Part 80
=Wilson, Daniel=, LL.D., F.R.S., President of the University of Toronto, was born in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1816. His father, Archibald Wilson had a large family. One of his sons, Dr. George Wilson, well known as an eminent chemist, was for some time professor of technology in the University of Edinburgh, and died in 1859. Dr. Daniel Wilson, the subject of our sketch, after passing through the High School, entered the University of his native city; and when he had reached his twenty-first year, went to London, England, to push his fortune. After a residence there of several years, during which he relied for support chiefly on the reward of his literary labors, he again turned north, and continued to wield his pen in Edinburgh, where he soon became distinguished for his ardent love for archæological studies. In his twenty-seventh year he came to Canada, at the insistance of the historian Hallam, who, with Lord Elgin, the then governor-general of Canada, warmly recommended the appointment of the young _littérateur_ and zealous secretary of the Scottish Society of Antiquaries to the chair of history and English literature in University College, Toronto. The removal to Canada was a grave step in itself. But it was more than this when it broke in, as it did, upon serious studies pursued with great ardor, severed the dearest ties, social and professional, and withdrew from a promising field of labor one who was not only fast making his way to the front, but whose genuine abilities and true scientific devotion, had he remained in it, would doubtless have gained him rich pecuniary rewards, with many accompanying honors. However, to Canada he came, and one of the interesting as well as valuable _souvenirs_ of his parting with his Scottish friends and scientific associates is a costly service of silver in the learned doctor’s possession, the inscription on which bears the testimony of his associates in the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, “To Dr. Wilson’s intelligent and faithful labors as secretary, and to their admiration of his great learning and genius so successfully devoted to the investigation of the archæology of Scotland.” Devoted student as he was of archæology, and much as he had done in Scotland to enrich the subject by laborious local research, Dr. Wilson, in coming to Canada, found a wide field for its pursuit on the American continent; and much has he assiduously gathered in the interval to add to the stores of information and reasonable conjecture in this interesting branch of science. The fruit of this is abundantly found in important treatises on the subject which have come from his pen, as well as in the many occasional papers contributed to the scientific journals and transactions of learned societies in both hemispheres. The number and bulk of the latter would fill many portly volumes, and are in themselves a monument of intellectual labor. In the brief space at our disposal we can give but a bald enumeration of the more important works which have come from Dr. Wilson’s pen. The first of these was “Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time,” a work in two volumes, published in 1847, with illustrations from the author’s facile pencil. This interesting work, with his “Reminiscences of Old Edinburgh,” published in 1878, reveal Dr. Wilson’s tastes as an antiquary and his varied accomplishments in undertaking the work of tracing the history, antiquities and local traditions of the Scottish metropolis. A contemporary critic affirms of the first of these books, that “these volumes will do the author honor in his native city so long as the ancient capital of Scotland stands.” In 1851 appeared a kindred but more ambitious work in the wider field of Scottish antiquities, entitled “The Archæology and Prehistoric Annals of Scotland.” This scholarly and elaborate production drew from the historian Hallam the criticism that it was the most scientific treatment of the archæological evidences of primitive history which had ever been written. The reviewers were also equally laudatory, a high authority saying that the work was “full of original views, bearing everywhere the stamp of independent investigation and of an independent judgment,” and calculated “to form an epoch in the study of the earlier antiquities of Scotland and of Britain at large.” Another competent authority speaks of this work as “one of extraordinary merit, particularly in the lucidity of its scientific combinations and inductions, the charm of its style, and the perfect fidelity of its many pictorial illustrations.” A second edition being called for, the author in 1863 republished the work, with large additions and a careful revision, under the shorter title of “Prehistoric Annals of Scotland.” The term “Prehistoric” in its earlier use, in 1851, it may be worth noting, was, we believe, a coinage of the author’s; he, at least, was the first to bring the word into vogue. In 1863 also appeared what may be considered the author’s _magnum opus_, a work embodying the results of researches in archæology and ethnology in both hemispheres, and of which two subsequent editions, considerably re-written, have appeared. Of this production, which bears the title of “Prehistoric Man: Researches into the Origin of Civilisation in the Old and the New Worlds,” the Edinburgh _Witness_ at the time under the editorship of the geologist, Hugh Miller, remarks that “the topic is not only vast in range, complex in material, and difficult from its nature, but brings the