollet on the 2ist December, 1845, ^ie was educated at the Montreal College, and his medical studies being finished in the Medical and Surgical School, he was admitted to practice in 1869. In 1872, he was appointed Surgeon to the 65th Battalion, and remained so till 1886. In 1876, he was elected a Governor of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Province of Quebec. He was one of the founders of Notre Dame Hospital. In 1884, he, together with his friends, organ- ized a grand Kermesse in aid of Notre Dame Hospital which realized the handsome sum of $15,000. When the establishment of Laval University Branch in Montreal was decided upon, Dr. Lachapelle became one of its most ardent supporters, and con- tributed much to its accomplishment. In journalism, he is favorably known, having been the Editor and Proprietor of L? Union Medicate from 1876 to 1882. He is a Doctor both of Laval and Victoria Universities, and one of the Professors of Laval; also a member of the " Societe Francais d'Hygiene " of Paris, France. Still a young man, he is identified with all the national, scientific and political movements of the day, and has great influence with the public at large.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 307
SIR FRA.NCIS HINCKS, C.B,
SIR FRANCIS HINCKS was the youngest son of the late Rev. Dr. Hincks, Professor of Oriental Languages in the Royal Belfast Institution, and was brother of the late Rev. Ed. Hincks, D.D., rector of Ktllyleagh, who is well known by his writings on subjects connected with Egyptian, Persian and Assyrian antiquities and archaeology.
Sir Francis was born in the City of Cork, i4th December, 1807, and educated at the Belfast Institution. In 1832, he married Martha Anne, the daughter of Alex. Stewart, Esq., of Ligoniel near Belfast. He visited the United States and Canada in 1830, and next year commenced business in Toronto. In 1839, ne founded the Toronto Examiner, which he edited for several years. In 1844. he removed to Montreal and founded the old well-known paper The Pilot, and was for many years the chief political writer. At the first General Election after the Union of the two Canadas, Sir Francis was returned for the County of Oxford, and in next year was appointed Inspector General of Public Accounts in the Baldwin-Lafontaine Admin- istration. From this date he continued to sit in the Assembly till 1858. Previous to this last date, from October, 1851, to September, 1854, in the Hincks-Morin Administration, he was the Leader of the Government. He visited Washington on several occasions to confer with the British Minister there on the subject of commer- cial intercourse between Canada and the United States. He was elected by Lord Elgin to accompany him as representative of Canada when he negotiated the Reci- procity Treaty in 1854. He was also a delegate to the Maritime Provinces in 1862 on the subject of the Intercolonial Railway, and in the same year was a delegate to the Imperial Government to urge the repeal of the Clergy Reserve Act and the grant of a guarantee for the Intercolonial Railway, during which visit he made the pre- liminary arrangements with Messrs. Peto, Brassey, Betts and Jackson, which resulted in the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway by English capitalists.
He retired from office in 1854, and the next year had the high honor conferred on him of being appointed by the Imperial Government to the Governorship of the Windward Isles, West Indies, where he continued till 1862, when he again had the high honor of being appointed the Governor of British Guinea, South America, where he remained until A.D. 1869. During his Governorship of those two Colonies of the British Empire he received many proofs of the approval of the Home Authorities, among which are these two distinctions : in 1862 he was created a Companion of the Order of the Bath (civil), and in 1869 a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.
Visiting Canada in 1869, he consented to accept office in the Rose Government, then in power, and was sworn of the Privy Council of Canada and appointed Minister of Finance for the Dominion, 9th October, [869, which office he continued to hold till his resignation in February, 1873.
On the return of Sir Francis to Canada after a lapse of nearly fifteen years he was hailed by all classes of the people.
308 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Venerable in appearance, and loaded with Imperial honors, well might Canada claim her son as the first on whom the Robes of a Governorship of a British Colony had been placed, and like the Hero of Kars in the neighboring Province raised to one of the highest positions a sovereign can exalt a subject — kneeling at his sovereign's feet, and rising as Sir Francis Hincks.
His political career may be shortly expressed thus : First returned to Parliament at General Elections, 1841, for Oxford County in Canadian Assembly, when he was defeated in 1844. Returned again for same county, 1847 j again in 1851, and also for Niagara, but elected to sit for Oxford. Returned for Renfrew. 1854, and retired in 1855, when appointed Governor of the Windward Islands. On again accepting office returned in 1869 for North Renfrew, which he represented till close of Parliament. Returned for Vancouver at the General Flections of 1871. He was President of the Confederation Life Insurance Co. of Canada, and a member of Council of Royal Colonial Institute, London, England. He was also the author of various pamphlets on public affairs. Was President of the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society for 1874. He was also President of the City Bank. His death was very melancholy. During the epidemic of Small-Pox, he was seized, and dying in a few days, waFburied at once without any funeral or parade. Sic transit gloria mundi.
DRUMMOND, McCALL &> CO.
THE merchant department of the firm of Drummond, McCall & Co. was established by Geo. E. Drummond and James T. McCall in July, 1881, Mr. Thos. J. Drummond being admitted a partner two years later. For several years after starting business the firm confined its operations to an importing business principally of Scotch and English pig iron and heavy metals. Their business increased steadily until in this depart- ment they to-day have customers in almost every village and town from St. John to Vancouver, as well as a considerable trade in the Western United States. Their connection with the Iron Trade of Great Britain is and always has been exceptionally good. Among the British firms, the sale of whose products they control in the Canadian and Western United States market, may be mentioned :
Messrs. William Dixon, Ltd., Glasgow, makers of " Calder " and " Govan " pig iron.
The Summerlee & Mossend Iron amd Steel Co., Glasgow, makers of " Sum- merlee " pig iron and " Mossend" steel.
Fred. Braby & Co., Ltd., London, Liverpool and Glasgow.
Seebohm & Dieckstahl, Dannemora Steel Works, Sheffield.
James Eadie & Sons, Rutherglen, Scotland, makers of boiler tubes, etc.
The establishment of the National Policy, in 1885, ^ the firm to turn their attention to manufacturing, and they decided to take a hand in building up the natural industries of their country. Their first steps in this direction was the estab- lishment of the Montreal Car Weel Co., with extensive Works at Lachine, Que, In this enterprise the firm associated with themselves Mr. P. H. Griffin of Buffalo, N.Y.,
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 309
President of the New York Car Wheel Works, and probably the foremost expert on Chilled Car Wheel making in America. The quality of the wheels produced at Lachine is amply attested by the fact that they are now in daily use on the following roads : Canadian Pacific Ry., Intercolonial Ry., Kingston & Pembroke Ry., Canada Atlantic Ry., Quebec and Lake St. John Ry., Canada Eastern Ry., Pontiac Pacific Ry., Napanee and Tamworth Ry., Rathbun Lines, Montreal and Western Ry., Ottawa and Gatineau Ry., Prince Edward Island Ry. and Quebec, Montmorency and Charlevoix Ry.
The " Machined " wheel (absolutely mechanically correct) made by the Mon- treal Car Wheel Co. as a specialty, is now finding a large sale, and it is safe to predict that in time its undoubted merits will lead railroad men to discard the rough unfinished wheel hitherto used in freight and passenger service and replace it with " Machined " wheels. The Montreal Car Wheel Co. trarn wheels are finding a market in Scotland and England, where their peculiar excellence is much appreciated. This speaks well for the future of Canadian manufactures.
The success attained in the manufacture of car wheels led Messrs. Drum- mond, McCall & Co. and their associates to investigate into the possibility of estab- lishing in Canada a plant for the manufacture of their raw material, viz., charcoal pig iron from native ores. Investigation led to action, and in 1889 the firm, to- gether with a few American and English capitalists, formed the CANADA IRON FURNACE Co., LTD., under Charter of the Dominion of Canada, and purchased from the Estate of the late G. B. Hall the celebrated Radnor Forges of the Three Rivers District, together with the village of Fermont (now peopled by the workmen of the Company), Lac a-la-Tortue (one of the largest lake ore deposits in the world), and some fifty thousand acres of bog ore rights in the district of Three Rivers, County of St. Maurice, Champlain, Gentilly, etc., etc.
In addition to this the Company purchased considerable property at Grandes Piles, the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway Grandes Piles Line, together with the great water power at the point, and also acquired wheel foundry property and wharf at Three Rivers, the latter to be utilized for shipping purposes.
For the past two years the Company has operated the old stone stack at Radnor Forges in an experimental manner, seeking to thoroughly establish, by careful tests made at their own wheel works and elsewhere, the quality of the charcoal iron pro- duced from the bog and lake ores of the Three Rivers District. These tests have been eminently satisfactory, and have proved the peculiar excellence of the iron. Castings have been produced of greater strength than could be procured from Amer- ican charcoal iron of the very highest quality, not even excepting the world famous Salisbury charcoal iron of the United States. The question of quality thoroughly established, the work of building and equipping a new furnace (modern in every way) was commenced, and to-day the work of construction is so far progressed that ere long Canada will have, for the first time in her history, a charcoal furnace of modern design and of such capacity as will allow of native charcoal iron competing with the American product for the home market.
310 GAZETTEER CF MONTREAL.
It is to be hoped that Canadian founders will extend to this native industry a hearty support, and that Canadians generally will appreciate and aid the effort that is being made to establish -the charcoal iron industry within their borders. When it is considered that almost seven-eighths of -the actual cost of pig iron is spent in labor, the importance of establishing and fostering in Canada such an industry as the one in question will be patent to everyone.
Aside from the above-mentioned enterprises established by the firm, the DRUM- MOND-McCALL PIPE FOUNDRY Co. has lately been formed (under Dominion Charter) for the purpose of manufacturing water and gas pipe. The works are located at Lachine, immediately adjoining the Car Wheel Foundry. The capacity of the Pipe Works will be some fifty tons of iron pipe (of all dimensions) per day. The latest pattern and inventions have been adopted in the equipment of the shop, and it will compare favorably with the best Pipe Foundries of the United States.
HON. FRANCOIS GEORGE BABY,
PUISNE Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench, is descended from one of the oldest French families on this Continent. Its first Canadian representative was Jacques Baby de Rainville, an officer in the celebrated regiment of Carignan-Sallieres, who first settled in what is now the Province of Quebec more than two hundred years ago. Various descendants of the Seigneur de Rainville have figured conspicuously in Canadian history, and some of them have rendered distinguished services to the State. At the present day the family is creditably represented in every province of the Dominion. The paternal grandfather of Judge Baby was the Hon. Francois Baby, an Executive and Legislative Councillor and Adjutant-General for the Pro- vince of Quebec. His father, the late Mr. Joseph Baby, was also a well-known member of Parliament, who early in life married Miss Caroline Guy, daughter of Hon. Louis Guy, King's Notary, and a Legislative Councillor of the old Province of Quebec. Judge Baby was born in Montreal, August 26th, 1834. After some time spent in St. Sulpice College, where he diligently prosecuted his classical studies, Mr. Baby finished his education at the College of Joliette. Here he soon made a name for himself as a student of good attainments, and succeeded in carrying off the higher prizes in the various departments of learning. At the conclusion of his College career he chose the profession which peculiarly suited the bent of his mind, and set himself vigorously to the study of the Law. When twenty-three years of age he was called to the Bar of Lower Canada. In 1873, he was created a Queen's Counsel, an honor which attested the quality of his legal acquirements. For several years he was a clerk in the Civil Service of Canada, a position which provided him with the means of gathering a vast amount of information which has since proved most valuable to him. For several years he was Mayor of Joliette, and is one of the founders and most active members of the Montreal Antiquarian and Numismatic Society, and an honorary member of " LTnstitut Canadien," of Quebec. In July, 1873, he married
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 311
Marie Helene Adelaide Bertheiet, daughter of the late Dr. Berthelet. His political career dates back from 1867, when he ran for the Commons for the County of Joliette, when he was defeated. In 1872, however, he was more successful, being returned by acclamation. He seconded the reply to the address at the second session of Parliament, October 27th, 1873, that famous short session, which opened on October 23rd, and rose from its labors on November 7th. The address was rejected in the Lower House, but adopted as it stood in the Senate. The MacDon- ald Administration resigned without allowing the question at issue to come to a vote. Mr. Mackenzie formed a Government, and an appeal was made to the country in 1874. Mr. Baby was re-elected by his constituency, but was unseated on petition on October 28th. On December loth he was again returned, and also in 1878, and on his taking office as Minister of Inland Revenue on October 26th, of the same year he was entertained at a public banquet at Joliette. He was a ready and effective debater and an efficient departmental officer. In 1880 he was raised to the Court of Queen's Bench, his present position.
Judge Baby is well known as President of the Montreal Historical Society, and is foremost in many of our Societies. The Author has to thank him for several inter- esting points found in this book. His last public act was as one of the Royal Com- missioners appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec to inquire into alleged irregularities in connection with a certain railway of the Province,
WILLIAM NOTMAN.
" BY the death of William Notman, which occurred at his residence, 557 Sher- brooke street, Montreal has lost one of her distinguished citizens. He was born in Paisley, Scotland, on the 8th of March, 1826, and came to Montreal in 1856, when he went into the dry goods business of Messrs. Ogilvy, Lewis & Co. He had pre- viously been an amateur photographer, fond of the art, and full of enthusiasm for it. Soon he determined to make it his profession, and he began in a small way, his modest gallery being at that time but little known. It was not long, however, until he had achieved great local distinction as an artist in photography, and soon the fame of Notman's photographs spread over Canada, to the United States, and even to Great Britain and the Continent. How artistically photographic pictures were grouped need not be here described. Mr. Notman was singularly modest and unobtrusive, paid close attention to his business, but was well informed in the events of the day, and quick to note their trend. He had a good deal of the thoughtful deliberation of the Scotsman, without reaching the point known as ' canny,' and was always cheerful in conversation. In his opinions he was decided, and even tenacious, but only after he had thoughtfully considered matters. Like many Paisley men, he put fair play uppermost. Attention to business was his ruling characteristic. He refused to take rest, insisting upon going to his establishment, even after the cold, which fastened, as it proved, fatally upon him, had progressed considerably."
312 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
The firm of Notman & Son has two branches in Boston, one in New York, one in Halifax, and one in the Windsor Hotel, Montreal, his Bleury street establish- ment being the parent house. Nearly every distinguished stranger that has ever visited Montreal patronized Notman's, and his galleries of pictures form of themselves a most pleasant feature of our city. While deeply engaged in his own business, Mr. Notman was public spirited, too, and was a leading factor in building the Windsor Hotel. He was a member of the first Windsor Syndicate. He was also active in securing the city an Art Gallery, which profitted from his efforts. To say that Mr. Notman was highly respected is not necessary in this community. Those acquainted with him cannot but feel that his death is the loss to our city of a man great in his profession. He leaves three sons and two daughters, one of the latter being Mrs. H. M. Belcher. The deceased gentleman was a member of St. Martin's Church.
SIR WM. LOGAN.
THE subject of our sketch is one of the very few who in this BIOGRAPHICAL GAZETTEER are recorded as being born in Montreal. The Mayor, Archbishop Fabre, Hon. Thos. White, the late Sheriff Leblanc, Strachan Bethune, ist Baron of Lon- gueuil, etc., are some of those who can be counted as true Montrealers.
Sir William was born 20th April, 1798. His grandparents came from Stirling, Scotland. They came to Montreal, about the year 1784, with their only two children, William and Hart. Here he carried on his business as a baker, flourished and bought large tracts of land in the neighborhood of the city, and afierwards we find him settled down at what is now called "Logan's Farm." In 1794, Janet Edward, his niece, arrived from Stirling, and married her cousin William, who had succeeded his father in the business. They had nine children, Sir William being the third eldest. His father sent him to the celebrated school of Dr. Skakel. Afterwards he was sent to the High School of Edinburgh, and then for a year to the University. At eighteen he went to London, thence to Canada, where he was impressed with his first geological ideas. Afterwards he went to Swansea, in Wales, in 1839, to be the Manager of the Copper Smelting Works, in which his uncle was interested. For seven years he thus continued working at the copper and coal mines, and studying every phase of their formation. In 1841, he visited the coalfields of Pennsylvania and Nova Scotia in connection with the Geological Society of London. Soon after this he was appointed head of the Survey in Canada. In 1851, he had charge of the Canadian Collection, and was well received. He was also Canadian Commissioner at the Paris Exposition in 1853, and was created Knight of the Legion of Honor. Next year he was Knighted by the Queen, and also received the Wollaston Palladium Medal for his pre-eminent services in Geology. He received the honorary degree of D.C.L. from Lennoxville in 1855, and LL.D. in 1850 from McGill. He had also F.R.S.C., given to him in 1851, and R.S.E. in 1861. He was also a member of many of the highest and most important societies, both in Europe and America. He died July 2 2nd, 1875, in WTales, and was buried in the churchyard of Llechryd in that principality. Sir William never married.
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ALEXANDER McGIBBON.
HE is a true Montrealer, having been born at Petite Cote, near the city, on the i5th January, 1829. His father came from Perthshire, Scotland, at the commencement of this century. Mr. McGibbon's early years were passed in agricultural pursuits, but when a mere lad he entered the employ of Mr. Neil Mclntosh, then a noted merchant of Montreal. Full of push, he in a few years opened up business for himself, and con- tinued a well-known citizen till at the rebellion of Louis Kiel he was offered by the Government and accepted a lucrative position as Quartermaster General and Chief Transport officer of the Alberta field force under General Strange. After the up- rising was over, he was too valuable an officer to lose, so he now fills the position of Inspector of Indian Agencies and Reserves in the North West Territories, his head- quarters being at Regina, the Capital. When he left Montreal for this last post he was entertained by the citizens to a public banquet, a high honor but not the least uncalled for, as Mr. McGibbon had been one of the city's most prominent men for many years. He was a member of the City Council for some time, President of both the Scotch Societies here, the St. Andrew's and Caledonian, a Governor of the General Hospital and House of Refuge. In 1869, he was presented by the Minister and Congregation of Knox Church with a splendid testimonial, "the famous Columbus Clock and marble pedestal." He married Harriet Davidson, and had a large family of children. The eldest is the well-known advocate, R. D. McGibbon, Q.C.
314 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HOLLIS SHOREY, J. P.
THE subject of this sketch was bom at Barnston, Eastern Townships, Province of Quebec, on the 2nd December, 1823. His father was Samuel E. Shorey, of English descent and a native of the United States, and his mother was Fanny Jones, of Three Rivers. His father had come to Canada at eight years of age. He was educated at Hatley Academy, especially in a commercial course, which has been abundantly shown in the success of his after life. At sixteen he began the world as an appren- tice, but when about twenty years of age, his father died and the responsibility of a large family of brothers and sisters, eight in all, fell entirely on his young shoulders. He began business for himself in Barnston, where he remained for over twenty years. He came to Montreal in 1861, and was at first connected with the firm of Wm. Stephen & Co., at the time when the present Lord Mount Stephen was one of the partners. For six years he was one of the most successful travellers, his field of operation being chiefly throughout the Eastern Townships districts, in which he made friends who continue to this day. At last getting tired of this travelling he determined to begin business for himself. In 1866, he laid the foundation of one of the largest wholesale clothing establishments in the Dominion. After two years he took as partner his son-in-law, E. A. Small, to assist him. After a long partnership of eighteen years, it was dissolved, and Mr. Shorey then associated in his business his two sons, S. O. Shorey and C. L. Shorey, who now attend entirely to the duties of the establishment.
Mr. Shorey was for over eighteen years a member of the Council of the Board of Trade. He was Chairman of the Citizen's Committee during the small-pox epidemic, and did splendid work to alleviate the sufferings of the afflicted and remove the causes which produced the disease. He was elected an Alderman for the St. Antoine Ward in 1890, and has been Acting Mayor during his incumbency. He is President of the Montreal Improvement Association ; is Vice-President of the Sani- tary Association, and also a member of the Civic Board of Health. He is a Governor of the General Hospital and also of the Women's Hospital, a Director of the Dis- pensary, and also a Director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1887.
He married, in 1844, Miss Fanny Wheeler, of Barnston, who died in 1850. In 1851, he married Miss Clara Gilson, of Vermont, U.S. He has two sons and two daughters. They are all grown up to man's estate and married, and he has no less .than fifteen grandchildren. Mr. Shorey exemplifies, that a man with determination and energy is sure to succeed, that " just and righteous dealing " will always bring its own reward, and that a sober and industrious youth will always result in a happy old age.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 315
HENRY R. GRAY
WAS born December 30, 1838, at Boston, Lincolnshire, England. Educated at 11 Standard Hill," the head master of which was William Goodacre, the well-known author of " Goodacre's Arithmetic." Afterwards he was articled under the old inden- ture system for five years to Wm. March, Chemist and Apothecary, Newark.
He established his business in Montreal in 1859. The specialties of Mr. Gray's business are the supplying of public institutions and physicians with drugs, chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations and the dispensing of physicians' prescriptions.
Mr. Gray has devoted himself during the last twenty years to the study of Sani- tary Science, and particularly to the sanitation of cities, and lias been connected with every movement to improve the sanitary condition of Montreal. Mr. Gray was one of the originators of the Pharmaceutical Association of the Province, and after being successively Secretary, Treasurer and Vice-President, was elected for three years in succession President and member of the Board of Examiners. He was also one of the Charter Members of the Montreal College of Pharmacy, and for two years its President. In 1884, Mr. Gray was elected Alderman for the St. Lawrence Ward. Shortly after his election Mr. Gray was elected unanimously by the City Council, Chairman of the Local Board of Health, serving in that very difficult capa- city during the whole of the disastrous epidemic of small-pox which overrun the City and Province in 1885-86.
In 1885, Mr. Gray succeeded in getting a by-law through the City Council re- quiring the contents of closets and all household refuse to be cremated, and shortly afterwards crematories were erected and a contract for five years' collection and cremation given out. After having served his term as Alderman for three years, Mr. Gray declined re-election. Shortly afterwards he was appointed by the Govern- ment a Justice of the Peace, and member of the Council of Public Instruction for the Province of Quebec.
When the " Public Health Act " passed the Legislature shortly after the small- pox epidemic, Mr. Gray, who had in addition to his aldermanic duties been a mem- ber of the old Central Board of Health for the Province, was appointed a member of the new Public Health Board then created, and has remained a member ever since, having been reappointed by the Government of Mr. Mercier at the expiration of his first term of service.
In 1885, Mr. Gray was elected " membre honoraire de la Societe d'Hygiene Francaise," of Paris, France. We may add that shortly after his retirement from the City Council, Mr. Gray was asked fjy a number of leading citizens of all parties and creeds to accept the nomination of Mayor, but owing to business reasons he was obliged to decline.
316 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
EDWARD PEARSON EVANS
WAS born in London, England, March, 1825. In the year 1832 he came to Canada with his parents. His father was a mechanical engineer. Edward was the eldest of the family, and commenced early to work for himself, his first situation being with Joseph Mackay, then doing business in the Place D'Armes ; he next engaged with W. Gemmell, clothier, where he remained for some time. He next removed to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he started business for himself which he continued for two years, but at the end of that time, finding it not as profitable as he wished, he returned to Montreal, where he entered into a partnership with his old employer Mr. Gemmell, which was dissolved some time afterwards, and he then commenced business in his own name in McGill street. In 1853, he bought the property near the corner of St. Peter and St. Paul streets, then known as the Exchange Coffee House, where he erected two large warehouses, one of which he occupied as a wholesale clothing house. In the fall of 1859 ne went to England to make his usual purchases, returning along with his wife, who had accompanied him on the trip, in S.S. " Hungarian " of the Allan Line. This ill-fated steamer was wrecked off Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, on the morning of the 2oth February, 1860, when every soul (numbering over 400) found a watery grave. By his many sterling qualities, com- bined with strict attention to business, he was enabled to accumulate a handsome competency with which he was always ready to assist those in distress, and many were benefitted by his liberality.
JAMES SHANKS EVANS
WAS born in Montreal on the 3rd May, 1833. He was a partner of the firm of Edward Kvans & Co. at the time of the death of his brother Edward in the ill-fated steamer " Hungarian," continuing the business on his own account first in Evans' Court, then in McGill street, and afterwards in the new premises in St. Henry street. He had by strict attention to business rapidly acquired a fortune ; energetic in his business habits, his real estate operations placed him among the largest of the landed proprietors of the Island of Montreal.
Mr. Evans' last real estate operation was the purchase of the magnificent prop- erty in Dorchester street west, and known by the name of Rose Pre, and costing the large sum of $40,000.
Mr. Evans was an Honorary Director of the Victoria Mutual Insurance Company of Hamilton, and the inventor of the " Hotel Register," now patented in the United States.
In 1873, the English Insurance Companies in Montreal entered into a combina- tion to raise their rates of premiums, which actiqn on the part of their offices caused Mr. Evans, himself one of the largest insurers in the city, to suggest the idea of starting a new Company which might break the combination and lower the rate of insurance, hence the existence of the Royal Canadian Insurance Company of Montreal.
Mr. Evans died a few weeks ago from the universal complaint " La Grippe," at the age of fifty-nine.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 317
CHURCH OF NOTRE-DAME AND THE SEMINARY OF MONTREAL.
THE first ecclesiastics who came to Canada were- four Recollets, brought to Quebec by Champlain, in 1615. They were, the Superior of the Mission, and the Fathers Joseph le Caron, Jean D'Olbeau, and Pacifique Duplessis. Three others, Jesuits, were sent out in 1625, by Henry D. Levis, Duke of Ventadour, and three more were added in the following year. In 1636, there were fifteen Jesuit Missionaries in Canada. Those who settled in Quebec, assisted by the Queen of France, the Duchess of Aiguillon, and other benevolent individuals, formed several establishments in that city and the neighboring country for religious instruction, the relief of the miserable, especially the sick, and the tuition of the young.
Montreal, which was founded in the year 1642,50011 became the scene of similar operations. The chapel, which was a slight and hasty structure of wood, was by degrees improved and enlarged as the wants of the population required, and was at length succeeded by a more substantial erection of stone in 1672. This stood in what is now called the French Square, or Place d'Armes, and occupied the middle of Notre Dame Street, standing quite across, so as to divide it into two nearly equal parts, and requiring travellers to pass half round the church to proceed from one part to the other. As the inhabitants increased in number, the church, even in its enlarged state, became too small, and the Church of Bonsecours was erected for their accommo- dation. The city continuing to prosper, especially after the Colony became British, further accommodation was needed; and in the year 1824, the present magnificent church was commenced. On the 3rd of September the corner-stone was laid ; and it was so far completed as to admit of being opened for public worship on the 15111 of July, 1829, when high mass was performed by the Bishop of Telmesse, and an oration delivered by the Rev. Mr. Quibler. The greater part of the Canadian Roman Catholic Clergy were present, and the solemnity was attended by Sir James Kempt, Adminis- trator, the Staff, Corporation, and other public bodies, and upwards of eight thousand persons.
The edifice is a chaste specimen of the perpendicular style of Gothic architecture in the middle ages. The length of the church, from east to west, is 264 feet 6 inches, and its breadth from north to south, 144 feet 6 inches. The height of the flank is 61 feet from the flagging of the terrace to the eaves. There are six towers, so arranged that each flank presents three, and the east and west ends two each. Those on the principal or west front are 220 feet high. The space between the front towers is 73 feet> by 120 in height, crowned with an embattled parapet. The flanks and east towers are each 115 feet in height. There are five public and thiee private entrances to the first floor, and four to the galleries, so that an audience of ten thousand per- sons, the number for which it is seated, may assemble and disperse in a few minutes without disagreeable pressure. The tower contains the largest bell in America, and weighs 29,400 Ibs.
The eastern window at the high altar is 54 feet in height, and 32 in breadth. It is separated by shafts into five compartments, and subdivided by mullions into 36
318 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
divisions. The windows in the flanks consist of one range, and those in the front are finished in the same style as the eastern window. The portal is formed by an. arcade, consisting of three arches, each 19 feet by 48 in height. From this arcade are the entrances to the church ; and over it is placed another of the same form in relief, which connects the towers and piers. Between these are trefoil canopy-headed niches, intended for marble statues. It was a part of the original design to have a promenade between the towers 76 feet by 20, elevated 120 feet above the surface of the Place d'Armes, from which the spectator would have a delightful and extensive view of the River St. Lawrence and the surrounding country. The front towers were intended to contain clocks, and bells .are now placed in the towers, and the view from the top is now accessible by safe and easy flights of steps.
The floor, from the front entrance to the chancel, is a gently inclined plane of three feet in the whole length. There are seven spacious aisles in the same direction, and two crossing them at right angles, one of which leads to the flank doors. The pews are raised six inches above the aisles. There are seven chapels, so placed that all are seen from the front entrance. The high altar is nearly at the extremity of the nave : it is elevated in the chancel 2 feet 6 inches above the floor of the church, and is encompassed on three sides by semicircular seats for the clergy, etc. The front of the chancel is open, and is approached by an easy flight of five steps, in the form of a double semi-reverse. The eastern window, high altar, and choir, are seen from the front door to great advantage, with a perspective view of the side windows, altars, galleries, and the groined ceiling, 80 feet in height. The vaults of the ceiling and galleries are supported in part by a double range of grouped columns, 3 feet 4 inches in diameter : from these spring the groins of the ceiling. The pillars are of wood, and painted in imitation of clouded Italian or American marble. The hue accords with the ceiling; but the effect, though time may improve it, is too glaring, and is evidently inferior to that which stone pillars would have produced. The facings of the gallery trusses, and the greatest portion of the carpenter's work, are painted in imitation of the oak finishings in the Gothic Cathedrals of Europe. The gallery screens are in moveable pannels, and painted a crimson color : the railing in front of them imitates iron, and produces an agreeable effect.
There are recesses in the piers, between the windows on the first floor, intended for family monuments, and in the recesses of the windows are placed the confessional screens. Suitable arrangements are made in the interior for all the monuments and paintings that may be wanted; and at the sides of the high altar are places assigned for twelve large historical paintings, which will occupy an admirable light from their position. The organ is placed in the upper gallery over the front entrance ; the floor in this part is elastic, and the organ projects six feet beyond the line of galleries. The choir screen is finished in recessed seats for the clergy. The pulpit and canopy are attached to one of the pillars : the access to it is from the first gallery. It resembles in form that in the Gothic Cathedral at Strasburg, in Germany; the high altar resembles in part that of St. Peter's at Rome. The eastern window was intended to be filled with stained glass.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 319
F. WOLFERSTAN THOMAS
WAS born on the Qth January, 1834, at Moonvenston, Cornwall, England. His father was of the same name. Mr. Thomas was educated at King Edward IV's School, Sherborne, his parents designing him for Holy Orders. His own ambition was the army. Before either could be realized, he came to Canada to engage in farming, and going to Rice Lake to learn practical agriculture, he found the idea not practicable. Failing to do so, he, after some time, received a situation in the Bank of Upper Canada. After a year's service, he Went into the Toronto Branch of the Bank of Montreal, and in 1865 he was appointed Manager of the London Branch. After five years, in 1870, Sir D. L. Macpherson, by the cordial recommendations of E. H. King, ex-President of the Bank of Montreal, gave Mr. Thomas the offer of Cashier of Molsons Bank, Montreal. He accepted, and since 1870 has faithfully rendered such services to the Institution that it is now one of the principal Banking Houses in the Dominion. Among the many phases of its increase may be mentioned that the capital has been increased from one to two millions of dollars, and more than fifteen branch offices have been established throughout Canada. There has also been a reserve of $675,000 provided, and the business of the Bank increased sevenfold. Mr. Thomas is a Director of the Canada Life Assurance Company. He is also Vice-President of the McKay Institute for Deaf Mutes, and connected with the General Hospital, the Mount Royal Cemetery Company, and the Verdun Protestant Hospital for the Insane. In 1884, ne was appointed Chairman of the Finance Committee when the British Association for the Advancement of Science visited Montreal. He is also a consistent son of the Church of England, ever ready by every means to advance her interests and claims. He married a daughter of Hon. Senator Goodhue. Mr. Thomas is one of our best known and respected citizens.
CHARLES E. SCHILLER.
His father was at the Battle of Chateauguay. His grandfather came to this country about 1778 as Surgeon to one of the Hessian Regiments serving in America. Charles was born lyth September, 1819, at Riviere du Loup (en haut}. After being educated at Benjamin Workman's Academy, he entered the Court House in 1835 as Clerk, where he remained for fifty-two years, until his death. He assisted at the Jalbert trial during 1837-8, also at the great trial of the St. Alban's Raiders in 1864, and that of the Fenians in 1866. He was appointed Joint Clerk with Mr. Carter, and, on the latter's resignation, became sole Clerk. In 1880, Mr. Brehaut was appointed in place of Mr. Carter; but he died suddenly in 1882, and Mr. Sicotte was named partner. Perhaps Mr. Schiller was the man who possessed the largest amount of criminal knowledge of any person in the Dominion. The only holiday, in fifty years, which he ever took, was one month, when he went on a trip to New Orleans. Mr. Schiller was universally confided in by the Bench and Bar, and both Judges and Advocates placed unbounded confidence in his advice or decisions. He died on the 25th of April, 1887. He left a brother and sister. His sister married M. P. Guy, the oldest notary in Montreal.
320 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
CAPTAIN LABELLE
WAS born at Sorel, 27th May, 1836. The first of tthe family came as a French soldier to Canada, and, after his discharge, settled in the country. He was educated in the Parish School of Sorel ; but soon showed his disposition for the water by sail- ing craft on the St. Lawrence. Thus he became an expert navigator, and afterwards, for twenty-five years, commanded the finest steamer of the Richelieu Company between Montreal and Quebec. In 1880, he gave up sailing and received the appoint- ment of Passenger Agent at Montreal for the Q. M. O. & O. Railway. In 1883, he was made General Manager of the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company. In 1887, ne was returned for Richelieu as Member of Parliament, House of Commons, Ottawa. His intrepidity on two different occasions can never be forgotten. First at the terrible burning of the steamer "Montreal," in 1857, and again during the inundation ol the Island of Sorel in 1865. He died suddenly a year or two ago.
HON. CHARLES WILSON
WAS the sixth son of the late Alexander Wilson, Esq., Collector of Customs atCoteau du Lac. His mother was a daughter of Captain Monteith d'Aillebout, a gentleman who held a commission in the French Army, but also, after the capitulation of Canada to General Amherst after the death of Wolfe, in 1759, entered the English service instead of returning to France according to the terms of the capitulation. The honorable gentleman was boAi at Coteau du Lac, April, 1808. In 1838, he married the sister of the late Dr. Tracy of Montreal. He was the head of one of the largest firms in the city engaged in the hardware business, the house having been begun by him in 1834. He was also a Director of the Scottish Provincial Assurance Company. In 1851, he was elected Mayor of Montreal by acclamation when the people received the right of election, and in 1852 and 1853 had again the high honor of being chosen by acclamation to the highest official office of the city. He was created in 1854 a Chevalier Cimmandeur of the Roman Order of St. Gregory the Great. He sat as a life member of the Legislative Council of Canada from 1852 until the Union of the Provinces in 1867, and in May, 1867, by Royal Proclamation, he was called to the high honor of representing the Rigaud Division in the Senate of the Dominion of Canada. The honorable gentleman died some years ago,
WILLIAM SHANKS EVANS
WAS born at Berwick-on-Tvveed on the 23rd May, 1831. He also came to Canada with his parents in 1832. Having a liking for his father's profession, mechanical engineering, he served his time to that business, when he soon became very profi- cient in it. In the year 1848 he removed to the United States, where he shortly afterwards received an appointment in the Dunkirk and Erie Locomotive Works, which he held for nine years, the most of that time as manager in the works. He resigned this position in 1860, after the death of his brother Edward, and returned to Montreal, where he has employed his capital ever since in stock and real estate operations.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 321
CHURCH OF "THE GESU."
'•THE Church, adjoining the College, bears the name of a Jesuit Church in Rome, ' The Gesu,' which means, of course, the Church of Jesus. The late Bishop of Montreal, Mgr. Bourget, had for many years been desirous of seeing a large and handsome church erected on the grounds of St. Mary's College and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At his earnest solicitation, the Fathers, encouraged by public approval and trusting in Divine Providence, resolutely undertook the work ; on St. Joseph's Day, 1864 (March igth), they began to prepare the site, and a few weeks later building operations were commenced. The church was blessed and opened for worship on the 3rd December, 1865 (St. Francis Xavier's Day). The services on week days are at the same hours as those of the other Catholic city churches ; on Sundays and Holydays there is a French sermon at High Mass and another at the meeting of the Archconfraternity ; on these days there are two sermons in English : one at the eight o'clock Mass, the other at the evening service at eight. This church is justly considered one of the most attractive in Montreal, and one of the most beautiful and soul satisfying monuments on this Continent. Its characteristic feature is that it delights the untutored eye as fully as it satisfies the artist's critical glance. The style is Florentine Renaissance. The columns are composite, and somewhat higher than the strict rules of art would approve, but this defect, which architects alone would notice, enhances the lighl an.l ethereal appearance of the interior. For, like the ' King's daughter,' the Gesu is ' all glorious within.' Without, the unfinished towers cripple the facade. Within, the great transepts, figuring the Cross of Christ, flood the chancel with softly toned waves of light ; the delicate monochromes, which adorn the walls and ceiling, reproduce the masterpieces of the modern German school, the Crucifixion of Our Lord, the Most Blessed Trinity, the Queen of Angels, the Holy Name of Jesus at the intersection of the transepts and the nave, the Lamb of God, Jesus in the midst of the Doctors, Jesus with Mary and Joseph at Nazareth, Jesus blessing little children, raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus as the Good Shepherd, Jesus appearing to St. Thomas after the Resurrection, the scenes drawn from the history of the Jesuits ; the splendid oil paintings by Gagliardi Brothers, of Rome, are full of color and life ; the variegated altars, sixteen in number, most of which are made of Canadian woods, all lead up to the high or central altar with its large chancel and elegantly inlaid floor, on which, at high festivals, the well-trained sanctuary boys throng around the Holy of Holies. The choir of this church is justly celebrated. Santley, the great baritone, who sang at the Gesu, after praising the acoustic singing properties of the church, complimented Professor Clerk on the extraordinary excellence of his choir. The Students' Choir is also deserving of praise for the whole-heartedness with which they join in the vocal worship of God. On some great feast, such as Christmas, Easter or Whit-Sunday, the Church of the Gesu is at its outward best. Then the tasteful decorations, the perfectly trained choir and the full orchestra well befit the anthems of Divine praise which rise from the altar, centre of all Catholic worship, and which are voiced and luminously portrayed in the
12
322 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
practical, earnest and thoughtful French and English sermons for which the Gesu is especially famous. But every week day there goes on in that graceful temple a silent, though still more impressive, work of daily adoration in spirit and in truth, of con- version from backslidings and error, of strong striving towards all that is true and pure and everlasting."
PETER PANGMAN AND HON. JOHN PANGMAN.
THE Seigniory of Lachenaie was granted by " La Compagnie de la Nouvelle France" to Pierre le Gardeur, Ecuyer, Sieur de Repentigny, in the City of Paris, France, on the i6th April, 1647. Major-General Gabriel Christie sold the Seigniory on the 2nd of February, 1785, to Jacob Jordan, Seignior of Terrebonne. Jordan sold the Seigniory on the 3rd November, 1794, to Peter Pangman, who died on the 28th August, 1819, leaving the estate managed by his son-in-law, George Henry Monk, who was married to his daughter, Jane, and was appointed curator of the estate until the coming of age of John Pangman on the i3th November, 1829. The Hon John Pangman was born i3th November, 1808. He was the son of Peter Pangman, Esq., a member of the old Nor'-West Company, and of Grace Mactier, his wife, who were married in Montreal, on 28th March, 1796, and settled at Grace Hall, Mascouche, his father having called the Manor House after her name. He first married, in 1835, Marie Henrietta Lacroix, daughter of the Hon. Janvier Domptail Lacroix, He was appointed to the Legislative Council, by the Crown, in 1838, for Lower Canada. He always took an active part in English Church matters. He had three sons and two daughter.* by this marriage, viz. : Jane Elmire, married, in 1870, Hon. Louis Napoleon Casault, of Quebec, one of the Justices of Her Majesty's Superior Court : John Henry, born 8lh of August, 1845, an<^ married iglh September. 1867, Bertha E. Buchanan; Marie Louise ; John, born yth September, 1847 \ Charles Edward, born 15111 November, 1849. On the 3rd September, 1857, he married Georgiana Robertson, daughter of the late Dr. Robertson, of Montreal, by whom he had one son. He died 5th January, 1867. His son met with a terrible death in having his head cut off by the collision of trains on the North Shore Railway some years ago. The widow lives in Montreal.
HON. J. G. LWIOLETTE, M.L.C.,
WAS born at St. Eustache, Province of Quebec. He was afterwards educated at the College of Montreal. He is Seignior of Sherriagton, in the County of Naperville, and has been Warden of Naperville and Mayor of the town. Twice has he been appointed Census Commissioner by the Government of Canada, in 1860 and again in 1870. He was appointed to the Legislative Council of Quebec in 1876, for the DjLorimier Division. He holds the commission of Lieut.-Colonel in the Militia. Col. Laviolette was twice married and has two sons and four daughters. One son is a well known Druggist and Medical Doctor of Montreal. His three daughters' husbands are all well-known names in St. Eustache, Longueuil and Montreal.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 323
REV. DR. WILKES
WAS born in Birmingham, England, 2 ist June, 1805. He came to Canada at the age of fifteen, the family settling in Toronto. In 1822, Henry left for Montreal, where he spent the next five years in a mercantile house. Then he became partner with John Torrance. In 1829, he entered the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and also joined the Theological Academy of the celebrated Dr. Wardlaw, and in 1832 was ordained and sent to Canada on a mission. Accomplishing such, he returned to Scotland and graduated M.A. in 1833, becoming Pastor of Albany Church, Edinburgh, where the parents of the Author of this volume gave him, as members of the congregation, the right hand of fellowship at his Ordination and Induction. He returned to Canada in 1836, just before the Rebellion, and settled in Montreal. For fifty years he continued a faithful minister, and was identified with all the growth of the city. He received the Degree of LL.D. from McGill, and D.D. from Burlington College in 1860. He was one of the most known and beloved of the Clergy of Montreal, and died some years ago. He was intimately connected with the Congregational College of Montreal from its inception, and was greatly the means of its present prosperity.
V. F. VANASSE, M.r.,
WAS born at Saint David, Yamaska, 6th November, 1848. His father was F. H. Vanasse, who had established himself there in 1825. He was educated at.Nicolet College. Choosing Law as his study, he entered the office of Hon. Justice Jette, and passed with distinction in 1875 his final examination, and was admitted to the Bar same year. He was at one time associated with two well-known names, Hon. F. X» Trudel and Hon. M. Taillon, and in 1879 he was elected member of Parliament for Yamaska. In 1882, he was re-elected. During 1884, he organized a large pub- lishing company, acquired the paper Le JNonveau Monde, called it Le Monde, and it is yet edited by him. He married, in 1877, a daughter of Alex. Deseve, advocate, of Montreal. Mr. Vanasse has now retired from Parliament, and devotes himself to the duties of his profession and editorial labor as Editor of the Monde newspaper.
JAMES A. GLASSFOKD
WAS born at Coteau du Lac on the 25th June, 1817. He was educated at Mon- treal. He was for some time in the lumber trade with his father. He after- wards commenced on his own account in the forwarding business between Montreal and Ottawa, and rapidly extended his connections. In 1862, he was the largest for- warding merchant in the country, being the head of the well-known firm " Glassford,. Jones & Co." Their stock then consisted of forty-five vessels, exclusive of others chartered for the season. They carried immense quantities of grain, etc., from Chicago and other western cities in connection with steam vessels for Europe. Hav- ing unfortunately broken his leg, his health was impaired, and in consequence he died June ist, 1869, aged only fifty-two years and eleven months. His sons are in the commission business in Montreal.
324 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
FREDERICK W. HENSHAW
WAS born in Montreal, on the 22nd July, 1822. His father was a hardware merchant and importer of this city in the early part of this century, and his grandfather, a U. E. loyalist, came to Canada and settled in Montreal soon after the close of the Revolu- tionary War. Mr. Henshaw can trace his family to the Henshaws of Lancashire, England, who were prominent land owners at the close of the fifteenth century. One of his ancestors. William Henshaw, head of the family, was killed at the taking of Liverpool in 1644. James the First of England restored the family to its ancient honors, and it took the motto Esse quam videri. Mr. Henshaw has been actively engaged in business since 1850 as a general commission and shipping merchant. He was created a Magistrate by the late Sir Geo. E. Cartier, and has performed many public services in his magisterial capacity. Has been a member of the Board of Trade since 1855, member of the Council for seventeen years, one of which as Vice- President, and four years as President, also Consul for the Republic of Uruguay. Mr. Henshaw married, in 1850, Maria Louisa Scott, daughter of John Scott, Esq., London, England, by whom he has had four children, two sons and two daughters. The eldest of the former, Frederick Clarence Henshaw, is Colonel of the Victoria Rifles of Montreal and Consul of the Argentine Republic and Vice-Consul of Uru- guay, His second son, Arthur Scott Henshaw, married Beatrice Shepherd, daughter of R. W. Shepherd, Esq., of Montreal, and is in the Bank of Montreal.
LOUIS FRECHETTE, LL.D.
WAS born at Levis, Quebec, i6th November, 1859. His ancestors came from Isle de Rhe, France, and were among the early settlers of this colony. He was educated at the College of Nicolet and completed his career at Laval University, and admitted to the Bar in 1864. From 1865 to 1871, he resided in Chicago. In the latter year he returned to Canada. In 1874, he was returned for Levis County to the Federal Parliament. He took up his residence in Montreal in 1878. He is a member of the Royal Society and a poet of no mean order. He has edited several well-known papers, Journal de Quebec and La Pairie of Montreal being among them. His volume of poetry called Pele Mele is well known, printed by John Lovell, of Mon- treal. Two other volumes of poetry in 1880 were crowned by the French Academy of Paris, and he was granted the first Montyon prize. He has also written several dramas and comedies, principally " Papineau," in 1880, which was acted in Montreal more than once, and received popular applause. Not only has Mr. Frechette to vastly enriched his own country's literature, but he has translated into French two works which are well known, W. D. Howells' " A Chance Acquaintance," and George W. Cable's " Old Creole Days." Professor Roberts, the English poet, has, on the other hand, translated into English Mr. Frechette's beautiful poem " La Liberte."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 325
Here is one stanza showing both the translation and the beautiful sentiment of the author :
ts While worldlings chase each other madly round
The gay track of frivolous gaiety, Dreamer, my dream earth's utmost longings bounds — One love alone is mine, my love is Liberty."
Mr. Frechette married, in 1876, Emma, second daughter of J. B. Beaudry, Banker of Montreal, and has an interesting family. He now resides entirely in Montreal, and makes Literature and Poesy his only work. May he long be spared to warble sweet songs in his own melodious language, and continue to be, as he is, an honor to our city, and a cause of thankfulness that we have at least one true poet in our midst.
PAUL STEVENS.
HE may well be called, as he is by a French Canadian critic not long deceased, ll The Lafontaine of Canada." He was born in Belgium. After his arrival in Canada, he became one of the editors of La Patrie. He also held for some time the position of Professor of Literature at Chambly College. In 1860, he returned to the city, but latterly was attached to the house and family of De Lery. His " Fables " consist of 120 pages, and were printed in 1857. His " Contes Populaires " appeared in 1867, ten years after, which contributed more than his first work to the reputation of the author.
RIGHT REV. BISHOP BALDWIN.
MAURICE S. BALDWIN was born in Toronto, in the year 1836. His father was John S. Baldwin, his mother being Anne Shaw, daughter of Major General Shaw. His early education was procured at Upper Canada College, subsequently entering the University, and graduating in 1859 at Trinity College. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Cronyn in April, 1860. His first appointment was assistant to Dr. Caulfield of St. Thomas, Ontario. In 1862, he became Incumbent at Port Dover. In 1865, he was elected Incumbent of St. Luke's, Montreal. Five years after, in 1870, he became Assistant Minister of Christ Church Cathedral, and in 1872, when the Ven. Dean Bethune died, he was unanimously elected Rector of the Parish. In June, 1871, he had been collated as one of the Honorary Canons of the Cathedral. He continued till 1879, when, by the advancement of Dean Bond to the Bishopric of Montreal, Canon Baldwin was appointed his successor. On the vacancy occurring in the Diocese of Huron by the death of Bishop Cronyn, the Dean was consecrated Bishop of that important Diocese in his stead. He has continued ever since as one of the most earnest and impressive preachers of the day. His usefulness in Montreal can never be estimated. It is still seen when the Bishop pays the Metropolis a visit in the crowd which flock to hear their favorite preacher again.
The Bishop has not been a great producer of books, but two which he did write have been eminently useful. The first published in Montreal in 1877, and called
326 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
" A Break in the Ocean Cable," has had an extraordinary run. no less than 10,000 copies having been sold since it was first published. His other work, " Life in a Look,'" published in 1880, is also highly regarded. He received the degree of D.D. at the time of his consecration. In April, 1870, the Bishop was married to Sarah Jessie, youngest daughter of John J. Day, Q.C., whose biography is found in another part of this GAZETTEER.
HON. JOHN MOLSON.
HE was the son of the original John Molson who was the first of the name in Canada, and whose wonderful energy is well noticed in the History in the first part of this volume, in speaking of the first steamboat which ever sailed the St. Lawrence. The subject of this memoir was connected with his father in all his enterprises, first in his father's service, then for a short time in opposition, when his father gave him a vessel to set him up in business, and afterwards as a partner, and we believe we are correct in saying that it was not a little owing to the energy and enterprise of the son that the father added largely to the handsome competence of which he died possessed.
A striking instance of the business capacity of the son has often been mentioned. The boat given him by his father was of inierior power and speed, but the young man was not to be outdone. The river was not lighted and buoyed as at the present day in these closing years of the iQth century, and it was, therefore, deemed unsafe to run after dark. The son, however, ran his boat all night, and by working while others slept, made the best time with the slowest boat.
" At a later period, when railroads were introduced, Mr. Molson took an active part in their introduction into Canada, and was President of the first railroad opened in the Province, the St. Lawrence and Champlain, of which he continued a Director until his demise. Nor was he less active in advancing the interests of our monetary institutions. He had felt the want of these in early life, when he kept guard over his father's strong box, and paid out the English guineas, French crowns, and Spanish pieces, to his numerous workmen. He became a Director in the Bank of Montreal, but retired to make room for his father. Resuming his seat at the Board on the retirement of his father from the presidency, he remained as a Director till 1853, when, in connection with his brother, William, he established the Molsons Bank, under the Free Banking Act, and which obtained a Charter in 1854, when his young brother Thomas, also became a Urge shareholder in that institution.
" In politics, Mr. Molson was highly conservative ; and when the Special Council replaced the Parliament in 1837, ne was called to a seat in it. He, however, never desired to enter public life. He preferred to assist in carrying out those public improvements which had been set on foot by himself and others, to develop the resources, and aid in the advancement of his native country.
'• Having shouldered his musket in 1837, ne; with many other loyal men, felt keenly the passing of the Rebellion Losses Bill of 1849; an<^ was one °f the ^rst signers of \\\z famous Annexation Manifesto at that time, a proceeding for which he
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. , 72
was deprived of his Commissions of Justice of the Peace and Colonel of the Militia ; the offers afterwards made by Government to reinstate him, he respectfully declined." As a private citizen, Mr. Molson was highly esteemed. The cause of education and philanthropy ever found in him a friend, and there is scarcely an important educational or charitable institution in Montreal with which his name has not been connected. The Molson Chair in the McGill College, endowed by the liberality of the three brothers, may be specially mentioned as an instance of munificence and public spiiit. As a Governor for many years of the Montreal General Hospital, from the Presidency of which he retired about a year previous to his death, owing to his failing health, his zeal will be long remembered, which, considering the magnitude of his business engagements, often surprised his coadjutors in the management of that benevolent institution. He died at his residence, Belmont Hall, Montreal, on the 1 2th July, 1860, in his 73rd year, universally regretted.
REV. JOHN JENKINS, D.D., LL.D.
THE subject of this sketch was of Welsh parentage, but he was born in the town of Exeter, England, 5th December, 1813. He was educated at Exeter College, and afterwards at King's College, London. He was ordained to the Ministry in 1837, and immediately proceeded to India as a Missionary to the station of Mysore, where his well-known son, Edward, in the City of Bungalore, was born. Edward is well known to literary fame as the author of " Ginx's Baby," and who was once a member of the Imperial Parliament for Dundee, Scotland.
Dr. Jenkins remained about five years in India and then returned to England in enfeebled health. He afterwards resided two years in Malta, and in 1847 came to Montreal, and for six years was the pastor of St. James Street Methodist Church. At this time he was best known for his lectures : "A Protestant's Appeal to the Douay Bible." Four large editions of this book were published and sold during the first year, but now it is almost impossible to procure a copy. — sic transit gloria mundi.
Shortly after this, on account of determined opposition to him in relation to this book, he resigned and went to Philadelphia, as Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Calvary, where he remained for ten years. This closing period brought the Doctor face to face with the War of Secession, and because he would not pray on Sunday for President Davis and his Cabinet, he had to resign in 1863, and went to London, England, where he was for a year. Next year, 1864, he was invited to St. Paul's Church, Montreal, which he accepted and remained for no less than ten years. From 1868, in connection with the City, he was Chairman of the Protestant Board of School Commissioners. He was made an LL.D. by McGill in 1879, and a D.D. in 1859 by the University of New York. In 1875, he resigned from school work. He was also a member of the Board of McGill University, and also that of Queen's, Kingston. In 1869, he was elected Moderator of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and in 1878 Moderator of the United Churches. After an event- ful and useful life to his party, church and belief, he died some years ago.
328 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL-
ROBERT CRAIK, M.D.
HE is one of those in these sketches who were born in Montreal. He first saw the light in this city, 22nd April, 1829. His parents had come to Montreal in 1818- The well-known late John Bruce educated the Doctor in his younger years. After- wards he studied Medicine and graduated with first honors from McGill in 1854. The same year he became House Surgeon to the General Hospital, resigning in 1860. In 1856, he was Demonstrator of Anatomy in his Alma Mater until 1861, when he became Professor of Clinical Surgery to 1866-7. During this Session he lectured on Chemistry for the late Dr. Sutherland, and at his death succeeded him, retaining this Chair till 1879. He then retired, and is now Emeritus Professor. To show how far- thinking the Doctor was, even in his youthful days of practice, we may mention that his graduation thesis was " On the Nature of Zymotic Diseases," and now, more than a quarter of a century afterwards, what he then spoke of and shadowed forth of the theory of germ disease has made a deep impression on the public mind. The Doctor has long held a high standing among his confreres. He is now a great agriculturist, and has some of the finest horses in the country. In 1856, he married Miss Alice Symmons, of Dublin, Ireland, but she died in 1874. The Doctor has no
children.
HON. JAMES FERRIER, SENATOR,
WAS born in Scotland. He was educated in Fifeshire, and went to Perth to serve his apprenticeship. In 1821, he left Scotland for Canada. At twenty-two he com- menced business in Montreal, and by Scotch prudence and shrewdness, he soon accumulated a handsome competency. When the Bank of British North America was founded he became a Director of it. For six years he was President of the Montreal Assurance Co. When the Rebellion broke out in 1837, 'ie shouldered his musket among the Constitutionalists, and became a Lieut. -Colonel of the Militia. In 1841, he was appointed a Municipal Councillor. When in 1844 the offices became elective, he was returned Alderman of the East Ward. This same year he was elected Mayor. Whilst Mayor a terribly disastrous fire took place at Quebec, and Mr» Ferrier being at the time an eye-witness of the awful destruction everywhere seen? waited at once on the Governor-General, Lord Metcalfe, and so interested him that an immense fund was raised for the sufferers. Shortly after this, Mr. Ferrier was called by royal mandamus to a seat in the Legislative Council. He projected the Montreal and Lachine Railway, and for a number, of years was President of the road. He was elected as one of the Directors of the Grand Trunk Railway, and for many years was the Chairman of this great concern in Canada. He was also appointed a Governor of McGill University, as he had been a member of the Board of the Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning. He was also a Member of the Council of the University of Victoria College, Cobourg. He was for years President of the Quebec Temperance and Prohibitory League, as well as that of the Bible Society. He was appointed a Senator of the Dominion, and was such at the time of his death, which occurred some years ago after a life of wonderful activity, benevolence and Christian sympathy.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 329
ST. MARY'S COLLEGE.
THE following fine account of this well-known and interesting Institution is found in a late number of the Dominion Illustrated, and, without altering anything, I repro- duce it as the best sketch that can be given of the College : —
" As this is the principal public Institution of the Canadian Jesuits, it will not be amiss to point out with what memories of Canada, and of Montreal in particular, it is linked in the past. The Society of Jesus, founded and definitely organized by St. Ignatius of Loyola, in 1540, had, for more than half a century, been sending mis- sionaries into every part of the habitable world. As fast as new lands were discovered in America, they were evangelized by missionaries of the Society. Brazil, Peru, Florida, Mexico, in fact nearly the entire Southern portion of the New World, had received its apostles; the Northern portion, and Canada in particular, were now to receive theirs. In 1611, Fathers Biard and Masse accompanied to Acadia the first settlers of New France. In 1625, their followers, being requested by the Recollet Fathers of New France to share their hard labors, landed at the foot of the then lonely rock of Champlain ; ten years later, in 1635, they laid the foundations of the College of Quebec, destined to be for many years the training school of Canadian youth in science and virtue. In the previous year (1634), a residence was established by Father Lejeune in the incipient city of Three Rivers. The birth of Montreal did nut come till 1642; nevertheless, as early as 1626, Father de Brebeuf, on his first journey to the land of the Hurons, had, as it were, selected the site of the future city ; in his second journey (1635), he pointed it out as the extreme limit of the navigation of the St. Lawrence, and consequently as a spot of great importance. In the same and subsequent years, Father Lejeune concerted with the Company of the Hundred Associates a settlement at this identical place, ' which may,' he says, ' become some day a large city.' In 1637, in company with the Governor, he came there on an exploring expedition. Finally, on the i8th of May, 1642, Father Bartholomew Vimont, in the name of the New Society of Our Lady, recently organized in Paris by the zealous and venerable Mr. Olier, said the first Mass and invoked upon the foundations of the future City of Ville-Marie, or Montreal, the choicest blessings of Heaven. During the fifteen years following, or until the arrival of the Reverend Sulpician Priests in 1657, the Jesuit Fathers were sole pastors of Montreal; but, as soon as the spiritual care of the settlers could be entrusted to devoted hands, they resumed their favorite occupation, the preaching of the Gospel to the destitute Indians. Towards the end of this period, in the spring of 1657, Father LeMoyne blessed the corner-stone of the ancient sanctuary of Notre Dame de Bonsecours (Our Lady of Good Help). In 1663, whilst conveying to the distressed settlers a cargo of pro- visions, Father Chaumonot founded, in company with Rev. Mr. Souart, Sulpician Priest, the Confraternity of the Holy Family, which is still in a prosperous condition. In 1692, when the wants of Montreal were on the increase, and the very existence of the Colony was threatened by the incursions of the Indians, the Jesuit Fathers returned and built within its walls a house and chapel. In the same year they estab-
33° GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
lished in their chapel the Sodality of Men, and the Novena in honor of St. Francis Xavier, two works that have long outlived their founders, and which produce to this day abundant fruits of salvation. Their property, including chapel, convent and garden, covered nearly all the ground now occupied by the Champ de Mars (drilling ground), the Court House and the new City Hall. At a later period a church was ridded and rebuilt on a larger scale in 1742. The church faced the street which now forms the eastern side of Jacques Cartier Square. In that ground, then held sacred, lie the ashes of many dauntless missionaries, who watered with their sweat and blood the seed of the Gospel. After toiling for a century and a half, previous to the year 1773, the members of the suppressed Society of Jesus, then resident in Canada, were gradually gathered to their fathers. Father Well, the last survivor in Montreal, died in 1791, and Father Cazot, the last in Quebec, in 1860, at the very time when, by a special providence, God was preserving the remnants of the Society of Jesus in the North of Europe, by providing them with a shelter in Russia, where, screened from the revolutionary storm which swept over the Continent, they patiently bided the coming of better times. During the lifetime of the Fathers, the English Government allowed them the administration of the property belonging to their communities; but after their death, in defiance of rights and protestations, the Crown uncere- moniously annexed everything to itself. The most remarkable of the Jesuit Fathers who, during the i7th century, died in Canada, martyrs to their faith or their apostolic zeal, were : ist, Father de Noue, found frozen on the banks of the St. Lawrence, opposite Sorel, February 2nd, 1646 ; 2nd, Father Jogues, killed with a hatchet while preaching to the Iroquois, October i6th, 1646 ; 3rd, Father Daniel, shot with arrows and musket balls by the Iroquois, July 4th, 1648; 4th, Fathers de Brebeuf and Gabriel Lallemant, who died at the stake among the Iroquois, March i6th and lyth, 1649 ; 5th, Father Gamier, killed by the Iroquois, December 7th, 1649; 6th, Father Chabanel, drowned by an apostate Huron, December, 1649 : 7th, Father Buteux, butchered by the Iroquois, May loth, 1652; 8th, Father Garreau, killed by the Iroquois, September 2nd, 1656; 9th, Father Pierron, put to death by the Indians in March, 1673. When the storm clouds that overshadowed Europe at the close of the past and at the beginning of the present century had partially passed away, the Society of Jesus emerged from its temporary eclipse, and resumed with unabated vigor its missionary career. Those countries which most required assistance were, of course, first attended to; Canada was not actually in want of spiritual laborers, but she retained a kind remembrance of her early apostles and was ready to give them a joyous welcome ; in the interval succeeding their departure, the resources of the country had greatly developed and its spiritual necessities had increased with its natural progress. Accordingly, in 1839, after an absence of nearly forty years, the Society appeared once more on the banks of the great St. Lawrence.
" Father Chazelle, President of £t Mary's College, Kentucky, was requested by Rev. Mr. Quiblier, his former pupil and then Superior of the Seminary of St. Sulpice? in Montreal, to preach a retreat to the clergy of this diocese. On that occasion both
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 331
priests and people expressed an earnest wish that the Fathers should return to Canada. On his first visit to Rome, in 1841, His Lordship Bishop Bourget petitioned the General of the Society to the same effect ; his efforts were successful, and the Reverend Fathers Chazelle, Martin, Tellier, Luiset, Hanipaux and du Ranquet, arrived in Montreal on the 3ist May, 1842. His Lordship the Bishop gave them a warm reception and lodged them in his own Palace. In the following year (1843) the Honorable Charles Seraphin Rodier offered them for a novitiate a portion of his own mansion; they remained there till 1851. In 1847, typhus fever and cholera made great havoc among the Irish immigrants arriving in Canada ; the local clergy, nearly exhausted by the incessant demands of the sick, were aided in their charitable work by six Jesuit Fathers who hastened from New York for that purpose. It had long been felt that the Catholic educational institutions of Montreal were inefficient for the growing importance of the city and province ; English literature had not received the attention due to it, especially since, in 1840, the city had become the capital of United Canada. Sensible of this deficiency, the citizens of Montreal earnestly entreated the Fathers to open a college where the English language should be taught, and the pupils receive instruction in commercial affairs, as well as in French and the classics. On the ist of November, 1845, a public meeting of influential citizens, presided over by Bishop Bourget, was held to secure the imme- diate establishment of the intended college. Enthusiasm ran high, but the times were unpropitious ; great fires at Quebec, and an impending financial crisis, caused postponement of the undertaking. The present building was commenced in 1847, and was sufficiently advanced to allow of occupation in April, 1851 ; a school had, however, been opened, 20 th September, 1848, in a frame house still extant at the northeast corner of Dorchester and St. Alexander streets. Its progress is encourag- ing ; during the first year the students numbered 65 ; in 1850, they were 124; in 1860, they had increased to 249 ; in 1870, to 336 ; in 1891, to 487. The plan of the college was designed and partly carried out by the first Rector, the Rev. Father Felix Martin, a man of rare administrative ability, \vho combined an almost stern spirit of discipline with extraordinary versatility of talent and great kindness of heart. The right wing was finished for occupation in 1855, but the front, facing the boys' play ground, is still without its intended portico and colonnade. The entire structure is built of free stone; it is 225 feet long, and on an average 50 feet in width by 60 in height. The building is provided with two ingenious fire escapes, one of which is seen in the view from Bleury street. They are invented and patented by Father Jones, the archivist of the College. The Provincial Parliament, after adding to its programme a course of legal studies, incorporated the college by statute, under the title of ' St. Mary,' in the year 1852.
" The Curriculum, in which religious instruction holds the first place, embraces all the branches of a complete classical course, followed by two years of Philosophy, at the end of which Laval University degrees are conferred upon the graduates. Con- nected with the College are preparatory classes for younger students who are not ready to begin their classical studies, and also an elementary course for little lads, who
33 2 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
have special regulations and receive special care. The commercial course, which was one of the early inducements to found this college, has lately been dropped, because the need of such a course is now very adequately met by other flourishing schools in this city, and because the clasical course is followed by so large and so rapidly increasing a body of students as to make the construction of new buildings an imperative necessity. For the past two years the elementary Latin and Greek classes have been provided with separate teachers for the English-speaking pupils ; and the elite of our Catholic English-speaking population have hastened to avail themselves of this opportunity. Curiously enough, while St. Mary's College, manned at the outset by men of superior ability and training from France, was the first college in Canada to successfully insist upon the modern pronunciation of French, as con- trasted with the antique seventeenth century accent which stiil prevails in so many other Canadian colleges, it is also, among all Catholic colleges in America, remarkable for the purity of its English speech. This is no doubt owing to the care which has always been bestowed by its well-bred professors upon the elocutionary efforts of the pupils. As a consequence, the amateur theatricals of this College have enjoyed more than twenty-five years of a well-earned reputation for taste and vigor. The military drill of the St. Mary's College Cadets is another feature of metropolitan renown. To see those sturdy lads manoeuvring with the steadiness and precision of veteran regulars, one would hardly suspect the mercurial temperament with which most of them are endowed. But the chief merit of St. Mary's is its solid education, thorough in the classics, deep in philosophy and the higher principles of mathematics and natural science, wide and ripe in the training of that master faculty? the power of seizing the strong point in every branch of study. Thus it is that, in a short forty years, during most of which it had not even the tempting bait of a degree to offer, St. Mary's has produced men of mark in all the higher walks of life, distinguished jurists like Judges de Lorimier and Loranger, Mr. de Bellefeuille and Mr. P. B. Mignault, skilled physicians like Doctors Laramee, Auguste Hamel and Mignault, rulers of men like the present .Mayor ol Quebec, the Premier of this Province, and the Hon. Joseph Royal, Governor of the North-West Territories, not to speak of the Rev. Father Turgeon, whose seven years of rectorship at St. Mary's did so much for its prosperity, nor of the present Rector, Reverend Father Drummond, upon whom the mantle of the past rectors sits with an easy grace."
FLAVIEN G. BOUTELLIER, M.P.P.
WAS born at St. Cesaire, 2nd March, 1845. His father was Lieut.-Colonel Flavian Boutellier, a merchant of St. Cesaire. Flavien, the younger, was educated at the College of St. Hyacinthe, and studied Law in Laval University and in the Montreal Branch of Victoria University, Cobourg, Ontario, and latterly in the office of Sir A. A. Dorion. He was called to the Bar, July, 1871. He was elected to represent Rouville, in June, 1879, his native county, and was returned by a large majority. He was a firm supporter of Hon. Mr. Joly when in power. Latterly he has eschewed politics and devoted his talents to his profession.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 333
GEORGE MERCER DAWSON, D.S., F.G.S.
HE was born at Pictou, Nova Scotia, on the ist August, 1849. He received his early education in Montreal. Delicate health prevented him from making a complete curriculum in the College. In 1869, he entered the Royal School of Mines, London, and after three years, in 1872, he passed as an Associate. On returning to Canada he engaged for a year in mining surveys in Nova Scotia, and in lecturing in Morrin Col- lege, Quebec. He was then appointed Geologist and Botanist to the British North American Boundary Commission, where he served for two years. On the completion of the survey, he received an appointment on the staff of the Geological Survey of the Dominion. He is now one of the highest in the Department. He has been engaged on a large number of expeditions and surveys. In 1880, he visited Europe. He was present at the meeting of the British Association at Swansea, and read an able paper on the Geology of British Columbia. Thanks to the indefatigable care of his mother Lady Dawson, in his infancy and youth, and the continued work in the open air, his health is now completely established, and may the Doctor be long spared to attend to his scientific researches, which in the past have been so beneficial to his country, a worthy son of a worthy father, both shining lights in Science and Philosophy. He has figured lately rather prominently as one of the Commissioners in the Behring Sea controversy.
JACQUES OLIVIER BUREAU, N.P.
THE family of Senator Bureau came originally from Normandy, France. He is the son of Jacques Bureau, Esq., a merchant of Three R.ivers, and was born there on the 6th February, 1820. He passed with distinction through the various classes of Nicolet College, and early began life for himself, being admitted as a Notary Public of Lower Canada in 1843. 1° I844, he married Mile. Helene St. Pierre, who died in 1852, and afterwards, in 1868, again married, his partner being Madame J. H. Ter- roux. In the Canadian Assembly, from the General Elections in 1854 until September, 1862, he sat for the constituency of Napierville. In 1862, he was elected for the De Lorimier Division in Lower Canada, which he faithfully and assiduously represented till the Union of the Provinces, 1867. From January to May, 1863, he was a Member of the Executive Council and also Provincial Secretary of Canada, having succeeded the Hon. A. A. Dorion. He was called by Royal Proclamation, May, 1867, to the high position of Senator of the Dominion of Canada for the District of De Lorimier. He was one of the most active promoters of the Anti-Seigniorial movement, and also a member of the Reform Convention which met in Quebec on that subject. The Hon. Mr. Bureau took a leading part in the debate in the Senate on Christie's motion respecting the Pacific Railway. The Honorable gentleman has always been a consis- tent Reformer. He was, indeed, an example of a self-made man, who through his own indomitable perseverance and energy raised himself to the highest position to which a citizen can attain (save the Local Governorship), viz., a Senator of the Dominion of Canada. His life should be a gnomon for others of the same profession to endeavor to do likewise.
334 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL
GEORGE BRUSH.
THIS well-known figurehead of Montreal was born at Vergennes., State of Vermont,. 6th January, 1793. His father was Elkanah Brush, and his mother Aluthea (Frink) Brush. When quite a young man he turned his attention to steamboat and ship building. In 1816 and 1817, he commanded a steamboat named ** Champlain," on the lake of the same name. This was the second steamboat that ever sailed on the waters of that beautiful lake.
