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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Bought with the income
of the
RICHARD S. FELLOWES FUND

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

INCLUDING

The Streets of Montreal.

%hziT Origin and History.

ILLUSTRATED

REV. J. DOUGLAS BORTHWICK, LL.D. — F.C.C.S.

AUTHOR OP
" Antonomasias of History and Geography^' — '' Cyclopedia of History and Gcoqrapkv," — " The
British America?t Reader," — '^ The plarp of (Jaiiaaii " — ^^ Battles of the JForld," — "Every
Man's Mine of Useful Ivno-u'led^e,'" — '' Elementary Geography of Canada f — '' Hisioryi
of Scottish Song," — ^^ Montreal ^ Its History and Biographical Album" — '' The
Tourist's Guide to thc Waterfalls of Canada," — •' Borth-^'ick Castle," — " History
of the Montreal Prison," — " History of Cypnis," — " History of India," — " Summer
Rambles in Scotland and England in 1888 ," — '' The Commercial Register," —
" Biographical Gazetteer of Montreal," — " History of Old Nova-Scotia <jv."

"CONCJORDIA SALUS

MONTREAL 1897.

PUBLISHED BY
D. GALLAGHER
AND PRINTED BY [
FULTON & RICHARDS.
MONTREAL.

HIS HONOR R. WILSON-SMITH, Esq.
MAYOR OF MONTREAL.

DEDICATION.

To His Honor R. Wilsox-S.mith, Esq.,
Mayor of Montreal.
I am very much pleased to be able to dedicate this important work,
on the " History of Montreal and The Origin and History of Its Streets
with the Old Signs and Signboards," to you as tlie First Citizen of our
Metropolitical Oity.
Your position fully demonstrates that the Citizens of ^lontreal had
such confidence in your abilities that they intrusted to your keeping, the
highest gift in their power to bestow, and your many acts of a public
nature and felicitous replies therein, fully bear out, that it was not
misplaced — whilst your numerous deeds of charity to "all sorts and
conditions of men " — as clearly show, tliat a generous and sympathetic
heart beats under a true and loyal Irish breast.
May Providence spare you for years to come, so that higher offices,
social and political, may jet be yours, still you will always have the
satisfaction, that whilst you were Mayor of Montreal, thousands of your
fellow Citizens appreciated the^ good you have done to the community at
large, in the advance of our grand Metropolis and the proud recollection
that you were one of the most successful of her many Mayors who have
worn the "Mayor's Chain." J. DOUGLA.S BORTHWICK, LL. D and F. C C. .S.
Montreal, December, 1897.

PREFACE.

Many histories and pamphlets have in the past, been published on
Montreal. This one is different from them all in the arrangement and immense
amount of new historical matter which is placed, not in a continuous
history, but in that of the different streets, where the events occurred ;
and it is illustrated by a larger number of governmental, civic and other
buildings as found therein than in any other work ever published.
Another feature is that part of it is printed in the French
language — especially the Notes on Montreal — written for an earlier
work of the Author's by a very distinguished member of the Seminary
of St. Sulpice. He is now dead, but none vs^ho knew him, his kind char
acter and heart, his simple, winning ways and depth of learning — but
loved him.
There are found, too, in this volume many' items of useful
information and curious things, which I have alone the honor of having
made public — and that by many weary months of research in the
records and documents of the Court House and Jail ot Montreal.
Added lo all this — an interesting article will be found on the "Old
Signs and Signboards of Montreal " — up to the date when the Civic
Order went into force — that none should henceforth portrude into the
streets. Rare and interesting material has also been added in the history of
certain streets. Our well-known citizen, P. S. Murphy, Esq., has been
most energetic in procuring some of these scenes and historical dates.
Two from his own pen are peculiarly acceptable viz : — " The Red Cross "
and " The McTavish House." To him I am under deep obligation for his
kindness and help in the work, procuring for rae such papers and plans
that no one else could get — thus rendering this volume the best of Old
and Modern Montreal, which has ever issued from the Press of this
City. The Diamond Jubilee History of the Queen's Reign has been written
by many writers, both here and in Great Britain. This volume will add
to the number and will show^ the wonderful strides which our City has
made since the Queen ascended the Throne in 1837. It will also tell

of events now almost unknown or forgotten, and of the years uiiich
preceded her Ascension even to the foundation of Montreal.
To the Honorable Judge Pagneulo, I tender my hearty thanks, who
has placed all the outs of the Maisonneuve Monument Memorial 8,t my
disposal, by which the work is so well illustrated at that particular
occasion. To the officials of the Grand Trunk and Canadian Pacific Railways
lam under deep obligations, for their fine su])i)lies of cut^, enabling me
to give to the public, beautiful views of some of Montreal's most interest
ing scenery. Last, but by no means the least, many thanks are due to
our Worthy Mayor, R. Wilson-Smith, Esq., for his kindness at the
commencement of getting up the "work.
I sincerely hope that the reading of the book Avill afford as much
real pleasure to the general public as it has given me, in tho preparation
of its pages and that its records will, in the future, be the means of
making clear, many disputed points, respecting the location, history and
origin of many of the old habitations and public buildings of Old
Montreal.
J. DOUGLAS BORTHWICK, L.LD.
Montreal, December 1897.

igt®!'^ ©f IfloKtredl.

Tiy the flrst missionaries sent out to Canada from Prance, it was soon
perceived, that the occupation of the Island of Montreal was an object
of the greatest importance, if the French wished to retain authority in
the Island ; but " The Company " in France were un^x illing to second
their views in this respect. It fell, therefore, to the lot of some private
individuals to accomplish this design. Several persons formed them
selves into a Society, for the purpose of colonizing the Island. The
greater pait of the Island had been granted to ^Messrs. Charrier and Le
Royer, "whether disposed of by them or forfeited to the Cro\\'n does not
appear from auy official record that has been preserved. The king,
however, ceded the w hole of it, in 1611, to this Society, ^\'ho took
formal possession of it. The following year M. de Maisonneuve, one of
the Associatps, brought out several families fiom France, and was
appointed Governor of the Island. The ceremony of the founding of
Montreal was celebrated on the l^th of August 1042, a number of
French and Indians ANere present, aud nothing was omitted which could
give to the natives a lofty idea of the Christian Religion. Thus a •• few
houses," as Bouchette observes, '¦ built close together in the year 1042
on the site of the Indian village of Hochelaga, was the commencement of
the City of Montreal, or, as it was first named, -Ville Marie." Parkman,
the Historian, thus speaks of this interesting event : —
" Maisonneuve sprang ashore and fell on his knees. His followers
imitated his example ; and all joined their voices in enthusiastic songs of
thanksgiving. Tents, baggage, arms and stores, A\'ere landed. An altar
was raised on a pleasant spot near the landing and Mademoselle Mance,
with Madame de la Peltrie, aided by her servant, Charlotte Barre,
decorated it with a taste which was the admiration of the beholders.
Now all the company gathered before the Shrine. Here stood Vimont
in the rich vestments of his office. Here were the two ladies with their
servant; Montmagny and Maisonneuve, a warlike figure, erect and
tall — his men clustering around him. They kneeled in reverent silence as
The Host was raised aloft ; and when the rite was over, the priest turned
and addressed them : " You are a grain of mustard seed that shall rise
and grow till its branches overshadow the earth. You are few, but this
work is the work o f God. His smile is on you, and your children shall
fill the land."

12 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.
Of the truth of this good man's prophecy, we, living 260 years after
wards, have an abundant proof. The small mustard seed, has indeed
become a great tree, and the various nations of the Old World have
lodged and are lodging in the branches thereof.
" The afternoon waned; the sun sank behind the western forest and
twilight came on. Fireflies were twinkling over the darkened meadow.
They caught them, tied them with threads into shining festoons and
hung them before the altar. Then they pitched their tents, lighted their
fires, stationed their guards, and lay down to rest. Such was the
birthnight of Montreal."
Another writer, Sandham says thus :—" The following morning they
proceeded to form their encampment — the first tree being felled by
Maisonneuve. They worked with such energy that, by the evening,
they had erected a strong palisade, and had covered their altar with a
roof made of bark. On the evening of this memorable day, Maisonneuve
visited the Mountain. The unbounded tract that opened itself to his
view discovered to him dark, thick, and deep forests, w^hose height alone
was a proof of their antiquity. Large rivers came down from a
considerable distance to water these immense regions. Everything
appeared grand. Nature here displayed great luxuriancy."
" It was some considerable time after their arrival before their
enemies, the Indians, were made aware of it, and they improved the time
by building substantial houses and in strengthening their fortifications.
In this way they passed the summer, all seemed bright, when in the
month of September the River St. Lawrence rose rapidly and threatened
to destroy the result of their toil. The flood rose until it filled the
fort and ditch and reached the foot of their fortifications ; but it then
receded slowly and they were safe."
" While the water was rising, Maisonneuve made a vow that, should
the danger be averted, he would cause a cross to be made, and would
bear the same upon his shoulders and fix it on the top of the mountain.
He now proceeded to fulfil his vow, and in January, 1643, he set his men
to work to clear a road up to the mountain. When this was completed,
they formed a procession, headed by one of the Jesuits, and followed by
Maisonneuve " bearing a cross so heavy that he could scarcely ascend the
mountain," When they arrived at the highest crest of the mountain, the
cross was erected, and all knelt to worship before it."
The Indians were continually a source of great trouble, anxiety and
danger to these early settlers.
In the year 1644, the whole Island became the property of the St.
Sulpicians at Paris, and was by them afterwards conveyed to the
Seminary at Montreal, in whose possession much of it still remains.
The Lachine massacre took place in the year 1660. The Indians
burned 200 persons and as many more were reserved by them for a
future fate.

HISTORY OP MONTREAL,

13

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14 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

To avenge the massacre of Lachine in 1693 Frontenac started from
Montreal, July, 1696, with 1000 men. Embarking at Lachine, he passed
a considerable "way into their country, but met no resistance. The ex
pedition was of little value or result, the Indians having retired before
him. He shortly afterwards returned to Montreal and died at Quebec.
In the year 1710, Montreal was again in danger, as General Nicolson,
the British Commander in the English Colonies, prepared then to move
on it with a force of 4,000 Provincials and 600 Indians, This expedition
failed and Montreal was saved.
The year 1759 will ever be memorable in the annals ot Canada. The
French, perceiving that the English were in earnest in their designs upon
it, sent strong reinforcements to their garrisons. The campaign opened
with great vigor. Canada was to be invaded' at three different points
under generals of great talent. The forces intended to act against
Quebec were under the command of General Wolfe, who had taken Port
Louisburg and subdued the Island of Cape Breton the preceding year.
Wolfe's army, amounting to about 8000 men, was conveyed to the
vicinity of Quebec by a fieet of vessels of war and transports, commanded
by Admiral Saunders, and landed in two divisions on the Isle of Orleans,
the "27th of June.
The battle on the Plains of Abraham was fought on the 13th of
September, 1759 ; and five days afterwards, on the 18th, Quebec
surrendered. Fighting continued more or less for several months till in the follow
ing year hostilities finished by the surrender of Montreal. By the terms
of this capitulation, signed both by Generals Amherst and de Vaudreuil,
protection "was promised to the inhabitants. The free use of their
Religion, Laws and Language "was guaranteed them. During the
interval bet"ween the capitulation of Montreal and its receiving ^varrant
to hold Quarter Sessions, that is, from the fall of Montreal in 1760 to
1761, Canada was held in occupation by the British troops.
In October of 1763, an important proclamation was issued in thq name
of " George III, King of England " ; officers and men iu it were offered
free grants of land in Canada, and " all persons resorting to the said
colonies might confide in His Majesty's royal protection for enjoying the
benefit of the laws of England." More than 400 Protestants of British
origin now became residents in Canada — the French population of the
province being a little over 75.000. In November, '1763, the military form
of Government was brought to an end by the appointment of General
Murray to the office of Governor-General. His instructi,ons were as far
as possible to introduce the laws of England. Another thing required
was that the inhabitants should comply with these conditions, viz •
"To take the oath of allegiance, to make a declaration of abjuration and
to give up all arms in their possession." It was found impossible to
procure compliance with these orders, and the General modified them

HISTORY OP MONTREAL. 15

as much as possible. The oath of abjuration could not be taken by the
Roman C'atholies, as it involved a fundamental principle of their
Religion, and therefore no Roman Catholic was sworn in as Justice of
the Peace ; that about arms was extremely distasteful ; whilst that of
allegiance to the English throne was taken readily aud cheerfully. It
took a little over a year to regulate all these matters, and on the 11th of
January, 1704, letters patent under the Great Seal of the Province "were
executed and sent to Moses Hazen, J. Grant, John Rowe, Francis McKay,
Thomas Lamb, P. Kuile, John Burke, Thomas Walker and others, making
them Justices of the Peace of Montreal and vicinity. Among these names
are two French names who were Swiss Protestants and had come to the
country. Hence arose the saying of a French Protestant being " a Swiss."
Tho first general Quarter Sessions of the Peace were held on the 27th
Decembc, 1764, and " there were present Moses Hazen, J. Dumas, P.
Mackay, I homas Lamb and Francis Knife, and the ( Jourt adjourned to
January, 1765.
Among the flrst regulations of this period is that of the bakers, in
which the white loaf is called " a brick," aud sold at H coppers of 4 lbs.
Weiglit and the brown of 6 lbs, at 10 c ippers. Auother shows that there
were slaves in Montreal in those days, who were bought and sold like
other merchandise. The rule was, "No tavern, aleliouse or inkeeper do
receive, harhor or entertain any bond or servant slave or slaves, drinking,
gaming or loitering in their houses, under a penalty of £5."
AVlieii the establishment of English rule was perfected bj' the Treaty
of Paris, in February, 1764, then a strong tide of emigration set in
towards Canada, and in the persons who arrived the bad \\'as mixed
with the good. It is remarkable that iu the records of the Court of
Quarter Sessions for years after tlie conquest of the country, iu Montreal,
there are very few French names before the magistrates, for those
crimes for wliicli punishment, by whipping, the stocks, the pillory or
branding on the hand was meted out. This s1k)v»'s how tiioroughly they
obeyed their Cures to respect the la\\s and be faithful in their allegiance ;
and though alter this many emissaries from the American colonies
(among whom was the great Benjamin Franklin himself) tried to allure
them, they remained firm.
During the 3'ears 1775 and 1776, the inhabitants of Montreal saw
many changes and vicissitudes. No doubt to some of the French popula
tion it had at first been galling to be under the Union Jack instead of the
Lillies of France, but the fifteen years of British rule had greatly changed
their opinion. They had better markets, better crops in these days of
peace, and securer privileges every waj^ and noAV to be subjected to the
sway of the Ne"w England Puritanic colonist was indeed ten times
worse than ever. Joy spread over the City when the last of the
invading American Army passed St. Johns on their retreat to their own
country. It was a busy time, not only in Montreal, but in the Fort of

16 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

Chambly, which was then the principal station of British troops and
munitions of war during the continuance of the struggle between the
Mother Country and her revolted colonies. Troops were arriving and
troops departing — for preparations were being made to follow up the
retreating Americans under General Arnold, from Quebec, and invade
their country. !
On the 24th July 1776, the distribution of troops and the order of
march were issued iu general orders. Quite a number of recruits had
joined the regulirs, and the Volunteers and Militia were daily drilling in
Montreal. All the recruits at Chambly were drafted into the 47th and
53rd Regiments, and two companies of the 2lst .set out on the march to
St. Jo'ins. On the 4th of October, 1776, at Isle aux Noix, the General issued
general orders, thanking the troops for the rapid progress made in the
preparation of the expedition to meet the enemy, and thus began the
invasion of the New England colonies in retaliation for their
invasion of Canada the year before. It resulted in General Burgoyne
and his whole army surrendering, as prisoners of war to the Americans.
Wlien he startei from C.inada early in the beginning of L777, he had
with him a well-equipped army of 7000 men and a large body of Indians.
His advance was executed with great skill and intrepidity. He marched
boldly on from St. Johns into the States, and bore down all before him
but of no avail. At an immense distance from his supplies the situation
became most hazardous, and at last he had to surreader. By the terms
made, the 39th and other regiments returned no more to Canada during
this war. They were shipped either from Boston or New York. The
terms of surrender were " that the troops should lay down their arms
be sent home, and should not serve again in America during the war."
General Arnold, on his retreat from Quebec in the spring and early
summer of 1776, did an enormous amount of harm to the country in
breaking down bridges, burning houses and barns, destroying fences and
culverts, and ill-treating the inhabitants to a great degree because of
their fidelity to the British Crown.
When in 1781, rumors were rife of another attempted invasion of
Canada by the Americans, spontaneously, from both Quebec and Mont
real, came addresses from the French Canadians to the Government
expressing indignation at the renewed attempt and their determination
to oppose it.
The address likewise declared " that the most earnest and heartv
support should be given to every measure of defence necessary for th
safety of the province." I presume that the seeds of this loyalty still
lingered in the hearts of the descendants of these men; at least it w
exemplified to the full, thirty years after, when the Americans did
actually invade their country, and when the sons of those men who
showed themselves faithful to England's Crown, and drove back the

history op MONTREAL,

17

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letter of general AMHERST.
18 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.
enemy, under the command of the immortal DeSalaberry, completely
discomfited their enemies at the battle of Chateauguay. God only
knows the amount of misery and woe which the War of Independence
occasioned. During the years from 1775 to 1783. when the British
Government at last signed the articles of freedom with the 13 States,
homes vs^ere ruined ; farmsteads obliterated, burned, or demolished ;
thousands of helpless women and children wandered about homeless,
widows and orphans, and all caused by the stubbornness of the King's
councillors, although the ablest and greatest orator and statesman of
the time, Burke, declared that " peace should be made with the revolted
colonies even by giving them their independence."
No wonder, then, that we flnd in the army of Burgoyne many Mont-
realers. History tells us there were no less than 500 Canadians in his
army. In looking over the register of Dr. Delisle from 1706 to 5 787, we find
very many intermarriages His register was the first English one in
Montreal. Some of our most influential families are mentioned, and
others whose names are connected with the advancement and progress
of the province, and Montreal in particular. We flnd there the name of
Simon Eraser, of Wolfe renown, also the founder's name of McGill
University and McGill street, " James McGill."
Mostly all the names are of common occurrence, as in these days,
and a large percentage Scotch; also every mai is English-speaking and
every ivoman French speaking, and we know the result as regards the
religion of their posterity at the present day.
Slavery was abolished in Upper Canada by an Act of Parliament
(held at Newark, ), May 31st, 1793. In Lower Canada a bill for the
same purpose was brought into Parliament in 1793, and not carried. It
was again brought in 1799 and 1800, but nothing was done however
until 1833, when slavery was abolished by an Act of the British Parlia
ment, sanctioned August 28th, 183.3, aboli.shi:u' slavery throughout the
British Empire from and after August Lst, H3 1. B,itiul803 Chief
Justice Osgoode decided, at Montreal, that " slavery was incomp itible
with the laws of the country."
In 1780. Patrick Lankan sold to John Mittleberger, a negro named
Nero, for £60, and the last slave was publicly sold in Montreal 25th
August^ 1797. The deed was passed by Mr. Guy and his partner, not
aries. The name of the slave was Emanuel Allen, aged 33 years ;' price
£36. The sale was afterwards set aside by legal proceedings •
This year, 1777, much flghting took place bet-sveen the mother coun
try and the revolted colonies. Whilst these events were in progress Sir
Guy Carleton, the Governor, was devoting his attention to the inter 1
affairs of the country. The Quebec Act, or, as it was designated "A
Act for making better provision for the Governraent of the Province f
Quebec in North America," had been passed in 1774 by the Parliame