man who ventures to discuss it into contact with momentous and perplexing questions touching the origin of civilisation, the unity of the human race, and the time during which man has been a denizen of this planet. Dr. Wilson proves himself at all points equal to his task.” This emphatic verdict has been endorsed in other eminent quarters, and high commendation passed upon the book, not only for its scientific value, but for the attractiveness of its literary style. To these works have to be added three volumes, which, though notable in themselves, by no means represent the bulk of Dr. Wilson’s purely literary labors. They are respectively entitled “Chatterton: a Biographical Study” (1869); “Caliban, the Missing Link” (1873); and “Spring Wild Flowers,” a volume of graceful verse. In the Chatterton biography, the author has lovingly gathered all that is worthy of record in the career of the ill-fated Bristol dreamer; and the volume is the best tribute known to us to the young poet’s genius. “Caliban” is an interesting Shakespearian study, combining great imaginative power with a strong critical faculty, and giving the reader much curious information, with not a little fanciful disquisition, on the Evolution theory. The little volume dedicated to the Muses, of which two editions have appeared, emphasises the twin sisterhood of Science and Poetry, and enshrines some thoughtful lines on religious and moral subjects, with several happy examples of lighter verse. In addition to these published works, a whole library of contributions from the author’s pen is scattered through the “Proceedings” of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the London Anthropological Institute, the Edinburgh Philosophical Institution, the British and American Associations for the Advancement of Science; the “Journal” of the Canadian Institute (for some years edited by Dr. Wilson); and the “Transactions” of the Royal Society of Canada. Of this latter society, to the vice-presidency of the literature section of which Dr. Wilson was nominated by its founder, the Marquis of Lorne: the doctor has been the chief working supporter, and to it has contributed many valuable papers, both in literature and science. To the present (ninth), as well as to the earlier (eighth), edition of the “Encyclopædia Britannica,” Dr. Wilson has also been an extensive contributor. In the current edition, the articles on “Canada,” “Confederation,” and “Toronto” are from his pen, as are the biographical articles on “Ferguson” and “Chatterton”; while the article on “Edinburgh,” it is understood, was written by him, and, oddly enough, was sent to Scotland from Toronto. Besides this mass of literary work, a number of contributions from the same source, on literary and historical subjects, with a good many reviews, art critiques, and academical addresses, have from time to time appeared in the pages of the “Canadian Monthly,” the “Canada Educational Monthly,” _The Week_, and other native journals. These, with other important philanthropic and Christian labors in Toronto, covering the period of half a lifetime, bear witness to Dr. Wilson’s untiring industry, and the force and range of his mental powers, as well as mark the nobleness of his personal character. A sketch, however brief, of the life and work of Dr. Wilson would be singularly incomplete which contained no reference to his labors as an educationist, and to his onerous duties in University College, both as professor and since 1881, when he succeeded Dr. McCaul, as its executive head. In some respects, and perhaps with truth, it may be said that Dr. Wilson would have done more justice to himself if he had made a choice in his life’s work between literature and science rather than, as he has done, given the prose side of his mind to archæological studies, and reserved its poetical side for literature. But the financial circumstances of the institution with which he has been so long connected, made this from the first impossible, and compelled him, laboriously and ardently, to toil on in dual and somewhat incongruous fields of work. With the result, however, no one can reasonably quarrel, for in both fields it must be said he has acquitted himself well and won merited fame. He who would trace Dr. Wilson’s life in the sphere of his academic labors must do so with real enthusiasm, with loving sympathy, and with hearty admiration for the scholar and the man. His lifelong interest in Toronto University, the many sacrifices he has made for it, his devotion to the subjects he has so ably taught in the college, and his inspiring and elevating influence upon the students who have successively come under his care, are matters that require little dwelling upon by any local pen. Nor is there need to say a word to any graduate, of the college at any rate, of the learned doctor’s ever ready courtesy, of his kindness of heart, of his simplicity of character, or of his high moral worth. Testimony to these and other lovable qualities in the president of University College is, we are sure, as abundant as testimony is emphatic to the learning and genius of their gifted possessor. If the state, strangely enough, has done little to mark Dr. Wilson’s services, both to science and education, throughout a long and unwearying life, he has at least this consolation, that, among those who have had the honor of personally knowing him, appreciation of their number and worth lies deep in every breast. The passing years have dealt kindly with the subject of this brief sketch; the figure, always spare, is