Part 76

The family removed to Montreal during the Doctor’s boyhood and both parents passed away in this city. Two brothers of Dr. Fortier are still living: one, Dr. Joseph Emile, is one of the busiest medical practitioners of Montreal; the other, Joseph Auguste, a well known writer, after having traveled all around the world settled in India about fifteen years ago, and is principal and superintendent of the Agha Engineering School, in Fyzabad, Oudh.

Dr. Fortier was educated in the Jesuit College of Montreal, after which he studied medicine in Victoria University, being graduated therefrom with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1889. He was at once appointed demonstrator of anatomy at Victoria University and physician to the Hospital Hôtel-Dieu. These positions he filled in addition to attending to his private practice, which has been extensive from the beginning, and he has been regular physician to the Hôtel-Dieu since 1889. After some years devoted to active practice, he further continued the study of his profession in Paris and London, coming in touch with the work of eminent physicians and surgeons in both cities. He ranks high in hospital work and is widely recognized as a learned and able member of the profession, who is constantly promoting his knowledge through reading, research and investigation. He is also classed with the able educators and at the present time is professor of pharmacology and therapeutics in Laval University.

A scholar and a good writer, Dr. Fortier has been during many years editor of La Gazette Médicale de Montréal, the official organ of the Victoria University Medical School in Montreal before the affiliation of this school with Laval University. Since that time, besides many valuable contributions to medical reviews, Dr. Fortier published a few years ago a Handbook of Medicine for Nurses, and last year a Manual of Pharmacology,--according to the British Pharmacopœia, this last book being especially for the use of students and young practitioners.

Dr. Fortier is an active social worker and is particularly interested in the work of medical dispensaries. He is now medical director of the Institut Bruchési, founded for the treatment of tubercular patients; medical superintendent of the Sacred Heart Hospital for the Indians, at Caughnawaga; and chief director of the dispensaries of l’Assistance Maternelle, instituted to provide attendance to the sick women of the poorer classes.

Dr. Fortier married Miss Emma Mathieu of Lachenaie and to them have been born two sons, Louis Edouard and Jacques Emile. Madame Fortier belongs to one of the oldest French-Canadian families of this country and is favorably known in social as well as charitable circles of this city.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSEPH P. COOKE.

On the list of those whom death has recently called appears the name of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. Cooke, whose career in political and military life was a notable one. Liberal educational opportunities and thorough training qualified him for the bar, and he was recognized as an able and learned member of the profession. His abilities recommended him for political leadership and he was called to important public offices. Quebec numbered him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Drummondville in 1858. His father was Valentine Cooke and his grandfather, an officer in the army, received a land grant from the British government in recognition of his services.

Lieutenant Colonel Cooke attended St. Francis College in Richmond, there pursuing his more specifically literary education, while in McGill University he prepared for the bar and was graduated B. C. L. in 1880. The following year he was called to the bar of Montreal and entered upon active practice in partnership with Charles Brookes, K. C. Subsequently he began practice independently and was widely recognized as a strong and able lawyer, whose legal counsel was sound and whose powers of discrimination and analyzation enabled him to readily master all the details of his cases and win success in their conduct. In 1893 he was created king’s counsel.

While in the practice of law Colonel Cooke passed far beyond the point of mediocrity and won place with the capable members of the Montreal bar. He was also active as a political leader and participated in many of the contests of his day. Originally his support was given the conservative party and as its candidate he won the seat for Drummond county in 1892, remaining a member of the provincial house throughout the session. He was ever fearless in support of his honest convictions, however, and when he was led to change his opinions by reason of his study of political conditions and situations he did not hesitate to become a liberal and in 1897 contested the seat for St. Lawrence division, but was defeated by A. W. Atwater, K. C. Soon after the election he was named crown prosecutor and acted in that capacity with Rudolph Lemieux, K. C. He was succeeded in the position by Edmund Guerin, K. C., now the Hon. Justice Guerin. In 1907 Colonel Cooke was named registrar for Montreal West and continued in that position until his demise. While in the legislature he was instrumental in securing the passage of a bill prohibiting the sale or use of tobacco or opium to or by minors. He never hesitated to advocate the principles which he deemed beneficial measures in good government or factors in the welfare and progress of city and province.

Colonel Cooke’s connection with military affairs began when he joined the volunteer militia service, in which he was advanced through positions of minor rank until he assumed command of the First Regiment, Prince of Wales Fusiliers. After five years, or in 1903, he retired and was placed on the R. O. with his rank. He commanded the Bisley team in 1898. In 1902 Colonel Cooke was presented to the present king and queen at St. James’ palace. He was also presented to King Edward and by invitation was present in Westminster Abbey at the coronation of the late King Edward and Queen Alexandra in 1902.

