Chapter VI: Part 6
=Beach, Mahlon F.=, Manufacturer (Iroquois, Ont.), who died January 4, 1917, at the ripe age of more than eighty-three years, was one of the most remarkable self-made men in Eastern Canada and belonged to a family which can boast one of the most striking genealogical records in the Dominion. The family record shows his lineage back to John Beach, one of three pilgrim brothers who migrated from England to New Haven Colony, Conn., early in the Seventeenth Century, the two other pilgrim brothers being Richard and Thomas. Richard first appears in the New Haven Colony in 1638, and was a man of some note in his day. Thomas first appears in the records in 1646, and settled in Milford, Connecticut. John is first mentioned in the New Haven Colony records, January 4, 1643. Four years later he bought “an house lott” there and in 1650 married Mary ——. Next we find him at Stratford, Connecticut, where he acquired land in 1660 and was chosen “Town Crier” in the following years, being allowed fourpence “for everything he should crye and every time he cryed.” He signed the Articles of Agreement for the Wallingford Plantation in 1670, and was granted a “house lott” there in 1671. He appears fourth in a list of six persons of “Hiest Rank,” July 29, 1672, and in 1675 was one of a committee to establish a Church, dying between the years 1678 and 1680, the ancestor of a large number of Beaches, scattered over United States, Canada and South America. Mahlon Ford Beach, the subject of this sketch, was born November 10, 1833, in Oxford Township, Grenville County, Province of Ontario, where his father, Mahlon Beach, son of David Beach, arriving from New Jersey, was one of the first settlers. His Mother, Mercy May, born in New York State, May 12, 1798, was a daughter of Lyman Clothier, who migrated to the vicinity and built the first mills in what is now known as the Village of Kemptville. Married Louise C. Wickmire, of Augusta Township, Grenville County, in 1865, and leaves a family of ten boys, all of whom are living, born as follows: Charles A., of Cornwall, 1866; Fred. W., of Morrisburg, 1868; Dr. Anson W., of Toronto, and Benson C., of Ottawa (twins), 1870; Mahlon W., of Kingston, 1872; Howard B., of Iroquois, 1873; D. Easton, of Ottawa, and G. Weston, of Winchester (twins), 1875; J. Russell, of Ottawa, 1878; and Olin A., of Ottawa, 1882. One daughter, born in 1877, died in infancy. Mrs. Beach died in 1907, aged seventy-one years and eleven months, and Mr. Beach married Mrs. Hannah M. Barber, of Winnipeg, in 1912, by whom he is survived. Although controlling probably a quarter of a million dollars at his death, Mr. Beach started life like thousands of other poor boys, with only his native industry, wit and enterprise to raise him above his restricted circumstances and give his talents a larger field of activity. He was a born captain of industry and remarkable in many ways, exciting a big influence not only in his community, but throughout the county. Possessed of a strong personality, an untiring energy, quick perception and bold and fearless in his business enterprises, he left his stamp on the community in which he lived and his name will always be connected with the village and township of Winchester. This place was hardly a settlement when Mr. Beach first came there, and when he erected his first mill it was the beginning of a new life in the community, as previously the nearest mill was at Iroquois. He was educated at the common schools of his native place and set out to carve his own fortune early in life. He first worked at the millwright business, and in 1856 went to the Township of Winchester, Dundas County, where he built a small saw mill, later adding other machinery and buildings, such as planing mills, sash and door, and flour mills. During the years 1861-1864 he engaged in square timber operations, taking the timber to Quebec. In the spring of 1883 he bought a water privilege on the St. Lawrence Canal, at Iroquois, and moved there in June of the same year, where he commenced a roller flour mill, which was put in operation in the fall of 1884. At Mr. Beach’s place in Winchester, where the old business is still continued, he saw grow up what is now a flourishing village. Between the years 1861-1878 Mr. Beach was connected directly and indirectly with the general store business and has always been successful in his undertakings. In 1884 his mills at Winchester were destroyed by fire, and a number of other valuable buildings, also a quantity of sawn lumber, flour and wheat to the amount of about $75,000, were all swept away without any insurance to cover the loss. This naturally crippled him financially, but nothing daunted, he commenced again, rebuilding the mills in a much better manner than before and adding a furniture factory to them, thus showing that the spirit of the man was bigger than any adversity and that he did not know the meaning of failure. He met every obstacle with indomitable faith in himself as the biggest asset of human enterprise, which, more than any other, was a characteristic of Mr. Beach. He had absolute faith in his own judgment and with great capacity and resource he soon recovered his losses. He was President of the Beach Foundry Co., Ltd., of Ottawa, and also with his son Charles A., established the Beach Furniture Factory, at Cornwall. In 1909 he completed a water power development in Iroquois, one of the latest and most improved hydro-electric power plants in America. In order to carry out this undertaking, he was obliged to resort to the European markets for the electrical apparatus. The generators came from Sweden, where they were designed and made especially for the conditions met with in development. It might truly be said that this was the pioneer plant in Canada for the vertical type, direct connected to wheel, operating under a low head of water. This fact was attested to by many eminent engineers from all over the American continent, who inspected the plant after its completion. In 1910, with his two sons, Benson C. and Charles A., he was interested in the development of a 4,000 h.p. Hydro-Electric Power Plant at Hound Chute, on the Montreal River, furnishing the first electrical energy used in the Cobalt District. Associated with the late Hon. Andrew Broder, M.P., he secured in 1882, a charter for the Montreal and Central Canada Railroad. With the charter they interviewed Sir Wm. Van Horne, of the C.P.R. Asked what they wanted for their charter and expense of promoting, the reply was “We want a railroad.” The C.P.R. took over the charter, the line was built and now forms part of the main line between Toronto and Montreal. Mr. Beach was one of the foremost men interested in the erection of the present magnificent Methodist Church at Winchester. His public career has been confined to municipal affairs. He was warden of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry for the year 1873. In politics he was a Liberal, and in religion a broad-minded adherent of the Methodist Church, and opposed to ostentation. Even passing his eighty-third birthday, Mr. Beach exhibited remarkable vitality of mind and body, being still actively engaged in his several interests, but on January 4, 1917, he suddenly passed away, the direct cause being due to acute congestion of the kidneys, complicated with pneumonia. His useful and successful life will long be remembered with respect.