still erect, and the step has lost little in the march of time of its early elasticity. The eyes look at you with the old-time keen, rapid glance; and there is the same kindly note in the voice, which rises and falls with that familiar, soft, measured cadence, which belongs distinctively to those who hail from the Scottish metropolis. For thirty-five years President Wilson has been connected with the University and College of Toronto, and has given to that institution the abundant fruitage of a rich, matured, and industrious life. During that long period, though he has daily gone in and out among almost all classes of the people of Toronto, and in many ways has contributed to the intellectual life and to the enriching of the scientific thought of Canada, and, indeed, of the continent, there are not many, we fear, outside of academic circles who recognise the genius, the learning, and the pre-eminent abilities of Dr. Wilson, or who appreciate him as a man at his true worth. In a general way the few in Toronto may know him as a learned scientist, and perhaps as an accomplished _littérateur_; but to the mass of his fellow-citizens he is little more than a prominent educationist, and the head of the national university. If this statement seems unfair, let us ask, how many know of his great reputation and high recognised status in the first scientific circles of the Old World, or who think of him in the light of his deserts—as one of the foremost men of the age in his own special departments of archæological and ethnological science? Canada as yet has not been fertile in great men; but here doubtless is one, if we are to take the measure of his worth not only from his books, though these undoubtedly are an author’s best and truest memorial, but from the estimation in which he is held in high scientific circles abroad, and the unsought honors conferred upon him by many of the learned societies of Europe. Only eminent services to science could have secured him the recognition of crowned heads and the issue of royal diplomas setting forth these services, with enrolment among the distinguished honorary members of the great scientific societies and learned institutions of the mother land, and of France, Italy, and Denmark. Dr. Wilson has now reached the evening of his days, and as the lengthening shadows fall athwart him and his labors, the writer of this, with many who love him, may well wish that a life so singularly pure and worthy may be prolonged and continued for many years yet at the service of his adopted country. But when the line of the allotted span has been crossed, wishes we know must be vain; and the granite shaft in yonder cemetery, with its touchingly beautiful tribute “to the wife of his youth,” who “was the bright sunshine of a long and happy life,” is a monition which neither he nor any wise friend can disregard, however distant all may wish the day when the Master’s summons shall come to one who has been eminently faithful, and the sombre curtain shall drop for ever upon his work.
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=Miller, John Stewart=, Centreville, Ontario, Treasurer of the Township of Camden, M.P.P. for Addington, was born on the 17th September, 1844, in the township of Camden, county of Addington. He is the only son of Thomas Miller and Christina Madden. The family came originally from Ireland and settled in New England. During the revolutionary war they left that country and moved to Three Rivers, and subsequently, in 1790, took up their abode in the Bay of Quinté. He received his primary education in the schools of his native place, and then entered the Commercial College at Belleville, where he graduated in 1871. He then began farming on the homestead, lot No. 30, seventh concession of Camden, and here he continued his agricultural pursuits until 1886. In 1883 Mr. Miller began with a partner, business as a general merchant in the village of Centreville, and is still engaged in mercantile pursuits. He has taken a deep interest in military affairs, and in 1879 held the rank of lieutenant in the 48th battalion, and on the disbandment of this corps became attached to the 47th battalion. In 1875 he was appointed clerk of Camden township, and on resigning this office in 1886, received the appointment of treasurer of the same township, and this office he still holds. He joined the Orange Association in 1864, and served as county master in 1878-9. He became a member of Prince of Wales lodge, No. 146, of the Free and Accepted Masons in 1869; assisted in organizing Victoria lodge, No. 229, and was its master in 1870-71; and in 1883 he helped to organize Lorne lodge, No. 404, and was elected its first master, holding the office for three years. Mr. Miller has always taken an active interest in politics, and in 1880 was elected secretary-treasurer of the Liberal-Conservative Association of Addington. He presented himself in 1886 for parliamentary honors, and in December of the same year was elected to represent his native county in the Ontario legislature by a handsome majority over his opponent. In politics, as will be seen above, Mr. Miller is a Liberal-Conservative. His mother joined the Methodist church in 1828—who, by the way, is still alive, and a member of the same church—and the son is connected with the same religious body. He has been twice married; first, in 1871, to Carrie, second daughter of James Hawley. She died on the 24th February, 1874. He married, the second time, in 1877, Anne, eldest daughter of the late Robert Robertson, of Kingston.
