Part 23
=Crothers, Hon. Thomas Wilson, B.A., K.C.=, son of William and Nancy (Grey), was born at Northport, Prince Edward County, Ontario, January 1, 1850. Educated at the Public School, Northport, and Albert College, Belleville, and graduated from Victoria College with the degree of B.A. in 1873, taught public schools in Lennox and Prince Edward for two years and was head master of Wardsville High School 1874-75-76. Studied law in the office of Foy, Macdonald & Tupper, and Messrs. Bethune, Osler & Moss, in 1877-78-79. On being called to the Bar, began practice of Law in St. Thomas in 1880 and for a number of years was in partnership with Samuel Price, formerly Mining Commissioner for Ontario, under the firm name of Crothers & Price. Appointed a K.C. in 1906; contested West Elgin as Liberal Conservative candidate for a seat in the Legislative Assembly for Ontario at the general elections in 1879, was defeated by the late Dr. Cascadden, who was elected by a majority of 7. Was Chairman of the Text Book Commission appointed by the Ontario Government in 1906 to enquire into the price of Public and High School Text Books, which enquiry resulted in the price being very greatly reduced, when he declined to receive any emolument for his services; appointed governor of Toronto University 1908. First elected to the House of Commons at the general elections in 1908 as a Conservative member for West Elgin, and re-elected at the general elections in 1911 and sworn in as Privy Councillor and appointed Minister of Labor in the Borden Government, Oct. 10, 1911. In 1917 elected as a Unionist and retained the portfolio of Minister of Labour until November last, when he resigned owing to ill health. Upon accepting this office was returned by acclamation. The Hon. Mr. Crothers accompanied Premier Borden on his western tour June, 1911, and is recognized as a platform speaker of splendid presence and much force. Married July 26, 1883, Mary E., daughter of the late Dr. J. A. Burns, of St. Thomas. The Minister is a member of the First Methodist Church, St. Thomas.
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=Pyne, Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. Robert Allan, M.D., LL.D.=, Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario, was born at Newmarket, Ontario, October 29, 1853; son of Thomas Pyne, M.D., and Hester Jane Roberts, cousin of Field-Marshal Earl Roberts; educated at public schools, grammar school and University of Toronto; physician and surgeon; M.B., M.D. College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, of which he was for many years secretary and registrar; LL.D. (hon.) University of Toronto, 1905, and Queen’s University, Kingston. Married Mary Isobel, daughter of His Honor Judge Macqueen, County of Oxford; has issue: Mona Aileen, Frederick Roberts, Frank Herbert. As a youth played football and cricket as member of the Toronto Cricket and Lacrosse Clubs. Practised his profession in Toronto and took active part in public affairs as member of Toronto School Board, Public Library Board and Toronto Board of Health. While resident of Haldimand County served in the 37th Haldimand Rifles and was subsequently Assistant Surgeon, Royal Grenadiers, Toronto. Having been prominent in politics, was elected to Ontario Legislature as Conservative member for East Toronto, at the general elections of 1898, and on the redistribution of the city in 1914 was chosen to represent North-East Toronto, which seat he resigned in 1918. Recently appointed a Governor of the University of Toronto. On the formation of the Whitney Administration (1905-1914) was appointed Minister of Education, and reappointed to the same office in the Hearst Administration (1914—). In 1918 he resigned to give place to Hon. Dr. Cody and accepted the post of Clerk of York County. During his term of office the educational system was greatly developed, the legislative grants to schools largely increased, the policy of cheap text-books inaugurated, and a complete organization for technical training and agricultural teaching in elementary and secondary schools effected. The successful expansion of the Provincial Schools for Deaf Children (at Belleville) and for blind children (at Brantford), is due in great measure to his encouragement and his knowledge as a physician. In 1915 he was requested by the Ontario Government to visit England in connection with the gift by the province of a Military Hospital for wounded soldiers, and gazetted a lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian Army. The hospital was built at Orpington, Kent, England, under his supervision, and has been pronounced the best equipped and organized institution of its kind erected during the war. Has twice visited the Canadian forces on the battle line in France. Is prominent in a number of societies, including the Masonic Order, the Orange Association, Sons of England, etc., etc. In religion a member of St. Paul’s Church of England. Clubs: Toronto, Albany, Royal Canadian Yacht, Canadian Military Institute, Riverside Athletic Club. Residence, 21 Dunbar Road, Toronto.
