his political faith is that of the liberal party. Political
honors and emoluments have had no attraction for him. His
activities, however, along other lines relating to the welfare
and progress of city and province have been resultant. He acted
as solicitor of the Lord’s Day Alliance of the province for a
time. He was also chosen a life governor of the Montreal Boys
Home in 1911 and many movements having broad humanitarianism as
their basis have received his indorsement. He is likewise the
vice president of the Natural History Society of Montreal. He is
not unknown in literary circles for under the nom-de-plume of
Douglas Erskine he has published “A Bit of Atlantis” and “Some
Notes on Mount Royal,” and various other papers of a scientific
nature. When questions of public welfare are at stake he is never
weighed in the balance and found wanting, and his support of any
project and measure is not the result of a hasty conclusion.
On the contrary he brings to all vital questions the habits of
the lawyer, carefully analyzing and weighing the points in a
situation and then giving his support thereto as the result of a
firm belief in the worth or righteousness of the case.
ARCHIBALD MURRAY CASSILS.
Archibald Murray Cassils, who as a wholesale leather merchant
gained an enviable business standing, while attractive social
qualities won him many friends, was but forty-eight years of age
at the time of his death, which occurred March 6, 1891. He was
born in July, 1843, in Renton, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, a son
of John and Margaret (Murray) Cassils. His education was there
acquired and he remained in his native land until 1856, when he
came to Montreal where a brother was residing. For a number of
years he was engaged in merchandising in connection with the
wholesale leather business, and made for himself an enviable
place in commercial circles, by reason of his enterprise, his
progressiveness and his business integrity. Gradually his trade
grew owing to his capable control of his interests, and success
in a substantial measure rewarded his labors.
In September, 1873, in Montreal, Mr. Cassils was married to Miss
Eva A. Shaw, and they became the parents of three children:
Marcia A., the wife of George P. Butters; William A., who died in
1906; and Angus Shaw Cassils.
Mr. Cassils was a member of the Masonic order and the American
Presbyterian church and his religious belief guided him in all
the relations of life, making him a man of high principle and
kindly spirit, straightforward in action and thoroughly reliable
in all things. While more than two decades have passed since he
was called from this life, he is yet kindly remembered by all who
knew him owing to his gracious presence and his sterling worth.
GEORGE CAMPBELL MACDOUGALL.
George Campbell MacDougall, recognized as one of the ablest
members of the brokerage profession, had not passed the fiftieth
milestone on life’s journey when death called him. He was born
June 6, 1843, in Ringmore, Devonshire, England, a son of Major
MacDougall, who belonged to the King’s Own Borders, and in 1857
came to Montreal. His son, George C. MacDougall, was educated
in the schools of this city, passing through consecutive grades
to the high school and afterward attending McGill University.
Throughout his active business career he was identified with
financial interests. He became a clerk in the Bank of Montreal,
worked his way upward until his experience, combined with his
recognized capability led to his assignment to a responsible
position with the New York city branch of the Bank of Montreal.
He remained in the American metropolis for a few years and while
in New York won several prizes for horsemanship at horse shows
there. He afterward entered the Lounsbury & Tenshaw Brokerage
Company, acquainted himself with the brokerage business and
returned to Montreal, where he formed a partnership with his
brother, Hartland St. Clair MacDougall, continuing in the
brokerage business until his death. The firm gained an extensive
clientage that made the business one of large volume.
Mr. MacDougall was married twice. He first wedded Miss C. J.
Bridges and they had one son, H. B. MacDougall. In 1887, in
Montreal, Mr. MacDougall was married to Miss Mary L. Macdonald, a
daughter of Hon. Donald Alexander Macdonald, a well known figure
in public life, serving as postmaster general in the Mackenzie
administration at Ottawa from 1873 until 1875, and as lieutenant
governor of Ontario from 1875 until 1880. He married Catherine,
daughter of Hon. Alexander Fraser, M. L. C., of Fraserville,
Ontario. To George C. and Mary L. (Macdonald) MacDougall was born
a daughter, Beatrice.
Mr. MacDougall was well known as a sportsman, was an expert
rider and was the owner of some fine horses. He was likewise
a prominent member of many clubs, including the St. James,
Montreal, Jockey, Forest and Stream and Hunt Clubs. His death
occurred March 31, 1892, and although he was then at the
comparatively early age of forty-nine years, he had achieved
distinction in his line of business and as a sportsman had gained
wide friendship among many of the most distinguished citizens of
the province.
JOSEPH CHARLES HECTOR DUSSAULT.