When navigation closed in 1817, Mr. Brush settled in Montreal, and for the next sixteen years engaged in his favorite occupation of steamboating and navigation — from 1818 to 1834. Mr. Brush superintended the building of some of the early steamers put on the St. Lawrence between Montreal and Quebec. He built the " Hercules" in 1823, the first tow-boat that ever sailed on the river.
In 1838, Mr. Brush went into partnership with the Wards in the Eagle Foundry which they had begun in 1822. In time he became the sole possessor of it, and in 1852 his eldest son became intrusted with the business. Mr. Brush married Eliza M. Seymour, of Vergennes, Vermont. He died not long ago. His eldest son, George S. Brush, is now the head of the firm and the foundry.
REV. CANON ANDERSON, M.A.
THE subject of this sketch was born in the City of Quebec, January. 1811, therefore he is now the oldest clergyman of the English Church in the City and Diocese of Montreal. His father was John Anderson, his mother Mary Petry. His grand- father was Anthony Anderson, of Hedley Lodge, M.P.P. for Megantic, so that the Anderson family is one of the oldest of the English families in the Province. They came originally from Northumberland, England, and arrived in Canada near the close of the last ceniury.
Something must be said here of his mother. The mother has a great deal to do in the after career of the son, and we find in the Venerable Canon some traits of that stern justice and inflexible character which must have marked her career in these early days of Colonial life and experience. His mother, Mary Petry, was of old German descent. She was the daughter of Frederick Petry, of Nierstein, on the Rhine, and the niece of Dr. William Petry, who was Surgeon in the Prussian Army tinder Frederick the Great, having the charge of the field Lazaretto under that conquering Monarch during the Seven Years' War. He afterwards served with Gen. Herkimer of New York during the American Revolutionary War. In Stone's " Life of Brandt," honorable mention is made of Dr. Petry, for he was both before and during that fratricidal war a prominent Surgeon of the Mohawk Valley. The family descendants remain to this day occupying the original Petry estates in the town of Herkimer New York.
Rev. Canon Anderson received his education at Dr. Wilkes' School, Quebec.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 335
He was ordained Deacon in 1834, and Priest in 1837, by Right Rev. Dr. Mountain, Bishop of Quebec. After two years in Quebec, he first became Curate and then Rector of Sorel in 1839, afid since then has ever continued to hold this position. In 1865, he was appointed Honorary Canon of Christ Church Cathedral by the Metropolitan, Bishop Fulford. In 1840, he married Annie C. Henshaw, daughter of John L. Henshaw, of Montreal, and they had a large family of sons and daughters. One daughter married ex-Alderman N. Mercer, of Montreal, and is well known for her assiduity in every Christian work. The old Canon is still to the fore, and among the pleasures of the writer are those conversations he has had with him on days gone by — notably the troubles of 1837-38 and the stirring times of 1849. May he live years yet to exemplify the truth of the old English hymn,
"' In the days of my youth I remembered my God, And He hath not forgotten my age."
ROBERT ALEXANDER LINDSAY
ROBERT ALEXANDER LINDSAY, late Accountant Bank of Montreal, died a few weeks ago at his residence on Drummond Street. He was in the service of the Bank of Montreal for thirty-four years, during the latter part of which he occupied the position of Chief Accountant. In 1883, he retired from active service on a pension. He was born at Quebec sixty-six years ago, and was a son of the late W. B. Lindsay, who was for a-number of years Clerk of the House of Commons. Mr. Lindsay was mar- ried twice, first to a daughter of Colonel Dyde and then to a daughter of the late Edward Venner, who survives him. He left five sons and two daughters, the eldest being Mr. Robert Lindsay, secretary of the Art Association.
JOHN WILLIAM MOUNT, M.D.,C.M.,
WAS born in Mascouche (St. Henry), County of L'Assomption, the 4th of August, 1829. His father was of English nationality, his mother French Canadian. He is grandson of the late Philip Mount, Esq., M.D., Staff Surgeon in the English Army.
He studied seven years in the Ste. Therese de Blainville and L'Assomption Col- leges, and graduated in the Montreal School of Medicine and McGill College, and took his degree in the last Institution in May, 1851.
He began practice in his native place the same year, and was married in King- ston, the 9th February, 1854, to Miss Mary Jane Farrell, only sister of the late Right Rev. J. Farrell, first Roman Catholic Bishop of Hamilton, Ont. He went to Acton Vale, P.Q., in the fall of 1860, during the copper mine fever, where he acquired a great deal of experience, principally in Surgery, as physician to the Copper Mine Companies.
He came to Montreal in the spring, 1869, where he acquired in a very short time an extensive practice.
He was Attending Physician to the Convent of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Hochelaga, and to the Monastery St. Joseph of the Good Shepherd. He was- one of our most respected Aldermen for St. Mary's Ward, and is still a Physician in this Ward.
336 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WILLIAM WHYTE
<; WAS born at Charlestown, in Fifeshire, Scotland, in September, 1843. He was educated at the schools of his native place. At the age of eighteen he entered the service of the North British Railway Company, remaining as a clerk in the same till 1863. In the last-named year he came to Canada, and upon his arrival joined the Grand Trunk Railway service, receiving the appointment of freight clerk at Cobourg, Ontario. In May he was transferred to the freight office at Montreal, occupying a similar position till the early part of 1867, when he became a freight foreman of the sheds. He was afterwards appointed yardm.ister in the Toronto yard; and in 1870 was promoted to the night station agency at Montreal. About a year later it was announced to him that he had received the appointment of freight and station agent at Stratford. During the time that he held charge at the latter point, a change was made from the old broad to the standard gauge, and for a full year every passenger and way car load of freight had to be transferred at Strat- ford, entailing an enormous amount of additional labor and trouble on both Mr Whyte and his staff. But his plans were so well laid, and promptly carried out, that little delay and no blockade was occasioned by the change. In 1874, he was moved to London, where he held a similar position till January, 1881. He was then ordered to Toronto, to take the entire charge of the important freight offices and sheds at that city. In November of the same year the Company acknow- ledged his services by appointing him Assistant-Superintendent of the Central Divi- sion from Kingston West to Stratford, including the Gait and .Waterloo branches. After remaining in that position for about a year and a half, he severed his connec- tion with the Grand Trunk, and accepted the position of General Superintendent of the Credit Valley Railway (May, 1883), on the resignation of James Ross. Follow- ing this appointment soon came that to the management of the Toronto, Grey and Bruce, which in September of the same year became a part of the Ontario and Quebec system, and was afterwards designated the Ontario Division of the Canadian Pacific. When the Ontario and Quebec road was completed in August of 1884, its manage- ment likewise fell under the control of Mr. Whyte. What his administration has been since his elevation to this important office is very well known. 'Corporations, it is been well said, are bodies without souls, and they are not in the habit of pro- moting a man out of feelings of sentiment or of friendship. But corporations have eyes ; and they are ever on the alert for administrative talent. The genius for the management of railway traffic which Mr. Whyte possesses was perceived, the reader will see, as soon as the opportunity for the display of his talents was opened to the subject of this sketch. Mr. Whyte is a man of quick insight, and as he possesses a cool and a clear head, it does not take him long to see his way out of a difficulty, and come to a decision. Eminently, it may be repeated, he is an administrator, be- ing above all things swift and expedient, and sound of judgment.' He is an extremely popular railway official ; and in the social life of Toronto, his removal from that city was much regretted. Mr. Whyte married in 1872, Jane, daughter of Adam Scott, of Toronto. There has been issue by this marriage a family of three girls and two boys."
HON. F. X. A. TRUDET,.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 337
HON. ANSELME F. X. TRUDEL
Is the son of F. X. Trudel of St. Prospere, District of Three Rivers. He is the grandson of Olivier Trudel, Esq., of Ste. Genevieve de Batiscan, who represented Champlain County in the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada for a long period. Mr. Tmdel was born at St. Anne de la Perade on the 29th April, 1838. He was educated at Nicolet College, where he distinguished himself by assiduity in his studies. In April, 1864, he married Marie Zoe Aimee, daughter of the Hon. Louis Renaud. He was called to the Bar of the Province in 1861. Fora short time in 1860 he edited the well-known paper, La Minerve. He was during several years Pre- sident of the Cercle Litter air e and also ofZ 'Union Catholique. In 1869, his services as advocate were secured conjointly with those of the late Mr. Cassidy and L. A. Jette, M.P. (now the Hon. Judge Jette), by the Fabrique of Notre Damede Montreal for the famous cause " Guibord."
The opinions which he sustained in his speech, touching the freedom of the Roman Catholic Church's complete independence and its civil rights, and the thesis which he developed then on the question of "La propriete ecclesiastique," gave vent to considerable discussion in the press, and were the subject of flattering apprecia- tions from many publicists and economists in France, Belgium and Spain. They determined at first in Canada a certain excitation, and induced the Trustees ( Mar- guilliers ) of Notre Dame to decline to employ him ( Mr. Trudel ) any more in the case, and even a vote of blame was passed condemning his opinions, and is still in the registers of " La Fabrique." This censure cause Mr. Trudel to submit his argu- ments to the judgment of the Holy See. His contested opinions were approved of, not only by the most eminent economists of Rome, namely, P. Perone, Drs. De Angelis and Sanguine tti, but the whole pleading was the subject of their praises. He was one of the authors of the Programme Catholique (1871), and has written consider- ably in the various journals and periodicals of the day. From 1867 to 1872 he sustained in the press many polemics on the question of the Rights of the Roman Church, and of its relations with the civil power. The most important of his works has been published in part in the Revue Canadienne for 1870-71 under the title of " Quelques considerations sur les rapports de 1'Eglise et de 1'Etat."
He thought it his duty to discontinue publication on account of the irritation that these religious polemics had created among the Roman Catholics of the Province of Quebec.
Since the General Elections of 1871 he sat for Champlain in the Quebec Assembly, He was called to the high position of Senator of Canada on the 3ist October, 1873. He was one of the promoters and organizers of the Canadian Papal Zouaves. Some of his writings have been published in the Echo du Cabinet de Lecture, in 1861, 1862 and 1863, under the heads of "Destinies of the Canadian People," " Temperance," " Frederick Osanam and his Works."
For some years previous to his death he was the ruling spirit as Editor-in-Chief and proprietor of L } Etendard, one of the most influential French papers in Montreal.
22
338 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Latterly he was afflicted with heart disease, which at last carried him off a few years ago. His eldest son now conducts the paper. Another son is an Advocate of the Montreal Bar. They are born citizens of Montreal, and seem to have the ability of their father, and will yet make their mark.
WILLIAM CASSILS
'* WAS born at Denny, Stirlingshire, Scotland, on the 25111 June, 1832, being the eldest son of John Cassils and Margaret Murray. The family removed in 1835 to Ren ton, a village in the vale of Leven, Dumbartonshire, where his boyhood was spent, and where in the parochial school he was educated in such branches as were then taught in that institution. Having relatives in Canada, who urged that he should proceed thither, he sailed from Glasgow in the barque Euclid on April 5th, 1851, arriving at Quebec in the first week of May. On reaching Montreal a couple of days later, and hearing that a young man was wanted to learn operating in the office of the Montreal Telegraph Company, he applied for the situation and was accepted. The Company was then in its infancy ; it owned a single line extending along the highway from Toronto to Quebec, and had fourteen offices in all, between these two points. In November, 1853, Mr. Cassils took charge of the Quebec office, and three years later, the Company having acquired the lines of the British American Telegraph Company, was appointed Eastern Divisional Superintendent. On the nth June, 1856, he married Agnes Simpson, daughter of the late William Hossack of Quebec. Resign- ing the position of Telegraph Superintendent in November, 1866, Mr. Cassils re- moved to Montreal, becoming a member of a commercial firm, from which he retired ten years later. While a resident of Quebec Mr. Cassils commanded the esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances, and in addition to active participation in church and charitable work, was chosen Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Pro- testant School Commissioners of that city, which position he held during several years. Shortly after retiring from the wholesale trade in Montreal, he became President of the Canada Central Railway Company, which position he retained for three or four years, until 1881, when the line became part of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company's system. His careful methodical habits of business becoming known, his services were in request by other public companies. He subsequently became Receiver of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Railway Company, and now occu- pies the Presidency of the following : the Dominion Transport Company, limited (the cartage agents of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company), the Canadian Dis- trict Telegraph Company, limited ; and of the Electro-Mechanical Clock Company, limited. He is also, we believe, Vice-President of the British American Ranche Company, limited ; and Director of the Montreal Herald Printing and Publishing Company, limited. By no means least in importance of the positions held by Mr. Cassils in connection with public companies is his directorship in the Montreal Telegraph Company, which has 1,680 offices and 30,000 miles of wire scattered over
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 339
Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, as well as over large parts of Vermont and New York and touching Michigan. His fifteen years of experience in the early days of telegraphy form an interesting chapter in his life. Thirty-three years ago, before the time of submarine cables, the wires were stretched across the St. Lawrence, near Montreal; in summer, masts 210 feet high being set on either shore, while in winter they were strung on poles stuck in the ice. There were but fourteen offices in the five hundred miles between Quebec and Toronto, and telegrams from the latter city to Montreal cost 38. pj. currency. The modes of transmission, such as the Bain and House system, as well as the more successful Morse system, had not then passed the experimental stage, while the instruments were clumsy, and, measured by the pro- gress of to-day, ineffective and slow. Having been a practical telegrapher, however, * in the day of small things,' electrically considered, and having watched the deve- lopment of the science to its present marvellous stage, the experience and technical knowledge of the man we are describing proves of decided service in his capacity of director to-day. ' To be a well-favored man is the gift of fortune,' says the clown in the play, words which are hardly less absurd than the rest of the sentence, ' but readin' and writin' comes by naturV A man's pleasant looks are far more a matter of disposition, surroundings and descent, than of chance. In temperament as well as in appearance, Mr. Cassils is perceptibly a debtor to his parents, who were both good looking ; the father being fine-featured and athletic, the mother (who still sur- vives) fresh and douce. Both were of the spirited, sterling, God-fearing people of whom Scotland has furnished so many to this and other lands. Their sons and daughters, eight in number, are all in Canada ; the five sons are among the respected business men of Montreal, and several of them besides the eldest, whom we are describing, have attained positions of responsibility and prominence in that great city. To be called ' a popular man ' is sometimes an ambiguous compliment. In Mr. Cassils' case, the popularity enjoyed is founded rather upon integrity, geniality and quiet discernment than upon more showy but less admirable qualities."
WILLIAM DARLING
" WAS born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1819, and when he was in his twenty-first year came to Canada, establishing himself shortly afterwards at Montreal, where so dis- tinguished and honorable a business career awaited him. His father having adopted commerce in Edinburgh, the son resolved to try his fortune in the same sphere of activity in our new country. He entered into the iron and hardware trade, and re- mained connected with the same till the time of his death, achieving a wide measure of success. Mr. Darling married Miss Davidson, of Edinburgh, and there were eight children by the union, two of whom died in infancy. Two girls grew to maturity, one of whom married Dr. G. W. Ross, of Montreal, and died suddenly within a year of her marriage ; the other died unmarried. [Four sons grew up with their father's business, and were associated with him as partners. William and James remained in Montreal, Andrew and Thomas J. went to Toronto, and took charge of the busi-
340 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ness there, while William Darling, the subject of this memoir, continued up to the time of his death a partner in both firms. He was the eldest brother of Henry W. Darling and Robert Darling, of Toronto, and of Thomas and Adam Darling, of Montreal. The business of the two houses which Mr. Darling controlled reached every part of the several provinces, and while its style never changed, its methods of operation always brought credit to the deceased founder for honorable and upright dealing. Since 1840, he has been constantly and prominently identified with the commercial and political interests of Montreal. For many years he was a member of the Council of the Board of Trade, and for several terms its president. When the Merchants Bank was in trouble several years ago, such was the confidence of his fellow business men in Mr. Darling's clear-sightedness, that he was called by unanimous voice of the shareholders to take part in the management of the Bank. It was largely due to Mr. Darling's influence that George Hague was called to this Bank, and the deceased merchant was thereafter Mr. Hague's right-hand man. In 1878, Mr. Darling was the Liberal candidate for Montreal West, when he was defeated by M. H. Gault. Mr. Darling was an intimate friend of the Hon. Alexander Mac* kenzie, Hon. Edward Blake, and the late Hon. L. H. Holton. On commercial law, his opinion was regarded as second to that of no lawyer in the Dominion, and he was largely concerned with Mr. Abbott in framing the Insolvency Act that was re- pealed in 1879. He was selected by the Mackenzie Government as commissioner to expropriate lands for the enlarged Lachine Canal, and so well was his work appreciated, that on the change of Government Sir John Macdonald retained him in that position till his duties were completed. He died at his residence at Hochelaga, on the i8th of November, 1885, of inflammation of the lungs.
"The character of Mr. Darling was the very highest, and he was a man of splen- did abilities. Modesty is often associated with men of the highest worth, and this was eminently so in the case of Mr. Darling, and, as pointed out by a leading news- paper after his death, his shyness often kept him in the background when his talents would have taken him to the front. At a meeting of the directors of the Merchants Bank of Canada, the following resolution was passed : — ' That the direc- tors of the Merchants Bank of Canada desire to place on record their deep sense of the loss the Bank and mercantile community have sustained in the death of their late esteemed colleague, Mr. William Darling. His large experience and sound judgment were uniformly used in the advancement of the interests of the Bank, and his assiduous attention to the many important matters brought before the Board greatly contributed to the position the Bank now occupies in the community. The directors beg to convey to the widow and family of the deceased their sincere con- dolence on the loss they have sustained, and for the purpose of duly conveying to them this mark of appreciation and sympathy, direct that a copy of this minute, duly engrossed and signed, be forwarded by the President and General Manager on be- half of the Bank. Andrew Allan, President; G. Hague, General Manager.' The Council of the Board of Trade of Montreal passed the following : * Resolved— that
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 341
the Council of the Montreal Board of Trade fully recognizes the valuable and varied services so untiringly rendered to the commercial and trade interests of this city by the late William Darling, Esq., during the many years in which he served as a member of the Council, and afterwards as President of the Board, and the Council now records its deep sense of the loss sustained by Montreal in his de- cease ; that a copy of this resolution be communicated to the bereaved family, together with an expression of the sincere sympathy of the Council. Permit me to say, that I personally share in the regrets of the Council, and tender also my respectful condolence. I am, dear sir, yours sincerely, W. J. Patterson, Secre- tary; William Darling, Esq.' Mr. Darling was often consulted by his brother merchants, and was frequently called as arbitrator between them, as well as for the Government in disputes that would otherwise have been carried before the higher Courts in the Dominion. He was much devoted to farming and gardening, and these occupations he carried on to some extent at his residence, Bloomfield House, Hochelaga."
JOHN READE
*' WAS born at Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, on the i3th November, 1837. He was educated at Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, and Queen's College, Bel- fast. He came to Canada in 1856, and assisted by some friends established the Montreal Literary Magazine, which, though favorably received by the press, failed for want of support from the public. Mr. Reade afterwards became associated for a time with the Montreal Gazette, and passed some years between journalism and pri- vate tuition. In 1859, he began the study of Law, passing the preliminiary examina- tion, but learning that the Rectorship of Lachute College was vacant, he applied for the situation, which he obtained, retaining the same for three years. During this time he was able to pursue the study of Theology, and in 1864-65 was ordained by Bishop Fulford as a clergyman, and in that capacity served in the Eastern Town- ships. In 1868-9, Mr. Reade had charge of a Church of England journal in Mon- treal, and renewed his connection with the press of the latter city, which connection has since continued. For the last sixteen years, with the exception of an interval of a year or so spent in the country, Mr. Reade has been connected with the Montreal Gazette. Since 1874 he has been regularly on its staff as literary and assistant general editor. But it is as an author, as the writer of verse, that Mr. Reade has the greatest claim upon the biographer. Among his contributions to the higher class literature may be mentioned, ' The Prophecy of Merlin and other Poems/ Dawson Brothers, 1870. Since the appearance of this volume, Mr. Reade has written more than enough to make another book, which it is hoped the public will shortly see. Our author has also written a number of translations, including pas- sages from the Greek of Homer, ^Eschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Pindar and Lucien ; from the Latin of Horace, Ovid, Virgil, etc. ; from the French of Lamartine, Be- ranger, Andre Chenier, Victor Arnault; and of Canadian poets, Madame Glendon-
342 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
wyn (Miss Chauveau), Dr. Hubert LaRue, F. R. Angers, etc. ; from the German of Herder, Schiller, Koerner, Heine, etc. ; and from the Italian of Leopardi, Caterina Franceschi, Alfieri, etc. Some of the latter translations were highly commended in the Eco d' Italia, of New York. Mr. Reade has also written some tales : — * Winty Dane's Transformation,' ' The De Chalneys,' ' The Ecclestons/ etc. He has con- tributed either prose or verse to every magazine or review that has been started in Canada during the last thirty years ; and he purposes publishing soon a volume of essays on subjects connected with Canadian history, literature, etc. Some of these were papers read before the Montreal Athenaeum, Kuklos Club, Literary and His- torical Society of Quebec (of which Mr. Reade is an honorary member), the Royal Society, etc. Others were delivered as lectures, and others contributed to magazines, while several have not been in any way made known to the public. Among the collection are these: ''Were the Ancient Britains savage or civilized?' 'Thomas D'Arcy McGee as a Poet,' * Exploration before Columbus,' ' History in Geogra- phical Names,' ' The Origin of Canadian Geographical Names,' ' Origin and Early History of the Alphabet,' 'The Half-breed,' 'Language as Indicating Conquest/ ' British Canada in the Last Century,' * Some Curious Kinships — an Essay in Phil- ology/ 'The Ethnology of Canada,' and a critical and historical sketch of ' Cana- dian Literature.' This work will probably be published soon. Some of Mr. Reade's historical papers have been translated into French. One of them, a review of Abbe Desmazure's admirable biography of Abbe Taillon, author of the " Histoire de la Colonie Francaise," and quite a library of other works, was translated and published in Paris in one volume. Of the work of Mr. Reade there has been but the one verdict by all the critics, namely, that it is fine and true, exhibiting all those varieties of excellence that go to make verse imperishable. Writing to Mr. Reade of the volume referred to, the late William Cullen Bryant said : ( It is no small merit in my eyes that you have avoided that misty phrase- ology in which so many poets of the day are accustomed to wrap up their reflec- tions, and that you clothe yours in a transparent, luminous diction.' John J. Whittier describes ' Dominion Day ' as ' a fine outburst of patriotic song,' and bestows general praise upon Mr. Reade's work. A like commendation came to the author from Longfellow. But hosts of competent critics have employed their pens in praise of Mr. Reade's work, and the paper by L'Abbe Verreau, in the Revue de Montreal, is a comprehensive tribute to the achievements of our author. We produce the following stanzas, ' Thalatta, Thalatta,' for they exhibit so many qualities, grace, ease, fervor and the lyrical lament : —
In my ear is the moan of the pines — in my heart is the song of the sea, And I feel his salt breath on my face as he showers his kisses on me ; And I hear the wild scream of the gulls, as they answer the call of the tide, And I watch the fair sails as they glisten like gems on the breast of a bride.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 343
II.
From the rock where I stand to the sun is a pathway of sapphire and gold, Like a waif of those Patmian visions that rapt the lone seer of old ; And it seems to my soul like an omen that calls me far over the sea — But I think of a little white cottage and one that is dearest to me.
III.
Westward ho ! Far away to the East is a cottage that looks to the shore — Though each drop in the sea were a tear, as it was I can see it no more — For the heart of its pride with the flowers of the ' Vale of the Shadow' reclines, And — hushed is the song of the sea and hoarse is the moan of the pines.
This is at once true to nature and the heart of humanity, without which qualities death must wait upon all verse. How accurately the discerning eye of Mr. Bryant judged of the quality of such work, for if ever diction was transparent and luminous, the above surely is, and like the above is all of Mr. Reade's verse."
DAVID TORRANCE.
tl MR. TORRANCE, during his lifetime one of Montreal's most successful and dis- tinguished merchants, was of Scotch parentage. He was born in New York in 1805, and died in Montreal, January 29th, 1876. When yet a boy he came to Kingston, Upper Canada (now Ontario), with his father, James Torrance, who was then extensively engaged in business in that town. In 1821, he removed to Montreal, and became a clerk with his uncle, the late John Torrance, who kept a place of busi- ness at the corner of St. Paul and St. Nicholas streets. By his close attention to his duties, and aptitude to the work, he rapidly rose in his employer's estimation, which ended in his being taken into partnership in 1833. During his clerkship the late Rev. Dr. Wilkes and the late Hon. John Young were engaged in the same establish- ment. With the view of extending the business of the concern, in 1835 Mf- Torrance entered into partnership with Mr. Young, of Quebec, under the firm name of Torrance & Young ; and on the .retirement of the late John Torrance, the senior member, the firm's name was changed to that of D. Torrance & Co., which continued to the date of his demise, his partners being for many years Thomas Cramp, and his son John Torrance. In 1826, the old firm purchased a tug and passenger boat, the Hercules, from John Handyside & Co., and placed it under the command of Captain Brush, who afterwards became the proprietor of the Eagle Foundry, Montreal. This was the first step towards the establishment of an opposition line to the Molsons' steam- boats, then plying on the St. Lawrence, and its stock was eventually merged in that of the Richelieu Steamboat Company (now the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company). Mr. Torrance was early alive to the great future in store for Montreal, and was the first to launch out into direct trade with the East Indies and China, and
344 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
for over thirty years the name of his firm has been well known in ihe great Eastern centres of commerce. As a business man he was remarkable for great force of character and determination. This, combined with unflinching industry and regular habits, made the immense business of the firm move ahead with precision. An old friend of his once said of him, ' He was a model man in regard to his business and social habits, and in the days of his prosperity was as regular in his attendance at the counting house as when he first started in business. His ambition was great, but tempered with prudence, and though he engaged in commercial ventures in other cities than Montreal, yet was uniformly successful.' Besides his promotion of com- merce and navigation, he likewise proved himself a stay to our banking system, and after holding office for a long time as one of the Directors of the Bank of Montreal, he was in 1873 elected President, which responsible position he held at the time of his death. His firm was also one of the originators of the Dominion Steamship Company. While largely engaged in ocean commerce, his capital and resources were also devoted to the carrying on of our inland forwarding trade. He was a dili- gent merchant, and did not meddle much in public affairs, though he was a consis- tent Liberal in politics throughout. To all benevolent and charitable schemes he was a frequent and liberal giver. He was always ready to aid the distressed and bring joy to those in want, and the main feature in this regard was the unostentatious way in which he helped those in need. He was a member of the St. James Street Methodist Church, and at the time of his death was one of its trustees. He was, in fact, the thorough type of a merchant prince, a representative of a class which, unfortun- ately, is far too small in these latter days. He was married to his cousin, the eldest daughter of the late John Torrance. He was in feeble health some years previous to his death, and had only a few months before to forego active business, and when death at last came he passed away quietly, surrounded by his sorrowing family."
HON. GEORGE. DUHAMEL.
His ancestors came from Breton, in France, and settled in Canada at the beginning of the lyth century. He was born in Belceil, ist January, 1855, and educated at the College of Marieville. He married at Montreal, 3oth January, 1883, Miss M. C. A. Dugas, daughter of the late Dr. Adolphe Dugas, a prominent patriot in 1837-38. He is an Advocate of Quebec Bar. He was first returned to the Legislative Assembly, 1 4th December, 1886, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the member-elect, Mr. Demers. He was sworn a member of the Executive Council and appointed Solicitor-General, 2Qth January, 1887. He with the other members of the Executive Council at Quebec was dismissed by the Lieut-Governor Angers, on the 22nd December last, but will again run in the coming election. He was the junior partner of the extensive law firm of Adam & Duhamel.
HON. J. E. ROBIDOUX, Q.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 345
HON. JOSEPH EMERY ROBIDOUX, Q.C.,
WAS born in St. Philippe, County of Laprairie, Quebec, loth March, 1844. Educated at the Montreal College and Jesuits' College. He entered McGill Univer- sity, and after a brilliant course graduated in Law. Called to the Bar in 1886 and appointed Q.C. He has been Professor of Civil Law at McGill University for ten years, but resigned a year or two ago when his official and parliamentary duties interfered with the Law Lectures at the College. Mr. Thomas Fortin, his late partner, succeeded him in the Chair. In 1884, he was President of the McGill Graduate Society, and Syndic of the Bar of the District of Montreal. Commissioned in 1879 to report on the Administration of Justice in Montreal, and also a member of the Commission appointed to enquire into the matters connected with the building of the Parliament House, Quebec. He was first returned to the Legislative Assembly, for the County of Chateauguay, 26th March, 1884, on the death of the late Doctor Laberge, and was re-elected at the last General Election. He was admitted to the Executive Council with the portfolio of Attorney-General of the Province, which he managed with great skill 'till the Mercier Government was dismissed on the 2Oth of December, 1891, but will run again as member of the County. He is a member of the legal firm of Prefontaine, Robidoux & Co.
346 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
DUNCAN CAMPBELL MAcCALLUM, M.D., M.RC.S., ENG.,
" FELLOW of the Obstetrical Society, London, Foundation Fellow of the British Gynaecological Society, and Professor Emeritus, McGill University, Montreal, was born in the Province of Quebec, on the i2th November, 1825. By descent Dr. Campbell is a pure Celt, being the son of John MacCallum and Mary Campbell. His maternal grandfather, Malcolm Campbell of Killin, during his lifetime widely known and highly esteemed through the Perthshire Highlands, was a near kinsman and relative, through the Lochiel Camerons, of the Earl of Breadalbane. Dr. Mac- Callum received his medical education at McGill University, at which institution he graduated as M.D. in the year 1850. Immediately on receiving his degree, he pro- ceeded to Great Britain, and continued his studies in London, Edinburgh and Dub- lin. After examination he was admitted a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, England, in February, 1851. Returning to Canada, he entered on the practice of his profession in the City of Montreal, and was appointed Demonstrator of Anatomy in the Medical Faculty of McGill University. September, 1854. From that time to the present he has been connected with the University, occupying various positions in the Faculty of Medicine. In August, 1856, he was preferred to the chair of Clinical Surgery. In November, 1860, he was transferred to the chair of Clinical Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence, and in April, 1868, received the appointment of Pro- fessor of Midwifery and the Diseases of Women and Children, which position he held until his resignation in 1883, on which occasion the Governors of the University appointed him Professor Emeritus, retaining his precedence in the University. For a period of twenty-nine years he has been actively engaged in the teaching of his profession. Elected Visiting Physician to the Montreal General Hospital in February, 1856, he discharged the duties of that position until the year 1877, when he resigned, and was placed by the vote of the Governors of that institution on the consulting staff. From 1868 till 1883 he had charge of the University Lying-in Hospital, to which he is now attached as consulting physician, and for a period of fourteen years he was physician to the Hervey Institute for Children, to which charity also he is now consulting physician. He has also taken a warm interest in the literature of his profession, and articles from his pen have appeared in the British American Med- ical and Surgical Journal, the Canada Medical Journal, and the ' Transactions of the Obstetrical Society of London, England.' In the year 1854, he, in conjunction with Dr. Wm. Wright, established and edited the Medical Chronicle, which had an existence of six years. He was Vice-President for Canada of the section of Obste- trics in the ninth International Medical Congress, which was held at Washington during the week commencing September 5th, 1887. Dr. MacCallum married in October, 1867, Mary Josephine Guy, second daughter of the late Hon. -Hippolyte Guy, Judge of the Superior Court of Lower Canada."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 347
PIERRE GUY.
" THE Guy family, of ancient and noble origin, supposed to be a branch of the Guy de Montfort family, has been distinguished for the valuable services, military and civil, which its members have rendered to the Province of Quebec, both under the old and new regimes. Pierre Guy, the first of the name to settle in Canada, joined the French army under M. de Vaudreuil, in which he rose rapidly to the rank of captain. He took an active part in the engagements which were then so frequent between theFrench in Quebec and English in Massachusetts and New York. He died at the early age of forty- eight. His son Pierre, who was sent to France, and received a thorough and careful education, also joined the French army and distinguished himself under General Mont, calm at the battle of Carillon, and in the following year at Montmorency. The battle of the Plains of Abraham having annihilated the power of France in Canada, young Guy with others left for France after the capitulation of the country, where he re- mained till 1764. Returning to Canada, he accepted the situation, entered into business at Montreal, and became a loyal subject of Great Britain. Shortly after, when General Montgomery invaded Canada, he took up arms for the defence of the country, and this so exasperated the Americans that they sacked his stores after the capitulation of Montreal. In 1776, he received from the Crown the appointment of Judge, which at that time was considered a signal mark of favor, and in 1802 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel of Militia. A man of great attainments and scholarly parts, he was an ardent promoter of all educational projects. He was one of the most active in the foundation of the College St. Raphael, under the control of the gentlemen of the Seminary of the Sulpician Order, and which still exists and flourishes under the name of the * College of Montreal.' He died in 1812, and left several sons and daughters. Louis, who, by the death of his brother, became the eldest of the family, was an intimate friend and adviser of Sir James Kempt, and subsequently of Lord Aylmer. He was made a Councillor by King William in Feb- ruary, 1831. He died in 1840. Of his family, Judge Hippolyte Guy was the second son The eldest son, named Louis, received a commission as Lieutenant in the British Army, through the influence of the Duke of Wellington, in consideration of the bravery he had displayed at the battle of Chateauguay, where he gallantly led the advanced guard of the Voltigeurs. Several years before entering the British army he served as a member of the body guard of Charles X. of France, into which no one was admitted who was not of proved noble origin. Judge Guy married the adopted daughter of Chief Justice Vallieres, and had four children, a son who died in youth, and three daughters. The eldest of the latter is married to Chief Justice Austin, late of Nassau, Bahamas, and the youngest to Gustave Fabre, brother to Archbishop Fabre, Montreal."
348 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
DUKE OF RICHMOND, K.G.
CHARLES GORDON LENNOX, fourth Duke of Richmond, Earl of March, and Baron of Sittrington in the peerage of England ; Duke of Lennox, Earl of Darnley and Baron Methuen in the peerage of Scotland, and Duke d'Aubigny in France, was the only son of Lieutenant-General Lord George Henry Lennox, by Louisa, daughter of the fourth Marquis of Lothian, having been born in 1764. His Grace succeeded General Sherbrooke in the Government of Canada, on the 2Qth July, 1819. He had previously held the high and distinguished office of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, in which he had given much satisfaction to the people of that distracted country.
His administration of the Government here was not of a prolonged nature; but during the short time he held the reins of power, he did much to show the deter- mined and energetic nature of his character ; more particularly on the occasion when the Legislature having refused to grant any supplies to defray the Civil List, he drew on the Receiver-General on his own responsibility. Death cut short the career of this great man, on the 2yth August, 1820, during a tour of inspection in Upper Canada, singularly enough through the bite of a tame fox, not expected to be in a rabid state, with which he was amusing himself. His demise occurred at a village on the Ottawa, and called after himself; his remains were conveyed to Quebec, and buried in the English Cathedral of that ancient city.
His Grace had married in 1789, Charlotte, daughter of the fourth Duke of Gor- don,'by whom he had a large progeny.
The original letter, which we produce, describing the manner of his death, was written by a member of his staff, and may be interesting to our readers : —
11 Quebec, September 6. — You will learn from the Quebec papers the melancholy event of the death of his Grace the Duke of Richmond ; but notwithstanding what you will observe in them, it is affirmed a case of hydrophobia was the cause of this sad catastrophe, and it is asserted to have originated from the bite of a fox on the 28th of June. His Grace having left this place about the 24th of June on an exten- sive tour through the Canadas, after his arrival at William Henry, one hundred and thirty-five miles up the river, whilst walking about the village with his little dog Blucher, met a fox about the place, with which the dog appeared sociable, and they entered into play together. His Grace seemed much pleased, and expressed some- thing like a wish that the fox should be purchased. Accordingly, the hint was attended to by a servant belonging to the suit, who purchased the fox the same night. Next morning Sir C. Saxton, seeing the fox tied to a tent pitched for the accommo- dation of the servants, and apparently much irritated from his restrained situation under a scorching sun, desired that the animal should be removed somewhere in the shade. He was then fixed to a wicket-gate in the front of the house. His Grace, on coming out in the morning, observed the fox, which he knew to be the same he had seen the day before, went up to him, saying, 'Is this you, my little fellow?' and on offering to put out his hand to caress the fox, Sir Charles Saxton touched the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 349
Duke on the shoulder to prevent it, appraising his Grace at the same time of the irritation of the fox, and that he might bite. ' No, no,' said his Grace, 'the little fellow will not bite me ! ' and putting out his hand, the fox snapped, and made three scratches on the back of his hand, which drew blood. His Grace, quickly drawing it back said, 'Indeed, my friend, you bite very hard.' The next morning his Grace found an uneasy sensation in his shoulder ; but nothing furthered occurred till near returning from his tour ; when at the new back settlement of Perth, on the 22116. or 23rd of August, after having returned from walking, his Grace desired his servant to make two glasses of wine and water for himself and Major Bowles. As soon as the Duke took the wine and water, he observed to the Major that he felt a strange sen- sation on drinking it. On the way from Perth towards the Ottawa River, some of the attendants observed his irritability, and extreme aversion to water on crossing the smallest streamlets in the woods, and they could scarcely get him along. On his approaching a small hut on the Ottawa River, rather than go into a house close to the river, he turned short and ran into a barn ; at another time he ran from them into the woods, as if to shun the sight of water. His disorder was now rapidly increasing ; but on his arrival .within six miles this side of the new named place Richmond, after suffering excruciating torments, he died at eight o'clock on Saturday morning, the 28th of August."
The following is an extract from the Montreal Herald of that day : — " In public life he was steady, firm and decisive in his measures. He was acces- sible to all who chose to prefer their complaints to him ; and when he was compelled to refuse their prayers, he anxiously studied to convey that refusal in terms the least unpleasing to the feelings of the applicant. In private life his affable condescension was gratifying to all around him ; and although he could descend to the social inter- course of the domestic circle, he never lost sight of that native dignity which repelled improper liberties, and checked the forward. In early life, devoted from choice to the profession of arms, he evinced that most valuable of all qualities in an officer, the power of securing the attachment of those under him. And when he afterwards came to be employed in the more difficult and complex duties of a ruler, he performed the office so as to secure him the esteem and confidence of his sovereign, and the ardent attachment of those people over whom he was placed. A striking instance of this was evinced in his appointment as Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. At a time when contending parties and discontented individuals distracted the public mind in. that country, his Grace's behavior soon produced the happiest result. His affable condescension pleased all parties ; his confidence gained their esteem ; and they soon discovered that the chief aim of his administration was to relieve their distresses, and promote their happiness. At the present time, though twelve years have elapsed since his appointment to office, the anniversary of the arrival of the Duke of Richmond in Ireland still continues to be celebrated in that country with the warmest enthusiasm and most gratifying recollection of the event. And that we consider a higher tribute to his memory than ' storied urn or monumental epitaph ' can ever perpetuate."
^ro GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
It was resolved by the magistrates in Montreal, in consequence of the death of this lamented nobleman, that the public should be requested to wear mourning for thirty days.
COLONEL D|SALABERRY, C.B.
THE family of DeSalaberry is descended from a noble family of the Pays des Basques (Navarre). The father of the subject of this notice was a Legislative Councillor, and devotedly attached to his Sovereign, so much so indeed that he placed his four sons in the army.
" The Hon. Charles Michel dTrumberry DeSalaberry, C.B. , surnamed the Cana- dian Leonidas, was born at the Manor House of Beauport November, ipth, 1778. He married Demoiselle Hertel de Rouville, and served during the space of eleven years in the West Indies, under General Prescott. At the siege of Fort Matilda under Prescott, he commanded the Grenadier company of the 4th battalion, 6oth Regiment, which covered the retreat. In 1795, he served at the conquest of Martin- ique ; became Aide-de-Camp to Major-General de Rottenburg, and accompanied him in the Walcheren Expedition. Circumstances recalled him to his country, where he formed the Voltigeurs ; and Lieutenant-Colonel commanding this fine corps, he was selected as one of the chiefs of the staff of the Militia. Attacked at Lacolle, at the end of 1812, he fought the Americans until night ; in attempting to surround him, they fired against each other, which soon terminated in their retreat ; thus ended the first battle of DeSalaberry and the Voltigeurs. DeSalaberry, in proceed- ing to discover the whereabouts of General Hampton, obstructed the road from Odel- town to L'Acadie, by cutting down a great many trees. After several skirmishes, the Americans retired to a place called Four Corners. His adversary made an incursion into his camp, at the head of two hundred Voltigeurs and one hundred and fifty Indian warriors of the tribe of Lower Canada, and threw the enemy into disorder, without any loss on his own side. Hampton being repulsed in the Odel- town route, resolved wisely to effect a junction with his Chief General, in taking the route leading to Chateauguay. DeSalaberry was too sagacious not to discover that this strategic point was the road which Hampton would be sure to take in order to join Dearborn. The former, in the meantime, swept away the English pickets, and Major Henry with difficulty resisted them ; when DeSalaberry ably shifted his position, and threw himself on the route to face that General. The Canadian hero, who had the advantage of being acquainted with the whole of the country above the Chateauguay, then ascended to the left of the bank of the river, to reach the other extremity of a wood, where he knew there was an excellant position in a swamp, intercepted by deep rivulets. On four of these he established lines of defence in succession. The fourth was about half a mile in the rear, and commanded a ford on the right shore, which was a very important point of defence, with a view to the protection of the left bank. He caused to be erected on each of these lines a sort of breastwork, which was extended some distance in the woods, to protect his
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 351
right. The breastwork on his first line formed an obtuse angle on the right of the road. On the 24th of October, the American General advanced at the head of seven hundred infantry and four hundred horse, with twelve pieces of artillery, send, ing during the night Col. Purdy to take possession of the ford, but this officer lost his way in the woods. The next day, Hampton made an advance in person towards the abattis, with 3,500 men, and placed Purdy at the head of 1,500 men, to attempt again to turn the Canadians, leaving in reserve the remainder of his troops. De« Salaberry warned of this movement, by the fire directed on his advanced pickets, now seeing before him an enemy whom he had on two former occasions brought to the charge, advanced in front ; and, giving the signal, placed himself in the centre of the first line of defence, leaving the second in charge of Lieut.-Col. Macdonnell. The firing commenced on both sides, but badly directed by the Americans. They fired better afterwards ; meanwhile, the circumstance of hearing incessantly the reports from the corps at different intervals, led them to believe that the Canadians were advancing in great numbers, and their ardor began to weaken. Purdy's column arrived at the ford during the engagement, but was repulsed and thrown into disorder by DeSalaberry, who had directed his attention to that particular spot. Seeing his plan disconcerted by the defeat of that division, the American Commander ordered a retreat, which he effected with considerable loss. DeSalaberry slept on the field of battle, and on the following day at daybreak he was joined by Captain de Rouville, his brother-in-law, with his company of Voltigeurs, the Watteville Grenadiers, together with a few of the native warriors. On the 28th he sent Captain Ducharme, with one hundred and fifty warriors, to reconnoitre, and they assured him that the Americans had abandoned their camp on Piper's road, and returned to Plattsburg. Wilkinson, who was at Cornwall, hearing of the defeat of his colleague, retired to Salmon River, and fortified himself. The victory at Chateauguay permitted the Baron de Rottenburg, and afterwards Sir Gordon Drummond, his successor in com- mand, to resume the offensive in Upper Canada. Great Britain commemorated the victory by causing a gold medal to be struck ; the Voltigeurs were presented with colors, ornamented with devices ; and DeSalaberry, beside the gold medal, had the Order of the Bath conferred upon him, transmitted with an autograph letter from His Royal Highness the Prince Regent. The two Houses of the Provincial Legislature passed a vote of thanks to him. The Voltigeurs took part in the second victory obtained at Lacolle, in March, 1814. DeSalaberry laid down the sword for the pen. He became a Senator, being called to the Legislative Council in 1818, at the same time as Bishop Plessis. He died at Chambly, on the 26th February, 1829, aged fifty-one years ; and was buried in the new church at that place, which was erected in the room of the one destroyed by fire in 1806. DeSalaberry is represented in his likeness attired in the uniform worn by the Voltigeurs decorated with the Chateau- guay medal and the Cross of the Bath, with his sword under his arm. His family crest is also seen. The escutcheon of our compatriot bears the motto becoming to the parfait chevalier: ''Force d superbe; merci a faible* A medallion rep re-
352 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
seating a battle in the woods. On the trunk of a tree, reversed, is written : ' Cha- teauguay, 26th October, 1813.' A serpent biting his tail, symbol of immortality, encircles the medal. With respect to the English medal at Chateauguay, Britannia is seen bearing a palm in hand, crowning a lion at her feet. On the reverse is engraved Chateauguay."
A fine monument has been erected at Chambly to his memory, at the unveiling of which Col. Harwood made one of the finest speeches ever delivered in Canada.
JUDGE VINCESLAS PAUL WILFRED DORION
WAS born on the 2nd October, 1827 » at St. Anne La Perade, in the District of Three Rivers. He was the son of the late Pierre Antoine Dorion, a merchant of the place, and an ex-M.P. for the County of Champlain before the troubles of 1837. His mother's name was Genevieve Bureau. He went to a common school at an early age, and it is greatly to his credit how he advanced in his profession, that he never received a collegiate education, but is really a self-taught and self-made man. At the age of thirteen he entered a country store as junior clerk. He came to Montreal in May, 1842, and remained three years in Messrs. Fabre & Gravel's book store as their assistant. Determined to enter a profession he chose that of the Law, and in May; 1845, ne began to study. For some years he studied hard, and at the end of his studies was admitted to the Bar in June, 1850. He then entered into partnership with C. S. Cherrier, Esq., Q.C., and his brother, Sir A. A. Dorion, the late Chief Justice. He took an active part in the foundation of the Institut Canadien of Montreal, and filled successively nearly all the offices in the Society, including the Presi- dency, to which high position he was unanimously elected. He was one of the collabora- tors of LAvenir, andfor several years co-proprietor of \hzPays with C. F. Papineau, Esq., N. P., until the paper was merged into the Printing and Publishing Company of Canada. He was moderate but firm in his political convictions, and a true Liberal. He had taken part in nearly all political and electoral contests since the Hon. L. Papineau was nominated by the Liberal Party as their candidate for Montreal in the winter of 1851-52. He had for several times held the high position of Member of the Council of the Bar of Montreal. In 1866, when his brother, J. B. E. Dorion, Esq., mem- ber for Drummond and Arthabaska, died, he was offered the candidature of these two large constituencies. Considering, however, that general elections would soon be held under the Confederation Act, he declined, in order not to submit the counties to a second election within so short a time.
When the General Elections took place he was asked to stand for the County of Chambly and also for Drummond and Arthabaska. He was very reluctant to accept either on account of his professional business, but the elections being considered so important, he ran for Chambly for the Federal House, and Drummond and Artha- baska for the Local. Not having been able to attend either the nomination or votation in Drummond and Arthabaska, he was defeated by a very small majority, and his co-candidate, Mr. Senegal, was returned. He was raised to the Bench some time after this, and died some years ago in Montreal.
H. C. ST. PIERRE, Q.C.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 353
H. C. ST. PIERRE, Q.C.
THE subject of this sketch was born at St. Madeleine de Rigaud, i3th September, 1842. His father, Joseph St. Pierre, " cultivateur," having died when he was not much more than two years of age, C. Raymond, merchant of Isle Bizard, took charge of the child and reared him as his own son. At the age of twelve years he entered the College of Montreal, where he passed through alt his studies with success. In 1862, he left the College, and the young student, as his temperament shows even at this present day, full of energy and vim, wished to enter the Army of the Northern States. The War of Secession was in all its fury, but the wish of his friends and pro- tectors was against it.
By the death of his protector he had to launch out on life's journey by himself. Thus, we find him at this time in Kingston, Ontario, studying Law in the office of the well-known James Agnew, Esq. As soon as he passed his examinations he returned to the States and enlisted in the 7 6th New York Volunteers, which formed part of the Army of the Potomac, and was sent to the front. In two months he became Sergeant. At the retreat of General Mead he received a wound, and again receiving a, wound at Mine Run, near Fredericksburg, which stretched him on the battle field, he was taken prisoner of war by the enemy's cavalry and transported to Gordonsville, not far from Richmond, the Capital. So it came to pass that his name was recorded in the battle roll as slain on the field of honor. A funeral service was even celebrated for him in the Montreal College and in St. Madeleine, his native place. It would be long to enumerate all the sufferings which he endured during thirteen months in the dif- ferent military prisons where he was confined, but by the evacuation of Charleston by the Army of the South in 1865, he at last attained his liberty. Pen cannot describe the. joy, the pleasure, the delight when he once more appeared in his native land by his parents, by his friends and by the community at large, who had so long thought him dead and buried on an American battle field. In 1866, having been admitted to the study of his profession, he was successively in the offices of Messrs. Cartier, Pominville £ Betournay, F. X. A. Trudel and J. J. C. Abbott, and in July, 1870, he was admitted to the Bar of the Province of Quebec. In 1871, he was associated with the Hon. Gedeon Ouimet, now Superintendent of Education. Mr. St. Pierre has never identi- fied himself much with political or civic affairs, the duties of his extensive and ever increasing practice, especially that of the Criminal Courts, has taken up all his time and attention.
In 1874, he married Mile. Adeline Albina Lesieur, daughter of Adolpho Lesieur, merchant, of Terrebonne, and niece of the late Judge T. J. J. Loranger, and of the present worthy representative of the name, Hon. L. O. Loranger, Judge of the Superior Court, Montreal. Madame St. Pierre is well known for her numerous acts of chanty and her great reputation as a pianist, and like her husband, who is one of the most talented singers in Montreal, always ready to give her time and talents to aid any charitable undertaking. The Author speaks of them both when the presenta-
23
354 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
tion of a purse of money was made to the late Madame DeLorimier, of L'Assomption, the widow of the renowned Chevalier DeLorimier, who was the twelfth and last of the Patriots of 1837-1838, who were hanged at the Montreal Gaol in 1839. The world thinks not the less of her because of her actions that day to the widow of the patriot. The first case which Mr. St. Pierre pleaded was in the Court of Queen's Bench, in 1872. He defended three men accused of murder. It was a difficult case to handle, nevertheless two were acquitted and the third was pronounced guilty of assault on the person. He received an enthusiastic ovation at the conclusion of the trial. Many others accused of murder have been acquitted by his indefatigable means. One of the most notable trials was that of Ferrari, an Italian, who stabbed to the heart another countryman. In this trial Mr. St. Pierre was ably seconded by Mr. Donald McMaster, one of the brightest lights now of the Montreal Bar. The accused was acquitted. Again, a brilliant manifestation was given to Mr. St. Pierre after the proceedings were closed, and he was carried triumphantly to -the Hotel Richelieu. In the case of " Caza," a celebrated trial in which Messrs. Geoffrion & Poirier were also engaged with Mr. St. Pierre, the prisoner was acquitted. This was made for Mr. St. Pierre a veritable triumph. Let me copy from a French pub- lication what it says of this trial and result : " A cette occasion une personne dont je cacherai le nom, pour eviter de blesser sa modestie, fit publier, dans La Patrie, les vers suivants :
II faut bien 1'avouer : au Ciel et sur la tene
Nous avons deux puissants St. Pierre :
L'un siege avec eclat au port bvillant des cieux ;
L'autre, aux porles de fer des prisons de ces lieux.
Voila bien la ressemblance ; Mais quant a ce qu'aux leurs ils peuvent garantir,
Quelle est done la difference ? Eh !. . .fun les fait entter, Fautie les fait sortiri "
In the celebrated case of the Detectives, Fahey, Naegle and Bureau, his pleading for Bureau was one of fine oratory rarely heard within the walls of the Court House. There is also the case of Benson, tried for the murder of his wife, whom he had shot with a revolver, under the eyes of the deceased woman's own child, aged twelve years. He was acquitted on the i6th March. 1889. The result thus obtained inspired the following lines from a friend of his :
De ce nouveau succes qu'il ajoute a tant d'auties Je viens fe"liciter 1'ami Santum Petrum. Grace a lui Sir Benson passe au rang des Apotres. " Non licet omnibus adire Corinthum."
Next comes the case of McGrath for the murder of Holden. McGrath had cut Holden's throat with a razor. Mr. St. Pierre was assisted by Mr. McCormick.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 355
McGrath was found guilty of manslaughter, which was the plea offered all along by the defense.
Mr. St. Pierre was appointed Queen's Counsel, January, 1889, and no man of the Bar of Montreal has achieved such a reputation as the subject of this sketch in the Criminal Courts. He stands side by side with Hon. J. A. Chapleau, who twenty years ago was the great criminal lawyer of the city. He is in the prime of life, and may he be long spared to be an ornament to the profession.
SAMPSON P. ROBINS, M.A., LL.D.,
WAS born at Feversham, County of Kent, England, 26th January, 1833. His father was the Rev. Paul Robins, Minister of the Bible Christian Church, and Ann Vicker (a good old Welsh English name) was his wife. They are an old Cornwall, family, though his mother originally hails from the Principality of Wales. He came to Canada in 1846 with his parents, they settling at Peter- borough, Ont. Here he had the good fortune to come under the notice of the Rev. R. C. Taylor, the Rector of the Parish and Plead Master of the Grammar School. Like the Writer of this sketch, he began teaching at sixteen years of age. He was a born educator, and at this ag? taught his first school in the Township of Drummond, County of Victoria, Ont. From this place he removed to Northumberland, where he taught three years.
In 185!) Mr. Robins went to Toronto and entered as a pupil in the Normal School. After teaching in this, school and the Model School for more than three years, he was appointed Head Master of the Central School of the Town of Brant- ford.
When the Normal School was established in Montreal in 1857, Mr- Robins removed to the Metropolis to become one of the Professors in that institution, and he continued to fill that position for the next thirteen years. Meantime he con- nected himself with the Arts Course of McGill University, did double work while an undergraduate, and was made B.A. in 1863, and M.A. in 1868. The degree of LL.D. was given him from his Alma Mater in 1880. Dr. Robins is a first-class mathematician , and came to Montreal as the Professor of Mathematics in the Normal School. He has been Superintendent of the Protestant Schools of Montreal. He is one of our most energetic and well-known teachers, and as an educator has not his equal in the Province. A year or two ago he was appointed the Principal of the Protestant Normal School, a position which he richly deserved for his long series of labors in the cause of education in the Province of Quebec. The Protestant Schools under the control of the School Commissioners of Montreal give a great deal of their advancement, usefulness and reputation to his ever fostering-care. His able and zealous exertions in the cause of education can never be surpassed,
He married, in 1834, Miss Elizabeth Hore, of Camborne, Ont., but she died in 1867. He again married, in 1871, Miss Jane Dougall, of Montreal. Mrs. Robins
356 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
deserves a passing remark. She was at the time of her marriage a teacher in the city, and one of the best in Montreal. She had a remarkable forte for Mathematics and occult sciences, but it is presumed, like many others, her children and household cares have prevented her from advancing still further in those branches in which she had excelled.
Dr. Robins is a member of the Methodist Church, and has been an office bearer in that Christian body for nearly forty years. He is a class leader and local preacher, and as untiring in his religious duties as he has ever been in his educational. Some of his children are, like their father and mother, born teachers. If a general Protes- tant Superintendent of all the schools in Quebec Province, and of all the Inspectors of those schools, should, as it is intended, be appointed, no man is more fitted to fill the position than Dr. Robins, and the Government will do well to appoint him, leaving all considerations of class or politics, as the right man in the right place.
JOSEPH FROBISHER
WAS one of those who in the winter of 1783-4, with Simon McTavish, formed what has been known in Canadian History as the " North-West Company." He was the first to proceed to the great unknown West, and went as far as the Churchill River. Up to 1774, all the Indians of that vast region were accustomed to carry their furs to the Hudsons Bay. Mr. Frobisher meeting several bands of Indians on the way thither induced them to trade with him. He remained two years in the country, enduring great hardships, but established a firm trade with the Red Men. He re- turned in 1776, and during these two years, so plentiful were the furs in those days, and bought on such advantageous terms, that when he arrived in Montreal he had secured what was at that time counted a competency. His brother Benjamin, who died in 1787, travelled even further West, and was the first white man who ever reached " Isle a la Croix."
In 1798, Joseph retired from commercial life. He had come from England, and with James McGill was a vestryman of what was then called the " Protestant Con- gregation of Montreal." This afterwards became Christ Church, erected in Notre Dame street, and burned down. It is now the English Cathedral in St. Catherine street. He and John Richardson represented the East Ward of Montreal in the very first Parliament of Lower Canada in 1792. His son represented St. Laurent District in 1804.
With John Gray, Daniel Sutherland and several others, he formed the first Com- pany, in 1 80 1, to construct water works for the city. He received a grant of no less than 11,550 acres of land from Governor Milnes in 1802. This property was situ- ated in the Township of Ireland, and in the next Township a hill to this day is called c; Frobisher Hill." He built a fine large residence and called it " Beaver Hall," after the way he had made his fortune. It was burnt down in 1847, but the name will ever remain as at this day in that part of Montreal, " Beaver Hall Hill."
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 357
RICHARD WHITE,
BROTHER of the late Hon. Thomas White, was born in the city of Quebec, 1835. In 1853, in conjunction with his brother, he established the Peterborough Review* Richard attended to the business, and Thomas undertook the editorial management of the journal. In 1865, they then became the possessors of the Hamilton Spec- tator, which they controlled for the next five years. In 1870, they purchased the Montreal Gazette. This is one of the oldest newspapers in Canada, having been founded in 1778. In r879 the name was changed from T. & R. While to " The Gazette Printing Company/' Mr. R. White was appointed managing director, which position he continues to hold lo the present day. The Company also prints the Legal News, Montreal Law Reports, the Canada Medical Journal and the Educational Record. In 1886, he was elected as one of the Aldermen of Montreal. It was during the small-pox epidemic that Mr. White displayed much energy and did a great amount of good. After his tenure of office he retired, as all his time is required for the immense business of the firm.
He married Jane Riddle, daughter of John Riddle, for many years a citizen of Montreal, His eldest son, W. J. White, B.C.L., is an advocate in the city. Mr. White is Lay Secretary to the Synod of the Diocese of Montreal, and never misses the annual meeting, where he is always listened to with much attention.
HON. LOUIS ADELARD SENEGAL.
His ancestors came from France, his father being a farmer in County of Vercheres, P.Q. Born at Varennes, loth July, 1829, and educated there and in Burlington, U.S., he married, in 1850, Delphine, daughter of Lieut.-Colonel Dansereau, merchant, Vercheres. He was Commander of the Legion d'Honneur, France. He was a Financier and President of the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company, was General Superintendent of the Government Railways of the Province of Quebec, and President of the North Shore Railway and of the Montreal City Passenger Rail- way. He opened to navigation, in 1857, the Yamaska River, between Sorel and St. Aime, and the St. Francis River between Sorel and St. Francis. He constructed the Richelieu, Drummond and Arthabaska Railway, now a portion of the South Eastern Railway ; the Laurentian Railway, from St. Therese to St. Lin ; the St. Eustache Railway, from St. Therese to St. Eustache ; the Berthier Railway ; the Lanoraie, Joilette and St. Felix de Valois Railway; the L'Assomption Railway; and the Basses Laurentides Railway. He built and worked for two winters, what was one of the greatest wonders of modern railroading and the constant object of interest to natives as well as strangers, viz., the Ice Railway on the St. Lawrence, from Montreal to Longueuil. He sat in the Commons for Drummond and Artha- baska from 1867 to 1871, and in the Quebec Assembly from 1867 to 1872. He was called to the Senate i2th March, 1887, and died some years ago. He was well styled " The Railway King."
358 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WILLIAM CHRISTIAN MUNDERLOH,
GERMAN CONSUL.
was born in Elsfleth, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, on 8th September, 1831. His father's name was Heinrich Munderloh and his mother's Meta von Lienen. -In the year 1847, ne left ms birthplace for Bremen, where he served four years as apprentice in a dry goods house. He remained till 1857 in Bremen, occupying the position as clerk in a dry goods establishment.
In the spring of 1857, he was fortunate in obtaining an engagement as clerk in a Montreal wholesale dry goods house, and arrived on i5th June same year, and on the following day entered his new position, which he held for about three years. He was two years the traveller, which gave him an excellent opportunity of getting a thorough knowledge of what was then called Upper and Lower Canada, and was convinced that the possibilities of Canada were very great, and liking the country and its inhabitants very much, he made up his mind to make Canada his adopted country.
Before he left Germany he had promised his aged father that he would return in about three years, and consequently he sailed from Portland in the fall of 1860, and reached his native place just in time to meet his father once more alive, as he died in January, 1861.
He again started for Canada in the same year, and shortly after commenced business (wholesale dry goods) on his own account; but importing dry goods from the Continent at that time did not offer sufficient scope to extend his business, and as he saw a fair chance in the shipping between Canada and the Continent of Europe, he endeavored to add that branch to his importing business. It was uphill work and a difficult role to fill a few sailing-vessels with Canadian goods, but the commence- ment was made, and he had the satisfaction to see that four or five ships were con- signed to his firm. By perseverance the trade developed considerably, so that he could safely recommend to his friends in Antwerp the adoption of sending a few steamers instead of sailing-vessels to Montreal. His advice was taken, and soon sailing-vessels were abandoned and steamers took their place ; but the service was not regular. Only when the Dominion Government came to his assistance in granting a moderate subsidy, he succeeded in establishing a fortnightly line. On recommendation of the late large-hearted and patriotic Premier, Sir John A. Macdonald, he was enabled to close a contract with the Dominion Government for five years ; but at the end of five years there was no need of renewing the contract, as the trade between Canada and the Continent of Europe had sufficiently developed to carry on a regular Steamship Line without Government assistance. The Hansa Line Steamship Company of Hamburg with nine first-class steamships, most of them built during the last three years expressly for the Canadian trade, have given abundant proof that it was a wise step on the part of the Government to foster the trade between Canada and the Continent of Europe in the way indicated, and that Mr. Munderloh's conception regarding the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 359
possibilities of Canada was correct. Nearly every week during the navigation of the St. Lawrence a steamer loaded with Canadian products sails from Montreal to Hamburg and other continental ports, and during the summer season the German flag can now be seen in our port every day, indicating that Canada extends her trade with foreign nations and the great continental powers of the German Empire.
In the year 1871, he was appointed Imperial German Consul at Montreal by His Majesty the late Emperor William, who, after he had filled the honorary office for nearly fifteen years, was pleased to decorate him with the Crown Order (Golden Cross). He holds the office up to the present date, and has served during the life of three Emperors of Germany, viz: William I, Frederick, and, William II, the present Emperor.
For years he has been President of the German Benevolent Society of this city, and holds this position at the present time.
He has frequently served on the Council of the Montreal Board of Trade, and was appointed again to that important position at the last general election. He married a Montreal lady, a daughter of the house of Black adder, a name once very familiar in Montreal, but like some of our old English and Scotch names gradually dying out, or only perpetuated in the daughters, with their changed married names. He has two sons and one daughter, and is a well-known attendant in Crescent Street Church, over which at present presides the amiable Rev. Dr. McKay.
B, HUTCHINS.
''AMONG the many proofs of Montreal's greatness as a commercial centre none are more often quoted, and rightly so, than that of the extensive and flourishing Real Estate business done here. Many prominent merchants are engaged in this pursuit, and it is needless to say that to succeed well, in this progressive age, as a Real Estate dealer, a man must be wide-awake and of superior judgment and ability • among these are Messrs. Hutchins & Brown, the well-known Real Estate and Financial Agents of this city. The senior partner of this firm was one of the oldest merchants in this city, and has been engaged in his present line of business for the last fifteen years or more. His well-established reputation, coupled with his extensive opera- tions, has brought his firm to the front and rendered their enterprise conspicuous." Mr. Hutchins has seen very many changes in Montreal the past forty years, and to- day he is busily engaged in his profession in developing the city and extending its area by the sale of suburban lots, and thus enabling the mechanic and the middle class to own their own homestead and breathe the fresh air of Heaven.
360 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
EDMUND ROBILLARD, M.D.,
WAS born 3oth October, 1825. His father was Joseph Robillard, and his mother Rose Aussem, both belonging to ancient families of Montreal. His father was one of the oldest officers of the Montreal Corporation.
After his classical education he studied with Dr. Wolfred Nelson, in October, 1842, and continued till 1846, during which time he also attended the course of the Canadian Medical School, of which he was appointed, yet a student, Demonstrator of Anatomy.
Admitted to practise i6th November, 1846, he was appointed one of the Medical attendants in the Quarantine of Grosse Isle in the summer of 1847, during the ship fever. He also became a member of the Medical College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In the fall of 1847, ne le^ f°r New York, where he continued his sur- gical studies under the celebrated Dr. Robert Nelson, one of the greatest surgeons of his time. In 1848, Dr. Robillard was appointed Surgeon of the N.Y. & Erie R.R. while in construction. Subsequently he went to Paris to attend the courses of the different Medical Faculties during the years 1849-1850, after which he returned to resume his duties on the N.Y. & Erie R.R. as Surgeon.
On his way back on board the Packet Waterloo, Dr. Robillard as Surgeon of the ship established so strict a sanitary cordon that, though the cholera was at the time raging in Liverpool, not one of the passengers was sick during the passage. Dr. Robillard received a complimentary address from the passengers on the arrival of the ship at New York. He was forced to leave the United States in about two years or so in consequence of sickness which was contracted during his surgical operations in the West, and then returned to Canada. He was appointed in 1854 one of the Surgeons of the G. T. R. R. Contractors during the construction of the Victoria Bridge for the space of eight years, in the course of which time he had opportunities to perform many of the most remarkable operations of surgery, very honorably mentioned in the work of Mr. Hodges on the Victoria Bridge. His post being at Pointe Claire, the people of the locality elected him first the Mayor and afterwards he was the Warden of the County of Jacques Cartier.
In the fall of 1854, he married Miss Adeline Loranger, sister of the Judges, Priest and Lawyer of the same name. In 1859, ne was elected by the members of the College of Surgeons and Doctors of Canada one of the Governors and Examiners.
From 1868 to 1874 he was the Registrar of the College. Dr. Robillard has a Diploma of the Medical College of Philadelphia. He is also a member of the Cana- dian Medical Association of the Dominion since 1868, and was its treasurer in 1870. In 1873, the Bishop's College of Lennoxville- conferred upon him the honorary title of Ad Eundem, being a spontaneous confirmation of his Diploma. He now resides entirely in Paris and visits Montreal occasionally.
J. C. WILSON.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 361
J. C. WILSON, M. P.
THE contents of this sketch are principally taken from a succinct biography written for one of the most influential newspapers in the North of Ireland (Ulster). What the Irish paper declares is well borne out in Montreal by all who know Mr. Wilson. A man of progress, development and push, he has stayed at nothing which will in his business advance the interests of his adopted city and country. The inhabitants of Lachute and neighborhood have much to thank Mr. Wilson for, that he has established such an extensive industry in their midst, and developed their locality to such an extent, that the manufactured paper of this mill is well known in the English Empire. He has been one of the most intelligent and praiseworthy merchants of Montreal, remembering always the city of his adoption.
" Mr. Wilson was born in the County Antrim,, near the town of Rasharkin, in 1841, and his family came soon after to Canada. The elder Mr. Wilson was what is known in Ireland as a ' handy man,' and could use carpenter's tools to good advantage. He was by these means enabled to secure a position as pattern maker in St. Mary's Foundry, Montreal, at which occupation he gave great satisfaction, and succeeded in proving the old saw, ' Where there's a will there's a way.' When only twelve years of age the subject of our present sketch was apprenticed to learn the trade of a machinist. His inclination ran in the line of mechanics (some tools made by him when he was fourteen years of age he is proud of exhibiting), but he met with a severe accident which prevented him from completing his specified term. Through the influence and sympathy of kind friends, he was placed in McGill Normal School in this city. He was not long in this establishment until he gave practical assurance to his benefactors that the money invested in his education was not thrown away; for he graduated, and received a diploma for teaching in 1859, anc^ became teacher of the Beauharnois Dissentient School, over which lie successfully presided for three years. At this time he began to realize the fact, " Once a teacher, always a teacher." He saw that his duties as preceptor did not afford him sufficient scope for his latent energies, the exercise of which he desired should result in financial success. With this in view he went West and accepted a position in a bookstore in the town of Belleville, in Ontario, where he remained for some time, gaining that insight into the trade which enabled him to claim a higher position in more extensive houses. His patience and energy were soon rewarded by the offer of a position in a large publishing and newspaper house in Toronto, which he accepted. ' Onward' and ' Excelsior ' were still his mottoes, and in the fall of 1863 he went to New York, and was not long in obtaining a position in the publishing house of T. W. Strong. Here again his indefatigable perseverance asserted itself. Encountering many diffi- culties such as a peculiar mode of doing business, and the difference in surround- ings, he fought against all odds, and by strict and careful application to business, he attracted the attention of the head of the firm, and his untiring efforts in his interest resulted in his eventually assuming the responsible position of manager of the entire concern.
362 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
" He remained in New York until he married (Mrs. Wilson is a Canadian lady), when the love of home surroundings recalled him to Montreal. In 1867, he entered the employment of Angus, Logan and Company, wholesale stationers and paper manufacturers (now the Canada Paper Company) as their bookkeeper. After remain- ing three years and a half in that position his old time energy again asserted itself, and he concluded by making a venture on his account. With the assistance of his employers he started a Paper Bag Factory, in which were manufactured successfully the first machine-made paper bags that were placed on the market in all Canada. The business was a success from its inception, and continued to be a success, and the assistance rendered to Mr. Wilson by his immediate former employers was soon repaid, and their kindness reciprocated in a practical manner, for he became one of their largest and best customers.
" It is characteristic of the present age that men are ever on the alert to introduce some idea into very old existing principles of action. At the head of most success- ful manufacturing enterprises do we find practical men of experimental turn, who are constantly endeavoring to secure here a little, and there a little gain on the difficulties which environ all sorts of production, and their success it is that enables our young national enterprises to be buoyed up against the difficulties with which they have to -contend.