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=Macdonald, John= (Toronto, Ont.), the present head of the great wholesale dry goods firm of John Macdonald & Co., of Toronto, is still a young man. He bears the name of his father, the founder of the business, and was born on the 4th of November, 1863, at the old family homestead, Oaklands, a beautiful villa on the hills overlooking the city of Toronto. He was educated at Upper Canada College, which boasts the names of a very large number of distinguished families on its rolls, and while still a lad entered (1880) the great dry goods establishment which then bore his father’s name and was founded by him in 1849. Under his distinguished father’s guidance he received a sound business training, and was thus, on the death of the latter, able to undertake the great responsibility devolving upon him. The firm was made a Joint Stock Company, of which he was appointed President in 1906. He is a Director of the following: Bank of Toronto, Confederation Life Association, Toronto Hotel Co., Ltd., Guarantee Company of North America, Millers and Manufacturers Insurance Co., Humane Society, Hospital for Incurables, Academy of Music. Honorary Governor Toronto General Hospital; member Toronto Board of Trade; Chairman Bureau Municipal Research; Trustee and Official, Yonge St. Methodist Church; Vice-Chairman, Financial Committee; member Defence League. The late Hon. John Macdonald sat in the Senate of Canada for several years, and was a most distinguished figure in religious and philanthropic work. The subject of this sketch is a man of varied interests and wide social popularity, while retaining the sound business energy characteristic of his family. In the affairs of his alma mater, Upper Canada College, he has taken a deep interest, and was one of those public-spirited graduates who took an active part in the work of reorganization which a few years ago put it on a sound basis and largely increased its usefulness. He is also a member of the Methodist Communion, in which his father was so long an eminent figure, and has interested himself in the affairs of Yonge Street Methodist Church, of which he is a Trustee. He holds the office of Justice of the Peace, but fortunately is not compelled to frequently exercise his function as a magistrate. Among the commercial organizations with which he is identified, may be mentioned the Toronto Board of Trade, in which he is prominent in the dry goods section. His is also one of the best-known names on the roll of the Commercial Travellers’ Association, one of the most powerful organizations in Canada. He is also a member of the British Empire League, the object of which is to further the progress of an enlightened Imperialism in Canada; of the well-known benevolent society, the Ancient Order of United Workmen; of the Caledonian Society, to which he belongs by virtue of his Scottish descent; and is a member, also, by virtue of the family traditions, of the York pioneers; a member also of the Methodist Union College Heights Association, Upper Canada College Old Boys’ Association, St. Andrew’s Society, and the Canadian Institute. Clubs: York, National, British Empire. Like all men of active mind, Mr. Macdonald has a hobby, and in his case the hobby is horseflesh. His beautiful home at Oaklands always boasts some fine animals in its stables, and he has earnestly devoted himself to the improvement of Canadian stock. He was one of the original promoters and is a Director of the Annual Horse Show at Toronto, and is also an active member of the Horse Breeders’ Association, and of the Hackney Horse Association. It will thus be seen that Mr. Macdonald is a man of catholic tastes and wide energies. He resides at 116 Farnham Avenue, Toronto.
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=Longley, Hon. J. W.= (Halifax, N.S.), Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. One of the best-known men in Canadian public life, and a gentleman who combines literary graces with a practical public spirit, is Hon. James Wilberforce Longley, late Attorney-General and Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Province of Nova Scotia. Hon. Mr. Longley was born at Paradise, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, on January 4, 1849, the son of Israel Longley and Frances Manning. Like so many noted Nova Scotians, he is a descendant of an old New England family, and his grandfather, William Longley, came to Nova Scotia from Massachusetts in 1760, and settled at Belleisle, in Annapolis County. The subject of this sketch attended school first at Paradise and later received his education in the higher branches at Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S., where he received the B.A. degree in 1871; M.A., 1875; D.C.L., 1897; Hon. LL.D. St. Francis Xavier College, Antigonish, N.S., 1905. He began the study of law in the office of Hiram Blanchard, K.C., of Halifax, and completed his course with the legal firm of Johnston & Bligh; read law with Bethune & Hoyles, Toronto, and W. A. Johnson, Halifax, N.S.; he also attended for a term at Osgoode Hall, Toronto, and was called to the Nova Scotia Bar at Halifax in 1875, where he immediately began the practice of his profession; two years as Bligh & Longley; four years with Mr. Motton, and as McCoy & Longley. He quickly made a reputation by his ability, and in 1883 was appointed by the Provincial Government as one of the commission for the revision and consolidation of the Statutes. Journalism had always attracted Mr. Longley, and while a law student he had become identified with the “Acadian Recorder,” of Halifax, as its chief editorial writer. Subsequently he joined the staff of the “Halifax Morning Chronicle,” and for some time filled the responsible post of managing editor. Mr. Longley’s literary and clear attractive style has borne fruit in contributions to many of the leading reviews and periodicals of England and the United