Mr. Michaud is a representative of one of the old French families of Quebec, while the maternal line is of an unadulterated Irish strain. He was born January 27, 1868, at Back River, Quebec, a son of J. B. and Norah (Connolly) Michaud. His education was acquired at the Christian Brothers school and in the Plateau Academy of Montreal. In 1881 he entered the employ of his father, who was a well known miller and flour merchant, remaining with him until 1885. During that period Alexander Michaud, while acting principally in a clerical capacity, also acquired a good general knowledge of the business in its various departments. In 1885 he accepted a position with A. L. Hurtubise & Company, grain merchants of Montreal, with whom he remained for several years in the capacity of bookkeeper and confidential clerk. His ability gained him recognition, followed by promotion, and at the time he resigned his position in that house he was manager of the business. [Illustration: ALEXANDER MICHAUD] It was then that Mr. Michaud organized the firm of Michaud Brothers & Company, which soon took a foremost position among the leading wholesale grain and export firms of Montreal. Its existence covered a period of about fifteen years and an extensive business was conducted, constituting another forward step in the career of Alexander Michaud. However, recognizing the fact that the field of real-estate activity and land speculation in Montreal afforded great opportunity for profitable investment, he withdrew from active connection with the grain trade and entered the real-estate business. It is unusual for a man who has been so long identified with one line of business to make so radical a change, but the subsequent success of Mr. Michaud is indicative of his splendid business foresight and capability. The success that he has achieved in the real-estate business has been substantial, is well deserved and represents methods that have lent dignity to the undertaking. There are few, if any, who have more intimate or comprehensive knowledge of realty values or whose judgment is more to be relied upon and these facts have served to bring him an extensive and desirable clientage.