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=Shier, Walter C., M.D.= (Uxbridge, Ont.), is the son of James Shier and Mary Ann Mooney, and was born at Leaksdale, Ont., June 23, 1869, and educated at one of the Public Schools of Scott Township and the High School of Uxbridge, in the County of Ontario, and also at Toronto University, graduating in Arts with the degree of B.A. in 1897, and in Medicine with the degree of M.B. with honors, in 1907. Doctor Shier’s grandfather, John Shier, was one of the early settlers of the Township of Brock, where he located in 1827, a little north of the present West Brock Anglican Church, and was of Irish Palatine stock. His great-great-great-grandfather was driven out of the Palatinate by the wars of Louis XIV of France. He left his native country in 1709 and among thirteen thousand of his countrymen, threw himself upon the generosity of the British Government. After living one summer in England, he settled at Balligarane in Limerick County, Ireland, August, 1709, on the estate of Lord Southwell. The Doctor’s progenitors were all of the farming class. The story of the expulsion of his ancestors from that portion of France which is now known as the Provinces of Alsace-Lorraine, is of absorbing interest. Dr. Shier after considerable trouble and research, has traced the history of his forefathers during the interesting period referred to, and has written a book entitled “A Family from Balligarane,” being a history of the Irish Palatines. Dr. Shier was married on the 4th of February, 1908, to Martha Kaufmann, daughter of the late Henry Kaufmann, of Wellesley, Ont., and has one adopted daughter, Elsie Grace Ball, age 7. He is a member of the Oddfellows and of the Masonic Order, being Past Master of Zeredatha Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Uxbridge. In religion he is a Presbyterian and a Conservative in politics. The Doctor has been Coroner of the County of Ontario for some years and Surgeon of the G.T.R. He devotes his attention very closely to his profession and specializes on Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat, Consultations and Anæsthetics. He is an ardent motorist and expert marksman. The Doctor is a man of fine literary tastes and exceedingly well posted on all matters of national importance. He entertains very decided opinions on public questions and is never afraid to have them known.
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=Robertson, Wm. John= (St. Catharines, Ont.), son of John and Emma (Rudsdale) Robertson. Father, a Scotch Canadian; mother, a native of Yorkshire, England. Born Westmeath, County Renfrew, Ontario, Sept. 12, 1846; educated Perth High School, Toronto University (B.A. with gold medal in metaphysics, ethics and civil polity; silver medal in mathematics; 1st honors in history and Prince of Wales prize for highest standing in 1873); and Victoria University (LL.B., 1883). Married, 1887, Margaret K., youngest daughter of John Junkin, St. Catharines, Ontario, for a time assistant to late Professor Kingston, Meteorological Bureau, Toronto, and 38 years as chief teacher of mathematics and history, St. Catharines Collegiate Institute; for 7 years was examiner in metaphysics, ethics, modern history, and political science, Toronto University; was also examiner for Upper Canada College and McMaster University; was Ontario Representative on the Committee of the Dominion Education Association for securing and revising Canada manuscripts from a Dominion standpoint, 1892; first President Canadian History Association, 1895; founded Robertson Prize in Canadian Constitutional History, Toronto University; formerly a Senator Victoria University; Pres. Ontario Library Assoc., Mathematics Assoc., and chairman St. Catharines Free Library Board, also Vice-Pres. Y.M.C.A. Ont. and Quebec; Pres. Canadian Club, St. Catharines, and Pres. Local St. Andrews Society. Member of the St. Catharines College Institute Board, Pres. of the Local Branch Bible Society. Author, sketch of “Canadian Banking and Currency since 1867,” “The Teacher’s Relation to the State,” “A Comparison of the Political Institutions of Canada with those of Great Britain and Ireland, and with those of the United States,” “The Growth of the Canadian Constitution,” “The High School History of England and Canada,” “The Public School History of England and Canada,” for many years of other authorized Text Books in Ontario and other provinces, and of numerous other works of a like nature and reputation. In politics an Independent Liberal; a Methodist in religion. A member of the Methodist Board of Education, and for 32 years a Delegate to the General Conference and member of Superannuation Fund Board of the Church; a believer in Free Trade as far as it can be obtained; the development of a Canadian sentiment and literature; and the moderation of party feeling. Member of the Golf Club, St. Catharines, and of the Canadian Club.
