Part 43

Church activities vied with business interests in claiming the attention and energies of Walter Norton Evans, who died on the 23d of October, 1896. He was born at Wolverhampton, England, in 1837, and after pursuing his education there, came as a young man to Canada. His father, Samuel Norton Evans, also a native of England, crossed the Atlantic to the American continent and spent the last years of his life in retirement in Guelph, Ontario. In business circles Walter N. Evans made for himself a creditable place. He became cashier of the firm of Frothingham & Workman, and was one of the executives of the Thomas Workman building. His identification with the above interests covered a period of nearly a third of a century. His name became a synonym for reliability as well as energy in business circles. Men came to know that they could depend upon him, that what he promised he would do and that he would improve his opportunities not only for his own benefit but for the welfare of those things in which he was concerned.

In 1864 Mr. Evans was married in Montreal to Miss Nora Hunter, a daughter of the Rev. Stephenson Hunter, a minister of the Unitarian church of England. They became parents of five children: Nevil Norton Evans, professor of chemistry in McGill University; Mabel Norton, who is Mrs. George. C. Wright, of Ottawa; Dr. Percy Norton Evans, professor of chemistry in Purdue University, at Lafayette, Indiana; Lillian Norton, the wife of Professor Henry Martyn MacKay, head of the civil engineering department at McGill University; and Miss Gladys Norton Evans, at home.

Mr. Evans was deeply interested in affairs of public moment, kept well informed concerning the claims of vital interest and gave his indorsement to many measures that are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. For many years he was prominently and actively connected with the Unitarian church and for a long period served as superintendent of its Sunday school. High were the ideals which his life activities embodied and the name which he left to posterity is an honored one.

HON. LAURENT OLIVIER DAVID.

Hon. Laurent Olivier David, senator and journalist, possesses a statesmanlike grasp of affairs that has enabled him to handle important public questions in a manner that has largely influenced public opinion. Prominent and active, however, as he has been in the field of journalism and in politics, literature is perhaps his real life work and his writings will endure for years to come, especially the important historical volumes of which he is the author. A native of Sault au Récollet, Quebec, he was born March 24, 1840, a son of Major Stanislas and Elizabeth (Tremblay) David. He pursued his education in St. Therese College and after thorough preparation for law practice was called to the bar in 1864. While yet a law student he entered the field of newspaper publication in the founding of Le Colonisateur, to which he was a contributor. He would undoubtedly have won prominence in the practice of law had he continued in that field, but the trend of his mind was rather for the discussion of public questions of vital significance and far-reaching importance. He was particularly interested in the question of the impending confederation which so altered the destiny of the Dominion. It was during the period of his early manhood that he became associated with Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and the friendship then formed between them has since existed. There was little indication at that period to show that Laurier, the young lawyer, who was forced to practice the most rigid economy, would in future years, as prime minister, guide the destinies of his country. Long after he had risen to prominence Mr. David became his biographer, his history of the eminent liberal leader being marked by delicate sympathy, inner knowledge and keen and subtle appreciation of character.

Continuing his activity in the journalistic field, Mr. David, in 1870, established and became chief editor of an illustrated weekly called L’Opinion Publique, which he left because he objected to the paper’s supporting the government on the question of the Pacific scandal. He made in that circumstance an important sacrifice of his personal interest. In this enterprise he was associated with Messrs. Mousseau and Desbarats. In 1874, in association with the late C. Beausoleil, M. P., he established Le Bien Public, which he discontinued when the Mackenzie government refused to raise the tariff more than a relatively small per cent, which Mr. David thought insufficient in view of the financial crisis then prevailing. His newspaper career as well as his natural interest brought him into close connection with the important political and other significant questions of the day, and his discussion thereof through the columns of the press did not a little in formulating public policy. His presentation of any subject was always clear and cogent. There was a piquant and compelling force in his style, and the development of his native powers and talents in the field of literature has made him one of Canada’s foremost representatives in authorship. During the brief interval between two epochs in his newspaper publication he acted as translator and assistant clerk of the votes and deliberations of the house of commons during the Mackenzie regime. This was the initial step of his activity in public office. He resigned the position in 1878 and afterward successfully practiced his profession in Montreal. In May, 1892, Mr. David was called to the office of city clerk of Montreal and was one of the revisers who drafted a new charter for the city in 1898.

