Chapter L: Joseph Theophile Decary (3)

Aime Geoffrion, treasurer of the council of the bar and one of those at the head of the French section of the Montreal bar, as well as holding one of the civil law professorships at McGill, occupies a distinguished professional position. He was born in Montreal, November 13, 1872. Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished, and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. In person, in talents and in character Aime Geoffrion is a worthy scion of his race. His father was the late Hon. C. A. Geoffrion one of the leading members of the bar, minister without portfolio in the Laurier government, and his mother was Eulalie G. Dorion, the eldest daughter of the late Chief Justice Sir A. A. Dorion. In the acquirement of his education Aime Geoffrion attended successively St. John’s school, St. Mary’s (Jesuit) College and McGill University. Having determined to enter upon the practice of law, he prepared for the profession at McGill and was graduated B. C. L. in 1893, being also a gold medalist. He began practice as an advocate in 1894 and within nine years had won such success that he was created a king’s counsel. He occupies an enviable position in his profession, and in addition to his appearance before Canadian courts he has pleaded on several occasions before the judicial committee of the privy council. He was one of the counsel retained by the province of Quebec in the arbitration between the Dominion and Ontario and Quebec for a settlement of outstanding accounts existing at the time of the confederation. He was also made the junior Dominion counsel in the matter of the Alaskan boundary arbitration in 1903-4. When he expresses himself upon questions of vital importance to city or province his opinions are listened to with attention and interest, for it is recognized that he is a farsighted and public-spirited man who has the municipal, provincial and Dominion welfare close at heart. He is not only recognized as the distinguished lawyer but also as a most able educator along professional lines, having since 1905 been professor of civil law in McGill University, in which position he succeeded Mr. Justice Fortin.

In November, 1896, Mr. Geoffrion was married to Miss Marguerite Thibaudeau, the eldest daughter of the late J. R. Thibaudeau, senator of Montreal. Mr. Geoffrion gives his political allegiance to the liberal party and is stanch and warm in support of the principles in which he believes. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He is a member of several of Montreal’s leading clubs, including St. James Club, and the Montreal Reform Club, and also of the Rideau Club of Ottawa. Sir Wilfrid Laurier spoke of him as “one who well sustained the hereditary glories of his house.” The Montreal Star has referred to him as “a man of a remarkably clear and vigorous mind who has been highly successful before all the courts.” He is widely recognized as a man of earnest purpose, seeking ever to benefit by those activities and interests which look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future, and which seek provincial welfare rather than the aggrandizement of self.

LAWRENCE MACFARLANE.

Lawrence Macfarlane, member of the well known firm of Lafleur, Macdougall, Macfarlane & Pope, barristers and solicitors, was born in Montreal on the 12th of November, 1876, a son of the late James Ferrier and Cecilia Clare Macfarlane. He was a student in the Montreal high school and then entered McGill for his arts course, graduating with the degree of B. A. in 1897. He pursued his studies in the law department of McGill and obtained the degree of B. C. L. in April, 1900. He was called to the bar in the same year and was admitted a partner in the law firm headed by the late R. D. McGibbon, K. C., with whom he had previously studied for three years. As representing English interests Mr. Macfarlane is a director of the British Columbia Breweries, Limited; the North Saskatchewan Land Company, Limited; the Alabama Traction Light and Power Company, Limited; Terminal Cities of Canada, Limited; Mexican Northern Power Company, Limited; and the Cities Service Company.

Mr. Macfarlane’s political allegiance is given to the conservative party. He belongs to St. Paul’s Lodge, Masons, English Register, and he also has membership in the more important clubs of his native city, including the St. James, Canada, Royal Montreal Golf, University and Racquet Clubs.

JOSEPH CHARLES WRAY.

For many years the name of Joseph Charles Wray figured in connection with the undertaking business in Montreal, but in July, 1907, he retired from active management of a business which had been established by his grandfather in 1840. Mr. Wray was born in Montreal on the 25th of March, 1857, and is descended from Irish ancestry, his parents being William and Marion (McGregor) Wray, the latter of Scotch lineage. The father came to Montreal at an early age with his father. The latter, Joseph Wray, established an undertaking business in 1840 and was joined by his son, William Wray in its conduct and management. The business was originally conducted under the name of Joseph Wray, but upon the death of the grandfather, William Wray succeeded to the ownership and management of the business, which he afterward conducted under his own name. However, his health failed him about six months later, and he was obliged to retire from active business. He was then succeeded by his son Joseph Charles Wray.

The last named had been a pupil in the public schools of Montreal and after putting aside his text-books became connected with the confectionery business in the employ of James Griffin. At length he entered the undertaking business that had been established by his grandfather, and when his father was forced to retire from the management Joseph Charles Wray assumed control and conducted the business under his own name for thirty years, his patronage growing with the development of the city. In July, 1907, however, the firm style was changed to Joseph C. Wray & Brother, and Mr. Wray of this review retired from active management, being succeeded by his youngest brother, Frederick A. Wray, who has always been connected with the business. The Wrays were the first to establish ambulance work in Canada in connection with the hospitals, and they now own the ambulances used in connection with the hospitals of the city. They began this in July, 1883, and the value of the work done by them can be scarcely overestimated, the ambulance service largely annihilating time and distance in cases of emergency, bringing the patient to medical and surgical aid with as little discomfort as possible.