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=Seguin, Paul Arthur, B.S., LL.B.= (L’Assomption, Que.), son of Felix Seguin and Vitaline Noiseux, both French-Canadians. Born October 2, 1875, at Charlemagne; educated at L’Assomption College and Laval University, from which latter institution he graduated with the degree of B.S. and LL.B. Married, October 30, 1899, to Marie Anna Rivest, daughter of François Rivest and Delphine McGoun, and is the father of the following children: Roland, Rolande, Jeanette, Fernande and Pauline. Mr. Seguin is a Notary Public by profession and has been Secretary-Treasurer of the town of Terrebonne from 1900 to 1907, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Parish of St. Paul l’Ermite from 1907 to 1912, and now practises his profession at the town of L’Assomption, of which town he is the Mayor, and member of the School Board. Mr. Seguin was first elected to the House of Commons as a Liberal in 1908 and again in 1911, and also at the general elections in 1917. He has always been a staunch Liberal and a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
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=Smith, John Charles, B.A.=, son of William Smith and his wife Sarah Josephine Whitlow, was born at Kingston, Ont., November 28, 1875. Educated at Kingston Public Schools, Kingston Collegiate Institute, and Queen’s University, Kingston, from which latter institution he graduated with the degree of B.A. in 1898, with honors in Classics. Mr. Smith taught in the Public Schools in Frontenac County, Ont., and was subsequently Classical Master in Dutton High School and in Dundas High School, afterwards Classical Master and Principal in the Wingham High School, and filled a similar position in the Ingersoll Collegiate Institute. In 1916 was appointed Inspector of Public Schools for the Inspectorate of Elgin East. Married Rose, daughter of John Critchley, of Toronto, and has one child, Hugh Cyprian Whitlow. Mr. Smith is a member of the Canadian Club and the Masonic and Orange Orders, and of the Canadian Order of Foresters. He is an Anglican in religion and a member of Trinity Church, St. Thomas, at which city he resides.
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=Samuel, Sigmund=, one of the most interesting of Toronto’s wholesale merchants is Sigmund Samuel, son of Lewis Samuel, who, with his wife, formerly Miss Kate Sickleman, came to Toronto in 1855, where Mr. Samuel founded his iron, steel and metal business, now located at the corner of King and Spadina Avenue, Toronto, at 120 Broadway, New York, and 18 Philpot Lane, London, E.C., England, and is also vice-president of the Metallic Roofing Co. of Toronto. It is now the oldest established firm in direct succession in Canada in this branch of industry. The present head of the firm was born in Toronto on October 24, 1868, and educated at the Model School and Upper Canada College, from which he graduated in 1884. In 1898 he married L. May Mandelson, daughter of L. P. Mandelson, a retired merchant of London, England, and their family numbers four: Kathleen May, Lewis Sigmund, Norman Sigmund and Florence May. Of Jewish religion, in politics Conservative, Mr. Samuel’s chief recreations are golf and motoring. He is a member of the York Club, Toronto Hunt Club, the Albany, the Lambton Golf and Country Club, the Caledon Mountain Trout Club and, in England, of the Carlton Club and the Hanger Hill Golf Club. He is also a member of the council of the Art Museum of Toronto. Nor is Mr. Samuel neglectful of philanthrophy, for he is a life member of the Western Hospital, Toronto, and a governor of the Children’s Hospital, Great Ormond St., London, England. Mr. Samuel is truly Imperialistic in maintaining his English connections, and maintains his English address at 64 Porchester Terrace, London. His Canadian home is at 140 Madison Avenue, Toronto.
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=Rose, Hon. Mr. Justice Hugh Edward=, (Toronto). Son of the late Hon. Mr. Justice J. E. Rose, LL.D., Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature for Ontario. Born in Toronto the 16th of September, 1869. Educated at Toronto Collegiate Institute and the University of Toronto, from which latter institution he graduated in 1891 with the degree of B.A., and received the degree of LL.B. in 1892. Called to the bar in 1894. Created K.C. in 1908. Before his elevation to the Bench, was a member of the firm of Fasken, Cowan, Chadwick & Rose. Some time Examiner in Law, Toronto University, and one of the examiners of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Appointed to the Bench the 4th of December, 1916. Member of the following clubs: Toronto Club, and Toronto Golf Club. In religion, Mr. Justice Rose is a member of the Church of England.