HISTORY OP MONTREAL, 19

of England, but on account of these troublous times had never been
carried into effect. This Act, Carleton brought 'into active effect by
creating the new council, which held its flrst meeting in the spring of
this year. Five of its members were French Canadians. The courts of
law were now reorganized to conduct their business according to the
spirit of this Act ; and thus we flnd that these courts were once more
opened. The court opened January 9, 1779. At the March term we flnd
several French names as justices of the peace ; out of nine, five .are
French, viz., Hertel de Rouville, Joseph Longueuil, Nevue Sevestre,
Pierre Mezure, and Pierre Portier,
The flrst time James McGill appears as a justice is in the September
terra. The merchants of Montreal raust have received permission
by this time to have a Custom House of their own, as the flrst case of
seizure of the Custoras is recorded on the 22nd May, 178.3. when John
Beck, " surveyor of His Majesty's Custoras for the Port of Montreal,"
obtained "a monition admonishing all persons to appear and show cause,
if any they can, why four cases of gin seized at Montreal on the 28th
April last should not be condemned as forfeited." No person appearing,
the Court granted the monition.
We ^'ill now give the naraes of the principal citizens of Montreal
in 1801 :— Alex. Henry, B. Gibb, N Graham, .lohn Dillon, Dr. Arnoldi,
J. Brown (stationer), Hon, J. Richardson, Simon McTavish, P. Poitier, J.
W, Clarke, Mr. Beaslay, Mr. Maitland, Mr. Badgley, Jas. & A. McGill, D.
Davids, H. Syraes (auctioneer), Judge Davidson, Forsyth, Richardson &
Co,. G.Gauche, R. Hoyle, Mr. Stevenson (tobacconist), John Piatt, Burton,
>S! McCuUoch, J. Brown (auctioneer), J. Fisher, P. Barsalou, Auldjo,
Maitland ' Co., Logan & Watt, Woolrich A' Cupper, R. cClements, Jas.
Dunlop, John Lilley, S- P. Leprohon, Mr. Stansfleld (tobacconist), John
Shuter (crokery), Col.de Longueuil, Henderson & Wingfleld, E. St. Dizier,
John McGill, Samuel Gerrard, Gerrard .V Ogilvie, Miss Hayes, A. Scott,
Joht A. Gray, R. Dobie.
Canada, as a Colony of Great Britain, had made rapid progress since
its cession to the Union Jack in A.D. 1769. It raust be said truthfully
that in the latter years of the regime of " La Belle France," the colonists
were treated in such a manner that after the trial of King George's
Government they unanimously declared the flag of England was prefera
ble to the " Pleur de Lys " of France — and why?
After the Cession, the British Commander, General Murray, decreed
that all things should be done "decently and in order." The habitants
must be paid honestly in "hard cash" for whatever they brought either
to the markets or to the British Cantonments for sale. Rights were
respected, the Religion, Language, and Laws of the Province -^vere secur
ed, and every thing was done to content the people. Every Frenchman
and French Canadian who had remained in the country felt securer
now, and more at ease, than in those last days of France's hold upon

20 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

her territories in North America. Had not King George himself called
them '-His Children?" and they knew a better era had begun to dawn
on Canada. No "wonder then that when trouble came to England —in the revolt
of her thirteen States or colonies — Canada remained faithful to her,
and that it took two armies under Montgomery and Arnold to enter
her soil, but only to experience defeat, disorder and death, and to leave
the country mo/-e fiithful still to the British Crown than even before tlie
Revolution of the American States.
When we turn to Montreal, we flnd the same patriotism displayed
in both her Englis'i and her French inhabitants ; and although by the
fortune of war the army of Montgomery did capture the city, and the
"Stars and Stripes" waved deflantly over Mariopolis, it was only for a
short period. It soon passed ; but the recollection of 1776 rankled in
the breasts of all. A generation had to be born before retaliation rame ;
but about thirty-seven years after, they wiped the stigma of their
fathers off at the .Battle of Chateauguay.
And who were the Militia — Who were they who ventured their
lives to protect their city and their homes? Let their names be ever
honored. Many of them the following yen* actuaUy met the same enemy
at Chateauguay, and proved that they were worthy of their sires.
Let it be always remembered that Montreal was the great objective
point of the American War of 1312-13. One of their greatest men of
that era, their Secretary of State, had said, "That Montreal was the
apple of his eye. Why "waste men and money upon distant frontiers ?
strike at the vitals, then you will paralize the extremities. Capture
.Montreal and you starve de Rottenburg and Proctor. In Montreal
your troops will find winter quarters and English Christmas."
These counsels carried great "weight, and we know from History
that the remainder of the campaign, viz,, the Capture of Montreal, was
the grand and crowning object of American strategy, To forward this
plan the United States soon collected a large force on Lake Champlain.
In the summer of 1813, about 6,000 men were collected at Burlington
and Plattsburg.
During all this time, and for the past year, drilling had gone on
incessantly in Montreal. Men of all ranks and nationalities eagerly
pressed for service. To the honor of our forefathers they determined
to defend their country with their lives, leaving the rest to God. We
all know the grand result when Col. De Salaberry and his brave forces
completely overthrew the Americans at the memorable Battle of
Chateauguay. All did their duty well and nobly that day, but let especial mention
be made of Captains Ferguson, de Bartzch and Levesque, Capt. L'Ecuy
and the two Duchesnaps, Captains Daly, Bruyere and Lamothe, who
handled his Indian warriors well, Lieuts. Pinguet, Guy, Johnson

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.' 21

Powell, Hebben and Schiller — all displayed courage and vigror. Capts.
Longtin and Huneau were examples to their men. Capt. Lougtin did,
as the Ironsides ofEngland under Cromwell Avere accustomed to dr>. It
is related of him that before the battle he knelt down at the head of his
company and offered a short but earnest prayer "And iiOAV, " ni'^s
enfants," he said rising, "having done our duty to God, A\'e Avill do the
same by our king."
Last, but not the least, stand out the names of the "simple soldats,"
Vincent, Pelletier. Vervais, Dubois and Caron, all of the Voltigeurs, Avho, in
the face of difficulties, danger and death, swam the River Chateauguay
and cut off the retreat of the prisoners who Avere taken, amounting to
near a score. All honor be to them too. Let their names for ever be
remembered in the hearts of all Canadians, whether they be French or
English speaking. I doubt not but the same "esprit de corps," the
same love of country, fills the hearts of nine-tenths of our people to-day
and if necessity came (A\'hich may God avert), the same courage and
pluck as seen in the volunteers of 1812-13 Avould be displayed in those
of 1897 and folloAving years.
The greatest quantity of wheat ever exported from Canada in these
years was in 1802. It amounted to 1,010,083 bushels. There Avere
besides exported that year 28,301 bbls. of flour and 22,051 CAvt. of
biscuit. It may be interesting to know that Mr, W. W. Ogilvie, and Senator
Ogilvie's grandfather, was the first man Avho exported flour from Can
ada, and in this year 1802 ; in the previous one ISOI he had corae from
Scotland to Quebec, and started a flour mill at Jacques Cartier near
Quebec, and this same year opened up one near Lachine. AVhat a
difference now !
After the country had quieted down from the American War, and
peace and prosperity once more reigned over Canada, in Montreal a
movement was made towards getting more light for the city. In 1801,
the manner of lighting the city had been suggested, but no deflnite
conclusion had been arrived at up to the year 1815, The following
curious inducement for the successful carrying out of the street lighting
at the time was "that ladies might be induced to visit their friends
much more frequently."
In November, 1815, entirely through the exertions of Mr. Samuel
Dawson, part of St. Paul street was lighted by twenty-tAVO lamps, cost
ing $7.00 each. They Avere distant from each other fifty-four feet.
This was the west end of St. Paul street, and by Christmas, same year,
the east end of St. Paul street was similarly lighted. Is otre Dame
street followed, and thus began the lighting of Montreal — now in this
year 1897 lighted by gas and electricity. An Act passed in 1818 provided
for the erection of street lamps and night watches also, consisting of
twenty-four in number — their duties being to trim and attend to the
lamps, and act as police guardians of the city.

22 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

On 17th July, 1817, the Lachine canal was begun, the first sod
being removed by Hon. J. Richardson. This year what had hitherto
been Citadel Hill and a powder magazine was turned into a square, and
as the Governor had donated it to the citizens, it has received the name
of Dalhousie Square ever since. A great fire occurred in 1825. But for
the efforts of the men of the 70th Regiment the conflagration would
have been much greater. This year must be remarkable for the exer
tions the merchants of Montreal made towards the navigation between
Quebec and Montreal. Very modest AA'as their petition to Parliament,
"that steps should be taken to deepen the channel of the river, particu
larly at Lake St. Peter, and thereby, render it navigable throughout
the season for vessels of two hundred and flfty tons fully laden." What
a contrast to the magniflcent vessels " The Canada" and others " The
Parisian" or " The Vancouver " of the present day, and all this has been
accomplished within the past 50 years !
The year 1S32 will ever be remembered for the first appearance of
the Asiatic Cholera, by which four thousand four hundred and twenty
citizens were attacked, and one thousand nine hundred and four died.
The Bill incorporating Montreal took effect in 1838, and Jacques Viger
was appointed the 1st Mayor.
On July 23rd, 1849, the Bill to unite Upper and Lower Canada became
law, being then sanctioned by the Queen. It did not, however, from
sorae cause, come into operation till February lOth, 1841.
The City Charter having expired, it was renewed, and Honorable
Peter McGill Avas appointed Mayor.
In 1844 the Government was translated from Kingston to Montreal.
In the summer of 1846, Moutreal was visited by the dread pestil
ence that came to be known as the ' Ship Fever.'
In January, 1847, Lord Elgin arrived in Montreal as the newly
appointed Governor -General of Canada.
In January' of next year 1848, a great inundation took place, and
rauch resembled the great flood of a few years ago.
On the 18tb of June, the largest bell in Canada was christened an
immense congregation of citizens being present at Notre Dame for the
ceremony. Among the public huildings erected this year were the Reid Wing
to the General Hospital, St. Andrew's Church, and the Protestant
Orphan Asylum.
The burning of the Parliament Buildings now Ste, Anne's Market
McGill Street will be fully treated of in the description ol that street.
In March, 1855, an Indu.strial Exhibition was held in the City Concert
Hall for the purpose of selecting articles to be sent to the Paris Exhib
ition. It was publicly inaugurated by His Excellency Sir Edmund Head,
the Governor- General, who visited Montreal for the first time (for that
purpose) on March 5th. This visit was celebrated in the most enthusias
tic manner, and every possible effort was made to render it agreeable.

History op montrbal. 23
In August, 1857, Montreal was visited by the most distinguished
company that ever met in the Provinces. On Wednesday, r2th, the
" American Association for the Advancement of Science " assembled in
the Court House, and continued in session for one week. On Thursday
evening, a soiree was given by the Natural History Society, in the City
Concert Hall, and Avas numerously attended. On Saturday, by invitation
of the officers of the garrison, the party visited St. Helen's Island. On
the Monday following, a Conversazione Avas given by the Governors,
Faculty and Fellows of McGill College and AA^as a magnificent affair. At
the closing meeting of the Association, addresses were given by ex-
President Filmore, Professors Henry, SwalloAV, Ramsay, Caswell, and
other celebrities. One of these speakers congratulated the citizens on
possessing such a city, and stated that there was "a power stored up
here upon the shores, which, Avithin less than one hundred years, will
probably result in making this city the greatest city in Araerica. This
immense water power being directed to the manufactures which might
be established here, Avill make this one of the great cities of the globe."
This has now been partially effected by the great company which
has utilized part of this mighty power. The inhabitants of this city will
in the future benefit from the prophecy of this speaker.
In July, 1862, the Governor-General, Lord Monck, paid his first
visit to the city, and was hospitably entertained by the Corporation,
who presented an address of welcome, and provided every possible
means towards rendering his visit agreeable.
One of the most important trials ever held in Montreal Avas that of
the St. Albans Raiders. During the terrible fratricidal war between
the Northern States of America and the Southern, a band of young
men, sworn soldiers of the Confederate Army, entered from Canada, the
State of Vermont and raided the Town of St. Albans, in that State, and
after committing certain acts of violence, escaped back to Canada with
their spoil.
The formal opening of the Victoria Bridge was, in colonial import
ance, the chief feature in the visit of the Prince of Wales to Montreal.
As an engineering triumph over natural difficulties of the most stupend
ous kind it is without its equal in the world, and is now being enlarged
for the increased business of the G. T, R.
While the city was in the midst of exciteraent on account of the
seizure of Mason and Slidell, an event occurred which tended to throw
a sadness over its inhabitants. On Tuesday, December 24th, the news
was spread that the husband of our beloved Queen had suddenly died.
A large meeting of the citizens Avas held at the City Concert Hall, and
adoptedan address of condolence to Her Majesty, for AA'hich she returned
her thanks. In the early part of 1868 the mutterings of a new Fenian excite
ment were again heard on our borders, and after an interval of nearly

VICTORIA BRIDGE.

history op MONTREAL. 25
two years of peace and quiet, Ave Avere once raore threatened by an
invasion. As in the previous case, this report was the result of the
unfriendly feelings existing betAveen the United States and England.
But fortunately for Canada, the resources of the " Brotherhood " Avere
not sufficient to enable it to make good its foothold in the country,
still the diabolical spirit animated many of its partisans, and, as in other
places throughout the world, those Avho opposed the mad scheme Avere
singled out as victims, a more distinguished victim could not have
been chosen than the Hon. Thomas d'Arcy McGee, a representative of
the City of Montreal in the Dominion Parliament, who was foully
assassinated on the morning of April 7th 1868, Avhile returning from the
Parliament Buildings to his lodgings in OttaAva.
The funeral which took place on Monday, 13th, Avill be long re
membered. The streets Avere covered AA'ith mourning fi.ags and festoons
of black, givin.g the scene a striking and funereal aspect, and those
streets through Avhich the procession was to pass Avere lined on either
side by soldiers, regulars and volunteers.
On the 21st November, 1872, the ceremony of formally presenting to
the city the statue of our Gracious Majesty the Queen Avas perforraed by
Lord Dufferin, the Governor-General.
In 1873, Sir George E. Cartier died in London, and his funeral in
Montreal Avas the largest ever seen in the city. The expenses of his
obsequies were borne by the Dominion Government.
In 1875, the Guibord burial case occasioned some ill-feeling in
Montreal, but by the energetic action of Dr. Hingston, (noAv Sir William
Hingston) the Mayor to Avhose Avisdom and tact all praise is due, it passed
off without any actual disturbance.
On Friday, the 8th of October, 1869, Prince Arthur, third son of Her
Most Gracious Majesty, arrived in Moutreal to join the P.C.O, Rifles,
here stationed, he holding a lieutenant's commission in that splendid
regiment. His Excellency the Governor-General, having left Canada for
England, Sir John Michel was sAVorn in at Montreal as Administrator of
the Government in the absence of the Governor-General. Sir John took
up his residence in the city, and during his administration the Executive
Council met here twice in each month for the transaction of public
business. In November, 1878, the Marquis of Lome and the Princess Louise
arrived in the city. Great rejoicings showed the Avelcome which every
one gave to the Queen's daughter.
During the past 15 years, the city has steadily increased, and its
boundaries are extending in every direction. Among the principal items
and events of the past few years raay be mentioned the Riel Rebellion
in the North West, when two Montreal regiments Avere sent to the scene

26

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

'¦' „ !' U<--

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a
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H
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S
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oi
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HISTORY OP MONTRBAL. 27

of the uprising, the Garrison Artillery and the 65th ; the first an
English, the second a French-Canadian corps.
During the summer of 1885, the Small-Pox epidemic was of such
magnitude that several thousand fell victims to its scourge, the most
noted being the late well known politician. Sir Francis Hincks.
The execution of Louis Riel, after the close of the Rebellion, caused
great excitement in Montreal, happily without any serious outbrake,
although thousands met on the Champ de Mars and passed condemn
atory resolutions.
A great bridge, built by the C. P. Railway, has been erected at
Lachine also Lord Mount Stephen and Sir Donald Smith's (noAV Lord
Strathcona and Mount Royal) magnificent gift of the Jubilee Victoria
Hospital, Some fine buildings of all kinds have been erected in
Montreal within the past few years and if the inhabitants only stand by
their motto — which is recorded on the title page of this History —
shoulder to shoulder, their city will yet be the fifth in size of all the
cities on the Araerican Continent, Avhen the third decade of the
twentieth century has corae.
We finish the short History of Montreal with a table of the growth
of the City since its foundation to the present day and no citizen who
reads the same, but, must be proud of the advance and progress of his
city in the short space of two centuries. Of course there are cities
which have progressed at a greater, much greater ratio, but the
locality has been different from Montreal — the advantages greater — the
difficulties to be overcome immensely less— and altogether the effects
were infinitely easier. Let us take only one example — and that is the
deepening of the Channel of the St. LaAvrence from Montreal to Quebec.
Let us see the wonderful progress raade. About the yc ar 1850 when the
author landed in Montreal, the depth of the channel to Quebec Avas only
11 feet and he well remembers being in the beautiful Clipper "Three
Bells " — for three days in Lake St. Peter as the vessel could go no
farther with her heavy load. This ship was the first iron vessel ever
moored at the wharf of Montreal and consigned to the firm of Ed-
monston Allan & Co. Lighters had to come from Montreal to take off
part of her cargo to enable her reach her port of destination.
In 1853 the channel was deepened to 15 feet 2 inches — and the
Glenora, the first ocean steamer arrived in Montreal on account of this
depth. Tight little steamer with the Lady Eglinton and Sarah Sands
they were the pioneers of the grand array of ocean monarchs which now
sail up to our Metropolis.
In 1854 again had the river channel been deepened to 16i feet. In
1865 it had been deepened to 18 feet. In 1875 to no less than 20 feet, in
this year the Avharfage had attained a length of 3.17 miles.

28 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

In 1876 the depth of the channel Avas to be 25 feet, but large
steamers being ready to come to Montreal, the depth in 1888 was 27 J feet
and the wharves w6re extended for no less than 4.7 miles or nearly 5
miles and to the credit of Montreal it was the first city to adopt electric
lighting for its harbor. The deepening of the channel still goes on and
the increasing tonnage of the ocean steamers still advances — but it is a
good sign when we know that the depth of the channel at low Avater
from the Ocean to Montreal is now as great as that at low tide on the
Bar of New York harbor.