On the 7th of September, 1900, in Trinity church, Mr. Wray was united in marriage to Ellen Louise Gibbon, a native of Wales. They are members of the Church of England, and Mr. Wray is identified with Mizpah Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Elgin Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M. He votes independently, exercising his right of franchise as his judgment dictates. He has long since won place among the prosperous men of the city, his position being attributable entirely to his close application and honorable business methods.

OSCAR DESAUTELS.

Of distinguished French-Canadian ancestry, Oscar Desautels worthily wears the family name and worthily carries forward the family traditions. He is a successful notary of Montreal, in which city he has many interests. His Canadian ancestry goes back to Pierre Desautels, who was born of the marriage of Thomas and Marie (Buisson) Desautels, of Malicerne, in the bishopric of Mans, France. Pierre Desautels married Marie Remy and to them was born Joseph Desautels at Montreal on the 29th of October, 1666. He married Marie Charlotte Chatillon, and they became the parents of a son, Michel, who was born at Pointe-aux-Trembles, Montreal, October 1, 1701. Michel Desautels married Louise Catherine Bergeron, and their son Michel was born at Sorel in 1727. He married Marie Charlotte Rondeau, and they became the parents of a son, Michel, who was born at St. Ours on the 11th of August, 1759. To this Michel Desautels was born a son, Michel, at Beloeil in 1796. He married Josephte Morin, and their son Elzear was born at St. Jean Baptiste, November 25, 1827. He was the father of our subject. His wife was Malvina Guertin, and their son Oscar was born at St. Jean Baptiste, April 26, 1872.

Oscar Desautels pursued a classical course at the Petit Seminaire of Ste. Marie de Monnoir at Marieville and was graduated in June, 1893, with the Bachelor of Arts degree. From 1893 to 1898 he studied law at St. Hyacinthe, in the office of Taché & Desautels, notaries. He was admitted to practice on September 10, 1898. On November 1st of that year he established himself as a notary at Montreal and in the evening kept an office in the town of St. Louis. His entrance into the legal profession and his first years thereafter were arduous but his ability, energy and honesty led him to success. During the first ten years--as is so often the case in professional careers--his clientele grew slowly. He was notary of the corporation of the town of St. Louis and also of the school commission of the various parishes of the town of St. Louis and is counsel for various other important institutions. He enjoys today a numerous and representative clientage which recruits itself largely from the old town of St. Louis, which is now the ward Laurier of the metropolis. Mr. Desautels is interested in various enterprises, largely along real estate lines, among which is La Compagnie Nationale d’Immeubles, of which he has always been one of the directors. He has interested himself actively in mutual societies and has held official positions in nearly all those societies established in the town of St. Louis.

At Beloeil, on the 8th of June, 1903, Mr. Desautels was united in marriage to Miss Corine Bernard, a daughter of Elophe and Mathilde (Lafontaine) Bernard. To them have been born four children, Bernard, Robert, Thérèse and Bruno. Mr. Desautels gives his political allegiance to the liberal party and is treasurer of the Liberal Club of the town of St. Louis. He is an effective worker for his party, in which he enjoys great prestige. An excellent notary and public-spirited citizen, he is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him. As a notary he enjoys the highest reputation as to ability and integrity, and more and more important interests have come under his direction as the years have passed.

ZEPHIRIN HEBERT.

Zéphirin Hébert, president of the wholesale grocery firm of Hudon, Hébert & Company, Ltd., the leading concern of its kind in Canada, was born in Montreal, February 6, 1866, the son of Charles P. Hébert, who was the first president of the above mentioned firm. In 1883 Zéphirin Hébert became connected with the business of which he is now the head. In 1893 he was admitted as a partner. In 1906, on the incorporation of the company, he became assistant manager and a director. In 1908 he was elected to the office of vice president and in 1911 succeeded his brother, the late Albert Hébert, as president. For about twenty-five years he has been a member of the Montreal Board of Trade and since the 1st of February, 1913, he has served on the council of that body, and in December, 1913, was elected a member of the transportation bureau of that organization.

Mr. Hébert is president of the Dominion Wholesale Grocers Guild, chairman of the prize committee for the province of Quebec, president of the Montreal Wholesale Grocers Guild, president of the Montreal Wholesale Liquor Association, treasurer and governor of Notre Dame Hospital, governor of the Montreal General Hospital and governor of Laval University. He is also a member of the Canada Club, the Montreal Jockey Club and L’Association St. Jean Baptiste.

Mr. Hébert married Miss Blanche Robidoux and their four children are, Marielle, Gertrude, Charles P. and Jacques R.

REV. WILLIAM O’MEARA.

A man of scholarly attainments, great force of personality and broadness of mind, Rev. William O’Meara has made these qualities the basis of many years of successful work as rector of St. Gabriel’s church in Montreal and in the promotion of the work along many lines in which the Catholic church is interested. He was born in Sherrington, Quebec province, May 6, 1857, and is one of twelve children born to the late Captain William and Judith (McManus) O’Meara, the former a native of Waterford, Ireland, who came to Canada in 1832.

