The life record of John T. Wilson spanned sixty-four years. He
was born in Greenup, Scotland, February 9, 1841, and died in
Montreal on the 23d of February, 1905. His parents were John and
Mary (Thomson) Wilson, the former a sea captain. The youth of
John T. Wilson was marked by events and experiences such as come
to the lot of all. He reached a turning point on the journey of
life, however, when he bade adieu to friends and native country
and sailed for Canada. Settling in Montreal, in 1866, he became
one of the city’s foremost business men, his name being engraved
high on the roll of those who contributed most largely to the
commercial greatness and consequent prosperity of the city. He
was for forty years the senior member of the firm of Wilson,
Paterson & Company, importers and general manufacturers’ agents,
continuing in active business until his demise. The volume of
trade developed with the growth of the city and had its inception
in the progressive methods, initiative spirit and undaunted
enterprise of the partners.
When business hours were over and the cares of the day were put
aside, Mr. Wilson greatly enjoyed a game of golf or billiards.
His interest, too, reached out to many of those projects which
recognize the needs of the city and the claims of humanity. He
attended St. Paul’s Presbyterian church. For ten years he was a
member of the council of the Board of Trade and was ever keenly
alive to the projects instituted by that society for the benefit
and upbuilding of the city. He belonged to the Canadian and
St. James Clubs of Montreal, and the Hunt Club. His business
activity was evenly balanced with his honorable methods in trade;
his interest in club life and in manly outdoor sports giving him
the necessary rest and recreation from that line of work which
takes strong hold upon the emotions and calls forth the more
tender sentiment in nature. In a word, his was a well rounded
character and his place as a representative citizen of Montreal
none contest.
CHARLES BYRD.
Successful in business, Charles Byrd rejoiced in his prosperity
not so much because of the opportunities which came to him from
his wealth, but because it enabled him to again and again aid his
fellowmen. In this he was prompted by no sense of duty but by
a higher interest in humanity--a genuine regard for his fellow
travelers upon life’s journey. His hand was ever downreaching
to aid those who were struggling to raise and he shed around
him much of the sunshine of life not only through his material
assistance, but also through the words of encouragement and
inspiration which he spoke.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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