11 Mr. Wilson started first on what may be justly termed an infant scale. At the outset two flats of a building were sufficient, but these in a short time were found to be too limited to meet the demands of an extensively increasing trade, and it thus became necessary to secure more room from time to time until the block of buildings of these stores with six flats each were secured. In 1880, Mr. Wilson found his paper and paper bag trade so extensive, and his requirements so great that they could not be satisfactorily met by the outside paper mills, and it became necessary that he should have a manufactory entirely under his control. With this object in view he selected Lachute, a small town within an hour and twenty minutes' ride by rail from Montreal, on the Canadian Pacific Railway, as the most convenient site for his proposed operations. Here, upon an excellent water-power, he erected a mill, and equipped it with all the latest and most improved machinery. Five years later the trade had grown to great proportions, and a larger turn out of paper was required to meet the new demands. Another mill was erected adjoining the first. In point of architecture these structures are both solid and ornamental, being built of stone, with cut-stone trimmings, and otherwise exhibiting the most elaborate modern garnish. The cost of these buildings reaches $175,000, and by the employment of about seventy-five expert hands, they turn out seven tons of paper daily.
" After the mills had been doubled, the trade of the factory and warehouses in Montreal, founded in 1870, had grown to such an extent that the three stores of six flats each were found insufficient to contain the machinery, or the employees necessary to meet the requirements of the fast growing trade ; and, finding that the dimensions of the building could not be increased, Mr. Wilson resolved to construct one
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 363
that would appropriate all the demands of his business. With this object in view he acquired a number of houses on Western Craig street, pulled them down, and raised a magnificent eight-story structure — certainly the most imposing upon that thorough- fare, and as a warehouse has no equal in Canada to day.
" In the interest of the business there arc; eighteen travellers constantly on the road, covering the territory from Newfoundland to British Columbia. The extent of commercial dealings may be estimated at above half a million dollars annually.
" Mr. Wilson has, however, not selfishly confined his energies to the erection of his own fortunes ; but has contrived to devote a large measure of his time and wisdom to the advancement of societies which have for their object the welfare and comfort of those of his fellow-men who have been le-s fortunate in the arena of life than himself. He has also occupied in the Parliament of the country of his adoption a prominent position, and upon the floor of the House of Commons has been recog- nized as an able and excellent debater. He represented the County of Argenteuil in the Dominion Parliament. He has likewise held the position of Alderman of the City of Montreal, and chairman of important civic committees. He "was President of the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society for two years. He is a Life Governor of the Montreal General Hospital, a Life Governor of the Protestant Insane Asylum, a Life Governor of the Montreal Dispensary, and a Life Governor of the Maternity Hospital.
u Mr. Wilson is an ardent disciple of Isaac Walton ; annually seeking the shady seclusion of the river banks and mountain streams and lakes with rod and line ; and in order to protect th> finny tribe from wanton destruction, he was instrumental, with others, in bringing to life the Fish and Game Protection Society of the Province of Quebec, which is supported in its laudable object by Acts of Parliament. He was President of this society for years. It will be remarked from the foregoing sketch that Mr. Wilson's career has been signally successful, and one that reflects creditably upon the capital wherewith he began his commercial operations — a clear head and an honest determination."
Mr. Wilson has two sons in the business ; and he is looking forward to the time when they will be in a position to enter into practical control of the business.
Mr. Wilson's remarkable career is indeed an incentive to others to be up and follow. What has been done can yet be done, and the next century will see more wonderful things than ever were compressed in man's philosophy of the present day, advanced though it be.
NAPOLEON AUBIN
WAS .born in 1802, at Chesnes, near Geneva, Switzerland. He came to New York in 1829, and after staying in that city for some time came on to C anada. Mr. Aubin had a great talent for writing universal literature. He was equally at home in politics, philosophy, mathematics, chemistry and mechanics. He edited successfully the following publications : Fantasque, Le Castor, Le Canadien, Le Caiuidien In- dependent, La Tribune, La Pays, and Le National.
364 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
He was one of the ardent admirers of Papineau, and he had the honor of being his true and sincere friend. Mr. Aubin and his journal were intimately connected with the Rebellion of 1837-38. He was made Secretary of the famous Reform Asso- ciation in 1847. He was also President in 1869 of the Institut Canadien. When the Tribune ceased publication, Mr. Aubin retired from active politics and resided at Beloeil. Some years after this he edited Le Pays with rare ability. He was for some years connected with the inspection of weights and measures and gas, and to the last conserved all the vim of youth. He died not long ago in Montreal.
ALFRED SANDHAM.
THIS name is connected with Montreal as one of its first English Historians. In 1870, he published a most interesting volume from which the Author of these sketches is glad to record that he has received much assistance in their preparation for this work. It is called " Ville Marie ; or, Sketches of Montreal, Past and Present." This work refers to a great number of facts connected with the history of the city. It is interspersed with maps, plans and portraits, with valuable statistics It was published by George Bishop & Co.
He is also the author of an interesting and useful work, entitled : " Coins, Tokens and Medals of Canada." Some years ago he removed from Montreal, and, I believe, now lives in Toronto, and has become a painter of good repute. His work of 1870 is now getting scarce, and commanding a higher price than that at which it was published.
THOMAS PORTEOUS
WAS one of the early English merchants of Montreal. Removing from Terrebonne, where he had resided, to Montreal, he began business as a general merchant in Notre Dame Street. He had married Olive Everett, and to them was born in Montreal a daughter, Agnes, in 1798. In 1814, his eldest daughter, May, was married to Henry Grifrin, who was a Notary Public of that time. The son of this marriage is the well- known J. C. Griffin of Montreal, one of the most highly respected and efficient notaries of the present day. Mr. Porteous was rather an important man in his day. He held several offices of trust. In 1818, he was the President of the Company which organized the first Water Works for supplying Montreal with water. Previous to this, during the War of 1812-14, he undertook at the request of the Government the great task of forwarding supplies to the troops throughout the Province. In 1820, he was President of the Agricultural Society of Montreal, also Vice-President of the Savings Bank then in existence. He was also for some time a Director of the Bank of Montreal, and likewise of the Lachine Canal Company. He died P'ebruary 23rd, 1830,
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 365
C. F. SMITHERS.
HE was born in London, England, 25th November, 1822. He arrived in Canada in 1847, and entered the service of the Bank of British North America, where he con- tinued for eleven years. In 1858, Mr. Smithers became associated with the Bank of Montreal, where he remained for some years in different capacities. He was then selected for the position of representing the Bank at New York in conjunction with Mr. Walter Watson. In 1879, when Mr. R. B. Angus resigned, Mr. Smithers took his place as General Manager. In 1881, when Mr. Stephen (now Lord Mount Stephen) retired to assume the Presidency of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mr. Smithers took the entire management of the Bank. After some years he went to New York, where he died not long since.
JOHN LILLY.
THIS name is frequently found at the close of the last century in the Records of the Quarter Sessions of Montreal. He- was a Justice of the Peace and rather a prominent man in those days. He owned and farmed a property above Sherbrooke street stretching up towards Fletcher's Field, with what is called now " Lunn's " man- sion as his summer residence. Mr. Hugh Brodie, sen., the grandfather of our respected citizen, Hugh Brodie, Esq.. N.P., was Mr. Lilly's farmer for a time after his arrival in Canada. One of the daughters married Thomas Boston, in 1806. He died October, 1822. The Herald thus speaks of him at his death: " Died, John Lilly, Esq., at the advanced age of eighty-three years. He was one of the oldest British merchants of the city, having arrived in 1763, and supported during his long residence of fifty-nine years the character of a good subject, a virtuous citizen, and an exemplary Christian."
ALEXANDER McKENZIE.
PERHAPS of all the new-comers and early English (this, of course, includes Scotch and Irish too) settlers of Montreal, none are so identified with its early progress as the North-Westers — those who were connected with her commercial development in the then main staple of her existence — furs. Of all those who embarked in this adven- turous undertaking, none deserve a place in this GAZETTEER more than the subject of this sketch — Alexander McKenzie. Born in Inverness, that beautiful Capital of the Scottish Highlands, he had imbibed from the glorious scenes surrounding the "Queen of the Night" sentiments of courage and adventure. He came to Canada while still an enthusiastic lad, and entered the counting house of John Gregory, where he faith- fully remained and served for five years, when his master and the McLeod resolved to start a company to compete with a firm not long before started, and comprising McTavish, Frobisher and others, they induced Alexander McKenzie, who at this time was in business for himself at Detroit, and also Peter Pangman, another well- known name in Montreal, to join them. So heartily did these two young men go
366 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL
into the^undertaking that the now strong firm already spoken of was glad in 1787 to join the new-made one, and the union took place that year.
It was the great desire and ambition of the united company to reach the remotest Indian Settlements, in order to tap, as it were, the very vitals, the fountain head of the peltry trade, and as said elsewhere, which usually found its way to the different posts of the Hudson Bay Company. Thus pushing on the ends and aims of their Company, the traders, each one, unconsciously became great discoverers.
In many of them it is not to be wondered at that after a taste of this romantic and exciting life they should become travellers andvoyageurs on their own account, and solely for the purpose of discovering new lands and new peoples. Were it not for the vim, the pith, the energy and the perseverance of those sturdy Highlanders, this mighty land would have remained for a far longer period an unknown region, a true terra incognita. The Author of this volume well remembers when he resided be- tween forty and fifty years ago in the Isle of Lewis, in the Western Hebrides, that a ship annually took away many of the bone and muscle of the young Lewis High- landers to America to serve in the different posts of the Hudson Bay and North West Companies, and it was from these young men's work that the enormous fortunes of these Companies, and the vast tracts of land at last and finally granted to these Companies, received their mainspring of action and the source of all their riches.
In June, 1789, McKenzie started from Fort Chippewa to the west end of Lake Athabasca. He called this great body of water u Lake of the Hills." We can find the name in that journey which has rendered his name immortal, and which is em- bodied in the McKenzie River, a mighty stream, one of the greatest rivers on earth, which we, living now at the close of the nineteenth century, and a hundred years after McKenzie's discovery, know almost as little of as he did when sailing on its mighty waters. What future developments shall be brought forth in the twentieth century, we know not, but this they will find, that the mighty McKenzie River of 2200 miles in length will flow through a land inhabited by European descendants, enjoying all the civilization of the great future, with all its progress and advancement. Let us turn our eyes to the adventurous voyager. With a small band of faithful followers, some white men, some red men, he pursued his North-West voyage until at last he struck the mighty river which will ever bear his name. Following its wanderings he found out the enormous lakes, Great Slave Lake, Great Bear Lake and Athabasca Lake — lakes they may be called, but really inland seas — and at last arrived after innumerable incidents and adventures at the mouth of the river, which he found emptying itself into the Arctic Ocean. A river the McKenzie is, longer than our own mighty St. Lawrence, counting in all its lakes and intervening rivers ; a river, one of the grandest, longest and most magnificent in scenery in all the world.
October, 1782, saw him again on a voyage of discovery. He was determined to follow the Peace River and explore it all. He traced it actually running across the Rocky Mountains, a thing ever before thought impossible. He traced it to the Mountains, and being assured by the Indians that its waters flowed into a
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 367
mighty ocean on the west, he determined to pursue its course, which he did in the next season, and was the very first European who ever crossed from sea to sea, the whole breadth of the great American Continent to the North. It took him eleven months to do this great act of discovery. When he arrived on the Pacific coast, he left the following notice to show succeeding explorers that one had been there before them. It thus reads as we find it in his adventures : " I now mixed up some vermillion in melted grease, and inscribed in large characters on the south-west face of the rock on which \ve had slept last night this brief memorial, ' Alex. McKenzie, from Canada, by land the 22nd July, [793.'"
When he returned he published an account of his strange adventures, and the title of the volume may well be, as we find it : — " Voyage from Montreal, on the River St. Lawrence, through the Continent of North America to the Frozen and Pacific Oceans in the years 1789 and 1793, with a preliminary account of the Rise, Progress and Present State of the Fur Trade of that Country — London, 1801." He resided in Montreal to the year 1808, when he returned to Scotland, a rich man for those days, and died there. He built a fine house at the head of Simpson street, Montreal, which remained till pulled down by Mr. William Smith. The street was called Simpson after Sir George Simpson, who occupied and owned the house after McKenzie had left Montreal and returned to Scotland.
ANDREW WILSON
WAS bom near Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1822, and came with his family to Montreal in 1834. Two years after, in 1836, he entered the employ of the Herald office, but by his industry, probity and intelligence gradually raised himself till he was one of the proprietors of this newspaper. In 1847, along with Messrs. Potts & Penny, he bought the Herald property, and continued to his death one of its shareholders. In 1852, he married Esther Matthews. He died some years ago universally lamented by all classes of his fellow citizens. The late Senator Penny, his co-shareholder, said of him, " No word of unkindness ever escaped him. It is a rare blessing to have such a friend."
JOHN WILLIAM BRAYLEY.
THE Grippe has deprived Montreal of many valuable citizens. The latest is John William Brayley, head of the wholesale drug house of Brayley, Sons & Co. He died not long ago at the age of sixty-nine years. Mr. Brayley had been attacked by the Grippe, but was allowed to leave his house. A chill ensued, and complications set in, resulting in the rupture of a blood vessel. The death was sudden and totally unlocked for. Mr. Brayley was a native of Devonshire, England, and came to this country, first settling in New Brunswick, when quite a young man. In 1877, he came to Montreal, and soon by probity and attention to his work built up a large busi- ness, which his sons will carry on. He was a member of the Church of St. James the Apostle, where for seven years he was people's Warden. He was a conscientious business man, upright and respected.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. AVILA G. BOURBONNAIS.
HE was born at Saint-Clet (Soulanges), i8th October, 1859. He married 29th October, 1884, Marie Rose Delia Lefebvre. He was educated at Petit Seminaire of Sainte Therese, and is the Official Stenographer at Montreal. First returned to Legislative Assembly at last General Election. Has retired from politics and devotes himself to the duties of his profession.
SIMON CLARKE
CAME from Yorkshire, England. He arrived in Montreal in the early part of the century, and before the establishment of the North-West Company in 1806. He soon made a large fortune, retiring from business, and built a fine house on the other side of the Mountain and called it " Beaver Lodge." Here he died and his son John also lived, and as he too had made a large fortune in the North- West, he dis- pensed a profuse hospitality. This, and his becoming security to his friends for several large amounts, melted even the fortune of John Clarke, and at last the property passed into other hands. From him, Clarke Avenue, Cote St. Antoine, derives its name. He had property in the neighborhood, hence the present name of
the street.
ROBERT T. GODFREY, M.D.
HE was one of the most favorably known physicians in the city, and has written a good deal on medical science. He was ex-Professor of Surgery in the University of Bishop's College, Lennoxville, and Attending Physician to the Montreal General Hospital. He is the son of a British naval officer. Dr. Godfrey was born in the County of Kerry, Ireland, and when he was a youth he went to London, where he received his education and began his medical studies. Just at that time the wars in Spain connected with Queen Isabella's succession broke out, and the doctor's oldest brother, then a practising physician, was sent to that country as surgeon to the British troops which for a time were quartered there. The younger brother accompanied the surgeon as assistant. Returning home, he set out for Canada, where the remainder of his long and useful life was spent. His medical studies were resumed, and he took his degree at McGill Medical College. After graduating he filled for a time the position of House Surgeon at the Montreal General Hospital and then went into private practice. In this he was eminently successful, and soon built up a large and lucrative practice, which he enjoyed for many years. For a time he was Professor at McGill College, and afterwards in the Medical Faculty of Bishop's College ; he was also Consulting Physician at the General Hospital, and held offices in a number of medical and other societies. The deceased was seventy- three years of age. He left one son and three daughters, two of whom are married and one lives in England. He was the last of his father's family, his brother having died but a short time ago in Ireland at the age of ninety-one. Dr. Godfrey was a brother-in-law of the late Dr. Scott, for many years Professor of Anatomy in the McGill Medical College. He was a large owner of real estate and was wealthy.
RECORDER DE MONTIGNY.
GAZETTEER OF MONTR EAT-. 369
BENJAMIN A. TESTARD DEMONTIGNY.
THE subject of this sketch was born at St. Jerome, County of Terrebonne, in 1838. It was then the middle of the Rebellion of 1837-38, when the whole country north of the St. Lawrence was in a state of commotion. His father was Lieitt.-Colonel Testard Chevalier DeMontigny, a name not unknown in Canadian History. The son was sent for a course of studies to the College of Joliette, where he distinguished himself by assiduity to his studies and advancement in all the branches of his cur- riculum. After passing his legal studies he was admitted to the Bar in 1859, when he was exactly twenty-one years of age, having just then obtained his majority. One year after this, in 1860, the movement began to raise a battalion of Pontifical Zouaves to aid His Holiness the Pope in the struggles then going on in Italy against Gari- baldism and those who had raised the standard of battle against the powers that be. On 1 5th January, i86r, Mr. DeMontigny joined that battalion, in which he served two years. I presume these were the two most eventful years of his life. The battalion of Zouaves under Colonel Allet and Lieut.-Colonel DeCharette numbered 1,500 men. As our subject is, no doubt, the oldest Zouave in the country now, in connection with this sketch we must be pardoned in giving a short account of the movements of the Zouaves. The Italian Civil War continued for some years, and in the years 1868, 1869 and 1870, the chief number of Zouaves were sent from Canada, In 1867, Murray and Laroque were severely wounded at the battle of Mentana- When this news arrived in Canada, and that the Zouaves had made a successful march and covered themselves with glory at this battle, the spirit of adventure, as well as love to the Holy Father, filled the bosoms of thousands of young Canadians. The men who then went forth were men of good family. Gustave Drolet left on the 7th November, 1867, for Rome, MM. Desilet, Prendergast, Henault and Tetu, at the end of December. Scores of Canadian youths volunteered their services. The Bishop of Montreal took the direction of the movement into his own hands, and encouraged this new Crusade of the igih Century.
On the 26th December, 1867, a committee was formed in Montreal under the presidency of M. O. Berthelet composed of ten citizens, of whom MM. Rivard and Royal were the joint secretaries. At the cry of ." Dieu le vetit," scattered broadcast through the parishes by the cures, hundreds, nay thousands, of young men willingly offered themselves. The committee soon organized the first detachment of 137 " Zouaves Canadiens." They left Montreal i8th February, 1868, under the direction of Messire Moreau as "aumonier." and J. Taillefer as commander. The passage of this little army of crusaders — among those who left were our present energetic Governor of the Gaol, L. A. Valle~e ; Geo. A. Hughes, the present Chief of Police, and Lucien Forget, Clerk of the Recorder's Court — caused an immense excitement both in the United States and France. " Drapeau blanc en tete, avec la devise : Aime Dieu et va ton chemin/' these Zouaves were acclaimed the champions of the most holy and noblest of all causes of the present century. In their passage
24
370 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
through Lyons, France, De la Perade, a member of the French Academy, wrote a beautiful ode on their career. We give four lines : —
te Allez votre chemin, Fran^ais de Nouveau Monde ^ Race de nos aieux tout a coup ranime'e, Allez, laissant chez nous une trace feconde, Offrir un noble sang au Dieu que vous aimez."
The Montreal Committee sent six other detachments to Rome after that of February, 1868, viz. :
ist. on May 14, 1868, 22 men. 2nd, on May 23, 1868, 28 men. 3rd, on June 25, T868, 48 men, 4th, on September 30, 1869, 95 men. 5th, on August 18, 1870, 38 men. 6th, on September ist, 1870, 115 men.
When we count those who went singly or in small squads, we have over 530 Volunteer-Zouaves who went to Rome from Canada. After the fall of the Eternal City, on the 2oth September, 1870, into the hands of Victor Emanuel, the Italian King, the war was at an end, and the Zouaves marching out of Rome with all the honors of war, and by the Gate Angelica, were immediately transported to Leghorn and thence to Liverpool en route for Canada. They landed in New York, 5th November, after having been seventeen days at sea, and without delay they safely arrived in Montreal, where an immense concourse of people welcomed them back — their sons, their brothers and all their friends. The Zouaves founded an association among themselves to perpetuate their journey to Rome. Last year, 1891, a great gathering took place at the home of the Premier of Quebec — near Three Rivers, Hon. Honore Mercier had received medals for each Zouave, when last in Rome, and the occasion was made use of for a reunion of old comrades, and of talking over once more their hairbreadth escapes in sunny Italy. The subject of our sketch being the oldest Zouave, had the honor of distributing the medals and pinning them on the breasts of the various heroes.
Mr. DeMontigny resumed the duties of his profession when he returned to Montreal, and, in 1872, he was made District Magistrate for Terrebonne. In 1880, he was appointed Recorder of Montreal, to succeed the late Mr. Sexton, who had held the position for many years. He is the author of several valuable literary works. Among others there is the " Histoire du Droit Canadien," " Catechisme Politique," " Des Arrestations," " Etude surla Colonization," and "Le Nord." Many of his prac- tical lectures and remarkable contributions to the Canadian monthlies have also been published. He was made a Knight of the Military Order of Pope Pius the IX. in 1884.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 37!
The Recorder has done much by his influence and recommendations in alleviat- ing the condition of the poor and the criminal classes, and, so far as has been observed, tries always to temper his judgments with mercy. He is particularly anxious regarding youthful criminals and the better classification of all convicts in our Prisons and Penitentiaries. This laudable object may in the near future be accomplished, and, if so, one great motive will have been the exertion towards its con- summation by the present Recorder of Montreal.
HON. THOMAS D'ARCY McGEE.
THE following tribute to an Irishman, " great and well beloved," is from the pen of the well-known writer, Mrs. Sadlier, one of our best writers and not enough known by Canadians. This eminent Canadian statesman, poet and orator, was born at Carling- ford, County Louth, Ireland, on the i3th of April, 1825. His father, Mr. James McGee, was an officer in the Coast Guard Service, and his mother, Dorcas Catherine Morgan, was the accomplished daughter of a Dublin bookseller, who had been im- prisoned and financially ruined by his participation in the conspiracy of 1798, as a United Irishman. Of this union, Thomas D'Arcy McGee was the fifth child and second son. Born and nurtured amid the grand and lovely scenery of the Ross- treeor coast, his early childhood fleeted by in a region of wild, romantic beauty, which impressed itself for ever on his heart and mind, and tended not a little, as we may well suppose, to foster, if not create, that poetic fancy which made the charm of his life, and infused itself into all he wrote and all he said. Like most eminent men, he owed much of his genius to a highly intellectual and gifted mother. He was eight years old when the family removed to Wexford, in which ancient and historic city the years of his youth and early manhood passed. Soon after their arrival in Wexford, the McGee family sustained a heavy loss in the death of the excellent and admirable wife and mother, which left a deep and lasting wound in the heart of her favorite son, Thomas, who, to the last day of his life, fondly cherished her memory. Mr. McGee's youth was spent in the ardent pursuit of knowledge, history and poetry being his favorite studies, and in these he became, so to say, a master. Elo- quence was a special gift bestowed upon him from his earliest years. He was little more than seventeen, when, after paying a visit to his aunt in Providence, R.I., he .arrived in Boston, just when the " Repeal. Movement " was at its height amongst the Irish population of that city. It was the 4th July, and Thomas D'Arcy McGee, boy though he was, addressed the people that day, and his precocious eloquence sur- prised and delighted the multitudes who heard him. He was soon after offered, and accepted, a position on the staff of the Boston Pilot, and two years later became editor of that journal. He very soon made such a reputation for himself as a jour- nalist that his fame crossed the ocean, and he was invited by the proprietor of the Dublin Freeman's Journal, then, as now, one of the leading Irish papers, to become its editor. This offer, which he at once accepted, he justly considered a signal
372 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
triumph. So at twenty years of age, our poet-journalist took his place in the front rank of the Irish press. His connection with the Freeman's Joitrnal, however, was not of long duration, and we next find him, with his friend Charles Gavin Duffy, and two other talented young Irishmen, editing the newly started Dublin Nation, which soon became a power in the country, and the mouthpiece of the National party, afterwards known as the young Irelanders. It was owing to his connection with this brilliant and powerful organ, and his real or supposed participation in the abortive rebellion of 1848, that Mr. McGee became obnoxious to the British Government, and was forced to flee to America in that memorable year, leaving his young wife to follow him when once he had prepared a home for her.
He started in 1848, or the year following, the New York Nation, which paper from various untoward circumstances did not succeed, and Mr. McGee, being in- duced to remove to Boston, commenced in that city the publication of the American Celt, which he subsequently removed to New York, and for some years published it there with marked success.
It was during the publication of the Celt in Boston that the maturing mind of its editor began gradually to recognize the senseless folly of the revolutionary doctrines to the dissemination and support of which he had hitherto bent all the energies of his powerful mind. The cant of faction, the fiery denunciations which, after all, amounted to nothing, and had only the effect of unsettling men's . minds and leading many to ruin and destruction, giving rise to a general spirit of insubordination, he began to see in their true colors. It then became his aim to elevate the Irish people, not by impracticable schemes of rebellion, but by teaching them to make the best of their actual condition, to cultivate among them the arts of peace, and raise themselves by steady industry and increasing enlightenment to the level of more prosperous nations. Though as fondly as ever devoted to the land of his birth, he became more conservative in his views, and that because he had made a deeper and more earnest study of the eternal principles which lie at the foundation of all human affairs, and of the relation between the governing and the governed. This change, this new direction given to his thoughts, was sincerely owing to the further development of Mr. McGee's own reasoning powers and the salutary influence of wise and learned Christian friends. Yet it was unfortunately misrepresented, and excited much and bitter hostility among that revolutionary party of which he had so long been a brilliant and able supporter.
During the years that Mr. McGee was editing the American Celt in Boston and New York, and subsequently the Buffalo Sentinel in that border city, he deliv- ered in nearly all the principal towns and cities of the United States and the British Provinces a prodigious number of lectures on all manner of subjects calcu- lated to improve and elevate the people. He also organized and took a leading part in the convention of one hundred delegates who met in Buffalo, for the special purpose of promoting and increasing Irish emigration.
A short time after this, Mr. McGee was invited by a number of influential Irish
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 373
citizens of Montreal to make his home in that city, holding out to him the promise of a brilliant success, which promise the future more than justified. Soon after his arrival in Montreal, he commenced the publication ofthelVew Era, which journal, owing to his as yet imperfect knowledge of Canadian affairs, was not a success, and was discontinued when Mr. McGee was elected by the Irish citizens of Montreal as one of the three members for that city. Such entire satisfaction did his conduct in the House of Assembly give to his friends and constituents that a number of gentle- men subscribed a considerable sum of money and purchased a handsome residence in Montmorency Terrace, S:. Catherine street, which they presented, furnished, to Mr. McGee as a homestead for his family. Of the Parliamentary career of Mr. McGee in Canada, space will not permit us to speak at length. Suffice it to say that it was successful beyond all anticipation, and won for him a lasting and honor- able place amongst the statesmen of the country. His rare and captivating eloquence, his consummate tact, his profound ability, made him, after a little time, the most brilliant, as well as the most popular member of the Legislature, triumphing even over political hostility, and making friends of religious and political opponents. To his expansive mind and soaring genius was mainly due the Union of the Provinces as the New Dominion of Canada. During the Government of Lord Monck, Mr. McGee was appointed President of the Executive Council, and acted, moreover, for a short time, as Provincial Secretary, /;-0 tern. It was during the time of his holding this double office that he wrote the concluding portion of his popular History of Ireland, confessedly one of the best and most readable histories of that country that has yet appeared. The other books written by Mr. McGee at various periods of his life were " The Gallery of Irish Writers of the Seventeenth Century," " Mc- Murroch," " O'Connell and his Friends," and " Irish Settlers in America." His 11 Canadian Ballads " were embodied in the general collection of his poems pub- lished in New York since his lamented death.
Mr. McGee had been three times returned for Montreal West, twice by accla- mation ; and was again elected by the same constituency as a member of the House of Commons of the Dominion, in the first session of which, as in the former House of Assembly, he won golden opinions from all, and had apparently a long and useful career before him, when, on leaving the Parliament Buildings, in Ottawa, on the morning of April yth, 1869, he was followed by an assassin who had been lying in wait for him, and shot dead at the door of his lodgings. Sad and pitiable close for such a life. It is not for us to say who were the instigators of so foul a crime, but a man named Whelan was arrested, tried for the murder in Ottawa, and paid with his worthless life the atrocious crime of which he was convicted, a crime which robbed the Dominion of its foremost statesman, and the Irish race of one of its most gifted sons. The whole country was horrified by the .news of Mr. McGee's most crue death, and the public manifestations of sorrow were great and also universal. A public and most magnificent funeral was given to her murdered representative by the City of Montreal. All classes of the citizens vied with each other in shewing
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their respect and admiration for the eminent man, who, coming amongst them as a stranger only a few years before, had in that comparatively short time gained the hearts of the people and entitled himself to the nation's gratitude. The name of Thomas D'Arcy McGee will go down to posterity as one of the men of whom the Dominion of Canada has reason to be proud.
As a specimen of the poetical genius of my fritnd, for he was a good friend and a much loved one by me, I insert the following well-known poem on the Dis- coverer of Canada, and can only add my humble prayer, " Requiescat in Pace."
JACQUES CARTIER. (A.D. 1534.)
i.
In the seaport of St. Malo 'twas a smiling morn in May, When the Commodore Jacques Cartier to the westward sail'd away ; In the crowded old cathedral all the town were on their knees For the safe return of kinsmen from the undiscover'd seas ; And every autumn blast that swept o'er pinnacle and pier Fill'd manly hearts with sorrow, and gentle hearts with fear.
II.
A year pass'd o'er St. Malo — again came round the day When the Commodore Jacques Cartier to the westward sail'd away ; But no tidings from the absent had come the way they went, And tearful were the vigils that many a maiden spent ; And manly hearts were fill'd with gloom, and gentle hearts with fear, When no tidings came from Cartier at the closing of the year.
in.
But the earth is as the future, it hath its hidden side ; And the captain of St. Malo was rejoicing in his pride In the forests of the north — while his townsmen mourn'd his loss^ He was rearing on Mount Royal the fleur-de-lis and cross ; And when two months were over, and added to the year, St. Malo hail'd him home again, cheer answering to cheer.
IV.
He told them of a region, hard, iron-bound, and cold, Nor seas of pearl abounded, nor mines of shining gold ; Where the wind from Thule" freezes the word upon the lip, And the ice in spring conies sailing athwart the early ship ; He told them of the frozen scene until they thrill'd with fear, And piled fresh fuel on the hearth to make him better cheer.
v.
But when he changed the strain — he told how soon are cast In early spring the fetters that hold the waters fast ; How the winter causeway broken is drifted out to sea, And the rills and rivers sing with pride the anthem of the free ; How the magic wand of summer clad the landscape to his eyes, Like the dry bones of the just when they wake in Paradise.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 375
VI.
He told them of the Algonquin braves — the hunters of the wild,
Of how the Indian mother in the forest rocks her child ;
Of how, poor souls, they fancy in every living thing
A spirit good or evil, that claims their worshipping ;
Of how they brought their sick and maim'd for him to breathe upon,
And of the wonders wrought for them through the Gospel of St. John.
VII.
He told them of the river whose mighty current gave
Its freshness for a hundred leagues to Ocean's briny wave ;
He told them of the glorious scene presented to his sight,
What time he rear'd the cross and crown on Hochelaga's height,
And of the fortress cliff that keeps of Canada the key,
And they welcomed back Jacques Cartier from his perils o'er the sea.
HON. WILLIAM HENRY CHAFFERS,
SON of the late Lieut. -Colonel William U. Chaffers, by Catherine H. Blanchette ; and grandson of W. Chaffers, Esq., M.D., of Liverpool, Eng. He was born in Quebec, 2nd August, 1827, and educated at Chambly and Montreal. Married, 1840, Louise, daughter of the late James O'Leary, Esq., M.D., formerly a Surgeon in Her Majesty's Service. He has been Warden of Rouville, Mayor of St. Cesaire, a Com- missioner of Small Causes, and President of the Rouville Agricultural Society. Sat for Rouville in Canadian Assembly from October, 1856, till General Election, 1857, when he retired. Represented Rougemont in Legislative Council, Canada, from January, 1864, until the Union. He was called to the Senate by Royal Proclamation, May, 1867, and is still a member of that august body.
HON. RODERICK McKENZIE.
THE subject of this sketch was much more connected with Montreal than his well- known kinsman, Sir Alexander McKenzie. When the latter, the great traveller, set out -for the West in 1792, he left Roderick in charge of Fort Chipewyan. He remained here for eleven months. We next find him in Montreal, where he married Rachel Chaboillez. This was only one of several score of marriages of Old Country- men to French-Canadian women. Amongst others were Hon. James McGill, of College fame, and Simon Eraser, of military fame. In 1806, he was one of the North- West Company, then established. In 1819, he was raised to the rank of a Legislative Councillor in Quebec, and remained in that body till his death. One of his sons, Alexander, entered the British army and became a Lieut.-Colonel. The Colonel had one daughter, Louise Rachel, who, in 1856, was married to Hon. Louis F. R. Masson, late Lieut.-Governor of Quebec, and now in the present Government without port- folio.
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DR. R. P. HOWARD
WAS born in Montreal, January i2th, 1823. His parents, Robert Howard and Margaret Kent, came from Ireland to Montreal, where his father went into business. The Doctor studied Medicine both here and in Europe, graduated from McGill College in 1848, and was made a L.C.S.E. in 1840, in which same year he began practising in his native city. For over thirty years Dr. Howard was one of our most influential and leading Physicians and Surgeons. His whole soul was set on the important duties of his profession. To him is given the honor of introducing into Montreal the prac- tice now universal of bedside instruction, a most important part, when we look at it, of medical education.
He was President of the Canada Medical Association, also President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Quebec, and was a Governor for more than a quarter of a century. He was also President of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Montreal, and I may add here no medical man in his native city had a higher standing.
He was also a diligent student and a writer to various periodical publi- cations. Some of his writings are most important to the medical fraternity. Those relating to consumption (though rather opposed to general ideas) have been at last gradually adopted by the Faculty at large, proving him to have been a far-seeing and a far-thinking man, ahead of the times, and realizing what the future will bring forth in all its advancement and progress in every phase and department of literature, philosophy and science.
He was Professor of Medicine in McGill College, and President of the Canada Medical Association. In connection with these societies his papers read before them or sent to Medical Journals on affections of the lungs, of the heart, and diseases of the chest have not only been numerous, but showed that the Doctor had a great and favor- ite study in these diseases, and did much by these writings to advance the knowledge requisite to their relief.
In 1876, he contributed a most important paper to the International Medical Congress of Philadelphia, on " Pernicious Anaemia," which was the most elaborate and exhaustive essay on the subject in English before the Assembly.
Dr. Howard was first married in 1855 to Miss Frances Chipman, daughter of the late Judge Chipman of Halifax, and had one son, the present Dr. Howard, who married the only daughter of our well-known benevolent citizen and member of Parliament, Sir Donald Smith. Mrs. Howard died in 1870. In 1872, he married Miss Eva Lewis, of London, England, and had three children. The Doctor died two years ago, and at his death men said: " A good man, noble philanthropist and honored native of Montreal has passed away. It will be a long time before one will be found to fill his place."
SIR RANDOLPH ROUTH.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 377
SIR R. J. ROUTH, K.C.B.
SIR RANDOLPH was a son of the Honorable Richard Routh, past Chief Justice of Newfoundland. He was descended from a very ancient Yorkshire family of Routh, near Beverley. Sir Randolph was born at Poole, Dorset, England, in 1787, He received his education at Eton, and entered the military service, Commissariat De- partment, ist May, 1805. In 1826, he was appointed Commissary-General, and for forty-two years he served abroad, in Jamaica, at Walchern, in the Peninsula, Hol- land. France and at Waterloo (under the Duke of Wellington), also in the Mediter- ranean, West Indies and Canada, where he was appointed a Member of the Executive Council before the Union. While holding this office- he received the honor of knight- hood by patent. During the famine in Ireland, in 1848, he was made a Commander of the Order of the Bath for his able superintendence and services in attending to the wants of the people during that trying period. In this country he was a univer- sal favorite with all classes of the community, and it was with regret they witnessed his departure from Ireland. He married first in 1815, at Paris, Adelaide Marie Josephine, granddaughter of Colonel Laminiere, Secretary General of the Gardes de Corps of Louis XVI., who died. Secondly, in 1830, at Quebec, Marie Louise, daughter of Honorable Mr. Justice Taschereau, and sister of Cardinal Taschcreau, of Quebec. Sir Randolph Routh's death took place in London, on 291!! November. 1858, aged 76. Lady Routh, his wife, survived him for thirty-three years, and died i6th of December, 1891, in Montreal, at the advanced age of 81 years. Their eldest son, Edward J. Routh. was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1835. He was, however, educated at Cambridge, England, and attained Senior Wrangler at the early age of twenty-one years, in 1856. Afterwards he was Mathematical Teacher in that University. For thirty years he has had a wonderful success in preparing students for examinations in all the different branches of the Colleges of Cambridge. No less than twenty- seven Senior Wranglers were prepared by him. He has now retired, and devotes himself to literature. He has a doctor's degree of the University, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. He married Hilda, a daughter of the late Sir Richard Airy, Royal Astromomer, and lives in England. Quite a gathering of Mathematical notables not long ago assembled to present Mrs. Routh with a portrait of her hus- band, painted by Herkomer.
Another son is F. A. Routh, the well-known shipping and steamboat agent of the firm of Carbray, Routh & Co., Quebec and Montreal. He married a daughter of the late Maurice Cuvillier, one of Montreal's old citizens, and a name intimately connected with the city for the past century. The following appeared in a recent resume of the principal firms in the city : — " Canada is noted for it fine timber limits> and mines of various kinds, particularly coal in the Maritime Provinces. Montreal being the principal city in the Dominion, it is only natural that the bulk of the pro- ducts of both forest and mine should come here, either for home consumption or export to foreign countries. Among the prominent firms that handle these products,
378 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Messrs. Carbray, Routh & Co. take a very high place. They handle the output of two of the Cape Breton mines, say 100,000 tons per annum, disposing of it in Mon- treal or elsewhere on the St. Lawrence. They are also agents for some of the large lumber firms from various mills on the St. Lawrence, shipping the products direct from the mills to South America and Great Britain. In this way they handle an enormous quantity of the products of the forests of Canada. This house was estab- lished some twenty-one years ago, and has since that time, by the untiring push and perseverance of the members, gone steadily on, and now they occupy one of the best and most solid positions in Montreal. The members of the firm are well known in Montreal as keen financiers and able business men in everyway. Mr. F. A. Routh is a member of the Board of Trade, and takes an active interest in all that concerns the welfare of the city and its trade. Mr. F. Carbray resides in Quebec, and has represented that city in the Local Legislature."
HON. H. T. TASCHEREAU, B.L., B.C.L.,
JUDGE of the Superior Court of the Province of Quebec, was born in the City of Quebec, on the 6th October, 1841. He is the son of the Hon. Jean Thomas Taschereau, late one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the Dominion, who, after being on the Bench for nineteen years, was forced to resign his position in con- sequence of ill-health, in October, 1878. His grandfather, Hon. Jean Thomas Taschereau, was in his lifetime one of the Puisne Judges of the Court of Queen's Bench of Lower Canada, and his grandmother, Marie Panet, was a daughter of the Hon. Jean Panet, first speaker of the House of Assembly for Quebec province, which he held for twenty consecutive years. Judge Taschereau, the subject of our sketch, is the fifth member of the Taschereau family who have sat on the Bench of the Pro- vince of Quebec, or of the Dominion of Canada, and is a nephew of His Eminence the Cardinal Archbishop of Quebec. The family is one of the oldest and most dis- tinguished in that province, its founder in Canada having been Thomas Jacques, of Tourenne, France, son of Christopher Taschereau, King's Counsellor, Director of the Mint, and Treasurer of the City of Tours. This gentleman came to Canada about the beginning of the last century, was appointed Treasurer of the Marine, and in 1736 obtained the cession of a seigniory on the banks of the Chaudiere river, Quebec Province. Judge Taschereau was educated at the Quebec Seminary, and at Laval University, and received from Laval the degree of B.L. in 1861, and B.C.L. in 1862. He took up Law as a profession, and practised in Quebec, with marked success, until he was elevated to the bench in 1878. He was at one time a member of the City Council of Quebec, and represented the city on the North Shore Railway Board. In 1862 he edited the newspaper, Les Debats, and in 1863 was one of the editors of La Tribune, of Quebec. He entered active political life in 1863, and ran as can- didate for the County of Dorchester in the Legislative Assembly of Canada, but failed to secure his election. In 1872, he was more successful, and was returned as
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 379
member for Montmorency county to the House of Commons. In 1874, he again presented himself for election, and was returned by acclamation. In politics, he was a Liberal. Being possessed of good talents and fine culture, with a good judicial mind, he has already done credit to his family of eminent parents. He was first married to a daughter of E. L. Pacaud, Advocate at Arthabaska, on the 2 2nd June, 1864, and has a family of nine children. After the death of his first wife (Nov., 1883), he married in April, 1885, Mrs. Marie Masson, widow, of Montreal, sister-in- law of ex-Lieutenant-Governor Masson.
RICHARD B. ANGUS,
DIRECTOR of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, is a Scotchman by birth, having been born at Bathgate, in the neighborhood of the City of Edinburgh, Scot- land, on the 28th day of May, 1830. He is one of four brothers, all remarkable for the early developed brilliancy of their talents. Mr. Angus received his scholastic education in the academy at Bathgate, and at an early age left Scotland and went to England, where, in a bank in Manchester, he received his business training. Bound to push his fortune, he came to Canada in 1857, and found a situation in the Bank of Montreal. It was in the progress of the Bank of Montreal that the subject of this memoir was destined to be identified during some of the most active years of his busy life. Like not a few of the Scotchmen who have made their mark on this side of the Atlantic, Mr. Angus had his business training in one of the great commercial centres of England. The qualities which were ultimately to win him the confidence of his colleagues in some of the grandest enterprises of the time were soon recognized in the young Manchester clerk, and he rapidly mounted the ladder of promotion. In three years he had risen to the post of accountant, and in 1861 was sent to Chicago to assume charge of the branch office in that city. After some years residence in Chicago, he was entrusted with a still larger responsibility, being appointed to the associate management of the New York agency ; a year later we find him once more in Montreal, as manager of the local business, and having discharged the critical business of that position for five years, he succeeded Mr. King, in 1869, as general manager. His tenure of that high position was marked by tact, foresight, and the fullest appreciation of opportunities for extending the influence of the institution. In 1876, he resigned, in order to accept the vice-presidency of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway, a step which in due time was to have important results. It will be remembered that, as in the east, the entrance of the Maritime provinces into the Canadian Confedera- tion necessitated the construction of the Intercolonial Railway. So in the extreme west, the admission of British Columbia was effected solely on the condition that communication should be established between the Pacific region and the rest of the Dominion. It was one of the grandest enterprises that had ever been conceived in an age fertile in great undertakings. In 1871, the survey was begun, but the scheme was to undergo many modifications before the actual initiation of the work of con-
380 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
struction. It was finally deemed most advisable on various grounds that the respon- sibility should be assumed, not by the Government, but by a private company. At last a syndicate was formed, with Mr. (now Lord Mount-Stephen) as its leading spirit. Mr. Angus was one of the original body, and has remained in connection with the incorporate company ever since as one of its directors. He shares, there- fore, in the glory, as he has shared in the responsibility, and risks, of a public work, which had revolutionized the relations of the distant parts of the British empire, and enhanced a hundredfold the prospect of Canada as to immigration, industry and commerce. Not, indeed, till the present generation has passed away will the world sufficiently appreciate the services of the men by whom the Canadian Pacific Rail- way was completed, an all through route from ocean to ocean on British territory -and a band of union between the metropolis and the farthest east, without which Imperial unity would be little more than a name. Mr. Angus is regarded as a shrewd business man, and very strict in his dealings. He is, however, none the less popular, as he has many amiable qualities, being a typical instance of that dual nature which is not uncommon, especially among Scotchmen, combining rigid adherence to the letter of a bargain, and close calculation of expenditure in business matters, with open-handed generosity in social intercourse. He is a member of the St. Andrew's Society, and holds the position of vice-president."
JAMES TRAILL SHEARER
<; Is a specimen of what well-directed energy and perseverance can accomplish. Born at Rosegill, Parish of Dunnet, not many miles from far-famed John O'Groat's, Caith- ness-shire, Scotland, on the 3ist of July, 1822, he received his education in the 'parish school of Dunnet, and at Castletown, in the same county. Leaving school before he had scarcely entered his teens, he was obliged like many a lad in the far 'north of Scotland, to begin work early, and was accordingly apprenticed to a car- penter and millwright in the village of Castletown, and with him he faithfully served the allotted term. To perfect himself in his trade, he removed to Wick, and worked for about a year under D. Miller, a builder, who was erecting a church in Putney- town. When he reached his twenty-first year he resolved to try his fortune in 'Canada, and taking passage in a sailing vessel, on 3oth May, 1848, reached Montreal, where he has since resided. Shortly after his arrival he entered the employ of Edward Maxwell, an extensive carpenter and builder, as a general house-joiner and stair-builder, branches of the business at which he was very proficient. After termi- nating a th^ee years' engagement with Mr. Maxwell, he went to Quebec city to take charge of the joiner and carpenter work on a new bomb-proof hospital then being built by the British Government on Cape Diamond. Finishing the job to the entire satisfaction of the British officers in charge, he returned to Montreal, and began the study of steamboat architecture, especially cabin work, and soon became an adept at the business. Work flowed in upon him, and he found many customers, among
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 38 1
others the late John Molson and David Torrance, for whom he fitted up many steamboats for the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, and he still carries on very extensively this branch of business, along with the manufacture of other kinds of wood-work for house building purposes. Mr. Shearer is the inventor of what is known as the hollow roof, for houses and large public buildings, which is considered the best suited to the climate of Montreal. This roof is of a concave design, and carries the water down the inside of the building, instead of the outside, thereby avoiding the freezing up of pipes. It is used on the Windsor hotel, Montreal, and has since been adopted generally throughout America. He has also been the chief promoter of what is known as the " Shearer scheme," the object of which is to improve the harbor of Montreal and prevent the flooding of the city, but owing to the strong opposition urged against it by the Grand Trunk authorities, he has had to abandon it for the present. However, it will have to be considered at no distant day. If once adopted it will greatly improve the harbor of Montreal, and prove a source of wealth to the inhabitants. The plans are now in the possession of the Dominion Government, and although he has twice applied for an act of incorporation for the " St. Lawrence Bridge and Manufacturing Company," who are prepared to- carry it to completion, he has not yet succeeded in getting this company incor- porated. Mr. Shearer a few years ago designed and built for himself a house on Mount Royal, and it is perhaps the best finished house in that city of fine dwellings, all the internal work being of purely Canadian wood. The view from it is most charming, and cannot be surpassed in the Dominion. A visitor can take in at a glance the Chambly hills, Belle Isle, Mount Johnson, the River St. Lawrence for many miles, the Victoria bridge, the Lachine rapids, and the full extent of the beau- tiful city of Montreal. In politics Mr. Shearer is a Liberal; and in religion one of those who does his own thinking, and has no objection to others doing the same. He was married in Montreal, on the 23rd of June, 1848, to Eliza Graham. The two eldest sons are now engaged with their father in business."
HUGH BRODIE, N.P.
THE grandfather of this well-known citizen, Hugh Brodie, Notary, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lochvvinnoch, Ayrshire, Scotland, in the year 1780. After com- ing to Canada, he resided some time at Chambly, afterwards with Mr. Lilly of the Gale Farm, and latterly for many years at Coteau St. Pierre on his own farm and property, where he devoted himself to agriculture. He became such a famous farmer and agriculturist that his fame spread far beyond Montreal, — it extended to all Canada and the Northern States of America. He was several times appointed a Judge at the New York State Exhibitions. He is remembered by hundreds to this day from the kind sympathy and counsel he gave them when they first landed in Canada. His French Canadian neighbor farmers looked to him as a pattern which they tried to follow. He died at Coteau St. Pierre in 1852. His two sons, Hugh
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and Robert, were both successful farmers and highly -respected members of the com- munity. They are now both dead some time ago.
Hugh Brodie, grandson of the above, was born o'n the 24th April, 1842, at what was then known as Tanneries des Rollands, now the Town of St. Henri, close to the city, on the spot where is now erected the Roman Catholic Presbytery. He was sent to the village school when not quite five years of age. He continued there until sent in 1855 to what was known as Smith's school in College Street. He afterwards attended the Lower Canada College until 1858, when he entered the office of the late William Easton, N.P., remaining there till February, 1859. He then entered the office of the late well-known notary, James Smith, to whom he was articled, and was admitted to the practice of the profession on the i5th February, 1864. He has practised ever since in this city. Before being admitted to practice he was unanimously chosen Secretary-Treasurer of the County of Hochelaga Agricultural Society, a position which he still holds to this day, and interests himself much in the advancement of agriculture and encouragement of the poorer class of farmers, to whom he has always proved a good friend. He married, in 1867, Christina Christie, eldest daughter of the late Peter Christie, Esq., who formerly resided at Niagara, and a grandniece of the late William Christie, the well-kno wn chandler of this city.
HON. SENATOR A. W. OGILVIE.
HE is a descended from a younger brother of Gi'christ, Earl of Angus, a valiant soldier, who, in the i3th century, was rewarded with the lands of Ogilvie in Banff- shire, Scotland, and assumed the name of the estate. The family is celebrated in history for having long preserved the Crown and Sceptre of Scotland from the hands of Cromwell. His parents came to Canada in 1800, where his father served during the war of 1812, and during the Rebellion of 1837 as a Volunteer Cavalry Officer. Born at St. Michel, near Montreal, on the 7th of May, 1829, he was educated in Montreal. He married Sarah, daughter of William Leney. In 1854, he founded the firm of A. W. Ogilvie & Co., largely engaged in the grain trade and proprietors of the Glenora Mills, Montreal. Retired from the firm in 1874. He is a Lieut. -Col. of the Montreal Cavalry (retired list) ; President of the St. Michel Road Company ; Chairman of the Montreal Turnpike Trust, and of the Montreal Board of Directors of the London (England) Guarantee Company; a Director of the Sun Life Insurance Com- pany, of the Edvvardsburg Starch Company, Montreal Loan and Mortgage Company, and Montreal Investment Company. He has been an Alderman for the City of Montreal; President of the Workingmen's Widows and Orphans Benefit Society, and of the St. Andrew's Society. Sat for Montreal West in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Quebec from General Elections, 1867, when returned by acclamation, until General Elections in 1871, when he declined re-nomination. Re- elected at General Election in 1875, and sat until General Election of 1878, when he again declined re-nomination. Called to the Senate 24th December, 1881, where he has been ever since.
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H. ASPJNWALL HOWE, T.C. D., LL.D.,
THE late Rector of the High School of Montreal, is now one of our oldest citizens. He came to Montreal in 1848. Dr. Howe was born near Guilford, Surrey, Eng- land, 8th July, 1815. His father was in the army. His mother was Mary Wicking. He was educated at Elizabeth College, Guernsey, and Trinity College, Dublin. Re- turning to Guernsey he finished his education in 1833, and began teaching at Bangor, North Wales. Afterwards he was private tutor in the family of Lord Egerton, after- wards Earl of Ellesmere. In 1848, he arrived in Montreal to assume the Rectorship of the High School, which he held for over forty years. He has an acute mind and great variety of talents. An excellent musician, and one of the most distinguished chess players. Dr. Howe can do a great many things, and some of them remarkably well.
For some years he occupied the Chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in McGill College. He is now Emeritus Professor. He is an M.A. and an LL.D. of McGill University.
In 1847, ne married Miss Louisa Fanshawe, daughter of the Vicar of Chard- stock, England, and now has one son and two daughters living. One daughter is married to Henry, Lord Aylmer, and now living in the Eastern Townships.
Dr. Howe resigned last year from the Rectorship of the High School, and received the handsome sum of $5,000 with a beautiful oil portrait of himself from his former pupils and scholars, as a mark of their affectionate esteem and regard.
THOMAS G. RODDICK, M.D.,
WAS born in Newfoundland, at Harbor Grace, 3ist July, 1846. His father was John Irvine Roddick, who came from Dumfries-shire, Scotland ; his mother was Emma Jane Martin, a native of Newfoundland. His father having come to the terra incognita as a teacher, was the Principal of the Government Grammar School at Harbor Grace. Dr. Roddick came to Montreal, the focus for so many of our young men from all parts of British North America, in 1864, entering as a student in McGill Medical School, and after passing a brilliant career graduated in 1868, carrying off the Holmes Gold Medal. At once he entered the General Hospital as Assistant House Surgeon, and remained as such for the next six years. Since 1874, he has been in general practice in Montreal. In that year he was appointed Demonstrator of Anatomy in McGill, and in 1875 Professor of Clinical Surgery in that institution. At one time he was Assistant Surgeon to the Grand Trunk Artillery, the late Dr. Scott being Senior. In 1880, he married Marion McKinnon of Pointe Claire, and is still actively engaged in the duties of his profession. Dr. Roddick's name stands high to-day, at the near close of the 191x1 century, as a man entirely devoted to his profession, and in the near future to rise to the highest pinnacle of it.
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CUTHBERT GRANT.
LITTLE is known of the early history of this man. His father was one of the High- landers who had come out to Canada in the interests of the fur trade, and his mother was an Indian woman (a squaw). His father sent him, like many others, to Montreal to be educated, and afterwards he entered the employ of the Fur Company. In 1792, to show how he worked for his employers, Sir Alexander Mackenzie tells us that Cuthbert Grant had penetrated as far as the Slave River in 1786. In one of these expeditions no less than six of his voyageurs had been drowned whilst he miraculously escaped. He was a brave man, fertile in devices for advancing the interests of his employers. With Indian blood in his veins he wielded a powerful influence over all the Indians and Half-Breeds. We find his name at the head of the warning to the Selkirk settlers, telling them to look out and by a certain time leave the Red River and trespass no longer on the lands of the Great North-West Fur Company. We find the words of the document thus to read :
JUNE 25th, 1815.
" All settlers to retire immediately from Red River and no trace of a settlement to remain."
(Signed), CUTHBERT GRANT,
"BOSTOMNAIS" BANGMAN,
WILLIAM SHAW,
" BONHOMME " MONTOUR.
He was the chief director in the subsequent attack, June, 1811, when Governor Semple lost his life, and many of the innocent settlers were killed. Having taken the Fort, he was afterwards seized on American soil by Lord Selkirk and carried to Fort William, but things soon subsided on account of the immense influence of the Company with the Government at Quebec. What ultimately became of him I can- not find out, whether he died in the North-West, or retired, as so many of the traders did to Montreal, and enjoyed their fortunes, and spent the latter part of their lives in ease and comfort.
HON. EDWARD GOFF PENNY
WAS born near London, England, i5th May, 1820, and educated there. He married, in 1857, Eleanor Elizabeth, daughter of Oliver Smith, Esq., of Montreal. Called to the Bar of Lower Canada, 1850. He was one of the proprietors of, and Chief political writer for, the Montreal Herald newspaper. He is the author of a pamphlet against Confederation, published in Montreal in 1867. He was called to the Senate, i3th March, 1874, and died some years ago.
GREY NUNNERY.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 385
MARIE MARGUERITE DU FROST, LES SCEURS CRISES.
THIS heroic woman was born at Varennes, near Montreal, in 1701. She was the daughter of a brave officer of Marine from Brittany, who had come to remain in Canada. A former society had looked after the poor till the advent of the subject of our sketch into the Institution, but it had become almost inert on account of poverty fifty years after its foundation in 1747.
In 1722, she married M. d'Youville. He died in 1730, leaving two children. She determined henceforth to consecrate herself to works of charity. She began by visiting the sick at their houses and by receiving some in her own home. Very soon several good girls joined themselves to her. She extended her circle of charity and influence, and her intelligent zeal in all her actions so moved the St. Sulpicians, that they unanimously gave her the direction of the General Hospital. She entered on charge in 1747, but almost immediately there arose against her a cabal amongst some of the most honorable citizens. This was on account of the " Freres Hospitaliers," whose functions they considered were being infringed on — an ancient society who had done much good in its day. Even the Governor and the authorities leagued to expel Madame d'Youville from the " 1'Hopital General," and they wrote to Paris all that they could imagine derogatory of her. But all in vain, the Court at Versailles maintained her position, and by letters patent in 1753 made Madame d'Youville the head or Superioress of the establishment of the General Hospital. Then she adopted every way of clearing the Institution of debt, which she happily accomplished.
In 1765, a serious fire crippled her in the housing of 118 persons then under her care. Five years after, this indefatigable woman had once more erected the building, and now had 170 persons dependent on her.
After the Cession she received 60,000 livres annually by work done for the troops and government, by annual donations, subscriptions and gifts. It was then she considered the idea and carried it out, of adopting found infants — infants deserted by their mothers — and those confided to their care ; and also a Refuge for Penitents. Her faith that God would provide was constant. At one time when entirely destitute of means, she found several pieces of gold. Another time when there was no bread in the house, a large quantity of flour came to the door without anyone knowing who had sent it or whence it came. But this continues to this very day. With an income, say, of $30,000 per annum, it distributes $60,000 per annum in charity.
Madame d'Youville can never be forgotten. She was a Canadian, pure and simple, an honor to Canadians, and her good works, though she is dead, yet speak.
We. must now speak a little of another one connected with this Institution. Catherine Kollmyer, born of Protestant parentage, was early convinced that her vocation was with the Grey Nuns, and so she requested admittance into the com-
25
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raunity. She did much for the Institution, and is to this day esteemed one of the pillars of the Institution.
We may add that the old buildings of the " Soeurs Crises " have years ago been demolished or used as stores in the progress of Montreal, and that the Sisters in 1875 erected immense buildings on Guy street, an engraving of which is inserted in this GAZETTEER, where they still carry on their works of charity, benevolence and love. The principal Sisters connected with the Institution in this the 25oth anni- versary of the founding of Montreal are Sister Devins and Sister Curran, names which to me call up reminiscences of Montreal of years ago. The first is sister to him who next the Court House dispensed his medicines and comfort? to many an afflicted man bowed down by the weight of Law and Justice, and who died only a few days ago. The other brings to my mind one of the finest intellects of Irish wit and oratory, independent of his legal lore. I have much pleasure, through the kindness of my late old friend, R. J. Devins, in placing this imperfect sketch of the " Soeurs Grises " before the people of Montreal.
JAMES HODGES.
"THE antecedents of Mr. Hodges constitute him another striking illustration of self-help. To his own indomitable perseverance alone, coupled with the strictest integrity of character and honorable conduct, does he owe his present high position in the engineering world — a position which did not fail to attract the notice of his future king, on the occasion of the laying of the last stone of the Victoria Bridge by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, on the 25th of August, 1860. Of the many claimants that have sprung up, both in Britain and in Canada, for the honor of being the originator or designer of the Victoria Bridge, it is not our intention to speak; but we are at the present time about to introduce a name in connection with this stupendous structure which well deserves the record we here give it. From the hour in which the first cofferdam was laid, until the last rivet was driven, which com- pleted the Victoria Bridge as it now stands, the presiding genius was Mr. Hodges, as the engineer of the contractors, Messrs. Peto, Brassy and Betts.
u Mr. Hodges was born on 6th April, 1814, in Queenborough, in the county of Kent, where he was educated at the Grammar School of that town. After going through the scholastic duties of a Grammar School of that day, he was removed, in order to receive a Government appointment which some of his Parliamentary friends had promised, but which promise was never redeemed. After waiting until his patience was exhausted, he apprenticed himself, at the age of seventeen, to a builder, residing at Brompton near Chatham. Having served four years in this trade, he com- menced his railway practice under Mr. John Rowland, the agent of Macintosh, the contractor of the Greenwich Railway, his first essay in railway work being the cent- ring of the arches. After this he went to Shard, and at the age of twenty-two had charge of the building of the Union Houses of that place. These finished, his next work was at the Shakspeare Tunnel, Dover, which he superintended at first as the agent of the contractor, Mr. Rowland; but, on his death, Mr. Hodges assumed the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 387
charge of the work in concert with the resident engineer of the South Eastern Rail- way ; and it is not a little remarkable, that every ounce of gunpowder used in the large blasts was deposited in its place by his own hands. During the progress of this work he attracted the attention of the late Sir Wm. Cubitt, then engineer-in-chief of the South Eastern Railway, to whom Mr. Hodges has frequently stated he is more indebted for his subsequent rise and progress in his profession than to any other man. The pupil in this case is a worthy disciple of a very worthy master.
" It was at this time that a curious resolve was made by young Hodges, and it wa's this, that, if spared, he would work until the age of thirty-five, for whatever amount of remuneration others might think his labor worth, but after that time he should name the price at which his services were to be obtained. And to this end he steadily kept on progressing, so that by the time this period of his life was reached — having superintended the driving of the Abbott's Cliff, Seaham, and Archcliff Fort tunnels, and the erection of the Shakspeare viaduct, along with the blasting of the Rounddown Cliff, and several other works in that neighborhood, as well as the erec- tion of swing bridges at Norwich, Needham and Somerleyton, as the agent of Sir Morton Peto, Bart., with whom, about this time, he became acquainted — his resolve was no castle in the air on his part, but a firm determination to work up by hard industry and integrity to the point which he himself had chosen, and which he attained within the time he had himself specified. A handsome testimonial from Sir William Cubitt, at the termination of their business relations, as to his worth, gave him a fresh start as it were in his upward tendency, and the next appointment he filled was that of resident engineer, under Mr. G. P. Bidder, on the Norfolk Railway. The trammels of daily routine, and on so limited a scale, were not in consonance with his feelings, and, retiring from that position, we next find him as the engineer of the Lowestoft harbor ; after which, in connection with Mr. James Peto, the brother of Sir Morton Peto, he contracted for and built fifty miles of the Great Northern Railway, on behalf of his principals, Messrs. Peto and Betts.
" After so many years of active life, under which his health suffered to some considerable extent, Mr. Hodges determined on retiring into private life, and with that view purchased a small estate, near Bagshot, Surrey, where he resided ; but no sooner had he completed his arrangements, in 1853, for enjoying his otium cum dignitate, than the organization of the Grand Trunk Railway Company, with its Victoria Bridge across the St. Lawrence, afforded him, as the agent of the contrac- tors who had undertaken the work, the opportunity of handing his name down to posterity, associated with an undertaking which will last through all time. Such an opportunity was not to be lost sight of by the active and genial temperament of such a man, and it was at once embraced. The good he has done in the field of his labors, between that time and the present day, may be summed up in the words of the late Bishop Fulford, Metropolitan Bishop of Canada, who spoke them on the occasion of the workmen in the employ of Messrs. Peto & Betts erecting a stone — a granite boulder, weighing thirty tons, taken from the bed of the river — to preserve from
388 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
desecration the remains of six thousand emigrants, which were found in digging the foundations of some of the Grand Trunk Railway works. The Right Reverend gentleman said : ' He was there because he wished to pay the tribute of his personal respect to Mr. Hodges, to testify his high sense of that gentleman's integrity, and of the Christian principle with which he had always acted towards all employed under him. He had provided for their spiritual and educational supervision ; and his otherwise high moral principles, his Christian philanthropy, and his munificent liberality to the charities of their city, would remain on perpetual record.'"
JACQUES CARTIER.
IN this series of Biographical sketches we will now present the bold and intrepid mariner, Jacques Cartier, the discoverer and explorer of the country. The first to discover Canada, and to plan out a great country ; the first to colonize it, though on a small scale ; and the first to take an interest in and endeavor to advance her interests and welfare, even at the sacrifice and expense of his own.
",To us the career of such a man from whom we have sprung, and to whom the province owes its existence, is full of material interest. He was the founder and discoverer of this country, and although it was then a vast wilderness, and sparsely peopled by barbarians, yet as he glided up the placid and limpid waters of the St. Lawrence, he was forcibly struck with the beauty and the variety of the scenery, and with the excellent spots which nature had formed to be inhabited by more civilized beings. Cartier predicted that this would become a great country in time, and his prediction has been verified. Consider the history of the period, extending from 1534 to 1892, and mark the result ; it is wonderful, it is magical ! Although in one sense it may appear a long time ; yet for an infant colony how short does the space seem for the achievement of such miracles ? The country was not colonized for fifty years after Cartier first discovered it, and then very sparsely ; and so it continued for many successive years. When the Cession took place, there where very few settlers or settlements in Upper Canada ; yet, in the present day, we have cities and towns and villages and hamlets, and cleared land and farms, from one end of the country to the other ; commerce and trade allied together, and active business car- ried on everywhere ; railroads cross our country at every point ; rivers are connected by magnificent bridges ; steamers, propellers and river craft traverse our lakes and rivers from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Lake Superior ; valuable public works are constructed so as to make the most distant points available to trade ; and nearly every nook and corner of the province has been explored and found or made useful for settlement ; hidden treasures have been brought to light that would gladden the heart of an Eastern Nabob. The country is peopled by a population of nearly five millions, which will soon be doubled. The population is becoming an enlightened and intelligent people, active and energetic, anxious and willing to advance the country ;.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 389
in fact, there is no country which, for its size (and we might nearly put England in one of our counties), is possessed of such superior privileges and such valuable sources of wealth. Who could have foreseen all this as Cartier sailed tranquilly up 'the St. Lawrence? Did he, in his "mind's eye," think of it, and raise up before him the happy settlements, cleared lands, and large, thriving and gay cities and • towns, and crowded and teeming industrious populations ? We fear not ; notwith standing his prediction, he could never have dreamed that the country just dis- covered by him could be brought to such a state of perfection and magnificence, and become such a source of wealth and prosperity to the nation that held it ; yet, such is the case, and the name of Cartier will undoubtedly be ever allied with the discovery of this country, and be entwined in unison with that of Champlain, as our national benefactors, and as the establishers of a young and vigorous nation."
Unfortunately, in this present sketch, we are unable to give any more informa- tion concerning the interesting and erratic history of the adventurous navigator than has already been given in several biographical works.
He was celebrated in France as an enterprising mariner and pilot, and was a native of St. Malo. After the voyage of the Cabots, who discovered Newfoundland and the mouth of the St. Lawrence, the French perceived the value of the recent discoveries ; and in a few years began the cod fishery upon the banks of Newfound- land. The Baron de Levis is said to have discovered a part of Canada about 1518. In 1524, John Veranzza, a Florentine in the service of France, ranged the coast of the new continent from Florida to Newfoundland. From a subsequent voyage, in 1525, he never returned, and it is supposed that he was cut to pieces, and devoured by the savages. His fate discouraged other attempts to discover the new world, till the importance of having a colony in the neighborhood of the fishing banks induced Francis I. to sent out Cartier in 1534. That monarch, tradition has it, said: " The Kings of Spain and Portugal are taking possession of the new world, without giving me a part ; I should be glad to see the article in Adam's last will which gives them <the whole of the fine continent of America." Cartier sailed from St. Malo on the 2Oth April, with two ships of sixty tons, and one hundred and twenty-two men. On the loth of May he came in sight of Bonavista, on the Island of Newfoundland ; but the ice obliged him to go to the south, and he entered a harbor at a distance of five leagues, to which he gave the name of St. Catherine. As soon as the season would permit, he sailed northward and entered the Straits of Belleisle. In this voyage he visited the greater part of the coast which surrounds the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and took possession of the country in the name of the king ; he discovered a bay, which •he called Baie des Chaleurs, on account of the sultry weather which he there expe- rienced. He sailed so far into the great river, afterwards called the St. Lawrence, as to discover land on the opposite side. i5th August, he set sail on his return to France, and arrived at St. Malo on the 5th of September.
When his discoveries were known in France, it was determined to make a settle- jment in that part of America which he had visited. Accordingly, in the following
390 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
year, he received a more ample commission, and was equipped with three vessels. When he was ready to depart, he went to the Cathedral Church with his whole com- pany, and the bishop gave them his benediction. He sailed igth May. 1535. He encountered a severe storm on his passage ; but in July he reached the destined port. He entered the Gulf, as in the preceding year, being accompanied by a number of young men of distinction. He sailed up the St. Lawrence, and discovered an island, which he named Ulsle de Bacchus, but which is now called Orleans, in the neigh- borhood of Quebec. This island was full of inhabitants, who subsisted by fishing, etc. He went on shore, and the native Indians brought him Indian corn for his refreshment. With his pinnace and two boats he proceeded up the river as far as Hochelaga, a settlement upon an island, which he called Mont Royal, the Royal Mount now called Montreal. In this Indian town were about fifty long huts, built with stakes, and covered with bark. The people lived mostly by fishing and tillage. They had corn, beans, squashes and pumpkins. In two or three days he set out on his return, and arrived 4th October at St. Croix, not far from Quebec, now called Jacques Carder's river. Here he passed the winter. In December the scurvy began to make its appearance among the natives ; and, in a short time, Carder's company were seized by the disorder. By the middle of February, of one hundred and ten persons, fifty were sick at once, and eight or ten had died. In this extremity he appointed a day of humiliation. A crucifix was placed on a tree; a procession of those who were able to walk was formed, and at the close of the devotional exer- cises, Cartier made a vow, that " if it should please God to permit him to return to France, he would go in pilgrimage to Our Lady of Roquemado." The sick were all healed by using a medicine, which was employed with success by the natives. This was a decoction of the leaves and bark of a tree. The liquor was drank every other day, and an external application was made to the legs. Charlevoix says the tree was that which yielded turpentine, and Dr. Belknap thinks it was the spruce pine. In May, Cartier set sail on his return to France, carrying off with him Donacona, the Indian king of the country, and nine other natives, all of whom, except a little girl, died in France. He arrived at St. Malo, July 6th, 1536.
At the end of four years, a third expedition was projected. Francois de la Roque, Lord of Roberval, was commissioned by the king as his Lieutenant Governor in Canada; and Cartier was appointed his pilot, with the command of five ships. His commission, which may be seen in Hazard's collection, was dated October lyth, 1540. He sailed, however, May 23rd, 1540, to Newfoundland and Canada. August 23rd, he arrived at the haven of St. Croix, in the River St. Lawrence ; about four leagues above that place, on a cliff, at the east side of the mouth of a small river, he built a fort, which he called Charlesbourg; this was near Quebec. In the spring of 1542, he determined to return to France, and accordingly in June he arrived at St. John's, in Newfoundland, on his way home. Here he met Roberval, who did not accompany him in his voyage, and had been detained till this time. He was ordered to return to Canada, but he chose to pursue his voyage to France, and
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 39!
sailed out of the harbor privately in the night. Roberval attempted to establish a colony, but it was soon broken up, and the French did not establish themselves permanently in Canada till after the expiration of half a century.