States. In 1898, “Love,” a religious and philosophical essay appeared in book form and has passed through several editions. He has also written “Socialism, Its Truths and Errors”; “The Greatest Drama”; “A Material Age”; “Canada and Imperial Federation”; “Religion in the 19th Century”; “Makers of Canada” (Series); “The Political History of Canada” (four volumes complete); “Life of Joseph Howe,” and “Life of Sir Charles Tupper.” He was President of the Nova Scotia Historical Society and a member of the Royal Society of Canada. Coincident with his legal and literary activities, Hon. Mr. Longley has taken an active part in politics. He was for some years President of the Young Men’s Liberal Club of Halifax, and entered public life in 1882 as member of the Nova Scotia Legislature for Annapolis County, which constituency he represented until 1905. Two years later Hon. W. S. Fielding, in forming his Government, invited Mr. Longley to enter it, and in July, 1884, he was sworn in as a Minister without Portfolio. In 1886 he was appointed Attorney-General. In 1896 he resigned to enter a contest for Federal honors in the House of Commons. Being defeated, his old constituents in Annapolis at once re-elected him by acclamation. At the request of the Premier, Hon. Mr. Murray, he resumed the duties of Attorney General for Nova Scotia, which position he held for over nineteen years. In his public capacity, he was a member of the famous inter-Provincial Conference at Quebec in 1887, and was one of the prominent figures in the historic convention of the Reform Party in 1893, when the platform of the then Opposition was struck. As a legislator he has initiated many useful provincial measures, embracing important changes in the criminal procedure, the abolition of imprisonment for debt, consolidation of County Court Procedure and the incorporation of towns. He is a director of the British Empire Financial Corporation, and is a great social favorite in most of the cities of Canada. Has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and was elected Honorary President. On September 4, 1877, he married Annie Brown, daughter of Mr. Newton Brown (deceased, October, 1899); secondly, Lois Fletcher, daughter of George Fletcher, Yorkshire, Eng., April, 1901, and has five sons and one daughter. He is a member of the Halifax and Saraquay Clubs; a director of the Home Life Association, and received his present appointment in 1905; also a member of A.F. & A.M. He was created K.C. by Lord Stanley (afterwards Earl of Derby) in 1890.
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=Morgan, Colin Daniel= (Montreal, Que.), Merchant, is the son of William Morgan and Jane Brown; was born at West Linton, Scotland, in 1846, and educated at Edinburgh, Scotland. He married Martha Gold, the daughter of Hon. Theodore S. Gold, an agriculturist, of West Cornwall, Conn., and has four children, Theodore, Marjorie, Henry and Alice. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and takes his recreation motoring, etc.
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=Antliff, Rev. James Cooper, M.A., D.D.=, 41 St. Mark Street, Montreal. Born February 1, 1844, at Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England. Son of Rev. Wm. Antliff, D.D., and Barbara Cooper. Educated at Haslingden Wesleyan School and Edinburgh University from which he graduated with the degree of M.A., 1873, B.D. in 1874. Left England for Canada by appointment of Primitive Methodist Conference, 1878. Professor in Wesleyan Theological College, Montreal, for nine years. Received degree of D.D. Victoria University, 1887. Member of First Œcumenical Conference. President of Montreal Conference, 1891. Secretary of First General Conference of Methodist Church. Canadian delegate to Wesleyan Methodist Conference, 1907. Was editor of Christian Journal for three years; and is the author of several illuminating magazine articles on various subjects. Married first, Fanny Holden, daughter of John Holden Esq., of Dalbury Lees, Derby, England; second, Jane Elizabeth Gooderham, daughter of the Rev. Ezekiel Gooderham of York Mills, Ont., has one surviving son, born the 22nd of March, 1869. Rev. Dr. Antliff has traveled extensively and is a man of ripe scholarship.
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=Arrell, Harrison= (Caledonia, Ont.), was born at the Township of Onondaga, Brant County, November 14, 1874, son of Samuel Arrell, farmer. Educated at Caledonia High School and after matriculating, studied law in the office of Mr. Justice Teetzel, Hamilton, and Osgoode Hall, Toronto, and was called to the bar in 1898. Married, in 1907, to Eva, daughter of H. B. Sawle, of Caledonia, and is the father of two children: Alec. and Hugh. Is a member of the Masonic Order, and in religion is an Anglican. Politically, he is a Conservative. Was appointed Crown Attorney and Clerk of the Peace for the County of Haldimand, in June, 1915.
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=Musson, Charles Joseph= (Toronto, Ont.), Publisher, is the President of The Musson Book Co., Ltd., and Vice-President of Hodder & Stoughton, Ltd. He is the son of Elizabeth and the late Capt. Thomas Musson, general merchant and postmaster, Islington, Ont., where he was born on September 15, 1869, receiving his education at Islington Public School, Streetsville High School and Parkdale Collegiate Institute, Toronto. Mr. Musson married Jennie Bird, daughter of the late Wm. Williams, farmer, Bowmanville, Ont., and has two children, Ralph Thomas Musson, Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery, and Glena Elizabeth Musson. He is a life member of the Historical Landmark Society of Canada, and of Harmony Lodge A.F. & A.M. Scottish Rite, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Workman, and Past Grand Master Canadian Order of Oddfellows. In politics Mr. Musson is a Conservative, and in religion a member of the Church of England.
