Part 10

Hon. Michel Mathieu has engraven his name high upon the list of Montreal’s eminent jurists, but has now retired from active connection with the profession, spending the evening of life in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He has passed the seventy-fifth milestone, having been born at Sorel, province of Quebec, December 20, 1838, a son of the late Joseph and Edwidge (Vandal) Mathieu. His education was acquired under private tuition and in the College of St. Hyacinthe, followed by a professional course in Laval University. He was admitted to the notarial profession in 1864 and was called to the Montreal bar as an advocate in 1865. His practice of his profession has been combined with active public service. In 1866 he was chosen sheriff of Richelieu and continued in that position for six years. He successfully practiced his profession at Sorel and while at the bar was closely associated with journalism bearing upon his profession, being the publisher of La Revue Legale, together with some annotated reports. In 1880 he was created king’s counsel by the Marquis of Lorne. He became widely known as an educator, for in 1886 he became a member of the law faculty of Laval University, receiving in that year the degree of LL. D., and becoming dean of the faculty, which connection he still retains.

It is a well known fact that members of the bar more than representatives of other professions are prominent in public office. The reasons for this are obvious and need no amplification here, for the qualities which fit one for success in law practice also prepare him for the thorough understanding of involved problems affecting the public welfare, and the habit of analytical reasoning is as forceful and valuable in one connection as in the other. Judge Mathieu sat for Richelieu in the house of commons, representing the conservative interests from 1872 until 1874. He was then defeated but represented the same constituency in the local parliament from 1875 until 1878. He took his place upon the bench as puisne judge of the superior court on the 3d of October, 1881, and for twenty-eight years interpreted law in opinions which were notably free from partiality and bias. His decisions indicate strong mentality, careful analysis and a thorough knowledge of the law. The judge on the bench fails more frequently, perhaps, from a deficiency in that broad-mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly and that insures a complete self-control under even the most exasperating conditions than from any other cause; and the judge who makes a success in the discharge of his multitudinous, delicate duties is a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge Mathieu is regarded as such a jurist is a uniformly accepted fact. He figured also in public life as a royal commissioner to inquire into certain matters concerning the good government of the province in 1892. He presided at the celebrated Shortis case for murder in the ’90s; in 1910 he lectured on the Canadian constitution and in July of that year he was appointed a royal commissioner to revise, consolidate and modify the municipal code of Quebec.

Judge Mathieu was married in 1863 to Marie Delina Thirza, a daughter of the late Captain St. Louis of Sorel, province of Quebec. She died in 1870 and in 1881 Judge Mathieu wedded Marie Amelie Antoinette, a daughter of the late Hon. D. M. Armstrong, M. L. C. The death of Mrs. Marie A. A. Mathieu occurred in April, 1898. Judge Mathieu now resides at The Marlborough in Montreal. His religious belief is that of the Roman Catholic church. Something of his standing is indicated in the words of Dr. J. Reade, who spoke of him as “much esteemed, especially by the students and younger members of the bar,” while the Montreal Gazette said of him, “He is a judge, painstaking and capable and with a grasp of the law and its meaning that few can equal.” His influence has been far-reaching and beneficial; it has touched the general interests of society along many lines and has been a factor in maintaining the legal status upon which rests the stability and prosperity of a country, the life and liberty of the individual.

HON. CHARLES SERAPHIM RODIER.

Along the path of broad usefulness and activity Hon. Charles Seraphim Rodier advanced to prominence and success. He was a pioneer contractor, lumber merchant and manufacturer of Montreal and eventually came to figure prominently in financial circles. He was born in this city, October 14, 1818, and his life record spans seventy-two years, drawing to its close on the 26th of January, 1890. His grandfather was a physician in the French army and leaving Paris came to Canada, settling in Montreal in the middle of the eighteenth century. His father was Jean Baptiste Rodier, who married Miss Montreuil, daughter of a well known navigator who commanded vessels sailing from Montreal.