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=Choquette, Philippe Auguste=, LL.B., Advocate, Montmagny, Quebec province, M.P. for the county of Montmagny, was born on the 6th January, 1854, at Belœil, county of Verchères. His ancestors came from Amiens, Picardie, France, in 1643, and settled in Varennes, in the county where the subject of our sketch was born. His parents were Joseph Choquette, farmer, and Marie Thaïs Audet. He received his education at St. Hyacinthe College, and at Laval University, Quebec, and graduated B.C.L. from the latter institution in 1880, having previously taken the silver medal given by the governor-general, Lord Lorne. While he was prosecuting his studies at Laval, he acted as private secretary to the Hon. Honoré Mercier, then solicitor-general in the Joly administration, and now premier of Quebec province. He held, for about three years and a half, the position of book-keeper in a wholesale boot and shoe establishment in St. Hyacinthe before he began to study law. He then returned to Quebec in 1877, and entered the office of the Hon. François Langelier, M.P., and mayor of Quebec, to study law. After being admitted to the bar of Lower Canada in 1880, he removed to Montmagny, where he successfully practised his profession. Since 1877 he has been a contributor to _L’Union_, of St. Hyacinthe, and _L’Electeur_, of Quebec; and was publisher of _La Sentinelle_, a weekly paper at Montmagny, during the years 1883 and 1884. In 1878 he began to take an active part in politics; and in 1882 he ran for a seat in the House of Commons at Ottawa against A. C. P. R. Landry, the Conservative candidate, but was defeated by a majority of 120 votes. At the general election held in 1887 he again presented himself in opposition to Mr. Landry, and this time carried his election by a majority of 193 votes. Mr. Choquette has travelled through the principal parts of the United States. He has been secretary of the Reform Club of the county of Montmagny since 1881. In politics he is a strong Liberal, a free trader, in favor of commercial union, and would not object to annexation to the United States. He is an adherent of the Roman Catholic church, but objects to the clergy interfering and mixing in political contests. On the 29th August, 1883, he was married to Marie, daughter of A. Bender, prothonotary of the Superior Court, and granddaughter of the late Sir E. P. Taché baronet, A.D.C. to her Majesty the Queen, and one of the promoters of confederation.
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=Méthot, Right Rev. Michel Edouard=, A.M., D.D., Quebec, Domestic Prelate of his Holiness, also Professor of Literature at Laval University, and of Moral Theology at the Grand Seminary of Quebec, member of the Archiepiscopal Curia of Quebec, was born on the 28th July, 1826, in the parish of Ste. Croix, county of Lotbinière, province of Quebec. His parents were Joseph Méthot, farmer, and Marie Xavier Desrochers. In 1839 he entered the Little Seminary of Quebec, where he followed the literary and scientific course of that institution. In 1847, having completed a classical course of instruction, he entered the Grand Seminary of Quebec, and went through a course of theology, being admitted to the holy orders in 1849. It may truly be said that Monsignor Méthot has devoted his entire life to the education of the youth of his country, teaching at first in the Little Seminary of Quebec, and then successively at the Grand Seminary and at Laval University, where he gave a public course of literature. He was also prefect of studies for ten years at the Little Seminary, twice director of the Grand Seminary, librarian of Laval University, and lastly, superior of the Seminary and rector of the University for seven years. He was the first vice-rector of the branch of Laval University in Montreal, which positions he resigned at the end of the academic year 1886-7 owing to ill-health. He visited Europe twice, the first time in 1860, when he went to England, France, and Italy. Our readers need not be surprised if we tell them that Monsignor Méthot visited the principal institutions of learning, colleges, museums, the most celebrated libraries, and monuments of arts of those countries, his taste and eagerness for learning leading him to choose those attractions in preference to all others. In 1866, having obtained leave of absence to recuperate from the exhausting labor of teaching, he crossed the Atlantic a second time and passed a whole year in Belgium. Rest, however, consisted in further studies. On his arrival in Belgium he went to the Catholic University of Louvain and applied himself to the study of theology, scriptures, and ecclesiastical history in that celebrated institution of learning. He has contributed to the newspaper and periodical press of the Province of Quebec several articles, biographical sketches and literary essays, which will help the historian of the future to write accurately the history of our Dominion. Mgr. Méthot was elevated to the dignity of domestic prelate by his Holiness Pope Leo XIII. in 1887.
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