Part 24

THOMAS MUSSEN.

One of the best known merchants of the past generation in Montreal, and a man whose well ordered life and high business principles commanded the respect of all who knew him, was born in 1804, in Yorkshire, England, and came to Canada with his parents in 1817, the family home being established in the south part of the province of Quebec near the Vermont line.

Thomas Mussen early entered business life in Montreal, becoming a clerk with the firm of William Smith & Company with whom he remained for about ten years. He was careful with his earnings and in 1827, he had saved sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a small stock of dry goods, opening a store on St. Paul Street, near Jacques Cartier Square, then the heart of the retail district.

The business prospered from the first and when larger quarters were demanded he removed to Notre Dame Street, at the corner of St. Gabriel, being the first merchant to locate on Notre Dame Street, and afterwards located at the corner of St. Lawrence boulevard and Notre Dame Street, where he continued until 1865. In that year the store was removed to Craig Street, near St. Lawrence boulevard, where he continued until his new building was erected at the corner of St. Lambert and Notre Dame. There the business was successfully continued by him until his death April 5, 1892. Each removal had indicated a demand for larger quarters. The business was marked by continuous growth and development under the strong guiding hand of Mr. Mussen, who came to be ranked with the leading merchants of the city. His store was one of the leading commercial establishments of the province. After the death of Mr. Mussen, the business was carried on by his sons, William W. and Henry S., until 1900 when it was discontinued, the brothers retiring from active business. William W. Mussen died in 1904 and Henry S. Mussen passed away in 1912.

Harold Beaufort Mussen, son of William W., and a well known insurance and real-estate broker of Montreal, after acquiring his education in the schools of his native city, entered the employ of the Canada Atlantic Railway, where his developing powers and ability won him promotion until he became general agent. He continued with them until October, 1904, when after a service of twelve years he withdrew to engage in business on his own account.

PETER LYALL.

In the death of Peter Lyall Montreal lost a citizen who left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community in which he lived. He was a man of fine personal appearance, and his splendid physique was an indication of the strength of his mental and moral nature. For many years he was connected with business interests as a prominent contractor, being the head of the Peter Lyall & Sons Construction Company, Ltd. While in his seventieth year at the time of his death, he had always remained in active connection with his business until a few days prior to his demise.

Scotland numbered Mr. Lyall among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Castletown, Caithness, Scotland, where he gained a practical knowledge of the contracting business before crossing the Atlantic in 1870. When he sought a home in the new world Montreal was his destination and he made his initial step in circles here in the employ of his cousin, the later Peter Nicholson. Six years were sufficient to bring him a wide acquaintance that he believed justified him in embarking in business on his own account. He was joined by his two sons, William and Traill O. in 1892, who are still connected with the business that was established in Montreal in 1876. The third son, Peter D. Lyall, is head of a large contracting firm in Winnipeg. From the time that he started out independently Peter Lyall was successful and his name figured prominently in connection with building operations in Montreal and this part of Canada. He kept in close touch with all phases of the business and with all progressive steps therein. Many of the business structures of Montreal still stand as monuments to his ability, his energy and his notable ambition. He carried out the erection of the Quebec Bank Building, the Royal Victoria Hospital, Macdonald Engineering buildings at McGill, the Sun Life building, the Canada Life, the Grand Trunk general offices, the Coristine building, the new Board of Trade, the Stock Exchange, the Guardian Life, the Dominion Express and Transportation buildings, and hundreds of others. Some of the finest residences of the city also stand as monuments to his handiwork, notably among which are the homes of the late Sir Edward S. Clouston and George L. Cains. From the time that he started out in business his rise was continuous. It was soon evident that he understood the building business, both from a scientific and practical standpoint, that his reliability made him worthy of a liberal patronage, and that his energy and indomitable spirit made possible the prompt and faithful execution of his contracts. Success came to him soon and was well merited, so that he gained place among the prosperous residents of the city. His ability in management, his power of carefully formulating plans and then executing them with determination was seen in his cooperation in the organization of a number of companies which have constituted leading factors in industrial, commercial and financial circles. He was one of the promoters of the Lachine Rapids Hydraulic & Land Company, formed in 1896, and of the Midway Land Company in the same year. He was one of the organizers of the Laprairie Brick Company in 1904.