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=Massey, C. D.= (Toronto, Ont.). The name of Massey is known throughout the length and breadth of Canada, not only on account of the vastness of the business interests associated with that name, but because of the great philanthropies with which it is also synonymous. As the surviving head of the family that has built up Canada’s greatest individual industrial enterprise, the figure of Mr. Chester Daniel Massey, the subject of this sketch, is doubly fraught with interest. He is the son of the late Hart A. Massey, who was the son and successor in business of Daniel Massey, the founder of the great establishment for the manufacture of agricultural implements now known as the Massey-Harris Company, Limited, and has been associated with that business, of which he is now the Honorary President, since boyhood. Both the brothers who had also been identified with the growth and management of the enterprise, Charles A. Massey and Walter E. H. Massey, have also passed away. But Mr. Chester D. Massey is splendidly carrying out the traditions of the family. He was born on June 17, 1850, in Haldimand Township, in the County of Northumberland, Ontario, and received his education at the Public Schools of the province. While still a boy he entered the business establishment of his father, then centred at Newcastle, Ontario. Literally speaking, he has grown up with the business, which in turn has grown up with the country (coincident with the vast expansion of agricultural enterprise in Canada). In 1879 the headquarters of the Massey firm were removed to Toronto, where Mr. Massey has resided since the year 1882. In 1884 his eldest brother, Charles A. Massey, died, and the duties devolving on him became the heavier. The period that has elapsed since then has been one of immense expansion, which the firm attained by a judicious policy of amalgamation and by extending its agencies not only from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but beyond the seven seas in all the corners of the earth. As has been intimated, commercial interests do not by any means absorb the entire attention of Mr. Massey. He is largely interested in all religious and philanthropic movements. He is a member of the Methodist Church, to which he is greatly attached, and his voice is at all times valued in its councils. He is a Governor of the University of Toronto; a Regent of Victoria University, and a Trustee of the Metropolitan Church and the Methodist Deaconess Home and Training School, all of Toronto. He is also a Trustee of Massey Music Hall, one of the finest buildings that unselfish citizenship ever gave to a community. As chief executor of his father’s estate, he necessarily takes a deep interest in the valuable works of philanthropy which have been carried out under the provisions of the will. On March 17, 1886, Mr. Massey was married at Erie, Pa., to Miss Anna D. Vincent (deceased, London, England, November 11, 1903), and secondly to Miss Margaret Phelps, of Gloversville, N.Y., Jan. 3, 1907; has two sons by first wife, Charles Vincent and Raymond Hart Massey.
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=Smith, William, M.P.=, for South Ontario (Columbus, Ont.), was born in the Township of East Whitby, November 16, 1847, is the son of William Smith and Elizabeth Laing, his wife, natives of Morayshire, Scotland. He was educated at the public school, Columbus, and Upper Canada College, Toronto. He was Paymaster of the 34th Battalion for a number of years. He has been a Trustee of Columbus Public School for over 21 years. Was President of the South Ontario Agricultural Society in 1881. Was Deputy Reeve for the Township of East Whitby from 1878 to 1882, and Reeve from 1883 to 1887. Was Vice-president and President of the Clydesdale Association of Canada for a number of years. Is President of the Record Board since 1912. Is President of the Maple Leaf Farmers’ Mutual Fire Company, and has been since its incorporation in 1896. Is a Director of the Dominion Shorthorn Association. He has always taken an active interest in municipal and political affairs: Contested South Ontario, 1882, 1887, 1891, 1892, 1896, 1900 and 1911; successful in 1887, 1892 and 1911. In politics he is a Conservative and in religion a Presbyterian. He was married, May 25, 1880, to Helen Burns, daughter of the late James Burns, of the Township of East Whitby. Three children: Bessie, Robert B., and Wm. Bruce. Robert B. is senior Major of the 116th, now in England, and went over with the first contingent in 1914. Mr. Smith is a farmer, and takes a great interest in Clydesdale horses, Shorthorn cattle and Cotswold sheep.
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=Mikel, William Charles, K.C., B.C.L.= (Belleville), was born in Belleville, Ont., the son of W. V. and Matilda (Wilson) Mikel, a descendant U.E.L. family. His great-grandfather fought on the side of Great Britain in the American Revolution, after which he came to Canada and was granted 300 acres of land in Ameliasburg Township, Prince Edward County. Again he fought on the side of the Government forces in Rebellion of 1837. The subject of this sketch was educated at Belleville High School and the Ontario Business College, Albert College (honors), and Trinity University (B.C.L., 1897). Practises law at Belleville; has been Crown Prosecutor at Ottawa, Toronto and other places throughout the province. Appeared before Legislature and Parliament in several important matters, and acted as one of the Counsel for the depositors of the Farmers Bank of Canada, when the Government and House of Commons approved of payment of over one million dollars to depositors. Served as Alderman, Auditor and City Solicitor of the Corporation of the city of Belleville; created King’s Counsel, 1908. One of the founders of the Ontario Bar Association and President 1911-12; President Liberal-Conservative Auxiliary, Belleville; President Ontario Municipal Association, 1907-08. Grand Master A.O.U.W., 1914-15-16; President Canadian Fraternal Association, 1918-19; P.M. Moira Lodge, No. 11, A.F. & A.M., 1st P. Moira Chapter, No. 7, G.R.C.; member King Baldwin Preceptory; member L.O.L. No. 274, and Royal Black Knights of Ireland. Member of Albany Club, Toronto; a Presbyterian in religion. Formerly Captain 15th Batt. A.L.I., volunteered, 1915, for service in the Great War, but was rejected. Offered to organize and take command of a battalion, not accepted. Secretary Speakers’ Patriotic League at Belleville; assisted in recruiting several military organizations for service overseas; member of Council of the Win-the-War League, and was one of the Committee of the League which presented to Sir Robert Borden, August, 1917, the resolutions of the League supporting Union Government, conscription and other patriotic measures. Strong supporter of the Union Government, and assisted many of the Union Government candidates in the election of December, 1917. Married Miss Lillian Ewen, daughter of T. E. Ewen, M.A., veteran of the Fenian Raid; has one daughter, Miss Audrey Mikel. On July 25 and 26, 1918, he presided over a meeting at Belleville called by him, as President of the Canadian Fraternal Association, comprised of delegates from a number of Canadian Fraternal Societies representing Protestants and Roman Catholics, both English and French speaking, for the purpose of promoting a better understanding between the English and French speaking Canadians; and again at Ottawa on November 28, 1918, he presided over a similar meeting called by him. His brother, R. Y. Mikel, served in France with the American Flying Corps in the Great War, so that the great-grandsons of the men who fought against the American army in the Revolutionary war, served in that army, showing how closely the people of the British Empire and of the United States have been brought together by this war.