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=Mills, Charles Henry, M.L.A.= (Kitchener), was born at Clinton, Ont., October 27, 1861; son of Rev. John Mills and his wife, Eliza Coleman. Educated at the Grimsby High School. Was President of the Kitchener Board of Trade, 1904-5, and Alderman for the City, 1911-12. Has been member of the following boards in the City of Kitchener: Parks Commissioner, Light and Power Commission, and Collegiate Institute. Was first President of the Canadian Club in his home City in 1908. First elected to the Ontario Legislature at a by-election, October 28, 1912, as the Conservative representative for the constituency of North Waterloo and again returned in the General Election of 1914 by a majority of 1454, being the largest majority ever given a Conservative candidate in the riding. In religion, the member for North Waterloo is a Methodist. He married Bernice Mitton, daughter of William J. Mitton of Dutton, September 7, 1898, and is a member of the Kitchener and Waterloo Clubs and of the following societies: Masonic, Canadian Order of Foresters, and Knights of Pythias.
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=Hazen, Hon. Sir John Douglas, K.C.M.G., K.C., LL.D., O.C.= (St. John City and County). Descended from Edward Hazen, who moved from Northumberland, Eng., to Massachusetts in 1648, and more immediately from John Hazen, who, with his brother William, came from Haverhill, Mass., and settled at Portland, New Brunswick, in 1775. Son of the late James King Hazen, mother a daughter of the late Hon. John A. Beckwith. Maternal grandfather was Provincial Secretary of New Brunswick and member of the Legislative Council. Paternal grandfather was an officer in H.M. Army, and Sheriff of Sunbury County for over 25 years. Born at Oromocto, Sunbury County, New Brunswick, June 5, 1860. Educated at Collegiate School, Fredericton, and University, New Brunswick; degrees, B.A., B.C.L., LL.D., University New Brunswick. Married Sept. 22, 1884, Ada C., daughter of James Tibbits, of Fredericton. Five children: Douglas King, Katie Elizabeth, Frances Edith, James Murray (Lieutenant C.E.F., died of wounds in France) and Ada A. A barrister-at-law. Director of the Eastern Trust Co., Senator of the University, New Brunswick and ex-President Alumni Society thereof. Ex-President of the Barristers’ Society, New Brunswick. Was Alderman of Fredericton for three years and Mayor too. Removed to St. John, 1890. President of Horticultural Society. Returned to House of Commons, general election, 1891, for St. John city and county. In 1891, moved address in reply in House of Commons; an unsuccessful candidate 1896; elected to House of Assembly 1899-1903 and 1908 (Sunbury County). Chosen 1899 Leader of the Opposition. The Opposition Party under his leadership administered a crushing defeat to the Robinson Government at the general election, March, 1908, and at the close of the polls he found himself at the head of a contingent of 31 supporters, as against 12 adherents of the government. Upon the resignation of Premier Robinson and his colleagues, Mr. Hazen was summoned by His Honor the Lieut.-Governor to form a government, which he did, assuming the portfolio of Premier and Attorney-General. The Cabinet was sworn in, March 24, 1908, and all the members thereof re-elected by acclamation April 7. Retained office until Oct. 10, 1911, when he was sworn of the Privy Council and appointed Minister of Marine and Fisheries in Premier Borden’s Cabinet. Dr. Daniel, the M.P. elect for St. John City and County, retiring, Mr. Hazen was placed in nomination and elected by acclamation. Member of Inter-Provincial Conference, Ottawa, and of Maritime Provincial Conference (1910), attended coronation of King George and Queen Mary (1911) as representative of the Province of New Brunswick. Delegate to Washington on two occasions in connection with the Hague Award _re_ North Atlantic Fisheries and delegate to England with Premier Borden, _re_ Naval affairs (1912). In the latter part of 1917 he became Chairman of the Canadian Section of the International Fisheries Commission to settle all outstanding fisheries questions between Canada and the United States; appointed Chief Justice New Brunswick November, 1917. Created a K.C.M.G. for public services same year. Member of Union Club, St. John; Mount Royal Club, Montreal; Rideau Club, Ottawa; Royal Colonial Institute, London Eng., and of the following societies: St. George’s, Loyalist, New Brunswick, Historical, and Natural History, St. John, N.B. Recreation, golf and motoring. Member of St. Paul’s (Anglican) Church, St. John, New Brunswick. Address, St. John, N.B.