Cartier published memoirs of Canada after his second voyage. The names which he gave to islands, rivers, etc., are now entirely changed. In this work he shews that he possessed a large share of the credulity and exaggeration of travellers. Being one day in the chase, he says, he pursued a beast which had but two legs, and which ran with astonishing rapidity. This strange animal was probably an Indian, clothed with the skin of some wild beast. He speaks also of human monsters of different kinds, of which accounts had been given him; some of them lived without eating.
HON. LOUIS N. MORIN.
MR. MORIN was born at Lavaltrie, in the County of Berthier, on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, on the 2istof January, 1832. He entered L'Assomption College in 1842, where he followed the ordinary course of education in that institution until July, 1849 ) ne commenced the study of the Law in 1850, in the office of Messrs. Cherrier, Dorion & Dorion, of Montreal ; also, followed a course of lectures under the late Hon. D. B. Viger, and on the yth of February, 1853, was admitted to the Bar, and highly complimented for his creditable examination by the late T. Peltier, Esq., battonier of the Bar of the Montreal District. The deceased gentleman, it is said, used these words in conclusion on addressing M. Morin : " I hope, with the talents which Providence has bestowed upon you, you will not fail to do honor to your country." Mr. Morin early took an interest in politics, and at the General Elections of 1854 he was solicited to run for the County of L'Assomption, but was defeated. A vacancy having occurred during the same Parliament for the County of Terrebonne, adjoining L'Assomption, Mr. Morin presented himself, and was returned by acclama- tion, but scarcely was his election concluded when Parliament was dissolved ; this happened in 1857. When the next General Election took place, Mr. Morin again became a candidate for the same constituency, and was again unanimously elected. When the new Parliament met in February, 1858, a high honor awaited Mr. Morin in his being selected from the whole batch of newly returned members to move the Reply to the Speech from the Throne. During that Session and the succeeding one, he took an active part in all the proceedings of the House, and being an excellent speaker and possessed of rare talents for a young member, he exercised considerable influence in the Assembly. Previously to this he was connected with the La Patrie newspaper, the first French journal started on the daily principle in Canada, and edited by some of the cleverest writers among the French Canadian portion of the community.
In January, 1860, Mr. Morin was appointed to the vacant Solicitor-Generalship for Lower Canada, with a seat in the Cabinet. The political world was somewhat surprised to hear of this appointment, Mr. Morin being in the opinion of many too young for an Executive Councillor and Queen's Counsel, so that members of the
392 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
other party raised various objections, all of which were either satisfactorily answered or successfully overcome. The honorable gentleman proved that, notwithstand- ing his age, he was none the less fitting and capable of sustaining the duties of his appointment. When we add that he was. as brave as he was talented, we have said sufficient. In the General Election which followed he was defeated in Terrebonne, but returned for Laval by a large majority. After a busy and eventful life he died some years ago.
LIEUT. CHARLES McKAY.
'" CHARLFS McKAY was the youngest but one of four sons who survived their father, •the late Hon. Thomas McKay, M.L.C., of Ottawa. He was born in Montreal, 2ist April, 1836, and educated at the High School of that city, and also in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was at his studies when the Crimean War created so much ^military ardor amongst the youth of Britain. As a boy, he was remarkable for his steadiness, self-control and self-reliance, and a judgment beyond his. years. Possessed of great personal strength and a fearless disposition, he was slow to anger; amiable and gentle in his deportment, and though not wanting in means or opportunity for .indulgence, was temperate in all things.
" At his urgent request, while at school in Edinburgh, a commission was obtained for him in a line regiment, and on May 10, 1855, ne was gazetted to the 97th Regiment, then one of the strongest in the Crimea, the depot of which was at Preston, where he joined. So rapid was promotion in consequence of death vacancies, that on 2ist December of the same year he became Lieutenant, without purchase, and embarked for Malta, where reinforcements were located to acclimatize them for the Crimea. In 1856, he sailed for Balaklava, where he arrived on the nth March, after the fall of Sebastopol and the cessation of hostilities. On his return from the Crimea, he paid a visit to his family in Canada, which was abruptly terminated by the breaking out of the Sepoy Rebellion, in 1857. He sailed with his regiment from Spithead, 5th August, 1857, arrived at Calcutta in November, and was sent up in December to Benares, where his regiment formed part of General Frank's division, in the march to Lucknow. At Benares, he was laid up with fever on his arrival on the i6th December, and did not come off the sick list until the 2nd of January. On the 4th, the regiment marched to Babudpoor. During this period his diary shows hard work — up at four every morning, and sometimes on his feet till midnight ; fre- quently going the whole day without food, and sleeping where only soldiers have to sleep. On the 8th, they were joined by two Ghoorka Regiments at Manccahoo. On the 22nd. they came up with the Rebels at Secundia. Coming in from outlying pickets, on the morning of the 23rd January, young McKay was marched with the column to attack the Sepoys who were strongly fortified in the midst of a thick jungle." He was killed in the Indian Mutiny, to the extreme regret both of men and officers who greatly loved the young hero. His father's house is now the gubernatorial residence, " Rideau Hall," of the Governors of the Dominion of Canada.
LT.-COT,. C. AIME DUGAS.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 393
COLONEL C. AIME DUGAS, J.P.
THE subject of this sketch, our efficient and painstaking Police Magistrate, was born on the nth February, 1845, at St. Remi, near Montreal. His parents were Adolphe Dugas, M.D., and his mother was Clothilde Oligny. His father figured rather prominently in the troubles of 1837-38, and was for some time incarcerated in the Gaol for High Treason. His commitment is dated ist March, 1837, i" which he is declared guilty of High Treason. I find that on the 23rd of the following June, he must have con- vinced the authorities that he could be admitted to bail, as on that day his name is -mentioned as having been discharged from prison in a paper headed thus : " Discharge of various State Prisoners," and with him were discharged some well-known names, such as Joseph Gervais, Jean Jabot, Damien Masson, Joseph Tougas, Leon Breau and Felix Cardinal. The paper was signed by George Pyke, J.K.B.
The subject of our present sketch was educated in the Montreal College. He entered the Law office of the Chief Justice at that time, and also passed some time in the offices of Hon. J. J. C. Abbott, now Premier of the Dominion, and of the Lorangers. He was admitted to the Bar in May, 1868, and became co-partner with D. Girouard for five years, and also with A. B. Longpre, late Prothonotary for the same period. He was appointed President of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, October, 1878, which he still holds.
Amidst all his multiplicity of legal business he devoted himself a little to politics and ran for Hochelaga County in the interests of the Liberal party to which he had belonged, but was defeated in the elections of 1878. He has been connected with the Volunteers since 1879 as Major and then Colonel of the 65th Battalion, Mount Royal Rifles. With this Battalion as Major, he went to the North-West Rebellion in 1885. Was stationed at Calgary, Battleford and Fort Pitt. After the return of the Battalion in 1886. he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, which he held till lately, when he resigned on account of pressing legal and magisterial duties. He had succeeded Colonel Ouimet, now one of the Privy Council of the Dominion. The Judge of Quarter Sessions is much interested in developing the mines of this country, especially near St. Jerome, where we all know that in the Laurentian Range of Mountains all the minerals most required by man are found in abundance. This developing the resources of Canada is one of the most patriotic ways of raising her to a high standard among the nations. The vast Laurentian Range was the first part of the earth that rose to solidity in the bygone ages of Creation, and in these rocks we find great deposits of different minerals far beyond that of any other country. All the economic minerals, save limestone, are found in abundance, and gold, silver, nickel, iron, asbestos, mica, plumbago, and a long list even of gems and ornamental stones are ail to be procured in that grand old Laurentian Range. May Judge Dugas and all others who are endeavoring to develop such, be well rewarded. I must state how some can be rewarded in these mining probabilities by instancing the actual record of one such which took place -a year or two ago. The Author's Church
394 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Warden, an official of the C. P. R., was sent from Hochelaga to Sudbury. He, in connection with a friend, bought the mining rights of an Indian of a piece of ground for a few dollars which showed copper deposits in abundance. They sold it to a company for $40,000. The company is now the Great Nickel Company of Sudbury, as this mineral was found to be associated fifty per cent, with the copper. Lately this company were offered by another Association of the United States one million dollars for half their rights and refused. No wonder that the Government at Quebec lately gave orders that no more Government lands should be sold at their previous cheap rates. Canada from Labrador, where Judge Dugas has excellent mines of mica, etc., to the shores of the Arctic Ocean and the blue Pacific in the West, pos- sesses an extraordinary amount of all these minerals and gems, and in the future they will be the means of raising her high among the nations of the world.
The Judge married LSusan Harkin, sister of the late Rev. Peter Harkin, cure of Sillery, Quebec, and cousin to the late Hon. Judge Drummond, and has three children.* He is a keen sportsman, a:id enjoys a hunting expedition as much as any one. His decisions on the Bench are generally regarded as fair, prompt and to the point, and he shows much interest in bettering the condition of the criminal classes.
CHAMPLAIN.
" SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN, a name rendered illustrious in our annals from his services in not only founding the ancient City of Quebec, but in establishing Canada ; in spreading civilization, repelling the attack of the hordes of Indians, and thus saving the lives of the early French settlers ; in exploring the country and its valuable resources, and thus bringing its name conspicuously before not only his own nation, but many others.
" He was of a noble family ofBrouage. in the Province of Saintonge, France. He commanded a vessel, in which he made a voyage to the East Indies, about the year 1600, and acquired a high reputation as an able and experienced officer. After an ab- sence of two years and a half, he returned to France, at a time when it was proposed to prosecute the discoveries which had been commenced in Canada by Cartier. The Marquis de la Roche and Chauvin, Governors of Canada, had endeavored to estab- lish a Colony, and the latter was succeeded by De Chatte, who engaged Champlain in his service in 1603. Champlain sailed March 16, accompanied by Pontgrave, who had made many voyages to Tadousac, at the entrance of the Saguenay into the St. Lawrence. After their arrival at this place, 2$th of May, they in a light batteau ascended the St. Lawrence to the Falls of St. Louis, which bounded the discoveries of Cartier in 1535. This was not far from Hochelaga ; but that Indian settlement was not now in existence. After making many inquiries of the natives, and explor- ing much of the country along the St. Lawrence, he sailed for France in August. On his arrival in September he found that De Chatte was dead, and his commission as Lieutenant-General of Canada given to the Sieur De Monts. This nobleman engaged him as his pilot in another voyage to the. New World.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 395
" Champlain sailed upon his second voyage, March yth, 1604, and arrived at Acadia, May 6th. After being employed about a month in the long boat visiting the coast, in order to find a proper situation for a settlement, he pitched upon a small island about twenty leagues to the westward of St. John's River, and about half a league in circumference. To this island De Monts, after his arrival at the place, gave the name of St. Croix. It lies in the river of the same name, which divides the United States from the Province of New Brunswick. During the winter Champlain was occupied in exploring the country, and he went as far as Cape Cod, where he gave the name of Malebarre to a point of land, on account of the imminent danger of running aground near it with his bark. Next year he pursued his discoveries, though he did not pass more thin ten or twelve leagues beyond Malebarre.
" In 1607, he was sent out on another voyage to Tadousac, accompanied by Pontgrave. In July, 1608, he laid the foundation of Quebec. He was a man who did not embarrass himself with commerce, and who felt no interest in traffic with the Indians, which proved so profitable to many engaged in it. Being entrusted with the charge of establishing a permanent colony, he examined the most eligible places for settlement, and selected a spot upon the St. Lawrence, at the confluence of this river and the small river of St. Charles, about four hundred and ten miles from the sea. The river in this place was very much contracted, and it was on this account that the natives called it Quebec (although various surmises are advanced by His- torians and others as to the origin of the name). Here he arrived on the 3rd of July. He erected barracks, cleared the ground, sowed wheat and rye, and laid the founda- tion of the " Gibraltar of America." The toil of subduing the wilderness was not very acceptable to all his company ; for some of them conspired to put their leader to death, and to embark at Tadousac for France. The attempt to destroy him was to be made by poison and by a train of gunpowder ; but, the apothecary having dis- covered the scheme, one of the conspirators was hanged, and others were condemned to the galleys. During the winter his people were afflicted with the scurvy. Cham- plain sought after the medicine which \had been so successfully used by Cartier ; but the tree, which was called Auneda, was not now to be found. From this circum- stance it was concluded that the tribe of Indians with which Cartier was acquainted had been exterminated by their enemies.
" In the summer of the year 1609, when the Hurons, Algonquins, and others, were about to march against their common enemy, the Iroquois, Champlain very readily joined them ; for he had a keen taste for adventures ; and he hoped, by a conquest, to impress all the Indian tribes with strong ideas of the power of the French, and to secure an alliance with them. He did not foresee that he should force the Iroquois, who lived in what is now called the State of New York, to seek the protection of the English and Dutch. He embarked on the river Sorel, which was then called the Iroquois, because these savages usually descended by this stream into Canada. At the Falls of Chambly he was stopped, and was obliged to send back his boa.t. Only two Frenchmen., remaned with him. He ascended with his
396 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
allies in the Indian canoes to the lake, to which he gave his own name, which it retains to the present day. The savages whom he accompanied hoped to surprise the Iroquois in the villages, but they met them unexpectedly upon the lake. After gaining the land, it was agreed to defer the battle till the next day, as the night was now approaching. In the morning of 3Oth July, Champlam placed a party with his two Frenchmen in a neighboring wood, so as to come upon the enemy in flank. The Iroquois, who were about two hundred in number, seeing but a handful of men, were sure of victory. But as soon as the battle began, Champlain killed two of their chiefs, who were conspicuous by their plumes, by the first discharge of his firelock, loaded with four balls. The report and the execution of the fire-arms filled the Iroquois with inexpressible consternation. They were quickly put to flight, and the victorious allies returned to Quebec with fifty scalps.
" In September, 1609, Champlain embarked with Pontgrave for France, leaving the colony under the care of a brave man, Peter Chauvin. But he was soon sent out again to the New World. He sailed from Honfleur, April 8, 1610, and arrived at Tadousac on the 26th. He encouraged the Montagnais Indians, who lived at this place, to engage in a second expedition against the Iroquois. Accordingly, soon after his arrival at Quebec, they sent him about sixty warriors. At the head of these and others he proceeded up the river Sorel. The enemy were soon met, and after a -severe engagement, in which Champlain was wounded by an arrow, were entirely defeated. He arrived at Quebec, from Montreal, June 19, and landed at Rochelle, August ii. After the death of Henry IV. the interest of De Monts, in whose ser- vice Champlain had been engaged, was entirely ruined, and the latter was obliged to leave a settlement, which he was commencing at Mont Royal or Montreal, and to go again to France in 1611. Charles de Bourbon, being commissioned by the Queen Regent Governor of New France, appointed Champlain his lieutenant, with very extensive powers. He returned to Canada in 1612, was engaged in war with the Iroquois, and made new discoveries. His voyages across the Atlantic were frequent. He was continued Lieutenant-Governor under that distinguished nobleman, the Prince of Conde and Montmorenci. In 1615, his zeal for the spiritual interests of the Indians induced him to bring with him a number of Jesuit Fathers, some of whom assisted him in his warfare. He penetrated to Lake Ontario, and, being wounded while assisting the Hurons against their enemies, was obliged to pass a whole winter among them. When he returned to Quebec in July, 1616, he was received as one risen from the dead. In July, 1629, he was obliged to capitulate, on account of the sparseness of his forces, and the exhausted state of his men through famine, to an English armament under Sir David Kertk. He was carried to France in an English ship, and there he found the public sentiment much divided with regard to Canada; some thinking it was not worth regaining, as it had cost the Government vast sums without bringing any returns; others deeming the fishery and fur trade great national objects, especially as a nursery for seamen. Champlain exerted himself to effect the recovery of this country, and Canada was restored by the treaty of St. Germains, in 1632, with Acadia and Cape Breton.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 397
" In 1633, the Company of New France resumed all their rights, and appointed Champlain the Governor. In a short time he was at the head of a new armament, furnished with a fresh recruit of Jesuits, ^settlers, as well as all kinds of necessaries for the welfare of the revived colony. His attention was now engrossed by the spiritual interests of the savages, whom it was his principal object to bring to the knowledge of the Christian religion. The number of ecclesiastical missionaries, exclusive of lay brothers, was now fifteen, the chief of whom were Le Jeune, De None, Masse and Breboeuf. A mission was established among the Hurons; the colony was gaining an accession of numbers and strength, and an attempt was just commencing to establish a college in Quebec, when the Governor died, and was succeeded the next year by De Montmagny.
" Champlain merited the title of the father of New France. Though he was cre- dulous, he possessed an uncommon share of penetration and energy. His views were upright ; and in circumstances of difficulty, no man could make a better choice of measures. He prosecuted his enterprises with constancy, and no dangers could shake his firmness. His zeal for the interests of his country was ardent and disin- terested ; his heart was tender and compassionate towards the unhappy ; and he was more attentive to the concerns of his friends than to his own. He was a faithful historian, a voyager who observed everything with attention, skilful in geometry, and an experienced seaman. He appears to have been fond of good cheer ; for, in the early part of his residence in Canada, he established with his associates an order,. ' De bon temps/ which contributed not a little to the gratification of the palate. By this order every one of the same table was in his turn to be steward and caterer for a day. He was careful by hunting to make a suitable provision, and at supper, when the cook had made everything ready, he marched at the head of the company with a napkin over his shoulder, having also the staff of office, and wearing the collar of his order, and was followed by his associates, each of whom bore a dish. At the close of the banquet he pledged his successor in a bumper of wine, and resigned to him the collar and staff. It may not be easy to justify Champlain in taking an active part in the war against the Iroquois. It is even supposed by some, that his love of adventures led him to arouse the spirit of the Hurons and to excite them to war. His zeal for the propagation of religion among the savages was so great, that he used to say ' that the salvation of one soul was of more value- than the conquest of an empire ; ' and that ' kings ought not to think of extend- ing their authority over idolatrous nations, except for the purpose of subjecting- them to Jesus Christ.'
" He published an account of his first voyages in 1613, in 4to ; and a contin- uation in 1620, in 8vo. He published an edition to these in 1632, in one volume, entitled, Les voyages de la Nouvelle France, Occident ale, dite Canada, in 410. This work comprises a history of New France, from the first discoveries of Verazzani to the year 1631. There is added to it a treatise on navigation, and on the duty of a good manner, with an abridgment of the Christian doctrines, in the Huron and: French languages."
398 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
M. H. SANBORN.
THE subject of this sketch came from the Eastern Townships, where, such a number of our Montreal men have hailed from. He was a notary by profession, .having been admitted to practice in 1850. After five years of notarial work in the City, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 1855, by the late Sheriff Boston, which position he held to his death. He was a man of retiring disposition, a good Churchman and one of the most constant attenders at the Diocesan Synod of Montreal, where he was held in much esteem, and where his work and notarial lore made him a valuable member in all things pertaining to the real estate of the Diocese. He pub- lished a most useful book entitled, "Hand Book for Sheriffs and Bailiffs of the Pro- vince of Quebec." He was the author of other pamphlets. Mr. Sanborn was a great musician, and gave a good deal of time to the Sol Fa system, and the systems which in his day were coming into vogue. After an honorable career, a stainless life and a Christian course, he died universally lamented by both Bench and Bar and a large circle of citizens.
HON. WILLIAM McGILLIVRAY.
THIS name is an important one in the annals of the Province as well as in its public affairs. We find him in 1806 the head of the large firm of MacTavish, McGillivray & Co. At this time a fierce conflict was being carried on by the Fur Company which they represented and Lord Selkirk, in regard to the possession of the Red River District. At this time Lord Selkirk requested Sir Gordon Drummond, the then Administrator of the Government, to send a small military force to protect the Red River or Selkirk Colonists from the annoyances and persecutions of the North West Company. It was refused, and greatly owing to McGillivray's influence as a member of the Executive Council of the Province.
Fort William, one of the chief posts, was called after him, and it became the headquarters of the North West Company's operations. It is supposed that here the orders emanated which were carried out in 1815, of attacking the Colony of Lord Selkirk. For this brutal and unwarrantable outbreak and attack Mr. McGilli- vray, Kenneth Mackenzie and Simon Fraser were all put under arrest, August, 1816, by Lord Selkirk, who had been invested with magisterial powers. They were arraigned as responsible for the death of Governor Semple and the almost total de- struction of the Red River Settlement the previous June. As this company was at this time all powerful in Quebec, and the members of it almost completely controlled the acts of the Government and the Governor in Council, the issue was at last in favor of McGillivray and his colleagues. The well-known Judge Reid had married the sister of the subject of our sketch, and this mighty influence had something to do with the final issue. In 1802, he received a grant of 1 1,550 acres of land in the township of Inverness from the Governor, Sir R. S. Milnes. He will ever be remembered as the Lieut.-Col. of the corps of Voyageurs who captured Detroit in the War of 1812. The river in the North West also commemorates his name. After a most romantic and interesting life he died in Montreal in the year 1825.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 399
HON. TOUSSAINT A. R. LAFLAMME, D.C.L.
TOUSSAINT ANTOINE RODOLPHE LAFLAMME, Q.C., D.C.L., was born in Montreal in 1828. His father, Toussaint Laflamme, a mercliant of good standing in this city, was of a family that originally came from Normandy, and his mother, Marguerite Suzanne Thibaudeau, was descended from one of the banished Acadian families, and an uncle of hers founded the town of Thibaudeauville in Louisiana, and became a member of the United States Congress. Having completed his studies at Montreal College, he entered on the study of Law in Mr. Drummond's office, afterwards Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench. In those days the democratic ideas which were agitating the world had penetrated even to the banks of the St. Lawrence, and in Montreal they found adherents in a band of young men of talent, among whom were Messrs. Papin, Laberge, Labreche, Viger, Eric Dorion, Wilfred Dorion, Gustave Papineau, son of the Hon. L. J. Papineau, Casimir Papineau, M. Lanctot, Joseph Doutre, Charles Daoust, etc., several of whom had come prominently before the country in connection with the Institut Canadien and public meetings. To further their politi- cal aspirations, which were considerably in advance of their time, they founded the noted journal L'Avenir, which, during its existence, demonstrated the talent and fearlessness in handling political questions which our French-Canadian brethren are capable of when not overpowered by ecclesiastical influences. Occupying a fore- most place in this phalanx of young politicians, who then formed the vanguard of the great Liberal party, stood Mr. Laflamme, who was elected President of the Institut Canadien in 1847, when only nineteen years of age, and was one of the chief editors ofL'Avenir, and the writer of several of its most striking articles. Chimerical as many of the aspirations expressed in that paper are said to have been, it is claimed that most of the leading reforms advocated by it, such as the repeal of Seigniorial rights, decentralization of the Judiciary and the Colonization project of 1848, have been taken up and carried by the Conservatives, assisted in the latter item by the clergy. Nevertheless, these young Reformers were looked on with no friendly eye by the hierarchy and priesthood, who labored to prejudice the minds of the people against them.
Mr. Laflamme was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1848, and at first practised in partnership with the late Mr. Laberge. In a few years he acquired a splendid practice, bringing him from four to five thousand pounds per annum. He is said to be a born lawyer, thoroughly versed in all the details and all the depart- ments of his profession. In some years he has had as many as four hundred cases in the Superior Court alone. He is frequently charged with very important cases before the Court of Appeals and the British Privy Council. Among other noted cases he acted as counsel from 1857 to 1858 for the Seigneurs, who claimed their indemnity in virtue of the Seigniorial Act, having opposed to him Mr. Doutre, coun- sel for the Censitaires and a foeman worthy of his steel, the contest in this case be- ing afterwards prolonged in the press. Mr. Laflamme was created a Queen's Coun-
400 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
sel in 1863, and in 1865 acted along with Messrs. Abbott and Kerrfor the defence in the trial of the St. Albans Haiders. He was at one time Professor of the Law of Real Estate in McGill College, from which he received the degree of B.C.L. in 1856, and that of D.C.L. in 1873. He was twice elected Batonnier for the Bar of Montreal. He was offered a Judgeship in the Supreme Court in 1875, but declined it. Although unceasingly zealous in the service of the Liberal party by tongue and pen. he did not seek Parliamentary honors till the General Elections of 1872, when he was elected representative in the House of Commons for Jacques Cartier County, being re-elected by acclamation for the same constituency in 1874, and in 1876 he was sworn in member of the Privy Council as the Minister of Inland Revenue. On the 8th of June succeeding he became Minister of Justice, and in this capacity intro- duced many wholesome measures which have since become law. For years past he has given up all politics and attended to the increasing duties of his profession.
WILLIAM WAINWRIGHT,
ASSISTANT Manager Grand Trunk Railway, Montreal, like not a few of the prom- inent railway men of North America, is a native of England. He was born in a city which, from its situation and industrial and commercial importance, could not fail to be closely associated with whatever was most enterprising in the British rail- way movement of from forty to fifty years ago. It was not surprising that a young man of ability and ambition should be early attracted to a branch of business which had prizes for those who could win them. Mr. Wainwright, born on the 3oth April, 1840, was not quite eighteen when he entered the service in January, 1858. He applied himself diligently to the tasks assigned him, and that he succeeded in master- ing them in all their details was shown by the successive steps of promotion of which he was deemed worthy by his superiors. He began as junior clerk in the chief accountant's office, but in due time rose to the positions of senior clerk, secre- tary to Assistant-General Manager, and General Manager of the road with which he was connected. That line was the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, which traverses a most important portion of Central England. In 1862, Mr. Wain- Wright came to Canada, and obtained a position on the Grand Trunk. For a year he served as senior clerk in the Accountant's office. Then he was appointed Secre- tary to the Managing Director, and in that capacity he continued for three years. We next find him filling the office of Senior Clerk in the Managing Director's Depart- ment, and taking charge of the car mileage. Thus passed six years more, and then Mr. Wainwright became General Passenger Agent. As such he was widely known and gave general satisfaction as well to his colleagues and superiors as to the public that had dealings with him. He remained in that position for upwards of eight years, until in May, 1881, he received the appointment of Assistant-Manager, the duties of which he still so ably discharges. Mr. Wainwright was also General-Man- ager of the North Shore Railway from April, 1883, until the transfer of that line to the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mr. Wainwright is highly esteemed in private life, being as agreeable in social intercourse as he is assiduous and conscientious in the discharge of his official duties.
DAMASE PARIZEAU, M.P.P.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 401
DAMASE PARIZEAU.
" LA CHAMBRE DE COMMERCE DU DISTRICT DE MONTREAL" is presided over by a man well-known in the city. The first of his name came to Canada with the regi- ment of Carignan, and established himself after it was disbanded. One of its members fought at Chateauguay, and received until he died the pension due to the old patriotic soldiers of 1812-13. Mr. Parizeait received from his village school a very moderate education. When eighteen years of age he was as good a carpenter as any old workman, but workmanship did not suit him. He then went with the Messrs. Henderson. Three years after he was their head clerk. Experience and savings helping him, he started business with Mr. Prefontaine, which business he now manages alone.
Mr. Parizeau did not spend his activity on trade only. Having been obliged for his health to leave the city, he chose Boucherville for his home. There he spends his time in the enjoyment of a fine farm, and for the last three years Mr. Parizeau has been at the head of the progressing agriculturists of the County of Chambly.
A few years ago, La Chambre de Commerce was created. The idea was new, modest were the first actions, but the best French Canadian financiers were at the head and the success was sure. The young Board of Trade had great results in many diffi- culties, but its efforts were perceived by business men in general. Mr. Parizeau has been one of the most active founders of the institution. His zeal and activity gave him .a good mark on different occasions, when two years ago the Board elected him as President. From this time he never has ceased to give to this Board the attention which he gives to everything.
By the Annual Report of the Institution it seems that he gave his special atten- tion to two questions, the South Shore Railway and the improvement of the Harbor. Under his inspiration the Board has made many appeals to the Government in favor of the South Shore so long neglected, and the time is not far off when we shall have a beautiful railroad from Montreal to Levis. As for harbor ameliorations La Chambre de Commerce seems to be against it ; not that these gentlemen do not wish the progress of the city, but they would not like the other side to suffer from the pro- gress of this side.
Mr. Parizeau is now fifty years of age. He has been put up as an Independent Liberal in the great contest of the eighth of March next, to ran opposition to the present member, Alderman Rainville, That day will decide who wins.
4O2 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ARCHIBALD HALL, M.D.
THE subject of this sketch was one of the best known physicians of Montreal in his day. He was born about the time of the second American War of 1812, and his name runs on through the decades to 1862. He was at one time a distinguished Professor in McGill Medical School, but had a great love for Zoology and its atten- dant branches. He gained the silver medal of the Historical Society of Montreal for his Essay on " The Zoology of the District of Montreal." For a longtime he edited The British American Journal of Medical and Physical Science which he founded in 1845. He also wrote " Letters on Medical Education/' and a biography of the late Dr. Holmes. After a busy life he died some years ago universally lamented by all classes, and especially by his brother professors of McGill and the then medical students, who all loved Dr. Hall.
CHARLES ANDRE LEBLANC, Q.C.
CHARLES ANDRE LEBLANC, late Sheriff for the District of Montreal, was born in Montreal on the i8th August, 1816. Besides the office of Sheriff, he held many positions of high honor during his long and eventful life. We will merely mention the principal. In June, 1867, he was appointed a Queen's Counsel, and in Novem- ber, 1872, was elevated to the post which he held at his death— that of Sheriff. For twelve years he was a member of the Council of the Bar, which in 1863 elected him as its Batonnier. Sheriff Leblanc was, on behalf of the then Government, Director of the Northern Colonization Railway, and also President of the Reformatory Insti- tution, to which, in conjunction with Mr. Olivier Berthelet, he gave a great deal of his time. He also was for two years the President of the St. Jean Baptiste Society, and belonged to the Council of Public Instruction for the Province of Quebec, of which he was an active member.
If we turn to his early days we find that he was educated at the Montreal Col- lege in College street, the only educational institution at that time, and which was under the direction of the Sulpicians, the Directors during his time being successfully R. R. Messrs. Quiblier and Bayle. On leaving College he studied Law for five years under Pierre Moreau, Q.C., who took him as a partner when he was called to the Bar in 1838. The late Francis Cassidy, Esq., Q.C., who studied Law in the firm of Moreau & Leblanc, became the latter's partner, and remained so for twenty- five years. In 1837, as a Fil de la Liberte, he became implicated and was incar- cerated during five months in the Montreal Gaol, — that gaol which as Sheriff he had entire jurisdiction over. Of his comrades at College we mention the names of Sir Geo. E. Cartier, Judges Berthelot, Beaudry, Mgr. Bacon, Bishop of Portland, Messrs. Rouer Roy, de Boucherville, and many other Canadian celebrities. He was the Grand Marshal of the St. Jean Baptiste Society for the long period of eigh- teen years. He was also the Attorney of the Jacques Cartier Bank from its com- mencement until his elevation to the office of Sheriff. He was one of the Directors
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 403
of the London and Lancashire Life Insurance Company, and a churchwarden of the Parish Church of Notre Dame, and it is a remarkable fact, showing the high estimation in which Mr. Leblanc was held by the gentlemen of the Seminary, that he was the first advocate that ever held the appointment He died some years ago, much lamented, and was succeeded by the Honorable P. J. O. Chauveau, LL.D., who also died not long ago, and has been succeeded by our present Sheriff, Hon. Senator Thibaudeau. We will describe the Court House in connection with the Sheriff's Office. The Court House was built in iSco, under a Provincial Statute, by which the sum of .£5,000 was appropriated for its erection. The ground upon which it stands was formerly the property of the Jesuits. It contains the Court Hall, Court of Quarter Sessions, Prothonotary's Office, offices of Clerk of the Crown, Judges' Chambers, Grand Jury Room, Petty Jury Room, the Magistrates' Room, Law Library and Advocates' Library, and Superior and Circuit Court Rooms, etc. Great alterations are now being made in its structure. A third storey has been added, a Rotunda for the Library, and very many essential improvements, and which will render it the finest Court House in the Dominion.
THOMAS M. TAYLOR.
THE Taylors have long been connected with Montreal both as business men and well, known citizens. One of them died a few days ago. The subject of this sketch was, perhaps, the most important. They were for years connected with various Insurance Companies, Marine, Life and Fire, and did an immense business. Mr. Taylor, November, 1891, writing from London, England, to the Author of these sketches, says : u There might be some justification on the score of my being now one of the older men of Montreal." He has had a rather public life for many years. He is now the oldest living Governor of the Montreal General Hospital, by appointment, and always had a great deal to do with the Home for Friendless Women. Perhaps no man like Mr. Taylor can say that he has lived in the same house for upwards of forty years. He is still active and energetic, and may be spared for years yet in his labor of love and good deeds to the unfortunate. His sons are in honorable positions. One son is a Captain in the British Army, the other is well known as a Barrister of Montreal, and one of the rising young lawyers of the Bar of the Province of Quebec.
NAHUM MOWER.
HE was a native of Worcester, Mass., U.S.A., and a printer by trade. In 1807, he began the publication of a newspaper called the Canadian Courant, perhaps the first purely English paper published in Canada. The two Gazettes of Quebec and Mon- treal, like their official namesake of to-day, were printed in two columns, one English, the other French. The paper flourished for many years, as we find 6th June, 1829, it is published twice a week, and the issue of that date has an address to its readers from Mr. Mower when he retired from its management. His daughter married Mr. Perkins, who had two sons. The eldest was a lawyer of this city, and died some ycais ago ; the other is in the Agency business.
404 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
MLLE. MANCE AND HOTEL DIEU.
IN May, 1642, the little company of French adventurers arrived at Hochelaga and commenced Montreal at a place to which they gave the name of " Pointe a Callieres." She whose name stands at the head of this sketch was one of them with " quatre ou cinq filles amenees pour aider Mile. Mance," as we find in " Annales de 1'Hotel Dieu." This intrepid lady had come to Canada to found this Institution. For years she had none to help her but the devoted sisters who had come from sunny France to an unknown land, and in 1658 she went back to France to procure assistance. Mme. de Bullion, the widow of an old State Minister, gave her 22,000 livres to found her hospital at Montreal. Many others rendered her much assistance in means and money, so that she returned to Montreal with quite a large sum for the hospital, but better still with three Sisters of St. Joseph. On the voyage out, and in those olden days the time occupied was not days but weeks and sometimes months, a serious pestilence broke out among the troops on board, and the good Sisters had then an opportunity of displaying their zeal and charity, which they did so effectually in ministering to the helpless soldiers that many were saved and the disease stamped out.
In November, 1669, three other Sisters arrived from France. Mme. de Bresoles was then appointed Superioress, but it was long before the building was fit and com- fortable to dwell in. Often have the Sisters in the winter time when they awoke in the morning found their bads covered with snow, yet they plodded on in their good work, which was at last rewarded. In August, 1662, Sister Marie Morin entered the Hotel Dieu as a novice at the early age of thirteen and a half years. She is the very first Canadian Sister who made her vows in Montreal. Like Anna the Prophetess of Jerusalem's Temple of old, she served God day and night till she died at the advanced age of eighty-two years.
In 1694, the hospital was burned. It was again burned igth June, 1721. In November, 1824, the Sisters re-entered their home, but again for the third time, in 1734, the building was burned to the ground. It was again rebuilt, and at the time of the great fire of the Grey Nunnery of 1765 the Hotel Dieu could offer an asylum to the Soeurs Grises. In 1795, it was determined to propagate the Roman Catholic faith in the newly-made thirteen States of America. A Mr. Thayer, once a Protes- tant Minister, now converted to the Roman Catholic Church, was the founder of an association for this purpose. The Revolution in France at the close of the last century deprived the Hotel Dieu of a large part of its revenues, but in 1815 a good priest, Rev. J. B. Thavenet, went to France to try and collect the scattered revenues unpaid now for nearly twenty years. He succeeded, and all the Canadian Institutions benefitted by his pious endeavors.
In 1852, the Sisters acquired the large and handsome building which had been a Baptist College, and gave it the name of St. Patrick's Hospital.
After some years, they purchased the large tract on Fletcher's Field where the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 405
immense buildings of the Hotel Dieu are now built, and could the first Sisters only see the result of their patient work 250 years ago, when Ville Marie — Martopolis — or Montreal was founded then, by these intrepid Frenchmen and Frenchwomen, they could hardly believe that their eyes were looking on the buildings of as grand an Institution as is found on the Continent of America, where pain and sickness, sorrow and woe, are either moderated or entirely removed by as skilful a body of Physicians and patient nursing Sisters as found anywhere.
MARGUERITE BOURGEOIS.
THIS celebrated lady was born in 1620 in the town of Troyes, France, celebrated for giving name to Troy weight. It is one of the principal towns of that department of France called Champagne, hence the well-known wine of that name. She early evinced a religious life, and when quite a young girl joined an institution of young persons, who without contracting any conscientious engagement, nevertheless gave themselves up to devotion by the good works which it did in common. She early felt herself called to found a new institution which would devote itself to the educa- tion of the young. When DeMaisonneuve, in 1653, returned to France, he passed some time in the town of Troyes. Marguerite then dedicated herself to God and determined to go .with him to Montreal, quitting her native country with a courage rarely seen, and a confidence in the Divine guidance of the Spirit of God. After many trials she arrived in Montreal on the i6th November, 1653, and there displayed the ardor of a heroine and the charity of an apostle. Montreal then consisted of about fifty houses, and there were not many children to form a school. La Soeur Bourgeois' first scholars were Jeanne Loysel, who was four and a-half years old, and Jean Desroches. These children were among the first if not the first born in Mon- treal in 1649.
In 1657, she had a school now, but it was in a stable, so poor was the colony. In 1658 she returned to France to collect money and other requirements, and from Troyes she brought four young women, and when she arrived in Montreal with them she founded the Congregation of Notre Dame. In 1666, their establishment having prospered, they opened a school for little girls of the poorer class. These good and pious ladies not only worked incessantly among the people, but with their own hands helped the masons in the building of the Bonsecours Church, which is now the oldest edifice of worship in Montreal. She employed the last years of her eventful life in making her establishment rest on a firm and legal foundation. In 1671, she had obtained Letters Patent from Louis XIV, and in successive years the property of the Sisters was secured from all annoyance.
On the ist December, 1683, the whole establishment was burned to the ground. Trusting in God, the heroic Sister began to rebuild " with only forty sols." but dona- tions soon poured in to help her, and above all she received the aid and help of Mile. Jeanne LeBer, a rich girl of Canada of seventeen years old, who with the consent of her father determined to abandon the world and live the life of a recluse. This example brought others.
406 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
In 1698, the third Superioress was la Sceur Marguerite LeMoyne. Her valiant brothers were Iberville, Bienville, Chateauguay, etc.
In 1768, a second fire obliged the Sisters to seek the hospitality of the Hotel Dieu. The convent was reconstructed to receive the Sisters once more. In 1844, it was thoroughly reconstructed and is now one of the finest educational establish- ments in Canada, though situated in the very heart of the city.
J. CRANKSHAW.
"THE profession of the Law is one, the importance of which cannot be over-rated, and in this work, where the commercial and industrial enterprises of the City of Mon- treal are described, the Local Bar comes within its scope. Among members of this profession, Mr. J. Crankshaw deserves a passing tribute. This popular barrister began practice in 1883, which has steadily increased, having during the intervening period drawn about him a very extensive and influential clientele. Mr. Crankshaw has always taken a high stand in his profession, and has had many years' experience in this country as well as in England, where for many years he was manager for a Law firm in Manchester, thus fitting him for conducting all the details in Law. During his professional career in this city he has successfully handled many difficult cases, and his advice on all legal matters is widely recognized as an authority, clients visiting him from various parts of the Province. He has at all times identified himself with the best interests of the city, and has for many years been a Commissioner for Ontario. He was admitted to the Bar of Quebec in 1883, and has ever since kept up with the times."
REV. ROBERT LINDSAY, M.A.,
WAS born in London, England. Studied at Lennoxville College, and graduated thence with much success. He was ordained Deacon in 1850 by the Bishop of Quebec, and next year Priest by the new Metropolitan, the late Bishop Fulford, 1851. Mr. Lindsay had only two parishes, that of Brome as Incumbent for the long period of twenty-five years, and Rector of St. Thomas, Montreal, till he died last year, after an incumbency of over sixteen years. He will ever be remembered in connection with the charities and works of mercy in this city. He devoted a great deal of his time to these things, and no Committee of any general character was ever made up without him. He was Rural Dean for years, and performed the duties of his office thoroughly and well. Elected almost continually both on the Executive Committee of the Diocese, and as a Delegate to the Provincial Triennial Synod he always was ready to advocate everything needful to the advancement of the Church generally, to which he belonged. He was cut off in the midst of many schemes of future usefulness, and it is to be hoped that his mantle will fall on some other as able shoulders.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 407
ROLLO CAMPBELL
WAS born at Dunning, Perthshire, Scotland, iyth December, 1803. He began business in Greenock. Daring his printing career in Greenock, lie published and edited several small weekly sheets. In May, 1822, Mr. Campbell came to Canada and settled in Montreal, obtaining employment in the Courant office. He soon after entered the Gazette office, where he remained till 1834, when he proceeded to New York and purchased the plant for a new daily journal called the Morning Courier, published by a Mr. Smith, and in which office he occupied the position of Manager. This paper was the second daily journal now published in Montreal. In 1836 he relinquished this position to commence the printing business in conjunction with Mr. Becket, tinder the name of Campbell & Becket, and for himself afterwards Mr. Campbell continued the business. From about 1844 to 1847, ne published the Canada Baptist Register, a weekly paper, its editors during that period being the late Dr. Benjamin Davis (of Regent's Park, London), and the Rev. D. M. Cramp, of Halifax, N.S. In 1848, Mr. Campbell published the Colonial Protestant, a monthly periodical, edited by the Rev. Drs. Taylor and Cramp. The Colonial Protestant was only issued one year, and the Register ceased publication in 1847. From this time till 1849, Mr. Campbell confined himself to general printing, and having obtained a considerable Government contract was more or less drawn into political life. In 1849, ne purchased the Pilot from Sir Francis Hincks, and we believe had actually become the proprietor of that journal when, owing to the riots attendant on the Rebellion Losses Bill, and the feeling against Sir Francis running so high, the office was attacked by a mob and damaged to a very considerable extent. It was then situated on Place D'Armes. During all the eleven years of its appearance it was the recog- nized organ of the Reform party, and its proprietor, Mr. Campbell, exercised as much, if not more, power with the Government than any other man in Canada. From 1849 ti11 1860, Mr. Campbell carried on, with one exception perhaps, the most exten- sive printing business in Canada, having, in addition to his Montreal office, large offices in Toronto and Quebec, where he carried out his Government contracts. In 1862, owing to pecuniary embarrassments, the Pilot was discontinued, and Mr. Campbell retired from business. Previously, he had been elected to represent St. Lawrence Ward in the City Council, and was subsequently re-elected upon several occasions by large majorities.
Mr. Campbell was appointed to an office in Her Majesty's Customs which he continued to fill till his death, which occurred after a long illness on the 2nd of January, 1871, in the sixty -seventh year of his age.
L'ABBE ROUX.
ONE of the gentlemanly members of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, Montreal. He was a thorough theologian and distinguished jurist. He wrote " Traite des Notes de 1'Eglise," a work upon " L'amovibilite ' of the Cures in Canada. His work was well received and merited the approbation of Bishop Lartigue. After a long life he died many years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
FRANCIS WAYLAND CAMPBELL, M.D.,
SON of Rollo Campbell, was born in Montreal on the 5th of November, 1837. In 1851, when fourteen years of age, he issued the first number of a monthly temperance publication called the Life Boat, which for the year continued under his care, when it was transferred to a firm in Montreal, who continued its publication for several years. Afterwards he became a pupil of the late Dr. James Crawford, and a student of McGill University. He graduated in 1860. He shortly after proceeded to Europe and spent a considerable time in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. In June, 1861, he passed most successfully an examination before the Royal College of Physicians of London. About the same time he was also elected a member of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh and of the Microscopic Club. In October, 1861, he married Miss Rodger, of Greenock, Scotland, and in November of same year returned to Canada and began the practice of his profession. The late Dr. Hall, who was publishing the British American Journal, at once offered him the editorship of "The Hospital Report Department." which he accepted, and till 1864, when it ceased publication, he continued to edit this department. The profession at this time felt much the loss of this journal, and Messrs. Dawson Bros, were induced to commence the publication of the Canada Medical Journal, when Dr. Campbell joined Dr. Fenwick in its editorial management, and he continued in this position till 1872, when Dr. Campbell having joined the Medical Faculty of Bishop's College, Dr. Fenwick declined to longer continue associated with him. The result was the stoppage of the Canada Medical Journal. Dr. Fenwick having determined upon issuing a medical journal under his own control, Dr. Campbell at once determined to contest the field, and immediately issued the Canada Medical Record, which is still published under his sole editorial management, and of which he is proprietor. Besides his editorial duties, Dr. Campbell has contributed about thirty papers upon various medical subjects to medical journals during the past twelve years. In 1872, Dr. Campbell joined with Drs. David, Smallwood, Kingston and Trenholme, in organizing the present Medical Faculty of Bishop's College. He was appointed Pro- fessor of Physiology, and elected by the Faculty their Registrar. He joined the Volunteers in 1854, and in 1860, on his graduation, was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the First Battalion Volunteer Rifles of Canada (now the First Battalion or Prince of Wales Rifles). In this capacity he served with his Regiment on the Eastern frontier (Hemmingford and Durham) during the Fenian raid of 1866. In the fall of that year he was promoted to the Surgeoncy of the Regiment, and again during the brief Fenian raid of 1870 served with his Regiment on the Eastern frontier at Pigeon Hill, St. Armands and St. Johns. He is still actively engaged in the duties of his profession, and one of the oldest as well as the most prominent physicians of our Metropolis.
MICHEL IvKFEBVRR, J.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 4°9
MICHEL LEFEBVRE, J.P,
THE subject of this sketch was born at La Riviere du Loup en Haut, Louisville, Maskinc«nge County, Quebec, on the 28th June, 1827. His father, of the same name, was a farmer of that place. He left his native place in search of fortune in 1840, and in that year arrived in Montreal when only thirteen years of age, and then, like many men both in Montreal and other Canadian cities, had no money. He was employed for the next nine years in two situations only, and quite a young man, in 1849 commenced business on his own account, manufacturing extensively till 1867, syrups, beer, vermicelli, macaroni, etc., and receiving first-class prizes for each of these articles at the Montreal Industrial Exhibition, 1865. On account of bad health, in 1867 he made a tour of Europe, and on his return gave up business, and bought the beautiful seigniory, known by the name of "de Lanaudiere," in St. Ursula, where he quietly resided enjoying his well-earned fortune. In 1873, he returned to Mon- treal. In 1874, he established Vinegar Works, one of the largest manufactories of that commodity in the Dominion, and capable of making 200,000 gallons per annum. He is also a great manufacturer of all kinds of syrups and jams. Perhaps no man in Canada goes more extensively into these things than Mr. Lefebvre, and his conserves, vinegar and syrups are found all over the Dominion. Mr. Lefebvre's travels and reminiscences of the Holy Land would fill a large volume. He is one of those men who travel with their eyes and wits about them, and who can give a good account of what they have seen and heard.
Mr. Lefebvre was Mayor of Cote St. Louis Municipality, having been three times elected to that position, a Justice of the Peace for the District of Montreal, and Director for Cote St. Louis of the Northern Colonization Railway, and has lent his influence to many works for the future development of the City of Montreal.. Let me give from a recent publication a description of Mr. Lefebvre's establish- ment :
"Their present premises on Papineau Road prove that the enterprise of the partners has received a due measure of reward. An idea of the size of these build- ings may be gained when it is said that the main building is two hundred feet long and sixty feet deep, built of solid brick, and four stories high. This structure is occupied by the offices, warehouse and jam factory. The other buildings are as. follows : vinegar works two stories high, 50 x 80 feet; pickle works of the same size ^ salt house 120 x 60 feet. Besides these erections there are shops for the coopers, blacksmiths and carpenters, as well as dwellings for the foreman and watchman, etc. As may be judged from the above the amount of business done is considerable, the firm giving constant employment to some eighty skilled assistants, besides some one hundred and fifty additional hands in the summer season. Messrs. Michel Lefebvre- & Co. manufacture the finest kinds of vinegar, pickles, jams, jellies and preserves. These goods are known as the "Lion c L' Brand," and that they are of the best quality is proved by the fact that they have received gold, silver and bronze medals,.
41 0 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
besides twenty first prizes at various expositions. Heretofore the best makes of jams, etc., were imported from Europe, but now the consumers are able to purchase domestic goods of a quality equal to the best imported. Messrs. Michel Lefebvre & Co.'s products have become known throughout the length and breadth of the country, customers from Newfoundland to British Columbia acknowledging the superior quality of their goods."
JOSEPH PAPINEAU, HON. L. J. PAPINEAU, AND LOUIS JOS. A. PAPINEAU.
L. J. PAPINEAU may well be called " The O'Connell of Lower Canada." His political career, generally, was contemporaneous with the greatest Irish liberator. He played, perhaps, the most important part in the history of Lower Canada, during his long career. Thus nearly sixty years ago he held a high and important position, and as Speaker could, with the oratory of his tongue, sway the House before him. No man of any nationality was as eloquent as he — his genius and oratory were unsurpassed, and the name of Louis Joseph Papineau will ever remain in Canadian Parliamentary History as the " Demosthenes of Canada."
Mr. Papineau was born in Montreal, yth October, 1786. His father, the well known Notary of his day and a very distinguished man, was called Joseph Papineau- Joseph Papineau was one of the principal promoters of the Constitution of 1791, • and was elected to the first Parliament that Canada enjoyed after the Military and Arbitrary Governments that followed the Cession, and remained with Bedard, the leader for many years in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec, wherein he displayed much tact and ability, great eloquence, and, more than anything else, an unfaltering attachment to the Crown, as well as to the liberties of Parliament and of the country. He retired from the Leadership of the Liberal Party in Parliament when his illus- trious son replaced him there. In the summer of 1838, they met for the last time at Saratoga, to bid each other a final adieu — the son starting for France, the father returning heart-broken to his native land, where he died July 8th, 1841, aged ninety.
The Hon. L. J. Papineau was educated chiefly at the Seminary of Quebec, and having studied the course of Law prescribed was admitted to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1811. So brilliant were his prospects and his talents even before this, that in 1809, and when still a student, he was elected to the Assembly for the County of Kent, now Chambly, and in 1815 the high honor was given him of being appointed Speaker. This office Mr. Papineau held with only two years' intermission — during his mission to England as delegate of the Assembly in 1822-23 — for the long period of twenty years, or until the year 1837, tne Year °f tne unfortunate troubles, when he threw himself heartily into what he considered the right and lawful course of action —to gain that which the present generation enjoys, through his and his confreres endeavors then — Responsible Government and all the liberties of the British Consti- tution which had so long been denied in practice. In 1820, when Lord Dalhousie became Governor, he appointed Mr. Papineau to a seat in the Executive Council,
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 411
but this post was soon declined by him, when he found it a vain honor without the influence this Council should have had on the determinations of the Governor. In 1822, the Union of Upper and Lower Canada having been upon the tapis, and the subject being distasteful to many, Messrs. Papineau and John Neilson went to Eng- land, and were successful in getting the Union postponed for the next two years. In 1827, unfortunate difficulties arose between the Governor and Mr. Papineau, and to such a height did they reach that the former refused to acknowledge Mr. Papineau as Speaker, though duly elected to that high office by a large majority of the Assembly. The Assembly triumphed, and Lord Dalhousie had to resign his office as Governor, after having in a pet dissolved the Assembly. He was succeeded by Sir James Kempt, who, after the next elections, duly accepted Mr. Papineau as the Speaker again appointed, and giving him perhaps one of the greatest triumphs ever achieved by any person in the political arena of any country. Political troubles grew worse as years rolled on, and in 1836 they culminated in the events of that and the next two years, which for the time threw Canada into a state of turmoil and anxiety, now happily all passed away, leaving only the fruits so bravely and indomitably sought for, constitutional government and unbiased representation.
The so-called leaders of the disturbances having had rewards of apprehension placed on their heads, Mr. Papineau as one fled to the United States, where he resided from 1837 to I&39- He then removed to Paris, France, where he lived till 1847, when the issue of the amnesty proclamation enabled him to return to his native land. His aged father had passed away when his son was in exile in 1840, and many of the old familiar faces had, too, gone to that " country from whose bourne no traveller returns."
But Mr. Papineau, ever energetic and possessed of an indomitable courage, again entered Parliament, and was continued there until 1854. At this period, how- ever, for various reasons he retired into private life, and for the next seventeen years enjoyed the calm of a green and sturdy old age, the love of books and horticultuie, and the personal esteem of those who best knew his character. His death took place on Saturday, the 23rd September, 1871, at his residence at Monte-Bello, and at the patriarchal age of eighty-five.
Louis Joseph Amedee Papineau, grandson of Joseph Papineau, and eldest and only surviving son of Hon, Louis Joseph Papineau, was born at Montreal, on 26th July, 1819. A pupil of the Waller and Ksson Schools, and of 1'Abbe Duchene, he entered the College of Montreal in 1829, and completed his course of Philosophy at the College of St. Hyacinthe. At the latter, he wrote the legend of " Chateau Bigot," and published \\.\\\L?Echo du Pays of St. Charles : so often amplified since by other writers. In 1835, he began the study of Law with a notary, Trudeau, and an advocate, Philippe Bruneau — both relatives. Organized several Societes Litteraire in and out of the Colleges. But the Political Crisis soon absorbed all his attention. He wrote frequently in La Minerve and The Vindicator. He followed his father in that momentous campaign of protestation and revendication all over the Province, from
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May to November, 1837. Full of the study of the American Revolution, in Jeffer- son, Paine, Randolph, Marshall, and Patrick Henry, he remembered what the Sons of Liberty had done in New England, and he founded, with his friends, Les Fits de la Libert e. After the defeat of the Patriots, he took refuge in the United States, after passing the ordeal of the guards at Stanstead Plain, whom he skilfully deceived after an imprisonment of a few hours. They took him for an idiot emigrant, after he had allayed their suspicions that he was a rebel messenger. He joined his father two weeks later, at the first Convention at Middlebury, and returned with him to Saratoga, where he was for three years studying Law as an adopted son of the Chancellor and of the Supreme Judge Cowen of the State. A special and gratui- tous Act of the Legislature of New York admitted him to the profession, although he was an alien. Introduced by his patrons to one of the first law firms of the City of New York, Tillon & Cutting, he practised there for a couple of years, and then visited his father and exiled family in Paris. In 1843, returned to Canada. Was appointed Census Commissioner for the City and Island of Montreal. On the 4th of July, 1844, on tne death of Mr. Morrogh, he was appointed Prothonotary of the Queen's Bench, with Messrs. Monk & Coffin ; and of the Superior Court, when it took that title for the civil side of the Queen's Bench. He remained Prothonotary for thirty-two years, and then resigned to travel in Europe with his family. He did not return until 1881, when he settled at the Manor of Monte-Bello, inherited in 1871 from his father. He there cultivates the fine arts, books, and garden, and occasionally fires a shot at tyranny and abuses when the trumpet sounds the alarm. His motto and watchword is — Libert as, Patria, Humanitas, and he ardently hopes for the independence and glory of his native land in a near future, and, like Saint Simeon of old, if accomplished, then he shall die in peace.
REV. CANON ELLEGOOD, M.A,
THE subject of this short sketch is one of the oldest Episcopal Clergy in Montreal. Jacob Ellegood was born in New Brunswick and educated at the well-known College of that Province, " King's College," situated in Fredericton, one of the Capitals of the country. Studied and was ordained Deacon as far back as 1848, and next year Priest by the Bishop of Quebec. Came to Montreal, and was appointed Assistant Curate in Christ Church Cathedral in 1848. Afterwards received the Incumbency of St. Anne's Church, Griffintown, since called St. Stephen's, and now under the charge of the Ven. Archdeacon Evans, M.A. After many years in charge, he built St. James the Apostle, St. Catherine street, Where ever since he has been the genial and beloved Rector. He was installed Canon of the Cathedral in 1872, and has travelled exten- sively in Europe and Palestine. He married a sister of the late Canon Duvernet. She died many years ago. His sister is married to the well-known John Crawford of Verdun.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 413
DR. DESJARDINS
WAS born at Terrebonne, loth September, 1837. He studied at Masson College and finished at Nicolet. He married Mlie Z. Pare, one of the daughters of the late H. Pare, Esq. Having practiced Medicine for seven years in Montreal, he then went to Europe to study Ophthalmy or disease of the eyes, and on his return made a special treatment of eye troubles in the Hotel Dieu. He went a second time to Europe to complete his studies, and whilst in London was admitted a member of the International Congress of Ophthalmy. In 1873, he returned to Montreal and founded the Oph- thalmic Institution. He was one of the founders of the lt Societe Medicale de Mont- real," and also of the journal Z' Union Medicale. But it is in the charitable work of the Doctor that Montreal prides herself. He has by his liberality and Christian sympathetic charity endeared himself to thousands who have benefitted by his wonderful cures " without money and without price." Yes, no man deserves more of his fellow citizens, be he who he may, than he who wholly devotes his time, his talents, his life and means to the amelioration of poor miserable humanity. To him shall be ascribed the words, " Well done."
HENRY H. MILES, LL.D., D.C.L.
HENRY HOPPER MILES, late Secretary of the Department of Public Instruction for the Province of Quebec, and a writer of text-books for public schools, is well known throughout the Dominion for his invaluable labors in connection with the cause of education. He was born in London, England, on the i8th October, 1818, his father being Lieutenant Richard Miles, of the Royal Navy, who died at Deal, Kent, in 1822. The family belonged originally to the West of England, and a branch went over to Kent, in which county it is now not uncommon to meet with persons of the name of Miles. His mother was Mary Hopper, which name was originally Hooper, one of her ancestors, Bishop Hooper, having been burnt at the stake, after which the numer- ous immediate descendants of the martyr, finding their family name obnoxious to many of their neighbors and fellow citizens, changed it to Hopper, and went away to settle in the other counties.
Our subject was educated in part at the Grammar School of Exeter, Devonshire, and finished in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Scotland, including medical studies ; but finding the profession distasteful, he never took up the practice of it.
In 1845, by invitation, he came to Lennoxville to fill the Chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the University of Bishop's College, and also the office of vice-principal of that institution, a post which he held for twenty-one years. During this period he took great interest in educational matters generally in the province, and did no inconsiderable amount of literary work outside of his special labors at Lennoxville.
In 1862, he was sent to England in company with Sir William Logan, to represent the Eastern Townships of Quebec in the International Exhibition, held in
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London. In 1858, he took part, by invitation, in a course of public lectures given by various lecturers in the Mechanics' Hall, Montreal, when he delivered two on the suuject of " The Ventilation of Dwelling Houses and Schools," which were published in pamphlet form and circulated gratuitously at the expense of members of the Merchants' Exchange.
In 1866, he resigned his office in Bishop's College, the corporation of which, in consideration of his lengthened and valued services, generously continued to him the payment of his customary salary for the space of a year subsequent to his retirement.
When the Confederation of the Provinces was completed, he was offered, and accepted, the office already mentioned, and removed to the City of Quebec.
Dr. Miles, in the year 1863, had the degree of LL.D. conferred on him by the University of Aberdeen, and the same by the University of McGill, Montreal, in 1866. He is also a D.C.L. of Bishop's College, 1866. In 1867, he was elected President of the Provincial Association of Protestant Teachers, and in the same year when the Geographical Society of Quebec was founded through the efforts of the late Hon. P. Fortin, M.P., aided by Dr. Miles and other warm friends of such enterprises, he was chosen one of its vice-presidents.
Dr. Miles was for the year 1880 president of the latter society. In other lines of literary labor his hand has often made its mark. He has written a good deal for educational and literary magazines, and has done important work in preparing text- books for use in the public schools of the Dominion. He is the author of a " Child's History of Canada," the " School History of Canada," and of a larger work, entitled : " Canada Under the French Regime," some of these works having passed through two or three editions. His work on the French Regime in Canada is, it is understood, to have a sequel, entitled : " Canada Under British Rule, 1760-1 867." Among his minor productions, mention may also be made of " Canada East at the International Exhibition," and " The Eastern Townships of Canada," both published in London in 1862, as well as several historical articles printed in the volumes of" Transactions of the Quebec Literary and Historical Society." A some- what remarkable article upon a controverted question relating to the earlier days of the great Admiral Nelson, entitled : " Nelson at Quebec," was written by him for the Toronto Canadian Monthly, and appeared in the number for March, 1879. Dr. Miles is likewise reputed author of an important document, styled a " Memorandum," treating in minute detail of the case of the High Schools of Quebec, Montreal and Kingston, as the successors of the Royal Grammar Schools, established by the Imperial bounty in those cities in the early part of this century, and it is generally believed that the arguments advanced in this " Memorandum " exercised much influence upon the Local Government of the day in securing the continued payment of their grants from the public chest, in perpetuation of the endowments originally settled upon the institutions named.
Dr. Miles is a member of the Church of England, as might be inferred from his
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 415.
connection with Bishop's College, and he served as warden, and, we believe, in other offices connected with the church, and with other societies which it has established.
In 1847, ne married Miss Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of William Wilson, Esq., B.M, of Cambridge, and M.D. of Edinburgh College of Physicians, who practised many years at Ripon, Yorkshire, prior to his coming out to Canada to settle near Sherbrooke, in the Eastern Townships, having discontinued the practice of the pro- fession. He died in the year 1851. Dr. Miles was superannuated, in 1881, by the Quebec Government, and now lives in Montreal.
Dr. Miles has four children, two sons and two daughters. John C., the oldest son, is connected with the Boston & Maine Railroad, Boston, Mass. ; the second, Henry, has been in the Wholesale Drug business of Lyman, Sons & Co. since 1870, and for the past five years managing partner. He is one of the proprietors and the editor of the Montreal Pharmaceutical Journal. He is one of the incor- porators of the Montreal Philharmonic Society, is a Governor of the Montreal Dispensary and a member of the Board of Trade. Both daughters married, *the elder residing in Boston and the younger in Quebec.
H. A. NELSON
WAS born in Keene, New Hampshire, on October 20, 1816, and removed to Mon- real when twenty-four years of age, in the year 1840, entering into business with the late Isaac Butters, under the name of Nelson & Butters. The firm so existed until 1861, when Mr. Butters retired on account of ill-health, and O. S. Wood took his place, until he retired from a similar cause in 1874. Mr. Nelson then took into partnership his four sons, and the firm name was changed to that of H. A. Nelson & Sons, which at present it bears. In the year 1878, Mr. Nelson was elected to represent Montreal Centre in the Quebec Legislature, as a supporter of Mr. Joly, and represented the constituency for three years, when he retired. But it was as an Alderman that Mr. Nelson was best known. Occupying a seat in the Municipal Council for the long period of fourteen years, and for the latter portion holding the important post of Chairman of the Finance Committee, a position for which he proved himself singularly well fitted, his name will be associated with what was best calculated to secure a judicious regulation and expenditure of the civic funds, and to promote the best interests of the city generally. In the commercial community Mr. Nelson was equally well known and esteemed. In addition to building up a large and prosperous private business, he was a trusted councillor on the boards of several public companies and institutions. He was a, Director of the Molsons Bank, President of the Loan and Investment Association, and.V.ice-President of the Pro- vincial Loan Association. The deceased, gentleman was also foremost in works of a charitable nature, and the boards and committeas^of; several charitable societies have missed his kindly presence, his sympathetic aid,, and his valued advice. Par- ticularly, his death was mourned b.y, the. pastor, and congregation of the American^.
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Presbyterian Church. For many years he was an active member of that church, and at his death was senior elder, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Superin- tendent of the Sunday School, in all of which his loss has been deeply felt. This worthy man died at home in Montreal, on the 24th December, 1882. Speaking of his demise on the following day, the Gazette said : — " By his death the community loses a large-hearted, upright and honorable citizen, and the city, one who as a mem- ber of the Council and in various other capacities has proved himself a man of sound judgment, of sterling integrity, and of active and beneficial enterprise."
GEO. W. STEPHENS,
SON of the late Harrison Stephens, Esq., was born in Montreal and educated at the High School. He graduated in McGill College, and took the degree of B.C.L. He was engaged for nine years in commercial pursuits, hence his value in the Council of Montreal connected with his legal acumen. He was admitted to practice Law in November, 1863, and elected to the City Council in 1868. Alderman Stephens was the promoter of the following By-Laws : " Prohibiting the keeping of Pigs in the City," " Planting Trees," " Sale of Coal to prevent Fraud," " Sale of Wood to pre- vent Fraud," " By-Law concerning Nuisances, Drains, etc,," " Scavengers," and the " Carters' New Tariff." He also conducted the Drill Shed and Road Committee Investi- gations, and has generally kept up a surveillance over speculators in the City Council. His efforts have resulted in turning public attention to the importance of improving the standard of public representatives. And so uncomfortable has he made it for speculative Aldermen, that they have, for the most part now, left the Council. The Municipal Legislature is improved in its morale, and this is partly due to his seven years' strenuous labors.
Mr. Stephens gained much distinction at the Bar in conducting the great case of Connolly vs. Woolrych to a successful issue. This was a cause celebre, and will ever be a leading case on the Law of Marriage as applied to Indian marriages and those by cohabitation.
Whilst at the Bar he was associated with J. A. Perkins, the firm being Perkins & Stephens, and their practice was very extensive and successful. He was rarely absent from a Council meeting, and has always been on the side of economy and good government. He has finally retired from the Council, but is at present a can- didate for representation in the County of Huntingdon for the Local Legislature.
MADAME DANDURAND.
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RAOUL DANDURANU.
HE was born in Montreal on the 4th of November, 1861. His father was the late OEdippe Dandurand, merchant, and his mother, Marie Marguerite Roy. He was educated at Montreal College, and studied Law from July, 1879, with the late Joseph Doutre, Q.C., his relative, and whose partner he became when admitted to the Bar in January, 1883. He took his degrees at Laval University. He was, in the follow- ing year, 1884, elected President of the Club National, of Montreal, being only twenty-two years of age. He married, January, 1886, Josephine, the second daughter of the Hon. F. G. Marchand, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Quebec, and residing at St. Johns. He was appointed, in 1888, a magistrate, and acted as such for over a year. He has published, with Chas. Lanctot, Esq., lately appointed Law Officer of the Crown, a " Treatise on Criminal Law," and a " Manual for Justices of the Peace." He is a Liberal, of rather Radical lineage, his father being all his life-time a member of the Institut- Canadien. He has taken an active part in all the political contests of the last twelve years. He was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor by the French Government for upholding the Republican institutions of that country. He is the head of the law firm of Dandurand & Brodeur. Mr. Brodeur is Member of Parliament for Rouville. What I said regarding those who were actually born in Montreal, and, therefore, true Montrealers, can fitly be applied to the subject of this sketch. He is still a young man, in the thirtieth year of his age ; but has already held some important positions. The beginning of next century may see him one of the leading men of Canada. Whether or not, his name will never die, so long as the facile writings of his talented wife (daughter of a talented father) survive. And when thousands now treading Montreal's streets will be for- gotten and unknown, Madame Dandurand's works will remain, a lasting testimony of the development of woman's intellect, woman's brains and woman's will, as much as that of man's.
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HON. JUDGE PAGNUELO
WAS born on the 5th January, 1840, in Laprairie. His father was from Seville,. Spain, having come to this country in 1812 with the DeMeuron regiment. His mother was of French Acadian descent. He graduated at the Montreal College, in 1858. After a complete course of studies he entered at once the Law office of Messrs. R. & G. Laflamme, and was admitted to the Bar on the yth October, 1861. After four years practice in Napierville, he returned to Montreal, where he practised Law, first in partnership with S. B. Nagle, then with Edmund Barnard. He was on the Law Board of Examiners for several years.
Being retained as counsel by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Montreal, in the different contestations which arose in the Civil and Ecclesiastical Courts regarding the division of the city and suburbs of Montreal into different parishes, he was induced to make special study of the civil status of the Roman Catholic Church, in Canada. He published in 1872 a book entitled : Etudes Historiques et Legates sur la Liber te Religieuse en Canada. The first part of this book contains a digest on the change in the civil status of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada, arising out of the Conquest of the Country from the French by the English, and from the Capitulation and Treaty of Cession : it includes also a complete review of the English International Law, and of the Imperial and Provincial Statutes, as well as a history of all the facts bearing on the relations between the State and the Church of England, the Dissenters, the Jews, and the Roman Catholic Church in Canada. His con- clusions are in favor of the complete liberty of all Christian denominations, and of their equality before the law, as a fundamental basis of the Constitution of the Country ; the second part of the book is devoted entirely to the question of the power of the Bishop to divide a Catholic religious parish, for religious purposes only, independently of the Government. Although the Catholic community in the Province of Quebec was then greatly excited and divided on this question, it may be said that not a single voice was raised in its midst against the tone or the conclusions of this book ; all the Bishops of the Province sent letters to the author, some of which were most eulogistic : even His Holiness the Pope honored the author with a special autograph Brief, complimenting him on his learning and the soundness of his doctrine.
The subject of this sketch was also connected with the Press, especially the JSJouveau Monde, to which he was for a time legal correspondent and reporter.
He also organized the first Lower Canadian Agricultural Insurance Company, which obtained its Charter from the Quebec Parliament in 1872, under the name of " The Cultivators' Fire Insurance Company of the Province of Quebec," which amal- gamated at once with the u Isolated Risk Insurance Company of Canada," with its head office at Toronto.
He married, in 1863, Miss Azilda Gauthier, daughter of the late Arthur Gauthier, Esq., Notary, of Montreal. After being in partnership with some of our best lawyers,.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 419
Mr. Pagmielo was raised to the Bench of the Province of Quebec, and is now one of our most learned and trustworthy Judges of the Superior Court. He has lately been appointed Chairman of the Royal Commission in place of Judge Mathieu resigned.
FREDERICK W. L. PENTON.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Calais, France, 1826. His father was Henry Penton, of Pentonville, London, England, and his mother, a daughter of Mr. Cordier de la Housie. The family left England after their return from France, and came to Canada in the summer of 1832 to Sorel. Mr. Penton was educated in the Island of Jersey (one of the Channel Islands), and on his arrival in this country commenced farming. In 1862, he came to Montreal and was appointed Superintendent of the City Passenger Railway, which post he resigned in 1865 upon his appointment as Chief of the Police Force of the City, on the resignation of Chief Lamothe, which position he occupied till his death. The remarks relative to the " Police Force " are taken from " Hochelaga Depicta," A.D. 1838:
" This Force was organized in consequence of an Ordinance issued during the Administration of the Earl of Durham, on the 28th June, 1838. It consists of 102 privates, four mounted patrols, six sergeants, and six corporals, under the command of four officers, viz. : Capt. Alexander Comeau and Lieut. Worth, for division A, and Capt. William Brown and Lieut. William Suter, for division B. The superintendent is Mr. P. Leclere. The day duty commences at 7 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Each man is on duty every three hours in winter, and six hours in summer. Night duty commences at 6 p.m., and ends at 6 a.m. The time of relief in winter is governed by the weather, at the discretion of the officer on duty : in summer, every four hours duty relieves. The expense is borne by the Civil Home Government, and amounts to at least six thousand pounds per annum. A book of admirable regulations has been published for the guidance of the police, and ail its operations are scrupulously conducted in accordance with them.