Rev. William O’Meara acquired his early education in the grammar schools of Sherrington, and later entered the College of Ste. Thérèse, where he took a classical course, graduating with the degree of B. A. in 1880. He then entered Grand Seminary in Montreal, where he pursued his theological studies for three years and a half, being ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood December 22, 1883. He was first made curate at St. Ann’s church in this city and was then transferred to St. Cecelia’s parish in Valleyfield, where he remained as assistant from 1884 to 1889. In the latter year he came to St. Gabriel’s church, Montreal, and in January, 1890, was made rector, a position which he still holds. This parish was organized in 1873 as a mission from St. Henry’s parish and was made an independent congregation two years later. The first church was a wooden structure, presided over by Rev. John J. Salmon, and here services were held until 1891, Rev. Thomas McCarthy succeeding the first parish priest. The new church was started in 1891 by Father O’Meara and was completed in 1894, at a cost of one hundred and fifteen thousand dollars. It is a beautiful structure, built of limestone, in the Roman and Byzantine styles of architecture, having a capacity of one thousand people and the dimensions being one hundred and sixty by seventy feet. There is a main altar of white wood, a chancel rail of oak and stations of the cross which are fine specimens of work in terra cotta. Father O’Meara built in 1895 a parish house costing eleven thousand five hundred dollars, and the entire church property is valued at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The affairs of the congregation, which numbers eight hundred families, are administered in a capable and farsighted way, Father O’Meara having proven himself a reliable business man as well as an earnest and consecrated worker in the cause of religion. He is particularly interested in the schools of his parish and has now erected two excellent institutions of learning, which are conducted in connection with his church. These are a school for boys, built at a cost of thirty-seven thousand dollars, and an academy for girls, representing a value of fifty-five thousand dollars.

Father O’Meara was formerly a governor of the Catholic high school of Montreal and was on July 1, 1905, appointed a Catholic school commissioner. He was elected chairman of the commission in 1910 and since that time has been accounted one of the prominent educators of the city as well as one of the greatest individual forces in the promotion of Catholic education. He has given a great deal of time and attention to this work and in 1907 was sent as a delegate to the Dublin International Exposition in order to study the national school systems of Ireland, France, England and Belgium. He is interested in the work of St. Gabriel’s Total Abstinence and Benefit Society, of which he is president, and he has recently been appointed honorary canon of the archdiocese of Montreal. He has, indeed, accomplished a great deal of important and constructive work among the people of his parish, and he holds their love in large measure, while he enjoys the confidence and respect of people of all denominations. He has demonstrated that the business affairs of St. Gabriel’s parish are in the hands of a farsighted, capable and energetic man, while his religious zeal is evidenced in his constant and untiring labor in the promulgation of the doctrines in which he believes. He is widely and favorably known in Montreal and has earned mention by the Montreal Gazette as “a broad-minded, well informed, energetic and popular priest.”

LOUIS BEAUDOIN.

In commercial circles of Montreal, Louis Beaudoin is widely known as president of Beaudoin Limited, accountants and auditors. Louis Beaudoin of this review occupies the executive position in this firm, and Gérant L. M. Philéas Beaudoin is secretary-treasurer. They maintain offices at 33 Notre Dame Street West and have been eminently successful in their line, enjoying an extensive and important clientage. Louis Beaudoin was born August 29, 1869, in Repentigny, L’Assomption county, Quebec, and is a son of Pierre and Melina (Lachapelle dit Jeannotte) Beaudoin, the former a well known agriculturist of Repentigny. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Pierre and Adelaide (Rochon) Beaudoin, the former also a farmer of Repentigny. The great-grandfather, Jean Baptiste Beaudoin, also followed that occupation at the same place. The maternal grandfather, Pierre Lachapelle, was an agriculturist of Mascouche. The Beaudoin family is historically known in two variations, that of Baudoin and Bodin. The earliest record of a member of this family goes back to Alexis Beaudoin, born in 1694, who on November 27, 1720, married at Ste. Croix, Angeline Houde and had seven children. Of these his son Louis married Louise Barrat, at Montreal, on May 6, 1748, this being the first mention of the family in Montreal archives.

Louis Beaudoin acquired his education in the College de L’Assomption and began his career in the grocery business, also being connected with butchering and merchandising. He subsequently became president of Beaudoin Limited and has since given his entire attention to the extension of the interests of that firm. Recently a line of Assyrian products has been added. Natural ability and keen observation of existing conditions make him eminent in his profession, and he is today recognized as one of the foremost men in his line in Montreal.

On February 4, 1889, Mr. Beaudoin was united in marriage to Evelina Legault dit Deslaurier, a daughter of Jean Baptiste Legault dit Deslaurier. The father for many years has been connected with commercial interests. Mr. and Mrs. Beaudoin have the following children: Philéas, Coramance, Armand, Honoré, Adrien, Aurélien, Albert, Adolphe, Laurent, Amedée, Eveline and Clément Marcel. In his political views Mr. Beaudoin is a liberal, stanchly upholding the principles of his party. Although he has never cared to participate in public life he has done much toward promoting worthy public enterprises. He is a valued citizen of Montreal, prominent in commercial circles and effective in his private capacity in furthering the interests of the city, where he has been so long and so successfully engaged in business.

THOMAS J. DAWSON.

“Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success.” Judged by this standard, Thomas J. Dawson was a most successful man. His life measured up to the standard which all men acknowledge good. His record was as an open book which all might read and there were many who bore testimony to his kindness of heart and his generous spirit manifest in active effort for the alleviation of hard conditions of life for the unfortunate and for practical improvement along the line of civic and moral reform. Mr. Dawson was born at Knockmanoul, Ireland, April 29, 1843, and spent his early life in Dublin and Belfast. His parents, Rev. Abram and Anne (Graham) Dawson, were both natives of the Emerald isle. The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and coming from Ireland to the new world engaged in preaching in Ontario near Kingston. Thomas J. Dawson came to Canada in 1864 and spent several years at Sydenham and Guelph, Ontario. In 1870 he arrived in Montreal, from which date until his death he was actively engaged in commercial pursuits. For fifteen years prior to his demise he was connected with the custom service and during the latter part of that period was the appraiser in the postoffice department.

Mr. Dawson was a splendid type of the Irish gentleman, possessing native wit and humor and scattering cheer wherever he went. His geniality and cordiality ever made him popular in social circles and his friends were almost as numerous as his acquaintances. His spirit of benevolence was one of his strongly developed characteristics and, again and again, found expression in tangible effort for the benefit of others. He was deeply interested in the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society, was a life governor of the Montreal Homeopathic Hospital, was for years secretary of the Old Brewery Mission and was an active member of the Westmount Methodist church, which numbered him among its earnest, helpful workers. Any movement tending to bring about civic or moral reform received his indorsement and cooperation. In 1866, upon its organization, he became a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association, retaining his membership until his death, and to the support of which he contributed liberally. He gave, too, of his time and efforts for its upbuilding and always took a most active interest in young men, realizing how necessary are uplifting influences in the plastic age. Life was to him purposeful and fraught with opportunity for good, which he did not neglect, and when he passed away October 21, 1910, he left behind him a memory that is a benediction to all who knew him.

In 1876 Mr. Dawson was married to Miss Louisa Holland, daughter of George A. Holland, who came from Ireland as a young man and was the active head of the G. A. Holland & Son Company, dealers in wall paper, established by him in 1843. He built up that business to large proportions and remained in close identification therewith until his demise. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Marian Hutchins, was a native of Canada. He was one of the volunteer firemen of Montreal at an early day and he passed away in this city in July, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson had three children: Ralph H. of Montreal; Arthur B. of Calgary; and Mabel L., the wife of R. Macaulay Cushing, and they have two children, Dorothy M. and Arthur M.

LOUIS ALFRED ADHEMAR RIVET.

“A man of ideas; a man with a future; a coming man,” is the way the Toronto Globe describes Louis Alfred Adhemar Rivet, of Montreal, and all who have come in contact with him during the course of his brilliant and successful career as a barrister and legislator fully concur in this opinion, adding also that he is one of the most able members of his profession in Quebec province, a distinguished statesman and one of the greatest of the younger generation of French Canadians. He was born in Joliette, Quebec, on the 15th of September, 1873, and is a son of Charles and Herminie (Michaud) Rivet, of French Canadian origin.

In the acquirement of an education Mr. Rivet attended Joliette College and Laval University, from which institution he was graduated B. A. in 1892 and LL. B. in 1895, in the same year being called to the bar as advocate. He was made king’s counsel in 1906 and for a number of years has been practicing successfully in Montreal, where he is ranked among brilliant and forceful barristers. For a time he was associated with the late C. Beausoleil, M. P., but the death of the latter severed this connection and subsequently he became associated with other firms, the present one being Rivet, Glass & Sullivan. He is recognized as a strong and able practitioner, a barrister whose knowledge of underlying legal principles is comprehensive and exact and whose application of points of law is always correct and logical. His keen and incisive mind grasps quickly all the details of the most intricate case, seizes upon the most telling points and arguments, and his presentations are models of conciseness and accuracy. Mr. Rivet has thus won distinction in his chosen profession and has secured a representative clientage in Montreal connecting him with a great deal of notable litigation. He has been interested and active in affairs affecting the Montreal bar, his ability being widely recognized in professional circles.

As is often the case, Mr. Rivet’s success in law has carried with it prominence in politics and his interest in the growth and welfare of the province has carried him forward into important political relations. At the bi-election of 1904 he was returned to the house of commons and, representing Hochelaga in that body, served with ability and distinction until 1911. During this time he accomplished a great deal of constructive and important work in statesmanship, leaving the impress of his personality and standards upon useful, and beneficial legislation, his vote and influence being always on the side of right, reform and progress. A stanch liberal, Mr. Rivet has always supported the principles and policies of that party and has been one of the greatest individual forces in its expansion in Montreal, where he founded the St. Gabriel Liberal Club, of which he served as president in 1898. He has been a director of the Montreal Reform Club. He calls himself an imperialist and is one in the sense that the greatness of the empire depends to a great extent on the fair development of the colonies. He is, however, a stanch advocate of Canadian customs and institutions and has done as much as any one man in the Dominion to promote their spread and growth. Although of French Canadian extraction he speaks English fluently and often addressed the house of commons in that language. In a lecture on the dual language of Canada delivered before the Nomads’ Club in 1909 he advocated Canada as a bi-lingual nation and he has done much to promote the fusion of the two great nations which dominate the country. He also addressed the Canadian Club in Ontario, advocating closer relations between the two races, in view of national unity.