In 1880 Colonel Cooke married Miss Helen Grace Burnett, a niece of the late Archbishop Bond, and they became the parents of a daughter and two sons. Violet Burnett; Herbert G., who was educated in the city schools and McGill University and is connected with the office of registrar of Montreal West; A. Douglas, educated in the city schools and McGill University, is now connected with the engineering department of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He married Nita K. Wallace. The death of Colonel Cooke occurred on the 28th of July, 1913, when he was but fifty-five years of age. His record is one of usefulness in the public service, of devotion to the interests of his clients and of fidelity to the ties of home and friendship.

EDMUND HOLYOKE HEWARD.

A few years prior to his death Edmund Holyoke Heward of Montreal retired from active business. He had been prominently connected with banking interests, and his colleagues remember him as a man of progressive spirit and marked capacity for handling the multiplicity of details as well as the principal features that arise in connection with the banking business. The family name figures in the military history of the country. His grandfather, Stephen Heward, was in command of a force of men at the capture of Fort Detroit. The father, Augustus Heward, was associated with Lieutenant Colonel Osborne Smith in founding the Victoria Volunteer Rifles, now the Third Victoria Rifles, of which Lieutenant Colonel Smith became the first commander, while Mr. Heward became the first major, but subsequently succeeded to the command.

Edmund H. Heward was born in the family residence at Cote des Neiges, in 1841. He was educated under Dr. Howe at the Montreal high school and entered into the wholesale hardware business of Mulholland & Baker when in his teens. His initial business experience came through several years’ connection with that house, at the end of which time he entered the service of the Merchants Bank of Canada, with which he was associated for more than thirty years. Gradual advancement brought him to an eminent position in banking circles. He possessed unusual ability in co-ordinating forces and unifying elements into a harmonious whole. For some time he was manager of the St. Johns (Quebec) branch of the bank, but afterward returned to Montreal and established the Notre Dame Street branch and later the St. Catherine West branch of the same bank. As the years passed on every feature of the banking business became familiar to him, and his thorough understanding thereof was manifest in his executive direction and capable control. He retired a few years prior to his death, possessed of a handsome competence that was the legitimate and logical reward of his effort and capability.

Mr. Heward married Miss Alice Ward, a daughter of the late Hon. J. K. Ward of Montreal, and unto them were born six children. Mr. Heward joined his father’s old regiment, the Victoria Rifles, with which he went to the front in the last Fenian raid and was present at the affair at Pigeon Hill. He was a handsome man of fine physique and unfailing courtesy--a gentleman of the old school. His death on May 17, 1910, occasioned deep regret in both the business and social circles of Montreal.

ROBERT BRUCE TAYLOR, D. D.

Rev. Robert Bruce Taylor, author and minister of the gospel and since 1911 pastor of St. Paul’s Presbyterian church in Montreal, was born in Cardross, Scotland, October 22, 1869. He acquired his education in Glasgow University, from which he was graduated M. A. with the class of 1890, and he afterward was a student in the Free Church College. After completing this course he entered Gottingen University and later studied Arabic at Beirut and Damascus. He was a student in three German theological schools and prepared most thoroughly for his chosen life work. After his ordination he was placed in charge of the Loudoun Free Church in Ayrshire and was transferred from there to Ferryhill, Aberdeen. His third charge was at St. John’s Wood, London, England, whence in 1911 he came to Montreal, assuming his present duties as pastor of St. Paul’s Presbyterian church. This is one of the oldest Presbyterian congregations in the city, having been organized in 1832 by Edward Black, D. D. The church was located on St. Helen’s Street until 1867, in January of which year the erection of the present edifice was begun. The church was dedicated September 27, 1868, and cost $100,000. The first pastor, Dr. Edward Black, died in May, 1845, and was succeeded by Robert McGill, who passed away in 1856. Dr. Snodgrass then had charge of the congregation until 1864 and his successor was Dr. Jenkins, who remained in charge from 1865 to 1881. Dr. Barkley did able and capable work from 1883 until 1910, being succeeded by Rev. Robert Bruce Taylor, the present incumbent. The congregation has numbered among its members such distinguished men as Lord Strathcona and Lord Mount Stephen and it numbers now eight hundred souls. Its affairs are in a flourishing and prosperous condition for Dr. Taylor administers them ably and in a way which shows him a man of excellent executive and organizing power as well as a zealous and untiring religious worker. He has organized a club of girls working in stores in the city and has also a Men’s Club, both of which organizations have been fruitful of much good.

Dr. Taylor married a daughter of Professor McKendrick, LL. D., of Glasgow, Scotland, and both are well known in social circles in Montreal. Dr. Taylor is a writer of considerable reputation and besides being the author of a book on Economics, written for the Student Christian Movement, has contributed largely to serial publications on religious and historical topics, accomplishing such able and farsighted work in the interests of his religion that he has been called “the crown jewel of a Presbyterian minister.”

CHARLES AUGUSTE DE LOTBINIERE HARWOOD, K. C.