4C The jurisdiction of the police extends throughout the city, suburbs, harbor, and Island of Montreal, together with the parishes of Laprairie de la Magdelaine, Lon- gueuil, Boucherville, Varennes, Repentigny, Lachenaie, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Martin, and Isle Perrot."
This is a very different arrangement from that of the present day, 1892. The four mounted patrols would be most beneficial now, especially in the outskirts of Montreal. The efficient present Chief does all that lies in his power with the force at his command, but it is utterly impossible to cover such an extent as the city now does, with foot police alone.
JOHN McCORD, SENIOR.
THIS personage, the founder of the McCord family in Montreal, came from Antrim, Ireland. He was born in 1711, and died at " The Grange." Montreal, on the loth October, 1793. He was the patentee of the half of the Gaspe property
420 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
which was styled " O'Hara and McCord Patent." There is perhaps no name so intimately connected with the history of the country as that of McCord. John McCord, senior, had two sons — John and Thomas. John, the elder, died at Quebec without issue, in 1822, and thus his branch of the family became extinct as to his name. Thomas, the younger, owned the greater part of Griffintown, and a street there to this day perpetuates his name. He represented the West Ward of the City in the Provincial Parliament, and afterwards was the Police Magistrate of Montreal, which position he held to the day of his death, which occurred in the year 1824. He left two sons, and it is remarkable that both of them afterwards rose to be Judges of the Superior Court of the Province — the Hon. John S. McCord and the Hon. Wm. King McCord. I find the latter's name in the Records of the Montreal Prison and in connection with the Rebellion of 1837-38. He committed, as Justice of the Peace? several prisoners from St. Scholastique suspected of High Treason. He had one son, Thomas, who afterwards became Hon. Thomas McCord, Judge of the Superior Court. His daughter married the Hon. Justice Polette. The Hon. John S. McCord had two sons, the representatives of the family being ex- Alderman David McCord, and Robert McCord, late an officer of the British Army, now deceased. The mother of David and Robert McCord was Anne Ross, daughter of David Ross, Advocate. The ex-Alderman now attends entirely to the duties of his profession, and has eschewed politics and civic affairs for years past.
WILLIAM LUNN
WAS born in Devonshire, England, i8th July, 1796. His father was for many years an officer in the Dock Yard of Devonport. The subject of this sketch received his education at Devonport, where he was attached to the Dock Yard till 1819, when he arrived in Montreal, being sent out by the Admiralty to take the charge of the Naval Stores. At this time there was a Naval Establishment in each of the five great Lakes under the command of a Port Captain. This continued till 1834, when this whole branch of the service was broken up. However, Mr. Lunn did not return to England. He had in the interval married in 1821, and concluded to remain in the country. Perhaps no man has been more identified with the educational interests of Montreal than Mr. Lunn. He was the means of establishing the very first public school in this Province, the first meeting being held in his own parlor. At this time the teachers were sent out by the British and Foreign School Society of London, England. The first school was at the corner of Cotte and Lagauchetiere streets, and is still a well- regulated institution under the careful guidance of one of the best and most experiened Teachers of Montreal — Mr. Chambers. For more than thirty years Mr. Lunn was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Protestant Board of School Commissioners of Montreal. He was one of the founders of the High School. His wife died in 1862. His son Alexander Hutchinson, is one of the most prominent Lawyers in Montreal, being associated in the firm of Cramp & Lunn. One daughter married Judge Cross, of Montreal. Mr. Lunn died some years ago, full of years and good deeds, a man who had done much in his day to promote the interests_of the city of his adoption.
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WILLIAM PALMER
WAS born in Montreal in 1813 of English parents. His mother died in this city at the age of ninety-six. When a lad of fourteen he commenced life in a ship chandler store and afterwards in the grocery business. He was clerk afterwards in the whole- sale house of the late Mr. John Smith, so well known in Montreal in his day. He also was in the employ of the late Hon. James Ferrier. In 1836, a year before the Rebellion, he went into business on his own account. As an opportunity offered in H. M. Stores in 1838, he was then appointed by the late Commissary General, Sir Randolph Routh, a writer in his own office. In 1850, he was recommended for pro- motion, on account of his wonderful knowledge of accounts and management of Government books, and the Lords Commissioners of H. M. Treasury appointed him to a Commission Clerkship, and in a very responsible position. He served in Her Majesty's Service for upwards of thirty -two years, one of the most painstaking and conscientious servants she ever had. In 1870, he was superannuated, the War Office granted him two-thirds of his annual pay as pension. He is now in the fifty-sixth year of married life, and his wife and self are in the enjoyment of good health.
Let me add that I, the Author of this book, look back with pleasure on those days of Montreal's " Military Occupation." As Chaplain to H. M. Forces for over eight years, I had much to do with Mr. Palmer, the subject of our sketch, and ever found him an earnest and obliging servant of the Queen. Those were the fine times for Montreal, plenty of money circulated then, but then there was also the dark side, which, as both military and civil Chaplain, I well knew. However, if we cannot pray that these old times return, let us hope that our grand Dominion will yet be an independent nation, forming at last one of the great Empires of the world, as she is now the fifth, maybe the fourth, in the scale of her mercantile marine.
Mr. Palmer's son is one of the best known faces in the Post Office of Montreal. After years of patient service he was a few days ago promoted to the high position of Deputy Postmaster of Montreal. This in the son recognizes the worth and work of the sire. May they all be spared, and that Mr. Palmer, sen., reach his Diamond Wed- ding— sixty years married — he is now in his fifty-sixth year. All the old military men in Montreal should then unite to " bounce '' him. He walks the streets to-day with such an elastic step, looks " so fresh and rosy," that the period of his diamond wedding seems sure to pass, and he will enter into the almost unknown ages of Methuselah. Long may he live. Say what men will, our climate is one of the most health-giving in all the world. Where I should like to know can be found so many scores of octoge- narians and nonagenarians, nay centenarians, as found in Canada. May our friend become the last.
HON. HORATIO GATES.
THE subject of this short sketch was a very successful merchant of Old Montreal. He was associated with his nephew, a Mr. Jones. His daughter was married to J. G. McKenzie, the head of the great house of " J. G. McKenzie & Co.," which to this
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day is still seen in St. Paul street. The sons of J. G. McKenzie were well known names in Montreal, Hector and Fred. The latter was once M.P. for our city in the Federal Parliament, and gave much attention to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Mr. Gates was appointed a member of the Legislative Council on March i6th, 1833. He was besides this, one of the seven gentlemen who signed the requisition, calling the meeting to elect the first Directors of the Bank of Montreal, July 4th, 1817. He was chosen one of the Directors, and remained so to his death years after.
ARTHUR H. PLIMSOLL.
" IN this age of progress, and especially in large centres of commercial activity like Montreal, the services of the chartered accountant are indispensable, and their impor- tance cannot be overrated. Among the accountants of this city, Mr. Arthur H. Plimsoll is deserving of special mention. This well and favorably known accountant has been before the public in his profession since 1875, an<^ during the intervening period has met with marked and eminently well deserved success therein, a result due mainly to his energy, superior executive ability, and high character. Mr. Plim- soll is widely known throughout the city, and his services have also frequently been engaged in many parts of Canada. As a professional Auditor he has few equals in the Dominion, being the annual auditor for many of the largest public corporations as well as private concerns, and he is also regarded as exceptionally expert in the examination of books and intricate accounts. Mr. Plimsoll is a gentleman popular socially and otherwise, and it is needless to add that he has always enjoyed and retained the good will and respect of a host of friends. He is the son of one of the old Montrealers who thirty years ago was well known in the mercantile and other phases of Montreal."
HARRISON STEPHENS.
HE was born in Jamaica, in the State of Vermont, in the year 1801. The Ver- monters have always been renowned for energy and perseverance; hence Mr. Stephens, when he arrived in Montreal, in the year 1828, determined to show his energy and pluck. Though a poor man, by indomitable industry and perseverance, he made his mark commercially in the city. He established the old and well-known house of Stephens & Kellogg, and was also the senior partner in the extensive establishment of Stephens, Young & Co. He retired from the firm in 1845, and spent the rest of his life enjoying -the laurels of his well-earned patrimony. He was for several years one of the Directors of the Bank of Montreal. His sons enjoy a large share of public respect, one being the well-known and widely esteemed Geo. W. Stephens. Alderman of Montreal. The residence of the late Mr. Stephens (now the Alderman's), situated in Dorchester Street, next to St. James Club, is per- haps one of the finest in the city. He died some years ago.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 423
YEN. ARCHDEACON EVANS, M. A.
LEWIS EVANS, Archdeacon of Montreal of the Anglican Church, comes from an old Irish family. His descent can be traced back to Hugh Evans, of Balin- robe, County Mayo, Ireland, and dates to 1653. His son, Francis Evans, of Dublin, died June, 1780 ; his son, Nicolas Evans, of Baymount, County Dublin, died June, 1803. Francis Evans, of Rohnstown, County Westmeath, was a mem- ber of the Irish Bar, and died 2Oth May, 1834. His son, Francis Evans, D.C.L., was the Rector of Woodhouse, Upper Canada, and died September 6th, 1858. Such is the male branch of the Evans family. The aspcestors of the mother of the Archdeacon were named Lewis, and came of a long line of Church of Eng- land Clergymen of that name.
The subject of this sketch was born at Woodhouse Rectory, County of Nor- folk, Upper Canada, on the iQth December, 1845. He was educated at Upper Canada College, won the Competitive Scholarship at Trinity College, Toronto, matriculated in 1863, and after a curriculum of unexceptionable merit graduated B.A. in 1870 and M.A. in 1871.
He then took his Divinity Term in Huron College, London, and after due course was admitted Deacon in 1869 and Priest in 1870, by the Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Cronyn. He was assistant in Christ Church Cathedral for three years, and of which he was made an Honorary Canon in 1873. Since then he has been the Rector of St. Stephen's, having succeeded Mr. Curran, now Canon Curran, of Hamilton, Ontario. He afterwards, in 1879, was appointed Bishop's Chaplain, a post he yet occupies, and Archdeacon of Iberville in 1881. On the death of the late Archdeacon Leach, he received the appointment of Archdeacon of Montreal, which he still holds. He is a man of indefatigable exertion, and stops at no difficulty in pressing on the benefits and advancement of the Church at large. Through his indomitable perseverance one of the most beautiful churches in Montreal — St. Stephen's — has been erected, and that too without debt. Where it now stands, in former years was a wretched locality, and great has been the change which has taken place by removing the church congregation from its old position and building the present edifice, thanks to the indefatigable Rector.
Archdeacon Evans has devoted a good deal of his time to the schools of Mon- treal. He is one of the Protestant School Commissioners, and has been the means of extending the benefits of public education throughout the city. He also takes great interest in the Montreal Diocese and meetings of Synod.
He married, in 1873, Marion Stewart, the eldest daughter of Strachan Belhune, Esq., Q.C., and has a family of sons and daughters.
HON. JOHN RICHARDSON.
PERHAPS no man of his time did more for the development and advance of Montreal than the subject of this sketch. He was a native of Banffshire, Scotland, having been born at Portsoy, and the testimony of the late Mr. John Dougall, of the Wit-
424 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ness, is worth here recording about him. Mr. Dougall said a few months before he died, that out of all the English-speaking citizens of Montreal to be most beloved and trusted, he would select three — Hon. John Richardson, Hon. Geo. Moffatt, and Hon. Peter McGill; and he added this excellent testimony of them: " That the public of Montreal have never been so well served since as by these three men in succession."
Hon. John Richardson represented the East Ward in conjunction with Joseph Frobisher in the very first Parliament of Lower Canada. We find him as one of the Commissioners appointed to remove the old fortification walls of the city in 1802. He next appears in urging on the Lachine Canal in 1821, where on the iyth July of that year he turned the first sod of that useful body of connecting water. In 1825, he was Chairman of the company that completed it.
After the great victory of Waterloo, he was on the list of collectors. A com- mittee was appointed by Sir G. Drummond to obtain subscriptions in aid of the families that were slain in that terrible battle. He was also one of the six commissioners appointed for building Nelson's Monument. He was a Director of the first Savings Bank Montreal ever had, and a Trustee for looking after and improving the highway from Montreal to Lachine, a most important King's road in those early days. He was also a Justice of the Peace, authorized to administer oaths to the half-pay officers of the Montreal District. He was, as the honorable shows before his name, a Legis- lative Councillor of Lower Canada in 1821. This remarkable man, with Hon. Wil- liam McGillivray and Samuel Gerrard, formed a committee to purchase the land on which the General Hospital is now built, and in 1821, when a large hospital was about to be erected, he was named Chairman to superintend its erection, and after- wards became its first President. He died i8th May, 1831, aged seventy-six years. After his death, to commemorate his exertions in aid of the General Hospital, his friends erected in what is called the Richardson wing a tablet with the following in- scription : — " This Building was erected A. D. 1832, to commemorate the public and private virtues of the Hon. John Richardson, a distinguished merchant of this city and a member of the Executive and Legislative Councils of the Province. He was the first President of the Hospital, and a liberal contributor to its foundation and support."
PIERRE BEAUBIEN, M.D.
HE was born at La Baie du Febvre, and educated at the College of Nicolet. After finishing his studies he went to Paris, and graduated in the University there. Returning to Montreal, he established a flourishing and lucrative practice. He married Justine, daughter of the late Hon. C. E. Casgrain, seigneur de la Riviere Ouelle. He represented the City of Montreal from 1841 to 1844, and again had the honor of being elected for the County of Chambly from 1848 to 1851 in the Canadian Assembly. Since then he attended to the onerous duties of his profession, and was the visiting and consulting physician to the Hotel Dieu and the Montreal Gaol for a long period of years. He was the patron and Dean of the French School of Medicine in Montreal in connection with the Victoria College, Ontario, and died some years ago.
DICKSON ANDERSON.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 425
DICKSON ANDERSON
Is the second son of the late William James Anderson, M.D., L.R.C.S., of Edin- burgh, Scotland, and was born at Pictou, Nova Scotia, on i4th June, 1845. His younger days were passed in schools at Toronto and Quebec ; his course of studies having been completed under the late Daniel Wilkie, LL.D., Principal of the High School, and afterwards under James Thorn, the well-known teacher of Que- bec. He was for a number of years in the employ of the firm of J. C. DeWolf & Co. and DeWolf & Vaughan, of Quebec. He then entered the employment of the Quebec Chronicle, on the staff of which he remained for several years. He came to Montreal in 1869, and commenced business as a ship-broker in connec- tion with Mr. E. H. Duval, of Quebec, under the firm name of Duval, Anderson & Co. This firm was dissolved at the end of two years, and he formed a new partner- ship with Captain Charles H. McKenzie, under the style of Anderson, McKenzie & Co., continuing the business of the old firm. Captain McKenzie a few years later, becoming tired of business, retired, and Mr. Anderson continued it on his own account and under the old name. His business has been a successful one. He is largely interested in shipping, both sail and steam, and his affairs, as a result of his close attention to business, are, we believe, most promising. Mr. Anderson's father, Dr. Anderson, was a well-known litterateur' in Quebec. Not only was he President of the Quebec Historical Society, but he published some most interesting papers, such as " The Gold Fields of Canada," and " On the finding of Coal at Point Levis, Quebec." He also was the Author of the interesting "Tourist's Guide to Quebec." His most important work, however, was the " Life of the Duke of Kent in Nova Scotia." Mr. Dickson Anderson has now been in Montreal over twenty-two years, and he has done much to increase the foreign trade of the city. He is the Consul for the Hawaiian Kingdom, and ranks high in Masonry, being Past Deputy Grand Master, and during his term of office acting as Grand Master, owing to the illness of the Grand Master. His business consists of ship and steamship agent, forwarder and shipper of lumber, coal and deals. His two brothers are now in Montreal. The elder of the two, James W. Anderson, is in the lumber business, and represents one of the largest concerns in Quebec, and the younger, William J., is employed in the Port Warden's office.
426 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JUDGE GILL
WAS born at St. Francis, Yamaska, March 12, 1844. His father was Ignace Gill, who had been twice elected to represent the County of Yamaska in the Legislative Assembly under the Union from 1854 to 1861. In one of the numerous raids of the wild Indians on the New England States in 1700 to 1710, Samuel Gill was taken prisoner by the Abenaki Indians and brought to the village of St. Francis. He was then fifteen years of age and was adopted by the tribe, as was also a young girl named James, also taken prisoner, and who was the daughter of a Church of England minister, whose age was twelve. A Jesuit Father took care of these two young people, and in process of time (as a matter of course and naturally), they married, the good Father performing the ceremony, much to the chagrin of the Indians, who were anxious to intermix their own blood by marriage with the white man.
In 1756, a Mrs. Johnston, who also had been taken prisoner by these same Indians and brought to St. Francis, tells us that she was sold to a man of the name of Gill, living in the Indian village, but seemingly far above the Red Men in every particular. He kept the store of the village, and often said to Mrs. Johnston that he was of pure English blood. He was one of the sons of Samuel Gill and the .girl James, above mentioned — hence the history of the name.
Judge Gill received his education at the College of Nicolet, being there between 1856 and 1864. Leaving, he entered Laval University, Quebec, as a Law Student, studying at the same time in the office of Mr., afterwards Justice Tessier, till 1867, when in October of that year he was called to the Bar of the Pro- vince. He then went to reside at Sorel and practise Law, entering into partner- ship with the well-known Mr., afterwards Chief Justice P. Armstrong, of St. Lucia and the Tobago Islands in the West Indies. In January, 1870, he was married to the eldest daughter of L. A. Senecal, the Railway King. When the General Elections took place in 1871, Mr. Senecal made way for his son-in- law, and he was elected for the County of Yamaska, continuing to represent the County till 1874, when he resigned and was immediately elected to represent the same County in the Commons of Canada, and again re-elected in 1878. He accepted a Judgeship at the early age of thirty-five, on the 2oth May, 1879. Since then nearly thirteen years have passed, but he still maintains the opinion of his friends and confreres, that as one said when he saw him administering justice among his first cases, " He had an old head on young shoulders." The Judge resides in St. Denis street, and is now connected with the Montreal Superior Court as one of its Judges.
C. O. PERRAULT.
CHARLES OVIDE PERRAULT, late Vice-Consul of France, in Montreal, is descended from an old French family which came over from Normandy in 1725, the first settler locating in Hochelaga. His father took a prominent part in the Rebellion of 1837- 1838. He was the publisher of the Vindicator. A price having been put on his
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 427
head, he fled to the United States, and remained an exile at Burlington, Vermont, for eighteen months. His uncle, Charles O. Perrault, fell on the field of battle at St. Charles, in 1837. He was a member of the Local Legislature at the early age of twenty-four years and a most gifted lawyer. The subject of our sketch was born in Montreal, i8th February, 1842. His mother's name was Marguerite Roy, daughter of C. FJeury Roy, a large merchant of the city. He is cousin to His Lordship the Archbishop of Montreal, and his brother, Senator Hector Fabre, the Canadian representative in Paris, France. Mr. Perrault took a full course in St. Mary's College, studied Law under the late Sir A. A. Dorion, was admitted to the Bar in 1862, and practised for the next two years. From 1871 to 1874,116 edited Le Pays. He was one of the founders of the Montreal Abattoir Co. He was for years the Manager of the Stadacona Insurance Co., and on the 2oth of May, 1875, he received the appointment of Vice-Consul to France. In 1877, he was made one of the Official Assignees for the District of Montreal. In 1863, when in Paris, Mr. Perrault had the honor of being received in an audience extraordinaire at the Palace of the Tuilleries. He married, 28th February, 1869, Emma Matilda, daughter of Joseph Tiffin, of Montreal, but she died on the i3th June, 1880. Mr. Perrault died not long since.
L. A. BOYER
WAS born in Montreal, & ist May, 1839, an<^ ^s tne eldest son of Louis Boyer, who in his lifetime was a large merchant of Montreal. He was educated at the Chambly and Jesuits' Colleges. Leaving this last-named in 1855 he entered into commercial pursuits, and was director of several financial institutions, such as the Royal Canadian Insurance Company, and was one of the Charter Directors of La Banque Ville Marie. He was returned member of the Federal Parliament for Maskinonge County at the General Elections of 1872, and also at the next General Elections ; but retired and gave up politics. He married, in 1865, Miss Alphonsine Meilleur, daughter of the first and well-known Superintendent of Education for Lower Canada, the late Dr. Meilleur. Mr. Boyer is one of the managers of the Estate Boyer, an estate of immense wealth, giving it all his attention. For some years he has been the Flour Inspector of the City, a post for which he is well qualified, but which he resigned a few days ago.
HON. ARTHUR BOYER.
HE is the son of Louis Boyer, a merchant in Montreal, by his wife, AmelieMignault. He was born in Montreal, 9th February, 1851, and educated there and in London, England. He married, in 1875, Miss Ernestine Galarneau. He was first returned to Legislative Assembly for the County of Jacques Cartier at a bye-election held 27th March, 1884, on the resignation of the sitting member, Hon. Mr. Mousseau. He was returned at last General Election, but, like the other members of the Mercier Government, was dismissed by the order of the Lieut.-Governor of the Province on the 22nd December last. Hon. Mr. Mercier had taken him into his Cabinet, and there is every prospect of his being re-elected on the 8th of next March.
428 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JUDGE M. DOHERTY.
" HON. MARCUS DOHERTY was born in Dungiven, County Derry, Ireland, in 1818, and came to Canada in 1835. He was educated at Hamilton's Grammar School, Dun- given, at St. Hyacinthe College, and at the University of Vermont, where he gradu- ated B. A. in 1842, and M, A. in 1845. He was called to the Bar in 1848, having studied in the office of the late R. S. M. Bouchette. For many years he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice in Montreal, and was honored by his confreres at the Bar by an election as Syndic in 1871 and Batonnier in 1872. Mr. Doherty was twice a candidate for the Mayoralty of the city, but was twice defeated, in 1861 by Hon. C. S. Rodier and in 1866 by J. L. Beaudry. In 1872, Mr. Doherty was named Q.C., and in 1873 he was named Judge of the Superior Court. He has acted as Assistant- Judge of the Court of Appeals for the past few years. During his long judicial career Judge Doherty's decisions have had an almost unique exemption from reversals by higher courts, and his judgments, especially in commercial matters, have been distinguished by sound common sense and much learning. His courtesy towards the Bar and his ready wit have made him a great personal favorite, and he retires with the proud consciousness that his reputation as a pure and impartial magistrate is absolutely unsullied."
JCDGE C. J. DOHERTY
" WAS born in Montreal, May nth, 1855. He was educated at St. Mary's College, where he graduated summd cum laude in 1873. He studied Law at McGill University and graduated there in 1876, taking jointly with Mr. Greenshields, Q.C., the Eliza- beth Torrance gold medal. He was admitted to practice in 1877, and during his career at the Bar has been engaged in many important cases. He conducted success- fully the defence of J. P. Whelan in the famous McNamee libel case ; was counsel for Mr. Lynam in the sensational proceedings brought by Mr. Alfred Perry for the release of Rose Lynam from the Longue Point Asylum ; represented the Post in the libel suit brought against it by the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association ; acted as counsel in ihe proceedings for prohibition against the Royal Commission, and in connection with the Statute Labor and Water tax litigations displayed great ability as an expert in Municipal law. Mr. Doherty has appeared before the Privy Council in London. He was one of the lawyers for the Society of Jesus in its libel suit against the Toronto Mail. In 1887, Mr. Doherty was created a Queen's Counsel, and since has been elected a member of the Council of the Montreal Bar. On the re-organiza- tion of the McGill Law School he was honored with the appointment of Professor of Civil Law which he still holds. On two occasions Mr. Doherty entered the political arena as candidate for Montreal, being defeated both times by Hon. James McShane. He was for several years President of the Junior Conservative Club. He has also been President of the University Literary Society, and Vice-President of the Grad- uates' Society. For several years he was President of the Montreal Branch of the Irish National League. He is now President of the Shamrock Lacrosse Club. He was
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 429
named in 1883 a member of the Royal Commission to investigate the workings of the Catholic and Protestant School Boards of this city.
On the outbreak of the Kiel rebellion, Mr. Doherty, who then held a commis- sion as captain of the 65th Battalion, went with his regiment to the North- West, and served throughout the entire affair, taking part in all its marches and being in com- mand of the Garrison at Fort Saskatchewan until the withdrawal of the troops.
Mr. Doherty has, however, been essentially a lawyer, and has long been looked upon as one of the foremost men of his years at the Lower Canadian Bar. An earnest student, his style as a pleader is concise, vigorous and erudite, and his arguments have always been conspicuously free from verbosity. Mr. Doherty married several years ago a daughter of Mr. Edmund Barnard, Q.C., one of the leading members of the Montreal Bar."
JAMES BROWN.
HE was born in Glasgow in 1776, and came as a lad to Quebec. He then married at the early age of nineteen. In 1801 or 1802 he removed to Montreal and became a bookseller and stationer. He was the first of that class ever in the city. He also acquired, some time after, the proprietorship of the Gazette newspaper. As such, and in his store, quite a number of men were employed. About this time an American Company (Thomas Mears, Ware and Jackson) commenced the erection of a paper mill at St. Andrews, Province of Quebec. This was the very first paper mill in all Canada. The first paper was made in 1805 or 1806. The Mill fell into difficulties, and Mr. Brown had to take over as payment the entire concern, so that, over and above his store and newspaper, he was obliged to manufacture paper to keep the mill going. He industriously carried on the work for some twenty-five years, until the lease of the water-power expired. He also had disposed of the Gazette to Mr. Turner and his shop and business to other parties to enable him to give his attention to the mill. Year after year he lost heavily by it. He died 23rd May, 1845, aSe(^ sixtv years. His son was a well-known name in Montreal a quarter of a century ago — John O. Brown — who was one of the best auctioneers of Montreal.
JOSEPH QUESNEL
WAS born at St. Malo, France, i5th November, 1749. After passing through his studies he took service on board a man-of-war, thus in three years visiting Pondi- cherry, Madagascar, Guinea and Senegal, encountering numerous adventures, and arriving safely back to his native land. The love of roving had taken too strong a hold of him, and he again left France and visited French Guiana, the Antilles, Brazil, and finally established himself in Canada. He married in Montreal, and after visiting the Valley of the Mississippi, fixed his home at Boucherville. He is the author of an opera, " Lucas et Cecile," and " Les Republicans Francais," a comedy printed in Paris. He also composed some pretty sacred pieces for the u Societe d' Amateurs." The writings of Quesnel are found in the first volume of the " Repertoire National." He died in Montreal, 3rd July, 1809, at the age of about sixty years.
43° GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
WILLIAM HALES KINGSTON, M.D.,
Is the son of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Kingston, formerly in Her Majesty's looth Regiment, which came to this country to take part in the last American war, and did much service. The Hingstons had been established in Ireland for centuries, and are allied with the Cotters of Cork, the elder Latouches of Dublin, and the Hales family ; and on the mother's side to the old family of the Careys. When the number of Regiments was reduced, after the close of the war, the looth became the 99th, and was only disbanded several years afterwards, when Colonel Kingston selected a pretty spot on the banks of the Chateauguay liiver, near Huntingdon. There he organized the Militia Force, Lord Dalhousie giving him command of the County of Huntingdon ; and subsequently, Sir James Kempt, of the County of Beauharnois. The wounds, however, he had received in action, especially one through the groin at the battle of Chippewa, which had lamed him, terminated his life early, when the subject of our notice — one of six children — was only eighteen months old. At thirteen he was sent to the Montreal College, where at the end of Ins first year he obtained the prize in every branch, carrying three first and two second, while his chief opponent, the late Superior of the College, obtained the remaining two first and three second. He afterwards spent a couple of years in studying Pharmacy with R. W. Rexford, when he entered upon the study of Medicine at McGill University.
He graduated at the end of four years, and immediately left for Edinburgh, to obtain the Surgeon's diploma of that University ; and by practicing the most rigid economy he succeeded in visiting England and Ireland also, and almost every country in Europe, spending the greater part of his time in the hospitals and bringing back with him diplomas from Scotland, France, Prussia, Austria and Bavaria. One, the membership of the Leopold Academy, purely honorary and given only to Authors, was the first ever obtained by a Canadian, Sir William Logan and T. Sterry Hunt being the next recipients of the honor. He had almost made up his mind to settle in Edinburgh, as assistant to Professor Simpson, but yielded to the well-understood wishes of his mother and returned to Canada.
Dr. Kingston began the practice of his profession in the City of Montreal, in 1853, taking up his residence in McGill street. Here his urbanity of manner, his punctuality, promptitude, strict attention to the minutest details of his profession, and his uniform kindness and gentleness of disposition towards all, with his gen- erosity to the suffering poor, soon won for him the goodwill of those with whom he came in contact, and secured for him a rapidly extending practice. Cholera visited the city in 1854, and was most severely felt in Griffintown. Being the nearest physician to that locality, the Doctor had abundant opportunity of ministering tc the relief of the afflicted.
A few years afterwards, he removed into a hou.se of his own in Bonaventure street. Afterwards, he removed to Beaver Hall, where he resided until 1872, when he purchased a residence, corner of Union Avenue and St. Catherine street. His house and the block have been pulled down to make room for Morgan's magnificent
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 431
store which now stands in their place. The Doctor has bought a house still higher up in Sherbrooke street where he now resides.
Dr. Kingston has now occupied, for many years, a most prominent position in Montreal, as a leading member of his profession — especially in surgery — his tl first love," as the Canada Medical Journal states ; and having, at the present time, besides a large City practice, one of the very largest consulting practices in Canada — calling him frequently to visit outlying towns and cities, and not unfrequently to the. neighboring States.
Soon after beginning practice, Dr. Kingston received unsolicited, the appoint- ment of Surgeon to the English-speaking department of the Hotel Dieu Hospital, and has been unremitting in his attendance upon the suffering inmates of that excel- lent institution. There he has had the largest field in this country for the exercise of his calling, and has acquired a dexterity and precision in operating which is un- usual. Many of the more difficult and hazardous operations in surgery have been there introduced by him to the profession in Canada, such, for instance, as excision of the knee-joint, acquired deformities, and the successful removal of the tongue and lower jaw, at the same time.
Though attached to no Medical School, Dr. Kingston has largely availed him- self of the material at his disposal in the hospital for practically instructing the medical students who attended it. Every day, for many years, clinical instruction was given — the Doctor receiving no pecuniary reward therefrom. But as the young gentlemen whom he instructed graduated in Medicine, and scattered themselves over the country, they gave many evidences of their gratitude to, and confidence in; their generous instructor, and have largely assisted in building up his reputation.
Again visiting Europe, in 1867, one of his masters, Professor ( afterwards Sir James) Simpson, paid a high tribute to Canadian Surgery in the person of Doctor Kingston by inviting him to perform a surgical operation of difficulty on one of his (Sir James') patients ; and on speaking of him, a few weeks afterwards, in a British Medical Journal of the time, Sir James styles him "that distinguished American Surgeon lately amongst us." He should have said Canadian, but to this day we are called American by the old country people.
As a graduate of McGill University he was one of a few gentlemen to organize the McGill University Society, and to advocate and secure the appointment, from among the graduates, of Convocation Fellows to the University. The late Hon. Alexander Morris, Mr. Brown Chamberlin and himself were the first office-bearers in the McGill University Society, a society founded chiefly for the purpose named ; but he alone, we believe, never occupied that position in the University he was instrumental, in part, in obtaining for his fellow graduates.
When Bishop's College Medical School was organized by the late Dr. Small- wood and Dr. David, Dr. Kingston was named Professor of Surgery, and afterwards Dean of Faculty, both of which, however, he was forced to resign as the duties were-
432
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incompatible with his position at the Hospital. He received the degree of D.C.L. from the University of Lennoxville in 1871.
When the Dominion Medical Association was formed, Dr. Kingston was appointed first Secretary for the Province of Quebec ; and a few years ago, he was unanimously elected representative of the profession for the same Province. During his connection with the Association he contributed several papers on medical sub- jects.
He was unanimously elected Governor of the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Lower Canada, in the place of the late Dr. Smallwood.
One of the founders of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Montreal, he has three times held the position of Vice-President, and twice that of President, no small honor in a city where the profession stands so high, and a fair indication, it may be presumed, of the estimation in which he is held by his professional brethren; while the unanimity with which he was called upon to accept, and apparently with great reluctance on his part, the Civic Chair by the members of his own profession as well as by the public at large, is the best testimony that could be given of the esteem in which he is held by all classes and conditions of the community. The boldness and frankness of the inaugural address of the new Mayor was of a char- acter to call forth encomiums from the Press generally — the Witness speaking of it as equalling Gladstone's efforts, in clothing the dryest material in poetic language.
The ease and elegance with which Dr. Kingston writes render it a matter of regret to medical readers that he does not contribute so frequently as formerly to the Medical Press of the country. For several years, Dn Kingston wrote largely. Morgan, in his Bibliotheca Canadensis, mentions a dozen of papers from his pen, the more important being on the state of medicine in Paris and Berlin ; and a series of papers on the climate of Canada in its sanitary aspects. This latter paper the Doctor, a personal friend of the Author of this sketch and for many years his family physician, wrote especially for The British American Reader, the first of the Author's books introduced into Catholic and Protestant schools alike, and by School Act once the basis of the Examination in Dictation, etc., of Candidates for school diplomas for the Province of Quebec. As years have rolled on, however, and as professional duties have been multiplied, Dr. Kingston's efforts in that direction have been less frequent, and of a more desultory character ; only being called forth in connection with some circumstances or study of special interest.
He is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, besides the honorary titles of D.C.L. and M.L.A., and other lately acquired degrees and dis- tinctions. Dr. Kingston has received at the hands of Universities and Societies every honor it was possible to confer. The British Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the State Societies of New York, Massachusetts, and Michi- gan elected him to honorary membership. Dr. Kingston married, in 1875, Margaret, daughter of the Hon. D. A. Macdonald, then Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and has four sons and one daughter.
JUDGE DELORIMIER.
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HON. JUDGE DELORIMIER, LL.D.
CHARLES CHAMILLY DELORIMIER was born September 13, 1842, at Dubuque, Iowa, U.S.A. His father was J. B. Chamilly DeLorimier, advocate of Montreal, and his mother,, Rachel Cadieux de Courville. He was educated at the Jesuits College of St. Mary's. Even when a young student he showed signs of his love of literature by composing a very interesting brochure entitled, " Three Days' Fete at St. Mary's College." He afterwards studied Law under Maximilien Bibaud and Achille Bell, advocates. During his curriculum Judge DeLorimier was elected President of the Catholic Union for the academic year 1861-62. He was made delegate to repre- sent this Society in the Catholic Congress held at Quebec in 1880. He was admitted to the Bar, September 4th, 1865, and practised with his brother, T. C. DeLorimier ; then with D. Girouard, Q.C., M.P. for Jacques Cartier County. Judge DeLorimier was elected a member of the Council of the Bar in 1878, and appointed one of the Examiners ior the District of Montreal, and occupied for three successive sessions the high distinction of Syndic of the Bar of Montreal. It was when he was thus honored that he was instrumental in reforming the condition of the bailiffs. He was the chief one in getting this profession recognised as a Corporation, and went to plead their cause before the Legislature at Quebec. This important step resulted in this body of men now having an Act of Incorporation and Bye-laws to govern them- selves.
He was one of the founders of La Thenis, a public review, from 1879 to 1884 along with the late Hon. T. J. J. Loranger, Judge.
His principal work was commenced in 1870, and entitled tl Bibliotheque de Code Civil." This great undertaking consisted of eighteen volumes, and is found in every library of any advocate of importance. Another important work is his " Cours de Droit Criminel."
From 1873 to 1875, he filled the situation of Crown Prosecutor for the District of Terrebonne. He was created a Q.C., September 12, 1879, by the Quebec Govern- ment, and also October 3, 1882, by the Dominion Government of Canada. He was Professor of Criminal Law in Laval University in 1880, and in 1882 it conferred on him the title of LL.D., Doctor of Laws. In 1886, he was named "Procureur" of the " Credit Foncier." On the i5th April, 1889, ne was raised to tne high honor of being appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of the Province of Quebec, and the choice never fell on one more suitable and more capable, or on one who knew more of Law in all its phases and departments.
In 1865, the Judge married Delle. St. Jean, of Montreal, and has four children living.
434 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. LOUIS BEAUBIEN.
THE subject of this sketch is the son of the late Pierre Beaubien, -Esq., M.D., and is descended from Trottier de Beaubien, who came to Canada from Perche, France, in 1650. He was born in 1837, and was educated at St. Sulpice College of this city. He entered public life in 1867, being returned for Hochelaga County in the Legis- lative Assembly, which he represented up to 1885. He was also elected to the House of Commons in 1872, which seat he held until 1874, when dual representation was abolished. He was Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from 1876 to 1878. He has to a great extent devoted himself to agriculture and improving the. breed of cattle and horses in the Province, and to this end has succeeded in establishing a fine stud farm called the " H arras National." He was an active promoter of the Montreal Colonization Railway, and was vice-president of the same. The Laurent ides Railway also received great assistance from him. He has served in the Volunteers, and held the rank of Captain in the old Chasseurs Canadiens, now the 651)1 Bat- talion. Mr. Beaubien has had long experience as a legislator, and is looked upon as a safe man. He is a fair speaker, and an authority on Agriculture. He married, in 1864, Susanne Lauretta, daughter of the late Hon. Justice Stuart, of Quebec. He is now in the Cabinet of the Province, since the dismissal of the Mercier Government in December last, as Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Beaubien has done a good deal, not cwily for the agriculture of his country, but in many other ways, and his career is not without results already shown of his competency and ability.
F. M. LEPAILLEUR.
THE following sketch is taken from an interview with Mr. Lepailleur some short time before his death. He says : "I was born at Boucherville, but had been a resident for some years at Chateauguay, when the Insurrection broke out. During 1837 nothing of any importance took place in that locality. In 1838, however, the inhabitants were much moved by what had taken place elsewhere, and decided to take a hand in the movement which in our eyes solely tended towards securing the independence of the country. Those who were most active in organizing in our locality were Cardinal, Duquette, Dr. Newcombe and Jos. Dumouchel. I was unwilling at first to mix in the affair, but when I was told we would receive assistance from the United States I went in with the others. Previous to this I had assisted Cardinal and Dr. Robert Nelson in escaping to the United States. When the former returned we began meeting in small numbers in secret, and finally some two hundred of the inhabitants of the place had been initiated. Things went on quietly enough until the first days of November, when we were informed by Cardinal and Duquette that they had been ordered by Mr. John Macdonald. a lawyer in Montreal, who was looked upon as the head centre, that we were to march to Caughnawaga and there receive arms from the Indians. On the evening of November 3, some two hundred of us met by appoint- ment at the Church door, many of us armed, but the majority unarmed. It was about nine o'clock when we started to cover a distance of about six miles. We made but
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slow progress; the roads were very muddy and we were in no particular hurry Towards the dawn of day we halted at the outskirts of the wood, just outside the village. It appears that Cardinal and Duquette had received a promise from Mr. George DeLorimier, a resident of the place, that they would receive assistance in the way of aims, etc. Our intention was to then march back to Beauharnois and there join the Patriots. Cardinal, Duquette and Newcombe left us in the wood and went into the village to confer with DeLorimier. They were a longtime away, and I began to grow suspicious that all was not as we expected. Some of the men began disper- sing, and Cardinal and Duquette said that they had been led into a trap, and they escaped along the river front. DeLorimier and some of his friends had given the alarm, and the whole body of Indians, some two hundred strong, were preparing to make us prisoners. We did not expect a fight and consequently did not prepare for it. I was standing near the old Chapel on the Chateauguay road, quite near to the village, when I saw DeLorimier coming towards me with a large number of armed Indians. As he came up, I said : ' Where is Cardinal and Duquette ? ' 'I did not see them,' he replied, and then" he added, 'yes, they were at my place, but they are gone.' While this conversation was going on, I saw that we were being surrounded, I was armed with two revolvers, but did not attempt to use them. My friends wanted to fire, but I prevented them, and we were all made prisoners. I received a slight scratch on the hand, caused by one of the Indians, but nothing more. No shots were fired and no one was injured.
" We had fallen into a trap which had evidently been prepared before hand. We were taken to the village under this strong escort and thence crossed over to Lachine in boats. Here about one hundred armed men surrounded us, and the march into the city was commenced. The roads were very bad and we were all covered with mud, and many were nearly exhausted for want of rest and'nourishment. No demonstration took place along the road ; but in the city a large crowd followed us, flinging epithets which were not very complimentary. The word ' rebels ' sounded over all. It was two o'clock when we reached the gaol (the present one), and I was the first to enter it. Our feelings can better be imagined than portrayed. Our names were taken and food was given us. \Ve remained for a couple of days together, but after that we were confined to the cells and saw very little of each other. It was ten o'clock that night when Cardinal and Duquette were brought in.
" Four days later Sir John Colborne suspended the habeas corpus and proclaimed martial law. On the 271)1 the court martial, composed of Major-General Clitherow and fifteen officers, was constituted, and on the 28th the trials commenced. At nine o'clock on that day twelve of us were taken up for trial under strong guard to the old Court House which stood on the square before the present Court House and City Hall. Large crowds witnessed our arrival. The court room was small, and but few uninterested spectators were admitted. The members of the Court sat around a table and we stood in a corner of the room, twelve of us. Cardinal, Duquette, Thibert and myself among the number. The prosecution was carried on by Mr. D.
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Mondelet, Mr. C. D. Day, and Captain Muller, who were styled Judge-Advocates. We were defended by Mr. Lewis T. Drummond and Mr. Pierre Moreau, whom we had sent for. The trials lasted several days. A large number of witnesses were examined. I did not attempt to disprove the facts alleged, but produced two wit- nesses as to character. Proceedings were carried on in a summary manner. When the trial was over we were brought back, and the next day we were told that we had all been sentenced to death, and were called into the gaoler's room, where the sentences were read to us. Cardinal, Duquette, J. L. Thibert and myself, however, had not been recommended to clemency, and therefore we did not expect to be commuted. We therefore expected to die, but when? That was the great question. On Tuesday afternoon, December 18, Cardinal was called into the gaoler's quarters. You may imagine with what intense interest we awaited his coming out. He returned in a few minutes as calm as ever, and merely said : ' My friends, I expected it ; I am to die, Friday.' Poor young Duquette was next called in, and a moment later he returned. He had also been told to prepare for death on the same day. It was hard for him to die while still so young, but he faced his dreadful fate with fortitude. My anxiety continued. I was preparing to die, and was expecting to be informed of the date every minute. The day passed, however, and I thought that the execution had been postponed for a week, and that my turn would come on the following Friday. I saw very little of poor Cardinal. He recommended to me his wife and children ; he- seemed to regret to die only on their account. Cardinal's wife came often to see him, and heartrending scenes followed. Duquette's widowed mother was with him until the eve of the execution. Those were sad days all, I can tell you. On the morning fixed for the dual execution we awoke early. Rev. Father Labelle, Cure of Chateau- guay, who had prepared Cardinal and Duquette for the next world, celebrated Mass, at which the whole twelve of us assisted and partook of Communion, after which I retired to my cell after one last farewell to my friends. I saw them pass on their march to the scaffold, shortly before eleven o'clock, accompanied by the priests and the officers of the gaol ; that was the last time I saw them. I did not witness the execution, which took place in presence of a large crowd over the entrance to the gaol. Neither of them spoke. Cardinal died without a struggle, but poor Duquette met with a terrible fate. The rope, it appears, had been badly adjusted, and when he fell, his face struck against the side of the scaffold and became covered with blood. His agony was frightful ; he had to be launched by the hangman a second time. I am not aware where his remains lie, but those of Cardinal I had removed from the old cemetery, Dominion Square, some years ago to Cote des Neiges ceme- tery, and over them now stands the monument erected to the memory of the Men of 1837—38. Two days after the execution of my two friends, I was informed by Rev. Abbe Quiblier, Superior of the Sulpicians, that I would be saved. I was never able to ascertain by what influence this was done, but I have always suspected that my good angels were my two aunts, two cloistered nuns who spent sixty years of their lives in the Hotel Dieu. Having been removed to another cell in the meantime I
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was an unwilling witness of the executions of Robert, Hamelin, the two Sangtiinets and Decoigne, on January 18, and of Narbonne, Nicolas, Daunais, Hindelang and DeLorimier, on February 12, following.
" I will never forget those horrible sights as long as I live. The executions took place on the prison wall over the entrance, and were witnessed by immense throngs. I remained in prison until September 29, following, when with fifty-seven others I was placed on board of a sailing vessel, and left for Australia, to which country we were transported. Our leaving our country with our families, helpless women and children, was painful to a degree. We never knew when we would return. At Quebec we were transported to a man-of-war, and then we proceeded on our long journey to Sydney, New South Wales, where we landed. For the first two-and-a-half years we were detained in a penal establishment, just outside of the city, and given hard work. Through the intervention of Mgr. Folding, Bishop of Sydney, with Sir John Russell, we obtained our liberty, but were not free to return to Canada until two years and-a-half later. All of us returned except two, one who had died and another who settled in Australia. I arrived in Montreal on January 19, 1845, after having gone through enough experience to satisfy any man."
Some years later, Mr. Lepailleur married Cardinal's widow, and was the means of assisting in bringing up his family, and of thus carrying out his friend's last wish. The old gentleman died not long since, almost the last, if not the last, of the Patriots of 1837-1838.
HON. JUDGE SANBORN.
THE late Judge John Sewell Sanborn is better known in Sherbrooke than in Montreal. He was an Advocate for twenty-five years in that city. The subject of this sketch was born at Gilmonton, New Hampshire, U.S.A., ist January, 1819. He then studied at Dartmouth, graduating thence both B.A. in 1842 and M.A. in 1845. He also received an M.A. from Bishop's College, Lennoxville, in 1855. From the latter College he was made, in 1873, a Doctor of Civil Law, D.C.L. Next year, he received the honorary degree of LL.D. from his Alma Mater.
After Judge Sanborn left Dartmouth, he came to Sherbrooke, where he taught as Principal of the Academy for three years ; meanwhile, studying Law with Mr. Justice Short, finishing his studies with Messrs. A. & W. Robertson, of Montreal. He was admitted to practice, January, 1847. When Judge Short died in 1874, Sir John A. Macdonald, notwithstanding some political differences, at once raised Mr. Sanborn to the Bench of the Superior Court. After a year, the Liberals, being in power, transferred him to the Court of Queen's Bench, where he remained to his death. He died July lyth, 1877. So well liked was the Judge that, at his funeral, no less than six judges were pall-bearers — Judges Monk, Badgley, Rainville (all since deceased), Doherty, Johnson (now Sir Francis Johnson), and Berthelot.
He was twice married — first, in 1847, to Eleanor Hall Brooks, daughter of Samuel Brooks, of Sherbrooke, who died in 1853 ; the second time, to N. Judson Hazeltine, of Bradford, Mass., who also died December, 1874.
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A. A. LATOUR, M.D.
DR. LATOUR was born at Lachine, 22nd December, 1842. His parents were Andre La tour and Rose Delina Brunelle. He was educated at Lachine, after- wards at St. Therese College — among the students with him was Hon. J. Alderic Ouimet, now one of the Privy Council of Canada, and finally at St. Mary's College, Montreal. His medical studies were taken at McGill. In 1864, he matriculated, then became a teacher at Lachine for some years. Returning to McGill, he passed his primary examinations in 1870, and final in 1872 in Bishop's College. After this he went to the United States to practice, and in 1874-75 went to London, England, and Paris, France, to attend the different hospitals. j^In the latter year he received his diploma as Licentiate for the Province of Quebec, and began practicing in Mon- treal same year. He was appointed in 1874 Demonstrator of Anatomy in Bishop's Col" lege in place of Dr. Perrigo, resigned, which position he maintained till 1878. In 1880, he returned to the United States, to Thompson, Conn. There he was a member of the Medical Society of Windham County. In 1888, he returned to Montreal, Canada, for his health. Since his return he has practiced in the city, and resides on St. Louis square. He married, in 1875, Miss Marie M. Robert of Cote des Neiges. The Doctor has an extensive practice, and is much thought of by his confreres.
CHARLES DESMARTEAU
WAS born at Boucherville, 5th September, 1839. His father was Rtienne Desmar- teau, of the same place. He arrived in Montreal at the age of twenty years, and began the business of a grocer. His was a very large establishment near the old eastern boundary of Montreal. He prospered in this undertaking. In 1869, he was elected to the City Council, to represent St. Mary's Ward, and also was re-elected by acclamation in 1872 as Alderman of the City to represent the same Ward. He was a great promoter to extend St. Catherine street beyond the city limits, which was accomplished in the annexation of Hochelaga to Montreal, and this street is now running through the whole of that new adjunct to the City. He was once Dir- ector of several Societies for the developing of Montreal, but latterly gave up his civic duties as well as his store, and has directed himself to the profession of Assignee and Accountant. He is one of the principal Assignees of Montreal, and many estates are yearly placed by the Court in his hands to be wound up.
WILLIAM IRELAND.
HE was born at Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1773, and came to Montreal in 1791, when eighteen years of age — a young Scot determined to push his fortune in the New World. He became bookkeeper to Messrs. Forsythe, Richardson & Co., and died in 1822 of paralysis. He had married Anastasia Genery. His son, called after him, went to Kingston and died in 1879, leaving quite a number of sons and daughters, all of whom are now in responsible positions. He had been for years Chamberlain to the City of Kingston and Treasurer to Queen's College, in which office his son, grandson of the subject of our sketch, succeeded his father at his death.
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REV. JAMES HENRY DIXON
WAS born in Kildare, P.Q., on the 20th of June, 1843. His father, Lieut. John Dixon, J.P., was one of the earliest settlers of the Township of Kildare, and took an active part in church, school and municipal matters. His paternal grandfather belonged to an old English family which furnished several soldiers to the country, and which settled in Ireland many years ago, when marriage alliances were entered into with an Irish family. Mr. Dixon was early destined for the Church, and con- tinued his studies at Berthier and Bishop's College Schools, of the latter of which he is an undergraduate. He was ordained to the office of a Deacon by the Right Reverend Dr. Oxenden, Bishop of Montreal, in the year 1870, and to the office of a Priest by the same in 1871. His first charge was the Mission of Mille Isles, P.Q., where he is still kindly remembered by the people. He next spent four years in charge of Grenville, P.Q., where he had charge of a district now ministered to by two additional clergymen. In 1876, Mr. Dixon was inducted into the charge of the Rectorale of St. Jude's, Montreal. Mr. Dixon has now held the position for sixteen years, during which time he has seen the church property increased in value as a result and blessing upon his efforts by at least $28,000. St. Jude's Church has now a seating capacity of nine hundred persons. The congregations are good, and the attendance at the Sunday School, Band of Hope, and all the organizations of the church large. The large number of five hundred families claim St. Jude's. Since Mr. Dixon's incumbency, there have been changes in the Rectorate of all the Churches of England in the city, with the exception of St. James the Apostle, St. John the Evangelist's, and St. Stephen's, so that he is now the fourth in degree of seniority of the Rectors of this city. He has been deeply interested in Temperance, and held at one time the post of Secretary of the Diocesan Temperance Society. At ihe age of twenty-one, Mr. Dixon married Miss Frances Jane Connolly, daughter of the late James Connolly, Esq., of Clarenceville, P.Q., and of Margaret Crawford Adams. Of the issue of this marriage, five children still live, one of whom is Dr. John C. Dixon, Dentist, of this city, a young man destined to make his name known among the Progressive Dentists of the day.
LEWIS JAMES SEARGEANT
WAS born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, and came first to America in 1874. After along experience of railways in England, heca me to this country. He had been connected wiih several of the largest, amongst them the South Wales. Upon its amalgamation with the Great \Vestern, Mr. Seargeant was handsomely rewarded and appointed Superintendent of the South Wales Division. lie then joined the South Division as General Manager and Secretary. Being offered a lucrative appoint- ment in India, he declined at the request of the North Western Company, and by doing so \vas still further rewarded. He was the first appointed Traffic Manager
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on any railway on this Continent, and we are happy to state that Mr. Seargeant has at last reached the goal of all his progression and advance, being now the General Manager of the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada ; and when we look back, as the Author can, to the inception and progress of that Railway — its former Managers, Messrs. Blackwell and C. J. Brydges, and its late manager, Sir Joseph Hickson, and all the various phases it has passed through, we may say that now our first Grand (for its detractors cannot take away its name) Canadian Railway will progress more, and in the twentieth century be a blessing to Canada.
Mr. Seargeant is a man of rather a commanding appearance, well cultured and a good linguist — qualities very necessary in the head of a great establishment like the Grand Trunk. Besides these, he has written quite considerably on many subjects, such as the " Pool Question," and an able " Review on the English Railway System." Mr. Seargeant married Elizabeth Sedley Barnes, sister of the well-known physician of London, England, Dr. Robert Barnes.
HUGH DAVID LUMSDEN
WAS born at Belchelvie Lodge, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, yth September, 1844. His father was the late Colonel Lumsden, C.B., and his mother, Hay Burnett. The Lumsden family are conspicuous in the annals of Great Britain. He was educated at Aberdeen, and, after his coming to Canada, joined the volunteers. He was engineer in charge of the Toronto and Nipissing Railway, also of the Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway, and other works in Ontario. He has latterly been Engineer to the Canadian Pacific Railway. Is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, England. He married, October, 1885, Mary Frederica, only daughter of J. W. G. Whitney, of Toronto, and now resides in Montreal.
JOSEPH VINCENT
WAS born at Longueuil, igih March, 1835. His father was Antoine Vincent, and mother, Melanie Cere. He chose mechanics for his career, and after some years entered into the opening up of a large foundry at Longueuil. After Confederation, he was appointed to a position in the Inland Revenue at Montreal, August, 1867. He passed a first-class examination, and, in 1877, was promoted to the Deputy Col- lectorship. When the position of Collector became vacant in 1879, the subject of our sketch was advanced to the office, and never was appointment made better than in this case, " the right man in the right place." In 1880, he was elected Mayor of the Town of Longueuil ; but could only accept the honor for one year, having to attend to his Revenue duties, which were paramount of all honors and distinctions. He married, November, 1858, Philomene Theroux, and he had the large family of fifteen children. Mr. Vincent is a fine example of a self-made man, and by honesty and push has raised himself to the position which he now enjoys.
HON. SENATOR HOLLAND.
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SENATOR HOLLAND
WAS born at Vercheres, 2nd January, 1815. His father was Pierre Rolland and his mother was Euphrasine Donais, of the Parish of Contrecceur. His parents removed, in his early childhood, to St. Hyacinthe, where the subject of this sketch was educated in the Parish school. On April ist, 1832, Mr. Rolland reached Montreal after a forty- five miles tramp from St. Hyacinthe, on miserable roads, and crossing the Richelieu River, when the ice was loose and very dangerous. When he arrived in Montreal, he knew not a living soul in the place, and, faint and weary, he applied for a situation of any kind or for information what to do, at a house in St. Vincent street, the property which he afterwards bought, and which is now the well-known house of J. B. Rolland & Fils. Not long after he entered the office of La Minerve as an apprentice, and remained there till he became of age. After this he worked as a journeyman for four years. For the next few years he went into the job printing business with John Thompson, the firm being then called Rolland & Thompson. Since 1842, to his death, Mr. Rolland was in the book and printing business, and to help the cause of education he printed several school books. And here I must state that no man was more anxious to edit and bring out the work of provincial authors than the late Mr. Rolland. He published at his own expense, for the Author of this work, his Canadian Geography — a little manual, the first school book of Can- adian Geography published after the Confederation. It was well received, as it spoke of all the changes which the new Dominion involved.
During years past Mr. Rolland let his sons, associated with him in the business, manage the ever-increasing concern of their large store. He devoted him- self to house building, of which many now can testify to his ambition to extend the boundaries of his adopted city. After a most trying and energetic life, he was raised to the high honor of being nominated one of the Senators of Canada ; but did not live long to enjoy the position. He died universally lamented on the 22nd March, 1888.
His sons are the sole agents for the Rolland Paper Company of St. Jerome. This immense mill, one of the finest in Canada, was erected to supply a great demand for home paper, and ever since it has been running continuously in giving to Can- adians as fine a commercial paper as can be procured in Canada. This house was established in the year 1842 by their father, the late Senator Rolland, and since that date has prospered in a marked degree ; the energy and ability, coupled with the intimate knowledge of all the details connected with the trade possessed by the partners having had their due effect. But it must be noticed here that, especially to Mr. J. B. Rolland, who for years has had the entire management of the works, is due much of its prosperity and wonderful growth. He is here the right man in the right place. The mills of this company are located in the picturesque village of St. Jerome, and are among the best of their kind in the Dominion, and they are the only manufacturers in Canada of tub-sized and loft dried papers, linens, book papers, etc. The members of the firm are well and favorably known in commercial circles in Montreal as men of great business ability and foresight, thoroughly cognizant of
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all that pertains to their trade, and always interested in anything that goes on for the benefit of the city and its commerce. The eldest son, Damien Rolland, has been in the Council — first, of Hichelaga, and then in Montreal — latterly as Chairman of the important Committee of Finance for the Jong period of twenty years. He is one of the best known of our Aldermen, and well liked by the English portion. Having lost his election in Hochelaga lately, through the influence of the Labor League, he has been unanimously elected by the richest and most influential section of the city, the St Antoine Ward, to take the place of Alderman Shorey, resigned. The other sons, Octavien Rolland and Damasien Rolland, are also associated in the immense business of the firm.
HON. HENRI F. RAINVILLE, LL.B.
THE late Judge was brother to H. B. Rain ville, whose sketch is found at page 151 of this GAZETTEER. He was born at St. Marie de Monnoir, County of Rouville, i6th December, 1839. His father was Jos. Felix Rainville : his mother, Marie Louise Daigneau. He was- educated at St- Hyacinthe College. His legal studies were made in Laval, of which Institution he was LL.B. After his studies, he was admitted to the Bar in 1862. He practised in Montreal till called to the Bench of the Superior Court in February, 1876, occasioned by the death of Mr. Justice J. U. Beaudry. Before this, he had been Professor of Real Estate Law in McGill University. He married, in 1867, Helene Herminie, daughter of the late Gustave Drolet, of Montreal. She died in 1872. Judge Rainville, for a year or two before his death, did not enjoy good health. He went to Paris in search of it, after being retired from the Bench, but died there last year. He was a man of clear and correct judgment, and had a keen perception of all points of Law.
LOUIS BOYER.
HE was born in Montreal, 3oth November, 1793. His father was Francois Boyer, and his mother, Josette Boutone. He commenced lite as a mason, and was one of the contractors of the Rideau Canal, also of the Penitentiary of Kingston. Attentive to his work and persevering in all the details of such large undertakings as the above, with many others, he soon acquired a fortune of over a million dollars. He acquired immense properties of land near Montreal and in the centre of the village of Lachine and other places.
On i4th July, 1836, he married Mile. Aurelie Mignault de St. Denis. She was a niece of the well-known Cure. M. Mignault. He had three sons and two daughters. Two short sketches of two of the sons are given elsewhere. His (laughters were Madame Auguste Amor and Madame Horace Baby. He died 2ist December, 1870. He had been one of the Directors of La Ban -[tie Jacques Cartier. His charitable character is seen in his leaving $4,000 in perpetuity t3 give bread to the poor. He was an intimate friend of L. J. Papineau, Sir L. Lafontaine, A. N. Morin, and other well-known names in Canadian historv.
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GUSTAVE ADOLPHE DROLET, CHEVALIER,
WAS born at St. Pie, County of Bagot,, February, 1844. His father was Charles Drolet, of that place. He is the grandson of J. T. Drolet, the Seigneur of the large and beautiful Seigniory of St. Marc, and who played an important part in 1837, and was for many years representative to the House of Assembly for the County of Ver- cheres.
Mr. Drolet was educated in the College of St. Hyacinthe and then at Terre- bonne (Masson College). He studied Law at St. John d'Iberville with the Honorable C. J. Laberge, and was admitted to the practice of the Law in 1867. He then enrolled as one of the Pontifical Zouaves, and whilst at Rome was the correspondent of the Minerve. He has refused several times to be a member of either the Federal or Local Parliaments. He has written several marked articles in the Canadian Press, and was for two years following, the President of the " L'Union Allet."
Mr. Drolet visited, whilst travelling in Europe and Asia, among other places Athens, Malta, Paris, Andros, Smyrna, Ephesus and Constantinople.
He and his co-partners, Messrs. Aldermen David and Rivard, late Mayor, imbued with a desire of improving the northwest section of the city, bought, some years ago, the farm *' Comte," and, in one year, 1874,11101-6 than one hundred houses were built on the lots which were sold from this purchase. They also built in Drolet street a number of cottages (forty-five), forming a beautiful terrace which they have named " Place Comte " in remembrance of the original proprietor. These houses were just the kind wanted in Montreal, the rents averaging from $160 to $200 per annum, and containing all improvements, and situated in one of the pleasantest and healthiest places in the city. Every one who thus extends and builds healthy and agreeable but cheap and compact houses for the middle classes, is indeed benefiting the city, and deserves the thanks of all interested for the good work. There is perhaps not a better spot for the erection of houses than in the finely located ground above Sherbrooke street east. The view is here magnificent, stretching away down the river and across the country, bounded by the blue mountains of St. Hilaire or Belceil beyond. Mr. Drolet resided for some years past in Paris, but he returned to Montreal, where he now lives.
JOHN McDOUGALL
WAS one of the self-made and prosperous men of Montreal. Proprietor of the Caledonia Foundry. He is a native of Berwickshire, Scotland, and was born in 1826. He came to Canada in 1832 with his parents, and received an ordinary English education, such as what was given in those days. He started the Caledonia Foundry in 1854, and from a small beginning the establishment now covers between three and four acres in extent. He does a great deal of work for the different lines of railroad coining into Montreal. His work generally is heavy machinery, large steam engines and boilers, also saw and grist mills, and the complicated machinery used in sugar manufactories. Mr. McDougall has ever borne the name of being a
444 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
generous and straightforward gentleman. Knowing the advantage of first-class educa- tion, he has given his children the advantages of the best institutions both in and out of Montreal. What he has accumulated has been by .his own innate industry, which like virtue always brings its own reward.
HON. D, B. VIGER
WAS born in Montreal, August 19, 1774. After having completed his studies, he entered the office of L. C. Foucher, Parliamentary Representative for Montreal and Solicitor General. His first writings were in the Gazette of Montreal. In this cor- respondence Mr. Viger vigorously defended the citizens. He was only eighteen years old at the time. He then went to Quebec to complete his studies under J. A. Panet, and was admitted to the Bar, March 9, 1799. All at once a popular star arose for the advantage of the French Canadians, and he so advocated their just rights that he was elected to represent the East Division of Montreal in 1808. The same year his cousin, L. J. Papineau, was elected for the County of Kent, now no more seen on the map of Canada. Let me now quote what I received seventeen years ago regarding this election. It says, speaking of these two great names : " C'6taient deux nobles intelligences qui se levaient ensemble a 1'horison de la patrie. C'etaient deux mains puissantes qui venaient an secours de la liberte menacee." In the administration of Governor Craig he was incarcerated, but released in 1810. He represented then the County of Leincester, now wiped out from Canadian Geography. He then represented the County of Kent from 1816 to 1830. Such a length of service that we may calculate on the results of his Parlia- mentary career in the twenty years his constituents reposed confidence in him.
In 1828, Mr. Viger chose Mr. Neilson and Mr. Cuvillier to go to England, carrying with them the historical address of the Canadian people to the Throne of Britain, and exposing the grievances of the administration of the Governor Dalhousie. This wonderful petition had 80,000 signatures of the Canadian people, a vast num- ber, considering all things and the census of the people at that time. It resulted, as we all know, in the recall of Lord Dalhousie, and the granting of favorable terms to the Parliament of Lower Canada. Mr. Viger was raised to the Higher Court of Parliament by Governor Sir James Kempt. He took part in the troubles of 1837-38, and was thrown into prison. His papers were confiscated, and he was subjected to •every indignity.
He had an eventful life during the times of 1837-38, and on till 1850, ever fore- most in advancing the interests of his native country.
D. B. Viger stands out prominently as the Father of the Canadian Press of Montreal. He founded the Spectator, he was connected with Minerve and the VAtirore des Canadas. He much aided the efforts of Ludger Duvernay, who was then the proprietor of the Minerve. He was one of the founders of FOrdre, and encour- aged the publication of I' Echo of the Cabinet de Lecture.
Full of Christian generosity and Catholic Christianity, he died in 1861 at the advanced age of eighty-six years and six months. We may well say in the words of a contemporary historian : " Sa mort a etc celle d'un vrai chretien." Requiescat in pace.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 445.
EDWARD A. ST. GEORGE HUGHES
WAS born July 5, r84y, at St. Therese. His father was Henry B. Hughes, Advocate and Clerk of the Peace, and his mother's name was Eliza Dumoulin. He was edu- cated at Nicolet College, and admitted as a Notary in 1873, and called to the Bar of Lower Canada in January, 1881. He first practised in partnership with Hon. J. A. Ouimet, now one of the Privy Council of the Dominion of Canada. For two years he was Deputy Clerk of the Peace and the Clerk for Licences for the City of Mon- treal. He resigned these appointments to become Brigade-Major for No. 6 Military District. He received a first-class certificate at the Military School of Quebec, be- came then Major of the 65th Battalion in 1880, and in being appointed Brigade- Major was made a Brevet Lieut.-Colonel.
When the North-West Rebellion broke out, he waved his rank of Lieut.- Colonel, and went as major of his old corps to the front, which he commanded at the engagements of Frenchmen's Cut, May 28, 1885. He was recommended by General Middleton to be a full Colonel for his actions then. He was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Montreal, April 17, 1888. When he took the reins of this most important office of the city in hand, there were 228 men of all ranks in the strength of the Police Force, now by his exertions he has had it raised to the num- ber of 320 with three new stations. He has also got the pay of the men increased 25 per cent, and has thoroughly reorganized the whole staff and departments. He is now engaged on an important book on the duties of the constabulary. He was the mainspring in preparing the rules and regulations of the Benefit Fund now in exist- ence in the Force.
His greatgrandfather was a Caleb Hughes, who arrived in Montreal in 1825, and who was transferred to what was then known as the Canadian Fencibles, for the Chief has come of an old fighting military family. His grandfather was in the Eng- lish army, the 78th Highlanders, and his uncle Cartright died at Lacolle in the War of 1812. The Chief is a fine specimen of the old family, and to him can truly be applied the nautical saying, he is " a chip of the old block."
REV. FATHER QUINLIVAN.
THE vacant pastorate of St. Patrick's Church has been filled, and filled by an appoint- ment that seems most natural, and one that will doubtless be very welcome to the parishioners of that Church. The successor of the late Father Dowd is the priest who for a number of years has been connected with that Church as assistant, the Rev. Father John Quinlivan. It is a name well known to the Irish Roman Catholics of Montreal, and the reverend gentleman is recognized by all as a worthy successor to the important charge left vacant by the death of Father Dowd. Rev. John Quinli- van is an Upper Canadian by birth, and his youth was spent in that Province where he received his early education. He pursued his classical studies in the School of the Basilian Fathers, Toronto, which is a branch College of the Mother House of the Fathers of St. Basil, an order established more than half a century ago at Lyons,.
446 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
France. He graduated with high honors and then came to Montreal and entered the Department of Philosophy of the Seminary of St. Sulpice. After completing his studies there, he pursued for four years his theological studies, in the Grand Seminary and then went to Paris and entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice there, but poor health compelled him to return to Montreal. Shortly after his return he was or- dained by Archbishop Fabre, and became one of the Professors at the Grand Semi- nary on Sherbrooke street. His principal pastoral work has been in connection with St. Patrick's Church over which he is now called to preside as Parish Priest. For several years he was Father Dowd's principal assistant, and was entrusted with a large portion of the administration of the finances of the parish. It was in a measure owing to his thorough knowledge of the parish work and its interests that he has received his present important position. In speaking of Father Quinlivan, one of his fellow-priests said : " He is a thoroughly educated gentleman of a rather retiring disposition. He is a close student, an indefatigable worker and an easy but convincing speaker. He is a man worthy of the greatest confidence." He fully appreciated the sterling qualities of his predecessor, and, no doubt, he will walk closely in his foot- steps, and thus secure a continuation of the prosperous state in which Father Dowd left the parish. Rev. Father Quinlivan is a man about forty-six years of age. He is still in his prime, and, no doubt, many years of great usefulness are before him in the broad field of labor which the parish of St. Patrick's opens before him.
J. A. LABADIE, N.P.,
WAS born in Montreal, June 5, 1805. His father was Joseph Labadie, and his mother, Marie Francome Desautels. When he was only seven years of age he entered the College of Montreal. After two years he went for five years to the Col- lege of St. Thomas at Verchere^ under the direction of Rev. Messire T. Kimber and his uncle, Mr. Louis G. Labadie. In 1819, at fourteen, he returned to Montreal. His parents wanted to make him a merchant and placed him in the care of the well-known Austin Cuvillier, where he remained about two months. His desire being seen that he wished to be a notary, he was placed in the charge of J. M. Cadieux, a very dis- tinguished notary of the city at that time, where he remained till he was nineteen years old and had completed his curriculum. As he could not be, for his youth, admitted to the profession for two years, Mr. Cadieux gave him full charge of the office, in which he continued till June 25, 1826, when hs was admitted to practice the profession of a notary on his own account. He then went for a year to prac- tice at Laprairie with Pierre Lanctot, but was requested by quite a number of clients to come back to Montreal, which he did in 1827. His office was where the Banque du Peuple now stands. During his life he was President of the old Chamber of Notaries of Montreal ; also of the first Provincial Chamber. In 1837, ne was arrested as a political prisoner. Arrested in November, 1838, at the same time as Hon. Sir L. H. Lafontaine, Hon. D. B. Viger and many others, he was detained in gaol for thirty-five days, and at last liberated on giving bail. He was also a Magis-
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 447
tratc and Commissioner and a Lieut. -Colonel in the Militia. The Labadie family have been notaries for generations. His son is a well-known notary of Montreal, J. E. O. Labradie, one of the best and most reliable in the profession, and the grandsons of this sketch are also notaries practicing in Montreal — J. E. O. Labadie, jun., and A. Labadie. Just before the death of the grandfather, a few years ago, there were three generations of notaries all seen practicing in the same office near St. Lambert Hill — a very rare thing and an occurrence happen- ing seldom in a century, No family has more identified themselves with the City of Montreal in its advance and development than that of the family of Labadie. It is an essential thing in real estate to have a notary fit and com- petent to execute deeds and transfers, to write wills and last testaments ; and in all this the Labadie family is excelled by none.