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=Robb, Thomas= (Westmount, Que.), Manager and Secretary of the Shipping Federation of Canada, is Managing Director of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co., and a Director of George Davie & Sons, Limited. He has been employed as Acting Staff Embarkation Officer, with the rank of Major, under Generals McDonald and Biggar, and has also rendered valuable services to the Marine and Naval Departments in connection with the war. Royal Commissioner on Pilotage, 1911; Chairman of Royal Commission on Pilotage, 1918, arising out of Halifax disaster. Commissioner on Traffic Regulations dealing with explosives, and also Royal Commissioner on Commission appointed to investigate labor unrest in Shipbuilding industry in Province of Quebec. He was a member of the delegation sent to Washington, D.C., in opposition to the proposed Long Sault Development, and has been called to that city on several occasions, notably in connection with the revision of the American Seamen’s Act. He is a member of the American Geographical Society, and has delivered an address on “Navigation—Ancient and Modern” before the Nomad’s Club, which was subsequently published in pamphlet form, also other addresses on Marine subjects. Mr. Robb’s chosen recreations are golf and fishing. He is a Justice of the Peace, a Mason, and a member of the Canadian Club and Canada Club, both of Montreal. Mr. Robb was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1863, where he received his education at McLaren Academy. Thomas Robb is the son of Ann Thomson and Thomas Robb, an able writer. He married Elizabeth Andrew, daughter of James McLaren, merchant, of Stirling, Scotland, in 1890, by whom he has three daughters and one son, Elizabeth, Mabel, Chrissie, Robert.
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=White, Arthur V.=, Consulting Engineer, Toronto, Ontario, was born in Woodstock, Ontario, August 21, 1871. His father was the late James White, Esq., a prominent merchant, well known throughout South-western Ontario, and for more than twenty-five years Clerk of the County of Oxford, in which office he succeeded his father, who was one of the early Scotch pioneers of Woodstock. His mother was Dorothy Jessie McLeod, eldest daughter of W. C. McLeod, Esq., one of the most widely-known merchants and financiers of pioneer days in Ontario. Mr. White’s early education was carried on in the Woodstock Public and High Schools, after which he entered the University of Toronto, where he graduated from the School of Practical Science with high standing in 1892. He later obtained from the University of Toronto the degree of M.E. (mechanical engineer), being the first graduate of that institution to receive this degree. After graduating, Mr. White followed his profession in connection with manufacturing establishments in Canada and the United States, and for some years was Chief Draughtsman for the Canadian General Electric Company, at Peterboro. Subsequently, he was Lecturer in Mechanical Drawing and Machine Design at the Toronto Technical School. He spent about five years in London, England, as engineering expert to Messrs. Brown Brothers, for whom he executed important commissions on the Continent, as well as in the United States, travelling extensively in connection therewith. August 28, 1901, Mr. White married Aidine Squire, eldest daughter of Hon. Watson C. Squire, LL.D., of Seattle, Wash., ex-United States Senator from that State, and formerly Governor of Washington Territory, and Ida Remington, eldest daughter of Philo Remington, Esq., the noted manufacturer of firearms. Mr. White has three children—James Arthur, Remington, and Caroline Lathrop. Returning to take up his residence in Canada in 1902, Mr. White continued his professional work. In 1905, representing the noted engineers, Messrs. Ross & Holgate, Mr. White personally canvassed leading manufacturers in South-western Ontario respecting power requirements and collected much of the field data basic to the recommendations of the Ontario Power Commission, the precursor of the present Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario. Later he worked chiefly upon constructional engineering and devoted considerable time to designing in connection with Harbor Works for the Department of Public Works, Canada. In 1910, he was engaged by the Commission of Conservation, Ottawa, with which he still remains as Consulting Engineer. He has reported for this Commission upon the Water Powers of the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and British Columbia; also upon the St. Lawrence Long Sault Rapids, the Chicago Drainage Canal, Niagara Power and other matters. In 1911, he was appointed Consulting Engineer representing Canada to the International Joint Commission, under the Boundary Waters Treaty, to report jointly with the consulting engineer from the United States upon the official reference relating to the levels of the Lake of the Woods, including the control and utilization of its waters and those tributary thereto. The Report upon this subject was completed in 1917 and is a comprehensive work to which the engineering press has referred as reflecting great credit on its authors. Mr. White has written extensively upon engineering subjects, but his principal efforts have been devoted to his various reports for the Federal Government. He is regarded as a high authority on many questions connected with International waters, and has made a special study of Niagara power and the exportation of electric energy with its relationship to coal supply. To the important subject of Canada’s fuel problem, Mr. White has, for many years, devoted special attention. Since as early as 1910, he has contributed valuable articles to such periodicals as the “University Magazine,” the “Monetary Times,” and prominent engineering and technical journals, as well as to the daily press, urging that this subject be viewed and dealt with in its broad national aspect, and that Canada take immediate steps to secure the greatest possible independence with respect to her fuel supply. Mr. White possesses a very comprehensive collection of rare books dealing with the early History of Astronomy. He is opposed to the views of modern _theoretical_ astronomy as represented by the Copernican System, and an article from his pen in the University Monthly, in 1909, entitled “The Shape of the Earth,” has excited considerable comment. In religion Mr. White is a Protestant. He is non-sectarian, but of strong Christian belief and is a staunch supporter of the Scriptures. In politics, as in religion, he is independent.