In the meantime he was taking an active part in the discussion of many questions relative to the provincial and national welfare. Originally a supporter of the conservative party, he withdrew therefrom to join L’Union Nationale, an organization of young men pledged to oppose the confederacy of the provinces. Later he joined the liberal party under Dorion, Holton and Laflamme and was in full accord with their policy on all questions save that of protection to native industries, which he had always favored. For many years he has been an unswerving supporter of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, enjoying his personal friendship and political confidence in a supreme degree. In 1867 and 1875 he unsuccessfully contested Hochelaga (local) at the general election, and in 1878 contested Hochelaga for the house of commons, while in 1891 he contested Montreal East for the house of commons. He sat for Montreal East in the legislature from 1886 until 1890, when he retired because he was not entirely in accord with the policy of Mr. Mercier, his local leader. On the 19th of June, 1903, he was called to the senate by Lord Minto and has since taken an active part in shaping the legislative history of the country along the lines of progressive statesmanship. He moved the address in reply to the speech from the throne in 1905, and his speech was highly appreciated by the whole Canadian press. He has since moved on the subject of senate reform and on the subject of concerted measures for the restriction in Canada of indecent and immoral literature, and other subjects of vital interest to the general public. He declined appointment to the lieutenant governorship of the Northwest and it is said that he would have been appointed judge if he had been willing to accept the charge. He was also offered a judgeship in Montreal and refused.

It would be difficult to determine which has been the most important feature in the life record of the Hon. Laurent O. David. Much of his time has been devoted to authorship, in which field he has had marked influence aside from that which he has exerted in journalism. From his pen have come various important historical works, the titles and dates of publication being as follows: Biographies et Portraits (1876); Le Heros de Chateauguay (1883); Les Patriotes de 1837-8 (1884); Mes Contemporains (1894); Les Deux Papineau (1896), Le Clergé Canadien (do.), condemned at Rome and placed on the Index because of the strong position which he took against the intervention of the priest in political matters; L’Union de Deux Canadas 1841-67 (1898); Le Drapeau de Carillon, a drama (1901); Laurier et son Temps (1905); Histoire du Canada depuis la Confédération; and Souvenirs et Biographies (1910). He has also lately published biographies of Charles Le Moyne and of his illustrious sons, d’Iberville, de Bienville, etc. These biographies first appeared in La Presse but will later be issued in book form. He has frequently addressed the public from the platform on such important subjects as National Unity, A Page of Canadian History, etc., and is recognized as one of Canada’s most graceful and instructive writers as well as a much admired public speaker. The Toronto Club has characterized him as “a man of fine literary attainments and high views of national life” and the Toronto News wrote of him, “a man of sincere and enlightened views, excellent abilities and thoroughly informed upon public questions.”

Mr. David was married in 1868 to Mlle. Albina Chenet, who died in July, 1887. In 1892 he wedded Mlle. Ludivine Garceau. His children numbered one son and nine daughters. Next to his home, he holds dear the public interests and is prominently identified with the Society for the Protection of Women and Children of the province of Quebec. He is deeply and helpfully interested in all measures which seek the betterment of the community, and endeavors to shape the public welfare according to the highest ideals. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a knight of the Legion of Honor of France, having been appointed in 1911. He has deep attachment for the institutions of his native land, and it has been said of him that “next to his love of Canada is his love for the flag which protects him and his race in all that they hold dear and precious.” He often gives expression to his admiration for the English constitution and does not cease to repeat that it is the most perfect political system of government made by man. He has membership in the Canadian Club and in the Roman Catholic church. From early life he has been deeply interested in the conservation of the French language and customs, especially since the opening of the Northwest, which event seemed to threaten the extinction of the French-Canadians by foreign populations. Accordingly he associated himself with St. Jean Baptiste and other national societies, and it was as president of St. Jean Baptiste Society that he labored to erect the Monument National. Although considered a sincere patriot by his countrymen his patriotism is not narrow, and he is always ready to admire what is done by other people for the advancement and honor of their nationality. He often repeats that the existence of different nationalities in a country is an element of progress and civilization and that Canada cannot but benefit by the work along different lines of the representatives of two of the greatest nations of the world; that the maintenance of French nationality does not conflict with the keeping of British institutions. In his present position as city clerk of Montreal he has displayed admirable fitness resulting from habits of precision and wide knowledge of the civic situation, combined with the courtesy, urbanity and quiet dignity which have ever been among his marked characteristics. He has enjoyed widespread confidence in this position, discharging his duties without regard to partisanship, and the most malevolent have never dared to assail the integrity and honor of his course. His utterances may stir to public thought and action and then, having accomplished their purpose, are in a measure forgotten. His position as an author, however, is established for all time, and in this connection the Montreal Standard has written:

“As a writer he has gained the highest distinction. Like Keats, he has an instinct for fine words. As Goldwin Smith is in English, so Mr. David, among French-Canadians, is the most exquisite writer of his generation. Perhaps the chief charm of his prose lies in its exceeding clarity, and clearness is the first quality in a French writer. There is no man in Canada today who can better propound a synthesis; that also is a luminous feature of his style. But for elegance and clearness he has among his compatriots achieved a position of unique pre-eminence.”