BISHOP OXENDEN.
LONDON, February 23rd, 1892. — "Bishop Oxenden, late Bishop of Montreal and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church in Canada, died in Biarritz yesterday." Such was the cablegram which arrived in Montreal a few days ago.
" The deceased was born at Broome Park, near Canterbury, in 1808, and finished his studies at University College, Oxford, taking his B.A. in 1831. Some three years afterwards he was ordained Priest of the Anglican Church. He entered upon his ministry with zeal and energy. From 1848 to 1869 he was the much-esteemed Rector of Puckley-with-Pemington in the beautiful County of Kent. His ministrations here won for him the love and respect of not only his own parishioners, but also those who differed from the Established Church. In 1864, he was made an Honorary Canon of Canterbury Cathedral.
" The late Bishop Fulford, the first Metropolitan and Primate of Canada, having died in the year 1869, the Anglican Synod of Canada after much deliberation chose The Rev. Ashton Oxenden, of England, as his successor. Bishop Oxenden was thereupon consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury and other Anglican Bishops in Canterbury Cathedral with great ceremony. On his arrival in Canada he energetically set to work to carry out the large and broad ideas of his predecessor, in the developement and extension of the Anglican Church throughout the whole Dominion. Never very strong, his physical powers soon gave way under the great strain of his labors. The climate was also found to be, in winter, too much for his delicate constitution, so that he was compelled, though reluctantly, after serving less than ten years as Metropolitan to offer his resignation of his See, finding the fatigues of the large diocese beyond his then failing strength. As the country at this time was beginning to fill up with a large class of emigrants from England, the majority of whom were of the Anglican faith, the labors of the Metropolitan were increased in seeing after the interest of the Church in this region. Bishop Oxenden, therefore, resigned in April, 1878, and returned to England. In May, 1879, he was instituted to the vicarage of St. Stephen, near Canterbury, where he has ministered up to the time of his demise."
448 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
R. J. DEVINS,
THE late Mr. Devins had been connected with the drug business of this city most his of life, and was one of its leading members. At one time he was the senior member of the firm of Messrs. Devins & Bolton, a well-known firm next the Court House, Notre Dame street. They were in business together in this stand for about ten years, sub- sequent to which he continued it alone until about two years ago, when he gave up the retail business and confined himself to the manufacture of specialties. The deceased was a widower, and had been boarding at the Grey Nunery, where he has a sister — Sister Devins, one of the best known and highest ladies of this great estab- lishment.
DR. DUGDALE.
11 J. J. DUGDALE was a native of Ireland. He was born at Claragara on Lake Garadise^ in the County of Leitrim, in the year 1834. Early in the fifties the family emigrated to Canada and settled in the City of Kingston. Dr. Dugdale was favored with the early advantage of a superior education. For a time he was engaged in commercial life. Determining in favor of the medical profession, he entered the Queen's Uni- versity, and in 1866 graduated in Medicine. Soon after he established himself in Montreal, and for the last twenty-five years he has been practising his profession here with ever-widening influence. For some years, in the early period of his pro- fessional life, Dr. Dugdale held the position of medical officer of health for Montreal. His fidelity in this department of duty was beyond all praise, doubtless saving thou- sands of lives by his vigorous enforcement of sanitary regulations at a period when but little attention was paid to the perils of zymotic diseases."
In his death Montreal has lost one of his most worthy, benevolent and, accord- ing to his means, generous citizens. He was intimately associated with the Dominion Square Methodist Church as a trustee, class leader and Sunday-school teacher. For some years he had been in failing health, and his intimate friends feared that his career might close at any time.
His fatal illness developed on December nth, 1891, the evening following an address on the effects of alcohol on the stomach, at a Royal Templars' entertainment at the Assembly Rooms, Queen's Hall, he being a member of that order, and he died a few days ago.
WILLIAM STEWART.
THIS name figures in the annals of Old Montreal. He must have come to the city about the time of the American war of Independence. He was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He died December, 1787, at sixty-four years of age. He left a widow named Isabella Cowan, who afterwards married Mr. William Hunter. One of the daughters of this marriage afterwards became the wife of the late Sheriff Boston,, and was married to him in 1814. She died in 1821.
JUDGE WURTKLK.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 449
MR. JUSTICE WURTELE
WAS born at Quebec, 2;th January, 1828. His father was Jonathan Wurtele, Seignior of River David, and his mother Louisa Sophia Campbell, of a family well known in Quebec. His paternal ancestors came from Strumfelbagh, a village in Wurtemburg, distant a few miles from Stuttgart, and they can be traced up in the church records to 1559. When he was an infant his father removed his family to River David, in the County of Yamaska, where he spent his youth. He was educated partly at the Quebec Classical School and High School, which was then conducted by the Rev. Francis Lundy, D.C.L., afterwards Principal of McGill Col- lege, and partly at home by a private tutor, Frederick B. Calvert, B.A., Aberdeen. He owes his French education to Mr. Labonte, the then worthy Schoolmaster of River David. He studied Law at Quebec under the Hon. Jean Chabol, M.P.P. for Quebec, and afterwards a Judge of the Superior Court, and was called to the Bar of Lower Canada on the 6th of August, 1850. Shortly after he was offered a partnership by Henry Judah, Q.C., and practised with him at Montreal until 1852, when the Trust and Loan Company of Canada agreed to advance $400,000 to the sufferers by the great fire, and Mr. Judah was appointed the Solicitor and Mr. Wurtele the Agent of the Company. He remained in this office until 1856, when family affairs compelled him to remove to River David, where he resided until 1862. During his residence at River David he was Mayor of the Parish, President of the School Commission, a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of the court of small causes. He returned to Montreal in 1862, and was employed as Chief Clerk of the Seigniorial Commission, of which Henry Judah, Q.C., was the Chief Commissioner, until 1866. He was then associated by the Hon. J. J. C. Abbott, Q.C., in his firm, and practised with him until 1868, .when he formed a partnership with Frederick T. Judah, Q.C., with whom he practised until 1878. He was himself appointed Queen's Counsel, 28th January, 1873. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Desire Girouard, Q.C., and practised with him until 1883.
Mr. Wurtele was appointed a Lecturer on Commercial Law in McGill Univer- sity in 1867, and received the degree of B.C.L. in 1870; in 1871, he was appointed Associate Professor of Commercial Law with the Hon. J. J. C. Abbott, Q.C., whose professional engagements interfered with his lectures. In 1882 he received the degree of D.C.L., and he afterwards resigned his professorship owning to his political engagements, but on the reorganization of the faculty of Law, he accepted the chair of the Law of Real Estate.
At the time of the agitation for the abolition of the Seigniorial tenure Mr. Wurtele was appointed Secretary of the Association of Seigniors formed for co-oper- ation to secure a fair indemnity, and he acted with Louis J. A. Papineau and the late Col. T. E. Campbell, C.B., and the late Hon. John Pangman, as the Executive Com- mittee of the Association. They employed as Counsel on behalf of the Seigniors before the Legislature, Mr. Justice Dunkin and Mr. Justice Ramsay, and through the efforts of these gentlemen and their own exertions, the Bill before the Legislature to which they took exception was modified and the Seigniorial Act of 1854, which did
29
450 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
justice to both Seigniors and Censitaires, was passed. Subsequently they retained and secured the services of the two above-named gentlemen, together with C. S. Cherrier, Q.C., and Mr. Justice McKay, as Counsel for the Seigniors before the Seigniorial Court. Mr. Wurtele is the last Lower Canadian Seignior who ren- dered fealty and homage; having done so on the 3rd February, 1854, between the hands of His Excellency Lieut.-General Rowan, Administrator of the Govern- ment, and his act closes the register of fealty and homage for Lower Canada.
Mr. Wurtele represented for many years the County of Yamaska in the Legis- lative Assembly of Quebec. He was first elected in 1875; then in 1878, after the dismissal of the DeBoucherville Ministry ; then in 1881, and the last time by acclama- tion on his appointment as Provincial Treasurer in 1882. He applied himself prin- cipally to the work of legislation, and carried through many important amendments to our laws, and he was for several sessions Chairman of the Committee on Private Bills, and also Chairman of the Select Committee on the Municipal Code.
In 1880, he was sent to France by the Chapleau Ministry to negotiate a loan of $4,000,000, which was required to continue the construction of the Railway on the North Shore from Quebec to Ottawa, and completed the negotiation and returned to Quebec in forty days. After the loan was voted by the Legislature he returned to France to complete it, and at the same time he organized the Credit Foncier Franco- Canadien, which had considerable influence in effecting a reduction in the rate of interest on loans on real estate, and introduced the system of repayment by amortization, and has been a success, having now loans on real estate tor over $6,500,000. As a recognition of his services in affording a new field for the invest- ment of French capital, he was made an officer of Public Instruction in 1880, and was awarded the Cross of an Officer of the Legion of Honor in 1882. He filled the office of Provincial Treasurer during the years 1882 and 1883, and imposed the tax on commercial corporations, of which the constitutionality was contested both in the Legislative Assembly and in the Court, but was finally acknowledged by the Privy Council. In 1884, he was named Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and occupied the Chair until June, 1886. He rendered many decisions on questions of order and on constitutional questions which are referred to as authority. During his term of office as Speaker he prepared a Manual of Parliamentary Procedure which has been adopted for the use of the Assembly. He was raised to the Bench of the Superior Court for Lower Canada on the 28th June, 1886, and was first assigned to the District of Ottawa, where he remained until November, 1888. His removal was much regret- ted by the inhabitants of the district, and their feelings were expressed by resolu- tions of the Council of the Counties of Ottawa and Pontiac. He was removed to Montreal, and in September, 1891, was appointed an Assistant Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench, in which he now sits. He has earned and holds a high position in judicial circles.
Mr. Wurtele was married twice : the first time on the 7th January, 1854, to Julia Nelson, daughter of the late Dr. Wolfred Nelson ; and the second time on the ist of June, 1875, to Sarah Braniff, daughter of the late Thomas Braniff of New Brighton, Staten Island, N. Y.
GAZETTEER OF MON'IREAL. 451
HON. JUDGE RAMSAY.
THIS name recalls one of the brightest minds that ever graced the Court of Queen's Bench in Montreal. He was distinguished for lucid opinion, clear judgment and a keen sense of his position. No man ever sat on the Judiciary Bench of that Court who displayed more knowledge of the Criminal Law than the late Judge Ramsay. Yet, after having charged the Jury, as in more than one case in the memory of the Author, clear and against the prisoner, that " August Body " going diametrically opposite to the learned Judge's charge, he must then have felt the glorious uncertainty of the Law. The late Judge Ramsay was a writer of no mean repute. He is the Author of the " Digested Index to the Reported Cases in Lower Canada," 1865, and before that time of the " Law Reporter or Journal of Jurisprudence," 1854. These works were, as they have been, destined to render immense service to the Advocates of the Province of Quebec. In 1863, he published a work of great importance. It was called " Notes on the Law of Paris." The result of this publication was in the abrogation of no less than one hundred and forty-eight articles affecting the legisla- tion of the Province in the old Statutes. After a busy and eventful life he died a few years ago, full of honors and respect.
ALEXANDER JOHNSON, LL.D.
No man stands higher in Science and Literature than he who occupies this sketch, McGill University may be proud of such a man as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, His past career has been one of wonderful progress, and we well remember, when as a very young man he made his debut in McGill, how much was said of his mathe- matical lore and reasoning powers. His honor list is as follows : he is an M.A. and LL.D. of Dublin, honorary D.C.L. of the University of Bishop's College, Lennox- ville, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Society. He is Senior Moderator (Gold Medalist) in Mathematics and Physics in Dublin University, and formerly Classical Scholar in Trinity College there. He is now Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in McGill University, and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Vice-Principal of that Institution. He was one of the original members of the Royal Society of Canada, and has been President of Section III (Mathematics and Physics and Chemistry). Dr. Johnson has contributed Mathematical and Physical Papers to its Transactions, e.g. u A Symmetrical Investigation of the Curvature of Surfaces," and " Tidal Observations in Canadian Waters."
In 1884, when the British Association for the Advancement of Science met in Montreal, he procured the appointment of a Committee of the Association on the subject of Tidal Observations, of which he was made Chairman and Secretary. Sir William Thomson, Professor J. Couch Adams (the discoverer of Neptune), and Professor George Darwin were appointed a Corresponding Committee in England. The direct object of the Committee was to persuade the Dominion Government to undertake systematic Tidal Observations that would tend to lessen the dangers-
45 2 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
of navigation in Canadian waters. Indirectly the results would benefit Science. The Committee collected the evidence of Scientific men, and of Shipmasters and others ; was supported by the different Boards of Trade of the Dominion, more espe- cially by the Board of Trade of Montreal, by petitions from the masters and officers of ships, and by the Royal Society of Canada. After six years' work (being re- appointed year after year at the annual meeting of the British Association, Great Britain), it was at length successful. The greater part of the work necessarily devolved on the Chairman. The Tidal Observations are now being proceeded with, and it is expected that their results will be very beneficial to navigation, as well of scientific value.
HON. DOMINIQUE MONDELET
WAS a member of the Special Council in 1838, then elected to the high office of Judge of the Superior Court for the District of Three Rivers. He was born in Montreal, and died in Three Rivers in 1863. He published in 1835 a book called " Traite sur la politique coloniale du Bas-Canada."
HON. J. A. BEKTHELOT
WAS born May 8, 1815, at St. Eustache. His father was Jos. Amable Berthelot, Notary, and his mother Dame Marie M. Hervieux. The Judge was only nine years old when he began his Latin course, and he continued it to 1832, the curriculum suddenly terminating on account of Cholera which visited the country that year. He studied Law with Sir L. H. Lafontaine, and was admitted to the Bar in November, 1836. In partnership with Mr. Lafontaine the firm practised till 1853, when Mr. Lafontaine was appointed Chief-Justice for Lower Canada. Mr. Berthelot at once entered into partnership with the late Sir George Cartier, and so continued till he was raised to the Bench in 1859 as Assistant Judge. On the resignation of Judge Day, he was made permanent Judge. He was twice Batonnier, in 1858 and 1859. In 1875, the Pope appointed him Commander of the Order of St. Sylvestre. His old partner, Sir L. H. Lafontaine, was the first person in Canada who had ever received this honor, and who got it in 1853. After eighteen years of hard work Judge Berthelot was superannuated and retired to private life. He has extensively travelled on the Continent of Europe. Like the two Baronets who were his Law partners he was connected with the Rebellion of 1837-38. He was one of a band of celebrated names who figured as arrested in 1838, viz : Sir Louis H. Lafontaine, D. B. Vigerand Beau Viger, M. Papineau, brother of the Speaker, Dr. Lusignan, Mr. Fabre, father of the present Archbishop of Montreal, Mr. DeBoucherville and Dr. Perrault. Mr. Berthelot demanded of the Governor General, Sir John Colborne, why he was arrested, received no answer, but in a few days after was told to leave the gaol and go home. The Judge is a well-preserved old gentleman, and we hope may be spared yet for some years as the connecting link between the present generation and the Patriots of 1837-1838.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 453
LIEUT.-COL. THEODORE LYMAN.
HE is descended from Richard Lyman, who came from Ongar, England, in 1631. He left Bristol for America in 1635. On arrival the colonists went through a wilderness to Hartford, Conn., being two weeks on their journey. In a few years they divided and went north and west. The immediate ancestors of Col. Lyman settled in Northampton, Mass., where he was born (on the homestead bought from the Indians) on 2yth March, 1818. Col. Lyman came to Montreal in 1833.
Early in 1837 ne j°med the guard that patrolled the city at night, which eventually became No. i Company Volunteer Rifles under Capt. P. E. Leclere, with Lewis Moffatt as Lieut, and W. C. Meredith, as Ensign (now Chief Justice Sir W. C. Meredith). From this Company many were selected to serve as officers in the Ward Battalions.
Lieut.-Col. Griffin, N.P., commanded the Battalion of Rifles, composed of three Companies, with Mr. Eardley, as Adjutant, who had lately left the 66th Regiment, and was considered the best drill in the city. The companies were drilled every day, and it is not saying too much to state that the Battalion attained a good degree of discipline. In 1838, the Battalion was increased to five companies, and Mr. Lyman was promoted to a " non. com." On the organization of the Militia, in 1845, ne was appointed Senior Ensign in the Montreal Light Infantry under Lieut.-Col. Dyde, and with Lieut. H. E. Montgomery enrolled a Company of fifty-five men. When, for a second time, the reorganization of the Militia took place in 1847, ne was Pr°- moted to be ist Lieut. A new Militia Law came into force on ist August, 1855. Lieut. Lyman waited on the Commander-in-Chief with a roll of sixty-four men, and was gazetted, August 3ist, 1855, as Captain of No. i Company, Montreal Rifles, the first Company organized under the new law, Lieut. Haldimand and Ensign J. E. Mailhot being the other officers.
This Company became subsequently No. i Company of the ist or Prince of Wales Rifle Regiment of Canada. It is not too much to say that Captain Lyman's Company was a model Company, and furnished officers to many of the Companies afterwards formed in the city. Three of its members obtained commissions in Her Majesty's Army, while the Captain and Lieutenant declined corresponding positions in the looth Royal Canadian Regiment at its formation. We will now give an extract from General Orders of November 2oth, 1856 : —
" And His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, is further pleased to direct that the two Senior Captains of the Volunteer Companies in Montreal, Captain Theodore Lyman and Captain John Fletcher, shall likewise be promoted to the rank of Major, these officers having commenced the organization of a force in that city whose dis- cipline and appearance are not excelled by any other Corps in the Province."
He was appointed Assistant Quarter-Master General to the active Force, May 26th, 1860. He was promoted to be Lieut.-Col. for special services in the Militia under General Orders of May, 1861. January i8th, 1865, at the request of His
454 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, he accepted the Chairmanship of the Board of Examiners of Candidates for admission to the Military School of Instruction for the 5th Military District sitting at Montreal.
He served on the Brigade Staff as Assistant Quarter-master General in both Fenian Raids, 1866 and 1870, and retired, retaining rank with the privilege of wearing uniform, on January 28th, 1876. He was on the Staff of His Excellency the Governor General, the Earl of DufTerin, at review on the Queen's Birthday, 24th May, 1878, and 1879.
In the year 1841, under the leadership of the late Hon. John Young, he assisted at the formation of the Mercantile Library Association, and for many years was one of the Board of Directors, and as the Representative of the Board he handed over to the " Eraser Institute " the whole Library of some thousands of volumes of books, pictures, and the marble bust of the late John Young, together with the sum of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) in cash. He also assisted in the formation of the Young Men's Christian Association of Montreal, the first association formed in America. He was also one of the founders of the Montreal Gymnasium, subsequently merged into the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association.
MARIE FISSON.
THIS lady was the first Superioress of the " Dames du Bon Pasteur," and is known under the name of Ste. Celeste. Four sisters of the Good Shepherd arrived in Montreal, nth June, 1844, to found a house for their society. They came from Angers, France. They are best known in Montreal as the community who have had charge for nearly fifteen years of the Roman Catholic female prisoners in the Women's Jail, Fuilum street. As their great work is, recovering the fallen among their own sex. there are always a number of penitents in that Institution. The work which they have done is indeed great, and in their Mother House on Sherbrooke street they have a Reformatory for girls which is of much use in a large city like Montreal. I will give the names of these first four sisters as two of their names are English and two French : the mother, as I have said above, was Marie Fisson, and the others names were Eliza Chaffaux, Alice Ward and M. Andrews.
REV. DAVID LINDSAY, M.A.,
WAS born in the City of London, England, ist February, 1821. His father was James Lindsay, a merchant of that place ; his mother was Elizabeth Finch. Educated in London, he came to Canada in 1843, studied for the Ministry at Bishop's College, Lennoxville, and was ordained by Bishop Fulford in March, 1851. First appointment was Frost Village, at that time the county town. He also had charge of Stukely. In 1862, Frost Village and Waterloo became one parish. In 1874, he was appointed Rural Dean of the District of Bedford, and two years later Archdeacon. He has built churches at Frost Village, Stukely, Waterloo and Ful- ford. He inaugurated missions, now prosperous stations, at Boscobel, South Ely and
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 455
other places. He has almost always been a member both of the Executive Com- mittee of the Diocese and a Delegate to the Provincial Synod. No men deserve a higher place in this GAZETTEER than the Lindsays. They have ever, the two brothers — the late Rev. Robert Lindsay, Rector of St. Thomas, and whose sketch is given elsewhere in this GAZETTEER, and the Archdeacon — his brother, tried to develop the resources of their adopted country ,religious, literary, dramatic and social.
ROSWELL C. LYMAN.
" THE subject of this sketch, Roswell Corse Lyraan, son of the well-known Mr. Henry Lyman, was born in Montreal, June 26, 1850. He was educated in the High School of this city. In 1868, he entered the business of the then firm of Lyman s, Clare & Co., and became a partner in 1878, and at the time of his death was second senior partner of the present firm of Lyman, Sons & Co. Mr. Lyman, however, by no means confined his attention solely to business, employing his leisure hours in promoting many useful and philanthropic objects. Especially was he interested in promoting antiquarian and historic research, and possessed a large collection of sketches which he had made of many of the old, interesting and historic buildings of this City and Quebec. He was thus naturally a very active member of the Numis- matic and Antiquarian Society, and was for some time one of the editing committee of the Society's Journal, the Canadian Antiquarian^ to which he contributed a num- ber of valuable and interesting papers, and in addition had for some years past been the Treasurer of that Society. Several valuable articles from his pen upon historical subjects were also contributed to the Dominion Illustrated, which, as well as all other enterprises for the promotion of Canadian sentiment, could count upon his support. He took a very warm interest in the movement for a closer union of the Empire, and was one of the founders of the Imperial Federation League in Canada, and had been since 1887 the Treasurer of the Montreal Branch and a Member of the General Council of the League in Canada. He was a life member of the Mechanics' Institute, a member of the Art Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. Modest and retiring, generous to a fault, upright and con- scientious in fulfilment of duty, patient in suffering, always thinking of others rather than of himself, a true Christian and Patriot, he was beloved and honored by all who really knew him. He died on the 22nd February, 1892, at the early age of forty-two. His brother is the partner in the well-known legal firm of Dunlop & Lyman."
JOHN JAMES BROWNE
WAS born in Quebec, October i2th, 1837. At tne aSe °f nineteen he commenced his profession of an architect, and entered into four competitions with his seniors and was successful, and since that time he has designed and superintended many of our noble edifices which adorn not only our city but also other towns throughou the
456 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. .
Dominion. He erected the Albert buildings, three banks, twenty-four markets and there police stations, which are all great additions to our public buildings, five fire stations, four churches, Stormont Cotton Mills, Cornwall, the foundry of William Clendinneng, and eight monuments and tombs in the Roman Catholic Cemetery. Mr. Browne designed the Rectory for Christ Church Cathedral ; for William Clen- dinneng, Esq., two warehouses ; a villa for A. F. Gault, Esq., and in Toronto, Ont., a villa for John Gordon, Esq.; residence for W.P.Seybold ; a terrace of thirteen houses for the Colonial B. & I. Association; five houses for Wm. Rodden, Esq. ; and four- teen houses for Dr. O'Leary. Mr. Browne visited Europe four times, and travelled throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Germany, examining all the ancient and modern buildings that were considered of any note, and gained a large amount of valuable information which he could never have attained otherwise, hence the success of his professional career. In December, 1867, he married a daughter of the late Thomas Hay, Leith, Scotland. Perhaps no architect has erected so many and various kinds of buildings as Mr. Browne, and being yet in the prime of life, many important buildings in the future will be designed by him.
REV. SAMUEL MASSEY
WAS born at Wincham, Cheshire, England, December, 1817. He was educated in Lostock Gralam. When a young man, for eight years he taught the public schools of Helsly and Poynton, in Cheshire. He was afterwards connected with the mission work of the City of Manchester, and in 1853 came to Montreal, and has ever since been engaged in many Christian enterprises. For eleven years he was Pastor of Chaboillez Square and Inspector Street Church. During a long and busy life he has been a great worker in the Temperance cause, and in religious literature he has ever been one of our foremost Authors. The following have come from his fertile brain and pen: — u A Voice to Christian Mothers," "Self-Improvement," "The Dying Peer," " Sir Henry Havelock," "Jesus and the Poor," "Papers for Young Men," 11 The Black and Dark Nights," "Breakers Ahead," "What Went Ye Out for to See? " and others. He founded, with the late Dr. P. P. Carpenter, the first Sanitary Association in Montreal. It did a splendid work in its day, cleaning yards and lanes, and ventilating and improving the houses of the citizens. We all know what an important department the Sanitary one is in the present Corporation of Montreal. After many years of ministerial labor, Mr. Massey joined the Church of England, and is now ministering in connection with the Church of St. James the Apostle, Rev. Canon Ellegood, Rector. Rev. Mr. Massey married, in 1840, May Fryer, daugh- ter of Thomas Fryer, of Winnington. His son is favorably known, to the Volunteers especially, as well as to the citizens at large of Montreal. Colonel Massey is one of our most efficient officers of Volunteers, and the Regiment which he commands, the 6th Fusiliers, is one of the best disciplined and orderly bodies of men in all the Volunteer Register.
REV. JOHN ALLAN.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 457
REV. JOHN ALLAN
WAS born at Aberdeen, Scotland, September 6th, 1813. After having gone through his school course, he left Aberdeen at seventeen, for London, England, where for some time he was engaged in commercial pursuits. This did not agree with his studious nature, and he entered King's College, London. After his college curri- culum, he taught for some years a school in Wales. In March, 1847, ne vvas appointed to the Head Mastership of the " Holy Trinity School," Birkenhead, Eng- land, a position which he held for nearly ten years. He also engaged in private tuition, preparing the sons of gentlemen for their final examinations for the Army and Navy, besides giving lectures. In September, 1856, he determined to enter into " Holy Orders," becoming a student in Theology at the Thoelogical College of St. Bees, in Cumberland. When he had finished his curriculum in this institution he sailed for Canada and went direct to London, Canada West. On the 2Qth Septem- ber, 1858, he was ordained Deacon by the late Bishop Cronyn. While officiating in London, the Reformatory Prison for Lower Canada vvas established at Isle aux Noix, and Mr. Allan was appointed in November, 1858, Protestant Chaplain. In 1861, the Fort at " Isle aux Noix " was required for military purposes, and the Prison was removed to St. Vincent de Paul. At Confederation, 1867, it was transferred by the old Government of Canada to the new Province of Quebec, and Mr. Allan was left undisturbed until the removal of the Reformatory Boys on i6th January, 1873, from St. Vincent de Paul to the new Institution, conducted by the Belgian Brothers on Mignonne Street, Montreal. Prior to the removal of the prisoners the Dominion Government had acquired the ground and buildings from the Government for a Penitentiary for the Province. In May, 1873, Mr. Allan was appointed Protestant Chaplain of this new Institution, and on May 21, 1873, the Penitentiary was opened by the arrival from Kingston of 119 convicts. In addition to his prison duties he also undertook other work at the request of the Bishop. The subject of our sketch was very fond of gardening, and to this he devoted all the spare time he had. He married July 23, 1844, Miss Jane Oakden, and had seven children, one of his sons being a clergyman in London, England. Mrs. Allan died August 30, 1876, in the fifty-ninth year of her age. On September 18, 1880, Mr. Allan married a second time, Miss Isabella T. Young, who died May 30, 1889. Mr. Allan died on the 29th September, 1889. A work which might fairly be considered his life work would have appeared in a few months, had his life been spared, which was to prove the authenticity of the Scriptures by means of the two great witnesses in heaven, " The Sun and the Moon." This work, so far as it had gone, and it was well advanced, had the unqualified approval of the Archbishop of Canterbury, together with an expression from the Archbishop of his willingness to assist him by every means in his power. It is to be hoped that some one of his children, and if not them, some publishing house or society will publish the above work, that it may be given to the world.
458 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. JUDGE TAIT.
THIS well-known Judge was born at Melbourne, Quebec, 2oth May, 1842, hence his baptismal name — Melbourne McTaggarL His father was the late Thomas Tait, who settled in that Township as early as 1834, and who afterwards became one of the leading men of the place — indeed, throughout the Eastern Townships. The subject of our sketch was educated in St. Francis College. In 1859, ne began the study of Law in Montreal in the office of Bethune & Dunkin ; the latter, afterwards, being Judge of the Superior Court and one of the Privy Council of Canada. He also then attended the Lectures on Law in that Faculty in McGill College, and after an excel- lent curriculum graduated B.C.L. in 1862. He was admitted to the Bar in June, 1863, and immediately commenced practice with the Hon. Mr. Webb, Q.C.. in his native place. In 1870, he removed to Montreal, and became a partner with Hon. J. J. C. Abbott, Q.C., now Premier of Canada. Some years ago the senior partner, Mr. Abbott, retired from the firm, and Mr. Tait was then its practical head. In 1882, he was made a Queen's Counsellor, and was for years the Treasurer of the Bar of Montreal. Amidst all his engagements he had time to devote a little to military work. In 1864, he took a first-class certificate in Quebec at the Military School ; was Lieutenant of one of the Companies of the 54th Battalion when it was called out on the occasion of the Fenian troubles. Afterwards he became Captain, and retired when he removed to Montreal. After many successful years as a member of the Bar of Montreal, he was raised to the high position which he now holds — a Judge of the Superior Court of the Province of Quebec.
In 1863, Judge Tait married Monica, daughter of the late J. S. Holmes, of Montreal, who dying in Kingston, in 1876, he again married, in 1878, Miss Kaign, of Newport, R. I., United States. Judge Tait commands a great amount of esteem from his confreres on the Bench as well as from the Bar in general, and is an example how men can succeed if they are determined honestly to do so.
J. B. McCONNELL, M.D.,
WAS born 28th August, 1851, at Chatham, County of Argenteuil. His father was a successful farmer of that place ; and his mother, Martha Jane Bradford, daughter of Rev. Richard Bradford, who was the first English Church minister at Chatham. This Clergyman had a rather remarkable career. He was once in New York (in 1782) engaged in business. He then came to Canada as a United Empire Loyalist, and in the War of 1812 was Chaplain to the 49^ Regiment. Afterwards he built a fine house on the Ottawa, and at this time owned nearly the whole Township of Chatham — 12 miles square. He went with the celebrated Captain Cook in one of his voyages around the world; afterwards studied with Rev. Mr. Jeffreys, whose daughter he married, and entered the Church of England. He had a large family of children; the youngest daughter married Rev. Joseph Abbott, whose son is now the Premier of Canada.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 459
John Bradford McConnell, the subject of our sketch, entered McGill College in 1869, and graduated in 1873. In 1871, he went through the Military School, and was appointed Lieutenant to the nth Battalion of Argenteuil Rangers. For eight years he was Surgeon to the Prince of Wales Rifles. He has been engaged in Bishop's Col- lege for several years past. He is a valued writer on Medical Science. He married, in 1875, Theodora Lovell, daughter of Robert Miller, who is now one of our oldest and best known citizens, and whose short sketch appears in this GAZETTEER.
J. D. LAWLOR
WAS born in the County Wicklow, Ireland, on the 8th of September, 1829. His father was a farmer, who sold out his interest in his holding to go and seek a home elsewhere, and finally settled in Liverpool, England, where he spent the remainder of his days. His son John received a common school education in Liverpool, and was afterwards apprenticed to the trade of machinist, and at the age of twenty-one emigrated to the United States. He landed in New York, September, 1850. Trade was exceedingly dull at this time, and he being an entire stranger found it very difficult to get employment. However, nothing daunted at the obstacles before him, he fought his way manfully to the front. Having a peculiar aptitude for his particular calling, Mr. Lawlor soon made himself valuable to his employers. To him was entrusted the oversight of the most important works in the establishments where he was employed. A year or two after his coming to the United States, one of the most useful of modern inventions — the Sewing Machine — was presented to the world. Mr. Lawlor had the honor of assisting the late Mr. Singer in perfecting in all its parts the celebrated " Singer Sewing Machine." No sooner did he get the idea of sewing by machinery than he applied himself exclusively to the sewing machine business. In the year 1857, he invented and perfected the famous "Lawlor Sewing Machine." In 1858 he removed from New York City to Buffalo, and there com- menced the manufacture of his invention, in company with R. H. Stevens, Esq., a prominent lawyer of the latter city ; but, owing to the monopoly granted richer and more influential concerns by the extension of patents, who demanded high royalty, Mr. Lawlor was compelled to seek " fresh fields and pastures new " for the successful prosecution of his business, and came to Canada in the year 1861. His partner, Mr. Stevens, being an American gentleman, and desirous of remaining in the United States, Mr. La\vlor was compelled to dissolve business relations with him, and established himself in the City of Montreal, where he subsequently com- menced the manufacture of his sewing machines. He obtained several patents, both in the United States and Canada, on sewing machines and improvements on sewing machines for the next twenty years. He invented a most superior washing machine, for which he obtained patents in the United States and Canada in the year 1875. The Lawlor sewing machine was considered by competent authorities to be the best machine ever invented.
After many years in this business he gave up sewing machines entirely, other
460 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
competitors having entered the Canadian field, and for the past few years he has devoted himself as Agent in the city for all kinds of musical and sewing instruments, and particularly to Insurance of all kinds, in which branches he is building up a large and successful business.
LEONIDAS HEBER DAVIDSON, D.C.L., Q.C.
HE was the fifth son of the late Rev. John Casement Davidson and Ann Elizabeth Burrows, and was born July 3rd, 1842, at Toronto. He was educated under the direct supervision of his father, a scholarly and highly educated man, for the most part, but also attended the High School, St. Johns, P. Q.> and the Missisquoi High School, Cowansville, P. Q. Commenced his Collegiate course at Bishop's College, Lennoxville ; but desiring to enter the legal profession, and there being no Law Faculty in connection with Bishop's College, entered McGill in the second year of his course, and took high position in the several years, graduating B.A. in 1863, and B.C.L. in the Faculty of Law in the same University in 1864. He studied Law in the offices of James O'Halloran, Q.C., Cowansville, and of S. Bethune, Q.C., Montreal; and was admitted to the Bar in June, 1864.
He conducted several important cases, principally on the civil and commercial side rather than the criminal side, and was, with S. Bethune, Q,C., his patron, and one or two others, the first Lower Canada Counsel to appear before the Supreme Court on its opening in Ottawa. Has also personally, and without English Counsel, appeared before and conducted appeals to Her Majesty's Privy Council in England, with the late Joseph Doutre, Q.C., insisting upon an equal standing for Canadian Counsel before that tribunal.
On the resignation of the Hon. Mr. Justice Wurtele as Professor of Commercial Law in McGill Law Faculty, Doctor Davidson was appointed by the Governors to that Chair in his stead, and still occupies that position. He was for many years one of. the Examiners of the Bar of Lower Canada for the admission to study and prac- tice. He has taken a prominent part in all Church matters since 1864, and is regarded as an authority on Canon or Church Law ; and has delivered lectures there- on in the Montreal Theological College, and occupied for many years the position of Church Advocate of the Diocese of Montreal.
He married June ist, 1865, Eleanor Crowther Pawson, the youngest daughter of John Pawson, one of Montreal's oldest and best known merchants.
The Rev. Canon Davidson, M.A., Rector of St. Armand East, P. Q., one of the oldest Crown Rectories in the Country ; the late Dr. A. R. Davidson of Buffalo, N. Y., one of the leading practitioners and one of the foremost Chemists of the day ; William Frederick Davidson of Kentucky, an Evangelist, are his brothers. He has two sisters; one the wife of S. F. Belknap, Esq., Civil Engineer of the Canadian Pacific Railway ; the other unmarried. The following are the Degrees to which he has attained: B.A., M.A., B.C.L. and D.C.L., all of McGill College ; also M.A. and D.C.L. of Bishop's College, Lennoxville, and he received the honor of Queen's Coun- sel on the i8th February, 1887.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 461
WILLIAM W. H. KERR, Q.C.,
WAS born at Three Rivers, November, 1826. His father was J. Hastings Kerr, a land agent of Quebec. His grandfather was a Barrister, and settled in Quebec in 1797, and was appointed a Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court, 1797 ; then Judge of the King's Bench in 1808. He was called to the Executive Council in 1812, and to the Legislative Council in 1821, and later on Speaker of the House. Mr. Kerr received his education at Lundy's College, Quebec, and at Queen's, Kingston. He studied Law with Mr. (later Judge) Chabot, and afterwards with Mr. (now Sir Andrew) Stuart, Chief Justice. In May, 1854, Mr. Kerr was associated with J. M. LeMoine, and in 1858 with Archibald Campbell. He came to Montreal after a few years, and was created a Q.C. in 1873, and McGill University granted him the degree of D.C.L. same year. He was Dean of the Faculty of Lawj and Professor of Interna- tional Law in the College. He was Batonnier in 1878. He was one of the counsel in the great St. Albans Raiders' Trial. The Consolidated Bank is also another case. His contention as to the status of Lieutenant Governors was accepted as final in the famous Letellier case. He was one of the brightest ornaments of the Montreal Bar. He was married to a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Arnold, and had two children. Mr. Kerr died February 12, 1888.
JOHN DOUGALL
WAS born in Paisley, Scotland, July 8, 1808. His grandfather was Duncan Dougall, his father John Dougall. He had two boys, John and James. John, who became renowned as the proprietor of the Witness, and James, who was well known, espe- cially in the West as the great nursery man of Windsor, Ont. At eighteen years of age, John Dougall sailed for Canada in the year 1826. After some time he began a book and stationery business in Montreal. It was then he started with James Court the Canada Temperance Advocate. Afterwards it changed hands, J. C. Becket taking the management of it, while Mr. Dougall embarked in a new enter- prise, the issuing of the Weekly Witness in the winter of 1845-46. He soon ob- tained over eight hundred subscribers, which at the price the papers sold at, $3.00 per annum, in those days was considered a handsome thing. The paper has long ago become a daily, and the Witness is looked upon as one of the Institutions of Montreal. Mr. Dougall was for over fifty years a total abstainer. Mr. Dougall often expressed a wish to die suddenly rather than by a lingering sickness. He had his wish. He was living with his son, Mr. James Dougall, at Flushing, Long Island, as he had for years been publishing the New York Witness, and suddenly at break- fast he breathed his last.
Mr. Dougall had married Elizabeth Redpath, eldest daughter of Mr. John Red- path. She died in 1883. His sons are Mr. John Redpath Dougall, the present proprietor of the Montreal Witness, and James Dougall of the New York Witness, and several daughters. One of the daughters has been quite encouraged by the high encomiums given her oh a book she has lately published in England.
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The premises of the Daily Witness are of large extent in St. James street, and the thorough organization of all its departments as that of a first-class publishing house can be seen through all its management. Mr. Dougall when he first came to Canada, and for some time after, occasionally wrote both in prose and verse, for the Hera d and other papers. A few of his poems had the high honor of appearing in the "Book of Scottish Song," published in Edinburgh, Scotland, by Blackie & Son, in 1854. This beautiful volume was edited by Alexander Whitelaw. Perhaps no man has ever done the amount of good Mr. Dougall has done in his advocacy of Temperance, and though sometimes his paper was placed under the ban on account of its plain speaking, still the seeds sown will yet bring forth fruit abun- dantly, and John Dougall will be a name well known and remembered, not only in Montreal, but throughout Canada, when thousands now living are totally forgotten*
FREDERICK STYLES LYMAN, Q.C.
WAS born in Montreal, January 6, 1844, and is the eldest son of the well-known citizen, Henry Lyman, Ksq. He received his education in the old High School and in McGill University. After this he went to England and studied for some time at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he took the degree of B.A. in 1867. On his return to his native city he received from his Alma Mater the degree of B.C. L. He selected Law as a profession, and having passed a most creditable examination be- fore finally commencing his career in Law he travelled for a year over Europe, where he studied the various legal aspects of the different countries visited. On returning to Montreal, he entered into partnership with John Dunlop, Q.C., a gentleman be- longing to an old family well known in the city. Mr. Lyman married August 15, 1871, Louisa Lyman. His brother is connected with the father in the extensive business of Lyman, Sons & Co., of Montreal ; and Lyman, Brothers & Co., of Toronto. Mr. Lyman was made a Queen's Counsellor, January, 1891.
COLONEL A. A. STEVENSON.
ALEXANDER ALLAN STEVENSON is perhaps as well known as any citizen in Montreal. His parents were James Stevenson, of Riccarton, Ayreshire, Scotland, and Janet Frances Allan, a cousin of the poet Burns and sister of the late Capt. Allan, and aunt of the late Sir Hugh Allan and Andrew Allan. He was educated at Riccarton School, and came to Canada, Montreal, in 1846, where he has been ever since. On arrival here he entered a printing office, and in 1853 began business under the firm of Moore, Owler & Stevenson. During this time they published the Sun, also for some years the Mackay Montreal Directory, afterwards merged into the present " Lo veil's Directory." On the retirement of the first two members of the firm, Mr. Stevenson carried on the business by himself. In 1879- it was merged into the Montreal Printing Company.
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He was elected in 1861 Councillor for the West Ward. He was then the Chairman of the Fire Alarm Telegraph Construction Committee. He served as Councillor for six years. During this period he made the first motion in the Council to acquire the mountain as a public park. Great opposition was dis- played to this by members of the Council, but he succeeded at last, and Mon- treal has to-day the finest park on the Continent of America. He retired from the Council in 1867. but in 1882 was again induced to enter it. He was elected as Alderman for his late Ward in 1882, was the means of getting the present Drill Hall erected, and has ever since continued in the Council Chamber. In 1886, he was made Chairman of the Fire Committee, and it is not too much to say that it is greatly owing to the gallant Colonel's military discipline that this important branch of the civic service has attained to such perfect discipline that their motto should be over the whole American Continent, " Secundus Nulli."
It is, however, in his military career that Col. Stevenson is best known to the citizens of Montreal. The -most correct sketch of his career as a soldier is found in his address to the men in his farewell order of April 24, 1891, where he says :
"Having been connected with the Battery since its organization in July, 1885, and having had the honor of commanding it since April, 1857, and with the ex- ception of three months' absence in Europe, having been personally present at every out-door parade of the corps for that whole period of nearly thirty-six years, I am in a position to testify, as I do most cheerfully, to the loyal, patriotic and martial spirit which has animated its members from first to last. They have fully proved the appropriateness of the Battery motto, ' Always on hand,' by being on hand whenever required and ready for any duty.
" The Battery has responded with alacrity to every call made upon it, whether , for salutes or receptions on public occasions, or assisting the civil power in repress- ing local disturbance or in resisting invasion, as in 1866 and 1870, when stationed for several weeks on the Huntingdon frontier. In other respects, also, it has ren- dered the city good service, as for instance in raising a fund for restoring the Nel- son monument, and in the famous ascent of the Battery to the top of Mount Royal before any roads were constructed, to fire a Royal salute at noon of Monday, the loth November, 1862, when H.R.H. the Prince of Wales attained his majority, which had the effect of materially influencing public opinion in favor of purchasing the mountain for a public park — that park which is now the glory of the citizens of Montreal.
" It has always been on the best terms of friendship with the other city corps, and with the militia forces of Canada and the United States. The military bearing and exemplary conduct of its members have been the subject of universal remark on all occasions. As a corps it has paid visits to Quebec, Chambly, Knowlton, Kings- ton, Toronto, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and to St. Albans, N.Y.,. Boston and Portland. When visiting New York, in 1858, it had the honor of being
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the guest of the 7th Regiment, National Guard, and paraded on the right of that famous regiment in the great military demonstration held in New York to celebrate the laying of the first Atlantic cable. The Battery enjoys the distinction of being the only British military organization which has marched through New York and Boston carrying the British flag since the American Revolution. These facts are mentioned to acquaint the younger members of the Battery with its past record, and to stimulate them to such exertions as will ensure its high character being sus- tained in the future.
" I naturally experience a deep feeling of regret at severing my connection with the old Battery, to which I am so warmly attached, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that I leave it in good order and in the hands of capable and zealous officers, who will, I am sure, do all in their power to increase its efficiency. I earn- estly trust that my successor will receive from the members of the corps such a ready obedience of orders, submission to discipline and faithful discharge of duty, as will place the Battery even yet higher in the estimation of the Militia authorities and the public generally. So long as I am spared I will regard its career with deep interest, and earnestly hope and trust that its ranks may be ever full of young men strongly imbued with the spirit of loyalty and devotion to the Queen and country. That Queen, the best and the best beloved in the universe, and that country yet to be one of the grandest on the face of the earth.
l' And now, my gallant gunners, I bid you an affectionate farewell, and may Heaven bless you every one."
Col. Stevenson has also been President of the Caledonian and St. Andrew's Societies, and has been connected with so many organizations and societies that space will not permit us to name them all.
EULALIE DUROCHER, MELODIE DUFRESNE AND HENRIETTE CERE.
ON the ist of November, 1843, these ladies determined to begin a Society in the then village of Longueuil, with the approval of the Bishop, and under the direction of the Oblate Fathers. They took the name of " Sceurs des Saints Noms de Jesus et Marie," and their Community was styled " The Sisters of Longueuil." Next year, 8th December, 1844, these three founders of the order made their vows, and the Community was erected canonically for the instruction of young persons.
In 1849, tne Oblate Fathers, having left Longueuil to locate in Montreal, ceased to direct the Institution, and Messire Brassard then became the Superior, Some years ago the Community built one of the largest establishments at Hochelaga, where they have, perhaps, the finest school for girls in the Province. The annexa- tion of Hochelaga to Montreal has much militated against the Convent, as it is being rapidly surrounded by manufactories and buildings of all kinds. They have therefore decided to leave the east end, and have purchased " Thornbury " property at Outremont, where they will erect a large establishment in place of the one at Hochelaga.
DR. DE SOLA.
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REV. ABRAHAM DE SOLA., LL.D.,
WHO for many years was so familiar a figure in literary circles in Montreal, and who earned so wide and deserved a reputation as an Oriental scholar and theologian, was a descendant of an illustrious Spanish-Jewish family. The marvellous history of Israel must ever be of peculiar interest to mankind, and, perhaps, no chapter in the post-biblical portion of that history possesses more charm than that which relates about the Jews of Spain and Portugal, or Sephardim as they are styled. These lived free and untrammeled during those mediaeval times when their brethren in less favored countries were weighed down by the burden of oppression, and with the Saracens they kept alive the flame of learning and science in the Iberian Peninsula at a time when it burnt lowest in the rest of Europe. Power, rank and honor were theirs ; and when afterwards clouds obscured the sky of their prosperity, and the storm of persecution burst pitilessly over their heads, their record of heroic martyrdom and thrilling adventure is a tale as fascinating as that of many of the most imaginative pages of fiction.
Among the many bright names which illumined Spanish-Jewish history, that of de Sola stands prominent. The de Solas had settled in Andalusia as early as the sixth century, whence they had come from Judea by gradual stages through Northern Africa. They held various offices under the Saracenic Caliphs at Toledo and Cordova, and afterwards when they removed to Navarre they were received with like favor by the Gothic Princes. From their estate in this province, their surname had its origin. A particularly distinguished member of the family was Don Bartolomeu de Sola, who, in reward for his services, was ennobled, and, after being a Minister of State, held for a while the position of Viceroy of Navarre.
During the 1 4th Century another de Sola distinguished himself fighting under the Infante of Aragon, and figured conspicuously in the Spanish Wars of that period. During the succeeding centuries the family continued to hold an illustrious place, owing to the large number of eminent scholars, physicians and statesmen it produced. Their fortunes, however, changed when King Ferdinand, having by the Conquest of Granada destroyed the last vestige of Moorish power in Spain, decided to drive therefrom all who did not conform to the dominant faith ; and in 1492, was promul- gated the terrible edict of expulsion, which, at one blow, deprived hundreds of thou- sands of Spain's most intelligent and industrious inhabitants of happy and prosperous homes. The de Solas took refuge in Holland, but a branch of the family continued to hold business connections with Lisbon, and eventually some of them settled in the Portuguese Capital, where they amassed much wealth. Watched by the Inquisition, they, like many other Portuguese Jews, for some time evaded the danger by assum- ing to become Marannos or Nuevos Christianas — as converted Jews were styled — while they secretly remained loyal to Judaism. In the latter part of the iyth Century, however, suspicion was attracted towards them, and David de Sola (who to elude his persecutors had assumed the name of Bartolome) was apprehended',
30
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and charged with having relapsed into Judaism. Although placed under the most fearful tortures nothing seems to have been proved, as he was allowed to afterwards go free ; but he was physically broken down by his terrible sufferings. Escape from the country by a suspect was then extremely difficult, but in the next generation his son, Aaron deSola, managed to secure refuge on board a British Man-of-War, and to make good his escape with his family to England ; not, however, before two of his relatives had been imprisoned, tortured and condemned to death at an auto da Fe, by the Inquisition, for secret adherence to Judaism.
It was in 1749, that Aaron de Sola fled with his wife and family to England, and now that they were freed from the terrors of the Inquisition they openly avowed once more their loyalty to the faith of their fathers. From England they took passage for Holland, where they rejoined their relatives, and taking up their residence in Amsterdam they soon again rose to distinction in the various learned professions.
Previously to this — in the year 1690 — one of the preceding generation. Isaac de Sola, had settled in London, and had acquired a high reputation in the Hebrew community there as an eloquent preacher and author. Several volumes of his works are still extant.
Four sons had accompanied Aaron de Sola in his flight from Lisbon in 1749. of whom the eldest, David, was the great-grandfather of the Dr. Abraham de Sola who forms the chief subject of this sketch. The youngest of Aaron de Sola's sons, Dr. Benjamin de Sola, attained to a foremost place among the practitioners of the last century. He was Court Physician to William V. of the Netherlands, and was the author cf a large number of medical works. The other two sons of Aaron de Sola settled in Curacao, and one of them was the grandfather of General Juan de Sola, who became so distinguished as a Commander of Cavalry under Bolivar and Pae'z when the South American States revolted from Spain. He took part in the decisive batile of Carabobo, and led the charge on Puerto Cabello when that city was stormed by Pae'z, receiving a sabre-wound during the fight. After the restoration of peace he held important public offices during the Pae'z regime.
The Reverend Abraham de Sola, LL.D., was born in London, England, on the i8th September, 1825. His father, David Aaron de Sola, was Senior Minister of the Portuguese Jews of London, to which city he had been called from Amsterdam, and was eminent as a Hebrew author, having produced among many other works an elegant translation of the Jewish Forms of Prayer ; also, in conjunction with Dr. Ra- phall, an edition of Genesis, very valuable to Biblical students on account of its commentaries and copious notes, and the first English translation of Eighteen Treatises of the Mishna. His mother was the daughter of Dr. Raphael Meldola, Chief Rabbi of the Spanish-Jewish congregations of Britain. The Meldolas had given eminent Chief Rabbis to Europe for twelve generations. Abraham de Sola received careful tuition in all the usual branches of a liberal education. He became early engrossed in the study of Oriental languages and literature and of theology, and continued to devote his attention to those subjects until he acquired
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that profound knowledge of them which subsequently won him so prominent a place among scholars, Having been offered the position of Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish Congregation of Montreal he accepted the call, and arrived in this city in the beginning of 1847, an(^ here, for over thirty-five years, he conti- nued to minister to the spiritual wants of his people. His able pulpit discourses soon attracted attention. Dr. de Sola's abilities, however, were not destined to be confined exclusively to his official duties. Before leaving London he had been associated in the editorial work of a Hebrew journal, The Voice of Jacob, and soon after his arrival in Canada he delivered a course of lectures on Jewish history before the Mercantile Literary Association. In 1848, he published his " Notes on the Jews of Persia Under Mohammed Shah," and also "A History of the Jews of Persia." Within the same year there appeared his important work on " Scripture Zoology. >r Soon afterwards he published his " Lectures on the Mosaic Cosmogony." This was •followed by his " Cosmography of Peritsol," a work displaying such erudition that it gained a wide circulation in Europe, and was reprinted there in several languages. His next work, " A Commentary upon Samuel Hannagid's Introduction to the Tal- mud," was a book which deservedly attracted much attention, owing to the light which it threw upon an interesting portion of rabbinical literature, and to its depth of Talmudic knowledge. In 1853 he published, conjointly with the Rev. J. J. Lyons,, of New York, a work on the Jewish Calendar System, chiefly valuable on account of its excellent prefatory treatise upon the Jewish system of calculating time.
Dr. de Sola's mastery of Semitic languages and literature early attracted the notice of our learned bodies, and, after first acting as lecturer, he was, in 1853, ap- pointed Professor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature at McGill University. The high abilities which he displayed as occupant of this chair proved the wisdom of the appointment, and he continued to hold the position during the rest of his life.
For some time Dr. de Sola had been engaged in the preparation of one of his most important productions, " The Sanatory Institutions of the Hebrews." The work was published in two parts, and was an exhaustive exposition of the hygienic laws of the Hebrews, as exhibited in both Scriptural and rabbinical writings, critically exam- ined in the light of modern scientific knowledge. It was a production which evinced how deeply the author had penetrated into scientific as well as rabbinical paths of learning. Shortly afterwards he published a supplemental work to it, entitled " Behemoth Hatemeoth."
The prominence to which Dr. de Sola had now reached among men of letters led McGill Univerity to confer upon him the degree of LL.D. in 1858.
In 1860, Dr. Hall, the editor of The British American Journal, devoted to physical and medical science, induced Dr. de Sola to assist that publication with his pen, and, among other contributions, his series of articles " Upon the employment of Anaesthetics in cases of Labor, in connection with Jewish Law," call for particular mention.
Dr. de Sola's wide range of studies had made him very popular both as a public lecturer and as a contributor to various literary papers. The themes of some of these
468 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
were afterwards much amplified by him, and republished in their elaborated and completed form. At comparatively short intervals he gave to the public his works on 11 Scripture Botany," "Sinaitic Inscriptions," " Hebrew Numismatics," " The Ancient Hebrews as Promoters of the Arts and Sciences," "The Rise and Progress of the Great Hebrew Colleges," and " Philological Studies in Hebrew and the Aramaic Languages." Turning his attention again to Jewish History, he, in 1869, wrote his interesting " Life of Shabethai Tsevi, the False Messiah." The following year he completed his " History of the Jews of Poland," and in 1871 he published his " His- tory of the Jews of France."
Dr. de Sola closely identified himself with many of our literary and scientific associations, notably with the Natural History Society, in which he was an active co-laborer of Sir William Dawson and Sir William Logan. He was for many years President of the Society, and received H.R.H. Prince Arthur (afterwards Duke of Connaught) when that prince visited the Society in 1870. His address upon " The' Study of Natural Science," delivered upon that occasion, called forth a letter of approbation from Queen Victoria.
During all his intense literary activity Dr. de Sola was taking a very prominent part in all matters affecting the Jewish people. His mastery of Jewish theology, in all its branches, had earned him wide renown among his own race, and had gained him a high place among the very foremost Rabbis of the day. Convinced that the fences which orthodoxy placed around the citadel of his ancestral faith were the best safeguards against disintegrating forces, the upholders of Historical Judaism found in him an able and powerful champion. Equally noticeable were his bold attacks upon the weak points of the sceptical school of modern Biblical criticism. His intimate knowledge of all those branches of learning which bear upon this subject made him particularly formidable in this respect. The Jewish press and pulpit and the lecture platform were the vehicles by which he usually reached the public on these subjects. He had, indeed, since his first arrival in Canada been a particularly active contributor to Jewish journals, more especially to the Occident of Philadelphia, with which he was for years identified, being in intimate literary relations with its editor, the gifted Isaac Leeser.
Dr. de Sola's ability in the pulpit led to his frequently being invited to lecture in the United States, where he had acquired much prominence and popularity. On the Qth of January, 1872, he was invited by General Grant's Government to perform the ceremony of opening the United States Congress with prayer, and for the first time was witnessed the unique spectacle of one who was not a citizen of the United States nor of the dominant belief officiating at the opening ceremonies at the assem- bling of Congress at Washington. The broad liberality of this act, upon the part of the United States Government, was fraught with particular significance at that time, owing to the fact that diplomatic relations between Britain and the United States had then but lately been strained to dangerous tension by the " Alabama Claims," and this high compliment to a British subject was the first evidence of the growth of
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a better feeling between the two countries. Sir Edward Thornton, the British Ambassador at Washington, formally extended to Dr. de Sola the thanks of the British Government, and Mr. Gladstone — then Prime Minister — also personally communicated his satisfaction.
Upon the death of Isaac Leeser, Dr. de Sola purchased the stereotyped plates of his works, and issued a new edition of that author's translation of the Bible according to Jewish authorities. He also brought out a revised translation of the Jewish Forms of Prayer, in six volumes, based upon the editions of D. A. de Sola (his father) and of Leeser. He was invited to become the successor of Mr. Leeser in his ministerial office but declined. He had previously refused several similar offers.
Dr. de Sola's onerous duties were at this time further increased by his being offered the Chair of Hebrew at the Montreal Presbyterian College, and later on he accepted the appointment of Lecturer in Spanish Literature at McGill University, a literature and language with which he was specially familiar, and to which he was particularly attached.
But such incessant application to work could not but prove exhaustive, and his naturally vigorous health broke down under the strain. A year's rest, spent in Europe, proved sufficiently beneficial to enable him to return to some of his duties. For a while he also resumed his contributions to the Jewish Press, and among other interesting writings we notice his " Yehuda Alcharizi and the Book Tachkemoni." In 1880 he published his last important work, "Saadia Ha-Gaon," a book giving a very valuable description of the writings and life of one of the greatest of Jewish philosophers, and also containing an interesting account of the Court of a Prince of the Captivity.
But failing health was destined now to check for ever the labors of his active pen, and while in New York, on a visit to his sister, he was seized by an attack of illness which terminated fatally on June 5th, 1882. The remains were brought on to Mon- treal and there interred. He had not yet completed his fifty-seventh year when he passed away.
In his death the Hebrew community sustained a loss whose magnitude could scarcely be over-estimated. His self-sacrificing devotion to the service of his race, his ceaseless labor in everything which could elevate and promote both their moral and intellectual welfare, his quick readiness to assuage, with kind counsel and help, the lot of those in adversity, and the rare talents which he had displayed in his mul- tifarious writings, had won for him the warmest admiration and attachment of his people, and had gained him a reputation among them that was world-wide. His loss, indeed, was scarcely less regretted by Gentile than by Jew, for the prominence which his scholarly attainments had acquired for him among Canadian litterateurs, the active role which he had for thirty-five years played in our various learned bodies, and the distinguished position which he held in our leading University, achieved for him an illustrious place among Canada's public men.
Dr. de Sola was married in 1852 to Esther Joseph, the youngest daughter of Henry Joseph, of Berthier, one of the earliest Jewish settlers in this country. Of his several children, the eldest son, the Rev. Meldola de Sola, succeeded him as Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of Montreal, and another. son, Mr. Clarence I. de Sola, is general manager of the Belgian Syndicate, " Comptoir Belgo-Canadien."
470 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HENRY JOSEPH,
WHO figures prominently among the early Canadian Hebrew colonists, was born in England in 1775, and, as stated in our sketch of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue (page 475), was induced to settle in Canada, when he was yet a mere youth, by his uncle, Commissary Aaron Hart. In those days Berthier was an impor- tant distributing point, owing to its being opposite Fort William Henry, the noted military post at the mouth of the Richelieu. As Henry Joseph had connections with the Commissariat of this division he took up his abode at Berthier. Afterwards from this central point he branched out as a very extensive trader, both west and east, establishing one of the largest commercial houses in that part of the country, and venturing into undertakings which were considered particularly enterprising at that time, when Canada's trade was only at its dawn. He was the first one to charter Canadian ships direct and exclusively for Canadian trade with England, and thus he became one of the founders of Canada's merchant marine. Among the vessels he controlled was the ship Ewretta, which brought many a cargo to this port. He was assisted in some of his enterprises by his brother, Judah Joseph. The latter, how- ever, after amassing considerable wealth, returned to England. Upon the outbreak of the War of 1812-14, Henry Joseph once more joined the military forces and saw active service. Subsequent to this he became a dormant partner in the extensive mercantile firm established in Montreal by his brother-in-law, and, upon the death of the latter, he decided to take up his residence in this city, his business connections here having become so important as to render this change of domicile necessary. But shortly after his removal to Montreal there occurred that terrible outbreak of cholera of 1832, which devastated Europe and America, carrying death and gloom to many a house. His eldest son, Samuel, was stricken down by the fell disease, in Berthier. Hastening from Montreal to his dying son's bedside, Henry Joseph was himself seized with the epidemic, and within a few hours died from it. The body was afterwards interred at Montreal. His death occurred on the 2ist June, 1832. One hundred and fifty-nine deaths took place that same day in Montreal from this dreadful scourge. Henry Joseph was married to Miss Rachel Solomons, a daughter of one of those who are mentioned among the first Israelitish settlers and founders of the Spanish and Portuguese Hebrew congregation. Four sons and four daughters survived him. His sons were J. H., Abraham, Jesse and Gershom Joseph, all of whom attained to prominence. WTe give sketches of the careers of three of .them below, but it is out of our province, as historians of Mont- real, to give any extended notice of the life of the second named son, Abraham, as the latter resided in Quebec, and that duty must therefore devolve upon the chronicler of the ancient capital. We may, though, observe en passant that Abraham Joseph was one of Quebec's most prominent men, and among the many important positions occupied by him we remark that he was President of the Dominion Board of Trade, President of the Stadacona Bank, a director of the Banque
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Nationale and director of the Quebec and Gulf Ports Steamship Co. He also sat in Quebec's City Council, and once stood for mayor of that city. Of the four daughters who survived Henry Joseph, the eldest was married to Dr. A. H. David and the youngest to the Rev. Dr. Abraham de Sola.
JACOB HENRY JOSEPH
WAS born in Berthier, but removed to Montreal when his father took up his residence here about the year 1830. While occupied with his own extensive business affairs he found time to take an interest in many public enterprises, and when later on he retired entirely from commercial pursuits he still continued to take a very active part in a number of our most important public undertakings, notably in several of our first telegraph companies, railways and banks. He was not, though, easily to be persuaded to accept directorship, although frequently pressed to do so, as it was always a principle with him never to allow his name to appear responsible for any enterprise which he could not fully control.
Noticing first his participation in the introduction of telegraph lines in Canada, it is interesting to observe that he was one of the original group of thirty who organized the first telegraph company here, and was also one of those that built the first line to the United States via Plattsburgh. He was, likewise, partner in the Newfoundland Telegraph Company, that formed the last link in the first Atlantic Cable line.
Mr. J. H. Joseph also very materially assisted in the construction of some of the very earliest railroads built in Canada. He was one of those who were connected with the Champlain Railroad Company, and was a director of the Branch constructed in the United States to Rouses Point — continuing to be a large stockholder until its final absorption by the Grand Trunk. He was also one of a half-a-dozen merchants who designed and constructed a railroad from Joliette to Rawdon, in continuation of the Lanoraie and Joliette Road.
Mr. Joseph largely aided in the formation of several of our banks. When the Union Bank was founded, 1,400 shares of stock, which had been allotted for Montreal, remained unsubscribed, and he took these up to further the successful organization of the Bank. He was, too, one of the original stockholders of the Bank of British North America — a certain portion of whose capital was allotted to Canada. Originally one of the largest shareholders of the Ontario Bank, he grew dissatisfied with the action of the Head Board, then in Bowmanville, and he expressed his disapproval of their course by disposal of all his stock. Events afterwards justified his views. He was also one of the original members of the Provident Savings Bank, but his indepen- dence and foresight showed itself here also, for, disapproving of the policy pursued, he withdrew all connection with it long before it met with the unsuccess which he prophesied.
Mr. Joseph was for many years closely identified with and the largest stock- holder in the Montreal Elevator Co., of which he was for some time President. He was an active member of the Montreal Board of Trade, and was Vice-President
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when Holton and Cramp were at its head. He was the originator of the Port Warden and Harbor Inspector's offices, and, though objected to by many at the time as unnecessary, experience has since shown the wisdom of their establishment.
Mr. Joseph has taken considerable interest in, and is a life member of, many of our important institutions, including the General Hospital, the Mercantile Library, the Art Association, the Mechanics' Institute and the Natural History Society. Of the last mentioned he has been Vice-President. He has also assisted materially towards the growth of Montreal by his extensive building operations, having since 1854 erected more buildings for his own personal holding than any other citizen ; while of public buildings he had much to do with the originating of the Mercantile Library building, and the old Merchants' Exchange.
Apart from these public enterprises Mr. J. H. Joseph has always taken a deep interest in all political questions affecting this country. During the Rebellion of 1837-38, he took an active part, and was entrusted to convey dispatches at night between Sir John Colborne and General Wetherall — then in command at Cham- bly of the troops on the Richelieu, — the dispatches being hidden in the leather linings to escape risk of capture. He was officer in a regiment regularly enrolled under Colonel Dyer, forming part of the battalions employed to garrison Hochelaga, Laprairie, Chambly and St. Johns at the time that the troops were despatched to resist the attack from the American line at Lacolle.
Always an active politician, from the days of Lafontaine and Baldwin, he was the confrere of Holton, Kinnear, John Young and Penny, and an unwavering Liberal until the General Elections of 1891. Some years ago he was invited to become the Liberal candidate for Montreal West, but declined. He also rejected overtures to enter the Legislative Council of this Province, refusing always to be bound by any party shackles.
Mr. J. H. Joseph is married to the niece of Rebecca Gratz. Two sons and several daughters are the offspring of this union, the sons being Mr. Henry Joseph and Mr. Horace Joseph. Miss Gratz was a woman whose lofty character, benevolent deeds and devoted efforts in the cause of education made her one of the noblest figures in Philadelphia society half a century ago, and an additional interest is attached to her personality from the fact of her having been the original from whom Sir Walter Scott sketched his character of Rebecca in " Ivanhoe." The incident is thus related in Morais's account of her, life : " Washington Irving (who was one of the coterie of celebrities who formed her most intimate circle of friends) while paying a visit to Sir Walter Scott, at his home in Scotland, learnt from the latter that his novel of "Ivanhoe" was in course of preparation, and that a Jewish female character would be introduced. Whereupon the former remarked that he knew of a lady who would suit admirably. He proceeded to describe, in glowing terms, Rebecca Gratz, her acquirements and suavity of manners and her unyielding devotion to Israel's God. Scott attentively listened to the interesting narrative, and when he had finished " Ivanhoe," he sent the first copy to Irving, inquiring whether the " Rebecca " he had pictured compared with the pattern given."
JESSE JOSEPH.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 473
JESSE JOSEPH,
WHO has so long occupied so prominent a place among our public men, and taken so leading a part in the administration of so many of our most important enterprises is the third of the sons who survived Henry Joseph.
He was born at Berthier, but removed to Montreal in his boyhood. Here he soon displayed those great business talents, and that inherent capacity for organizing and successfully directing large public undertakings which have so distinguished his entire career. Believing that commercial relations between Canada and Belgium could be advantageously cultivated, he became the earliest pioneer of commerce between the two countries, carrying on an enormous trade, and chartering the first vessels that were ever charged with cargoes between this port and Antwerp. The large volume of business that has since been developed with Belgium is to be credited to his initiative. Few, indeed, of our merchants ventured upon business on a more exten- sive scale, or did more to extend Canada's commerce at that time, than Jesse Joseph.
Retiring from commercial pursuits in 1864, when he was yet a young man, he devoted his attention to the many public companies with which he had become closely associated, and which he had, by his "personal efforts as well as with his capital, largely assisted in furthering. His sound judgment, high executive abilities and mature experience, rendered his co-operation on any Board of the highest value ; and hence he has figured prominently in the directorship of many of Canada's most successful enterprises.
Since 1877, Mr. Jesse Joseph has been President of the Montreal Gas Company, one of the strongest companies, financially, in Canada. During his administration its business has made enormous strides, having more than quadrupled in volume in fifteen years. As far back as 1863, he was elected one of its Director?, and thus for almost thirty years he has taken a most important part in the administration of its affairs.
He has also been, since 1884, President of the Montreal Street Railway Com- pany, having seven years before that date been elected one of its Board of Directors. Under his presidency it has developed to very large proportions, being now one of the most extensive tram roads on this Continent, having over thirty-five miles of track at present in operation.
Among the large number of other public enterprises with which he has been connected, we remark that he has been for many years a Director of the Montreal Telegraph Co., and also one of the original Directors of the People's Telegraph Co. He has likewise been a member of the Board of the Banque Nationale.
Mr. Jesse Joseph has for over forty years been Consul here for Belgium, and was the first one appointed to that office in Canada. In recognition of his distinguished services in inaugurating relations with this country, he was some years ago created a Chevalier (Knight) of the Order of Leopold by the King of the Belgians, and in 1890 he was further honored by the King conferring upon him the Decoration Civique of the First Class.
474 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL,
GERSHOM JOSEPH.
MR. GERSHOM JOSEPH, M.A.. B.C.L., is the youngest son of Mr. Henry Joseph of Berthier. Designed for a professional career, he was sent at an early age to Upper Canada College, Toronto, to be educated, and from there to Toronto University. After passing through the course in Arts, and receiving the degree of M.A., he took to Law, and graduated as B.C.L. In addition he studied for five years with Chief Justice Meredith and Judge Mondelet. After a long sojourn in Europe, he returned here and began the practice of his profession. He had risen to a very high position in the legal fraternity when the California Gold Fever broke out in 1849, an<^ ne became seized with a desire to try his fortune on the Pacific Coast. Casting aside his lucrative profession, he was among the earliest to seek the new field of enterprise offered at that time by California. Here his experiences were very varied, and spiced with adventure, but our limits prevent our relating more than one or two incidents. Having succeeded in accumulating a very large sum, he had some 60,000 dollars of this in goM dust placed in a safe in a building, standing, like many other San Francisco structures then, on piles in the water. A notorious gang of des- peradoes, known as " the Hounds/' who were the terror of San Francisco at that time, ascertained about this gold, and managed to make away with all by getting under the building in a boat at low tide. The depredations of this band gave rise to the establishment of the celebrated Vigilance Committee. Again setting to work, he had once more accumulated a good deal of property when the great conflagration, which swept over San Francisco in 1851, destroyed nearly all. For more than a decade after this he resided in San Francisco, engaged in various enterprises, and for a time associated in business with Mr. Belleau, the cousin of our former Lieut.- Governor, Sir Narcisse F. Belleau. He was also while in California the special correspondent of the "Herald"
In 1861, Mr. Joseph married Miss Celine Lyons, and in 1863, he returned to Montreal and resumed the practise of law, entering into partnership with Mr. Rouer Roy, the present City Attorney. The firm was one of the best-known legal firms here during the 6o's.