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=Sinclair, Victor Albert, B.A., LL.B.=, born May 16, 1872, at Tilsonburg, Ont., son of Dr. Lachlin C. Sinclair and Roxilana Nan Norman, both Canadians. Dr. Sinclair contested North Norfolk on three occasions in the Conservative interests against the late Hon. John Charlton. Educated at the Public and High Schools of Tilsonburg, the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall; graduated B.A. in 1892 with first-class honors in Political Science and English, took degree of LL.B. with honors in 1894; called to the Bar at Osgoode Hall, in 1895, receiving medal. Commenced practice at Tilsonburg with W. A. Dowler, K.C., as Dowler & Sinclair, has practised alone for past eight years, entered Municipal Council of his native town in 1896, and served three years as councillor and two years as Mayor, was high school trustee from 1910 until 1919, member of Council, Board of Trade. President of Tilsonburg Conservative Club, President Tilsonburg Horticultural Society 1910-1919, Vice-President Bowling Club, Vice-President Tilsonburg Shoe Company, Limited. The subject of this sketch was first elected to the Ontario Legislature for South Oxford at the general elections of 1914 by a majority of four over Colonel T. R. Mayberry; on recount this majority was increased to five, and on appeal reduced to one. Mr. Sinclair is recognized as a valuable member of the Legislature, he was acting Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee during the session of 1916, he is a member of several fraternal societies, including the Masonic, of which he is now Worshipful Master, C.O.F., A.O.U.W., also O.C.H.C., of which he is Supreme Leader for Canada, and has made a special study of Municipal and Company law. He enjoys a large practice, and is the solicitor for several townships in the counties of Oxford, Elgin, and Norfolk. Married February 6, 1901, to Gertrude L., daughter of George Draper, of Listowel, and is father of two children: Mildred Roxilana, and Gertrude Helen. In religion the member for South Oxford is a Methodist. His chief recreation is bowling and horticulture.
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=Robertson, Norman= (Walkerton, Ont.), author of “The History of the County of Bruce,” and Treasurer of the County of Bruce, Walkerton, Ont., was born on June 27, 1845, in Belleville, Ontario. His father, Peter Robertson, was a merchant of Scottish birth and the son of a Presbyterian minister, at Kilmaurs, Ayrshire. Mr. Robertson’s mother, Sarah Ross, was born in England, although of Highland descent, her grandfather being one of those who followed “Bonnie Prince Charlie” into England in 1745. Norman Robertson attended the Grammar School at Belleville, but left school when only eleven years of age, that he might accompany his father and assist him in his business when he came to the County of Bruce and settled at Kincardine in 1856. The disadvantage arising from leaving school at so early an age was in part overcome by private study and tuition. In 1863 he went to Montreal, taking a position in a wholesale dry goods warehouse, rising to the position of English buyer. In 1877 he returned to Kincardine and took over the business of his father, who retired. He was married at Montreal in 1871, to Lilla M. Warren, daughter of S. R. Warren, builder of church organs at Montreal, and afterwards at Toronto. His family consists of three sons and two daughters. In religion Mr. Robertson is a Presbyterian, and has been an active worker in Sunday School work for over fifty years. In politics he is a Conservative. The position of Treasurer of the County of Bruce became vacant in 1887, and Mr. Robertson was chosen from among twenty-five applicants. A desire to have put in book form and so preserved, the records of the settlement of the County of Bruce, induced the County Council in 1896 to offer a prize for a Historical Sketch of the County. The sketch prepared by Mr. Robertson carried off, jointly with another, the prize. This initial effort was followed in 1906 by a volume of 560 pages bearing the title “The History of the County of Bruce.” This work has been very favorably commented upon and classed as one of the best of the County Histories of the Province that have been published. Mr. Robertson was with the Victoria Rifles, of Montreal, when that regiment went to the front at the time of the Fenian Raids in 1866, and has received his military medal therefor.
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