Mr. Lyall was united in marriage to Miss Christina Oman, who, like her husband, was a native of Castletown, Caithness, Scotland. They became the parents of three sons, William and Traill O., of Montreal, Peter D., of Winnipeg and a daughter, now Mrs. D. W. Lockerby, of Montreal. Mr. Lyall possessed a social nature that found expression in his membership in the Canada, Reform, Canadian, Country and Engineers Clubs. His kindly disposition made him a favorite in all circles, and among no class of people was he more appreciated than by his own employes. He was deeply interested in all that pertained to affairs of government and to municipal progress. For many years he was a prominent member of the liberal party, earnestly striving to promote its success, and in 1904 he unsuccessfully contested the St. Antoine district for the Dominion parliament. At one time he was president of the Montreal Reform Club and at all times took a firm stand in opposition to misrule in public affairs and in support of all that he believed would uphold the honored tenets of government and promote the best interests of the people in general. For two years he was a member of the Montreal city council and brought his splendid business acumen to bear on civic problems, proving himself one of the strongest men at the council table. He was afterward eagerly besought to again become a member of the council but declined. He took a deep and helpful interest in the Citizens Association, being in hearty sympathy with its purpose, and at the time of his demise was one of its vice presidents. Above and beyond all this Mr. Lyall was known as a man of most generous and benevolent spirit, ever seeking to promote the welfare and happiness of his fellowmen. He could not listen unmoved to a tale of sorrow or distress, and to the extent of his ability he extended a helping hand to the needy. He gave not only freely of his money but also a large portion of his time to good works. He was president of the Protestant Hospital for the Insane at Verdun, and his efforts were a potent force in making it one of the excellent institutions of its character in the country. The Western Hospital found him equally helpful and generous. Thus he made his presence felt beneficially in commercial, political and philanthropic circles. To know him was to esteem and honor him by reason of what he accomplished and the methods he pursued. The most envious could not grudge him his success, so honorably was it won and so worthily used.

ALFRED B. DUFRESNE.

In insurance circles in Montreal and among business men in general the name of Alfred B. Dufresne is well known because of his activity in the field to which he directs his efforts. He was born April 13, 1874, at Joliette, Canada, a son of J. Alfred and Honorine (Delfausse) Dufresne, who now reside in Montreal. He was educated in Plateau Academy and at the age of eighteen years began work as a clerk in the office of the Alliance Assurance Company in Montreal. During the twelve years he served the company he won promotion from time to time until he became chief clerk, his capability and fidelity thus winning him recognition and gaining for him substantial advancement. In 1903 he was appointed inspector for the Mount Royal Assurance Company and so continued until 1907, when he was appointed chief specific rating inspector of the Canadian Fire Underwriters Association. In 1908 he was appointed manager of the Montreal-Canada Fire Insurance Company, filling the position for two years, or until 1910, when he took up general agency work, now representing the Northwestern National Insurance Company, the Montreal-Canada Fire Insurance Company, the Anglo-American Fire Insurance Company, the Protection Fire Insurance Company and the Rimouski Fire Insurance Company, with offices in the Duluth building.

On the 12th of October, 1909, Mr. Dufresne was married to Miss Gabrielle Mathieu, and to them have been born two daughters, Jacqueline and Françoise. The family reside at No. 171 Esplanade Avenue, and Mr. Dufresne is a member of the St. Denis Club. Much of his life has been passed in the city where he now resides, and his admirable traits of character, as well as his business ability, have gained him firm hold on the regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated.

CHARLES ALBERT DUCLOS.