Mr. Gershom Joseph is now one of the oldest members of the Bar, there being only two or three at present practicing that ante-date his admission. He has occupied various honorary positions in some of our institutions, and has been at two different periods President of the Corporation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews, a position which he still holds.
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THE SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE SYNAGOGUE.
THE Congregation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews, " Shearith Israel," to which we have referred in our sketch of Dr. de Sola's life, has a most interesting history. There are probably not more than three or four Jewish congregations now existing in America whose record dates as far back as theirs. Many generations have passed away since it was founded by a small band of Sephardic Jews, who entered Canada at the time when France and England were locked in their final struggle for supremacy on this Continent.
Among the officers of Arnherst's invading army was Commissary Aaron Hart- He became attached to the divisions of infantry under General Haldimand's com- mand in 1760, and was stationed at Three Rivers, where he rendered good service to the British arms. He had come originally from London, where he was born ia 1724. After the close of the war he became Seigneur of Becancour. About the same time there arrived in Montreal Lazarus David, who by his public spirit and enterprise attained to a position of considerable prominence in the community* These were among the first Israelites known to have taken up a permanent residence in Canada. Within the decade following the fall of Quebec there arrived here a number of Jewish settlers, among whom were Andrew Hays, David Salesby Franks, Jacob de Maurera, Elias Seixas, Levi Solomons, Uriah Judah, Fernandez da Fonseca, Joseph Bindona and Emanuel de Cordova. Most of them were men of means. Some were occupied in large enterprises, and three or four were attached to the army.
In 1768, this little band of early Hebrew pioneers formed themselves into a con- gregation, and took the name of " Shearith Israel" (Remnant of Israel), and thus was founded the Spanish and Portuguese congregation, which still bears that name; for the first colonists being nearly all descended from Hebrews of Spain and Portugal adhered to the impressive and venerable ritual of the Sephardic (Spanish) Jews, a ritual to which the descendants of these founders have ever since clung with unswerving loyalty.
After worshipping for nine years in a room, they, in 1777, built the first syna- gogue ever erected in Canada, upon a piece of property between Notre Dame and St. James street, near the Court House, and belonging to the David family. It was a low stone building with a red roof, and was surrounded by a high stone wall.
In 1775, they purchased a piece of ground near the present Dominion Square for a cemetery, and the first one interred was Lazarus David, who, born in 1734, had died during the year following the purchase of this ground. The original headstone, bearing the date 22nd October, 1776, is still to be seen standing in the present ground, at the side of a newer one that replaced it, the bodies interred in the old ground having been removed to the new one when the latter was purchased.
The number of men belonging to this congregation who attained to prominence was remarkably large. A near relative of David Salesby Franks was the celebrated Colonel Isaac Franks, who, having fixed his residence about this time in Philadelphia, joined the Revolutionary Army after the Battle of Lexington, and became Aide-de-
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Camp to George Washington. It was at his house that Washington took up his quarters when he came to Philadelphia to attend the assembling of the first Congress of the then newly-born United States. Jacob Franks, his nephew, was also dis- tinguished, nearly a century ago, for his success in establishing trading posts in the Hudson Bay Territory, penetrating into the very heart of the wild unsettled North West in his enterprises. Another one of the early Jewish colonists, distinguished for enterprises of somewhat similar character, was Henry Joseph. He had been induced to settle here by his uncle, the Commissary Hart referred to above. In our notice of the Joseph family we refer more fully to the very noteworthy part he played in public affairs.
Of the early members of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue one of the most eminent was David David, who was one of the sons of the above-mentioned Lazarus David. He was born in 1764, and was one of the wealthiest, most philanthropic and most public-spirited of Montreal's citizens nearly a century ago. He was one of the chief founders of the Bank of Montreal in 1808, and one of the Directors of its first Board. There was scarcely an important enterprise at that time in Montreal in which he did not play a leading role, and his benevolent and self-sacrificing spirit made him one of the most esteemed and most prominent of our public men.
In those days the Jews still labored under certain political disabilities in most countries, and although in Canada the laws were much more favorable to them than in other parts of the Empire, yet their right to sit in Parliament had never been defined. In 1807, the question of their political status was suddenly raised by the election in Three Rivers of Mr. Ezekiel Hart — son of Commissary Aaron Hart — as member of the Legislature. Having declined to take the oath on the faith of a Christian, in the usual way, the Clerk permitted him to take it in the Jewish form, and with head covered. The majority of the House, influenced, it is said, more by political partizanship than by any actual feeling of religious intolerance, objected, and declared the seat vacant. After an exciting scene he was compelled to withdraw, and the election was declared null. Ezekiel Hart again appealed to the people and was again elected, defeating three other candidates by heavy majorities, but once more he was prevented from taking his seat, and a bill was brought in to disqualify Jews from being eligible to a seat in the House of Assembly. On the i5th May, 1809, the bill was to have come up for its third reading when the Governor General, Sir James H. Craig, highly displeased with the measure, in angry and indignant terms dissolved the House. "You have dissipated your time," said he, " in passing " acts which appear to be unconstitutional unfringements of the rights of the subject, " and repugnant to the very letter of the statute of the Imperial Parliament under " which you hold your seats ; and to have been matured by proceedings which amount " to a dereliction of the first principles of natural justice." A struggle followed this dissolution, but it was not till 1831 that all disqualifications were removed, by a formal Act passed that year. It is a noteworthy fact that Canada extended full poli- tical rights to the Jews more than a quarter of a century sooner than the mother country.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 477
The affairs of the congregation having got into a rather unsatisfactory condition, and the old Synagogue building near the Court House having been abandoned, an earnest appeal for re-organization was issued on the 24th July, 1826, signed by Ben- jamin Hart. Steps were taken to raise the necessary funds for a new building, but some time passed before tangible results were attained. Meanwhile the congregation met for worship in a room provided by Mr. Benjamin Hart off his residence at the south-west corner of St. Helen and Recollet streets. Benjamin Hart was one of the sons of Commissary Aaron Hart. He had removed to Montreal from Three Rivers years previously, and was at this time one of the most active members of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. The fact that the residence of a gentleman of means was then situated in St. Helen street is interesting as showing what a transformation has taken place in Montreal since that time.
Steps were taken in 1831 and 1832 to have the formalities required by Legislative Acts now properly complied with by the congregation.
On the 3oth June, 1835, tne congregation purchased a piece of land facing upon Chenneville street and Lagauchetiere street, north-east corner, and began the erec- tion of a Synagogue thereon. The corner-stone was laid by M. E. David, the grandson of Lazarus David and nephew of David David. For fifty-two years the congregation worshipped within the walls of this edifice. It was a neat stone structure with a Doric facade, and a chaste and dignified interior. The building was planned and its erection superintended by Moses J. Hays, the son of that Andrew Hays whom we have mentioned among the founders of the congregation. He was a man of consider- able prominence, whose restless spirit of enterprise led to his originating many important public improvements. It was he who first established Water Works in Montreal, and managed them for many years. He was also for some time Chief Commissioner of Police. It is a noteworthy fact that another Israelite, Jacob Kuhn, was Chief Commissioner of Police as far back as 1778.
In the erection of the Chenneville street building, the congregation was largely assisted by the munificence of Mrs. Frances Michaels, the sister of David David, whose generous gift of a considerable sum of money greatly facilitated the completion of the work. Mrs. Michaels had then become possessed of that piece of the David family's property upon which the congregation had been permitted to erect their first building.
It is a noteworthy fact that both during the War of 1812-14 and the Rebellion of 1837-38 we find a number of members of " Shearith Israel" acting as officers of British troops and rendering important assistance to the Government. We refer more particularly to members of the David, Joseph, Hart and Hays families.
The first regular Rabbi of the Montreal Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue was the Rev. J. R. Cohen, who came to Montreal in 1778, and after being here for some while removed to Philadelphia, where he became minister of the Portuguese congre- gation " Mikve Israel" there. After his departure, Mr. Myer Levy temporarily officiated, and after him Mr. Isaac Valentine. Upon the completion of the Chenne-
478 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
ville street building the Rev. David Piza was appointed Rabbi. He held office for several years and then returned to England, where he had been appointed to the Bevis Marks Synagogue of London. In 1846, the Rev. Dr. Abraham de Sola was elected Rabbi, and for nearly thirty-six years this eminent man guided the destinies of the congregation with a sway that well attested his powerful influence over his flock. His brilliant career, which cast so much lustre upon the name of Hebrew in Canada, has been fully described by us elsewhere.
During its earlier years the congregation was unincorporated ; but after a while Acts were passed affecting it, and, in 1846, a new Act of Incorporation was secured, this having become necessary owing to the formation, that year, of another Jewish congregation here. This second congregation, however, was very short-lived, and it was not until between 1858 and 1860, nearly a century after the formation of the Portuguese congregation, that a second Hebrew congregation was permanently estab- lished here, by the foundation at this latter date of the present German and Polish congregation — made necessary by the immigration at this time of a number of Polish and German Jews, who now availed themselves of the Act of 1846.
Among the men who held office and figure prominently in the affairs of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, during or about the time of Dr. Abraham de Sola's long pastorate, we observe many well-known and honored names. There was Dr. A. H. David (grandson of Lazarus David), Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Bishop's College, whose notable life we have chronicled elsewhere. (See page 480.) He occupied in turn almost every lay office in the congregation, and was several times its president. We also remark Mr. J. H. Joseph acting as honorary treasurer for years. A very conspicuous place is held in the annals of the congregation at this time by Samuel, Goodman and William Benjamin, who were such familiar and -popular figures in Montreal over a generation ago. They all held the highest offices in the gift of " Shearith Israel" Samuel Benjamin was for some time a member of the City Council of Montreal. Mr. Jesse Joseph, too, has for nearly half a century figured among the most prominent and most important lay officers of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, and his ever-ready support of, and deep interest in, everything tending to promote its welfare has conduced very much towards its prosperity. Among other staunch supporters in years gone by were Mr. Alexander Levey, for some time president ; the venerable Gottschalk I. Asher, who passed away some while ago at the patriarchal age of 96 years, and Mr. A. E. Cohen and Mr. Louis Davis, — the last mentioned being yet in office. Another officer who has long and loyally worked for the best interests of the congregation is Mr. Israel Rubenstein, the present Par- nas (ecclesiastical warden). A number of the descendants of the first settlers still figure among its members, among whom we notice Mr. Gerald E. Hart, the author of "The Fall of New France." Our limits prevent the continuation of a list that might be much prolonged. We will not, though, omit referring to Mr. Jacob L. Samuel, who for upwards of a quarter of a century has been honorary secretary, and whose indefatigable and faithful services have been as valuable as they have been unostentatious.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 479
The death of Dr. Abraham de Sola, in 1882, led to the election of his son, the Rev. Meldola de Sola, as Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. As a preacher, the Rev. Meldola de Sola is earnest, forcible and fluent, and he is a zealous and conscientious worker in the field which he has chosen ; laboring steadily in the Jewish press, as well as in the pulpit, to advance the cause of Historical Judaism as handed down to the House of Israel by their forefathers.
In 1883. a movement was inaugurated in the congregation towards the erection of a more commodious Synagogue, and, at a general meeting of its members, held in the autumn of that year, a committee was appointed to select a suitable site, and to receive offers for the old property ; but it was not until the close of 1886 that suf- ficient funds were collected to proceed with the work. In the spring of 1887, a piere of property was purchased on Stanley street, above St. Catherine, and the work of erecting the new building was immediately begun. The Building Committee was composed of Messrs. Jesse Joseph, Louis Davis, Clarence I. de Sola, Jacob L. Samuel, Horace Joseph, Israel Rtibenstein, and the Rev. M. de Sola, ex officio. The plans adopted were designed by Mr. Clarence I. de Sola, who directed the work of erection throughout, and to whose energies was due much of the success of the undertaking. The corner-stone was laid in September, 1887, by Mr. Gershom Joseph, and on the 3ist August, 1890, the edifice was completed and dedicated amid imposing ceremonies.
The building is a most attractive place of worship, and is of peculiar interes from an artistic point of view, owing to its design bring based upon the best traditions of what is known of Jewish architecture — being a combination of the massive and imposing forms of Ancient Egypt with the graceful outlines and luxuriant features of Oriental Art — a combination at once chaste and elegant. Its noble colonnades, its beautiful ark of mahogany and marble, the strict correctness of its forms, and the harmonious tones of its coloring, all unite in producing a most pleasing and impres- sive effect, while the markedly pronounced Jewish characteristics which predominate throughout the entire edifice make it stand distinct in style from any other place of worship in the city, and give it an individuality appropriately in keeping with the striking individuality of the Peculiar People who worship within its walls.
Shortly before .the- completion of ;,the building—during the Legislative Session of 1889-90 — the congregation received a new Act of Incorporation, amending various points of the previous Acts. It was framed by two of its members, Mr. G.Joseph,. B.C.L., and Mr. Lewis A. Hart, B.C.L. The latter was for some years Lecturer on Notarial Practice at McGill.
The present Board of Officers of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, "Shear it/i Israel" are: — Mr. Gershom Joseph, President; Mr. Israel Rubenstein, Parnas ; Mr. Jesse Joseph, Treasurer ; Mr. Jacob L. Samuel, Hon. Secretary ; and Messrs. Louis Davis, Edward A. Benjamin and Clarence I. de Sola, Trustees.
480 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
A. H. DAVID, M.D.
AARON HART DAVID was the second son of the late Samuel David, Esq., merchant, who was bom in Montreal in 1766. Dr. David was born in this city on the pth October, 1812. He was partly educated in Montreal and partly at Round Hill School, Northampton, Mass., under the charge of the Historian, the Hon. Mr. Bancroft, and while there had the honor of being presented by Mr. Bancroft to the late General Lafayette as a Canadian, and speaking French ; who shook hands with him, when he visited that celebrated school.
He commenced studying Medicine in January, 1830, in Montreal, and in 1833 proceeded to Edinburgh to complete his studies. He became a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1834, and graduated in the University of that city in 1835, a^ter which he returned to Montreal and commenced practice, where he re- mained to his death. He was Professor of Practice of Medicine and Dean of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bishop's College, and a D.C.L. He was president of the Natural History Society of Montreal, and also one of the physi- cians of Montreal General Hospital and St. Patrick's Hospital, and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice for many years.
He was a member and ex-governor of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower Canada, and a life member of the Natural History Society of Montreal, a corresponding member of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, an extra- ordinary member of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh, a member of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Montreal, a corresponding member of the Gynaeco- logical Society of Boston, a member of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, a member of the Ameircan Association for the same, a member and general secretary of the Canada Medical Association, and was one of the oldest medical officers of the Volunteer Force in the Dominion, having served with the Montreal Rifle Corps in 1837-38. Dr. David went to the Front during the Fenian raid with the Hochelaga Light Infantry, of which corps he was surgeon. Dr. David married the eldest daughter of the late Henry Joseph.
COIV. JOHN JONES.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 481
JOHN JONES, JUN.
THE subject of this sketch, and grandfather of C. G. Jones, of this city, was born in Little St. James street, in 1761, the first British-born subject in Montreal, and died at his son's residence (Hon. Robert Jones of St. John's) in 1842, in the eighty- second year of his age. He was Ashes Inspector, and preceded the well-known names of Dyde & Major in that office ; also Colonel of the Militia and Volunteers for the district of Montreal. It was he who gave Colonel Dyde his first commission in the Volunteers. He owned the property on which the Merchants' Bank and Nordheimer's Block is now erected. When quite a youth, he was entrusted by Lord Howe to carry over-land most important dispatches to Halifax via Canada, which he successfully performed and re- ceived the General's thanks. He represented the County of Missisquoi in the Parliament known as the Governor in Council. He and his 'son, C. H. Jones (father of C. G. Jones), were at the battle of Plattsburg, the latter (not sixteen) acting as Aide-de- Camp to his father. A powerful field glass picked up by him on the battle-field is now in the possession of Mr. C. G. Jones.
The father of Col. Jones, John Jones, Sen., came with his Regiment from New York to Canada in 1761, to take possession of the country before the final Cession. He was Quarter-master, and remained about a week in Montreal, during which time Col. Jones was born. The Regiment then pushed on to Quebec, but he returned after- wards with his Regiment to New York, and was appointed Captain of Fort Edward. When the Revolutionary War of Independence broke out he fled with his family to Canada. When General Burgoyne's Army was formed in Canada against the Ameri- can Colonists, he was appointed Quartermaster-General, and was accompanied in this expedition by his son, John Jones, Jun. Both were taken prisoners, with the whole British army, at Saratoga. When peace was declared they both returned to Canada, John Jones, Sen., being appointed to the charge of the Military Station of William Henry, now Sorel, and also agent for the Seigniory of William Henry, and receiving a grant of 5,000 acres of land as a U. E. Loyalist, on which nearly all the town of Sorel now stands.
John Jones, Sen., belonged to a very ancient Welsh family, whose descent can be traced through his Crest and Arms to Nefydd Hardd, Lord of Nant Conway, founder of the VI Noble Tribe of North Wales and Powis, about A.D. 900. The family are also connected with the Jones of Foreman Castle, near Cowbridge, Gla- morgan, Wales, the Crest and Arms being similar.
John Jones, Jun., or Col. Jones, married Mary Magdalen Heney of Lachine. Her father was the factor of the North-West Fur Company's Depot there She was granddaughter of Charles Rene Lapailleur, who was descended from Jean Lapailleur of Paris, whose son was procureur du Roi et Notaire Royal (French Noblesse) of Batiscan (see Tanguay, Vol. 5). It was owing to the influence of Col. Jones and family, that Lapailleur, the Patriot of 1837-38, was banished to Aus- tralia, instead of suffering as his twelve compatriots did. Five sons of Col. Jones
31
482
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
held Commissions during the Rebellion — two as Colonels and three, C. H., Edward and T. W, Jones, as Captains of Cavalry. The troop of Thomas W. Jones, of which he was Captain, was a splendid Corps, the Queen's Light Dragoons, which showed its mettle at the Battle of St. Eustache. It was not disbanded till 1850. It had the honor of being drilled by the Earl of Cathcart, who declared that it was as efficient a body of Cavalry as any in Her Majesty's service. Lord Elgin brought a-bout their disban- donment because they would not charge the populace at the riot arising from the burning of the Parliament Buildings in 1849.
The following are the particulars of Crest and Arms from Burke's Heraldry* 1878.
CREST.
A cubit arm erect in armour, ppr. holding in the gauntlet a spear of the first headed ar. ernbued gu.
ARMS.
Sa. a chef between three spear heads ar.
GAZETTEER OP MONTREAL. 483
SIMON ERASER.
. «
ANOTHER of the old Montrealers of the last century. He was a Roman Catholic, and came from Inverness. Lord Lovat was the head of the Fraser Clan, and to this section Simon belonged. He will ever be remembered as the man who discovered the River which bears his name, the Fraser River of British Columbia. He was one of the most energetic agents of the North West Company, and striking one day the banks of a noble river he launched on its waters, and followed it to its mouth for hundreds of miles until it fell into the Pacific Ocean. Less than eighty years passed, when the great Canadian Pacific Railway has followed his steps, and trains now are conveying travellers down the Fraser River Valley to Vancouver through a section of the Dominion which will yet be peopled by an industrious and agricultural race. He was one of those whom Lord Selkirk placed in arrest for their part in the uprising at Fort Garry, and when Governor Semple was put to death in 1816.
REV. ED. BLACK, D.D.,
WAS born at Penningharn, Wigtonshire, Scotland, December, 1793. Studied there, and latterly in 1808 and following years passed his curriculum in Edinburgh University, and in 1815 was licensed to preach. He was assistant to his father till 1822, when he determined to emigrate to Canada. He remained in Montreal, and for twenty-three years was one of its most successful preachers. He died May yth, 1845, ^n tne fifty- second year of his age. He had married into the Greenshields family. His sister had married a Rev. Samuel Richardson, who had succeeded the Rev. James Black in Penningham. The Author of this work was connected with his Church for one year when residing in Wigtonshire, and a few years after was connected with St. Paul's, Montreal, for five years. To Dr. Black must be due the grand church of St. Paul's of Montreal. He sowed the seed and the result is now seen — one of the healthiest in a Christian point of view, and financially one of the strongest of all the churches in the city, and overlooked by Rev. James Barclay, M.A., whose sketch is given else- where in this GAZETTEER.
JOSEPH ROY
WAS born at Mascouche, October, 1771. His father was one of the early farmers of that locality. Tn 1790, he came to Montreal, and went into the employ of Mr. Pasteur, an eminent sculptor of that^time. r .Determined to get on heiattended a night school, and thus received a good commercial education. In 1803, he opened a store at the corner of St. Paul street and Jacques Cartier square, and in time became one of the great merchants of Montreal. In 1814, he was chosen against the celebrated James Stuart, then Solicitor-General, as a candidate for Montreal. We living in these last years of the century must look back and find that at this pericd great things were required of the British Empire. He had thrown down the gauntlet against the Government and against such a man as James Stuart. As a writer remarks of this period, " Petat sous le regne de la terreur." Governor Craig dissolved the Chamber the second time in the short space of six months, having thrown into prison those men who were the most prominent and remarkable against his administration.
484 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. HENRY STARNES.
HE was the grandson of a U. E. Loyalist, of English descent, who settled in Canada at the close of the American Revolution. His father married a French Canadian lady. He was born at Kingston, Ontario, i3th October, 1816, and educated at the Montreal College and the Rev. Mr. Esson's Academy. He was for some years a member of the firm of Leslie, Starnes & Co., wholesale merchants, Montreal. Has been a Director of La Banque du Peuple ; a Warden of Trinity House ; Vice- President of the Board of Trade, and for many years Manager in Montreal of the Ontario Bank, and Chairman of the Canadian Board of Directors of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co., President of the Shedden Co., and a Director of the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Co. He was Mayor of Montreal in 1856 and 1866, and Lieutenant-Colonel ist Montreal Centre Reserve Militia. He sat for Chateauguay in the Canadian Assembly, from General Elections, 1857, to General Elections, 1863, when he retired. He unsuccessfully contested Montreal at the General Elections of 1857, and declined a seat in the Quebec Cabinet in 1867. He was sworn a Member of the Executive Council, 8th March, 1878. Was Speaker of the Legislative Council, October, 1879, and Acting-Commissioner of Agriculture and Public Works during the absence on public duties of Hon. H. G. Joly. Was Commissioner of Railways from 3ist July, 1882, to January, 1884, and Commissioner of Public Works in the Taillon Ministry, from the 25th to 27th January, 1887. He was appointed to his present position as Member of the Legislative Council as far back as 1867, and is now the President and Chairman of that body. Mr. Starnes' name has been one of the best known in Montreal for the past thirty-five years, and his familiar face is recognized by everyone when it is seen in St. James Street.
HON. J. R. THIBAUDEAU.
HE was born at Cap Sant6, Portneuf County, P.Q., October ist, 1837. His pro- genitors had come from France to Acadia during the French Revolution in 1789, and thence to Lower Canada. Settling in Montreal, the young man entered into business life, and was formerly head of the great dry goods firm of Thibaudeau, Beliveau & Archambault. He has been for years one of the most prominent citizens of Montreal. He is President of the Royal Electric Company, and Vice-President of the Royal Canadian Insurance Company and the Bell Telephone Company, also of the Montreal Cotton Company, and a Director of the North American Life Assurance Company, and a Local Director of La Banque Nationale. He married, gth Decem- ber, 1873, Marguerite LaMothe, eldest daughter of Guillaume LaMothe, whose sketch is found at page 182 of this GAZETTEER, late Postmaster of Montreal, and has an interesting family. He was called to the Senate on January i4th, 1878. On May 9th, 1890, he was appointed Sheriff of Montreal, on the death of the Hon. P. J. O. Chauveau, and our new incumbent fully sustains the duties and dignity of this high office.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 485
REV. JOHN SCRIMGER, M.A.
HE was born at Gait, Ontario, 1849, and educated at Gait High School under Dr. Tassie. Entered the University of Toronto, taking B.A. with two silver medals, 1869, M.A., 1871, and in Theology in Knox College, Toronto, He was Lecturer on Latin Classical Literature in Knox College, Toronto, 1870-73.
He organized and conducted Missions in Hamilton and Toronto, both of which are now self-sustaining churches.
He was ordained as Minister of St. Joseph Street (now Calvin) Presbyterian Church, Montreal, 1873, which church grew rapidly under his pastorate. In 1874, he was appointed also Lecturer on Hebrew and Greek Exegesis in the Presbyterian College, Montreal, as successor to the Rev. Dr. Gibson, now of London, England. He continued double duty until 1882, when he was appointed full Professor in this Institution, and still continues to occupy the same position. Writer of articles in various magazines on theological, practical and antiquarian subjects, a member of several official Boards in the Presbyterian Church, and from 1879 to 1881 was Chaplain to the Grand Lodge of Free Masons for Quebec.
WILLIAM HOBBS
Is the grandson of Henry Hobbs, 1771, of Staple Hill and Stapleton, Gloucester- shire. England, landed proprietor, carrying on business in collieries, stone quarries, flour mills, by steam and water power: and grand-nephew of Mr. Mackay, mer- chant and ship owner of London, England, whose vessels traded between Lon- don and Montreal as early as the beginning of the present century. The subject of our sketch was the son of James Hobbs of Staple Hill, manufacturer. We may mention that he was the nephew of William Hobbs of Didsbury, Lancashire, an extensive cotton manufacturer of Spring Bank Mills, Stockport; Vale House Mills, Entwistle, and Gibraltar Mills, Ashton-under-Line, England. He was a Merchant of Montreal from 1809 to 1817, when he left Canada.
Mr. Hobbs came to Canada at the age of twenty, in 1851, joining the firm of W. Whiteford & Co., successors to the late Peter McGill & Co., whose business he succeeded in 1854, which he carried on for several years. In 1870, as promoter of the Hudon Cotton Mills, he organized that Company, and made the plans for the same. In 1872, he organized the Montreal Cotton Company, and designed the plans for both the mills and bleach works, and superintended the erection of the mills and machinery, as well as the construction of the canal water power, etc., managing the mill for twelve months, until it was in good working order. In 1879, he organized the Coaticook Cotton Company, and constructed the mills on plans of his own design, and ran the same for two years, realizing large profits for the owners during that period. In 1882, he organized the Magog Textile and Print Company of Magog, at the outlet of Lake Memphremagog, designed the plans for the building and superintended the construction of the same, and the erection of the machinery, with the assistance of his son, Mr. William Henry Hobbs, and started all the cotton
486 . GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
machinery. He also designed the dam, embankment, canal and tail race, creating a power of 2,500 horse power. In 1889, ne assisted Mr, A. F. Gault in the amal- gamation and consolidation of the Dominion Cotton Mills Company, embracing nearly all the grey and white cotton mills in the Dominion. Mr. Hobbs is still active, and has in hand projects in further developing water power which it is believed will bring him still further honors, and eclipse all he has done in the past towards the development of his adopted country, and the advancement of Montreal in particular.
CHAS. E. GOAD.
<{ DURING the last seventeen years there has been established in Canada a very important system of Insurance Surveys. The credit for the establishment of this system belongs to Mr. Chas. E. Goad, C.E., of Montreal, Toronto and London, E.G., England. Mr. Goad, who is a member of the American Society, and of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers, began his career on the staff of the Toronto, Grey and Bruce Railway, then of the Montreal Northern Colonization Railway, and in 1876 was Chief Engineer of the Halifax and Cape Breton, after which he found it neces- sary to the success of the system of insurance plans which he had inaugurated, to give his whole time to the supervision of the work. A few years ago Mr. Goad extended his operations to the United Kingdom, where the work is very much more difficult, owing to the crooked and irregular thoroughfares and the manner in which the buildings have been crowded together. In the British Isles, the surveys include twenty-five of the largest cities and towns, and cover an area of nearly twenty square miles of the most closely built and valuable blocks in the world. His Atlas of Montreal shows all building and street numbers, and also the official sub-division numbers, which render it of great service to all "who are interested in real estate. Recently he has issued an excellent map of Montreal and vicinity, which is acknow- ledged to be the best and most comprehensive map of the city ever published, and Mr. Goad has exhibited considerable public spirit in producing so good a work at a popular price."
REV. CANON MILLS.
THE present efficient Rector of Trinity Church was educated at Woodstock Grammar School and at Huron College, London, Out. He is a graduate of the Western University. Ordained Deacon in 1872, he was priested in 1873 by the Bishop of Huron. His first appointment was Trinity Church, Norwich. He was next Rector of St. Thomas. Seaforth ; then Rector of St. John's, Quebec, and from there he was elected as Rector of Trinity, Montreal, in 1882.
He was made Canon of Christ Church Cathedral in 1883, and Examining Chap- lain to the Bishop in 1885. He is a Governor of the Montreal Diocesan College since 1889, and lecturer on Scripture History since 1884 m this institution. He married a daughter of the late Stanley C. Bagg, whose Biography appears elsewhere in this GAZETTEER ; and, I may add, no man has for years past raised Trinity to its present status and worked for its advancement more than its present Rector, the Rev. Canon Mills.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 47
J. ARTHUR FRANCHERE, M.A.,
WAS born February 14, 1862, at St. Marie de Monnoir. His parents were Jacques Franchere, M.D., and Demoiselle H. Boutillier, whose ancestors came from the Island 01 Guernsey. The father's fanily came originally from France. He was educated at Le Petit Seminaire de Ste. Marie de Monnoir, and afterwards graduated M.A. at the Eastman National Business College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He studied Law at Laval University, Quebec, and in the offices of W. & A. H. Cook, Quebec, and Roy & Boutillier, Montreal. He was admitted to the Bar, January, 1887, and •practised with John P. Noyes, ex-Batonnier General of the Province, at Waterloo, until he was appointed Assistant Sheriff for the District of Montreal, June n, 1889. He acted as the Sheriff of Montreal on the death of the late Sheriff, Hon. P. J. O. Chauveau, and until the appointment of the present Incumbent, Hon. J. R. Thibau- deau. One of the rarest volumes now in Montreal was written by a near relation of the subject of our sketch, viz., Gabriel Franchere. It is called " Relations d'un voyage a la cote du Nord-ouest de 1'Amerique septentrionale pour les annees 1810- 11-12-13-14." Mr. Franchere is yet a young man, and will, if spared, make his mark in the world.
THOMAS WESTON RITCHIE, Q.C.,
WAS born at Hatley, Province of Quebec, in 1838. His father was Registrar of the District of St. Francis. He was called to the Bar in 1852, and appointed Queen's Counsel in 1867. After his admission to the Bar he commenced practice in Slier- brooke, and afterwards associated in partnership the late Mr. Borlase. In 1860, he removed to Montreal and became a member of the firm of Rose, Monk & Ritchie. When Mr. Monk was raised to the Bench, the firm then was named Rose & Ritchie. When Sir John Rose left Canada for England, Mr. Ritchie associated with him J. L. Morris and W. Rose as partners. Mr. W. Rose not long after also left to reside in England, and Mr. Morris retired. Mr. Ritchie then took his son, Mr. W. F. Ritchie, as partner, under the title of Ritchie & Ritchie. Mr. Ritchie was one of the most prominent members of the Bar of the Province of Quebec. He stood high in rank as an Advocate in Commercial Law, and held many important offices during his lifetime. At the time of his sudden death he was Solicitor to the Bank of Montreal and the Hudson Bay Company. He was both a Director of and Solicitor to the Mon- treal, Portland & Boston Railway, also Solicitor to the following various insurance companies : Standard, Canada Life, Commercial Union and Phoenix Fire. For many years he acted as Crown Prosecutor for the District of Montreal. He died suddenly on September 4, 1882, when on board "The Lady of the Lake" steam- boat, when, with a party, he was taking a trip on Lake Memphremagog. His son is now associated as partner with Leo Davidson, Esq., D.C.L., and the firm is David- son & Ritchie. Miss Ritchie is one of the most talented young ladies who have studied either for Law or Medicine. She has chosen the latter sphere, and is fast making her mark in the profession.
488 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. GEDEON OUIMET, Q.C.
THE subject of this sketch was born at St. Rose, on the 3rd June, 1823. His father was Mr. Jean Ouimet, of that place. He was educated at the College of St. Hya- cinthe, and also at that of Montreal. After a thorough course of training and study of Law he was admitted to the Bar of Lower Canada, in August, 1844, consequently the hon. gentleman is one of the oldest practitioners in the District of Montreal, only five names now bearing prior commission to his. He is now the only prac- ticing Attorney on the list of the Montreal Bar who was admitted in 1844.
He practiced for some years at Vaudreuil, and was the Mayor of that village. He sat for Beauharnois in the Canadian Assembly from the year 1858 until the General Elections of 1861, when he was defeated. In the year 1867 (July), he was appointed a member of the Executive Council, and held the high position of Attor- ney General from that date till February 27, 1873, when the Chauveau Ministry having resigned, the onerous, responsible and important duty devolved on him of forming a new Ministry and Administration, in which he took the positions of Pro- vincial Secretary and Registrar, also that of Minister of Public Instruction. He was returned by acclamation at the General Elections of 1867, and re-elected at the next General Elections. He was the President of the St. Jean Baptiste Societe in 1870 and again in 1871, also at one time the President of the Institut Canadien- fraufais, and has been the Batonnier of the Bar of the Province of Quebec. The hon. gentleman is the author of the Municipal Code of the Province, and also of the Law on District Magistrates. He carried whilst in Parliament important amend- ments on the qualifications of Jurors in criminal cases, and in the Code of Civil Procedure. When the Ministry of which the hon. gentleman was Premier went out of office, it was succeeded by the De Boucherville Cabinet. Since then Hon. Mr. Ouimet has been Superintendent of Education for the Province, which high position he still holds.
JOHN MORRIS AND CHARLES M. HOLT
MR. JOHN MORRIS has long enjoyed a lucrative and influential practice, having been associated under the firm name of Torrance & Morris with the late Judge Torrance until the latter's elevation to the Bench, and then with that eminent jurist, the late Thos. W. Ritchie, Q.C., and the late Sir William Rose, Bart., under the firm name of Ritchie, Morris & Rose. After Mr. Ritchie's death, Mr. Morris asso- ciated with him in 1885 Mr. Charles M. Holt. Mr. Morris, the senior member, graduated in 1859, an(i nas since then become a Queen's Counsel, and is also a Director in several of the leading companies in this city. He is the son of the late Hon. Wm. Morris and a brother of the late Hon. Alex. Morris, and is a pleader of the first rank. Mr. Holt obtained his degree of LL.L. at Laval University in 1883, and has by his brilliant attainments in his profession contributed in a great measure to their success. He is a son of the late Judge Holt, of Quebec. He has also pub- lished a work on Railway Law which is the standard authority on that subject in Canada.
GEORGE HOLLAND.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 489
GEORGE A. HOLLAND, SEN.
THE subject of this sketch was born at Mount Shannon, Ireland, on the i2th May, 1812. His parents were Andrew Holland and Jane Clarke. He was educated in Ireland. He came to Canada and settled at New Glasgow in 1827. Then came to Montreal in 1832, and began business as clerk with his brother John, and during the Rebellion took up arms to suppress it. He was then of the " Band " in the army that attacked St. Eustache. After some time he opened up for himself in Notre Dame street, where he continued for many years as one of the largest businesses in Montreal of wall paper and general fancy goods. At one time he did the entire wholesale business of these lines of goods. He continued attending to the routine of the establishment till his death on ist July, 1883. Mr. Holland was among the first who sold largely to the Indians and the Hudson Bay Company. His two brothers are still in Montreal and well-known citizens, Richard and Andrew.
The business is now carried on by his youngest son in Notre Dame street. George, his eldest son, is engaged in the importation and manufacture of musical instruments. He has the largest stock of band instruments in the Dominion, and is a thorough musician. Hardly any public entertainment is given, or concert arranged, without his aid and advice, himself being one of the principal performers.
George was born in Montreal, nth December, 1843. He commenced to study music (violin first) at seven years of age. He joined the Active Militia at the time of Trent Troubles as Bandsman of the Victoria Rifles, where he remained for twelve years. He then joined the Sixth Fusiliers, where he also remained for twelve years. He is now attached to the Royal Scots. He rose from private to Bandmaster, He plays every instrument of both brass and string. He is proficient also on the clarionet. He has performed in nearly all the principal cities of the Dominion and throughout part of the United States. He has also played at nearly all the principal local concerts of Montreal where instrumental music was required, and at all the military concerts which were got up in the old Crystal Palace by Colonel Fane, of the 25th Regiment.
He is, therefore, an authority as to value and make of almost any instrument, having made it a life study. All kinds of instruments are sent from over the whole Continent for his examination and approval. He is a true Montrealer, and one that the City may be proud of as regards his instrumental lore and great musical ability.
490 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
PIERRE S. GENDRON.
HE was one of the late Prothonotaries of Montreal. He was born at St. Rosalie, on the 3ist of August, 1838, and educated in the College of St. Hyacinthe ; he then taught for nine years in the country, during which he studied Law under Mr. Louis Tache. In 1860, he was admitted to the Bar. He practiced as a notary from 1860 to 1876. and was then called to the office of Prothonotary of Montreal. He was elected Member for Bagotin the House of Commons in 1867. In 1871, he was again elected. In 1872, re-elected. In 1873, dual representation was abolished, and he preferred to retain his seat in the Local and not the Federal Legislature. He married in May, 1850, Louise Fournier. One of his sons was once President and Professor of Philosophy in St. Hyacinthe College.
HON. WILLIAM MORRIS
WAS born at Paisley, on the 3ist October, 1786. On arriving at Montreal, Mr. Morris' father determined to remain in the city. He then engaged in shipping. Mr. Morris was occupied in the quiet pursuit of his calling when a ship owned by him, richly laden, was lost in the Straits of Belle Isle. The consequence was that he was ruined and left Montreal to settle on a farm near Brockville. In 1809, he died. The Hon. William Morris and Mr. Alexander Morris, eleven years afterwards, voluntarily paid all his debts, and received from the creditors as a mark of regard two handsome pieces of plate. In 1812, when war with the United States was declared, Mr. Morris left his business to serve his country. Having received his commission of Ensign from General Brock, he joined the militia flank companies. In October he volunteered with a British force under Lieut. -Col. Lethbridge in the attack on Ogdensburg. After the close of the war, 1816, he proceeded with the military settlers to the lands allotted to them, near the Rideau, and began business in Perth.
About 1820, he was elected to the Provincial Parliament. Not long after he initiated the discussion of that great Clergy Reserve question, which, for good or «vil, is inseparably associated with his name. In the year 1820, he moved and carried an address to the King, asserting the claim of the Church of Scotland to a share of the Clergy Reserves. In 1835, ne was elected for the sixth time for Lanark. In 1836, he was called to the Legislative Council. In 1837, there was a gathering in Cobourg of members of the Scotch Church from all parts of Canada. The object was to take counsel, to address the Throne, and claim with their fellow-subjects of English origin a fair share of the lands set apart for the maintenance of a Protestant clergy. Mr. Morris and Dr. Mathieson of Montreal were appointed to be the bearers of petitions to the Queen and Parliament, setting forth the grievances of the Scottish race in Canada. Mr. Morris' conduct was so satisfactory that his countrymen pre- sented him with a handsome piece of plate.
In 1837-8 he exerted. great influence in organizing the militia of his county. In 1841, he was appointed Warden of the District of Johnstown. At the union of the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 491
Provinces, he was called to the Legislative Council of Canada ; September, 1844, he was invited to accept the office of Receiver-General, and a seat in the Executive Council. This office he continued to fill till May, 1847, when he succeeded to the Presidency, which he held until the resignation of the Government in March, 1848. From October, 1844, to June, 1846, he was also a member of the Board of Works. He died on the 29th June, 1858, in the 72nd year of his age.
REV. HENRY ESSON, M.A.
WAS born in Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1793. His father was a fanner of the shire. Educated in Marischal College, Aberdeen, he came to Montreal in 1817. He soon made himself felt in his ministrations as a scholar, a gentleman and a brilliant speaker. He was twice married, first to Maria Sweeney. This lady be- longed to the Sweeney family whose sketch is placed elsewhere in this GAZETTEER. They were a large family as the marriage register witnesses. Signed to it were Camp- bell Sweeney, M. C. Sweeney, Anna, Elizabeth, Robert, Campbell, jun., and James. She died February, 1826, only twenty-four years of age. In 1842, he married the second time, Elizabeth Campbell, sister of A. J. Campbell, formerly of the Mer- chants Bank of Canada. She was also the aunt to our esteemed friend, Rev. F. Renaud, now Rector of St. Thomas, Montreal, and late of St. Johns, and aunt to his sister, the wife of the popular Bishop of Algoma, Bishop Sullivan. After a long life he died on May n, 1853, in the 6ist year of his age, and was buried in Mount Royal Cemetery.
HON. G. A. NANTEL,
DESCENDED from an old French family of navigators from Dieppe, is the son of Guillaume Nantel, one of the first settlers in St. Jerome, P.Q., by Adelaide Desjar- dins, of St. Therese de Blainville. He was born in St. Jerome, P.Q., November 4, 1852, and educated at the Seminary of St. Therese de Blainville. He married June, 1885, Emma Tasse. Studied Law under Mr. Justice Belanger and Mr. J. A. Ouimet, M.P., with whom he subsequently practiced in partnership for three years. He was called to the Bar of the Province of Quebec in 1875. He is a practising Advocate and Editor of Le Nord, a colonization Journal published at St. Jerome. He has been assistant editor of La Minerve. He is a Director of the Montreal Colonization Railway Company. First returned to Commons for present seat at General Elec- tions, 1882, he resigned to make way for Hon, J. A. Chapleau, who was elected and became Secretary of State in the Dominion Cabinet ; he was then elected for present seat in Legislative Assembly of the Province or Quebec, August 30, 1882, and re- elected at last General Election. When the dismissal of the Mercier Government took place 22nd of last December, Mr. Nantel was chosen to the high honor of being elected as a member of the Executive Council as the Attorney General for the Pro- vince, which position he at present holds.
492 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
EMELIE TRAVERNIER.
IN 1828, the subject of this sketch, the widow of J. B. Gamelin, commenced a com- pany to look after the aged and infirm women of the city, and to visit the sick at their homes, but especially the poor, which resulted in the establishment of the Sisters of " La Providence." His Grace the late Archbishop Bourget sanctioned the work and blessed the community in 1844 — six Sisters, she was the first Superioress. At first there were only six Sisters, now they are an influential body, and have built some very fine establishments in and around Montreal. Chief of these were the immense buildings at Longue Pointe (burned some time ago), where one of the largest Lunatic establishments in the world was located. Of all the Sisters which have joined this Community none have been so much before the public as Sister Therese, who died a short time ago. She never recovered the effects of the terrible catastrophe of the burning of her grand home for lunatics.
MLLE. MARIE ESTHER S. BLONDIN.
THIS lady was the first Superioress of the " Filles de Ste. Anne." On the i3th Sep- tember, 1848, the Bishop of Montreal authorized several pious persons to unite at Vaudreuil and live in a Community. They procured the buildings of the Sacred Heart, and established themselves at Lachine, where they have a fine Boarding School and Institution for the education of young girls. The Convent is beautifully situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence, opposite the Lachine Rapids, and every attention is paid to the education and oversight of the large number of pupils always intrusted to their care.
H. M. GILES
WAS born in London, of an old Kentish family, in 1834 ; educated at the Grammar School, Bedford; came to Canada in 1845, to St. Catharines, Ontario. He came to Montreal in 1881. He has written largely for the press. Many of his poems are well known to the reading public. Some of them attracted the notice of Longfellow and Charles McKay, from whom Mr. Giles received flattering letters in connection with them. He is also the author of a most interesting work, styled "Vox Dei aut Vox Populi," published in 1874. This work received the highest commenda- tion of the Rev. T. C. Evans, D.D., of New York, who, reviewing it, thus says :— . " It is as a whole so admirable in respect of perspicuity, strength, vivacity, terseness of expression, in short of all those elements which are clustered under the phrase, ' English style.' It is so copious in apt quotations and so convincing in all its: arguments." For some years Mr. Giles has not written much, his time being too occupied; but perhaps in the near future all his fugitive pieces may be gathered together, and they will surely make one of the most readable volumes published in> this country.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 493
FRANCIS CASSIDY, Q.C.
THE subject of this sketch was born of Irish parentage at the Village of St. Jacques de L'Achigan, in the Province of Quebec, in 1827. He received his education at the College of L'Assomption, where he was remarked for his untiring zeal in the prose- cution of every branch of his studies. Leaving college he entered the office of Moreau & Leblanc, and was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in the year 1848. Sir Louis H. Lafontaine having remarked his talent and ability, offered him the situation of Deputy Receiver-General, at an income of £400 per annum, which Mr. Cassidy modestly refused on account of his youth. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest practition- ers at the Montreal Bar, his partner being the late Sheriff of Montreal, and the firm being styled "Leblanc & Cassidy." In 1863, he was created a Q.C., and also Batonnier. In 1871, he was elected by acclamation for Montreal West in the Local Legislature of Quebec. On the retirement of Mr. Coursol from the Mayoralty in February, 1872, Mr. Cassidy was elected by acclamation. Illness, however, prevented him from occupying the office long. He, however, fulfilled the duties of Mayor in an able manner during the short term which his health permitted him to do. Not long before his election to the Chief Magistracy of the city, Mr. Cassidy was seized with a severe illness, being very feeble at the time of his inauguration, and afterwards pre- vented, except ofi one or two occasions, from filling the office. He died on the i4th June, 1872. His only brother, John L, Cassidy, lately deceased, was one of the largest — if not the largest — merchants in glassware and china in Montreal, his busi- ness being carried on in that beautiful block on St. Paul street called the Nuns Buildings.
ALEX. H. KOLLMYER, M.D.,
Is the son of the late Henry Christian Kollmyer, and was born in Montreal, May 18, 1832. He was educated here, especially in the Royal Grammar School kept by the late Alexander Skakel, LL.D. This was then the only institution in Montreal where a classical education could be obtained. When that gentleman died, all the pupils were transferred to the High School, which was then under the care of the Rev. Mr. Simpson. He remained there until 1848, when he became connected with the then well-known establishment of R. W. Rexford, Chemist and Druggist, remaining there for four years.
Desirous to prosecute Medicine, he became, in 1851, a student of McGill, and was appointed House Apothecary to the Montreal General Hospital in 1855. In 1856, he obtained his degree of M.D. In 1868, he was appointed Lecturer on Materia Medica in the Montreal College of Pharmacy. In 1869, he was appointed Lecturer on Botany in the same Institution, and in 1872-73, he alone gave, greatly to his credit, the whole of the three courses of six months lectures on Chemistry, Materia Medica and on Botany, and solely through his instrumentality is due 'the fact that by his keeping up these lectures the druggists of Montreal obtained their bill through Parliament in 1874, by which they are now enabled to educate and license
494 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
their young men. In 1871, he was appointed Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Medical Faculty of the University of Bishop's College, and during the same year an honorary degree of M.A. was conferred upon him by the same University at its Convention in Lennoxville. He died some years ago.
WILFRED PREVOST.
HE was descended from Guillaume Prevost, a merchant of Paris, France, who was one of the Cent Associes, son of M. Guillaume Prevost, merchant of St. Anne des Plaines, Terrebonne, Quebec, by Marie Josephte Quevillon ; and brother of G. M. Prevost, N.P., who represented the County in the Canadian Assembly from 1854 to 1857. He was born at St. Anne des Plaines, ist of May, 1832, and educated at St. Sulpice College, Montreal, and at the Colleges of L'Assomption and St. Hyacinthe. He married 4th July, 1852, Delle Angelique Reine Marier. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1853, and enjoys an extensive practice in the District of Terrebonne. After repeated refusals to accept representation of the County in Parliament, at length he consented to stand for the Commons at the General Elec- tions of 1872, and was returned by acclamation; re-elected at last General Election.
WM. H. DRUMMOND, M.D.
THE subject of our sketch is an Irishman, having been born in the County of Lei- trim, Ireland. He came to Canada when only eleven years of age with his family. His father was an officer in the Royal Irish Constabulary.
On arriving in this country the family settled in Montreal, where the father died within a year afterwards. Dr. Drummond was educated in Montreal, and graduated from Bishop's University as C.M., M.D., in 1883. He at once engaged in the practice of his profession, and shortly after located at Stornoway, in the eastern part of St. Francis District, and afterwards for a time at Knowlton, Quebec.
In 1887, he returned to Montreal. In his younger days he gave a good account of his skill and ability in the gymnasium and athletic field. He is a thorough sports- man, fully imbued with the true spirit of sport. He is a capital shot. Last year, oh the Grand Cascapedia, he had the good fortune to kill the monarch of the salmon season of 1890, weighing 50 Ibs. 8 oz.
He has three brothers, two of whom, George E. and Thomas J. Drummond. are the well-known iron and steel merchants, of Montreal. The other, John J. Drum- mond, is Manager of the Canada Iron Foundry Company at Radnor, Quebec. The wonderful development of the country in its iron industry is spoken of in this GAZETTER at page 308, and commends itself to all our readers.
Mr. Drummond's reputation as a humorous writer, especially of habitant Eng- lish verse, extends all over the Continent. That his poetic genius is not confined to the humorous or burlesque, is evidenced by his " October Days." One of his articles, Cauda Morrhuce, shows a good deal of the Tom Hood versatility of composition.
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495
Perhaps the most important piece is the one he wrote for the last Christmas number of the Dominion Illustrated News. This was the best piece of the whole of that issue. One of his finest habitant English verse pieces decidedly is "The Papineau Gun."
HON. JOSEPH HYACINTHE BELLEROSE
HE is the son of the late M. H. Bellerose, merchant, Three Rivers, Que., by Sophia La 'Maitre de Lottinville, and was born at Three Rivers, i2th July, 1820,. and educated at the Colleges of Nicolet and St. Hyacinthe. He married, 1847, Henrietta, daughter of Lieut.-Colonel Armand, and sister of Hon. J. F. Armandr Senator, He has been for many years Vice-President of the Sovereign Fire Insurance Company ; Mayor of his Municipality; Commissioner under 2 Vic,, c, 29, Statutes Lower Canada, and President of the Union Navigation Company, Has long been prominently connected with the Volunteer Militia movement in Lower Canada,, and in 1859 was Commander of the whole Force in Military District No. 8. Is now Lieut.-Colonel commanding Laval Reserve Militia. In 1858, Her Majesty the Queen, being desirous of showing her estimation of his military services, charged Sir E, \V. Head, then Governor-General, to offer him a Captaincy in the looth or " Prince of Wales Royal Canadian Regiment," then being organized, a position he accepted, but subsequently, for private reasons, he resigned, notwithstanding that he had passed the necessary examinations therefor. On two occasions he declined important appointments under Government, and after the death of Sir G. E. Carder, refused a seat in the Cabinet owing to the unsettled policy of the Government on the Manitoba Amnesty and the N. B. School questions, but principally on account of the Pacific Railway charges then pending, He sat for Laval in the Canadian Assembly from the General Election in 1863 until the Union, and for the same seat in the Commons from that event until called to the Senate, ;th October, 1873, Represented Laval in Quebec Assembly from the Union until General Elections in 1875, when he retired, and was during the whole of that time Chairman of the Con- tingent Committee, and, as such, effected great reductions in the House expenditure;, was for some years Chairman of the Private Bills Committee of the Senate. Luring the Session of 1871 he was offered the Speakership of the Legislative Ass.embly of Quebec for the next Parliament, which he then accepted. He is still, as ever,, always on the lookout for everything that may benefit Canada in general, and his native Province — Quebec — in particular. He resides at St. Vincent de Paul, a beautiful village on the banks of the " Back River," as it is called, and is only a few miles from Montreal.
ADAM SCOTT
WAS a prominent merchant in Montreal in 1792. He was an energetic individual, and figures in the Scotch Church of that period as Chairman of the Committee of its temporal affairs. He reached to the age of seventy years, but died December 20,. 1818.
496 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. JAMES K. WARD, M.L.C.
His father was a native of Dunham, England. After serving in the 3rd Dragoon Guards from 1799 to 1816, and passing through innumerable adventures, skirmishes and battles, he retired after the battle of Waterloo and settled in the Isle of Man, where he died in 1834. The subject of our sketch was born in Peel, Isle of Man, 9th September, 1819. He was educated at Douglas, the capital of the Island. He served his apprenticeship as a practical mechanic in the Island, and emigrated to New York in 1842. After spending ten years of his life in the United States, he at last settled in Montreal, Canada, where he has been ever since engaged in the lumber business, selling and manufacturing. He is a Justice of the Peace, and a Life Governor of the General Hospital, the Women's Hospital, the House of Industry and Refuge and the Protestant Hospital for the Insane. He has been Commissioner of the Protestant School of Cote St. Antoine, and the President and Vice-President of several important industrial Corporations in Montreal. Like so many of the Manxe he is a Liberal, and has always gone against the absorption of the smaller States by the greater and more influential, as has been seen on the Continent of Europe for the last quarter of the century. The Hon. Mr. Ward has greatly improved the South-east of Montreal by his connection with the large Cotton Mill there erected. He married, in 1848, Eliza King of London, England, who died some years after. When he arrived in Canada he married the second time Lydia Tren- holme, of Kingsey, P. Q. This family is well known in Montreal. Two brothers, a Lawyer and a Doctor, bear the records of the family. The Doctor, one of the most well known and beloved physicians of Montreal, died lately in the Western States ; the other has attained to the high distinction of Dean of the Legal Faculty of McGill University.
REV. S. R. ROSE
WAS born in Mount Elgin, Middlesex County, Ont. His father was the late Rev. Dr. Rose, for many years manager of the Methodist Book Room. His brother is the Hon. John E. Rose, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Ont. In early life the subject of our sketch was of a delicate constitution, hence his education was not of the most rigid kind. He attended Upper Canada College and then went into the Book Room. Whilst there he became a public speaker on Temperance and other topics. After ordination he was placed at Peterborough, then he went to Belleville, Newmarket, Orillia, Toronto, Brantford and lastly Dominion Square Church, Mon- treal. He is an effective preacher and greatly beloved by his Congregation, who say " it is a benediction to have the opportunity of listening to him."
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REV. CHAS. BANCROFT, D,D., LL.D.
THE subject of our sketch is one of the very few in this great list of seven hundred Biographies published in this GAZETTEER that was born in Montreal, therefore claiming the Metropolitical city of the Dominion as his birthplace, and like the others being an ornament to Montreal. He was born in Montreal, July iQtli, 1819 ; educated at Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg's School, New York, and afterwards entered as a student in Columbia College (which formerly was called King's), New York City. There he passed through all his classes with distinction, and after his curriculum grad- uated first as B.A., then M.A., and latterly D.D, He was one of our Montreal clergy who received more honors than generally falls to the lot of citizens of this city. He received an ad eundem M.A., and afterwards D.D. from Bishop's College, Lennox- ville, and an M.A. and LL.D. from McGill University, Montreal — honors well ' bestowed on a son of the soil.
Dr. Bancroft was ordained Deacon in 1843 and Priest in 1844 by the Bishop of Quebec. He was first appointed to St. Paul's Chapel, Quebec ; afterwards he was Curate at St. Anne's, Brooklyn, N.Y. Resigning this cure he was appointed to St. Thomas's Church, Montreal, before that edifice was donated to the diocese by the will of the late Thomas Molson, and the choice had fallen on him. It is rather remarkable that the choice has ever since been given to St. Johns or neighboring, clergy. They have been since Dr. Bancroft's day : Rev. Mr. McLeod, late of Christie- ville ; Rev. Robert Lindsay, late of Brome, and now Rev. Mr. Renaud, late Rector of St. Johns, Quebec.
In 1848, he left St. Thomas and became Rector of St. Johns, where he remained till September, 1858. hi October of the same year he was appointed Rector of Trinity Church, Montreal, where he continued till his death. His great work was in erecting that beautiful structure, the present Trinity Church in Viger Square, the graceful spire of which was raised at the sole expense of the late William Molson, Esq. For years the large congregation worshipped in what was once a Dissenting Chapel, then the Cathedral Church, after the Parish Church was burned in Notre Dame street, and it is now a manufactory, opposite the north entrance to the Champ de Mars. When Trinity finally abandoned this building it was used as a Military Chapel, and the writer and Author of this volume was one of Her Gracious Majesty's- Military Chaplains, who conducted services in it. Before that and for some time he had been Assistant Minister to Dr, Bancroft in Trinity Church (the same building).. This was his first clerical charge.
In 1854, Dr. Bancroft was made an Honorary Canon of Christ Church Cathedral. He published a volume called " The Church Hymn Book," which was greatly used throughout the Diocese in these days. He also issued " Family Prayers,'* a " Sunday School Manual " and a volume of Sermons. After a busy, earnest and successful life he died near Boston, Mass., November 26th, 1877. He married in Philadelphia, in 1844, Miss Smith, and had two sons and five surviving daughters.
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498 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
His son following in the footsteps of his father, entered the ministry of the Church. Charles, after his father's name, was also born in Montreal in 1845. He was edu- cated at McGill College and at Caius College, Cambridge, England. He is a graduate of McGill College. Ordained Deacon in 1866 and Priest in 1869, he was first Curate of Trinity Church, Montreal, then Curate of Woodstock, Ont. After this he was Incumbent of Mansonville, Quebec, and Rector of Knowlton. At present he is Rector of Sutton. He married, in 1869, Miss Foster, of Knowlton, and has seven children. I have, as Author of this GAZETTEER, much pleasure in recording the past career of my pupil, Rev. Charles Bancroft, jun., and remark that he was the Preacher at the last meeting of the Synod of the Diocese of Montreal.
One of the daughters of the late Dr. Bancroft married Mr. R. H. Buchanan, an important agent in Montreal for all kinds of machinery, but he is best known as the enlightened and well-beloved Superintendent of Christ Church Cathedral Sunday School, which position he has held for many years. He is a cousin of W. Buchanan, Esq., late President of the Bank of Montreal, and as a young man, he is one to be held up as a beacon light to other Montrealers to go and do likewise. His whole soul is in his Sunday School work : and here publicly I thank him, and my confrere the Roman Catholic Chaplain does also, that he donated by his Sunday School children to the Montreal Male Prison a Melodeon, by which the Sunday services are much more improved, and both the Gregorian and modern chants are much appreciated by the " miserable sinners " within its walls.
HON. FELIX GABRIEL MARCHAND
WAS the son of Gabriel Marchand, who came from Quebec in 1802, and settled in St. Johns. Born there, January 9, 1832. He was educated at St. Hyacinthe Col- lege, and admitted a Notary in 1855. He married September 12, 1854, Miss Marie Herselie Turgeon. He founded and was for several years editor and proprietor of Le Franco- Canadicn newspaper. He was elected a member of the Executive of the Reform Association of the Parti National of Montreal, 1875. Holds from the Gov- ernment of France the decoration of Officer of Public Instruction. He is the Author of L'Erreur rfest pas compte ; Les Faux Brillant ; Fatenaille, and of several other dramatic pieces in verse and prose. He was Lieut.-Colonel commanding the 2ist Batt. Richelieu Light Infantry. Commanded a Brigade at the front during the Fenian excitement in 1870. Sworn of the Executive Council and appointed Provin- cial Secretary, March 8, 1878, which office he held until appointed Commissioner of Crown Lands, March 19, 1879, an(* resigned October 30, 1879. He was elected Speaker of Legislative Assembly January 29, 1887. He was first returned to Legis- lative Assembly at the General Elections in 1867; re-elected by acclamation at General Elections in 1871, General Elections in 1875, General Elections in 1878, and General Elections in 1881. Re-elected at last General Elections after a contest. His talented daughter and brilliant writer is the wife of R. Dandurand, and her portrait is one of the illustrations of this GAZETTEER.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 499
REV. EDMUND WOOD, M.A.
THIS well-known and popular clergyman, now one of the oldest Episcopal Rectors of Montreal, was born in London, England. He was educated at University Col- lege School, London ; afterwards passed through the curriculum of the University of Durham, in the North of England, where he graduated M.A. He was ordained Deacon by the late Dr. Lee, Bishop of Manchester, and Priest at Montreal in 1861 by the Metropolitan of Canada. He was first appointed assistant to Christ Church Cathedral and afterwards Incumbent of St. John the Evangelist's. In this church he has remained during all the " chances and changes " of spiritual rulers and city de- velopment. The original building has passed away, being an old school house in what was once called flie English Burying Ground, now Dufferm square. Afterwards a small chapel was built at the corner of St. Urbain and Dorchester streets where the congregation met for many years until it was impossible to give room to the numbers who always crowded to the services. At last the congregation determined to build a much larger church, which was accomplished in the edifice that now stands at the corner of Ontario and St. Urbain streets. One of the largest and most flourishing congregations in Montreal constantly attend this church. It is the only (what may be called) High Church in the city in connection with the Church of England — the Rector being ably assisted by Rev. Dr. Wright and Rev. Arthur French, B.A. Oxon. For years the only really Church School in Montreal, perhaps in the Province, except that of Lennoxville, in connection with the college, has been kept up by the hard-working clergy of St. John's. And after years of patient toil, they have at last seen one of the best buildings for a new School, Rectory, Boys' Boarding Establishment, etc., built on the vacant lot of the Church property. This school is undoubtedly one of the best in the country. It has all the appliances of the best institutions of the present day with a large staff of skilled and talented masters, and is always full to the required number. Rev. A. French is the head master, a born teacher, and a credit to St. John's. One of the lately deceased citizens of Montreal enabled the Corporation of the Church and School to complete the whole arrange- ment by a generous gift of ten thousand dollars ; another friend has lately given $5,000 fora new organ to the church ; another at his death a few weeks ago has left $10,000 to the Rector; certain friends are about erecting a pulpit which will cost at least five thousand dollars,— so the good work goes on. Although Mr. Wood has now been over thirty years as Incumbent and Rector of St. John's, he still glories in the plain ecclesiastical title of "Mr.," and while he has seen men advanced high in station in the Church, he has labored on — not for the empty titles of this world, which soon pnss away, but for that crown which never fades in Paradise. Long may he yet be spared to continue his good work. The Author of this short sketch can testify in his peregrinations amongst all nationalities and classes in his position as Chaplain to the Gaols of Montreal, and thus meeting all " kinds and conditions of men," that he has never heard one derogatory word spoken against " Father Wood," as he is so popularly called by every denomination, but ever and
500
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
always has heard him spoken of in the highest terms of praise, admiration and friend- ship. His life is wrapped up in St. John's ; for its advancement he has in the past labored, for its advancement in the future is he only anxious ; and when all is accomplished, when the church outwardly and internally is finished, when the various Guilds, Associations and Societies are fully equipped, and all the externals of the Parish, as well as the internal arrangements of the Church and School, are fully completed, then he will be able to say as St. Simeon in his Divine Canticle, and which he has so often sung for over thirty years at Evensong in his loved church, in his. own harmonious and rich voice, " Lord now lettest thou Thy servant depart in peace."
ST. JOHN SCHOOL.
REV. DONALD FRASER, D.D.
" LONDON, February i3th, 1892. — Rev. Donald Fraser, M.A., D.D., died to-day." Such was the announcement, a few days ago, of the death of a former well-known minister of Montreal.
"Donald Fraser, M.A., D.D., was well-known to Montrcalers, having served for some years as minister of the old Cotte Street Presbyterian Church. He was born at Inverness, Scotland, on January i5th. 1826, his father being Provost of the
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 50 1
Borough and his mother one of the Erasers of Kirkhill. After five years' study at Aberdeen University he took the degree of M.A. He studied Divinity at Knox Col- lege, Toronto, and later at the New College, Edinburgh. He was ordained a Minister in 1851, and inducted to the charge of Cotte street congregation. In r859, he took charge of the P>ee Church congregation in his native town of Inverness. In 1870, he accepted a call to the Marylebone Presbyterian Church, London, where he has since labored, becoming one of the best known of the ministers of the great metropolis. Twice he was elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of England. He was also Vice-President of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and was prominently connected with many missions and chanties. In 1872, the University of Aberdeen conferred on him the degree of D.D. He published at various times two volumes of " Synoptical Lectures on the Books of Holy Scripture," which went through four editions ; " Metaphors in the Gospels ; " " Seven Promises Expounded ; " " Speeches of the Holy Apostles," two editions ; " The Church of God and the Apostacy," and a " Biography of Thomas Chalmers, D.D.," and of " Mary Jane, Lady Kinnaird." He contributed also to the Pulpit Commentary and various reviews. Colonel Torrance Eraser, his brother, is the only one of the family now remaining."
ALEXANDER FERGUSON.
HE was the son of an old Waterloo hero, who was a comrade in arms of the well- known Colin McDonald, late Town Major. They were both in the 79th Highlanders. The subject of this sketch was born in Edinburgh Castle in 1810, where his father's regiment was stationed. It is said he was born in the very identical room where Mary, Queen of Scots, was born. This is doubtful, as that part of the Castle is set apart as precious to Scotsmen in general and antiquarians in particular. Alexander Ferguson came to Montreal in 1840. He entered into the forwarding business under the firm of Macpherson & Crane, ultimately becoming]a partner. Although immersed in trade, he had a fine literary taste, and many articles of his appeared in the Herald under the now de plume of '; McCrimmon." He died of consumption, istMay, 1846. He was married to a Miss Orkney, grand-daughter of the first Benaiah Gibb. Mrs. Ferguson, his widow, lived with Benaiah Gibb, Jim., in his fine house, near Phillips Square, and she died not many years ago.
JOHN BATES, SEN.,
WAS born in 1800, in Wexford County, Ireland. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Lieut. John Sutton of the Cavalry, Wicklow, a family name well known in that part of Ireland. Mr. Bates came to Montreal in 1832, and for years was connected with the Sheriff's Office. He died in 1876. He was one of the first Church Wardens of St. John the Evangelist's. Two of his sons are advocates in Montreal : John was admitted to the Bar in 1849, and William in the same year. They are now among the oldest practising Attorneys in the city, and the firm of J. & W. A. Bates was in existence before the present generation of our Montreal citizens was born. They have always been respected as painstaking and conscientious lawyers.
502 CTAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HON. ALEXANDER MORRIS
Is the eldest son of the late Hon. Wm. Morris, and was born at Perth, Ont, on the iyth March, 1827. Educated in McGill, and Glasgow, Scotland. Called to the Bar in 1851 for both the Canadas. In 1861, he was returned for South Lanark. In 1867, again returned by acclamation, and in November, 1869, accepted office as Minister of Inland Revenue. Mr. Morris was a most active member in the House. For several years he occupied the position of Chairman of the Private Bills Committee. To him is due the introduction into Parliament of a most humane and Christian bill, " The abolition of Public Executions." One of the great aims of Mr. Morris' politi- cal career was the Confederation of all -the British Provinces into one grand Do- minion. In 1858, he delivered a lecture in the Mercantile Library, Montreal, called " Nova Britannia ; " there he advocated his favorite theory. Next year he published another lecture on the Hudson Bay, etc., in which similar views were expressed. His crowning laurels were the gaining of the 2nd prize of the Paris Exhibition Committee in 1855, for a well-written and digested work on Canada. During the political excite- ment of 1864, Mr. Morris played a most important part, and through him alone was brought about the peaceful negotiation of Sir John A. Macdonald with Hon. George Brown, which resulted in the Confederation of the Provinces. He died some years ago.
JAMES TYRE
WAS born at Largo, Ayreshire, Scotland, in 1807, and came to Canada in 1825. He resided for some time at Niagara, Ont., where he married a Miss Clark. Returning to Montreal, he for many years was engaged in the dry goods business, first as Scott, Tyre & Co., and afterwards Tyre, Colquhotm & Co. Retiring from business he afterwards became an official assignee. He was a keen curler, and was one of the four <{ Auld Gallants," a rare old quartette, consisting of Col. Dyde, Sir Hugh Allan, Hon. John Young and James Tyre. After an eventful life he died at Lachine, May 8, 1876.
DR. SCOTT.
WILLIAM EDWARD SCOTT was born in London, England, October 9, 1822. His father was John Scott, his mother Caroline Neate. He came to Canada in 1831, and resided to his death in Montreal. He was educated in London, passed the medical department of McGill College, and admitted to practice in 1842. In 1845, he was Demonstrator of Anatomy in his Alma Mater, and later on Professor of Medical Jurisprudence and Clinical Surgery. For twenty-five years he was one of the Governors of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Quebec, and for three years President. He was the medical officer of the Grand Trunk Railway and held in high esteem. He married, in 1847, Elizabeth Sproston. of Montreal. One son is the Rector of Drummondville, in the Diocese of Quebec. Another son is in Montreal. He died some years ago universally lamented as a skilful physician, a gentleman of unapproachable character and a valuable citizen.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 503
FRANK BULLER, M.D.
THE subject of this sketch is the Lecturer on Diseases of the Eye and Ear in McGill University. He is one of the most skilful scientists of his profession in the Dominion of Canada, and deserves a place in this GAZETTEER of Montreal. He is an honor to Canada at large, being a pure Canadian, having been born near Cobourg, Province of Ontario, on the 4th May, 1844. He was the fourth son of Charles G. and Frances Elizabeth Boucher Buller. His father was educated for the Church of England, but declining Holy Orders, emigrated to Canada in 1831, and settled near Cobourg. The Buller family had for centuries occupied an important position in the south of England, and his brother is one of the most prominent men in the army of Great Britain at the present time — General Buller. Dr. Buller graduated at Victoria School of Medicine, Toronto, in 1869; then went to London and other cities to perfect him- self in his profession. He again went to Europe in 1872. On his return he began practice in Montreal, 1876. In May, 1876, he was appointed Ophthalmic and Aural Surgeon to the General Hospital of Montreal, and Lecturer in McGill. Dr. Buller is a self-made man, and to the younger members of the profession an example of what pluck, energy and perseverance will do when the object is self-advancement in one's profession.