Joseph Charles Hector Dussault, a graduate of Laval University
and thus carefully trained for the profession to which he has
devoted his life, has been actively engaged in the practice
of law in Montreal since 1899. His course has been marked by
continuous progress until he has gained a creditable position
among the forceful, capable representatives of the bar. He was
born at Sherbrooke, Quebec, on the 19th of November, 1876, a son
of N. T. and Malvina (Deseve) Dussault, the former a merchant of
Sherbrooke, who was born there more than seventy years ago and is
still engaged in business in that city. He is well known in the
eastern townships and is recognized as a man of prominence in his
community.
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Joseph C. H.
Dussault, who pursued commercial and classical courses in the
Seminary of Sherbrooke. Reviewing the broad field of industrial,
commercial and professional activity, he determined upon the
practice of law as a life work and in preparation therefor
entered Laval University at Montreal. On the completion of the
regular law course he was graduated and in 1899 received the
degree of Master of Laws. The same year he was admitted to
practice at the bar of the province of Quebec and entered alone
upon the active work of the profession. Advancement at the bar
is proverbially slow, yet he had as the basis of success broad
and thorough understanding of the principles of jurisprudence and
gradually worked his way upward. After three years he formed a
partnership with J. A. Mercier and in January, 1912, they were
joined by a third partner, P. L. Dupuis under the firm style
of Dussault, Mercier & Dupuis. Mr. Dussault has ever been very
careful in the preparation of his cases. His mind is naturally
analytical, logical and inductive and, therefore, his reasoning
is clear, his argument sound and his deductions clear and
convincing. He is also identified with financial activities as
one of the organizers and directors of the Merchants & Employers
Guarantee & Accident Company.
On the 1st of October, 1906, in Montreal, Mr. Dussault was
married to Miss Alice Dupuis, a daughter of J. O. Dupuis, one
of the founders of Dupuis Freres of Montreal. Her father is
also widely known in political as well as commercial circles,
his opinions carrying weight in party councils. He served as
alderman of Montreal and has been active in molding public
thought and opinion. That confidence is reposed in his business
ability and integrity is indicated in the fact that he was one
of the liquidators of the defunct Ville Marie Bank. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Dussault have been born three children, Jeanne, Marcelle
and Jacques. The religious faith of the family is that of the
Roman Catholic church. Mr. Dussault is a conservative and strong
protectionist. His interest in politics is not a superficial one,
and he keeps well versed on the questions and issues of the day,
yet political honors and emoluments have no attraction for him.
He finds recreation through his connection with St. Andrew’s
Curling Club, of which he is a charter member. He now has a wide
acquaintance in his adopted city, where his developing powers
have brought him professional success, while sterling traits of
manhood have gained him place among the highly esteemed citizens.
ERNEST R. DECARY.
Ernest R. Decary, senior member of Decary, Barlow & Joron,
one of the foremost firms of notaries in Montreal, occupies a
distinguished professional position, viewed not only from the
extent, but as well from the prominence of his clientele. Mr.
Decary is a native of Montreal and was born on December 9, 1878.
He received an excellent education, graduating with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s Jesuit College and beginning his
business career alone, subsequently joined with him Mr. Barlow
and Mr. Joron, and he has since continued in that relationship.
This firm specializes in railway and bank work and they have come
to occupy a position second to none in Montreal professional
circles.
Mr. Decary personally acts as notary for the Canadian Pacific
Railway, the Canadian Northern and the Dominion and Traders Banks
and the Canadian Express Company, as well as for many other
institutions and corporations.
Although Mr. Decary has never aspired to political office, he
is deeply interested in the growth and expansion of his city
and readily gives of his time and means in support of worthy
enterprises. In politics he is a liberal. He is a member of
the Montreal, Royal Montreal Golf, University, Royal St. Lawrence
Yacht, and Lachine Boating and Canoe Clubs, and has views upon
business and social conditions. Yet a comparatively young man, he
occupies a position of dignity in the life of the city to which
his ripe judgment on matters of a commercial or legal nature
fully entitles him.
[Illustration: ERNEST R. DECARY]
BENJAMIN NAPOLEON LADOUCEUR.
One of the well known legal practitioners of Montreal and a
notary public, Benjamin Napoléon Ladouceur has a clientele both
representative and important. He is yet a young man, barely
thirty years of age, but has demonstrated his ability to capably
handle the most intricate legal problems. He was born on the
15th of January, 1883, at Ste. Marie de Monnoir, and is a son
of Mathias and Azilda Ste. Marie Ladouceur, both natives of
Ste. Marie de Monnoir. The paternal grandfather was Benjamin
Ladouceur, called Martin, his birthplace being Côté des Neiges.
His wife was Cèleste Vient, a native of Ste. Marie de Monnoir.