ADRIEN LAFONTAINE.

Since the fall of 1912 Adrien Lafontaine has been engaged in law practice in Montreal. His offices are located at No. 13 La Patrie building and he makes his home at No. 1136 Galt Street, town of St. Paul, Montreal. He was born in the parish of St. Barthélemi, in the county of Berthier, on the 30th of November, 1887, a son of Edmond and Marie Louise (Denis) Lafontaine, the father a well known citizen of Montreal.

Adrien Lafontaine enjoyed a very thorough education. He attended the Academy of St. Barthélemi and from the College of Montreal obtained the degree of Bachelor of Letters in rhetoric and philosophy, studying there during the years 1908 and 1909 with the Fathers of St. Sulpice. He then entered Laval University of Montreal, where he pursued his legal studies and from which he graduated in 1912 as licentiate in law (LL. L.). On the 9th of July, 1912, he submitted to examinations before the chamber of notaries and was thereupon received as a notary, establishing himself as a practicing lawyer on the 30th of October, 1912. His excellent legal equipment gives promise of a distinguished career.

Mr. Lafontaine is interested in a loan company and a mining company. He has been a notary public since the 12th of July, 1912. On March 1, 1913, he joined the Independent Order of Foresters and has been elected to the office of secretary-treasurer of the Préfontaine Court of that organization. Since October 1, 1912, he has been vice president of the Parish Circle of the town of St. Paul. Mr. Lafontaine is prominent among the professional men of the city and has many friends among the younger generation of lawyers. He has already succeeded in gaining a great amount of confidence and good-will among the general public.

JAMES G. DAY.

James G. Day was born in Montreal, December 12, 1834. He had therefore passed the seventy-second milestone on life’s journey, when called to the home beyond. He was one in a family of nine children, whose father, John J. Day, was born in London, but came to Montreal and was one of the most active men of his time in the city. He was particularly interested in all things pertaining to its welfare and progress and his aid in public movements was of a beneficial character.

James G. Day was educated in Montreal and took the law course at McGill University. He was admitted to the bar in Montreal. He engaged in the practice of his profession until 1866, when he was compelled to abandon it because of poor health. After spending one year in the United States he returned to Montreal and became a member of the firm of Hutchins & Company, wholesale tea merchants, and there continued for a few years. He then engaged in the coal business until his failing health caused him to seek a change. He then located at Troy, New York, and there resumed the practice of law, so continuing until his death, January 6, 1907.

It was while a resident of the United States that he was married in Bloomington, Illinois, to Miss Ellen E. Lewis, a daughter of Dr. William Lewis, who was an English Army surgeon and spent twenty years in the West Indies. He was afterward stationed for a time at Halifax and subsequently removed to Chicago, where he lived prior to establishing a home in Morris, Grundy county, Illinois, where his remaining days were passed. He was very active in his profession, being recognized as an able and eminent medical practitioner.

Mr. and Mrs. Day had three sons: Dr. John L. Day, engaged in the practice of his profession in Westmount; Albert J. Day, who is with Greenshields & Company; and Maurice Baldwin Day, acting manager of the Bourbonniere branch of the Union Bank of Canada, at Montreal.

HENRY MILES.

Henry Miles in 1895 became one of the founders of the firm of Leeming, Miles & Company of Montreal, importers and manufacturers of drugs, chemicals and proprietary articles in the drug and grocery lines. He has since been an active factor in the successful control of the business and to other fields of activity has extended his efforts with equally desirable results. He was born in Lennoxville, P. Q., May 8, 1854. His father, the late Henry Hooper Miles, D. C. L., LL. D., a well known historian and for twenty-five years vice principal of Bishop’s College at Lennoxville, afterward became secretary of the Protestant section of the department of public instruction for the province. He married Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of Dr. William Wilson, of Sherbrooke, Quebec.