GROWTH OF MONTREAL
Including Suburbs.

Founded in 1042 — by authentic records 18 joined in the first Mass
ever performed in Montreal. 166*7— ^766 inhabitants.
1689—2000
1*703—3000
1790-9000
1842—50,000 1858—80,000
1871—101,225 1881—155,23*7
1891—240,000
1897—300,000

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

29

Cr>
QOa:

30 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

NOTES SUR L'HISTOIRE DE MONTREAL.

These notes were written by the late Rev. Abbe Demazure of the
Seminary of St. Sulpice for the Author and for one of his earlier works.
They were ncA^er finished — death closed the eyes of one of the most
educated and talented members of that community. The Abbe was a
perfect gentleraan — and of all the " Gentlemen of the Seminary " — He
was " sans peur et sans reproche." These notes will be mo.st interesting
in connection with the " History of the Streets of Montreal" and es
pecially so, as printed in the very language in which the Abb6 wrote
them.— J. D. B.
Dans ces notes, nous voulons seulement reunir quelques renseigne-
ments sur la suite et le developpement des constructions de Montreal,
depuis la premiere occupation en 1642 jusqu'ji nos jours. Nous
completerons ce travail plus tard, lorsque nous aurons pu d6couvrir les
documents qui se rapportent k notre sujet.
La site de Montreal, decouvert par Cartier en 1535, et nomme ainsi
par lui a cause du voisinage de la belle montagne, qui en est encore la
principale ornement, fut visite plusieurs fois dans le sifeclesuivant par
M. de Champlain qui, frappe de ses avantages, medita d'y faire un
etablissement, et, en consequence, donna k Pile en face, le nom de Sainte-
Helene, en consideration de son epouse, Hel&ne Boulle; plus tard, la
grande ile au sud fut noraraee Saint-Paul, du nom de M. de Maisonneuve,
premier gouverneur de Montreal. Voici done trois points prineipaux qui
attirent les yeux lorsqu'on arrivent devant Montreal, et qui rappelleut
le souvenir des trois personnages les plus illustres qui ont preside aux
premiers etablissements de la Nouvelle- France.
Quelques semaines apres la mort de Champlain, arrives le 25
decembre 1635, deux grands serviteurs de Dieu, M. de la Dauver.siire et
M. OHer, ayant regu en merae temps la meme inspiration de fonder un
Etablissement au site de Montreal, comme etant un centre propiee pour
I'evangelization des nations infideles, organisferent une societe qui, en
1641, put envoyer une expedition commandge par M de Maisonneuve,
assist^e de Mile Manse, qui devait, avec ses compagne, fonder un
hdpital.

1-1<lHH
2; OS
ooHGO
5

VIEW OP ST. HELEN'S ISLAND.

32 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

M. de Maisonneuve, au 17 mai 1642, arrive au site de Montreal, si
bien place pour I'objet qu'il se proposait, au centre des nations infideles,
k 60 lieues de la capitale, dans une ile protegee par des courants difficiles
a traverser, aux pieds des grands rapides que les vaisseaux ne pouvaient
depasser, abrite au nord par une haute montagne qui lui servait a la fois
et de protection contre les vents du nord et d'ornement.
L'expedition commence k se cantonner, on fait des travaux de
retranchement et on commence par elever un fort, a Tendroit appele
Pointe k Callieres et occupe actuellement par ce bei edifice que Ton voit
de toutes parts sur les bords du fieuve, avec sa tour k horloge qui
domine les quais et'qui est consacre aux offices de la Douane de Montreal.
C'est a ce poijUt, qui est si bien place en evidence au milieu du port,
sur un promontoire avance dans le fieuve qui bati et fortifie par M. de
Maisonneuve, resista pendant 85 ans avec son intrepide gouverneur a
toutes les attaques des Iroquois, et est corame le berceau de cette ville
qui devait avoir tant de developpement et de venir la metropole .jommer-
ciale et industrieUe de la Nouvelle-France.
M. de Maisooneuve batit dans le fort une chapelle, un hopital pour
ies malades, des logements pour la garnison et les nouveaux neophytes,
enfin des magasins d'entrepots pour le commerce avec les Sauvages. Le
6 Janvier 1643, il alia planter une croix sur une sommet de la montagne,
comme un etendard, qui devait servir de recours a la protection du ciel
et d'appel aux tribus idolatres.
L'annee suivante, comme I'enceinte du fort devenait trop etroite, M.
de Maisonneuve batit. sous la protection, des canons du fort, un hopital
avec une chapelle qui de plus furent entoures de murs solides avec
meurtrieres, que les Sauvages plus d'une fois attaquerent sans pourvoir
les entamer. Les nations Iroquoises ne decouvrirent I'etablisseraent de ce poste
avance que I'annee qui suivit I'arrivee de M de Maisonneuve, qui s'etait
mis en etat de defense; mais, des ce moment, Montreal, devint de toutes
leurs attaques. Chaque annee, au retour du printemps, les tribus
sauvages arrivaient devant le fort, I'environnaient, veillaient sur toutes
les issues; tendaient des embuscades k ceux qui allaient cultiver au-dela
de la portee des canons du fort, et se croyaient sans cesse k la veille
d'exterminer cette petite troupe si aventuree. C'est en 1644 que .M. de
Maisonneuve tua un chef sauvage, a I'endroit appele maintenant la
Place d'Armrs.
Les annees suivantes se passerent en alarmes et en surprises con-
linuelles, les Sauvages flrent de nombreuses victiraes parmi les culti-
vateurs, ia garnison etait continuellement harcelee, attaquee, decimee,
mais ce fut une grande surprise pour les Sauvages lors qu'apres quatre
annees d'efforts continuels, iis virent, en 1648, construire, au sud du fort
une nouvelle redoute qui devait servir de moulin et de point d'observa-
tion, montrant ainsi que, maigre toutes les attaques, lis etaient dfcides
fi, rester en cet endroit et k ne jamais I'abandonner.

HISTORY OF MONTRBAL, 33

En 1651, M. de Maisonneuve etablit une commune, pour le paturage,
d'un arpent de largeur sur 40 arpents de longueur, sous la protection du
fort le long du fleiive c'est ce qu'on appelle encore actuellement rue des
Commissaires et rue de la Commune ; il etait convenue que I'on repren-
drait ce terrain k mesure que I'on aurait besoin pour 6tablir les citoyens
et faire le port.
En 1652 Lambert Closse, lieutenant de M. de Maisonneuve, avec
quelques hommes extermine une colonne d'Iroquois vers la rue McGill,
etrepousse une autre tribu k la Pointe St. Charles oii I'on avait etabli une
redoute ; k partir de ce moment, on commence a batir des maisons des
maisons ; voici quel sont ceux qui s'etablirent leb premiers : Jean
Descaries et Jean Leduc, Andre Demers, Jacques Picot et Jean Aubuchon,
Jacques Menier et Charles LeMoyne, Azarie Dacharme et Jean Vallee.
Nous citons ces noras en faisant reraarquer qu'ils sont maintenant repre-
sentes par des families nombreuses et prospferes.
Bn 1657 la Sceur Bourgeoys qui venait d'arriver et qui devint la
fondatrice de la Congregation, retablit la croix de la montagne qui avait
ete d6truite par le froid, ou par les Iroquois ; vers le meme temps, on
etablit un nouveau eimetiere • k la Place d' Armes En 1G56, on posa la
premiere pierre d'une grande Eglise aupres du eimetiere. Ce fut alors
qu'on etabli une redoute sur la rue Notre Darae la oil se trouve la rue St.
Denis pour proteger les travailleurs etablis sur les du Coteau St. Louis.
Le nom de ce coteau subsiste encore dans la rue St. Louis.
En 1657, La Soeur Bourgeoys commence la construction de I'Eglise
de Notre-Dame de Bonsecours, I'annfee suivante M. de Maisonneuve lui
donne un terrain avec une maison pour etablir une ecole, la Soeur y entra
le 30 Avri', jour de Ste. Catherine de Sienne. C'est en cette annee
qu'arriverent les premiers pr^tres de St. Sulpice, ils furent loges d'abord
dans les batiments de I'hopital.
En 1658 on eleva une nouvelle redoute sur le Coteau St. Louis qui
devait proteger les traA^ailleurs, c' etait sur I'endroit ou se trouve mainte
nant le CarrE Dalhousie. Cette redoute, augmentee plus tard et muni de
bastions et de retranchements, devint la citadelle.
En 1659,on avait 40 maisons bien baties,avec murs epais etmeurtrieres,
isolees les unes des autres, mais assez rapproch^es pour pourvoir se
defendre, encas d'attaque; c'etait corame autant de redoutes assezfortes
pour rendre inutile le premier fort qui continua de servir de residence au
gouverneur, mais dont on cessa des lors de reparer les bastions, degrades
considerablement chaque annee par les glaces et la debacle du printemps.
Ce fut vers ce temps que, pour proteger les travailleurs qui se re-
pandaient toujours de plus en plus, on etablit trois flefs considerables sur
trois points 61oignes. Le flef Ste. Marie, au pied du courant, pres de la
traverse de Longueuil, d'od est venn le nom de rue Ste. Marie. De plus,

34

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

/6 5 "'

1

%

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 35
le flef St. Gabriel, ainsi nomme en I'honneur de son patron par M. de
Queylus; premier cure de St. Sulpice, a Montreal, et enfln, au nord dans le
le Faubourg St. Laurent, un autre flef donne par M. de Maisonneuve, a
son lieutenant, Lambert Closse. Bn chacun de ces flefs, on etablit des
redoutes, des logements pour les travaileurs, des batiments d'exploitation.
Lambert Closse quitta le fort et alia loger, avec des hommes d6voues,
dans la redoute, qu'il avait fait construire, de Ik il pouvait proteger tous
le nord de la ville.
Nous avons de ce temps, une lettre de M. d'Argemoy qui peint
Montreal suivant les idees qu'on en avait alors et qui out bien change
depuis. II faut, dit-il que je vous entretienne de Montreal, place qui fait
tant de bruit et qui est si peu de chose. J'en pa.rle corame savant ; j'y
ai 6te ce printemps et je puis vous assurer que si j'etais peintre, je
Taurais bientot dessinee. Montreal est une ile assez difficile a aborder,
m§me en chaloupe, a cause des grands courants du fleuve St. Laurent,
particulierement a une demie lieuen dessous, il y a un fort, ou les c'la-
loupes abondent, qui torabent en mines.
" On a coraraence une redoute et fait un moulin sur une petite
" eminence fort avantageuse pour la defense de I'habitation. II y a
" environ quarante maisons. presque toutes a la vue les uns des autres, et
" en cela bien situees parce quelles se defendent en partie."
Maigre toutes ces constructions, neanraoins le pays etait encore
tellement expose aux courses des Iroquois que, en 1660, Mile Manse
demanda a M. de Maisonneuve de lui laisser batir dans I'int^rieur du
Fort, une grange en pierre de 60 sur 30 pieds pour preserver ses recoltes.
Vers le ragrae teraps, les Iroquois flrent encore plusieurs invasions re-
doutables ; ils avaient resolu d'exterminer les Frangais et de s'etablir k
Montreal comme etant un point d'une importance extreme pour I'occu-
pation du pays, mais M. de Maisonneuve flt si bien veiller a la garde du
territoire que dans les diverses incursions des Sauvages, ils ne purent
surprendre qu'un tres petit nombre de cultivateurs.
Pour eomprendre maintenant quel fut le developpement de Montreal
dans les annees suivantes, il est necessaire de parler des domaines et
seigneuries qui furent constitues autour de la ville, et qui etaient destines
a servir de defenses avancees pour proteger la ville, et raeme I'ile entiere.
On etablit sur la Riviere St. Pierre, un flef de 300 arpents d'etendue
qui fut accorde au Major Dupuy qui avait reraplace le Major Closse. Le
concessionnaire etait tenu d y batir une redoute avec des batiments
d'exploitation et d'eloigner de ce cote la tentative des Sauvages.
On etablit encore plusieurs flefs sur la rive gauche du St. Laurent, le
flef de Laprairie, qui fut cede aux PP. Jesuites, ensuite apres le Sault St.
Louis, le flef de Gentilly, des iles-Courcelles et de la baie d'LTrge, en

36 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.
approchant du lac des Deux Montagues, le fief de Boisbriant, en revenant
par le nord, d'autres fiefs sont cedees a differents officiers, et enfln, a la
riviSre des Prairies, deux fiefs nomraes de Carion et de Morel, donnes k
deux officiers pour proteger File de ce cote, et empScher de d6barquer
les Sauvages qui venaient par la riviere de TAssomption.
Dans les annees qui suivent, on 6tendit encore Toceupation du pays,
sur les deux rives du fleuve pour prot6ger I'etablisseraent de I'ile de
Montreal contre les incursions des Sauvages. M. de Laubia, du regiment
de Broglie, obtint deux lieues de front et de profondeur sur le lac St.
Pierre, son sergent, de Labadie, obtint le territoire voisin, et de Moras
f<at mis en possession de Tile qui est £i I'embouchure de la riviere Nicolet
M. de Normanville obtint les terres pins voisines de Montreal. C'est
alors que furent constituees les seigneuries de Lavaltrie, de Repentigny,
de St. Ours, de Berthelot, conc6dees a des officiers, ou des employes du
gouvernement que Ton voulait recompenser.
Ceci etait pour proteger le nord, mais du cote sud c'est-^-dire sur la
rive droite du fleuve, il 6tait encore bien plus important de fortifier le
pays contre les Iroquois qui descendaient continuellement par la riviere
Richelieu pour aller se jeter ensuite sur .Montreal, Trois Rivieres et
Quebec. IJans ce dessin, M. Talon fit des concessions en grand nombre a M
de Berthier, capitaine au regiment de Carrigan ; il donna le territoire
en face de Tembouchure de la Riviere Richelieu, k M. iupas. Tile en face
qui porte maintenant ce nom ; M. de Sorel, capitaine au m§me regiment,
tout le pays des deux cotes de la Riviere Richelieu, sur deux lieues de
la Riviere Richelieu, sur deux lieues de profondeur ; les autres rives du
fleuves furent accordees a MM. de St. Ours, I'un capitaine et I'autre
enseigne au regiment de Carrigan; M. .de Chambly regnt le fort St.
Louis et toutes les terres adjacentes ; vinrent ensuite les terres donnees
k M. de Contrecoeur, M. de Varenne, M. de Boisbriant, M. Boucher,
etc., etc.
Enfin M. Charles Lemoyne regut les terres situees entre la seigneurie
de M. Boucher et la seigneurie de Laprairie donnee aux PP. Jesuites
puis au dela de Laprairie, il obtint encore deux lieues de front sur trois
de profondeur, et il appela cette seigneurie du nom de Chateaugai, quelle
porte encore. Tous ces fiefs peuples par les soldats appartenant aux
compagnies des officiers qui s'y 6tablissaient devinrent I'origine de
bourgs et villages considerables tels que Sorel, Chambly, Berthier, St.
Ours,C ontrecosur, Verchere, Lavaltrie, Varennes, Boucherville, Longueuil'
Laprairie, Chateaugai.
Montreal ainsi protegee contre les incursions dco Iroquois, et etant
appelee a etre le centre d'une population nombreuse; il fut bientot neces
saire de tracer des alignements reguliers pour I'etablisseraent des
constructions. Ce fut M. Dollier de Canon, Superieur du Seminaire et

HISTORY OP'MONTREAL. 87
repr^sentaht les Seigneurs de Montreal, qui determina ces alignements,
fixa le parcours des differentes rues et donna les noms qui ont et6 con
serves jusqu'Ei present. Il est done interessant d'en connaitre i'origine,
c'est ce que nous allons exposer suivant le proces verbal qui fut r6dige le
12 Mars 1672.
M. Dollier de Canon tra^a d'abord au centre une grande rue qui
parcourait toute la ville et qui devait etre la rue principale ; il lui donna
le nom de Notre-Dame, en I'honneur de la Tres-Sainte Vierge qui avait
^te choisie comme patronne de la ville. Il traga ensuite une autre rue
dans un sens parallele, k laquelle il donna le nom de St. Jacques, en
Thonneur de M. Jacques Olier, I'un des premiers fondateurs de I'^tablisse-
ment de Montreal.
Une autre rue tracee plus pres du fleuve regut le nom de St. Paul, en
Thonneur de M. Paul de Maisonneuve, premier Gouverneur de la ville.
Dans le sens transversal, il traca plusieurs autres rues qui aboutis-
saient au fleuve. A la premiere il donna le nom de St. Pierre, en
I'honneur du prince des Apotres, et aussi en consideration de M. de
Fancamp, I'un das premiers fondateurs qui portait ce nom ; la seconde
regut le nom de St. Frangois en I'honneur de St, Frangois, patron de M.
Dollier de Canon; * la troisieme rue regut lenom deSt. Joseph, en I'hon-

* Ce nom designait St. FraiKjois d'Assise dans la pens6 de M. Dollier de Canon, mais dms
la suite Mgr. de Laval ayant donne St. Frangois Xavier comme I'un des prineipaux patrons du
Canada, cetfe rue prit insensiblement le nom de ce saint.
neur de ce saint patriarche ; la quatrieme rue regut le nom de St. Lam
bert, en I'honneur de M. Lambert Closse, lieutenant de M. Maisonneuve,
qui avait ete tue dans une rencontre avec les Iroquois ; la einquieme rue
regut le nom de St. Gabriel, en Thonneur de M. Gabriel de Queylus, ler
cur6 de Montreal, et de M.Gabriel Souart qui fut son successeur ; la
sixieme rue regut le nom de St. Charles en consideration de M. Charles
LeMoyne, qui avait rendu de si grands services a la Colonie.
Le site oi\ M. Dollier de Canon, avait trace ces rues etait admirable-
ment choisi pour I'emplacement et la defense d'une ville. C'etait un
un plateau eleve et escarpe au-dessus du fleuve, ayant la forrae d'un
carre long ou parall^lograrame d'un mille et demi de longeur par un
tiers d'un mille en largeur, ou ce plateau defendu d'un cote par le fleuve
T etait de I'autre par un vallon profond faisant le tour, et oii
coulait un cours d'eau en comraumnication avec la riviere et dont on
pouvait grossir les eaux a volonte, ce rectangle, coupe tres nettement a
ses angles, etait done a I'abri de toutes parts.
Les rues se couvrirent successiveraent de constructions, et les officiers
qui avaient obtenus des terres considerables dans les environs et qui les
avaient raises en culture et en rapport, batirent aussi des residences dans
la ville, pour passer la plus rude saison de l'annee et pour entretenir

^ IiISTORY of MONtREAL.

leurs relations avec les traitant et avec I'administration locale. M. de
Longueuil avait son hotel k I'emplacement actuel du Marche Bonsecours ;
M. de Vaudreuil Ik ou se trouve la Place Jacques-Oartier ; M. de Ramezai,
a I'emplacement de I'Ecole Normale ; M. de Maricourt avait sa residence
Ik ou se trouve la Maison des Freres des Ecoles Chretiennes ; M. de
Beaujeu avait son hotel ^ I'extremite de la rue Notre-Dame, pres des
Recollets. De plus sur Tile Ste-Helene on voyait la residence d'ete des Sieurs
de Longueuil, qui en outre avaient de I'autre cote du fleuve leur manoir
environne de leurs terres en plein rapport. Le Gouverneur de Frontenac
^crivait vers 1680 en parlant du Sieur de Longueuil : " Son fort et sa
maison nous donnent une idee des Chateaux de France fortifies." Ce
fort etait biti en pierre avec quatre tours aux angles, sur la rive oil se
trouve le bourg Longueuil en face de Montreal.
24 Juillet 1749 — Ce matin j'allai en bateau de Laprairie a Montreal
la riviere St. Laurent. A notre arriveenous trouvames une foule de gens
reunis k la porte de la viUe par oil nous devious entrer. lis etaient
tres desireux de nous voir, et ils nous assurerent que nous etions les
premiers Su^dois qui furent venus k Montreal.
A notre debarquement le Gouverneur de la ville nous avait envoye un
capitaine qui m'invita k le suivre k la maison du Gouverneur auquel il me
presenta. Le Baron de Longueuil n' etait encore que Vice-Go uverneur
mais il attendait chaque jour la promotion de Prance. II me regut plus
poliment et g^nereusement que je ne pourrais I'exprimer, et rae montra
des lettres du Gouverneur-General a Quebec, M. le Marquis de la Galis-
sonniere, qui mentionnait qu'il avait regu des- ordres de la Cour de
Prance, pour pourvoir k tous mes besoins dans mon voyage, aux frais
de sa Majeste Chr^tienne, etc,, etc.
Les hommes ici sont extrgmement polls et saluent tout ceux qu'ils
rencontrent dans les rues. Les dames et les hommes portent des
6ventails dans les moments de grande chaleur. La paix conclue re
cemment entre la France et TAngleterre fut proclamee aujourd'hui. Les
soldats etaient sous les armes, les canons des remparts furent tires et
accompagnes de salves et de mousquetterie. Le soir on tira des feux
d'artiflce et la ville fut illuminee. Les rues etaient pleine s de monde.
Lo Gouverneur m'invita k souper et k partager la joie des citoyens ; il y
avait cette reunion un grand n'ombre d'officiers et de personnes de dis
tinction, etc., etc.
28 Juillet.— Ce matin j'accompagne le Gouverneur, Baron de Lon
gueuil et sa familie, a une ile appelee Ste-Helene, qui est sa propri^te-
Elle est en facede la ville et pres du cote oppose du fleuve, Le Gouver
neur y a une tres jolie residence avec un grand jardin precede d'une
cour ; sur I'ile se trouve un moulin.

history of MONTRBAL.