Mr. Rivet married in January, 1898, Mlle. Rose Cypihot and both are widely and favorably known in social circles of Montreal. Their children are: Gaston, born June 23, 1901; Marguerite, January 10, 1904; and Gerard, January 24, 1906.

Mr. Rivet has extensive and important club affiliations, belonging to the Club St. Denis, the Club Canadien de Montreal and the Reform Club, and socially is found to be genial, charming and constantly courteous. In his profession he has made continued and rapid advancement and his accomplishments in the political field have been substantial and far-reaching, so that he is well entitled to a high place among the representative and useful citizens of the city where he makes his home.

JOSEPH ALCIDE CHAUSSE.

Since 1900 Joseph Alcide Chaussé has filled the important position of superintendent of buildings and city architect of Montreal and in that position has established for himself an enjoyable reputation. He is one of the foremost men in the profession, not only in the city, but in the Dominion and recognition has come to him from numerous national as well as foreign societies. Alcide Chaussé was born at St. Sulpice, Assumption county, Quebec, Canada, on January 7, 1868, a son of Edouard and Rose de Lima (Rivet) Chaussé, both natives of St. Sulpice, Quebec. The father, a prominent lumberman there and ex-alderman of the city of Montreal, died on March 15, 1909, the mother having preceded him in death, passing away on July 20, 1896. The Chaussé family is of ancient lineage and one of the old-established ones in the province of Quebec. Pierre Chaussé, le Chaudronnier (the brazier), was born in 1630 and was established at St. Anne de la Parade as early as 1681. Pierre Chaussé, another of the name, called la Lumière, was born in 1651, a son of Jean and Catherine (Groleau) Chaussé. He married Marie Madeleine Sel au Deselles on April 24, 1681, and they had five children. These are among the earliest ancestors of Mr. Chaussé recorded in Canadian history.

Alcide Chaussé received his fundamental education at St. Mary’s Academy in Montreal. He studied architecture with the late Alphonse Raza, of Montreal, from the 3d of March, 1884, to the 14th of March, 1887. From the 17th of March of that year until July 24, 1889, he was in Chicago, perfecting himself in the profession, and was admitted to practice in 1888. On the 20th of November, 1889, he opened an office for the practice of architecture at Montreal and continued with ever increasing success until May 21, 1900, when he was appointed to his present important position. A wide and comprehensive knowledge fits him particularly for this work and Mr. Chaussé has been in a large measure responsible for the upbuilding of the city along lines of the “plan beautiful.” He also holds the position of commissioner of the superior court for the district of Montreal and that of justice of the peace for the same district.

Mr. Chaussé is a charter member of the Province of Quebec Association of Architects, of which he served as president in 1906. In 1907 he was the promoter of and since its inception is, honorary secretary and a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada; is an associate of the Canadian and American Societies of Civil Engineers; a member of La Chambre Syndicale de la Construction; a member of the Board of Plumbers’ Examiners in Montreal; chairman of the committee on fire prevention of the American Society of Municipal Improvements; a member of the American Public Health Association; a member of the council of Le Comité Permanent des Congrès Internationaux des Architectes; member of the British Fire Prevention Committee; corresponding member of La Société Centrale des Architectes Français; the American Institute of Architects; La Société Centrale d’Architecture de Belgique; La Société Nationale des Architectes de France; Architekten-Verein at Berlin, Germany; Sociedad Central de Architectos, Madrid, Spain; and the Society of Portuguese Architects. He is a member of the council of the Antiquarian and Numismatic Society. Mr. Chaussé has been awarded gold, silver and bronze medals by various architectural societies for technical papers and lectures. He was a member of the International Congress of Architects held at Paris in 1900; at Madrid, in 1904; and London, England, in 1906; and of the International Fire Prevention Congress, held at London in 1903; a delegate to the Sixth Commercial Congress of the Empire, held at London, in 1906. In 1907 he conceived the project for the Institute of Architects of Canada. He is the author of several articles on fire prevention and fire protection; of the “Building Inspector’s Handbook,” published in 1902; the “Code of Building Laws of the Province of Quebec,” published in 1906; the “Handbook of Building Laws of Montreal”; and the “Supplement to the Code of Building Laws,” published in 1913, all of them published in English and French.

At Ste. Bridgide’s church, Montreal, on Saturday, September 8, 1894, Mr. Chaussé was united in marriage to Miss Rose de Lima Renaud, a daughter of Cyrille Renaud and Rose de Lima (Favreau) Renaud, both of Montreal. The father is a well known manufacturers’ agent of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Chaussé have two sons: Marcel, who was born July 7, 1902, and Fernand, born December 29, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Chaussé are members of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation, Church of the Holy Sacrament, on Mount Royal Avenue.

The political views of Mr. Chaussé coincide with the principles of the conservative party. He is a member of Le Club Canadien of Montreal, a member of L’Alliance Nationale, of which he served as grand marshal; and a member of the Association of St. Jean Baptiste, of which he has been president of Ste. Bridgide’s Section. He was also president of the Cêrcle Jeanne D’Arc of L’Alliance Nationale. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Chaussé finds recreation in curling and is a member of the St. Lawrence Curling Club of Montreal. His city residence is at No. 1433 St. Hubert Street, while the summer home of the family is Villa Iris, Sault-au-Recollet.

MORTIMER BARNETT DAVIS.