The name of Charles Albert Duclos figures in professional circles in Montreal as that of a lawyer whose ability has won for him a large clientage. He is a man of scholarly attainments, which, added to his knowledge of the law, has gained him prestige among the successful advocates of the city. A native of Joliette, P. Q., he was born on the 3d of August, 1861, his parents being the Rev. R. P. and Sophie A. Jeaureneaud Duclos. The father was a French-Canadian, while the mother was born in Switzerland. The Rev. R. P. Duclos has devoted his life to the work of the ministry as a representative of the Presbyterian church. Realizing the value of education as a factor for success in any chosen field of labor, the father provided his son with good opportunities in that direction and, after attending the Montreal high school, Charles A. Duclos entered McGill University, in which he pursued the arts course, winning the B. A. degree in 1881, and then entered upon the study of law, winning the B. C. L. degree, with the Elizabeth Torrance gold medal in 1884. His high standing in scholarship constituted the basis upon which his friends builded their belief in his successful future, and the faith which they manifested has found justification in his professional career. Following his graduation he at once entered upon active practice in Montreal, where he has remained continuously since. Aside from his practice he is the vice president of the Ross Realty Company, which was organized in 1906, and in that connection he has displayed sound business judgment and enterprise.

In June, 1889, Mr. Duclos was united in marriage to Isabella Spence, a daughter of G. M. Holbrook, of Ottawa, and they reside at No. 488 Elm Avenue, Westmount. Mr. Duclos’ fellow citizens of Westmount called him to the office of mayor, in which he served in 1905-6, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He is a conservative in politics, and he stands for all that means progress along material, intellectual, political and moral lines. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His social connections are with St. James, Canada, Royal Montreal Golf, St. George Snowshoe Clubs, of Montreal; and the Rideau Club, of Ottawa. Appreciative of the social amenities of life and readily recognizing and appreciating these qualities in others, he has gained many friends in these organizations. However, he regards the practice of law as his real life work and bends his energies, in major part, toward his professional duties. He was created king’s counsel in 1903, and the years of his active practice now cover nearly three decades--years in which he has made continuous advancement as the result of constantly developing power in the line of his chosen profession.

REV. CANON JOHN MACPHERSON ALMOND.

Rev. Canon John Macpherson Almond, rector of Trinity church, Montreal, is a man whose practical piety has been demonstrated in many ways, as a traveling missionary, on the field of battle, in the pulpit and in quiet work among his people. His name stands as a synonym for sincerity of purpose, upright living and breadth of mind, and his accomplishments have already been important enough to form a notable part of the history of the Anglican church in Canada. Canon Almond was born in Shigawake, Quebec province, July 27, 1872, and is a son of James and Mary Ann (Macpherson) Almond. He studied in the University of Bishop’s College at Lennoxville, from which he was graduated B. A. in 1894 and M. A. in 1901. He was ordained deacon in the Anglican church in 1896 and priest in the following year, being stationed first as a missionary in Labrador and becoming afterward traveling missionary for the Quebec diocese. In October, 1899, he was commissioned chaplain to the Royal Canadian Regiment and accompanied it to South Africa, where he was chaplain to the Nineteenth Brigade, composed of the Gordons, Cornwalls, Shropshires and Canadians. His conduct during the campaign received high praise, more particularly in connection with his attendance on the enteric fever patients at Bloemfontein, and he was given a medal for courageous and untiring work in all conditions of danger both from the enemy and from disease and discomfort.

Returning to Canada in December, 1900, Canon Almond was made assistant curate at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Quebec, and as such remained one year, after which he was appointed rector at Grand Mere. In 1904 he was transferred to Montreal, where he has since filled the position of rector of Trinity church, winning the love, respect and confidence of his parishioners and the high regard of all who have an opportunity of knowing his honorable and upright life. Canon Almond is a preacher of great power and forcefulness and has won a wide reputation as a speaker, delivering among others the oration at the decoration of the soldiers’ graves in Montreal on Victoria Day, 1905. He was elected president of the South African Veterans Association of Montreal in 1908 and of the Last Post Association two years later. Since March, 1911, he has held the office of chaplain, with the honorary rank of captain, in the Sixth Duke of Connaught’s Royal Canadian Hussars. In 1912 he was appointed chaplain of the Montreal jails. Archdeacon Ker has called him “a splendid preacher,” and the Toronto Globe speaks of him as “a man of zeal, practical piety and unselfishness, with a knack for executive work”--tributes which he has won by most able and untiring work in many fields. Canon Almond was married in October, 1901, to Nellie Estelle, daughter of H. G. Beemer of Quebec.