The opportunities accorded Charles Seraphim Rodier in his youth were somewhat limited. He pursued his education in a church school, but at the age of fourteen years put aside his text-books in order that he might earn his own living. He was apprenticed to the carpenter’s trade and for his services received a wage of one dollar per day. Thus from a humble position in the business world he steadily worked his way upward until long prior to his death he had reached a place in the millionaire class. He applied himself thoroughly to the mastery of his trade and when but eighteen years of age began contracting on his own account and gained a good patronage. About the year 1846 he began the manufacture of threshing machines on St. Peter Street, now St. Martin, and for the remainder of his life was to be found almost daily at his office at No. 62 St. Martin. The business prospered from the beginning and machines that were made there over a half century ago are still repaired there. Each step in his business career brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. He was the owner of freight and passenger vessels and was one of the founders of the Jacques Cartier Bank, in which he placed one hundred and forty-five thousand dollars. He acted as both vice president and director of that institution and was connected with several joint stock companies, his opinions carrying weight in their management, for his advice was always considered sound and his judgment discriminating in regard to business affairs.

Aside from his personal interests, he was for over fifty years active in public life. In 1838 he was elected alderman for St. Antoine ward of Montreal but could not take his seat until later when he became of age. For nine years he served in the council, being elected three times by acclamation. Politically he was a stanch liberal-conservative and three times he refused a senatorship, but later, at the urgent request of his family and friends, he accepted in 1888, being gazetted senator on the 17th of December, of that year, for the division of Mille Isles. He last attended parliament the week before his death and was last at his desk on the 24th of January, 1890. He gave careful consideration to the grave questions which came up for settlement and stanchly supported any movement which he considered of vital worth. His activities also extended to other lines. He was president of the St. Jean Baptiste Society; was warden of Notre Dame church; and president of St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was also lieutenant colonel of the Sixty-fourth Beauharnois Battalion at the time of its formation and he was ever a generous contributor to religious, educational and charitable institutions.

Senator Rodier was united in marriage in 1848 to Miss Angelique Lapierre, a daughter of Andre Lapierre. The death of Mr. Rodier occurred January 26, 1890, when he had reached the age of seventy-two years, while his wife survived until March 24, 1907. They were the parents of four sons and four daughters.

ALEXANDER C. HENRY.

In business circles of Montreal the name of Alexander C. Henry was well known, for from 1899 until his death, three years later, he was purchasing agent for the entire system of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the magnitude and importance of his duties making his position a most difficult and responsible one. He was born at Beamsville, Canada, in 1849, and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools he attended the Upper Canada College, at Toronto. Subsequently he removed to Montreal, and gradually working his way upward in business connections became, in 1884, assistant purchasing agent for the Canadian Pacific Railway, and in 1899 was made general purchasing agent for the entire system. His ability, fidelity, indefatigable energy and enterprise brought him to the prominent position which he occupied. At the time of his death Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, paid high tribute to his memory and bore testimony to his honesty, which was manifest in his careful accounting for every penny, although in his capacity of purchasing agent he expended over one hundred and two million dollars.

On the 30th of November, 1882, in Montreal, Mr. Henry was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Wilson, of England, and to them were born three children, two of whom are living, H. Gordon, being a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, and the other, A. Wilson, of Montreal. Mr. Henry held membership in St. James the Apostle church. He was a public-spirited citizen, active in support of any movement which he deemed of vital worth in the upbuilding and progress of the community. He belonged to St. James Club, the Forest and Stream Club and others, and he had an extensive circle of friends who held him in the highest esteem. Mr. Henry passed away on February 2, 1902.

GEORGE FREDERICK BENSON.