In the Lennoxville grammar school their son Henry Miles pursued his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the high school of Quebec and in the Laval Normal School of the same city. His early business experience came to him through association with the firm of Lyman, Sons & Company, of which he became manager and managing partner, his association with the house continuing from 1870 until 1895, when he separated his interests and in the latter year organized the firm of Leeming, Miles & Company of Montreal for the importation and manufacture of drugs, chemicals and proprietary articles in both the drug and grocery lines. After continuing for a considerable period as managing partner he was elected to the presidency of the company on incorporation. He is also engaged in the manufacture of medicines as proprietor of a business conducted under the style of Dick & Company and he is publisher and editor of the Montreal Pharmaceutical Journal. Even this does not compass the extent of his business activity, for he is president of the National Hydro-Electric Company, Ltd., and managing director of the Carillon Construction & Development Company, Ltd.

Moreover, Mr. Miles is actively and helpfully interested in organizations for the benefit of trade and business conditions. He is a member of the Chambre de Commerce, was treasurer of the Montreal Board of Trade in 1897-98, was vice president in 1899-1900 and in 1901 became president. The present magnificent Board of Trade building stands as a monument to his energy. He is still an active member of the organization, and since 1901 he has been president of the Montreal Business Men’s League, which has been instrumental in effecting many municipal and other reforms. He is likewise president of the Proprietary Articles Trade Association of Canada, secretary-treasurer of the Montreal Industrial Exhibition Association and in 1900 was a delegate to the International Commercial Congress at Philadelphia. In 1905 he was honorary treasurer of the Hon. John Young Monument Committee. Aside from all these interests of a semi-public character his activities have been salient features in the attainment of success for other organizations and for the public good. He has filled the office of justice of the peace and is consul in Canada for Paraguay. He was one of the founders of the Montreal Philharmonic Society and for a time was director of Trinity church choir, both of which indicate his deep interest in music. He represented the Montreal Board of Trade at the funeral of King Edward in London, England, in May, 1910. Fraternally he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, in sympathy with the purposes of those organizations. His religious faith is that of the Anglican church, and he was for many years warden of Trinity church and the Church of St. James the Apostle. He has also been a member of the synod. His political belief is that of the liberal party. He belongs to the Canada, Montreal and Country Clubs, and those who meet him in these different organizations find him a social, genial companion. He has been a thorough and discriminating student of many questions that pertain to Canada and her welfare, carrying his researches far and wide. In 1880 he was the author of the Prize Questions in Canadian History, having won the first prize, and in 1900 he published an Address on Commercial Education, indicating deep insight into and thorough knowledge of the question. He made the customs’ tariff a special study for years and has written much on that subject.

Mr. Miles was married in 1875 to Miss McGregor, of Montreal. Nature endowed him with qualities, which developed through persistent energy and laudable ambition, have brought him into prominent relations. Inheriting the strong intellectual force of worthy ancestry, he has developed his talents and his powers not only in the control and enlargement of important business interests, but also along lines in which the general public has been the beneficiary.

REV. DAVID BENSON ROGERS.

Rev. David Benson Rogers, since 1911 rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Montreal, was born in Watford, Ontario, and is a son of John B. Rogers of that city. He acquired his preliminary education in the public schools there and after graduating from the Watford high school entered McGill University from which he was graduated with the degree of B. A. and with first class honors in mental and moral philosophy, in 1906. Continuing his studies he received the degree of M. A. in 1909 and in the same year that of Licentiate in Theology from the Montreal Diocesan Theological College. He was made deacon in the Episcopal church in 1908 and received full orders in 1909 and in the former year was appointed assistant in Grace church, Montreal. In this position he did sincere and earnest work until 1911 when his ability and zeal were recognized in his appointment as rector of St. Luke’s church. He possesses true religious zeal, is earnest, God-fearing and unostentatious in the discharge of his duties and has already accomplished a great deal of consecrated work among his people whose love he holds in large measure. He is moreover a man of initiative spirit and administrative ability, and under his able management the business affairs of the church have been carried forward in an orderly and systematic manner.

On the 19th of April, 1911, Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Florence Ethel Hurd, eldest daughter of Henry Hurd of Montreal. Mr. Rogers is widely and favorably known in Montreal among his own people and among those of all denominations, and his influence is felt as a potent force in the moral development of the community. The doctrines which he professes he consistently practices, and at all times his life has been actuated by high and honorable purposes and characterized by kindly actions and consideration for others. He realizes fully the obligations which devolve upon him and finds it a privilege to bring his fellowmen to a knowledge of truth and an understanding of those principles of life which bring men into more harmonious relations with the divine law.

CHARLES H. MAGUIRE.