Charles Auguste de Lotbinière Harwood, a lawyer of the Montreal bar, who prepared for practice at McGill and is now a member of the well known firm of Lighthall & Harwood, was born at Vaudreuil, P. Q., August 2, 1869, his parents being Robert William and Charlotte (McGillis) Harwood. The father was member of parliament for Vaudreuil in the house of commons from 1872 until 1878. The mother was a daughter of John McGillis, laird of Williamstown, Glengarry, Ontario. The Harwoods are closely connected with the de Lotbinière family and are seigneurs of Vaudreuil.

Liberal educational opportunities equipped Charles A. Harwood for the duties of a professional career. He was educated at St. Laurent College and Laval University. His professional training was received at McGill University, from which he was graduated B. C. L. in 1893. He became an advocate in 1895 and is now actively engaged in the practice of his profession in Montreal as a member of the law firm of Lighthall & Harwood. His ability is evidenced in the success which has attended his efforts in the trial of important cases, which he has ever prepared with great thoroughness and care. In October, 1911, he was made a king’s counsel, his ability thus winning recognition.

In politics Mr. Harwood is a liberal-conservative, and his activity in behalf of the principles in which he believes has been an effective force in the attainment of success. He served as secretary of the Conservative Association in the county of Vaudreuil and became a recognized leader of his party. He has been intimately connected with the municipal reform movements of Montreal and served first as a director, then as recording secretary and is now serving as vice president of the Montreal Citizens’ Association.

In September, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Harwood and Miss Marie Adelaide Masson, a daughter of the late Hon. L. R. Masson, lieutenant governor of Quebec. They reside at No. 162 Hutchison Street, Montreal, and have a summer home, Les Chenaux, at Vaudreuil. Mr. Harwood belongs to the Liberal-Conservative Club of Montreal and is a past president of the Cartier Club of Montreal. He also has membership in the Historical Landmarks Association, and after having been for many years honorary recording secretary is now a vice president of the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal. He has delved deep into the historic past and is the author of various valuable historical papers, including one entitled The Fort Garry Convention. His religious belief is that of the Roman Catholic church. A man of broad intelligence and high ideals, his life record has counted for much in the field of professional and scientific progress.

MAJOR DAVID SEATH.

Major David Seath occupies an important position in the public service of the Dominion as secretary and treasurer of the harbor commission of Montreal. He is a son of the late Robert Seath, a wholesale clothing merchant of Montreal, and Margaret (Stephen) Seath. Born in Montreal on May 9, 1847, he subsequently attended the high school in this city and the parish school at Ste. Rose, province of Quebec. In 1864 he entered the employ of his father and subsequently became connected with the firm of Tyre, Perkins & Lajoie, accountants and assignees, of which he subsequently became a member under the firm style of Lajoie, Seath & Perrault, which was formed in 1877. The firm also was for a time known under the style of Thibaudeau & Seath, and of this firm our subject was a partner until 1895. From that year until 1898 he was president and manager of the Perrault Printing Company. At that time he was also a member of the board of license commissioners of Montreal. In 1898 he was appointed secretary and treasurer of the harbor commissioners board of Montreal, which office he has ever since held. His public record is one to be highly commended.

Mr. Seath is a justice of the peace and has to his credit a long military career in the volunteer service, his years of active duty comprising those between 1864 and 1905. He joined the Victoria Rifles as a private in 1864 and took part in the Fenian raid in 1866 and 1870, receiving in the latter year the medal and two clasps. During that time, in 1867, he was gazetted lieutenant in the Sixth Regiment, Hochelaga Light Infantry. He attained the rank of captain in the Sixth Fusiliers and in 1905 rejoined this regiment, known as the “Prince of Wales’,” as paymaster with the honorary rank of major, retiring in the same year. Besides his Fenian raids medals and clasps, he holds the colonial auxiliary forces officers’ long service decoration. He was instrumental in having the services of the volunteers for the Fenian raids recognized by the government. Besides acting as justice of the peace he is also commissioner for receiving affidavits from outside the province of Ontario to be used in Ontario and is commissioner of the superior court of the province of Quebec.

Major Seath was married in September, 1904, to Miss Emma A. Fish, of Westmount, on which occasion he was presented with a valuable service of plate by the Montreal harbor commissioners. In religious faith he is an Anglican and his political convictions incline him towards the liberal party. Mr. Seath stands high in Freemasonry, having attained the thirty-second degree. He has been grand registrar of the grand lodge of Quebec and grand scribe, grand treasurer and grand first principal of the grand chapter of Quebec. He is a Knight Templar and an officer of the A. & A. Scotish Rite. The family residence is at 95 Mackay Street, Montreal. Hon. Robert Mackay, the distinguished statesman and man of affairs, says of him: “An officer of long and faithful service who was and is always at his post”; and this statement expresses his faithfulness to duty perhaps better than anything that could be said in addition.

ALBERT E. DE LORIMIER, K. C.