In manufacturing and commercial circles of Montreal the name of George Frederick Benson is well known. Important business concerns have profited by his cooperation, have felt the stimulus of his energy and enterprise and have been quickened by his close application and careful control. Many of Montreal’s best known and most successful business men are numbered among her native sons, to which class Mr. Benson belongs. His father, William T. Benson, a native of Kendal, Westmoreland, England, was a member of the federal parliament for the constituency of South Grenville, Ontario, in which county the village of Cardinal (formerly called Edwardsburg) is situated. There the late W. T. Benson resided for twenty-seven years, after establishing there in 1858 the industry, so well known for many years throughout the Dominion of Canada as The Edwardsburg Starch Company and now forming the Edwardsburg Works of The Canada Starch Company, Ltd. The late W. T. Benson married in England, before coming to Canada, Helen Wilson of Acton Grange, Cheshire, England, and their only son was George Frederick Benson, the subject of this review.

He was educated in England at Uppingham School and Oxford University, but returned to Canada, after the sudden death of his father in 1885, to take charge of his father’s varied interests. After first confining his work to the management of the firm of W. T. Benson & Company, importers of foreign wools and chemicals at Montreal, he was elected president of The Edwardsburg Starch Company in 1894, and since the formation of The Canada Starch Company in 1906 he has been its president and managing director. He is likewise a director of the West Kootenay Power & Light Company, and thus his interests have become extensive and important, connecting him with leading manufacturing, commercial and industrial interests, not only in the east but also in the west.

In October, 1890, Mr. Benson was united in marriage to Miss Etheldred Norton, a daughter of the late George Frothingham of the well known firm of Frothingham & Workman, and they reside at No. 15 Ontario Avenue, Montreal. Mr. Benson gives his political allegiance to the conservative party and in religious faith is an Anglican. He has been an active member of the Montreal Board of Trade, and was treasurer for the year 1913. He has a wide acquaintance among leading club men of the city, holding membership in a number of the most important clubs of Montreal, including the St. James, Mount Royal, Canadian, Canada, Forest and Stream, Montreal Hunt, Montreal Racquet, Royal Montreal Golf and Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Clubs. He is also a member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club of Toronto and an active member of the Thousand Islands Yacht Club in the Thousand Islands district, where he has a most attractive summer residence.

LOUIS N. DUPUIS.

Louis N. Dupuis is one of Montreal’s well known business men and citizens, whose connection with varied and important commercial enterprises in that city, has gained for him success and high standing as well as an enviable position in business and financial circles. He was born at St. Jacques l’Achigan, Montcalm county, October 17, 1855, a son of Joseph Dupuis and Euphrasie Richard. He attended Archambault’s Catholic Commercial Academy now called Plateau school and entered upon his business career as junior clerk in the employ of his late brother, J. Naz. Dupuis, in 1868. While at this time, Mr. Dupuis was but a lad, yet he applied himself closely and learned the business rapidly.

He was one of the founders in 1876 of Dupuis Freres, Limited, one of the best known mercantile houses in Montreal, and during the first ten years of this firm’s existence he took an important part in the management of its affairs and was no small factor in its success.

On the 1st of January, 1886, Louis N. Dupuis retired from the firm, since which time he has given his attention to various commercial enterprises, his sound judgment constituting an active and effective force in capable management.

Mr. Dupuis has been for a number of years extensively identified with real estate interests in Montreal, and in this connection has taken a prominent part in the city’s development. He is president of the Eastmount Land Company, also president of La Compagnie General d’Immeubles, Limitee, and president of the Merchants and Employers Guarantee and Accident Company. In these companies as well as in others with which he has been identified, his sound business judgment and foresight have been substantial contributions to their success.

On the 25th of April, 1881, Mr. Dupuis was married at L’Assomption to Miss Marie Melanie Panet Levesque, the second daughter of Pierre Thomas Panet Levesque, a land surveyor. Mr. Panet Levesque was seigneur of d’Ailleboust and Ramsey, which two seigneuries are situated in the county of Joliette, P. Q. Mr. and Mrs. Dupuis have ten children, living: Anne Marie; Amelie; Pauline and Celine; Pierre Louis, a well known young advocate of Montreal who was married on the 15th of January, 1913, to Miss Carmel Girouard, daughter of Joseph Girouard, ex-member of parliament of St. Benoit, Two Mountains; Rosaire, one of the rising young notaries of Montreal, and of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work; François; Camille; Roger; and Jean.