Manufacturing interests of Montreal find a prominent representative in Mortimer Barnett Davis, one of the leaders in the tobacco trade of the Dominion, being active in the management of an enterprise of mammoth proportions. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in enlarging and developing this many a man of less resolute spirit and of more limited business sagacity would have failed. Each step he has taken in the business world has been one of progress, bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.

Mr. Davis was born February 6, 1866, in Montreal, a son of Samuel and Minnie (Falk) Davis, the former the founder of the firm of Samuel Davis & Sons, manufacturers and importers of cigars at Montreal. Mortimer B. Davis completed his education in the high school of his native city and early became associated with his father in business, receiving thorough training that acquainted him with every phase of the trade. He went upon the road as a traveling salesman and eventually was advanced to the position of manager after the firm had acquired the D. Ritchie Tobacco factory. He controlled the business most systematically and, finally, when it had been absorbed by the formation of the American Tobacco Company of Canada in 1895, he became president of the company and so continues. Later he gave to the country a great national industry in the Empire Tobacco Company, which is a branch of the Imperial Tobacco Company of Canada. He was largely instrumental in establishing a permanent market for Canada leaf tobacco and promoting trade interests in his line between this and other lands. Something of the volume of business under his control is indicated in the fact that there are now three thousand workmen in his factories. No undertaking in connection with the tobacco trade seems too difficult or its scope too broad for him to successfully manage and control. Every effort which he puts forth seems to count for the utmost and obstacles and difficulties in his path seem but an impetus for renewed concentration and direction. His opinions carry weight in the management of other important financial, commercial and agricultural interests.

On the 12th of June, 1898, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Henrietta Myers, and they have one son. Mr. Davis belongs to the Royal Montreal Golf Club, and also holds membership in the Mount Royal, St. James, Montreal Hunt and Montreal Jockey Clubs, the Auto Club of Canada and the Forest and Stream Club, associations which indicate something of the nature of his interests and activities and which have brought about a well rounded character, justifying the expression of the Gazette, which termed him “a man of strength, vigor, capacity and wisdom.”

RENE ALPHONSE JOSEPH PIGEON.

René Alphonse Joseph Pigeon, patent solicitor of Montreal, member of the firm of Pigeon, Pigeon & Davis, was born at Billingsbridge, near Ottawa, on the 11th of July, 1890. The ancestral line can be traced back to Pierre Pigeon, who was born in 1636 and was married in Montreal to Jeanne Godart, who was born in 1638. Their marriage occurred in 1662, twenty years after the foundation of Montreal. Representatives of succeeding generations have lived in or near Montreal, some going to Laprairie and others to Verchères. The father, Hormisdas Honoré Pigeon, was born at Verchères, in Verchères county, P. Q., and after having lived for some years in the United States removed to Ottawa, where he has now been engaged in business for more than thirty years. He married Marie Tremblay who was born at Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix county, and was married in 1889. The Tremblays were among the earliest settlers of that section.

René Alphonse J. Pigeon was a student in the University of Ottawa, completing his studies there in 1907. He afterward studied mechanics and electricity and entered upon his professional career as draftsman in the office of Fetherstonhaugh, Dennison & Blackmore, patent solicitors at Ottawa. After a year he was promoted to the position of manager of their Ottawa office and was in the employ of that firm for four years. In 1912 he left them to establish himself in business in Montreal as a member of the present firm of Pigeon, Pigeon & Davis. Previous experience and thorough collegiate and professional training have well qualified him for the responsibilities, activities and duties of the profession. He is a typical young man of the age, alert, enterprising and progressive and is now at the head of a large, growing and successful business.

REV. JOSEPH N. O. DUPUIS, D. D., D. C. L.

In the life of the Catholic church of Canada Rev. Joseph Nazaire Odilon Dupuis occupies a foremost position as inspector and visitor of a number of parish schools which are attended by over thirty thousand children. He was chosen to this important office in 1913 by twenty-seven school commissions in Montreal which are formed into an association, and has done fruitful work in promoting education in the city.

Rev. Dupuis was born at Montreal on the 16th of December, 1871, and is a son of Nazaire Dupuis, founder of the commercial house of Dupuis Frères, and of Alphonsine (St. Onge) Dupuis. He pursued his classical studies at the College of Montreal and in June, 1890, entered ecclesiastical orders. He was ordained priest by Monseigneur Fabre on August 30, 1896. From 1896 to 1899 he studied at the Canadian College of Rome, Italy, returning from there with the degree of Doctor of Theology, bestowed by the propaganda in 1898, and the degree of Doctor of Canon Law, bestowed in 1899 by Apollinaire College. From 1899 to 1900 he studied at the Catholic Institute of Paris and at the Sorbonne. In the latter year he returned to Canada, becoming vicar of the Church of St. Jacques at Montreal, where he remained until 1902, when he was attached to the congregation St. Louis de France, remaining until 1904. He was appointed almoner of the Convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of the Sault au Récollet, where he remained for about nine years. At the same time he acted as chaplain at the Crèche of the Sisters of Miséricorde. In 1913 he was chosen by twenty-seven school commissions of Montreal, formed into an association, as a visitor and inspector of all the schools under the control of these commissions, having under his jurisdiction thirty thousand children divided over forty different parishes and eighty-two schools. Rev. Dupuis was one of the founders of Lafontaine Council of the Knights of Columbus. He is life governor of Notre Dame Hospital and is professor at Laval University and the author of several lecture papers. He has been heard as a preacher in nearly all of the churches of Montreal. Rev. Dupuis is a great lover of fine arts and literature and spent his last holidays in Italy and Spain, paying especial attention to the masterpieces of those countries.