The grandfather in the maternal line was Jean Baptiste Ste. Marie
and his wife was Henriette Bédard, also natives of Ste. Marie de
Monnoir.
Benjamin Napoléon Ladouceur was educated at the College of Ste.
Marie de Monnoir and took his law degrees at Laval University
in July, 1910. He has since engaged in practice in Montreal and
also acts as notary public. No long novitiate awaited him for he
soon demonstrated his ability along legal lines and now enjoys
an important and lucrative practice. In his political views he
is a nationalist, a party which has for its aim the amelioration
of certain conditions of government which make not for the best
of the masses. In some ways it may be said that it is similar to
the progressive movement in the United States and this movement
has largely for its object a restricting influence upon political
malpractices. Mr. Ladouceur also interests himself along other
public and semi-public lines although he has never cared for
official positions. He is loyal to the city of his adoption and
ever ready to give his share of time and money in promoting her
interests.
WILLIAM RUTHERFORD.
The steps in the orderly progression of William Rutherford
whereby he has reached his present advanced position in business
circles of Montreal are easily discernible and each forward step
has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. Born
in Montreal, April 22, 1864, he is a son of William and Elizabeth
(Jackson) Rutherford, both of whom are of Scotch birth, the
former coming from Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, and the latter from
Biggar, Lanarkshire. They were representatives of the excellent
Scotch type that has done so much for Canada and its substantial
upbuilding. The father was a member of the first council of
Cote St. Antoine, which afterward became Westmount. He was an
enthusiastic curler and greatly enjoyed other outdoor sports.
His interests, however, were largely concentrated upon the
development and management of important business interests. He
founded the lumber firm of William Rutherford & Sons in 1852 and
was largely instrumental in developing it into one of the most
extensive lumber enterprises of Canada.
In the acquirement of his education William Rutherford attended
successively the schools of Cote St. Antoine, the high school
of Montreal and the private school conducted by Hon. E. H.
Springrice. He crossed the threshold of the business world
as a junior clerk with Gillespie, Moffat & Company, general
merchants, and subsequently became a clerk for the Pillow Hersey
Manufacturing Company, owners of rolling mills, etc. Subsequently
he entered the firm of William Rutherford & Sons of Montreal and
upon the incorporation of the company became its treasurer. The
business is today conducted under the style of William Rutherford
& Sons Company, Ltd., dealers in and manufacturers of lumber and
timber. The business is now one of mammoth proportions and in his
official capacity William Rutherford of this review is bending
his energies to administrative direction and executive control.
Into other fields he has also extended his efforts and his
business interests are now of considerable volume and importance,
placing him among the prominent representatives of commercial and
industrial activity in the province. He is now the president of
the Dominion Box Company, Ltd., of the Grier Timber Company and
the Dominion Park Realty Company, Ltd.
On the 16th of May, 1894, in Montreal, Mr. Rutherford married
Miss Ida Bulmer, a daughter of John Bulmer and a representative
of a well known Montreal family. Their children are William J.,
John B., Jean, Andrew S. and Marjorie. Presbyterians in religious
faith, the family hold membership in St. Andrew’s church of
Westmount. Mr. Rutherford is a liberal in politics, conversant
with the leading questions and issues of the day. He has filled
a number of local offices, having been elected alderman of
Westmount in 1908, while in 1910 he was chosen mayor of the
city. In 1913 he was made school commissioner of the city and in
1912-13 was a member of the executive committee of the Canadian
Manufacturers Association. He is also a member of the committee
of St. Andrew’s Society, while along more strictly social lines
his membership is in the Canada, Engineers, Manitou and North
Lake Fish and Game Clubs. His success permits him that leisure
which enables him to enjoy fishing, hunting and other outdoor
and indoor sports, but he is preeminently a business man and one
whose successful methods might be studied by all who wish to gain
prosperity within the legitimate lines of business.
CARL ROSENBERG.
Among the mercantile houses of Montreal the British American
Import Company occupies a place of prominence and importance.
Under this firm style Carl Rosenberg is connected with Canadian
trade interests. Mr. Rosenberg was born in Kishenev, Russia,
on the 15th of July, 1870, a son of Wolf and Bessie (Dachis)
Rosenberg, both now residents of Montreal. The former has now
retired from active business life.