WILLIAM LANGLEY BOND, K. C.

William Langley Bond, one of the well known advocates of Montreal, belongs to an old Canadian family, his parents being Lieutenant Colonel Frank and Mary (Scott) Bond. Colonel Bond is a well known financial agent and stockbroker of Montreal and is the eldest son of the late Archbishop Bond, Primate of All Canada, and Eliza (Langley) Bond. The father has been connected with banking and financial interests for many years and has also been prominent in military life.

William L. Bond was born in Montreal, January 20, 1873. He attended the high school in Montreal and then entered McGill University, from which he received the degree of B. A. in 1894 and of B. C. L. in 1897. In 1898 he became an advocate and shortly thereafter a member of the legal firm of Atwater, Duclos, Bond & Meagher, of Montreal. Among the famous cases which he argued was the Cantin case, which was tried before Jl. Comte, P. C., England. In November, 1911, he was appointed a K. C.

For a number of years Mr. Bond was captain and adjutant of the Prince of Wales Fusiliers. He is also honorary treasurer of the Province of Quebec Rifle Association. In his religious faith he is an Anglican and was elected lay secretary of the Montreal Synod in 1907 and also church advocate. In 1910 he was made a governor of the Montreal Diocesan Theological College. Mr. Bond is prominent in club life, being a member of the committee of St. James, and a member of the Reform, the Arts, and the Winter Clubs. He is a great friend of outdoor sports and the lines along which he seeks recreation are indicated by his membership in the Royal Montreal Golf Club, the Montreal Curling Club and the Forest and Stream. He also belongs to the Montreal Military Institute and is an honorary member of the Polo and Country Club.

ROBERT ANDERSON BECKET.

Robert Anderson Becket, did much to promote musical talent, directly assisting many young musicians, and thus his loss was distinctly felt in musical circles, when death called him on the 6th of May, 1910. He had passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life’s journey, his birth having occurred in Scotland, December 30, 1834. His father, James Becket, came to Canada with his family in 1841 and was connected with the customs department at Montreal, where Robert A. pursued his education in private schools. He was a young man in his twenty-fourth year, when on January 11, 1858, he wedded Anne Wilson, born in Bellemeana, Ireland, a daughter of Samuel Wilson.

Robert A. Becket had made his initial step in business as bookkeeper for his uncle, J. C. Becket, on St. James Street in Montreal, but in the year of his marriage, removed to Belleville, Ontario, where he embarked in business on his own account conducting a music and stationery store, for about eight years, or until 1866, when he returned to this city and became manager for the D. Morris Ice Company. Some time passed and he became owner of this enterprise, in which connection he built up a large and profitable business. He organized a joint stock company called the City Ice Company, Limited, and devoted all of his time to the conduct of his business, carefully directing its interests. He was a progressive man and was especially active along musical lines, doing much to help young musicians. He was also a prominent figure in quartet and choir work and there was perhaps, no one who did more to stimulate among the young, a love for music of the higher class, than Mr. Becket.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Becket were born twelve children, of whom five are living: Christina A.; Dr. George C., of East Orange, New Jersey; Ralph A., of Montreal; Fred M., of Niagara Falls, New York; and Frank W., of New York. The family attend the Erskine church, of which Mr. Becket was a prominent member and elder, his religious faith constituting the root from which sprang his many good deeds, wrought along lines of continuous benefit to his fellowmen.

HAROLD EARLE WALKER.

Harold Earle Walker, practicing at the bar of Montreal as a member of the law firm of Chauvin, Baker & Walker, was born in Westmount, Quebec, in 1882. His father, James Robert Walker, a native of the city of Quebec, became senior partner of the well known firm of J. R. Walker & Company of Montreal and is not only well known in business circles but also through his active connection with public affairs. At one time he was mayor of Westmount and has taken an active part in furthering matters of civic virtue and civic pride. He married Agnes Cooper Earle.