HARRY HAYWARD HENSHAW.

Harry Hayward Henshaw, whose name was well known in electrical circles died in Montreal, his native city, May 15, 1908. He was born in 1865, a son of Joshua Henshaw, who for many years was paymaster with the Grand Trunk Railway. His mother bore the maiden name of Jane Fayrer and in the family were two sons and a daughter: Charles G., now living in Vancouver; Harry Hayward; and Lady Williams Taylor.

After pursuing his education in Montreal schools, Harry Hayward Henshaw obtained a position with the Grand Trunk Railway and afterward spent twenty years with the Royal Electric Company, gaining intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the various phases of the business, during the two decades of his identification therewith. When the Royal Electric Company became a part of the amalgamation forming the Montreal Light, Heat & Power Company he became secretary and treasurer of the new company, remaining thus for many years, on the expiration of which period he became manager of the Allis-Chalmers Company, manufacturers of electric machinery. He had been with them for only a few months when ill health forced him to resign. Throughout almost the entire period of his business career he was connected with electrical interests and came to be a leading figure in electrical circles.

In Montreal in 1895 Mr. Henshaw was married to Florence Thompson Christie, a daughter of Peter M. and Margaret (Thompson) Christie, the latter being a daughter of Edward Thompson, a prominent citizen of Montreal serving as alderman from the Centre ward and rendering the city much valuable service. He was mainly instrumental in the widening of Notre Dame Street during his term of office, and in recognition of his efforts for this work he was publicly presented with a handsome silver service on Christmas Day, 1859. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Henshaw, William Christie, came to this city at an early day and was active in the soap manufacturing business until late in life when he retired. He was a prominent church man, being for forty years an elder in St. Paul’s church. To Mr. and Mrs. Henshaw was born a daughter, Margaret Fayrer. Mr. Henshaw was a member of St. James Club, Forest and Stream Club, and the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club. He belonged to the English Cathedral church and was interested in all that pertained to the city’s development and progress, along material, social and moral lines. His life measured up to high standards of manhood and citizenship and commanded for him the respect, confidence and good-will of those who knew him.

GEORGE CREAK.

George Creak, senior member of the firm of Creak, Cushing & Hodgson, chartered accountants, was born and educated in London, England. His parents were George and Maria Creak, of Clapham, London. For many years he was secretary and treasurer of the Merchants Cotton Company, began practice as a chartered accountant in 1895 and is now at the head of the above firm.

Mr. Creak is a member of the Association of Accountants of Montreal and is a fellow of the Dominion Association of Chartered Accountants. He is a Freeman of the city of London and is a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company, as were his father and grandfather before him. Mr. Creak belongs to the Anglican church and is a member of the Mount Royal Club, the Canada Club, the Art Association of Montreal, the Montreal Hunt Club, and the Board of Trade.

WILLIAM ERNEST FINDLAY.

Since entering business life William Ernest Findlay has devoted his attention uninterruptedly to the insurance profession, and his success is due to his close application, indefatigable energy and thorough understanding of every phase of the business in which he has so long been engaged. Montreal claims him as a native citizen, his birth having here occurred April 26, 1867, his parents being Captain Jonathan D. G. Findlay, R. N. and Mary (Forbes) Findlay, both now deceased. The son acquired his education in the model and private schools and, as previously stated, became connected with the insurance profession upon his entrance into business life. He was manager and inspector of the Northern Life Insurance Company and in 1906 was advanced to the position of general secretary, which he later resigned to devote his entire attention to his other interests. In his connection with the Northern Life he did much to shape the policy of the company and direct its activities, and its success is attributable in considerable measure to his efforts, sound judgment and ready understanding of the different phases of the business. He is now chief agent for Canada of the Niagara Fire Insurance Company of New York, and also for the province of Quebec for the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company and is an authority on fire prevention and underwriting.

On the 8th of February, 1897, Mr. Findlay was married to Laura Brockwill Grier, a daughter of William Grier, of Montreal, in which city they have since resided. Mr. Findlay has an interesting military chapter in his life record, having in 1891 been appointed second lieutenant of the Sixth Regiment Fusiliers. The following year brought him advancement to the rank of captain and in 1904 he became a member of the Corps Reserve. He holds a first class certificate from the Royal School of Infantry. He is a justice of the peace and commissioner of the superior court. He is a life member of Royal Victoria Lodge, No. 57, A. F. & A. M., and a director of the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association. He is honorary secretary-treasurer of the Canadian branch of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club and has always been much interested in athletic affairs.

WALTER NORTON EVANS.