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=Beaumont, Ernest Joseph= (Kitchener, Ont.), Local Registrar of the Supreme Court, is the son of Joseph Wilson Beaumont, D.D., and Louisa Beaumont. He was born at Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, February 28, 1855, and received his early education at “The Grammar School,” Sheffield, Eng. Coming to Canada as a young man, Mr. Beaumont practised law in Galt, Ont., for twenty-seven years, and served as Town Solicitor of that place for eighteen years. He was also a member of the Public School Board for 4 years, and late Major of the 29th Waterloo Battalion, retiring with rank in 1888. He received his present appointment as local Registrar of the Supreme Court of Ontario in January, 1908, is a Roman Catholic in religion and a member of the Canadian Order of Foresters. Ernest J. Beaumont married Helen McNab, daughter of Benjamin Wood of Ingersoll, Ont., and had one son, George Joseph Beaumont, Lieutenant in the 11th (S.) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, B.E.F., France, who died of wounds in France on January 24, 1917.
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=Mackintosh, Charles Herbert= (Ottawa, Ont.), was born in London, Ontario, in 1843; a son of the late Captain William Mackintosh, county engineer of Middlesex, Ontario, and Leonora Sophia, daughter of Colonel Dickenson of Jamaica, West Indies. Captain Mackintosh came to Canada as an attaché of the ordnance branch of the British Army. Mr. Mackintosh has led an unusually active life, succeeding in making his way, unaided, to positions of honor and influence. He was educated at the Galt Grammar School (Tassie’s), and Caradoc Academy (Middlesex Co.), two well-known institutions at that time. When the Prince of Wales (afterwards King Edward VII) visited Canada in 1860, an ode of welcome from the pen of Mr. Mackintosh, then a youth of seventeen, was presented to His Royal Highness. Two years later, under the title of “Fat Contributor,” he wrote for the London “Free Press,” a series of articles, characteristically entitled “Hurry-Graphs.” These attracted wide attention, and the entrance of the young writer into journalism was a foregone conclusion. He relinquished the study of law, and became, first, reporter, and soon afterwards city editor of the “Free Press.” Believing that the early history of pioneer life in Upper Canada should be heard from the lips of those who had passed through the ordeal, Mr. Mackintosh organized a Committee, the result being a Pioneer Banquet, at which 400 old settlers from local and distant points were in attendance. Col. J. B. Askin, one of the early pioneers acted as chairman, Mr. Mackintosh, as the youngest Canadian, acting as Secretary. Subsequent to this, he assisted in promoting the Western Fair, which to-day has expanded to noticeable proportions. His journalistic career was marked by rapid progress. In 1864 he was city editor of the Hamilton “Times.” A year later he founded the “Dispatch,” of Strathroy, which he conducted until 1873. In 1868 he married Gertrude Cooke, daughter of T. Cooke, J.P., of Strathroy. In 1871 he founded the Parkhill “Gazette,” which he controlled for some time, while still managing the “Dispatch.” In the same year, he unsuccessfully contested North Middlesex as Conservative candidate for the local legislature. In 1871 he visited Chicago during the fire, and wrote a description of the terrible event; 60,000 copies being sold in two weeks. He was also elected a member of the town council of Strathroy, in which capacity he exhibited talents, which afterwards showed to better advantage in a wider sphere. Believing in himself, as all men do who come to the front in human affairs, he proceeded to prepare for a higher sphere in public life which he was destined to fill. Deciding that the protection system which had long been established in the United States, deserved consideration in Canada, he accepted the position of managing editor of the Chicago “Journal of Commerce.” While resident in the western metropolis, he studied carefully the protection system, as well as other issues in the United States. He also wrote a graphic account of the United States’ “panic of 1873.” Returning to Canada, at the request of Sir John A. Macdonald the day after his government was defeated in 1873, he declined an editorial position on the “Mail”; sold out his interest in the Strathroy “Dispatch,” and went to Ottawa, being appointed editor of the Ottawa “Citizen,” the Conservative journal of the capital. He at once attracted attention, not only because of the vigorous management and writing of the “Citizen,” but because of knowledge of public questions. At the celebration of the O’Connell Centennial, he wrote a poem which won the gold and silver medal over many others submitted. He was an ardent protectionist long before the Conservative party accepted that system as a plank in their platform, and must be counted as one of the leaders in that economic movement. In 1877, the late John Riordon, of St. Catharines, urged Mr. Mackintosh to co-operate with him in reorganizing the “Mail,” but the offer was again declined. His active interest in public affairs, combined with an unusual share of those qualities which make men popular with their fellows, caused him to be nominated for the Mayoralty of Ottawa in 1879, the result of the election being his return by a large majority. He promoted the first Dominion Exhibition, which was opened by the then Governor-General, Lord Lorne—afterwards Duke of Argyle. In the two succeeding years he was re-elected, and though unseated on a technicality after the third contest, was a fourth time favored with the support of the people. As Mayor of the Capital of Canada, he inaugurated many reforms, which proved of great benefit to the city. When retiring from the Mayoralty, the city presented him with an address; also, citizens generally passed resolutions and presented an illuminated address. In the General Election of 1882 he was one of the Conservative candidates in Ottawa for the House of Commons, and was elected senior member by a sweeping majority. During his term in Parliament, he made several speeches which were notable for keen common sense. He spoke but seldom; when he did he always secured an attentive hearing. He became President of the Ottawa and Gatineau Valley Railroad, now a part of the Canadian Pacific, and was also a Director of the Canada Atlantic Railroad, now a part of the Grand Trunk System. Mr. Mackintosh resigned his seat for Ottawa in July, 1886, but at the request of friends agreed to hold it until the dissolution, which he did. The Capital of Canada is no bed of roses for any active or generous man, and thus the senior member found it, hence his positive objection to being again a candidate at that time. In the General Election of 1887, Mr. Mackintosh, by the unanimous wish of