39

k
OO<
25

40 HISTOliY of MONTREAL.
ler Aout — Le Gouverneur-General du Canada a reside ordinaire
ment a Quebec, mais il vient souvent k Montreal, oil il passe I'hiver.
Pendant son sejour a Montreal il demeure dans ce qu'on appelle " le
Chateau," qui est une grande maison de pierre, bati par le Gouverneur-
General de Vaudreuil, et appartenant encore k ses descendants qui le
loiient au roi.
Montreal est la seconde ville en Canada quant ason etendue et sa ri-
chesse ; mais elle est la premiere pour sa belle position et ladouceur de son
climat. A quelques lieues au-dessus de la ville, le St-Laurent sediviseen plu
sieurs branches, et forme ainsi plusieurs lies parmi lesquelles Tile de Mon
treal est la plus grande. Elle est longue de dix lieues de France et large de
quatre dans sa plus grande largeur. La ville de Montreal est batie sur le
cote est de File, le long de la plus considerable branche du St. Laurent,
ce qui rend sa situation tres belle et tres avantageuse. La ville est
quadrangulaire ou plutot c'est un parallelogramme rectangulaire qui se
tend le long du fleuve; de I'autre cote est environnee de charaps a bie
tres produetifs, de prairies charmantes et de bois tres agreables. Elle a
pris son nora de Montreal d'une haute montagne situee a un demi mille
a I'ouest de la ville, qui elcAe sa tete au-dessiis des bois, — c'est J.
Cartier qui donna ce nom au site lorsqu'il le visita en 1535 ; une ville
indienne situee au pied s'appela Hochelaga. Les pretres, suivant leur
coutume de donner des noms de saints a chaque etablissement appelerent
Montreal du nom de Ville Marie, mais ce fut le premier nom qui prevalut.
C'est line ville agreable, bien fortiflee, et entonree de murailles elevees
et solides. Sur le cote est, elle est defendue par la riviere St Laurent,
et par I'autre cote par un vallon profond rempli d'eau qui protege la
ville centre toute surprise de la part des ennemis. Cependant elle ne
pourrait soutenir un long siege, a cause de son etendue qui exige une
garnison tres nombreuse, et parce qu'elle est cpmposee surtout de
construction en bois. II y a plusiers eglises paimi lesquelles je men-
tionnerai d'abord celle qui appartient aux pretres de St. Sulpice;
ensuite celle des Jesuites ; celle des peres Franciscains, celle appartenant
a la Congregation, et celle de I'hopital. La premiere par les ornements
exterieurs et interieiirs, est de beaucoup la plus belle des eglises de la
A'ille etnigme de tout le Canada, les pretres du seminaire de St. Sulpice
ont une grande residence, oh ils vivent en communaute. La maison des
Franciscains est spacieuse et entouree de murs .solides, mais elle n'est
pas si belle que la precedente. Le college des Jesuite est petit mais bien
bati. Chaeune de ces demeures a des grands jardins pour Tagrement et
I'usage des communautes auxqiielles ils appailiennent. Plusieurs des
maisons de la ville sont en pierre, les autres en bois mais bities avecsoin.
Les maisons les plus considerables ont des galeries sur la rue oil I'on vient
s'asseoir le matin et le soir. Les rues sont longues, spacieuses, en ligne
droite et reguheres, coupees a angles droits par les rues adjacentes,
quelques unes seulement sont pavees. Les portes de la villes ont nom
breuses ; il y en a cinq sur le fleuve dont deux sont tres grandes ; il y en a
aussi plusieurs sur I'autre cote de la ville.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

41

Le vendredi, il y a un jour de marche, les habitants des environs
apportent leurs denres, et les gens de la ville se fournissent pour toute la
semaine, les indiens viennent ce jour la en grand nombre dans la ville
pour vendre et acheter.
La declinaison de Taiguille est de dix degres 38 minutes par la
boussole, M Billion, un des pretres du seminaire, qui a un gout parti-
ciilier pour les matheraatiques et I'astronamie, a dessine un meridien
dans le jardin du seminaire qu'il m'a dit avoir examine de jour et de
nuit et qu'il a trouve tres exact, J'ai compose ma boussole avec son
meridien et j'ai trouA'e absolument la meme declinaison.
Suivant M. Billion, la latitude de Montreal est de 45 degres et 27
minutes. Le voyageur se rend ensuite de Montreal a Quebec et il fait des
observations interessantes ; il constate que toutes les rives du fleuve
etaient deja occiipees et en plein rapport, toutes les terres baties et ayant
leurs bitiments d'exploitation, or il ecrit en 1740, c'est ainsi qu'il s'ex-
prime. " Le pays des deux cotes du fleuve, est tres agreable et le bon 6tat
de la culture, ajoiite beaucoup a la beaute du pays. On peut appeler
tout ce parcours, un village commengant a Montreal et finissant a Quebec,
sur une etendue de 180 rallies, car les maisons de ferme ne sont jamais k
plus de cinq arpents de distance les unes des autres, et souvent a trois
arpents. L'aspect de cette disposition est excessivement reraarquable
surtout quand la riviere est en droite ligne, parce qu'alors les maisons
semblent plus rapprochees et presententl'effet de I'avenue d'un village.

o
O

t If *«V' *••

'X '

3 :4it.?i-l3:

i 1

3 ¦

Origin and history
OF THE
StREEtS er MONTREAL.

The City Hall (Hotel de Ville) is one of the flnest Buildings in the
City. It is of eut grey limestone and the site Avas originally a flne
garden. Here a vast amount of business is transacted, and when we
think of millions of money which it represents as trustee to the city we
may well be proud of our Civic Building.

LIST OF MAYORS

OIF
^vnoisTTiaiEj^Xj.

JACgUES VIGER.
The following List is a most interesting and correct one of the
Mayors of the City since its Incorporation. This List (thanks to the
Mayor) is the only coraplete and corrected L'st ever published and to
add to its being a unique List the portrait of the first Mayor^ Jacques
Viger is given.

44 History op Montreal.

Jacques Viger 1833—1840
Peter Mcaill 1840—1843
Joseph Bourret 1843—1845
James Ferrier 1845 — 1847
John E. Mills 1847—1848
Joseph Bourret 1848—1849
E. E. Fabre 1849—1851
Chas, Wilson 1851—1854
Wolfred Nelson 1854-1856
Henry Starnes 1856—1858
0. S. Eodier 1858—1862
J. L. Beaudry 1862—1866
H Starnes 1866—1868
W. ¦Workman 1868—1871
0. J. Coursol 1871—1873
Frs. Cassidy 1873—1874
A. Bernard 1874—1875
W. Hingston 1875—1877
J. L. Beaudry 1877—1879
S. Eivard 1879—1881
J, L. Beaudry 1881—1885
H Beaugrand 1885—1887
J.J.Abbott 1887—1889
Jacques Grenier 1889—1891
James McShane 1891—1893
Alphonse Desjardins 1893 — 1894
J. O. Villeneuve 1894—1896
E. Wilson Smith 1896—1898

history of MONTREAL. 45

SHORT NOTICES
SKETCHES OF THE MAYOR
ALDERMEN AND HEADS
OIF"
CI^IC DEPKRT7VTENTS.
If no notice except the name here appears, the fault lies with the
individual himself not with the Author. Every Alderman and Head
of Departments has either been written to or personnally approached and
if they declined to appear, that settled the matter.

R. WmSON SffilTH, Esa
No man who ever held the position of Chief Magistrate in this
Metropolitan city ever had such onerous official duties to discharge as the
present Mayor during this Jubilee year of 1897, nor were ever such
duties performed with greater zeal, intelligence, or credit to the Oity.
Amongst the business men in Montreal, the Mayor stands in the
front rank. He is in touch with the soundest financial Concerns of
the country. His mind grasps the value of the minutest details of
such undertakings, and he is always ready to lend his aid to whatever
tends to the development of the country, but above all to advance the
interests of his adopted City.
When one sees the .Mayor's name as a supporter or director of any
business enterprise Ave may rest assured that before being . placed there
all the details of the undertaking had been thoroughly gone into by
him. Of the schemes regarding Rossland and Klondike and other ore
bearing localities, those are alone worthy of confidence that bear the
names of prominent business men and wary financiers, Avho would not
embark in any enterprise without the knowledge of its reliability, a

46 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

remark which applies to the Klondike Company of which Mayor R.
Wilson Smith is a Director. The confidence shown in his j udgment was
seen by his being entrusted in January 1893 by the Board of Trade
to float their mortgage bonds to the extent of 8300,000. The loan was a
success being floated at the lowest rate ever obtained for .similar bonds
in Canada. He has ¦ carried through successfully, some of the largest
loans in Canada.
Apart from his onerous duties as Mayor of Montreal his private
business as a financier requires the closest attention. In this . sphere he
holds a conspicuous place, in which he has evinced talents of no
common order. His engagements are numerous as President or Direc
tor of a number of public companies and institutions. He is President
of the Canada Accident Insurance Company; Director of the Montreal
Safe Deposit Company; Director of the Lachine Rapids Power and Light
Company; Trustee of the Guardian Assurance Company; Director of
the Montreal-London Gold and Silver Development Company; he holds
also the office of Harbor Commissioner, and is a member of the Protestant
School Board, a Life Governor of the Montreal General Hospital, of the
Protestant Hospital for the Insane, and of Notre Dame Hospital. His
judgment on financial and insurance questions is so generally respected
that his opinion and advice on investments, and other affairs, are in
continual request.
He takes much interest also in the world of letters, being proprietor
and publisher of the Insurance and Finance Chronicle, which, for the
past sixteen years, under his management, has secured the highest place
amongst the financial Insurance journals of the Dominion. Some
years ago he was elected President of the Press Association of the
Province of Quebec.
The esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens is shown by
his having been twice elected by acclamation to represent the St.
Lawrence Ward in the City Council, and chosen also by acclamation as
Mayor of this, the Commercial Metropolis of Canada.
Although so busily occupied with private and public duties he is
always ready to lend a willing ear to the appeals of the oppressed and
suffering. No widow or orphan ever applied at the Mayor's offlce in
vain. The city clergy of all the churches hear of many of his acts of
charity and benevolence which are unknown to the public. The
industrial classes know the Mayor to be their friend. He exemplifies
what is said in the dedication of this work that, " A generous and
sympathetic heart beats under a true and loyal Irish breast." Mayor
Wilson Smith was born in Ireland in 1852, and came to Canada in 1878.
He is one of the youngest men ever elected Chief Magistrate of this city.
Long may he be spared to utilize his energy and talents in promoting the
interests of his fellow citizens, and helping the progress of this Canada of
ours, with which he has cast in his lot,

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

47

K.A.YMOND V. PREFONTAINE.

48 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Raymond F. Prefontaine, Esq., Q. C, M. P.
NEXT MAYOR OF MONTREAL
It affords rae much pleasure to place his portrait and this short
sketch in ray work as the Avell known Chairman of the Road Committee
of the City of .Montreal and at that part which treats more particularly
of "The Origin and History of the Streets of Montreal."
No man has done more than he has, in making these Streets of to-day
and if certain parties object to the large expenditure for street improve
ment and the result is not what they think should be— let them recollect
that the Streets of Montreal are not now like those of 30 years ago or
even of 15 years ago. The Road Committee and he, in particular, merit
all praise handicapped as they have been by Legislature Enactments,
Companies' Rights and such like actually to have made the Streets of
Montreal what they are to-day.
Mr. Prefontaine was born at Longueuil. He is descended from one
of the oldest families in the Province. His ancestors settled in what was
called New France as far back as 1660. Trained in the Jesuit's College
he graduated in .McGill University and in 1873 was called to the Bar of
the Province, receiving the degree of B. C. L., the same year from McGill.
He is now one of the leading Advocates of the City. Entering politics
he, at the General Elections of 1875, carried his county, though only 21
years of age, against overAvhelming odds. Having been beaten iu the
general elections of 1878 through the over confidence on the part of
his electors, he contested his adversary's election Dr Martel and having
unseated him, Mr. Prefontaine was re-elected in 1879. In 1881
he was again defeated. On Hochelaga being annexed to Montreal,
Mr. Prefontaine as Mayor of that Village became one of the Aldermen
of the City. In 1886 he again ran for Chambly as the Nationalist
Candidate and after one of the hottest contests was elected, This was a
by-election and before he could take his seat the Federal Elections came
on and he had again to fight the battle, which he did successfully.
At the next General Federal Elections he was again elected. He is one
of the most popular members of the House of Commons. Although he
does not speak often, when he does— marked attention is always paid to
him and his remarks are effective. He has ever been the friend of the
laboring classes and one of the best things to them was brought about by
him in obtaining the Law that only half of their wages can be seized for
debt. He is extremely popular with all parties and hencs he has
acquired the high cognomen of '=Rex. Prefontaine." May the joint
exertion of the Road Committee ultimately result in Montreal having as
good streets and public ways as any city in the American Continent.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 49

Alderman RAINVILLE Q.C, M L A„
Mr. Rainville was born at Ste. Angele de Mannoir in 1852. He was
educated at the College of St, Hyacinthe and Ste. Marie de Mannoir
and passed a brilliant career in both. He then studied Law under the
late and celebrated Joseph Doutre, and graduated at McGill University
in 1873. He Avas admitted to the Bar of Quebec 14th Jan. 1874. He
practiced for some years with his brother, the late Judge Rainville, and is
now the head of the extensive Law firm of Rainville, Archambault &
Gervais. Mr. Archambault at present holds the responsible office of
Attorney General in the Marchand Government at Quebec and is one of
the best that ever held the reins of that high office in the government
of our Province.
Mr. Rainville Avas elected Alderman for the Centre Ward of Montreal,
1st March 1882 and has always been re-elected since. For six years he
was Chairman of the Light Committee and is noAV the Chairman of the
most important Committee, the Finance.
He has also been connected with the Schools of the city, having been
a member of the R. C. Board of Commis.sion for sorae years. Entering
politics, he Avas returned for division No. 8 in Montreal to the Provincial
Parliament in June 1890 and has ever since received the respect and
support of his constituents. He is still an honorable member of the
Legislative Assembly of Quebec.
Alderman BEAUSOLEIL Q.C, M.P.,
Was born at St .Felix de Valois in 1845, and was educated at Berthier
Academy and Joliette College. Arrived in Montreal in 1864, he studied
Law in the office of Messrs Beianger and Desnoyers.
In 1866 his love for politics induced him to enter journalism. He
wrote for L'Ordre then L'Evenement. In 1868 he became one of the
Editors of Le Nouveau Monde, under Joseph Royal and by the brilliancy
of his writings Avas elected chief editor in 1870, Avhich position he held for
two years, when he established with the well known L. O. David, the
paper so favorably knoAvn as Le Bien Pupblic.
In 1877 Mr, Beausoleil became an official assignee, continuing so till
1880 when he resumed his legal studies and was adraitted to the Bar
the same year.
A few months after, he entered into partnership with the late Premier
Honorable Honore Mercier. The firm Avas Mercier, Beausoleil, Choquette
and Martineau. He Avas elected in 1882 as Alderman for St. James
Ward. He Avas re-elected in 1S85 by acclamation. His principal Avorks
as Alderman, are the repeal of the Abattoir Monopoly, and the Statute
Labor Tax, and the annexation of Hochelaga and St. Jean Baptiste Wards
to the city. In 1867 he was elected member of the House of Comraons
for the County of Berthier, and has been in Parliament ever since. He
is a stanch Churchman, and devoted to his country and party. As an Alder
man his past record speaks tor itself.

50 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Alderman BRUNET.