Church activities vied with business interests in claiming the attention and energies of Walter Norton Evans, who died on the 23d of October, 1896. He was born at Wolverhampton, England, in 1837, and after pursuing his education there, came as a young man to Canada. His father, Samuel Norton Evans, also a native of England, crossed the Atlantic to the American continent and spent the last years of his life in retirement in Guelph, Ontario. In business circles Walter N. Evans made for himself a creditable place. He became cashier of the firm of Frothingham & Workman, and was one of the executives of the Thomas Workman building. His identification with the above interests covered a period of nearly a third of a century. His name became a synonym for reliability as well as energy in business circles. Men came to know that they could depend upon him, that what he promised he would do and that he would improve his opportunities not only for his own benefit but for the welfare of those things in which he was concerned.

In 1864 Mr. Evans was married in Montreal to Miss Nora Hunter, a daughter of the Rev. Stephenson Hunter, a minister of the Unitarian church of England. They became parents of five children: Nevil Norton Evans, professor of chemistry in McGill University; Mabel Norton, who is Mrs. George. C. Wright, of Ottawa; Dr. Percy Norton Evans, professor of chemistry in Purdue University, at Lafayette, Indiana; Lillian Norton, the wife of Professor Henry Martyn MacKay, head of the civil engineering department at McGill University; and Miss Gladys Norton Evans, at home.

Mr. Evans was deeply interested in affairs of public moment, kept well informed concerning the claims of vital interest and gave his indorsement to many measures that are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. For many years he was prominently and actively connected with the Unitarian church and for a long period served as superintendent of its Sunday school. High were the ideals which his life activities embodied and the name which he left to posterity is an honored one.

HON. LAURENT OLIVIER DAVID.

Hon. Laurent Olivier David, senator and journalist, possesses a statesmanlike grasp of affairs that has enabled him to handle important public questions in a manner that has largely influenced public opinion. Prominent and active, however, as he has been in the field of journalism and in politics, literature is perhaps his real life work and his writings will endure for years to come, especially the important historical volumes of which he is the author. A native of Sault au Récollet, Quebec, he was born March 24, 1840, a son of Major Stanislas and Elizabeth (Tremblay) David. He pursued his education in St. Therese College and after thorough preparation for law practice was called to the bar in 1864. While yet a law student he entered the field of newspaper publication in the founding of Le Colonisateur, to which he was a contributor. He would undoubtedly have won prominence in the practice of law had he continued in that field, but the trend of his mind was rather for the discussion of public questions of vital significance and far-reaching importance. He was particularly interested in the question of the impending confederation which so altered the destiny of the Dominion. It was during the period of his early manhood that he became associated with Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and the friendship then formed between them has since existed. There was little indication at that period to show that Laurier, the young lawyer, who was forced to practice the most rigid economy, would in future years, as prime minister, guide the destinies of his country. Long after he had risen to prominence Mr. David became his biographer, his history of the eminent liberal leader being marked by delicate sympathy, inner knowledge and keen and subtle appreciation of character.

Continuing his activity in the journalistic field, Mr. David, in 1870, established and became chief editor of an illustrated weekly called L’Opinion Publique, which he left because he objected to the paper’s supporting the government on the question of the Pacific scandal. He made in that circumstance an important sacrifice of his personal interest. In this enterprise he was associated with Messrs. Mousseau and Desbarats. In 1874, in association with the late C. Beausoleil, M. P., he established Le Bien Public, which he discontinued when the Mackenzie government refused to raise the tariff more than a relatively small per cent, which Mr. David thought insufficient in view of the financial crisis then prevailing. His newspaper career as well as his natural interest brought him into close connection with the important political and other significant questions of the day, and his discussion thereof through the columns of the press did not a little in formulating public policy. His presentation of any subject was always clear and cogent. There was a piquant and compelling force in his style, and the development of his native powers and talents in the field of literature has made him one of Canada’s foremost representatives in authorship. During the brief interval between two epochs in his newspaper publication he acted as translator and assistant clerk of the votes and deliberations of the house of commons during the Mackenzie regime. This was the initial step of his activity in public office. He resigned the position in 1878 and afterward successfully practiced his profession in Montreal. In May, 1892, Mr. David was called to the office of city clerk of Montreal and was one of the revisers who drafted a new charter for the city in 1898.

In the meantime he was taking an active part in the discussion of many questions relative to the provincial and national welfare. Originally a supporter of the conservative party, he withdrew therefrom to join L’Union Nationale, an organization of young men pledged to oppose the confederacy of the provinces. Later he joined the liberal party under Dorion, Holton and Laflamme and was in full accord with their policy on all questions save that of protection to native industries, which he had always favored. For many years he has been an unswerving supporter of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, enjoying his personal friendship and political confidence in a supreme degree. In 1867 and 1875 he unsuccessfully contested Hochelaga (local) at the general election, and in 1878 contested Hochelaga for the house of commons, while in 1891 he contested Montreal East for the house of commons. He sat for Montreal East in the legislature from 1886 until 1890, when he retired because he was not entirely in accord with the policy of Mr. Mercier, his local leader. On the 19th of June, 1903, he was called to the senate by Lord Minto and has since taken an active part in shaping the legislative history of the country along the lines of progressive statesmanship. He moved the address in reply to the speech from the throne in 1905, and his speech was highly appreciated by the whole Canadian press. He has since moved on the subject of senate reform and on the subject of concerted measures for the restriction in Canada of indecent and immoral literature, and other subjects of vital interest to the general public. He declined appointment to the lieutenant governorship of the Northwest and it is said that he would have been appointed judge if he had been willing to accept the charge. He was also offered a judgeship in Montreal and refused.