Carl Rosenberg was one of those who did not find the
opportunities which he sought in his native country and, seeking
the benefits of British freedom, selected the Dominion of Canada
for his field of operation and came to Montreal twenty-five years
ago, or in 1889, when a young man of about nineteen years. After
his arrival he went into partnership with a cousin, who had
preceded him to the Dominion and who was engaged in the importing
and dry-goods jobbing business. The name of the firm was
Shiller & Rosenberg and they continued for two years, when the
partnership was dissolved and Mr. Rosenberg became the leading
factor in the establishment of the British American Import
Company, who opened their place of business on St. Paul Street,
Montreal. His ability as a merchant, his ready understanding of
local market conditions and his indefatigable energy led to such
growth of business that in 1909 the firm was enabled to put up a
large building of their own at 516 St. Lawrence boulevard, into
which they moved in 1910. The British American Import Company
occupies a leading place in its line in Montreal and their
reputation is of the highest. Its success is largely due to the
executive ability of Mr. Rosenberg, its founder.
In 1888, when but eighteen years of age, Mr. Rosenberg, while yet
in Europe, was married to Miss Clara Sperling and to them were
born the following children: Hannah, who married Dr. Tannenbaum;
Sarah, now Mrs. Aronson; and Madge, Rose, Sadie, David and Moses.
Mr. Rosenberg is a liberal and, adhering to the faith of his
fathers, he was during 1910-11 a director of the Baron de Hirsch
Institute, but his fast expanding business interests forced him
to relinquish this position. He is a justice of the peace; vice
president of the Herzl Dispensary; a founder and an ex-president
of the Jewish Eagle Publishing Company, holding the latter office
for five years; and a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 54, of the
Masonic order. He is a shrewd and able business man and his name
and that of his firm stand for successful accomplishment in the
trade annals of the city.
REV. ALLAN PEARSON SHATFORD.
Rev. Allan Pearson Shatford, known in Montreal and throughout the
province of Quebec as a forceful and eloquent preacher, holding a
high position in Masonic circles as grand chaplain of the grand
lodge of Quebec and known in this city as most earnest, zealous
and consecrated in his work as rector of the Church of St. James
the Apostle, was born at St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia, and is
a son of the late James E. Shatford, a resident of Indian Harbor.
Rev. Allan P. Shatford acquired his education in King’s College
in his native province, from which he was graduated B. A. with
first class honors in English literature in 1895 and M. A. in
1898. In the former year he was made curate of the Anglican
church at Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and served in that capacity
until 1900, during which time he was ordained deacon in 1896 and
priest in 1897. He was transferred from Bridgewater to North
Sydney, Nova Scotia, where he remained as rector until 1906,
moving in that year to Montreal, where he became assistant
rector of the parish of St. James the Apostle. He was promoted
to the position of rector in January, 1912, and still holds
this position which is an important and responsible one, for
the parish is one of the oldest and largest in Montreal. It was
founded in 1864 by Canon Elligood and the first church was built
by Mrs. Phillips on land donated by her. Canon Elligood continued
as rector from 1864 to 1911, dying in December of that year
at the advanced age of eighty-seven. He was succeeded by Rev.
Allan P. Shatford, the present incumbent, who is ably carrying
forward his predecessor’s work, giving his time, attention and
unusual talents to the promotion of the interests of the parish
and the spread of the doctrines in which he believes. There
are about four hundred and fifty families in the congregation,
and the church property is valued at seven hundred and fifty
thousand dollars. Its administration calls for farsighted and
capable work and Mr. Shatford has proved equal to the trust
reposed in him, aiding the trustees in every possible way and
proving his possession of unusual administrative ability and
organizing power. The church has had some of the most famous
ministers in Canada connected with its affairs at different
times, Bishop Dumlin, of the diocese of Niagara, having been at
one time assistant, as were also Bishop Duvernet, of Caledonia,
and Dean Abbott, of Niagara. The affairs of the congregation
are in a most flourishing and prosperous condition, and the
people of the parish find in Mr. Shatford a minister well suited
to their needs, a man sincere and high-minded in his aims, of
scholarly attainments and well directed ability. His sermons show
great force and power, and his lectures have gained him wide
recognition, winning him mention by the Montreal Gazette as “an
accomplished extempore speaker and a preacher of great power.”
Mr. Shatford is well known in Masonic circles, exemplifying in
his life the beneficent teachings of that order. He was grand
chaplain of the grand lodge of Freemasons for Nova Scotia from
1903 to 1906 and since that time has been grand chaplain of
the grand lodge of Quebec province. He was a delegate to the
Pan-Anglican Congress held in London in 1908; a delegate to the
general synod and to the church congress held in Halifax, Nova
Scotia, in 1910, speaking there in a forceful and telling way
upon parochial problems. “Today,” in his opinion, “it is Canada
for the world, and we think of England as the center of an empire
which tends to the solidarity of the human race and the universal
brotherhood of man.”
VICTOR MORIN, LL. D.