Mr. Dupuis holds to the political faith of the conservative party and to the religious faith of the Roman Catholic church. He is a Knight of Columbus of Conseil Lafontaine and belongs to the Chapleau Fish and Game Club and the Canadian Club. Thoroughly progressive in his ideas, he has kept well informed both by reading and travel. As long ago as 1874, Mr. Dupuis visited Fort Garry, now the city of Winnipeg, when the journey required fourteen days from Montreal, and too, when the Red River country was considered the “Far West.” He has since then visited the Pacific coast no less than five times, as well as various sections of the United States. He is equally familiar with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as continental Europe, as it was formerly his custom to make semi-annual trips to Europe in connection with his business affairs. He enjoys the outdoor life, especially the sports of the forest. His public service has been well performed. At the end of 1909 he was selected by the citizens committee to form part of the new administration of the city as commissioner and was elected by the city at large in the election held on the 2d of February, 1910.

ROUER JOSEPH ROY, K. C.

Rouer Joseph Roy, jurist, linguist and an interested student of literary, scientific and antiquarian subjects, was born in Montreal, January 7, 1821, his parents being the late Joseph Roy, M. P. P., and Amelia (Lusignan) Roy. The former, of French descent, rose to a position of prominence, representing his riding in the provincial legislature. His wife was connected with the distinguished family of Rouer de Villeray.

Rouer Joseph Roy attended Montreal College, from which he was graduated with honors in the presence of Lord Durham. Having determined upon the practice of law as his life profession, he entered the law office of the Hon. Mr. Sullivan in 1838 and after four years of thorough and comprehensive study was called to the bar, in 1842. Almost from the beginning his career was a successful one and after several years devoted to active law practice he was appointed joint city attorney for Montreal in 1862, filling that position continuously until 1876, when he became the sole legal advisor of the city, remaining in that office until he resigned in 1898. He afterward filled the position of consulting city attorney. In 1864 he was elected syndic of the Quebec bar and so continued for four years. In the same year he was made queen’s counsel as well as being elected president of the committee in charge of the bar library, which office he continuously and honorably filled for thirty years. In 1887 he was unanimously chosen batonnier of the Montreal bar and the following year was chosen batonnier general of the province. He held high professional rank and on several occasions appeared before the judicial committee of the privy council in England.

In January, 1857, Mr. Roy was married to Miss Corinne Beaudry, a daughter of the late Hon. J. L. Beaudry, M. L. C., who in 1857 was mayor of Montreal. Mr. Roy not only enjoyed a high reputation as a lawyer but also as a scholar, being widely known as a linguist, speaking fluently Greek, Latin, Italian and French as well as English. For many years he occupied the presidency of the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society. He was one of the last survivors of the Sons of Liberty, an organization which played a most important part at the time of the rebellion of 1837. His religious faith was that of the Roman Catholic church and he filled the office of church warden of the parish of Notre Dame. His life was characterized by a nobility that lifted him above those traits which mar character and when death called him on the 27th of July, 1905, only words of commendation and respect were spoken concerning his life work. He had done things worthy to be written and had written things worthy to be read, and he left to posterity an unblemished name, linked with many deeds that won him prominence and honor.

CHARLES MACKAY COTTON.

A man of force, experience and capacity, Charles Mackay Cotton has made for himself an enviable position at the bar of Quebec and is numbered among the most able and successful advocates of Montreal, where he is in active practice as a member of the firm of Cotton & Westover. He was born in Durham township, Missisquoi county, Quebec, February 22, 1878, and is a representative of a well known Canadian family of English extraction, being a son of Sheriff Cotton, a grandson of Dr. Cotton and a great-grandson of Rev. Charles Caleb Cotton, B. A. (Oxford), who came from England in 1799 and was one of the pioneer Anglican clergymen in the eastern townships.