HON. JUDGE DUNKIN
WAS born at Walworth, London, England, on the 25th September, 1812. He attended two years at University College, and one year Logic Class in Glasgow University. His father died, and his mother having married again, and gone to America, he followed the family and entered Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. In 1833, he accepted the professorship of Greek in that institution, and received the degree of B.A. next year. In 1835, ne resigned, and married a daughter of his step- father, Dr. Jonathan Barber, and sister of Miss Barber, so well known in Montreal. In 1837, ne visited Canada, and then settled in Montreal, editing the Morning Courier* In the summer of 1838 he was offered by the Governor-General the post of Secretary to the Education Commission. In 1841, he was appointed Assistant Provincial Secretary for Lower Canada, holding this office till 1847. He had been admitted to the Bar the previous year — July, 1846. He practiced in Montreal till 1862, when he removed and settled in Knowlton. He represented the counties of Drummond and Arthabaska during the Sixth Parliament, 1857-8 ; and sat in the Seventh and Eighth Parliaments forBrome. In 1867, at Confederation, he was elected to both the House of Commons and Provincial Parliament, and became the Treasurer of Quebec. Resigning his seat in the Quebec Council in 1869, he accepted a seat in the Privy Council of the Dominion as Minister of Agriculture, which he resigned in 1871, when raised to the Bench. He is best known on account of the Dunkin Act— a tem- perance act which has done untold good in the Province. In 1867, he was made Q.C. Bishop's College conferred on him the degree of D.C.L. He was a member of the Council of Public Instruction for the Province. After a busy and eventful life, the Judge died some years ago at his residence in Knowlton.
504 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JOHN MCDONALD.
LITTLE need be said in a work like this, as a GAZETTEER of Montreal, regarding the indispensability and importance of the services of expert auditors and accountants in all centres of commercial activity. In Montreal there are gentlemen of education and ability engaged in this prominent pursuit, and Mr. John McDonald is one of the longest established auditors and accountants in the city. This popular gentleman began business in 1867, and his many sterling qualities and rare executive ability were soon recognized. The leading merchants, corporations and banks gave him first place and honored him with their confidence. Mr. McDonald is an expert at examining books, and makes a specialty of auditing accounts and statements of joint stock companies, corporations and private firms. Mr. McDonald is popular in social and commercial circles ; he is honored by the position of Vice-President of the Chartered Accountants' Association of the City, and is esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact.
F. X. PRIEUR.
THE subject of this short notice was born-8th May, 1814, at St. Polycarpe. He was at the head of a flourishing establishment at that place when the Rebellion broke out- He was made a prisoner 2ist January, 1839, condemned with many of his co-patriots and sentenced to exile in Australia. He wrote a large work on his voyage to and - from that Colony when he returned, some years after, from banishment. In 1860, Sir George Cartier made him Warden of the Reformatory School, now the Penitentiary, at St. Vincent de Paul. In 1870, he was made Director of Provincial Penitentiaries He retired in 1876, when his wife died, to Montreal, on a pension, and died ist February, 1890.
ALDERMAN CLENDINNENG.
HE was born arTCavan, Ireland, in 1833, and remained there till 1847, *n which year he came to Montreal. In 1852, he entered as an employee the foundry of Wm. Rodden, and very soon became his partner, He is a Governor of the House of Industry and Refuge, also of the General Hospital, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was elected in 1888 for St. Antoine quarter in the City Council, and still represents that ward. His business, in which his son is no\v associated, is of immense proportions. Mr. Wm. Clendinneng, jun., is one of the best business men in the city, and the success of the firm is much owing to his energy and talents- This firm is the only one in Canada that manufactures pipes from four inches to sixty inches diameter — cast faucets down. They are identified with the Canada Pipe and Foundry Co., of which Mr. Clendinneng, jun., is the President. They have immense works in William, Ann and Shannon streets. Alderman Clendinneng went to Europe with Alderman Hurteau and floated the last civic loan most successfully. Altogether, Mr. Clendinneng is one who has greatly developed the trade of Montreal, and to him may its inhabitants look with pride for many improve- ments in the civic regulations and bye-laws.
LOUIS PAYETTE.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 505
LOUIS PAYETTE.
HE was born at St. Sulpice, 2gth September, 1831, and educated at L'Assomption College. After leaving college he entered Mr. Beaupre's employ, who was a general merchant. After four years he joined his father as a Contractor. He afterwards visited the United States, and there married Emily Lambert. A few years after he returned to Canada and joined the Grand Trunk Railway Company, where he remained until February, 1864. Then he received the appointment of Governor of the Montreal Gaol by the Dorion-Macdonald Government, and remained so until his death, which took place April 3cth, 1891. He had four daughters and one son.
The Author of these sketches was appointed Protestant Chaplain a few months after Mr. Payette's appointment as Governor, and during the long series of twenty- seven years they always maintained the greatest cordiality and friendship. It is to the credit of the deceased to say that during that long period there has never been the very _sligh test disagreement on the internal arrangements or the religious depart- ments of the Institution.
Mi*. Payette was of a kindly disposition, yet he could be stern and firm when occasion required'. For two years before his death, Mr. Payette was a great sufferer, and on April 29th, 1891, he quietly died, conscious to the last, surrounded by his sorrowing family and friends. He had the high distinction of being visited by that good man, Archbishop Fabre, during his illness, who administered to him the last and solemn rites of his Church. The funeral was one of the largest which had taken place in Montreal for many years. Every one was there — for every one had a kindly remembrance of " Louis Payette." His son, of the same name, is the agent on St. Paul street of a very large manufacturing firm of Ontario dealing in all kinds of iron ware and machinery.
50 6 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
CYRILLE AND F. X. ARCHAMBAULT.
C. ARCHAMBAULT was born at St. Vincent de Paul, Isle Jesus, on the igth Octo- ber, 1832. He was educated at the Seminary of St. Therese, and having passed through his curriculum with great success, made, on account of his proficiency, two years study into one, and received prizes for both. He was admitted to the study of the Law in 1851, and studied with Mr. S. Robinson in St. Therese, and the remainder of his time with Messrs. Lafrenaye & Papin. He was admitted to prac- tice his profession in 1855, and successively was in partnership with Messrs. Du- hamel, Bourgeau and Joseph Papin, and at the time of his lamented and terrible death with his brother, Mr. F. X. Archambault, the present well-known lawyer of that name, and who is one of the Counsel of the Bar for the District of Montreal. He made a conspicuous mark in his profession, and acquired the reputation of a first-class orator. He was elected to the City Council in 1864 for the East Ward. The papers of the day give an account of his awful death, which caused quite a sen- sation then, as Mr. Archambault was universally beloved, and was one of the hand- somest men of Montreal, "le beau Canadien," as he was called, and cut off in the vigor of manhood and in the prospect of health, wealth and happiness. The follow- ing is extracted from the Minerve. The accident of the explosion of the magnificent steamer "St. John " happened on October 2Qth, 1865, when Mr. Archambault, his young wife and little girl were killed.
" La famille Archambault passa la journee de samedi a Albany, et y prit le meme soir le vapeur * St. John,' pour se rendre a New York.
" On pense generalernent que la famille etait encore dans le chambre lorsque 1'explosion a eu lieu. Nos depeches nous apprennent que Madame Archambault et sa petite fille sont mortes instantanementj M. Archambault aurait sui vecu plusieurs heures.
" M. Archambault, avocat de talents, et jeune encore, avait un bel avenir que cette horrible catastrophe est venue briser ; ses belles qualites lui avaient fait un nombreux cercle d'amis profondement desoles de cette fin tragique. Le defunt occupait une position avantageuse parmi ses concitoyens, et, comme conseiller de ville, joussait d'une juste popularity."
From L'Ordre we also find that, when the bodies arrived at the Bonaven- ture station, "Une foule de 250 on 300 personnes, dans laquelle on remarquait le Maire, 1'hon. M. Dorion, 1'elite du Barreau et de la Corporation attendait, la tristesse sur la figure et la sympathie dans le coeur, Farrivee des chers defunts j cette reunion tout-a-fait spontanee attestait le degre de veritable estime dont jouissaient M. Cyrille Archambault et sa jeune compagne."
Mr. F. X. ARCHAMBAULT, his brother, was born at St. Vincent de Paul. He also studied at St. Therese. He was admitted to the Bar in the year 1836, and has ever since enjoyed a very large practice. He entered Parliament as the representative of Vaudreuil, but soon gave up politics for his profession. He has been elected to many of the honorary positions in the Bar of Montreal, and still has one of the largest clientele in the city.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 507
JAMES O'DONELL.
How many citizens of Montreal have ever visited the vault of our noble Notre Dame Church ? There alone, near one of the square pillars of this grand edifice, about the centre of the church, lie the ashes of the architect and builder of this sacred and solid house of worship. One has to grope in the dark to find the place, which is surrounded by a cast iron fence. Above, attached to a supporting rough plaster square column, is affixed a small, cheap, white marble slab, with letters cut in, in" scribed as follows : —
" Ci Git
James O'Donell, Esquire, Architect, born in Ireland,
Who died in this city The 28th January, 1830, In the 56th year of his age.
" He labored five years on this church, giving the plans and directing the works with zeal and intelligence. Having embraced the Catholic faith, he desired that his remains might rest beneath. His disinterestedness, his talents and his probity of character were worthy the esteem of this parish ; and the church-wardens have consecrated this monument to his memory. " Requiescat in pace."
Such, in French, is the tablet, in an out-of-the-way place, seldom visited, and the manner of recording the achievement of an architect who certainly deserved some- thing more handsome. Why not, at least, place some rich mural design on the ground floor of the church ? Let the Irish Catholic people of the City bestir them- selves and raise some better monument to him who was an honor to the land of his birth.
EUCLIDE ROY
WAS born in Montreal. Son of Joseph Roy. Admitted to the Bar in 1845, having passed eighteen months in Paris, and obtaining from the Minister of Public Instruction a certificate of capability. He obtained in 1852 the diploma, a record which few, if ever any, French Canadians had received in the study of Law in Paris. In 1862, he was candidate for Montcalm County. He has always been of the " Parti Liberal." He was one of the founders of Le Pays, and remained one of its Editors for some years. Has been President of the late Institut Canadien for two terms. He was the President at the inauguration of the Monument to the Heroes of 1837-38 in the Roman Catholic Cemetery. In 1850, he refused lucrative places offered by Sir L. Lafontaine, then chief of the Government. Mr. Roy has always been a consistent Liberal. He is the brother of our much-esteemed and well-known Rouer Roy, Esq., the Advocate for so many years of the Corporation of Montreal.
508 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
JAMES DUNLOP
WAS a general storekeeper in St. Paul street, which was at that time the great busi- ness thoroughfare of the city. He took an active part in the volunteer movement in the American War of 1812. He presided at a public banquet given in Montreal in honor of King George Ill's Birthday, 5th of June, 1815. The largest Bill of Exchange ever sent from Canada to the Old Country was sent at this time by James Dunlop. He died, aged 60 years, 28th August, 1815, about two months and a-half after the great banquet. He came to Montreal, in 1777, shortly after the Cession of the country to Great Britain, having been nearly forty years an inhabitant of the city when he died.
REV. ROBERT RINTOUL, M.A.,
WAS born at Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland, on the 3oth October, 1797. He studied at both the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Ordained in 1821, he was sent to Maryport in England. Arrived in Canada in 1831, to take charge of St. Andrew's Church, Toronto ; he went to Streetsville in 1834. In 1850, he accepted the charge of Cotte Street Church, Montreal. He had hardly entered on the duties of his charge when he was selected to go to Trois-Pistoles and other places below Quebec, in the affairs of the Church, and was there cut down by the terrible scourge of cholera, which was then devastating the country, and died on the i3th of Septem- ber, 1851. As it was impossible to convey the infected body to Montreal, he was buried in the beautiful God's Acre of Riviere-du-Loup, in the English burying-ground. A perfect stranger there, but dying amongst Christian friends, and having read over him the beautiful burial service of the Church of England by Rev. Mr. Ross, the Incum- bent of that place.
SIMON VALOIS
WAS born at Pointe Claire in 1791. At twelve years of age he came to Montreal and joined the store of one of the principal merchants of the day. He worked with such energy, and was so industrious in the business he had adopted (a tanner), that he retired with a considerable fortune in 1837. He then builtat the foot of St. Mary's Current a fine mansion, with one of the best views in Montreal. Two or three farms in this vicinity belonged to him, which have lately by his son and daughter — Abbe Valois and Madame Lussier — been sold at an immense value. The Sisters, or " Les Soeurs du St. Noms de Jesus et Marie " were established by him on one of these farms. There Mr. Valois displayed his generosity. He contributed greatly to the building of the Institution. When he died, the Bishop officiated, and more than fifty priests occupied both sides of the chancel and sang alternately with the principal voices of Notre Dame Church and the Sisters. Abbe Valois still lives in the house his father built. He was instrumental in bringing the Carmelite Nuns to Hoche- laga, but they, like the others across the road, must soon leave, to give place to the march of trade and business, which will require property for wharf and building purposes.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 509.
HON. CHAS. JOS. E. MONDELET
WAS born at St. Charles, 2yth December, 1801. He took an active part in the rising of 1837-38, and defended with much vigor and eclat and in connection with the late Judge Drummond, many of trie Patriots accused of high treason. His name appears often at this time. In the celebrated State Trials he represented almost all those tried by Court Martial. He published in 1841 " Lettres sur 1'education elementaire et pratique." He was named Judge of the Circuit Court in 1842 and of the Court of Queen's Bench in 1858. He was a very stern yet just dispenser of Criminal Law, and his appearance on the Judicial Bench at the opening of a term of Queen's Bench was the sure sign that sentences at its close would be long and severe. The Judge died in 1876.
DR. PERRIGO
WAS born in Montreal in 1846. His father was John Perrigo and his mother Eleanor Reeves. His grandfather in 1812 fought against the Americans in that war. It was on this account that he escaped being expelled the country in 1837, as he had com- manded the Rebels in a skirmish which took place near Beauharnois in that year. The Doctor received his education in McGill, and afterwards went to England to further pursue it, and whilst there he was elected Honorary Secretary of the Obstetri- cal Society of London, England. He returned to Montreal in 1872 and began his practice, which is one now of the most extensive in the city. He is Professor of Surgery in Bishop's College. In 1885, he married Marian G., daughter of the late H. Chandler of Montreal.
WILLIAM C. VAN HORNE
WAS born in Will County, Illinois, February, 1843. When a young man, he entered the service of the Illinois Central Railway as telegraph operator at Chicago. For six years afterwards he served in different positions on the Joliet division of the Michigan Central Railway. From 1864 to 1872, he was connected with the Chicago & Alton Railway. During this period he filled successively the position of train despatcher, Superintendent of the Telegraph and Assistant Superintendent of the Rail- way. In 1872, he became General Superintendent of the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Railway. From 1874 to 1878,116 was General Manager of Southern Minnesota Line, being President from 1877 to 1879. I11 January, 1880, he was Superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, which he held for two years. In 1882, he became connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway as General Manager, and in 1884 was advanced to the high position of Vice President of this great concern, and is now the President of the Road. Mr. Van Home's remarkable career and gradual rising up the ladder of promotion should be a good incentive to others to go and do likewise. He is one of the best examples of a truly self-made man.
510 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
LA SALLE.
" ROBERT CAVALIER DE LA SALLE was a native of Rouen, where he was born about 1635. He was thoroughly educated by the Jesuits, having been intended to be a member of that community. He left it, however, and about the year 1667 proceeded to Canada, in the capacity of a merchant. In this career he appears to have been eminently successful ; but he aimed at still higher objects, having formed to himself the magnificent scheme of opening a way to China and Japan through the lakes of Canada, which he, not unreasonably for that time, imagined must send o ff navigable waters into the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Bibaud, author of a history of this country, says, ' He was learned, active, enterprising and animated with the double desire of rising to fame and fortune.'
" La Salle visited his native country in 1677. On his return he set about execut- ing the great scheme he had long meditated, of tracing the river Mississippi to its outlet in the Atlantic, or, as it might be, in the Gulf of Mexico. For this purpose he caused to be constructed a vessel of sixty tons burden, about two leagues above the Falls of Niagara. On the 7th of August, 1679, the vessel, with thirty-four per. sons on board, a suitable proportion of whom were priests for the instruction of the Indians, was launched on Lake Erie, and steered towards Mackinaw. In this unknown and most hazardous navigation, La Salle displayed unbounded resolu- tion, and not less address, both in cheering on his own men amidst all their labors and perils, and still more in securing the favor of the savages, with whom, to his everlasting honor be it mentioned, he was never in all his lifetime, except once, in danger of coming to a rupture. He arrived at Mackinaw on the 27th of August, and in a few weeks after anchored at a small Island in the mouth of Green Bay. Here he loaded the vesssel with furs, and dispatched her to the head .of the Falls.
" He then proceeded in canoes along the eastern and southern shores of Lake Michigan, to the St. Joseph, then called the Miami, a name now appropriated to the river falling into the south-western angle of Lake Erie. All the preparations being made, they took their departure from the island on the igth September. Nightfall came on before they reached the nearest part of the continent, which was twelve miles distant.
"Trusting their fragile canoes again to the waves, they were soon overtaken by new disasters. Clouds gathered over them, winds blew angrily, and, deluged with rain and sleet, they were glad to seek safety on a naked rock for two days, and no other shelter than their blankets. At the end of another day they were in so great danger in attempting to land, that the Sieur de la Salle leaped into the water with his men, and assisted them to drag his canoe ashore. His example was followed by those in the other canoes. They landed somewhere in the neighborhood of the river Milwaukie.
" By this time the provisions were exhausted, but they had seen Indians, and presumed their habitations were at hand. Three men were sent with the calumet of peace, to search for corn. They came to a deserted village, where they found
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. cjn
abundance of corn, of which they took as much as they wanted, and left such articles as the natives valued in exchange. Before night the Indians hovered suspiciously around the party at the canoes ; but when the calumet of peace was presented, they showed themselves friends, and entertained their visitors with dances and songs. They were so well satisfied with the goods left in the village, that the next day they brought more corn and a supply of deer, for which they were amply rewarded. This proof of human sympathy, even in men called savages, was a sunbeam in the path of the weary voyagers.
" After some further adventures of the same nature, La Salle and his company arrived on the ist November at the mouth of the St. Joseph, where they spent the remainder of that month. On the 3rd of December they ascended the river in canoes, with a view to reach the portage leading into the Kankakoo, or eastern branch of the Illinois. On the ist of January, 1680, they reached Peoria, situated on the last- named river, and set about constructing a fort. At last, after several changes, they found what they considered a favorable position, and built upon it Fort St. Louis, which may be considered the headquarters of La Salle during the remainder of his wanderings. The faithful Tout generally held the command during the long and frequent occasions of his own absence. On the 28th of February, La Salle set out on an overland journey to Frontenac, now Kingston, still bent on making further preparations for his voyage of discovery on the Mississippi, Various disagreeable incidents occurred on this long and perilous journey ; but the chief calamity that befel him was the murder of his faithful attendant, Father Gabriel, who fell a sacrifice to the cruel suspicions of the Indians. Three young warriors belonging to a tribe hostile to that whose friendship the travellers had gained, met the venerable Father in one of his solitary rambles, and murdered him in cold blood.
" On arriving at Fort Frontenac, he appears to have spent several months in mak- ing further preparations for his expedition to the south, and also in making proper arrangements with his creditors, with whom his extended schemes of discovery brought him sometimes into difficulty, but whose claims he satisfied by suitable sacrifices of his property. Then he proceeded to Fort St, Louis. On the 6th of February he at last floated on the bosom of the long sought Mississippi. On the same day he passed the mouth of the Missouri, distinguished by its powerful current and muddy waters. Father Zenobe, whose notes are incorporated in Le Clercq's Etablisse. ment de la Foi, is copious in his description of the various tribes of Indians whom they found on the banks, and whose friendship they were careful in cultivating. Then they passed the mouth of the Arkansas. On they 6th of April they arrived at a triple portion of the river, soon after which the water became first brackish, and then salt, when the broad Gulf of Mexico appeared in view.
u He retraced his steps, and reached Quebec in November, 1683, and embarked for France, where he was welcomed by Seignelay as " the delight of the New World," and received a commission, according to which all the French and natives of the country, from Fort St. Louis to New Biscay, were placed under his authority. An
512 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
expedition for the colonization of Louisiana, with four vessels and two hundred and eighty persons, departed from Rochefort, August ist, 1684; but dissensions imme- diately arc-se between La Salle and the Naval Commander, Beaujeu.
" After much quarrelling, La Salle determined, January i2th, 1681, to seek by land the country of Illinois, and thence to pass to Canada. He set out with sixteen men, following the track of the buffalo, passed the basin of the Colorado, and reached a branch of the Trinity river. They went in groups ; and the malignity of two men, Duhant and L'Archeveque, who had embarked their capital in the enterprise, found an opportunity for gratification. They quarrelled and murdered a nephew of La Salle. He suspected the fact, and asked one of them respecting the fate of his relative, when the other fired upon him from an ambush, and he fell dead. ( Such was the end,' says Bancroft, 'of this daring adventurer.' "
DR. REDDY
WAS born at Athlone, County Roscommon, Ireland, 3ist March, 1822. When a youth he was apprenticed to a local Surgeon in 1839, anc* remained with him till 1842. In April, 1847, ne received license from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland to practice. He then crossed to Glasgow, and received M.D. from that University in 1848. In 1851, he came to Canada, to Montreal, and was appointed House Surgeon to the General Hospital, where he remained for three years. In 1854, the Cholera visited iVlontreal, and Dr. Reddy devoted himself to the care of the sufferers. For thirty years he worked as perhaps no other physician did, but in 1883 his health gave way and he went to Europe to recuperate, but all in vain. He died 23rd January, 1884, in Dublin, Ireland. In 1856, he received the degree of M.D. from McGill College, and was for years a fellow of that Institution. He married istjuly, 1851, Jane Fleming, of County Longford, Ireland, and had at the time of his death six children. H. L. Reddy, M.D., has followed the footsteps of his father, and has succeeded him in his practice, while William B. S. Reddy is one of our well-known notaries. He is in partnership with another well-known Notary, the firm being Kittson & Reddy.
H. J. CLORAN, B.C.L.
WAS born in Montreal, 8th May, 1855. His father was Joseph Cloran and his mother Ann Kennedy, both from Ireland. He was educated in the Montreal College and left, having made a complete course of studies, in 1875. He then went to Europe, where for the next three years he studied in the College of St. Sulpice in Paris, When he returned, he filled for a year the Chair as Professor of English Literature in the Montreal College. He then went to Laval and McGill Universities, and graduated from the latter, B.C.L. He studied Law with Edward Carter, Q.C., Hon. R. Church and Hon. J. A. Chapleau. At the close of his Law studies he was for some time the Editor of The True Witness, and also of The Post. He was President of the " Catholic Young Men's Society of Montreal " in 1880 and 1881, also President of the Press Association of the Province of Quebec. On 7th July, 1887, he was admitted with honors to the practice of the Law. He married, in 1882, Agnes, daughter of Michael Donovan, a well-known name in Montreal.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 513
COL. LOVELACE.
HE is connected with the Best family, and both families have been in the Government service for centuries. A beautiful residence called " Scots Hall," Kent, belongs to the family. The Earldom of Lovelace is claime J by the Colonel and his heirs. They have documents to prove their authenticity, and without doubt the eldest son of the late Colonel is the direct heir to the title of Earl of Lovelace." They are also identified with the Lord Byron family. Byron's only child Ada, "Ada, sole daughter of my house and heart," was married to the Earl of Lovelace.
Col- R. Lovelace was born lyth October, 1806, at Bury, St. Edmunds. England. Was educated at Cambridge College, Eng., and the Royal Athenaeum Military Col- lege of Bruges, Belgium. He was the son of Col. R. Lovelace of Her Majesty's Cold- stream Guards, who was Aide-de-Camp to Sir Ralph Abercrombie in Egypt, 1 801. Col. Lovelace served as a Cadet in the Hussars, Belgian Army, then under the Dutch Government, from 1823 to 1825. Appointed Ensign in Her Majesty's 53rd Regi- ment, 1825; embarked with the igih Regiment which he had joined for the West Indies October same year, and proceeded to Demerara. Appointed in 1828 as Fort Adjutant, and served on the Staff of General Blackwell, Governor of Tobago. In 1829, removed to Grenada as Fort Adjutant, and served as Aide-de-Camp to Sir James Campbell of the Island, and afterwards to Sir Benjamin D'Urban, who died in Mon- treal. Appointed as Brigade Adjutant of the Island of Trinidad in 1831, promoted as Lieutenant in the iQth Regiment in 1832, and in 1834 joined the Depot of his Regiment in England, Served with his Regiment in Ireland, and promoted to the rank of Captain by purchase, June, 1837. Retired from the service September, 1840, in favor of Lieutenant F. Seymour (now General Sir F. Seymour, Scots Fusilier Guards), and Equery to Her Majesty Queen Victoria.
He then became a settler in Canada, and was appointed by Lord Elgin Captain and Adjutant of 4th Battalion, Montreal Militia, 1849, arjd in 1851, Drill Adjutant, Royal Montreal Cavalry. Appointed by War Office, 1855, as Captain with rank of Major in the Osmanli Irregular Cavalry, which he joined at Varna, Turkey, on the 1 8th November, 1855. Appointed in charge of Stores at Varna, which he resigned to return to Montreal. He passed through the Crimean Campaign and received the Crimean Medal and clasps and the Turkish Medije with the rank of Colonel (Kaimikan) in the Turkish Army, and received a grant of land from the Turkish Gov- ernment for bravery and meritorious services, and also the Turkish cimeter of which he was so proud. He was a most efficient linguist. Besides his knowledge of Latin and Greek he spoke fluently English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Turkish. He was a good athlete, received ist class diplomas for boxing, fencing and riding. He kept a journal from the age of sixteen to the day of his death. He died in 1888, in his 82nd year. He never knew the meaning of " Fear." As Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Militia, he was on active service during the Fenian Raids. He mar- ried Caroline Louisa, daughter of Dr. Maitland Maitland of the East India Company's service, who died at the advanced age of nearly 100 years. Her brother is Col. H. D. Maitland, a retired officer of Her Majesty's yist Highland Infantry.
33
514 GAZETTEER OF MONTR E A I,.
SIR BENJAMIN D'URBAN.
"OUR old military cemetery on Papineau Road, in this city, contains the remains of General d'Urban. The pillar is the best and the highest in the grounds, plainly seen rising over the fence as one approaches. The shaft, of our ordinary blue limestone- tapering towards the top, must be some twenty-five feet high. A thin piece of white marble — the letters of which are gradually becoming less distinct — is secured into a panel on one side, on which this inscription is placed : —
1 Erected by The Officers of the British Army
Serving in Canada, To their late lamented Chief,
His Excellency Lieut. -General Sir Benjamin d'Urban,
G.C.B., K.C.H., K.C.T.S., Commander of Her Majesty's Forces in
British North America, Who died at Montreal, 25th May, 1849,
Aged 72.
He died as he lived, In the faithful discharge of his duty to
God and his Sovereign.'
" The funeral of this popular military commander was probably one of the greatest military pageants that had ever taken place up to that time in this city. The General died at the old Donegani Hotel on Notre Dame street. It is said the Duke of Wellington accounted him one of his most accomplished officers."
ERNEST IDLER
WAS one of the oldest citizens of German parentage residing in Montreal. He was born in Wurtemburg, July 16, 1796. When he came in 1811 to this city, Montreal had not more than 15,000 inhabitants. McGill street had only one building on it, and that was occupied by a negro. When he arrived in Montreal he learned the butcher's trade, and followed the business of meat packer and dealer together with produce dealer. This he continued for fifty years. He retired in 1875, after making a large fortune. In the great fire of 1852 he lost considerably. The American second war was just breaking out, and although only seventeen years of age Mr. Idler volunteered his services, as he also did in the Rebellion of 1837-38. He was also often asked to be Councillor or Alderman, but always refused. When the German Society of Montreal was founded in 1835 he was the first Treasurer, afterwards he was the President. When the Lutheran Church was formed in Mon- treal in 1857 ne w'a£ one °f its founders. His life was an even and untarnished one, and he saw his adopted city grow up till it now is within the ninth largest city on this Continent.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 515
THOMAS A. GIBSON, M.A.,
WAS born July 5, 1804, in Forfar, the county town of Angus-shire, Scotland. In the beginning of January, 1813, his parents removed to Tain. In May, 1822, the subject of this sketch was appointed Master of Nigg Parish School. He was then not eighteen years old. In the Session of 1824-5, he attended the Humanity (Latin) and Greek classes under Professors Pillans and Dimbar respectively. He was obliged to leave for home (Tain) a fortnight before the close of the College. Professor Pillans in the forenoon drew the attention of the class to the necessity of his availing himself of the opportunity of returning home by the fortnightly coaster, and presented him with the prizes which he had won — 9 volumes. He kindly addressed him, wishing him speedy restoration to health. He left the class-room with the volumes under his arms, amidst the applause of some 130 fellow students, and posted to Leith for the vessel.
We will now give the dates of Mr. Gibson's professional career, and I may state that the writer and author of this GAZETTEER is his oldest pupil in Montreal. He taught him in Scotland from the year 1840 to 1843. He held the Parish School of Nigg, Ross-shire, from May, 1822, till September; he attended Edinburgh Univer- sity during Session 1824-5 ; acted as Tutor to the family of Captain Spalding, Gov- ernor of Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, 1826 : attended Edinburgh University during Session 1826-7. He held the Grammar School of Wick, County town of Caithness, from October, 1827, to October, 1833 ; held the Mastership of Cauvin's, Duddingston, Edinburgh, from November, 1833, till September, 1843, when he left for Montreal to be first Assistant Master in the High School ; was one of the Masters of that Institution from December, 1843, tiN Julv> 1868, a long period of twenty-five years.
During his incumbency in Wick, he attended Edinburgh University for the Session of 1832-3. In 1868, after accepting a yearly pension from McGill Univer- sity for his long and faithful services, he engaged in private tuition, and had the satisfaction of superintending the studies of young gentlemen and ladies to the num- ber of upwards of one hundred for nearly fifteen years. Some of these students having a view to the Ministry, Medicine or Teaching, have for years been occu- pying responsible positions.
In connection with his residence in Montreal, it may be mentioned that he officiated for about twenty years as Superintendent of St. Paul's Sunday School, during the entire incumbency of Drs. McGill and Snodgrass, and a short period of Dr. Jenkins, and for upwards of forty years as a member of the Kirk Session and its Clerk. For twenty-five years he was Secretary of the Protestant Board of Exam- iners of Montreal, and till the new regulations came into force.
Mr. Gibson, like his brother Gilbert, was much given to literature. He edited for years the organ of the Presbyterians. He published some most interesting edu- cational volumes, such as Gibson's " Latin, Greek and French Vocabulary." He wrote an excellent work on Canada and many other contributions to the Canadian Press. His " Etymological Geography " has never been surpassed. The great work
516 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
of his life, however (and the writer remembers him as a young man laboring hard at it over forty years ago), is a Tyro's Latin Dictionary, which will, if ever printed, be the finest work of its kind for all young students. Mr. Gibson has placed it in the writer's hands to lay it before some large publishing house, and has requested him to collaborate and edit its pages through the press.
REV. DR. SMYTH.
W. J. SMYTH, M.A., B.Sc., Ph.D., was born in, the City of Belfast, in the north of Ireland, and when a child came to this country with his parents in 1855. He is of Scottish descent. Before entering the Ministry he taught as a profession. He went to Toronto University, in which he became an undergraduate of the third year, when he entered Knox College, Toronto, graduating there in 1878. He completed his Arts course in Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, where he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then began a course of study, and obtained the post grad- uate degree B.Sc. from Syracuse University, N.Y., and the degree of Ph.D. from Bloomington University, 111.
The charges he has successfully filled were : St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church^ Uxbridge, Ont., where he remained four years ; First Presbyterian Church, New Carlisle, Clark County, Ohio ; the Principalship of the Oshawa Ladies College, Ont, and his present charge, Calvin Presbyterian Church, which has made marvellous progress since he became Pastor, the Congregation being now double what it was six years ago.
Dr. Smyth is known as a busy public man, and has occupied the position of Secretary of the Protestant Ministerial Association for several years, during its most trying and busy time. He also was one of the Honorary Secretaries of the Citizens Council of the Royal Society of Canada, which met in Montreal in 1891. He is one of the founders and hardest workers of the " Canadian Association for the Study and Dissemination of Social Science," of which he is Secretary.
Dr. Smyth married Miss S. Bagshaw, daughter of Mr. Lot Bagshaw, and has. two sons and one daughter.
DR. GEO. W. CAMPBELL
WAS born at Roseneath, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, 1810. He was educated in the Universities of Glasgow and Dublin. He came to Canada in May, 1833, and settled in Montreal. After studying Medicine he became one of the most influential physi- cians of the city. In 1835, he was appointed to the Chair of Surgery in McGill University, which position he continued to hold for forty years, when in 1875, on account of failing health, he had to resign. He was made Dean of the Faculty in 1860, after the death of Dr. Holmes. He fulfilled the duties of this position after his resignation as Professor, and only in 1882 Professor R. P. Howard was appointed in his place. For nearly half a century Dr. Campbell was identified with the progress, and development of the Medical Class of McGill University. He died in 1882.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 517
WILLIAM WILSON,
WHO sustained fatal injuries some time ago by being struck by the shaft of a sleigh in St, James Street, died lately at his residence in Lagauchetiere street. The news was received with much regret by a large circle of friends, but especially among the Irish citizens, by whom he was highly respected and esteemed. Mr. Wilson was a public-spiiited citizen, and his fellow countrymen always found him ready to assist in any undertaking which tended to further the material and social interests of the men of his race. In turn, he was President of the St. Patrick's National Society, the Emerald Snowshoe Club, the Shamrock Lacrosse Club, and was connected with other societies. For many years he was an active member of the Junior Conservative Club, and was also President of the Lome Fish and Game 'Club. He was in his seventy-fourth year, and was a native of Ennis, Co. Clare. In his early years he served as a member of the 24th Regiment, and some thirty years ago he retired on a life pension. He then went into business, and, being successful, retired many years ago with a competency. He first came to Montreal in 1852.
BENAIAH GIBB, SEN.,
WAS born in Northumbeiland, England, May 6th, 1755. Came to Montreal in 1774, and in 1775 opened the business, which still continues (perhaps the oldest of any) in the City of Montreal. He retired from active business in 1815, the year of the Battle of Waterloo. His two sons, Thomas Gibb and James Duncan Gibb, succeeded him. In 1820, he was a Director of the " Savings Bank." He commemorated his jubilee of coming to Montreal in 1774 in 1824 by a grand entertainment given to the principal citizens, where " the Band of the 7oth Regiment (according to the account found in the Herald of that date) added much to the enjoyment of the company." He died in 1826.
Isaac J. Gibb, one of the best known men in connection with the English Church (with his estimable wife, the benevolent and Christian Mrs. I. J. Gibb, of Como), is descended from this family ; also the late Charles Gibb, of Abbotsford, who did so much regarding the pomology of our country, and who went even to Russia in the pursuit of information. One of the daughters, Elizabeth, married James Orkney, whose daughter, Miss Orkney, now resides in the Gibb mansion, St. Catherine street.
His son, Benaiah, faithfully carried out the ideas and opinions of his father. After an even and uneventful political and civic life, he died in Montreal, ist June, 1877. By his will (now long ago acted on) he left all his pictures and statues to form the nucleus of an Art Gallery for the citizens of Montreal. What puzzles the writer is, that left to the city, at least to the Art Association, the public should be compelled to pay twenty-five cents each admission to see these and other pictures afterwards donated, such as those by the late Judge McKay. I plead the cause of the poor and
5l8 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
laboring man. They have the appreciation of the beautiful amongst them as amongst the rich and middle classes, and why deprive them of the pleasure which the founder evidently had in view when he donated all his collection to this purpose ? If not open to the public at all times free, let it be open, as in the great European galleries, one or two days weekly for the general public. A great granddaughter of Mr. Gibb's is married to the Rev. Arthur French, B.A., of Oxford, who is the Rector of the only Public Church School for Boys in the Province. This is in connection with St. John the Evangelist's Church.
L. D. LAFONTA1NE, M.D.
His death occurred a few days ago at St. Edouard de Napierville. The deceased gentleman represented Napierville County in the Legislature, as a Liberal, from 1870 to 1881. Dr. Lafontaine took a prominent part in the political troubles of 1838, and was sentenced to death, but subsequently pardoned. He had long been ill. Last autumn he returned from Europe after an unsuccessful search for relief, and had since been under the care of Drs. Brosseau and Rottot, of this city. He leaves seven children, one of whom is Mr. Eugene Lafontaine, advocate, and ex-member of Parlia- ment for Napierville. Mr. Lafontaine once was partner with the well-known Alder- man Prefontaine, which gave occasion to the Author one day to say, when visiting their office, and finding first the junior partner's office and then behind it the senior's, " The fountain stands before the fountain." He was born at St. Edouard, on the 27th November, 1857, and educated in Montreal College and at Laval University, where he was the prize medalist. He married Elmire, daughter of L. J. Moll, of Berthier. He was called to the Bar of the Province of Quebec, in 1879, anc* had the high distinction of being made a Doctor of Civil Law — the degree having been conferred on him by Laval University in 1881. He was first returned to the Legis- lative Assembly at the last General Election, but has since retired from politics, and is entirely engrossed in the duties of his ever-increasing practice. Other children of Dr. Lafontaine are: Mr. Ulric Lafontaine, of the Court House; Mr. Emery Lafontaine, civil engineer, of Quebec, and Gustave Lafontaine, M.D., of St. Joseph, Kansas.
LAURENT OLIVIER DAVID
WAS the son of Major Stanislas David and Elizabeth Tremblay. He was born at Sault au Recollet in 1840, and educated at the College of St. Therese. He studied Law with the late Judge Mousseau, and became his partner when admitted to the Bar in 1864. He established with Mr. Mousseau and Mr. Desbarats the L' Opinion Publique, which was a very popular periodical for many years. He separated from Mr. Mousseau and left L' Opinion Publique on account of differences of opinion aris- ing among the proprietors on the question of Pacific Scandal. He then established with Mr. C. Beausoleill, in 1874, the Bien Public, by the writings of which the Ouimet Government fell on the Tanneries (Land Swap) Scandal, and he originated a deter.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 519
mined crusade against all religious influence in political -questions, which is so well- known to these who lived during these burning times. He left the Bien Public in 1876, because he could not agree with the McKenzie Federal Government at Ottawa, on the question of Protection. Mr. David held the opinion that Protection was a necessary thing to save Canada at that time on account of the crisis, and that it was the duty of the Federal Government to put our native industries in a position to compete against all foreign ones, and that Protection for Canadian industries would be good for ten or fifteen years. These years have passed, and the N.P. still holds its sway, so that Mr. David is now in favor of free trade with the United States and all other coun- tries. It is as a literary man that Mr. David is best known to the public. He wrote, after having left the Bien Public, a well-known work on the Rebellion of 1837-8, and called " Les Patriotes." From that work the author of this GAZETTEER has received more than once immense benefit and help in the writing up of his History of the Montreal Gaol and the present work ; he also published " Portraits and Biographies " of well-known Canadians. He was elected in 1886 to the Local House of Parliament for the Province of Quebec, and Deputy for Montreal East, and refused re-election in 1890. He has been President of the Associa- tion of St. Jean Baptiste since 1888, and no man has done more than he has in undertaking to construct the immense national building now being erected in St. Lawrence street. His great object in this undertaking is not only a national monument, but a grand depository to do practical work to his fellow-country- men, so that useless processions may be done away with, and more learning and intellectual development given to all who will enter within its halls.
ANTOINE ROUSSEAU
WAS born at Trois Pistoles, March, 1835. His father, Antoine Rousseau, was the maker of the monster clock, built at Quebec, in 1848. He is of Norman descent. His mother was Adelaide St. Pierre, of Ste. Anne la Pocatiere, Brittany, France, and the saying below is well exemplified in the subject of our sketch. We must remember that in Old France they say, " Audacieux comme un Normand, tenace comme un Breton." He was educated at the Quebec Seminary and St. Anne's College, and there he car- ried off the First Prizes for Latin, Logic and Drawing. In 1863, he married Charlotte Ann Williams, of New Brunswick, a descendant of the United Empire Loyalists. He had one son who died of typhoid fever in 1880.
Mr. Rousseau has built several large engines, such as that of the steamer " Montmagny," also some well-known bridges, such as the Chaudiere Bridge at Ottawa, for the Federal Government. It has gained him much praise from several eminent engineers, amongst others from Chief Engineer Perley. In 1884, he removed after the destruction of his premises by fire in Quebec to Montreal, where he is now the controlling spirit of the Imperial Bridge Company. In 1887, he was elected Alderman for Hochelaga Ward, but retired in order to devote himself to the ever-increasing duties of his business.
520 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
LIEUTENANT WEIR.
THE epitaph on his tombstone tells where he was born and the concluding event of his life. The grave is in the old Military Burying Ground on the Papineau Road seldom seen by travellers and as seldom by the citizens of Montreal. A square flat stone, over a low vault some two feet high, surrounded by an iron rail, and whose four corner iron ornaments, representing an acorn, have long since disappeared, but which is otherwise in an excellent condition, is the spot that visitors seek most. The inscription on the top heavy slab, in deep clean cut letters, reads : —
" Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of George Weir, Esq., of Kames, in Berwickshire, Scotland, late Lieutenant [in Her Majesty's 32nd, or Cornwall Regiment, aged 29 years, who was barbarously murdered at St. Denis, Lower Canada, on the 231x1 of November, 1837."
DAVID HANDYSIDE.
HE was born in Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland, nth August, 1794. With his two brothers, when they were all young men, they left their native land and came to Montreal. They became merchants in St. Joseph street. The two brothers after- wards owned and operated a large distillery at Longue Pointe, the ruins of which to-day are made into fine stables, barns and outhouses belonging to Mr. Viau, who now owns the property. David's Distillery was on St. Mary street, and the founda- tions and walls are still seen in the large tobacco factory opposite Fullum street. He was named a member of the new Corporation of Montreal in 1840. He married Melinda Adams, of Burlington, Vermont, and died i5th March, 1855. His eldest daughter married Joseph Jones, the Coroner, a man who, though over eighty years of age, is still able to perform the duties of his onerous profession. .His son, Charles Handyside, resides at Lachine.
HON. JOHN McINTOSH, JUN.,
WAS born in the County of Laprairie, in 1842, and is of Scotch parentage. He early engaged in farming and stock raising, being a successful man in this line of business as far back as 1860. He was for many years the manager of the Canadian Meat and Produce Company, and latterly has been extensively engaged in the export of produce and cattle to England and European markets. He was first returned to the Local Legislature for Compton in 1886, and was re-elected at the last General Election. In the House he holds a leading position as a sound, practical, common- sense member, and when roused he is able to deal his adversaries sharp cutting blows, all the more effective because he is generally well posted on what he speaks about. After the dismissal of the Mercier Government in December, 1891, he was chosen to represent the Protestant division of the Eastern Townships, and is now (February, 1892) in the Local Cabinet of Quebec, and by the result of the General Elections of 8th March last still remains in power.
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 521
BAZAR GEN£RALE.
IN this age of change and progress we observe things never dreamed of in the phi- losophy of our ancestors. Men in the highest ranks of life, at the close of this cen- tury, are seen devoting their time and energy, not only to literature and science, but to the broad platform of commerce, and though even yetthe old wall of partition between Blue Blood and Trade still in many cases remains, the march of progress is too strong and too overwhelming, so that this wall will soon totter down, and the old antipathy- die out, and labor in all its mental and physical phases will in no way detract from the man. I am led to these remarks by the heading of this sketch. Two years ago two French noblemen determined to make Canada their home, and they chose Mon- treal. Le Comte de Sieyes and Baron Louis de Poliniere saw that this Province offered special inducements for themselves and their families, but they were men of advanced ideas as regards labor, and they conceived and have now carried out the development of one of the finest establishments on the Continent of America. It consists of an immense store of all kinds of merchandise, and rivals its great English one — Morgan's. The establishment is situated on three streets, St. Lawrence, St. Catherine and St. Charles Borromee. It is carried on in the same manner as Le Bon March e of Paris, Macey's of New York, or Jordan, Marsh & Co.'sof Boston. They have taken this name as the title of the firm, Le Compagnie Generale des Bazars, but its popular name among the citizens of Montreal is simply The Bazaar.
The building is four stories high, of cut limestone, but what impresses one is not the out but the inside, although the immense plate glass windows are worth looking at. On entering, the visitor or buyer finds himself in a spacious store where he can procure all kinds of family goods of every make and price, whilst opposite to this runs another store as large, occupied entirely with gentlemen's furnishings of all sorts, with every kind of perfumery and all the et-ceteras of a refined home. The elevator will then take him to the ladies' department, where one of the most complete assortments of furs, mantles, boots and shoes, silks and everything required by the most fastidious dame can be seen in abundance and at remarkably low prices.
The second floor is, perhaps, for the ladies the goal of their desires. Here are the drawing rooms' of the Parisian artiste who superintends all, and connected with them is the millinery departments. Aristocratic costumes, equal to Worth's, are sent from this department, and her dresses for balls and evening parties have attracted much attention, so that her hands are always full. Another department is devoted to carpets of every kind and quality, and'here one of the best stocks in Montreal is to be found. The next is the glass, china, silver and tinw.ire departments, includ- ing almost everything in these lines that any one can wish, with that of house furnish- ings in endless variety. This short description can give a poor idea of the size and importance of the Bazar Generale. Let those who have not been in it yet see for themselves. It lies on two lines of the street cars, and is in one of the most central parts of Montreal.
522 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
RICHARD HEMSLEY
WAS born in Cirencester, England, and came when quite a young man to Canada, making Montreal his home, where he has remained ever since. He has for over a quarter of a century been carrying on business as a successful watchmaker, jeweller and gold and silver smith. A unique, useful and ingenious patent of his is found in all jewellers' shops in Britain, France and Germany, as well as on this Continent. 4< Hemsley's automatic Diamond tweezers," for lifting gems for the purpose of examination, has supplied a want which for ages was never thought of; but the thing which has brought the most renown to him has been his air-tight window, of which a fine engraving is given, and which is the only one of its kind on this Continent. In Europe window display is the leading feature of the retail trade, and in no business is this carried to such perfection as among the jewellers. These displays are one of the chief attractions to the cities of the old world, and any one who has visited London or Paris can testify to the fact of the seductive influence that they have on one's purse. In these cities, immense values are put in the windows, and form one of the sights for travellers. Keen competition for generations has compelled retail merchants to adopt every possible means to attract customers, and without some such enterprise it is impossible to succeed. The general store has exerted a very great influence on the trade of this country, and the word store implies a search within for anything you want ; but in the old country way of doing business the merchandise is forced on the notice of the public, while here one has to search for what they think they would like, and a great deal of time is lost in what is called shopping. One of the great hindrances in adopting the old country method of window display has been the extreme cold in winter and the dust and flies in summer. In winter the windows freeze and become opaque, and if ventilated so that they could not freeze, the dust and dirt caused by the ventilation will spoil the goods. After years of experimenting and trying to overcome these difficulties, Mr. Hemsley invented a method by which these troubles can be avoided, and which, if generally adopted, would have a great effect in making the retail streets more attractive. The invention consists in making the window perfectly air-tight and isolating it completely from the shop. The window is separated from the shop by a narrow passage, so ventilated from the sides and top that when the door is opened leading to the window and again closed all the hot air from the shop is carried away, and when the air-tight window is opened the air in the passage and window are of the same temperature. So perfectly does this work that even at 20° below zero outside and the shop at 70°, the window can be opened and closed with impunity without any steaming of the glass ever occurring. The articles are displayed in such a con- venient manner that goods to any amount of value can be shown, so that every article with its price is easily seen, and the goods so arranged that any tray or article can be removed from the window and shown to the customer with the greatest of ease. The window and fittings were made by Messrs. F. Sage & Co., Grey's Inn Road,
GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL. 523
London, the celebrated shop fitters, who carried out the work in the most satisfactory manner; and although the window and fittings were made there, even to the French polishing of the wood work, some idea of the great nicety of the work can be under- stood when we learn that it took three months to arrange it in its position by work- men especially sent out to set it up. The lighting is very effective, having a row of electric lights in silver lamps suspended outside the window. It is secured at night by corrugated steel shutters, and protected from the sun by an awning ingeniously arranged on spring rollers, so that when it is not used it is completely invisible to the eye of the passer-by. The interior of the shop was also designed by the same London firm, which with the large and complete jewellery factory in the rear form one of the most complete and attractive establishments in Montreal. This attractive window is in St. James street, and is one of the best sights of the street. There are always more or less passengers stopping and looking at the beautiful collection of all kinds of articles, gold and silver, which one sees there displayed. What renders the window so attractive is, that as the price of every individual thing is plainly marked the public at once know the value of it. This European plan should be far more established here.
524 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
NOTE.
The Author, at the conclusion of this GAZETTEER, begs leave to apologize to all his patrons, and to those whose memoirs are printed within its pages, that, imperfect as those memoirs are, they give only a slight idea (maybe a compressed idea) of the principal parts of each individual's life. Time, space and cost are important factors in compiling such a work as this ; but if he should, through ignorance or any other cause, have ignored any families in Montreal which would otherwise have appeared in these pages, he can only say that hundreds (he was going to say thousands) of letters, notes, and postal cards have been sent out, and scores of calls made on very many families whose names do not appear, or who appear only in a shortened sketch ; that it is not the fault of the Author, who did not know the whole particulars in such cases, but that the fault is their own. Perhaps, in the near future, another volume may be produced, dealing with the balance of Montreal's worthies, and especially its Commercial Worthies, and then they can appear in it. The original design of the Author, — which was to reproduce all the pictures in the same page with the letter-press description, — has been abandoned, and, at a little more expense to both publishers and patrons, the likenesses have been printed and inserted on thick, separate sheets, thereby making a far better and more valuable volume. This is a change for the better which, the Author feels, not one of the interested parties will object to. The original intention of the Author was to publish a work containing only the names and Biographies of his actual Patrons and Subscribers, but the GAZETTEER has grown on his hands to such an extent, that he has made it as complete as he possibly could, under existing circumstances, and he flatters himself that the result is a work, the like of which has never before been published in Montreal, and containing over six hundred sketches of different persons and families, who, in days gone by, or at this, the close of the Nineteenth Century, have made Montreal what she now is, " The Metropolitical City of the Dominion of Canada," and the seventh or eighth largest on the American Continent.
ADDENDA.
The following changes in the Sketches of several of those represented in this GAZETTEER have taken place whilst the work was passing through the Press. A most important era in the History, not only of Montreal, but of the Province of Quebec, has passed over the country since the commencement of the printing of these Sketches six months ago ; however, the following ADDENDA will bring every item down to the present day, 3ist March, 1892.
The following have passed away to join the great majority : —
Dr. T. Sterry Hunt, Bishop Oxenden, Rev. Dr. Fraser, Roswell Lyman, R. J. Devins, Dr. Godfrey, Dr. Lafontaine, Rev. Robert Lindsay, Wm. Notman, Dr. Dug- dale, Wm. Wilson, etc.
HON. JAMES McSHANE
STH MARCH, 1892, lost his election as one of the Deputies of Montreal to the Quebec Legislature, P. Kennedy, Esq., M.P.P., being elected in his stead.
HON. J. S. HALL
HAS been re-elected in the West Ward of Montreal over Col. Bond by a great majority, thus keeping him in as the Treasurer of the Province, in the DeBoucherville Government at Quebec.
HON. L. O. TAILLON
HAS gained his election in Chambly County, and thereby has remained a member of the Provincial Government of Quebec. It is now rumored that he will be elevated to the Bench after the next Session.
HON. HONORE MERCIER
ELECTED by a large majority for Bonaventure County, but the vox populi of the Pro- vince went against him, and he has been defeated by the Conservative Government by an overwhelming majority. He has resigned as Deputy for the County, and intends to retire from political life and devote himself to his profession. He has entered into partnership with Mr. Gouin, his son-in-law, and another Advocate.
526 GAZETTEER OF MONTREAL.
HENRI S. HARWOOD LOST his election for Vaudreuil at the last bye-election, and has retired.
JOSEPH BRUNET LOST his election in the General Elections of 8th March last.
H. B. RAINVILLE .
LOST his election in the General Elections of 8th March last.
HON. GEO. DUHAMEL
LOST his election in the General Elections of 8th March last. He is no longer a member of the Provincial Government.
HON. J. E. ROBIDOUX
LOST his election at the last General Elections, and is no longer a member of the Provincial Government. He will hereafter practice on his own account.
DAMASE PARISEAU
ELECTED for St. Louis Division of Montreal over Alderman Rainville, and is now M.P.P. for that Constituency in the Local Legislature of Quebec.
GEO. W. STEPHENS
WAS elected 8th March, at the General Elections, for the County of Huntingdon, over Dr. Cameron, and is now M.P.P. for that County in the Provincial Parliament.
HON. ARTHUR BOYER
Loss his election 8th March for Jacques Cartier County, and is now out of politics.
REV. JAMES BARCLAY
HAS been made a Doctor of Divinity of Glasgow University, and is now the Rev. Dr. Barclay.
A,
PAGE
Abbott, Hon. Premier 122
Albani, Mde 271
Alexander, Charles 225
Allan, Andrew 166
Allan, Rev. John 457
, Sir Hugh 165
Anderson, Dickson 425
Anderson, Rev. Canon 334
Anderson, Robert 178
y^Angus, Richard B 379
Archambault, C. d^F.X 506
Archambault, Hon. Horace 252
Archambault, Jos. L 297
Armour, Robert 173
Ascher, Isidore 150
Aubin, Nap 363
Aylwin, Judge 192
B.
Baby, Judge 310
Badgley, Judge 190
Bagg, Stanley C 300
Baldwin, Bishop 325
Bancroft, Rev. Dr 497
Barber, Dr. J 199
O Barclay, Rev. J 226
Barnard, Edmund. . . 280
Barry, Dennis 302
Bates, John, sen 501
Baynes, Wm. Craig 255
Bazaar Generale , 521
Beaubien, Dr 424
Beaubien, Hon. L 434
Beaugrand, H 188
Beausoleil, Cleophas 281
Bellemare, R 201
Bellerose, Hon. Jos. H 495
Bellmgham, S. R 200
Bergeron, J. G. H 233
Bernard, Aldis 254
Berthelet, A. 0 1 10
Berthelot, Hon. Judge 452
Bertram Alex 223
Q Bethune, Rev. Dean 132
Bethune, Rev. John 132
Bethune, Strachan 133
Bibaud, Max 181
Bibaud, Michel 184
Billings, Elkanah 238
Birks, Richard 157
PAGE
Black, Rev. Ed 483
Blake, Dr 299
Blondin, Marie E. S 492
Bond, Bishop ... no,
Bond, Major 217
Booker, Col. . 204
Bourbonnais, A. G 368
Bourgeois, Marguerite 405
Bourget, His Grace Archbishop 183
BouteJlier, F. G 332
Boyer, L. A 427
Boyer, Hon. Arthur 427
Boyer, Louis 442
Branchaud, A ., Q .C 175
Brayley, John W 367
Brodeur, L. P 211
Brodie, Hugh 381
Brown, James 429
Brown, Thos. S 277
Browne, George 259
Browne, John James 455
Brunet, Jos 283
Brush, George 334
Brydges,C. J 158
Brymner, Douglas „ . 152
Buller, Dr Frank 503
Bureau, Senator J. 0 333
C.
Campbell, Dr. F.W 408
Campbell, Dr. G. W 516
Campbell, Rev. Dr 159
Campbell, Rollo 407
Cantlie, James A. . 199
Cardinal dr3 Duquette 286
Carter, Edward 190
Cartier, Jacques 388
Cartier, Sir George 120
Cassidy, Francis, Q . C „ 493
Cassils, William 338
Chafters, Hon.W.H 375
Champlair. 394
Chapleau Hon. J. A 125
Charlevoix 105
Chauveau, Hon. P. J. 0 213
Chenier, Dr 183
Cherrier, C. S 257
Clarke, Simon 368
Clendinneng, Alderman 504
Cloran, H. J 512
Coderre, Dr 228
INDEX.
PACK
Coffin, Wm. C ,. 184
Coursol, Judge 122
Court, James 158
Craig, Sir James 114
Craik, Dr 328
Crankshaw, J 406
Cross, Judge 222
Curran, J. J., Q.C 215
D.
Dandurand, R. d^ Madame 417
Daniel, L'Abbe 181
Dansereau, Arthur 164
Darling, Wm 339
David, A. H., M.D 480
David, F. C 178
David, L. 0 518
Davidson, Dr. Leonidas H 460
Davidson, Judge C. P 260
Dawson, Dr. George M 333
Dawson, Sir J. William 127
DayJ-J., Q.C 180
Debartzch, Hon. P. D 214
De Beauharnois, Marquis. 106
De Boucherville, Hon . Chas 172
De Callieres, Chevalier 104
De Levis, Due 108
De Lorimier, Judge 433
De Maisonneuve 103
De Montigny, B. A. T 369
De Salaberry, Col 250
Desaulniers, Dr 145
Desjardins, Dr 413
Desjardins, L. C. Alphonse 212
Desmarteau, Charles 438
De Sola, Rev. Abraham * 465
De Vaudreuil. Marquis 105
De Vaudreuil^ Marquis 107
Devins, R. J. . . . . 448
D'Iberville, Lemoine 104
Dinning, John G 261
Dixon, Rev. James H 439
Doherty, Judge C. J. 428
Doherty, Judge M 428
Dorchester, Lord 142
Dorion, Judge V. P. W 352
Dorion. Sir A. A 219
Dougall, John 461
Doutre, Joseph, Q.C 196
Dowd, Rev. Patrick 147
Drolet, Gustave A 443
Drummond, Dr. W. H 494
Drummond, Judge 305
Drummond, McCall 6- Co 308
Drummond, Senator 259
DuCalvet 168
Da Frost, Marie M 385
Dugas, Judge 393
Dugdale, Dr 448
Duhamel, Hon. George 344
PAGE
Duhamel, Joseph . 193
Duncan, James 196
Dunkin, Judge 503
Dunlop, James 508
D'Urban, Sir Benjamin 514
Durocher, Eulalie 464
Duvernay, Ludger 214
Dyde, Col 231
Ellegood, Rev. Canon 412
Esson, Rev. Henry 481
Evans, Edward P 316
Evans, James S 316
Evans, Ven. Archdeacon 423
Evans, Wm. .- 253
Evans, William S 320
F.
Fabre, E. R 117
Fabre, His Grace Archbishop 117
Fenwick, Dr 190
Ferguson, Alexander 50 1
Ferland, Abbe 117
Ferrier, Hon. Senator 328
Finnic, Dr. } . T 260
Fisher, Duncan 133
Fisher, John 173
Fisher, Sidney A .... 134
Fisson, Marie 454
Fitz Hawley, Wm 1 50
Fletcher, Archibald 191
Forsyth, Major 128
Fortin, Thomas » 284
Foucher, Judge 130
Franchere, J. Arthur 487
I Eraser, Rev. Donald. . . . . 500
Fraser, Simon 483
Frechette, Louis 324
Frobisher, Joseph 356
Fulford, Bishop 118
G.
Gage, General Thomas 107
Gait, Sir Alexander 148
Gates, Hon. Horatio , 421
Gault, Andrew F 303
Gault, M. H 304
Gauvin, Dr 184
Gendron, P . S 490
Gesu, Church of 321
Gibb, Benaiah, Sen 517
Gibson, Thos. A 515
Giles, H. M 492
Gill, Judge 426
Gilman, Hon. F. E 153
Gird wood, Dr. G. P. 1 60
Girouard, Desire", M,P 164
Glackmeyer, Chas 270
Glassford, Jas. A 323
INDEX*
PAGE
Goad, Chas. E 486
Godfrey, Dr 368
Godu, Major 240
Grant, Cuthbert 384
Gray, Henry R 315
Guy, Pierre 347
H.
Hague, George 273
Hall, Dr. Archibald 402
Hall, Hon. J. S 129
Hamilton, Hon. John 240
Handyside, David 520
Har wood, Col 265
Havwood, Dr.. ....... 265
Har wood, Marie Henriette 266
HarwooJ, Robert Unwin 265
Heavysege, Charles 186
Hemsley, Richard 522
Henderson, Rev. Dr 191
Henderson, William 258
Henshaw, Frederick W 324
Hicks, William H 186
Hickson, Sir Joseph 141
Himsworth, Wm. Alfred 150
Hincks, Sir Francis 307
Kingston, Dr 430
Hobbs, W7illiam 485
Hodges, James 386
Holland, George A., Sen 489
Holmes, Dr 140
Holton, Edward , 179
Holton, Hon. L 1 79
Honey, John S 263
Howard, Dr. R. Palmer 376
Howard , Henry, M.D 144
Howe, Dr. H Aspinwall 383
Hubert, Louis Ed 272
Hubert, R. A. R , 285
Hudon, Victor 256
Hughes, Chief 445
Hunt, T. Sterry 198
Huntington, Hon. S. L 195
Hutchins, B 359
Hutchinson, Matthew 253
Idler, Ernest 514
Ireland, William 438
J.
Jalbert, Captain 236
Jenkins, Rev. Dr 327
[cite", Judge 149
[ohnson, Dr. Alexander 451
fohnson, Sir Francis 123
[ones, John, jun... 481
PAGE
Joseph, Gershom. 474.
Joseph, Henry 4 70
Joseph, Jacob Henry 471
Joseph, Jesse 473
Judah, Fred. T.,Q.C 177
K.
Kennedy, Dr. R. A 203
Kennedy, William 220
Kerr, William W.H.,Q.C 461
Kollmyer, Alex. H 493
L.
Labadie, J. A 44^
Labelle Captain 320
Laberge, Hon. C. J 220
Lachapelle, E. P., M.D.. 306
Lacoste, Hon. Chief Justice 1 24
Laflamme, Hon. T. A. R 399
Lafontaine, L.D.,M.D.... 518
Lafontaine , Sir Louis H 121
Laframboise, Judge
219
Lamothe, G. J. B 182
Lareau, E., B.C.L 150
Lartigue, Bishop 1 1 2 .
La Salle 510
Latour, Dr 43&
Laviolette, Hon. J. G 322
Lawlor, J.D 459-
Leach, A'rchdeacon 1 60
Leblanc, Charles A , 402
Leblanc, P. E , 230
Leclerc, Rev. J. U 280
Lefebvre, Michel 409
Lemoyne, Charles 103
Lenoir, Joseph I98
Lepailleur, F. M 434
Leprohon, Dr ". 206
Leprohon, Mrs 206
Leslie, Hon. James 213
Lighthall,Wm. F., N.P 234
Lilly, John 365
Lindsay, Rev. David 454
Lindsay, Rev. Robt. 406
Lindsay, Robt. Alex 335
Logan, Sir William 312 °
Loranger, Hon. L. O 240
Lovelace, Col 5*3
Loverin, Dr 230
Lumsden, Hugh David 44°
Lunn, William 420
Lusher, Rev. Robert L 239
Lyman, Frederick Styles, Q.C 462
Lyman, Henry 251
Lyman, Lieut-Col. Theodore 453
Lyman, Roswell C 455
Lynch, Judge J37
'INDEX.
M.
PAGE
MacCallum, Duncan C., M.D 346
Mackay, Edward 146
Mackay. Joseph . . 146
.Macmaster, Donald, Q.C 169
.Mac Vicar, Rev. Dj- 203
McConnell, L)r. J. B . 458
McCord, John, Sen.. 419
McDonald, J ohn 504
McDougall, John , . 443
McEachran, Duncan McNab 245
McGee, Hon. T. D 371
McGibbon, Alexander 313
McGill, Hon. James 116
McGill, Hon. Peter 135
McGillivray, Hon. William 398
Mclntosh, Hon. John 520
McKay, Judge 187
McKay, Lieut. Chas 392
McKenzie, Alexander 365
McKenzie, Hon. Roderick 375
McPherson, Lieut. -Col. J 152
McPherson, Helen 198
McShane, Hon. James loi
Mance, Mile 404
Marchand, Hon. Felix G 498
Massey, Rev. Samuel 456
Masson, Damien 214
Masson, Dr 214
"Masson, Hon. Joseph 266
.Masson, Hon. Louis F. R 267
Matheson, Rev. Dr 200
Meilleur, Dr , 141
Mercier, Hon. Honoie 161
Miles, Dr. Henry H 413
Miller, Robert 171
Mills, Rev. Canon 486
Mitchell, Hon. Peter 250
Moffatt, Hon. George 211
Molson, Hon. John 326
Molson, William 216
Mondelet, Hon Chas. J. E. 509
Mondelet, Hon. Dom 452
Monk, Judge S. C 218
Morin, Hon. Louis N 391
Morrice, David 174
Morris &* Holt • 488
Morris, Hon. Alex 502
Morris, Hon. William 490
Mount, Dr. J. W 335
Mount Stephen, Lord 1 11
Mousseau, Judge 138
Mower, Nahum 403
Munderloh, Wm. C 358
Munro, Dr. P 158
Munro, Hector 185
Murphy, A. Me A 176
Murphy, Hon. Senator Ed 209
N.
Mantel, Hon. G. A 491
JNarbonne, Nicolas, Daunais, Hindelang and De Lorimier . 280
PAGE
Nelson, Dr. Alfred 248
Nelson, Dr. Horace 248
Nelson, Dr. Robert 250
Nelson, Dr. Wolfred, Sen 268
Nelson, Horatio A 415
Nelson, Wolfred, Jun 248
Nichols, Charles 223
Norman, Rev. Dr . . . . 202
Notman, William 311
Not re Dame Church 317
p;
O'Donell , James 507
Ogilvie, Senator 382
Ouimet, Hon. Gideon 488
Ouimet, Lieut. Col. 205
Oxenden, Bishop 44 7
Pagnuelo, Judge 418
Palmer, William 421
Panet, Hon. Pierre L no
Pangman, Hon. John, and Peter 322
Papineau, Hon. L. J 410
Papineau, Joseph 410
Papineau, Louis Jos. Amed6e 411
Parizeau, Damase 40 1
Parkyn, WTillian 1 76
Payette, Louis . 505
Penny, Hon. Ed. Goff..., 384
Per.ton, F W. L 419
Perrault, C. O 426
Perrigo, Dr 509
Picault, Dr 186
Pinard,J. A 203
Plessis, Bishop 108
Plimsol, Arthur H 422
Porteous, Thomas 364
Prefontaine, Raymond F 241
Prevost, Wilfrid 494
Prieur, F. X 504
Proctor, John A 145
Prud'homme, Eustache 173
Pyke, Judge 144
Q-
Quesnel, Joseph 429
Quinlivan , Rev. Father 445
R.
Rainville, Alderman 151
Rainville, Judge 442
Ramsay, Hew . . . . t 173
Ramsay, Judge 45 l
Reade, John 341
Reddy, Dr 512
Redpath, John 130
Reid, Hon. James 116
Renaud, Hon. Louis 189
Richardson, Hon. George 423
INDEX.
PAGE
Richmond, Duke of 348
Rintoul, Rev. Robert 508
Ritchie, Thos. W 487
Rivard, Severe 202
Robert, Hamelin, Decoigne A. or5 C. San-
guinet 288
Robertson, Andrew 301
Robertson, Captain , 1 28
Robertson, Dr 128
Robertson, Hon. Joseph G 139
Robertson, Miss 140
Robidoux, Hon. Jos. E 345
Robillard, Dr.- 360
Robins, Sampson P 355
Roddick, Dr 383
Rodier, Hon. Charles 213
Rolland, Senator 441
Rose,Rev.S.R 496
Rose, Sir John 187
Ross, A. M., M.D 154
Ross,- David 262
Ross, Dr. Geo 262
Rottot, Dr 188
Rousseau Antoine 519
Routh, Sir Randolph J 377
Roux, L'Abbe* 407
Roy, Euclide 507
Roy, Joseph 483
Roy, Rouer, Q.C 171
Ryan, Hon. Thomas 211
Ryan M. P 282
Ryland, G. H 131
Ryland, Hon. H. W 131
Ryland, W. H 131
s,
Sanborn, Hon. Judge 437
Sanborn, M . H 398
Sandham, Alfred 364
Schiller, Chas. E 319
Sclater, Alexander 270
Scott, Adam 495
Scott, Dr. W. E 502
Scott, William 135
Scrimger, Rev. John 485
tSeargeant, Lewis J 439
Senecal, Hon. L. A -51:7
Shanly, Walter 188
Shearer Js. Trail 380
Sherbrooke General 264
Shorey, Hollis 314
Skakel, Alexander 213
Sketches of Canadian Patriots 292
Smallwood, Dr , 136
Smith, Sir Donald A 113
Smith, John 269
Smith, Judge 262
Smithers, C. F 365
Smyth, Rev. Dr 5I6
Somerville, Rev. Jarnes G 169
Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue.. . 471;
St. George, P. W ^
53*
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St. ^ary's College , 329
St. Pierre, Henri C 353
Starnes, Hon. Henry 484
Stephens, George W 416
Stephens, Harrison 422
Stevens, Paul 325
Stevenson, Col. A. A 462
Stewart, William 448
Stuart, Sir J u4
Sweeny, Campbell, sen 178
T.
Taillon, Hon. L. O 134
Tait, Hon. Judge 458
Taschereau, Hon. H. T '. 378
Taylor, Fennings 183
Taylor, Thomas M 403
Thibaudeau, Hon. J. R 484
Thomas, F. Wolferstan 319 Q
Torrance, David 343
Torrance, Judge 221
Travernier, Emelie 492
Trudel,Dr 159
Trudel, Hon. Anselme F. X 337
Turcotte, Hon. H. R. A 249
Tyre, James 502
V,
Valois, Simon 508
Vanasse, V. F 323
VanHorne, W. C 509
Verreau L'Abbe 138
Viger, Bona venture 23 c
Viger,Hon.D. B 444
Viger, Jacques 184
Vincent, Joseph 440
W.
Wainwright, William 400
Waller, Jocelyn 200
Wanless, Dr 242
Ward, Hon. J. K 496
Weir, Lieut 520
White, Hon. Thos 189
White, Richard 357
White, R. S 232
Whyte, William -,36
Wilkes, Rev. Dr 323
Wilson, Andrew 367
Wilson Hon. Charles 320
Wilson, J. C 361
Wilson, William 517
Wood,Rev.Ed 499
Workman, Thomas 170
Workman, William 298
Wurtele, Judge 449
Y,
Young, Hon. John
112
I ' I'
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