Was born at St. Vincent de Paul, 1834. Hi received a sound
elementary education, and at the age of 18 associated himself with a
firm of contractors in Montreal. In 1870 he began the manufacture of
bricks, which business has developed to an enormous extent, chiefly
owing to his energy in Avorking out the details. His first introduction
to business was accompanied by the usual difficulties, but his business
tact and ability, soon overcame thera, and his transactions increased
beyond his most sanguine anticipations. He is exceedingly popular.
with his own iraraediate Avorkraen, and his generous kindness is much
appreciated by the population of the East End. The laboring men
of the city have always found in him a warm sympathizer and
advocate of their grievances. Besides his brick business, Mr. Brunet
has been engaged in many other commercial transactions. He is a
director of several building and railway enterprises. With a strong
feeling of patriotism he organised a corapany to build a road at Montfort
which traversed a most fertile region and has been extremely beneficial
to the settlers. He afterwards became president of this road. He was
one of the founders and directors of the St. Gabriel de Brandon
Railway, and has always interested himself in the work of colonization
He is an active director of the Montreal Exposition Co., and a
member of the Chamber de Commerce since 1891. He is a leading
member of several building organizations and of the Unions St. Pierre
and St. Joseph.
He commenced pubhc life in 1872, being elected for St. Louis Ward
in the Municipal Councils. He retired of his own accord in 1878, and
five years later was chosen to represent St. James Ward, which seat he
has retained ever since. He is a prominent member in several Commit
tees, and his valuable services were duly recognized by being elected
by his constituents, in 1894, by the largest majority ever polled by a
candidate for civic honors. His consistent attention to his municipal
duties has been properly appreciated by his confreres in the City
Council by appointing him their representative on the Catholic Board of
School Commissioners. His services to the citizens generally, cannot be
over-estimated. In politics Mr. Brunet is a Liberal, From 1890 to 1892 he represent
ed the St. James Ward in the Provincial Legislature, and his curt
precise business speeches always commanded respect and attention, All'
his operations have been conducted and brought to success by untiring
energy, business tact, and sound common sense.

HISTORY OF MONTRBAL, 51

Alderman GROTHE.
Mr. Grothe was born, 1853. He was educated at the Christian Bro^
thers' School in the St. Lawrence jWard. Leaving school he went to
learn the trade of a Avorking jeAveller under the instructions of his
father. His after skill in Avorkmanship and artistic taste very soon
placed him in the front rank of competitors. In 1877, he had gained
such a position as to enable him to establish a wholesale jewelry store
on Fortification lane, where he worked and distributed a considerable
part of the jewelry that Avas used in the city and country. His busi
ness increased to such an extent that in 1880 he removed his factory to
95 St. Lawrence Street, where he took his brother, A. A. Grothe, into
partnership. Aid. Grothe is a fair sample of those men who by their energy and
intelligence, in the course of tirae become wealthy, aud acquire that
position among their fellow-citizens that should be the aim of every
workingman in this democratic country of ours, where honor is bestowed
upon those to Avhom it is due, and where honesty and perseverance are
always sure to be triumphant.
Aid. Groth6 has been a hearty supporter of the various benevolent
clubs founded in the city, and is an active officer of the St. Joseph, St.
Pierre and the Artizans Societies, and during 1891-92 acted as President
of the St. Jean-Baptiste Society, In 1892, he was nominated by the
citizens of the St. Jean-Baptiste Ward to represent them in the City
Council. Although suffering from illness and unable to do the usual
canvassing, he was triumphantly elected by a large majority.
Alderman LAPORTE.
Hormidas Laporte, of the firm of Laporte, Martin & Cie., wholesale
Grocers, St. Peter Street, was born 1850, at Lachine.
He received his education at the village school, and came, in 1866, to
Montreal, where he attended Moffatt's Night School, thus evincing, at
the very outset of his life, the spirit of energy and worthy ambi
tion which has carried him on his successful career.
After four years, he entered into commercial life, and he took a
place as clerk in a retail grocery and during the autumn of the same
year, he started, a grocery on his own account,
This business prospered so well on his hands, that in 1881 hesold
out and began a wholesale grocery and provision establishment, Avhich
increased so wonderfully, that seven years later, he took as partners
J. B. A. Martin and J. O. Boucher. In 1895 the firm was again augment
ed by the addition ol two other partners.

b'i HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

It is now twenty -five years since this flourishing house was estab
lished, and its standing to-day is one of the best in the city. The
direction of every detail, has always been under the control and manage
ment of the members of the firm, and the confidence with which they
were enabled to inspire the public contributed not a littie to their
triumph. They employ, fifty assistants, and five travellers represent
on the road the interests of the house. Mr. Laporte has been for years
treasurer, president, and warden of the Congregations and of the different
charitable institutions of the parish of St. Joseph. He is Past-President
of the Union St. Vincent, and President of the Alliance National, and
Past-Treasurer and President of the Association of St. Jean Baptiste,
Section St. Joseph,
Mr. Laporte is a member of the Bmrd of Trade, and of the
Wholesale Grocers' Association, He was also one of the promoters of
the Chambre de Commerce. He was for two years Vice-President of
the Chamber, and President for the same length of time. He has been
since 1895 a Justice of the peace. Director of the Merchants' Telephone
Company, and Councillor and Mayor of Dorin Village (Vaudreuil Station),
where he resides in sumraer. He is a Harbor Commissioner.
Alderman COSTIGAN,
He was born in Montreal in 1860, educated at the High School and
entered on t*^e study of Law, but owing to ill health he had to abandon
all study — after regaining better health, he entered' into partnership with
his brother, succeeded to the business of their father in 1881. He joined
the third Victoria Rifles in 1877 and after serving twelve years, got a
Coraraission in the Montreal Brigade of Garrision Artillery and rose to
the position of Captain and Adjutant. He t' en transferred to the third
Field Battery of Artillery under Lt. Col. Stevenson and succeeded to the
rank of Major commanding in 1897:
He was elected Alderman for St. Antoine Ward in 1893 and reelected
twice since by acclamation was elected a member of the Protestant
Board of School Commissioners in 1894 and re-elected in 1897.
Ool. STEVENSOU.
Is one of the best known men of Montreal. No wonder he should
possess qualities which have made him such. His mother was Janet
Frances Allan cousin of the Imraortal Burns and sister to the late Capt.
Allan and Aunt to our well known citizens the late Sir Hugh Allan and
the present head of the Allan Line Mr. Andrew Allan. 
The Col. arrived in Canada in 1846. In 1S53 he estabUshed the
printine firm of Messrs. OvA'ler & Stevenson publishing " The Sun " and
for some yi-ars " McKays Uirectory " ii()w merged for years past in
"Lovell's."

history op MONTREAL

53

S4 History oF Montreal.
Afterward the Col. carried on the business alone. In 1879 it was
merged into the " Montreal Printing Co. " —
In 1861 he was elected Councillor for the West Ward and Chairman
of the Pire Alarm Telegraph Construction Committee — whilst Councillor
he made the first motion to acquire the Mountain as a Public Park.
Very great opposition was raised but it became a fact. Retiring from
the Council in 1867 he was again elected Alderman for his old Ward and
has ever since been in. the Council. He is then the father of the Council
of Montreal. In 1886 he was made the Chairman of the Fire Committee and ever
since has strived to make this most important branch the flnest in America
and trulj'. " Secundus Nulli. "
But perhaps as a Military man the Col. is best known to the citizens
of Montreal, having been for years the popular Commander of the "Field
Battery " from which he retired some years ago. With both the Cale
donian and St. Andrew's societies, he has been long connected.
Alderman ARCHAMBAULT.
Was born in 1852. He like so many others who have made their
mark in Montreal, was educated at the Brother's School and afterwards
at the Montreal College. When quite young he started business with
his brothers in 1879 at 1453 Ste. Catherine Street. Their store soon
became one of the most frequented Dry Goods establishments in the
City. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. When the late Alder
man Dupuis raade the Ward vacant Mr. Archambault was elected by
acclamation to fill his place. He has ever attended to the wants of the
Ward " St. James" and been a faithful and energetic servant to his
constituents and ever foremost in advocating, every thing to the
advantage of that part of the City in which he resides.
Alderman SAVIGNAC-
Was born at Berthier in 1849- He was educated at the Jacques
Cartier Normal School where so many of our business men, as well as
professional have received their education under the guidance of one
of the most erudite men of the country.
This is shown in Mr. Savagnac becoming In 1868 both Principal and
Professor of St. fesaire Academy. Resigning this position he came to
Montreal, and entered business with F. Drapeau as Tinsmiths, Roofers
and Plumbers. When the firm dissolved partnership, he opened an
office as an Accountant. Ten years ago he was elected for St Louis

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 55
Ward as Alderman which he has represented ever since, there by
demonstrating the great hold he has on the electors of that ward. He
is a member and a useful one of the Chamber of Commerce and belongs
to several Committees of the City Hall. We hope that he will long
continue to represent the ward.
Aldermau DUPEE, M. P.
Very few of our Aldermen attain to the high distinction of being at
the same tune an .A.lderman of Montreal and Member of the House of
Commons at Ottawa.
Alderman Dupre was born at Vercheres in 1842 and was educated
there. After his leaving School and College 1 e came to Montreal at the
age of 28. There he started business as a Wood Merchant in company
with Mr. Chausse, Avhich is still continued in the Bast End on St.
Catherine street. He has been an excellent member of the Civic Board and
always ready to advance everything connected with his ward and his
political career has secured him the confidence of his constituents.
Alderman MAKITNEAU.
Was born in 1858. He was educated at Ste Mary's College where he
passed a successful curiculura and frora which Avell known Institute he
entered McGill College and graduated in Law in 1879.
In 1881 he entered into partnership with the late Preraier of Quebec,
the Honorable H. Mercier— the firm being styled, M ercier, Beausoleil,
Choquette & Martineau.
After the death of the chief he continued practice with success and
was lately elected to represent St. Denis Ward in the affairs of the City.
Mr. Martineau is an example of a persevering and pushing man who
yet will come to the front rank in political and civic affairs and though
of a retiring disposition yet has the true vim and enthusiasm and he
will make himself heard in the meetings of the Council.
L. O. DAVID, Esqr City Clerk.
Was born at Sault aux RecoUet in 1840 and educated in the'College
of Ste. Therese. He studied law with the lateJudge Mousseau and became
his partner until he was adraitted to the Bar. He established in con
junction with hira and Mr. Desbarats, the well known periodical
L' Opinion Publique. Retiring from that journal he established aloug with
Mr. Beausoleil the Bien Public. By their articles they caused the fall of
the Ouimet Government. He left the Bien Public in 1876 on account of his
views on protection, which he considered would be a good thing
for Canada for 10 or 15 years to come. At the encl of that period, he

56

HISTORY CF MONTREAL.

VIGEE SQUARE.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 51
changed his views and became a Free Trader with the United States and
all other countries.
But it is as a literary man that Mr. David is best known to the
reading public of Canada. His great work after he left the Bien Public
was his well knoAvn Book on the Rebellion of 1837-8 and called " Les
Patriotes." From that Avork I haA^e received more than once iraraense
benefit and help in Avriting up ray History of the Montreal Jail for 110
years and I must take this opportunity of thanking him publicly for his
endorsation of that Avork. He kindly wrote these words to me anent
my researches of that period both iu the Vaults of the Court House and
Records of the Prison. " J'ai lu avec le plus grand interet le livre que
vous venez de publier sur les evenements de 1887-8. Vous avez le merite
d'avoir fait connaitre une foule de details et de documents officiels relatifs
a ces evenements."
Mr. David also published a valuable AVork entitled "Portraits and
Biographies of Avell knoAvn Canadians.
In 1886 he Avas nominated to the Local House of Parliament for
Quebec for the division of Montreal Bast but refused re-election in 1890.
He has for year.s been the President of the St. Jean Baptiste Society and
was greatly instrumental in getting erected the Monument National — in
St. Lawrence street. — For the past feAV years he has been the City Clerk
and by his lore and legal knowledge has greatly aided all those who
have corae in contact Avitti him ever on the " qui vive" to advance any
thing beneficial to Montreal or his native Province.
COL., (Chief) HUGHES.
Was born in 1H47 at Ste. Therese. His father Avas an Advocate and
Clerk of the Peace. He Avas educated at Nicolet College and admitted
a Notary in 1873 and called to the Bar of Queboc in IS81. He first
practiced with Honorable (uoav Judge) Ouimet. AfteiAvards he Avas for
ten years Deputy Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of Licenses for the City.
Having resigned these appointments he became Brigade Major of No. 6
Military District. In 1880 he Avas raade Major of the 65th Battalion and
a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel.
When the North West Rebellion broke out he waived his rank and
went as Major of his old corps to the west which he coraraanded at
the engageraents of Frenchmen's cut May 28, 1885. He wasrecomraended
by General Middleton to be a full Colonel for his actions in the
engagements. He was appointed Chief of Police of Montreal April 1888, and ever
since has been assiduous in looking after, the welfare of his men. benefit
ting them by all possible means. He was the mainspring in getting the
Benefit Fund organized, Avhich has done so rauch good in the past
both to the raen of the force and their families.

58 HISTORY OP MONTREAL

He is sprung from' a flghting race, his great grand-father belonged
to the Canadian Pencibles and his grand-father to the 78th Highlanders.
His Uncle fell at the Battle of Lacolle in the war of 1812.
The Chief is a fine specimen of a fine race who have done their
duty to their King or Queen and country,
J. 0. A. LiPOEEST, SuperiDtendent Water Works
His father was born in 1867 at Joliette Que; and father was Pierre
Laforest, Saperintendent of Joliette Water Works; He was educated at
Joliette College and after followed a course of Civil Engineering at the
Polytechnic School of Montreal, where he'graduated with honors in 1887.
He was appointed flrst Asst. Engineer of the Montreal and Lake TMaskin-
onge Ry. where he continued to the spring of 1888. He then entered as
first asst. Engineer of the Great Northern Ry. In July 1889 he was
appointed Deputy Supt. of the Montreal Water Works, and in May 1895
Acting Supt of the same, In December 1856 he was appointed Super
intendent of the M. W. Works at the age of 29.
E. McMAHON, Ooronor of Montreal,
Was born at the pretty Village of Ste. Rose in 1852. He was
educated like so many others at the Montreal College. Having .passed
successfully through that Institution, he entered McGill University and
after taking the course of Law with honor and success graduated from
that centre of Learning in 1892. After the death of the late well known
Joseph Jones who for some years was Coroner of Montreal Mr. McMahon
was appointed in his place, which situation he now fills to the entire
satisfaction of all the citizens.
Residing in the Town of Westmount a suburb of Montreal, he was
appointed the Recorder of that Municipality and his judicial decisions
meet with the entire favor of the inhabitants of that important place.
Mr. McMahon is one of our best musical raen in the city, and this Is
shown by his being the Leader of the Choir of the Notre Dame Church
where he has abundance of opportunities to display his talent,
S. H. OAEPENTEE, Chief Detective.
We cannort say anything regarding our most efficient Chief Detective
without speaking of the last Institution in which he was the presiding genius.
This Agency was established some years ago and has built up for itself a great
business throughout the whole Dominion. It is under Government Patronage,
and the subject of our sketch remained its chief manager until he was lately
promoted to be the Chief Detective of the City of Montreal. He has had
years of experience and is a shrewd, quick and successful prolessional, as has
been seen since he took the reins of offlce of his Department at the City Hall.

HiSTOtlY Of MONTREAL.

He was born in Argenteuil, 1854 ; audattended the common school in the
County until 16, when he went to Ottawa and atteaded certain studies there.
He joined the City Police Force in i88u and soon was promoted Sergeant,
and afterwards placed in the Detective Department.
Here he remained until 1890 when he resigned on being appcnnted
Detective by the Provincial Government of Quebec with the privilege of going
into partnership with Mr. John A. Grose who was then connected with the
Canadian Secret Service.
He was partner with Mr. Grose until 1893 when Mr. Grose left to take the
management of the Dominion Burglary Guarantee Co. and he continued the
management and direction of the Canadian Secret Service Agency until
December 1896 when he was appointed to take charge of the City Detective
Department. During the time he was in the Government Service and connected with the
Canadian Secret Service Agency he had business for the Government and
large Corporations in Canada, which necessitated his travelling all over Canada,
the United States and through Cuba and Mexico.
He has been connected during the last fifteen years with the most
important criminal cases in this country, and it is a fact that he has always
been very successful. Z. BENOIT, Chief cf Fire Brigade.
Was born at St. Jean Chrysostome. He was educated at the Public
School of that place and after finishing his studies started life as a clerk
in a grocery establishment in 1875.
One of the most useful acts of Mr. Benoit's life was his organization
of the St. Henri Police and Fire Brigade, which he raised to a high state
of excellence. When the offlce of ( hief of the Fire Brigade of the City
of Montreal became vacant, he was appointed in 1888 to fill the respon
sible offlce which he has ever done since to the satisfaction ofthe citizens
at large and especially to the Fire Insurance Companies. This is
evidenced by the many donations sent to him ii aid of the Fireman's
Fund. Like the chiefs Avho have preceded him— he is really the right
man in the right place. J. E. DORE.
Was born at the old Village of Laprairie in 1857. He was educated
at the Montreal College. After this when quite young he spent several
years in the United States, but like raany others finding that he could
Hve as well iu his native country he returned to Canada and settled in
Montreal where he established the corapany of Dore Si Charbonnez.
Being appointed Sanitary Engineer he has fulfilled the duties of that
most important offlce to the satisfaction of all concerned and on him
devolves much of the health of the citizens, as regards everything
belonging to the Sanitary arrangeraent of their houses.

60

HISTORY OP MONTREAL,

sr. LOUIS SQUAEE.
E O. CHAMPAGNE, Inspector of Boilers.
Mr. Champagne was born at Sorel. and is now forty-six years of
age. He received his education frora the Christian Brothers in his
native town, and commenced his business career in 1865.
In 1872 he obtained a first-class certificate of Mechanical Engineer
ing, being the first French-Canadian Avho had sought and obtained that
distinction, since the commencement of the Department in 1859. He is
President of the Association of Boiler Inspectors of the United States
and Canada. He is a practical engineer, and holds to-day the respon
sible position of Boiler Inspector of the ( ity of Montreal, and Examiner
of persons seeking employraent in the Department under his surveillance.
It is a position of trust, requiring painstaking care and skill, and for
the task committed to his charge he is eminently fitted.
It is a grave, and we might say, iu this connection, a prosaic work
in which he is engaged, and it is therefore Avith a natural surprise
that the stranger learns that Mr. Champagne is a noted sportsman. He
is acknowledged on all hands to be a first-class marksman, and is, in
fact, the best snap shot in the Dominion.
Among the experts employed in trying and testing fire-engines and
pumps in the City of Montreal, he is chief. He was responsble during
the trial of the Worthington pumps with a capacity of fifteen million
gallons, the first engine of the kind used in the city.
He gained the prize given by the Club de ('basse et de Hgche du
Chenal du Moine at the inauguration of their Club House ; the money
prize given by Mr. Costen for the best marksman of the Province ; also
another prize, given by the Association of Mechanical Engineers, for
the best shot. Mr. Champagne's career as a steamboat engineer
extends over a period af fourteen years, during which time he ploughed
through the waters of the St. Lawrence. Ottawa and Richelieu Rivers,
Lake Champlain and the Upper Lakes, and two seasons on the Gulf of
St. Lawrence.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

V ,0 (?) W-,

^be public Squares

DOMINION SQUARE, was acquired by purchase in 1^73
from Gilman Cheney and others and was formerly the Roman Catholic
Burying Ground.
CHAMP de MARS> is the property of the Dominion Govern
ment. OUFFERIN SQUARE, was acquired from the Trustees of the
Protestant Burying Ground in 1871.
DALHOUSIE SQUARE, was obtained from the Imperial
Government in 1823 and Avas Aviped out by the ucav C. P. R. Station in
1894. PLACE D'ARMES SQUARE, Previous to 1845, the Place
was not enclosed. In 1845 the ground A\'as levelled, a carriage way Avas
paved around it and an Iron fence A\as erected.
S''"- J ^^'!^S ?0' 'AP"^. w,-s ."cnuired by the City, about the
year IS'JO.