the Conservative party, contested Russell against Mr. W. C. Edwards, the largest lumber manufacturer, and most popular Liberal in the County, and was defeated by a narrow majority, owing mainly to the feeling against the Government among the French-Canadians, aroused by the execution of Riel. He polled 2,146 votes, or between 400 and 500 more than were ever given to a Conservative candidate in that county. The Home Rule and Riel cries concentrated at least 1,600 votes solidly against any Conservative nominee, the Constituency being largely Catholic. It should be said, however, that Mr. Mackintosh was an ardent advocate of and believer in Ireland’s right to control her own local affairs. But he had voted in favor of Orange incorporation, publicly declaring that such would, in the end, ameliorate the bitterness between Protestants and Catholics. Mr. Edwards upon a protest was unseated for Russell, and a score of his supporters reported for corruption. The Conservative party let the matter drop; another election took place with the same result, Mr. Edwards (now Senator) being returned. In 1888 Mr. Mackintosh declined to accept nomination for the Mayoralty, and also to be a candidate for the County of Carleton. In 1890, upon the death of the sitting member, Mr. Perley, a requisition was presented, signed by prominent Liberals and Conservatives, asking Mr. Mackintosh to be a candidate. There were four candidates in the field, but he was elected by over 1,000 majority, and was again returned at the General Election of 1891. During this time he became interested in the “Lake Manitoba Railway and Canal Company,” which subsequently was merged with the Canadian Northern Transcontinental Line. His leader, Sir John A. Macdonald, died in June, 1891, and until Sir John Thompson became Premier, Mr. Mackintosh took little interest in political affairs, disposing of his newspaper the Ottawa “Citizen.” In October, 1893, he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Canadian North-West Territories, then including the Yukon. Before leaving Ottawa he was presented with a testimonial and address by the workingmen of Ottawa, the Conservative Association, and a dinner tendered by the members of the Rideau Club, at which Judges of the Supreme Court, Sir John Thompson and other Ministers were present. During his term, he organized a Dominion Territorial Exhibition in 1895, spoken of as inaugurating a very beneficial settlement in the North-West. Prize competition entries reached nearly 8,000 in the various departments. It was opened by Lord Aberdeen, then Governor-General. On this occasion the city of Regina presented him with an oil painting of himself and a complimentary address. In January, 1898, Mr. Mackintosh resigned his high position, going to British Columbia, successfully organizing the British America Mining Corporation, of which he was Managing Director, until he resigned, about 1900. In 1902, when King George V (then Duke of York) visited Canada, Mr. Mackintosh, upon behalf of the Miners of British Columbia, presented him with unique gold specimens extracted from the western mines. Mr. Mackintosh remained in the western province for several years, engaging in literary work. In 1908 he was awarded the 1st prize for an essay on “British Columbia—Its Resources.” He was for some time in Toronto, where (in 1910) he wrote a series of articles for the “Mail and Empire,” forecasting Germany as the storm centre of a coming war. In 1911, when the Reciprocity issue was before the electors, he wrote a series of articles against the proposition, visiting nearly every constituency in Ontario, publishing a signed telegram in the “Montreal Star,” the day before the election, forecasting the defeat of the Laurier Government and allowing them not more than fourteen seats in Ontario. When his party returned to power, he accepted a position as Inspector of Customs, and has also written many articles on the European War, which broke out in August, 1914. In May, 1917, a pamphlet written by Mr. Mackintosh, dealing with the Home Rule issue and entitled “Are Ireland’s Problems on the Eve of Solution?” attracted much attention, being quoted from at the Irish Conference by several delegates. Mr. Mackintosh spends much of his time in British Columbia where he is Chairman of the Halcyon Springs Company, and is greatly interested in the development of that province’s mining resources.
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=Meek, Edward= (Toronto, Ont.), Barrister, was born in the village of Port Stanley, Ontario, on December 27, 1844. His father, James Meek, came to Canada at the early age of three years with his parents, in 1818, from Ballymena, North of Ireland. They settled in the same year in Talbot District, and took up a tract of land near Port Stanley, being among the earliest pioneers of that part of the country. At the time of Edward’s birth his father was a carpenter and builder, but afterwards became a partner in a foundry which was carried on successfully for a number of years; but a disastrous fire destroyed the whole of the extensive establishment, and he returned to his farm, on which he remained till his death. Edward received his early education at the Port Stanley school, and afterwards at the Grammar School, St. Thomas. After leaving school, at the age of seventeen, he was granted a certificate to teach, which occupation he followed for three years. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper in a grain warehouse, at which he continued for a short time only; but thinking a short journey among strangers would improve his prospects, he went to Boston and engaged with a publishing house of a prominent firm there. After a short sojourn he returned to London, Ontario, and there commenced the study of law. In 1873 he removed to Toronto, where he continued his studies and finished his law course in the office of Harrison, Osler and Moss, three gentlemen who afterwards became distinguished judges. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in the spring of 1874, and he then formed a partnership with the Hon. John O’Donohoe, which continued for four years, when it was dissolved. He then opened an office of his own until he formed a partnership with the late William Norris, of Woodstock, which lasted till Mr. Norris returned to Woodstock. In 1877 he commenced to take an active part in the politics of the country, and especially in the promotion of the National Policy; in fact, he was one of the originators of the word, and travelled over Ontario assisting in the formation of political organizations to enable the National Policy party to carry their new platform to a successful issue. He continued from that time to take an active part as one of the political writers and speakers on the platform until the winter of 1884, when he and a number of other politicians conceived the idea of forming a coalition government for the Province of Ontario, their object being to do away with partyism in the local legislature. Others were brought into the scheme who were impatient of the slow method of bringing about the change by argument, and thought that a sufficient number of the members of the Legislature could be secured by offers and promises to at once defeat the Mowat Government, when the coalition could be immediately formed during the spring session of 1884. The plans were disapproved of by the originators of the idea, but the hot heads could not be kept under control, and the public know the result of the unfortunate conspiracy case which sprung from it, involving those more actively concerned in the long and tedious investigation and prosecution before a Royal Commission and in the criminal courts. The Royal Commission brought in a divided report, which the House never acted upon. The verdict of the jury in the criminal court, in the trial of May, 1885, acquitted the accused. Since that time Mr. Meek has devoted himself strictly to the practice of his profession in Toronto, and the promotion and formation of joint stock and other companies. Mr. Meek was joined in marriage, on June 30, 1873, to Anna Margaret McBride, daughter of Samuel McBride, of London, Ontario, by which union they have issue two sons and one daughter. Mr. Meek and family are members of the Church of England. Since the publication of the preceding matter in the second edition of “Representative Canadians,” about thirty years ago, Mr. Meek has continued to practise law in all its branches in the city of Toronto, and is considered a well-read lawyer, a sound legal adviser, and a successful practitioner. While carrying on his legal practice, during the past twenty-five years, he has written many thousands of “Legal Opinions,” published weekly in the Saturday edition of the “Mail & Empire” newspaper. These concise and clearly expressed statements of the law have been widely read, and highly appreciated by many thousands of readers of that journal, and have been copied in other newspapers. Mr. Meek has also written and published pamphlets; and essays on Legal and Constitutional questions in reviews and magazines which have been favorably criticized and commented upon—notably two essays comparing our Canadian System of Federalism with the American System of Federalism, entitled, “Some Observations on the Constitution of the Dominion of Canada,” published in the American Law Review of 1895, 1896; “The Legal and Constitutional Aspects of the Manitoba School Questions,” published in the “Canadian Magazine” and in pamphlet form in 1895; “Political Lessons from the Time of Cicero,” “Representative Government and Federalism,” the “Plebiscite”—an answer to an Essay published by the late Sir Geo. W. Ross—and other Essays, all to be found in the “Canadian Magazine” between 1898 and 1904; “Sunday Laws,” published in the “Canadian Law Review” in 1904; “The Mistakes made by the Framers of the Constitution of the United States of America,” and “Government and Political and Municipal Corporations,” etc., published later. In 1913 Mr. Meek published a book of 600 pages, entitled, “Business and Law,” which has had a wide circulation. Mr. Meek was created a Q.C. in 1896, but for political reasons the patent was never issued. He was, however, made a K.C. by the Ontario Government in 1908. He has recently published a few short poems which have been much admired. Now 72, he is in robust health, and his writings are as clear and concise, and his forensic abilities as convincing as 30 years ago, with the added copiousness and accuracy acquired by long years of experience. His eldest son, Mr. Charles S. Meek, is managing director of the British Pacific Engineering & Construction Company, of Vancouver, where he resides with his family, consisting of a wife and two daughters. His second son, Mr. E. J. Meek, is the chief accountant of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, and resides in Toronto with wife and two children—a son and daughter. Mr. Meek lives at 177 Jamieson Ave., with his wife and unmarried daughter, Miss Gertrude Meek.
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=Harris, Reginald V.= (Halifax, N.S.), Barrister-at-Law, son of Rev. Canon V. E. Harris, Secretary, Diocesan Synod of Nova Scotia. Honorable W. B. Troop, M.L.A., in Holmes-Thompson Government of Nova Scotia (1878-82) grandfather; Honorable Chief Justice Harris, of Nova Scotia, uncle; was born March 21, 1881, at Londonderry, N.S.; educated at Amherst Public Schools; Trinity College School, Port Hope, Ont., and the University of Trinity College, Toronto, from which latter institution he graduated with the degree of B.A., 1902 (honors); and also received the degree of M.A., Toronto University (1910), and a similar degree from King’s University (1911). Barrister and Solicitor, Bars of Manitoba (1906) and Nova Scotia (1905). Member of Henry, Rogers, Harris & Stewart, Barristers, Halifax, since 1908. Mr. Harris is the author of the following publications: “The Governance of Empire” (1910); “Organization of a Legal Business” (1909); and is a frequent contributor to the press and magazines on Educational, Municipal and Imperial subjects. Mr. Harris has taken a large interest in the municipal affairs of the city of Halifax, of which he was Alderman (1911-13), and Controller (1913-15). He was also Vice-President of the Union of Canadian municipalities (1912-13); Vice-President, Union of Nova Scotia municipalities (1913-15); Commissioner of Schools, Halifax (1911-14); Chairman, School Board, Halifax (1913-14). Appointed Lieutenant 246th Overseas Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Forces, September, 1916. Captain and District Casualty Officer, Military District No. 6, June, 1917; District Military Representative (M.S.A.), October, 1917; Chief Public Representative, N.S. (M.S.A.), February to October, 1918. Is Governor and Treasurer of King’s College, Windsor, N.S.; member of Diocesan, Provincial and General Synods of Church of England in Canada; member and Secretary Board of Management, King’s College School, Windsor, N.S.; member of Council, Halifax Board of Trade (1911-14); President Commercial Club, Halifax (1914-15); member of the City Club, Halifax, and also a member and Secretary (N.S.) of the Royal Colonial Institute. Chairman Halifax Centre St. John Ambulance Association; District Superintendent St. John Ambulance Brigade; Esquire, Order of Hospital of St. John, December, 1917. In religion, a member of the Church of England, and in politics a Conservative. Mr. Harris married, June 4, 1907, Ethel W., daughter of Edmund G. Smith, merchant, of Halifax, and has two sons, R. Gordon Harris and Arthur St. G. Harris.
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A Cyclopædia of Canadian BiographyChapter VI: Part 6
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