62 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
JACQUES CARTIER SQUARE, between Notre Dame and
St, Paul streets was opened previous to the Incorporation of the City
(1840), and between St. Paul and Commissioners Streets was opened
previous to 1836. This square was given to the City for the purpose
of being used as a Public Market.
CUSTOM HOUSE SQUARE, was purchased from Mr. Wm,
Dow previous to 1846, by a resolution of Council (1892) it is now
called, LA PLACE ROYALE.
PARTHENAIS SQUARz. was formed and macadamised in
1845. In 1858 a piece of ground was purchased from Mr. McGill for the
purpose of straightening the N. E. side.
HAY MARKET, was purchased from the Gentlemen of the
Seminary in 1865,
PAPINEAU SQUARE, was opened previous to 1845 and was
called Queen's Square ; it is now called Papineau Avenue, since July 1890,
by a resolution of Council.
VIGER SQUARE, was obtained in 1844, the greatest portion of it
gratuitously ceded in 1844 by Messrs. Viger and Lacroix; other portions
being acquired at different dates, the latest acquisition, having been
made by expropriation in 1892.
WESTERN SQUARE, was acquired by the City in 1870.
RICHMOND SQUARE, was opened previous to the year
1844. -^
VICTORIA SQUARE, the greatest portion of this Square was
acquired in 1841 and was called Commis.sioners Square. In 1888 a piece
of land was expropriated at the corner of St. James street for the exten
sion of said squa,re.
PHILLIPS SQUARE, was ceded to the City by Alfred Phillips
Esq. in 1842.
BEAVER HALL SQUARE, was ceded to the city by Alfred
Phillips Esq. in 1842.
BELLERIVE SQUARE, is city property since 1893.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 63
ST. LOUIS SQUARE, was purchased by the City in 1848, for
the purpose of supplying the City with Avater.
ST. GABRIEL SQUARE, was acquired by the City in 1862.
CHERIER SQUARE, was acquired by the City in 1870.
ST. PATRICK SQUARE, belongs to the Dominion Govern

ment.

LOGAN PARK is the property of the Dominion Government
MOUNT ROYAL PARK, was acquired from 1872 to 1875.

64

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

(A
Ph(Jo
HPO

^' '„ -f a^Jj.ii

?sr

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Alderman HAEPEE,
The subject of this sketch like so raany of thera who have raade their
mark in Canada is a native born Scotsman. He AA'as born in Ayrshire,
the Land of Burns in the year 1832.
He came to Canada with the family when he was quite a youth.
After some years of hard Avork he started ou his oAvn responsibilities in
busines.s and it is needless to say. that by his tact, energy and integrity
in the same, he has built up one of the largest and best known hou=es
not in .Montreal only but throughout the Dominion. This was twenty-
five years ago and ever since Mr. Harper has steadily advanced.
He was elected to represent the St. Lawrence Ward in 1 ^95 and has
been one of the most energetic of the City Fathers at their Council and
Comraittee meetings, acting sometimes as Deputy Mayor. He is also a
Member of the Board of Trade and a Governor of the General Hospital.
Alderman McBRIDE,
He is another of our Aldermen who is a native of .Montreal, having
been born in the City in 1849. He was educated in Moutreal and after
passing through his studies entered business and is now one of the most
important firms of the city,Vipond, McBride & Co., wholesale fruits. His
career shows what push and capacity can do even for anyone determined
to succeed. This is shown in his having been elected by his fellow citizens
to represent them as Alderman for the West Ward, Avhich position he
has for years done, to the satisfaction of all, they having always elected
him by acclamation. He is also one of the three Aldermen who represent
the Protestant School Commission of the Protestant Schools of the City
and during his incumbency (which it may be for long in the future)
he has seen the work of education extend on all sides and some of the
finest educational structures on the Continent built under his regime and
that of his confreres. The High School and Aberdeen School are instances
of the progress of the Protestant School Commissioners.
Alderman SADLER.
Was born in 1852 and educated at the Model School of Montreal. He
commenced business in 1876 with T. Robin in the leather belt manufactur
ing, in which he is engaged to this day. He was one of the original
movers in the Montreal Exposition and has been an active Director of
that important In.stitiition since its inception. He is also a Life Meraber
of the M ontreal General Hospital and Verdun Protestant Hospital for
the Insane and Vice President of the Caledonia Curling Club.
He Avas elected Alderraan for St. Antoine Ward in 1S76, and still
represents it in the Council.
The present firm is Sadler and Haworth, one of the best knoAA'u firms
in the Dominion in their line of business.

HISTORY CB* MONTREAL.

Alderman JACQUES.
He was born at Longueuil, opposite Montreal, in the county of
Charably, 1861. He attended the Longueuil College and passed a satis
factory career in that Institution, afterwards entering as a pupil St.
Joseph's Commercial Academy and passing through all its courses.
He then began the same business as his Father, being very necessary
to him in his energy and application and at last succeeded to the entire
control of it. So conservative is Alderman Jacques (though a strong
Liberal) that he still resides in the same place in which his father lived
for the past twenty-tAvo years.
He Avas elected by his fellow citizens in 1894 to represent them in
the Council and so effectually has he done so, that he has been always
re-elected since. He has ever striven to benefit that part of the city
over which he presides and in the Council has always been an active and
progressive member. In all governmental and municipal measures he
has ever stood on the side of reform and his influence has more than
once been felt in the meetings of the Council.
Alderman KINSELLA.
Was born at St. Columba, County of Two Mountains, December, 184&.
He came to .Montreal Avhen a mere boy and embarked in the grocery
business where he was employed for a number of years. Beino- of an
enterprising disposition he decided to go into business on his own account.
In his new venture he had urabounded success, so much so that after
seven years he decided to build a larger store to supply the demands of
his trade. In 1881 he moved into his own block at the corner of Ottawa
and Shannon Sts., where success again crowned his efforts, and was, after
seven years of continuous hard work, able to retire, yet, he was never
happy unless engaged in some pursuit and after one year of rest, during
which time he visited the old country he decided to embark in the livery
and sale stable business, as he always had a strong fascination for well
bred horses and trotting stock. The result was the formation of the part
nership of Starr and Kinsella, and the building of one of the largest sale
stables in Canada, situated on Mansfield St. He is at present agent for
Wm. Dow & Co., of this city.
Mr. Kinsella is an extensive property holder in St. Ann's and St.
Antoine Wards. He is a member of the Grocers and Real Estate Associa
tions and also President of the Irish Catholic Benefit Society and the
C. M. B. A, Association. He Avas elected Alderman for Ste. Ann's Ward
in 1896.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 67

AlderiVian CHARPfilNTIER.

Was born in Montreal in 1 859 and received his education at the St.
James School of " Les Freres de la Doctrine Chretiennes," after which he
started in business as a Contractor and Builder in 1885. He has always
taken an active part in the different Societies in his Division as seen by
his being President of the St, Bridget's Section of the St. Jean Baptiste
Society in 1886 and 1887, He Avas also President ofthe Joint Committee
of the three Parishes of St. Mary's Ward for the large celebration that
took place in the east end of the city in 1896. He is also President of
St. Vincent de Paul Society.
He was elected in 1896 for St. Mary's Ward and has ever since
worked in the Council for the benefit of the city and particularly for his
own Division.

B. T. DeMONTIGNY, Recorder of Montreal.
Was born at St. Jerome in 1838. Studied at the College of Joliette.
After passing his legal curriculum he Avas admitted to the Bar in 1858
when he had just attained his majority.
Next year began the movement to raise a battalion of Pontifical
Zouaves to aid the Pope in the struggles theu going on in Italy.
In 1861 Mr. De Montigny joined this corps and remained two years.
He is now the oldest Zouave in Canada. When the first band of crusad
ers left Montreal in January 1868, we find amongst them the subject of
our sketch and Governor Vallee of the Prison and Chief Hughes of the
Police and L. Forget, Chief Clerk of the Recorder's Court. When they
landed in France they caused an immense sensation. " Drapeau blanc en
tete, avec la devise " ; " Aime Dieu et va ton cherain," these Zouaves were
received everywhere with acclamation.
At the beautiful city of Lyons, they received a royal reception and
an eminent member of the French Academy wrote an ode on their career.
We cannot forbear giving one verse of it.
" Allez votre chemin, Frangais de Nouveau Monde,
Race de vos aieux tout a coup ranimee,
Allez laissant chez vous une trace feconde
Offrir un noble sang au Dieu que vous airaez."
After their return to Canada, Mr. DeMontigny resuraed the duties
of his profession and was made District Magistrate for Terrebonne.

68 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

In 1880 he Avas appointed Recorder of Montreal and for the past 17
years has fulfilled the onerous duties of his office to the satisfaction of
all. Many a prisoner has had to acknoAvledge that through his charity
and benevolence the sentence has been suspended or such as the mildest
possible to be given. Among Protestants the Recorder is held in high
esteem.
PERCIVAL ST. GEORGE
Is also a Scotsman, having been born at Forres, Scotland, 1849. He
Avas educated for seven years in France and finished at the UniA^ersity of
Edinburgh. He came to this country in 1886. For four years he was
Assistant Engineer In the construction and survey of the C. P. R, then
other lines. For eight years he Avas Deputy Surveyor of the City of
Montreal and in 1883 he was appointed City Surveyor which position he
still holds.
His position is one of the most arduous and responsible of all the
Departments of the City aud he is continually called on in Committee or
in Council to give information regarding the Streets of the city.
Mr. St. George's knowledge of the City both above and below ground
is more than auy other man's in Montreal and it requires an energetic
mind like his, to keep all things in order and obviate confusion in his
offlce. J. ROUER ROY Q.C, City Attornev.
Was born in 1821, in Montreal, his father was Joseph Roy, who
represented the City of Montreal in the Quebec Legislature, before 1837.
On the occasion of his death, in 1856, Hon. Joseph Papineau thus spoke
of him:—" The one we have lost has left us none but noble examples to
imitate, and not one act or one word that requires to be excused. " His
mother belonged to a family of Italian origin, which was allied to the
noble house of the Rouer de Villeray of France. Mr. Roy, was educated
at the Montreal College, where he took a full classical course, under
Messire Baile, completing his studies in 1838. He then began the study
of Law under the Hon. M. O'Sullivan, formerly Solicitor-General for
Lower-Canada, and afterwards Chief Justice. On Mr. O'Sullivan being
elevated to the Bench, Mr. Roy continued his studies under the Hon.
Andrew Stuart, also one of the Solicitor-Generals of the Province, and
completed thera, sorae eighteen months before he becarae ,of age. He
was called to the Bar in February, 1842. After a brilliant career as a
Barrister and leading Attorney, he was, in 1862, appointed joint City
Attorney, tor the City of Montreal, Avith the late Henry Stuart Q.C, and
acted in that capacity up to the year 1S76. Avhen he became the sole
Legal Adviser of the City. In 1856, he Avas unanimously elected by his

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

69

70 HISTOR,Y OF MONTREAL.
brother barristers Syndic of the Bar of Quebec, which position he held
for four years. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1864 he has been
President of the Library committee of the Bar. In 1887 he was elected
Batonnier of the Bar of Quebec and Batonnier General of the Province
on first June 1888. He Avas appointed by the Fabrique, in 1870, Cuirch-
warden of the parish of Notre-Dame. This is an honor conferred upon a
very limited and selected nuraber of persons, Mr. Roy beinc^ only the
second meraber of the Profession who has held this honorable position.
He is also first Vice-president of " The Numismatic and Antiquarian
Society of Alontreal. " He is a linguist of no mean ability, and a thorough
Latin and Italian scholar also Avell versed in Greek lore and as farailiiir
with the English language, as Avith his native French. He was captain
of the Voltigeurs in 1849, shortly after the burning of the Parliaraent
Buildings in Montreal. During his career as a practising Barrister, he
has had many interesting case.«, and has been entrusted with several
before Her Majesty's Privy Council in England, particularly the case of
Lachevrotiere dit Chavigny and the (ity of Montreal. This case arose
out of a dispute with regard to one of the principal squares of the City.
We may also mention the litigation betAveen the City and Sir Hugh Allan
and Lemoine, in connection with the Mount Royal Park, involving half
a million of dollars. His sou, to-ilay ranks among tie rising Civil engin
eers of Canada, being Superintendent of all the public works of the
Province of Brit'sh Columbia.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 71

IRotre Barne Street,
** Xa (5ran^e IRue."
In commencing the Origin of the Streets of Montreal I feel pleasure
in placing before ray Readers the testimony of one of the greatest of
Canadian AVriters Sir. J. M. LsMoyne of Quebec wlio sent me the following
after having reid" The Star " of this city, Avhere it published the basis
of the extended histories and notes Avhich are uoav published in Book
Form. He says "I have read Avith much interest your history ofthe
origin of the naraes of the Montreal streets, and hope it Avill be preserved
in the raore durable shape of a brochure, such inforraation I am sure you
will find thousands of readers in Montreal and elsewhere."
Montreal, as we all know, from the date on the beautiful Monument
lately er.ected to its founder Maisonneuve in Place d' Armes Square, was
laid out in the year A D 1642. It Avas then, indeed, a sraall and " humble
Town" bounded as it still is, by the grand old River St, LaAvrence on the
South, then extending to the North as far as Avhat is now called Fortific
ation Lane near Craig and running from near McGill street to the Citadel
(Dalhousie Square) East. The shape Avas a regular parallelogram aud
accordingly the three principal streets Avere again intersected by others
running from the St. Lawrence to Fortification Lane north.
These three main streets and their adjuncts Avill be flrst spoken of
as they are the oldest ones in the City and then the others in detail.
Let us then begin with the flrst street traced out in the old Town
of Montreal. This street running now far beyond the precincts of the old ToAvn
goes to the East, through Montreal and the prosperous suburb of the
Town of Maisonneuve and to the West through the populous Town of
Ste. Cunegonde. It Avas formerly divided into three parts., St. Joseph
street, Notre Dame street and Ste. Mary street. Some years ago they all
merged in the more appropriate name of Notre Dame.
This street Avas the very first ever laid out in Montreal. Thirty
years after the location of Ville Marie or Mariopolis by Maisonneuve, M.
Dollier de Canon traced out as near to the centre of the ToAvn as
possible Notre Dame Street. " 11 traga d'abord au centre, une grande

72 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

rue, et qui parcourait tout la Ville principale, il lui donna le non de
Notre Dame, eu I'honneur de la Tres-Saiute Vierge qui avait ete choisie
comme Patronne de la Ville."
What changes have taken place and what scaues have been enacted
since that good Sulpician, with his pair of compasses aud pen traced out
old Notre Dame street in the proces verbal of date 12th March 1672.
Let us try to realize a few of them chronologically. Of course, we
may say, till the beginning of this century everything beyond the
Town proper, Avas Terra incognita " the only great unalterable thing.
being the old St LaAvrence River flowing on the same as it had ever done,
since the days of that cataclysm, when that great flood of water flowing
from north to south through all this pleasant land, was arrested by up
heavals and the valley of the St. Lawrence was formed and the
most wonderful River on the surface of the globe came into existence,
that river which got its name, by Canada's renowned Explorer Jacques
Cartier. It still, during all these years, Avhen the country was wild
flowed majesticaly on, as it will do for centuries to come— but who can
foresee what Avonderful events Avill happen to raark the progress of
adA'ance and make the old River subservient to the wants of man ? The
first scene which looms up in i)ietorial jianoramaof Notre Dame street,
leads us back to t'lo American Revolution of 1775 and following
years. The Americans determined then to take Canada, and for thi®
purpose they sent tAVo armies toward the North. In connection with
this moveraent General Montgomery had detached Col. Ethan Allen
with 150 men frora the main army to attack Montreal. On the 24th
October 1775, he crossed the St. LaAvrence three miles below the City
at Longue Pointe. No sooner did General Carleton knoAV of it than he
assembled 30 regulars and about 200 militia, French and English, of the
town, and put them under the command of Major Garden, who, early
next day, marched down to Longue Pointe and encountered the enem\ .
The Americans had possessed themselves of souje houses and barns. An
engagement took place which lasted half aa hour, when the colonists
under Allen were completely defeated, and he aud his whole command
were taken prisoners of war. AfterAvards they were all liberated when
their maiu army under Montgomery took Montreal. The American
armies were commanded res})ectively by Montgomery and Arnold as
their generals. They first took the route of Lake CLamplain and the
Richelieu River, capturing all the fortified places ou their AA^ay, as St.
Johns, Chambly and Sorel. At Sorel, Montgomery placed heavy
batteries to prevent any cr mmunication betAveen Q\iebec aud Montreal;
and as soon as he marched to take the latter place, Governor Carleton
was obliged to escape to Quebec, AA'^hich he reached under the skilful
guidance of Captain Bouchette and his aide-de-camp, Chas. DeLanar-
diere."

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

73

1

74 HISTORY OF MONTRBAL.
The Americans took Montreal and entered the city on the 13th
November, 1775, and flnding abundance of flne thick woollen cloth,
Montgomery clad all his troops in this Canadian stuff. They did not
remain long inthe city, but set out for Quebec, which was reached on the
Sth day of December, 1775. An act of herosim and patriotism occurred
at this time well worthy of being noticed here. It was necessary to
communicate with the General at Quebec from Montreal ; but by the
strict watch of tho Americans at Sorel it was impossible now to pass
by the River St, Lawrence. In the exigencies of the case, two French
Canadians stepped forward and volunteered for the office.
The true history of this daring deed has been sent to me by M. Papi
neau, son of the Leader of the Rebellion of 1837-8. He thus writes. " Very
"important dispitches from Genl. Howe ia New York to Governor
'• Carleton in Quebec having reached Montreal, the Seminary conflded
" them to two of their most trusted pupils, Captain Joseph Lamothe
•' connected with the Indian Department and Joseph Papineau (my
" Grandfather). They went together along the south side of the
"Richelieu District, where rainy of the people sympathised with the
" Continentals andAverein arms, and when they got to Levis, crossed at
" night, clothed in white dominos, that they might not be seen on the
" snow and ice by the American sentries. Tuey safely entered the City
" of Quebec and delivered the dispatches to the Governor, and
" reraained all winter among the Defenders of the Ancient Capital.
" They had the dispatches in a hollow stick and looked like care worn
"tramps or voyageurs. This account is authentic from the lips of my
" Grandfather to me."
The news of the capture of Montreal was the means of so
strengthening Quebec that it resulted in the death of Montgomery and
retreat of his army. Followed by the British Army, they abandoned
Sorel, Chambly, St Johns and of course Montreal.
Very little authentic history tells us anything about the eastern
part of the Island of Montreal until the beginning of this century and
even till it had advanced into the decades. At the closing years of the
eighteenth century, an Englishman John Molson by name, arrived in this
country and soon showed his aptitude for business by erecting a large
building on the north bauk, of the river near the centre of Ste. Mary's
Rapids. Not long after this a large foundry was established about the
commencement of this century and this place should be well remembered
by all Canadians as it was a celebrated spot in steam navigation. Let
us now take our second view in the panorama of Notre Dame Street and
from my " History of Montreal" published a few years ago.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 75

THE FIRST STEAMBO \TS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE.
Prom the days Avhen Jacques Cartier flrst sailed on the waters of
the St. Lawrence river to the beginning of this nineteenth century, that
is for over 250 years, all travel between Quebec and Montreal had
either been by a tedious journey along the north or south of the river
and occupying many Aveary and dreary days, or by the almost equally
weary and dreary mode of batteaux, sailing partly and partly paddling,.
but mostly pulled along the banks.
This Avaterway was that by Avhich many expeditions during the
regime of "La Belle France" Avent either to victory or sometimes
annihilation from the hands of the savage Indians, their powerful
enemies, Avho then swarmed throughout the country.
It also was the route by Avhich, after " the Cession." Bt-itish troops
and expeditions AA'era sent from the " Ancient Capital " to various
points and places throughout the continent, and previous to rail-
Avays. It A\'as by this route, the bosom of the St. Lawrence, that the
chivalrous Jacques Cartier came, Avhen he discovered Hochelaga.
In was by this route that the great explorer Ohamplaip carae
AA'hen he gave its name to Lachine (the Avay to China), and jjassed on
and pushed westward even to the Georgian Biiy of Lake Hiiion.
On its bosom sailed the expedition under General Murray, which
resulted in the capitulation of Moutreal in !760.
By the other route i. c. by land, the army of Montgomery passed on
to besiege Quebec, and to meet there with defeat, and the General with
his death.
Hardships innumerable presented themselves in the land journey,
whilst dangers by day and by night continually stared the hardy
voyageurs in the face Avhen they made their journeys from Quebec to
Montreal. This Avas always the more difficult ofthe two journeys — the
heavy and swift floAving currents of the St. Lawrence raade progress
much slower and laborious, and Avith all the detours they had to raake
rendered the up voyage much more fatiguing and dangerous than that
between .Montreal and Quebec. Here in the down voyage the hardy
voyageur had the help of the SAvift-fiowing current to carry his batteau
along No wonder then that when, in the year 180S, Johx Molson declared
that he would navigate the St. Lawrence betAveen these two cities in a
vessel propelled by steam, and in one-tenth of the tirae occupied hereto
fore by either route, and against all Avind and tide, he had all the city
incredulous. Montreal laughed at him, and declared it could never be
done. Montreal said it was impossible. All the city unanimously
declared it was the idea of an enthusiast, and utterly impracticable.

76 HISTORY OF MONTREAL
Nevertheless there were some who had heard the news that such a
thing had been done at New York. There Fulton had sailed his little
steamer successfully without sail or oar, on the River Hudson, not long
before. John Molson thought what could be done in New York and on
the Hudson could also be donein Montreal and on the St. Lawrence. After
patiently working and completing all the parts of his little craft, this
enterprising, energetic and public-spirited merchant, on the 3rd day of
November, 1809, got the steara up in his ''Accommodation," as the
vessel was called, and amidst the huzzas and the cheers of almost the
whole inhabitants, who had crowded every vantage of ground for the
occasion, the little craft shot into the current at St, Mary, and after a
voyage of 66 lours, 30 of which she AA'as at anchor, safely arrived at
Quebec. Here the whole city, as in Montreal, croAvded to the beach to
behold this wondrous and nautical phenomenon. To them, as the
pretty little " Accommodation " gracefully came S:iiling in to their
harbor, appenred the beautiful line of the poet, " She walks the water
like a thing of life." in all its truth and perfection.
Nothing perhaps will give a better idea of the excitement of the
city and the description of the vessel than the folloAving extract from
the Quebec Mercury which thus chronicles the arrival of the "Accommo
dation " in that city. It says : " On Saturday morning at eight o'clock,
arrived here from Montreal, being her flrst trip, the steamboat 'Accom
modation' with ten passengers. This is the flrst vessel of the kind
that ever appeared in this harbor. She is continually crowded witn
visitants. She left Montreal on Wednesday at two o'clock so that her
passage was 66 hours, 30 of which she was at anchor. She arrived at
Three Rivers in 24 hours. She has, at present, berths for 20 passengers,
which next year, will be considerably augmented. No wind or tid:-: can
stop her ! She has 75 feet keel and 85 feet on deck. The price for a
passage up is $9 and $8 doAvn, the vessel supplying provisions. The
great advantage attending avessel so constructed is, that a passage may
be calculated on to a degree of certainty in point of time, Avhich cannot
be the case with any vessel propelled by sail only. The steamboat
receives her impulse from an open, doublespoked, perpendicular wheel,
on each side, Avithout any circular baud or rim. To the end of each
double spoke is fixed a square board, Avhich enters the water, and by
the rotary motion of the Avheels acts like a paddle. The wheels are
kept in motion by steam operating within the vessel. Araastistobe
fixed in her, for thepurpose of using a sail Avhen the wind is favorable,
which will occasionally accelerate her headway."
This first experiment in the steam navigation of the St. Lawrence
by Mr. Molson having been found perfectly feasible, and from the very
beginning both successful aud profitable as regards passengers and
freight he determined to extend his work, making it a national

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 77
undertaking, and accordingly there appeared in the Montreal Gazdte of
date Nov. 26th, 1810, an advertisement from that gentleman, to this
effect : —
" Public notice is hereby given, that John Molson, of the city of
Montreal, Avill apply to the Legislature of the Province, during its next
session, for. a laAV giving him the exclusive right and privilege of con
structing and navigating a steamboat or steamboats, or of causing a
steamboat or steamboats to be constructed and navigated within the
limits of this Province, for the space of fifteen years, to be computed
from the 1st of May next."
It may be supposed that his Bill was successfully passed by the
Legislature, as we find him in 1812 busy building another vessel, but of
far larger demensions; It Avas no less than 130 feet keel and 24 feet
beam. On the 4th day of May. 1813, she made her first trip, and after-
Avards, and during that season especially, did splendid service in
conveying troops and munitions of Avar from Quebec to Montreal and
other points of vantage ground for Great Britain and Canada during
the war between those countries and the United States.
Nine months before her flrst trip, on a bright Thursday afternoon,
the sun shining clearly doAvn on Mariopolis and St. Helen's Isle, 300 of
the best families of .Montreal assembled together to Avitness the launch
ing ofthis AA'onderful vessel. It had been built at Logan's ship yard
Ste. Mary's Current. Such an uncommon occurrence brought together
one of the most representative assemblies that ever in those days met.
His Excellency the Governor General, His Lady and suite were all
present, and occupied seats on the platform ; close to the vessel, mer
chants and ministers, priests and laymen, the wealth and beauty of
Montreal Avere all there, for the beauty of our grandmothers aud great-
grandmothers at the commencement of this century could compare
favorably with that of their grandchildren at its close. And now
arrives the sublime moment, that eventful time, when Her Excellency
breaks the traditional bottle of wine across the bow of the vessel, and
baptizes her by the name of " Swipt-Sure"; at the sarae moment her
stays are cut aAvay, and amidst the thunders of the salute of 19 guns,
amidst the huzzas and cheers and the Avaving of hats and handkerchiefs
of the privileged spectators and of the thousands of citizens who congre
gated every inch C)f grciind, Avhere one could see, on Ste. Helen's Island,
Isle Ronde, Longueuil shore and the Gale Farra seabeach, the " Swift-
Sure " slid gracefully from her moorings on, into the waters of the
mighty St. LaAvrence, her future home.
And Avell she bore her narae Swift and Sure, during these perilous
times for Canada, She bore her military burdens Avherever and
whenever the ocasion required, and by these trips greatly conduced to
the utter failure of American usurpation of Canadian soil in 1812 and
1813.

78

History oF Montreal.

noti;e dame bri;i;E'i'

HISTORY OF MONTREAL ?9
The third view is an interestsng one and shows the vicissitudes of war
As the first shows the American soldier strutting along Notre Dame
street in all the pride and panoply of conquest after Montgomery had
captured Montreal, so this view reverses the picture and we behold him
led along that sarae old street, a sorry prisoner of war and all through
the energy and pluck of our OAvn Militia.
Let me quote the following account from the Montreal Herald of
Tuesday, September r2th, 1812 of the entry of the American General
Hull and his army as prisoners of war into Montreal. It says :
"Montreal, September 12th: Last Sunday evening, the inhabitants
of this city were gratified with an exhibition equally novel and interest
ing. " That General Hull should have entered our city so soon at the
head of his troops, rather exceded our expectations. We were, hovA'ever,
happy to see him, and received him with all the honors due to his
rank and importance as a public character . The following particulars
relative to his journey and reception at Montreal may not be uninter
esting to our readers.
" General Hull and suite, accorapanied by about 25 officers and 350
soldiers, left Kingston under an escort of 130 raen, commanded by .Major
Heathcote of the Newfoundland regiment. At Cornwall the escort Avas
met by Captain Gray of the Quarter-Master General's Department, who
took charge of the prisoners of Avar, and from thence proceeded Avith
them to Lachine, where they arrived about two o'clock on Sunday after
noon. At Lachine, Captains Richardson and Ogilvie with their com
panies of Montreal Militia and a corapany of the King's, commanded by
Captain Blackmore, formed the escort till they were met by Col. Auldjo
with the remainder of the flank companies of the iNlilitia, upon which
Captain Blackraore's company fell out and presented arms as the General
passed with the others, and then returned to Lachine, leaving the
prisoners of war to be guarded by the Montreal Militia alone. The line
of march then proceeded to the town in the following order, viz :
" 1st. Band of the King.s Regiment.
" 2nd. The 1st division of the escort.
"3rd. General Hull ina carriage, accompanied by Captain Gray;
Captain Hull and Major Shakelton followed in a second carriage, and
some wounded officers occupied four other carriages.
" 4th. The American officers.
" 5th. The non-commissioned officers and men.
" Oth. The second division of the escort.
" It unfortunately proved rather late in the evening for the vast
concourse of spectators assembled to experience the gratification they so
anxiously looked for. This inconvenience was, hoAvever, in a great

80 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,
measure remedied by the illumination of the streets through which the
line of marcii passed. When they arrived at the Governor's house the
General was conducted in and presented to His Bxellency Sir George
Prevost. He was received with the greatest politeness, and invited to
take up his residence there during his stay in Montreal. The officers
were quartered in Holmes' Hotel, and the soldiers were marched to the
Quebec Gate Barracks. The General appears to be about sixty years of
age, and bears his misfortune with a degree of resignation that but few
men in similar circumstances are fitted with."
Some days after, the prisoners started for Quebec under a guard of
Militia, commanded by Major Shakelton. General Hull had in the
meantime been exchanged at Montreal for thirty British prisoners taken
in the hands of the Americans, and all the United States Militia taken
prisoners at Detroit, Avere sent home.
The last great historical picture as regards this street is from the
pen of John Frazer taken from his interesting volume. — " Pen and Ink
Sketches."

Snnbai?, tbe 4tb of IRovember, 1838.

The present generation will appreciate this sketch of the opening
day of the second rebellion of Lower Canada by one who Avas an eye
witness. The rebellion of 1837 had closed and the winter of 1838 passed
over quietly so far as Lower Canada was concerned.
" Springtime came, summer passed, a bountiful harvest crowned the
year, and the blasts of November had again made fields and forests bare.
Low, murmuring sounds of discontent were then heard, over the whole
length and breadth of the land, something like a smouldering volcano,
ready to burst forth at any moment.
• On Sunday morning, the 4th of November. 1838, the standard of
rebeUion was again raised in Lower Canada. The whole south side of
the St. Lawrence was once more in open rebellion. The principal camps
were at Beauharnois and Chateauguay.
The first actual outbreak of this second rebellion occurred at Beau-
harnois on Saturday afternoon, the 3rd. The patriots, seized the mail
steamer 'Henry Brougham,' while on her way down from the Cascade
to Lachine. The passengers were detained as prisoners, among whom
were Sheriff Mclntyre. of Cornwall, and Duncan McDonald, of
Montreal.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 81
In the early morning of Sunday, the 4th, the patriots of Chateau
guay marched in force on Caughnawaga to disarm the Indians. The
Indians Avere then attending early mass in a small Chapel half a mile
behind their village. The Chapel Avas surrounded by the patriots. They
said they came as friends. The Indians exyressed surprise that friends
should come armed, aud asked them to pile their arms preparatory to a
friendly talk. The patriots piled their arms — they Avere immediately
taken possession of by the Indians. Sixty-four of the patriots AA'ere
made prisoners; eleven more were secured during the daA'. making in
all seventy -five prisoners. The rest of them escaped through the Avoods
to their camp at Chateauguay.
The arrival of the prisoners at L.ichine AVas the first intimation
there of the outbreak of the second Rebellion. The Indians of Caugh-
uaAvaga crossed the river Avith the first lot oi sixty-four prisoners and
handed them near the Windmill, close by the old French Parish Church,
just at the foot of the cross and leading through Cote St. Paul. This was
about ten o'clock. The people of LoAver Lachine AA'ere then on their WAy
to attend raorning service at the different churches. Fancy tjieir
surprise ! It did not take long to muster Captain Pegley's Company of
Foot and tAventy of the Cavalry, Avho took the prisoners in charge.
The line of march Avas soon formed. Instead of taking the high
road to Montreal by the Avay of Cote St, Pierre — the Upper Lachine road
— the march Avas taken by the cross road through Cote St. Paul. It ^vas
a hard tramp of three hours ; it had been raining most of the previous
week ; the mud Avas ankle deep. The men would not hear cf any
conveyances being provided ; the prisoners must walk it— they said ;
the men also walked. The marcii of this escort and their prisoners
through Cote St. Paul and the Tanneries caused great excitement.
By the time it reached the Tanneries fully one hundred stragglers
had joined, but not exactly comprehending Avliat it realh' was. as perfect
silence Avas maintained in the ranks.
jScavs of the incoming prisoners, with their escort, had early reached
town. Their numbers Avere SAvelled by hundieds of stragglers on their
onward course. There Avere no telegraphs in those early days to transmit
the ncAVs, and tho report had reached Montreal that the Lachine Brigade
Avas marching in, in full force, having the whole rebel camp of Chateau
guay as prisoners; such Avas the actual report that reached the city that
Sunday morning, tho 4th November, 1^3^.
The reader of this day may picture to himself the ex.jitement, hurry
and bustle on the stieets of old Montreal caused by this report.
Far out in the outskirts of the city, tOAvards the Tanneries, the escort
was met by thousands of the citizens. The sight that met their astonish
ed gaze Avas strange and new to thera. Here Avas a large body of raen
advancing, having been largely supplemented by stragglers. Ten of the

82 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,
Lachine Troop rode in front and ten in the rear, and on both sides were
thirty men of thd Lower Lachine Company of Foot, having the sixty-
four pri.-^oners in the centre. The stragglers Avhohad joined were totally
ignorant of the aa hole affair, except the fact of seeing the prisoners and
their escort. The writer was one of the escort. There have been, time and
again, many programmed processions in our streets, but never before
nor since that day has so reraarkable a procession passed along the streets
of Montreal. In front and in rear, as steady as regulars, rode the young
boys of the Lachine Troop with their bearskin helmets and drawn
swords, and the Foot Company on both sides with fixed bayonets, guard
ing and protecting the prisoners from the surrounding, excited citizens.
They moved along steadily and in perfect silence.
Come, young Canadian reader, and take your stand with us on the
front steps of the old French Parish Church in Place d'Armes Square. Let
the time to be about three o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, the 4th
of November, 1838 ; and in retrospect, let us cast our eyes up Notre
Dame street ; an immense crowd, reaching back to McGill street, having
no flags waving nor drums beating to announce their approach, is slowly,
solemnly advancing in funeral-like procession ! What is it, and who are
they"? It is the escort from Lachine Avith their sixty-four prisoners
wending their way doAvn to the then ncAv goal, with thousands of the
citizens lining the streets and following in the rear.
It was a sad day and truly ' a funeral-like procession ' for the poor
prisoners, all young men, in the prime of life and manhood. They had
marched out from their Cramp at Chateauguay in the early dawn of the
Sunday morning, in high hopes and full of life and vigor. They were
now in the afternoon on their Avay to be enclosed Avithin prison walls I
The writer remerabers well the imploring and anxious looks of those
poor young boys! and although flfty years have passed away he can
hardly now restrain the ' Avelling tears,' as that picture rises vividly
before him. A few of them AA'ere aftervA'ards liberated ; others of them
suffered the extreme penalty of the law for the crime of high treason !
and others Avere transported.
On our arrival at the new gaol, and during our short stay there,
cabs and caleches were arriving fllled with prisoners to be locked up,'
having some notable men among them. The sun had gone down, and
that never-to-be forgotten Sunday night closed in darkness over the
unlighted streets of old Montreal. The Lachine escort, after handing
over their prisoners to the gaol guard, reformed for their rendezvous
at Grant's Hotel, on St. Henry street, the Montreal headquarters of the
Lachine Brigade, to partake of refreshments preparatory to their return
raarch home.
The escort, after leaving the gaol, had over ten miles to reach home •
^ aia AA'as then pouring down in torrents. '

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 83
The tramp up old St Mary and Notre Dame streets was a tiresome
one of two miles over muddy roads to Grant's Hotel. The streets Avere
croAvded Avith armed men. Guards and pickets Avere being posted at
every exposed part of the city, and cannon placed at every avenue or
road leading into the country and facing the river.
After leaving Grant's Hotel, our return march was up St Maurice
street; we had in charge a large quantity of ammunition and other
supplies which AA'e found waiting us at Grant's to be conveyed to Lachine.
The city gate at Doav's brewery closed behind us Avith a death-like
sound, alloAving us to grope our way as best Ave could through the
thick darkness ahead.
There were no macadamized roads in those early days ; it AA'as mud
everywhere, and thick darkness all around ! Worse still, a concealed
enemy might be met with at any raoment.
At nearly eA'ery mile a cavalryman dashed past, hailing us, with
despatches to or from Montreal ; it Avas an exciting raarch Tired, Avet
and hungry, the escort reached its headquarters, Lafiamme's Hotel,
Lachine, by 10 o'clock that night.
Fifty years have passed aAvay, and frora the seed sown broadcast
over the land during that Rebellion, there arose high and above the
ruins of the patriots' visionary republic, the gr.vn'D structure or
pouxd.vtion of Ca.vada's present Responsible Governaiknt, entombing
or casting to the Avinds all family compacts or other obstructions, and
securing to Canadians their rights as free-born British subjects ; aud in
truth it must be said, that Canadian liberty had not its birthright
under the sunshine or the smile of heaven, but Avas nursed and cradled
amid the rage and the strife of fratricidal foes.
The time will come Avhen the memories of Canada's rebel dead of
1837 and 1«38 will be revered and held sacred in every British colony,
distant or near, as the fathers of Colonial Responsible Government,
under which every British colony is noAV governed.
And on the pages of Canadian History— yet to be written— the
rebel dead of Canada of 1837 and 1«3S aa'IU be classed in comparison and
held up side by side Aviththe great Barons of England Avho, on Runny
mede, demanded and obtained from King John the great Charter of
English Liberty."
Tne sequel to this picture folloAVS, Avhen less than tAVO months after
wards, the first tAVO of the twelve judicial murders took place, above the
entrance gate of the present jail and not as a Avriter lately declared, at
the Old Jail, Avhich stood betAveen the present City Hall and Court
House.

84 HISTORY OF MONTRE.AL
The reader must remember that the Avail and gate of the jail as it
now stands are of modern stucture. The old wall came out seA'eral
yards into what is now the joining of Craig and Notre Dame streets,
and thousands annually pass over the very spot where these twelve
Patriots died for their country and AA'ith tlieir latest breath pronounced
these soul inspiring Avords ''Vive la Liberte"
The folloAviug lines, if not poetic, show full patriotism and it miy
be added that the conditions of the day, as regards its appearance on
that sad morning of December and all the incidents of the execution are
quite authentic.

%mc5 on tbe 3ubtlee, of 1837*=8.

Hark ! a slow funereal dirge, suggestive of their fate.
Is heard this early morning, eighteen hundred, thirty eight,
For before the Sun has mounted far up the eastern sky.
Two citizens, true Patriots, are doomed this day to die,
" Dulc6 pro patria mori "—yes, for their native land.
They have the honor first, of that tAvelve Sacred Band,
Who cheerfully laid down their lives, that we ni%y now enjoy.
Their fruits of patriotism-noue to fear, none ne'er to annoy.
To thera and their compatriots, Ave OAve our prestige now.
Those rights of manhood we possess, avb reap Avhat they did sow.
Should not ev'ry eye then shed a tear though flfty years have flown,
When their heroic sacriflce and death Ave think upon ?
2
Harkl slowly booms their death knell, but even the very sun
Forgets to shine this morning, on the f,;ul deed to be done ;
Masses, thick, black, sepulchral, of clouds, are in the sky.
As if Nature wept upon them in mystic sympathy.
But now the hour approaches, to end the life of two.
The first of these twelve Patriots whose souls were firm and true
Who suffered Death all calmly, and their principles maintained, '
Whose latest breath s^oke liberty and liberty was gained,
A Beacon to posterity, who for their country's sake
Stepped lightly unto martyrdora and by AA'hose death did wake
Eternal principles, then found to set their country free
Whose dying words, the last on Earth, were " Vive la Liberte."

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

85

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

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.And this was at the Noel time, that season of Christ's Birth,
When Peace, goodwill should floAV to man, from Heaven above to Earth,
Oh ! AA'ho could three days afterAvards, thus chant the Angel's lay
When such a martyrdom had been, upon St. Thomas Day !
Who could take up Noel's Carol chanting or singing then,
" Glory to God in Highest, on Earth, Peace towards men !
Oh AA'eary sad and sorroAvful, must have been that Noel morn
To those remaining Captives. aa'Iio had seen their cqmrades torn
From their embrace, and led unjust, to shame and ignomy,
A GalloAVs only to adorn — a felon's death to die ;
Oh had they met a soldier's death, like Chenier, in the field
For Liberty their Life to give — their heart's blood there to yield.
But to be hanged e'en like a dog upon the galloAvs tree.
For all the World to look upon, for all the World to see.
Yes that was shame, and yet they Avent Avith boldness and with grace
To show a good example, and meet death face to face ;
Young, though both were — a Boy one — in years they'll ne'er grow old
Their actions shall remain that morn, the boldest of the bold ;
They lightly stood upon the drop, and when that drop did fall,
For Liberty, they gave their Lives— their Home— their Hopes— their A 1.
J. D. B.
Now let us turn to the Old Court House and Jail which stood
AA'here the present Court House stands in the space between it and the
City Hall.
What awful sights have been witnessed here. Let me give one of
the past century and a fcAV more in this present century to shoAV that
mighty progress has been made not only in the extension of Montreal's
buildings but in the administration of her LaAVs. What a tremendous
" hue and cry " would be raised (the present " Society for the protection
of Women and Children," being in the van), if such a sentence was now
recorded by either the Police Jlagistrate or the Recorder, against any of
the raany females that appear before them and for the self same offence
as the one recorded of. We may truly be thankful thatwe live in the end
not the beginning of this 19th century— and yet they were then good
godly men (both French and English) these Magistrates who ordered such
barbarous punishments. In my experience I have seen for instance, a
prisoner la.shed in the Jail, but 25 lashes were the Avhole number
given. In those early days that number was frequently adrainistred to a
woman for " Petty Larceny " and soldiers received from 100 to 500 and
sometimes 1000 lashes for a breach of military discipline. It is remarkable

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 87

that in these old records the number 39 most frequently occurs. '1 hen
good old .Montreal Justices evidently had in their mind, AA'hen giving
sentence, the story of St. Paul Avhere he AArites " Of the Jcaa's received I
thrice, forty stripes save one." In one or tAA'o instances these good old
gentlemen forgot the Bible and the sentence Avas 40 stripes. If a prisoner
now-a-days received the half of this amount, he thinks himself murdered ;
strange as it may seem there are goody men and women Avho feel
compassion for him though his crime deserved 100.
The first instance of " felony " is adjudicated on in the May meeting
of the Court, 1765. It AA'as a case of a man and his AA'ife, Avith a negro^
stealing different articles. It is thus recorded: ''Sentence of William
and Elinor March, and George the Nagre." " They are to go back to
the place of their confinement, the said William March to be stript to
the waist, and Elinor March to have her back only stript, and the said
George, the Nagre, and each tyed to the cart tail, and beginning at the
gaol or prison, betAA'een the hours of eiglit and nine o'clock in the forenoon
on Friday next, they are to proceed along round by the Intendants and
then to the .Market Place, and round by Saint Francis street and through
the Parade to place begun at, daring Avhich round they are to receive 25
stripes each on the naked back, besides 25 stripes each on the naked
back, Avhen at the Market place." This is the first instance of a man
and woman being flogged. Elizabeth Upton is also condemned by the
same Court for felony : " That she go back to the prison and there
receive 25 stripes and then be discharged."
On the opening of the Court, July 22nd, 1765, the names of the Justices
are Jn. Dumas, Daniel Robertson and Isaac Todd. It seems that our
friend "the Nagre" either didn't think much of his 511 lashes received
three months previously— or that the cuticle of his back like his skull
was so thick as to defy " the cat." We flnd him at this Court again a
prisoner for stealing " tAVO pieces of silk ribbon." KnoAving there Avas
no use of prevarication, as a Avitness sAVore dead against him, he acknoAv-
ledged his crime and pleaded guilty. This is the sentence Avhich he
recei'ved : " That the said George, betAveen the hours of 9 and 10 o'clock
on the forenoon of Tuesday the 22nd August, be stript naked to the
waist, and tied at a cart tail at the gaol, and then to receive 10 stripes,
and at Mr. Dechambaux's corner 10 stripes, and the Pt. Street this side
the General's 10 stripes, and at Mr Landruve's corner 10 stripes, and
proceed to the Court corner and then receive 10 stripes, and on the
Parade 10 stripes." Let us sum up this sentence : Si.-c times in his march
he hail to stop and receive each time 10 stripes on his naked back with
the cat of nine tails.
In the Court, January, 1784, the sheriff reminded it that all persons
sentenced to be " burned in the hand in the Court of King's Bench may
receive their punishment in this Court agreeable to sentence." Let us

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

describe Avhat burning in the hand Avas. This is the first instance of its
being mentioned as a punishment on malefactors. It is often spoken of
during the flrst 25 years of this century. The punishraent consisted thus :
The prisoner was brought from the gaol into the court room, and made
firm by an iron hand at the back of the dock, the palm part of his own
hand being opened tightly. The red hot iron, sometimes ending either in
a crown or some other device, was held ready by the common hangman,
and the punishraent AA'as inflicted in the centre of the palra. The
instruraent being ready, the prisoner is informed that the moment it
touches his flesh he can repeat as fast as he can these AVords in French,
" Vive le Roi," three tiraes, and at the end of the third repetition, the
punishment would cease, or the AVords " God save the King." if he were
an English prisoner. Even in this short time, the hot iron has hissed into
the flesh, and made such a mark that all the waters of the St. Lawrence
could not efface it. In the records of the Court of King's Bench for this
year, we flnd some terrible instances of the punishments then meted out.
In the March term, eight men for grand larceny were sentenced to be
imprisoned and '¦ burned in the hand."
In the January Sessions of 1769 the first example of any one being
put in the pillory is recorded. Beauvais is condemned " to stand there
from nine to eleven o'clock," and it adds, " for three market days." This
sentence seems small enough on paper, but terrible in fact even for one
day only. Let me explain Avhat these punishments— «/ig stocks and Ihe
fillory—mQ&w. We read of the Apostles St. Paul and St. Silas .in the gMol
of Philippi having their feet " made fast in the stocks." Also King
David says of Joseph, " Avhose feet they hurt in the stocks." It consisted of
a machine of tAVO pieces of timber with cut out half circular holes in each
board, AA'hich when brought to stand one upon another narrow-wise
formed tAAO complete holes, into which the ankles of the prisoners were
placed, the two pieces being flrmly locked together. The piliory was a
senseless and useless punishraent. It consisted of a frarae of Avood erected
on posts Avith raovable boards and holes, through AA'hich holes they put
the head and hands of the criminal for punishment, the machine turning
on a pivot and in a circle.- It AA'as inflicted near the market place of the
old city on the prison ground and near the old Guard House, and in later
times at Nelson's Monument, the culprit facing the river and Bonsecours
Market. The common hangman attended and with whip in hand, Avhen
the wretch Avheeled around to face the Monuraent and save himself
from the shower perhaps of rotten eggs or soft mud, used it unsparingly
and made the culprit turn round again on the movable pivot of the
pillory. Let me present to my Readers a few of the terrible sentences
pronounced on delinquents in Montreal at the old Court House and Jail
80 years ago. There are raaiiy very old citizens who lived during these

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

times, for they did not cease till that period, Avlien Constitutional and
Responsible Government AA'as procured by the events of 1837-8 — They
gradually decreased in number and the annexed table compiled by rae
at great trouble and research will sIioaa' the vast difference betAveen the
first half and the last half of this nineteenth century. We have not had
a public execution in Montreal, for over 14 years -and only five during
the Avhole period of the Author's Chaplaincy of 32 years — so that the tables
AA'ill shoAA' a AA'onderful amount of adA'ancement and progress in the Civil,
and Criminal Administration of Justice and in the opinion of the Juries
AA'ho have sat on different individuals, arraigned for murder and man-
,=laughter. 1813— SEPTEMBER TERM.
A. Vaudri, stealing au ox, executed ; P, Racicot, rape, executed ; J.
Montreul, horse stealing, executed; B. Clement, a boy 13 J years old,
stealing a coaa', executed : P. Dufresne, petit larceny, 39 lashes. The
first four AA'ere hanged in a ioav OAer the Champ de Mars.
1814— MARCH TERM.
D. Curran, murder, hanged, and " that his body be delivered by the
Sheriff of the district to George Selby, Esq., of the City of Montreal,
Surgeon, for the purpose of dissection, conformably- to hiAv" ; J, B.
Potvin, petit larceny, 39 lashes ; M Williams, higliAvay robbery, executed ;
Lot. Gray, stealing, executed.
SEPTEMBER TERM.
J. Raymond, stealing, 39 lashes : A. Latulippe, larceny, 39 lashes ;
L Fortin, horse stealing, executed ; >\' Leopard larceny, executed ; Jos.
Wilson, shoplifting, executed ; Ceo, Cross, burglary, executed; J. Uoy,
burglary, executed ; J. B. Robillard, horse stealing, executed. These 6
Avere hanged at the same place.
1816— SEPTEMBER TERM
Jos. Quinn, petty larceny, 39 lashes aud 12 months ; .Joseph Barbeau,
stealing, executed; J. Rousseau, petty larceny, 39 lashes and 18 raonths;
L. Lavigne. petty larceny, 39 lashes and IS months.
1817— SETEMBER TERM.
Frs. Gendron, sacrilege, executed ; Joseph. LeBrieu, horse stealing,
executed. Two other men, same crime, executed.

to HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
1818— MARCH TERM.
L. Bourguigeon, grand larceny, to be hanged, but prays fur the benefit
of Clergy, which being alloAved hira by the Court, he is sentenced to two
years in the House of Correction. BENEFIT OF CLEBGY.
As not one raan in a thousand could tell what this raeans, I give it in
extenso. It was an ancient privilege alloAved to the Clergy of claiming those
accused of felony to be delivered up to the ecclesiastical judge — always
favorable to his oAvn order — for compurgation, instead of being tried in
the ordinary way before the lay judges of the land. In ancient times few
persons except those in Holy Orders could read, and accordingly the test
for an accused person claiming benefit of Clergy was his ability to read.
If he could not, the courts Avould not part with the defendant, but
proceed to try him as if he Avere a layman. Afterward, when education
becarae more general, other persons besides Clergymen were able to read,
and so, in the reign of Edward III., Parliament extended the privilege of
Clergy, as it is called, to clerkly laymen until the reign of Elizabeth-
Women were not alloAved their Clergy until the reign of William and
Mary, when Parliament extended the benefit to them. In the reign of
Henry VII., however, a blow was aimed at this singular privilege as
enjoyed by layraen, and a statute was then passed against " divers
persons lettered, who have been more bold to commit murders, rapes,
robbery, theft, as Avell as other mischievous deeds," Avhich enacted that
persons " not within Holy Orders," accused of these offenses, and con
victed thereof, were in cases of murder to be marked with the letter
" M " on the brawn of the left thumb, and in all others with the letter
"T " to denote, it is presumed, that the person had been guilty of theft.
In cases of high treason, benefit of Clergy was never allowed to be
pleaded. It is stated that when an accused person claimed his Clergy,
it was usual to test his learning by requesting him to read the first verse
of the fifty-first Psalm, which in Latin begins with the words " Miserere
mei Deus."
In addition to the extraordinary character of this proceeding, in
which a touch of grim humor seems perceptible, its absurdity is
apparent, for. Of course, raen raight easily have coached themselves up in
the required test. The ecclesiastical judge, who was generally the
Bishop, raight however, have given the defendant anything else to read
and in either case, in the event of his inability to comply, might have
handed him over to the law and this proceeding generally meant death
A custom which" favored criminals solely on account of their good edu
cation appears to us, when it is unjustly thought that superior in tell

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

91

SUX IXSUliAXUE BUILLilXG

92 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
igenee adds a stain to criminality of any kind, to be in the highest degree
absurd ; yet we are told by able Avriters that the benefit of Clergy or
learning — for "clergy" is here tantamount thereto — was not so ridicu
lous as it seems. Without saying more on the subject, it may be stated
that the privilege was abolished in the reign of George IV.
1821— OCTOBER TERM.
October 25 — Custley Huff, manslaughter, branded in the hand and
six months ; J. B. Bourgoin, horse stealing, to be hanged, pardoned by
the King ; two men Sauzon and Beaudry, petty larceny, 39 lashes and
six months. November 7 — T. Burk, arson, to be hanged, pardoned by the King ;
Jn. Wightraan, arson, to be hanged, pardoned by the King ; N. Gauson,
forged bills, executed ; A. Jeffreys, forged bills, executed.
1822— MARCH TERM.
March 15— B. Gilley, horse stealing, to be hanged, commuted to 6
months ; J. Lambert, stealing fowls, 39 lashes and six raonths.
April 2-2— J. Ouimet, petty larceny, pillory and 3 months; N Black,
murder, to be burned in the hand ; J. Gain, murder, to be burned in the
hand. July 23 — J. Clap, .sheep stealing, to be hanged, respited.
September 5— J. Larose, sheep stealing, to be hanged, twelve
months. September 22— Fr. Lambert, horse stealing, to be hangad, respited.
November 9— J. Hurtt, burglary, to be hanged, respited; J. Brad-
ham, burglary, to be hanged, respited,
November 15— Jos. Moreau, stealing a book, 39 lashes and 12
months. November 18— P. Vazina. stealing an ox, to be hanged, pardoned by
the King.
1828— JANUARY TERM.
January 11 — Five men, for burglary at Lachine, were arrested ;
three were executed and the other two got 6 months House of Correct
ion.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

9.3

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to

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94 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

CRIMINAL TABLE FROM A.D. 1812 TO A.I), 1840— (28 Years).

Sentenced to be hanged
Hanged. isut Repriea^ed. Total.
Murder  7  4  11
Burglary  12  39  51
Robbery  1  15  16
Shoplifting  2  2  4
Larceny  2  23  25
Horse, Cattle t Sheep stealing 13  46  56
Forgery  1  9  10
Sacrilege  2  2  ,  4
Arson  0  4  4
High Treason  12  93  105
Rape  2  2  4
54 239 290

CRIMINAL TABLE FROM A.D. 1840 TO A.D. 1886— (46 Years),

Sentenced to be hanged
H.\N(iEi). but Reprieved. Total
Murder  10  8  18
Burglary  0  0  0
Robbery  0  0  0
Shoplifting  0  0  0
Larceny  0  1  ^
Horse stealing, &c  0  0  0
Forgery  0  ,  o  0
Sacrilege  0  Q  0
Arson  0  0  0
House breaking  0  1  j
Felony  0  2  2
High Treason  0  0  0
Rape  0  0  0
10 12 22

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

P5

PALMER'S STORE.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL 97
Great changes have taken place since the commencement of this
street. I'he Citadel, (latterly Dalhousie Square) and the old Quebec
Barracks have disappeared and ere long, nothing will remain, save the
new Buildings of the C. P. R. on Craig street and the Depot of the
same Line on the site of the old Barracks.
East of the Square in the early times of this century, were some fine
private buildings, one or two of them are absorbed in the Sohmer Park.
Another residence belonging to the Molsons once stood where the
Rubber Factory is noAV located, and on the same site was the Foundry
of that firm which made the engines of the first Steamer Avhich ever
crossed the Atlantic.
Alolson's College is passed before arriving at the Jail. It has seen
several changes— once it was a College then a B irracks and now it is a
manufactory. One of the most useful articles of business, making wall
paper, takes up its whole extent.
The Jail has been fully Avritten about in ray History of it for the
past 120 years, but I raust say in passing that the Building, though
outwardly the same to the public eye has undergone wonderful
changes and transformations, since the Writer first entered its precincts
33 years ago. During the past few years, under the control of its present
spirited Governor a very long list of inprovemonts has taken place.
And UOAV if the old Patriots of 1837-8 appeared today they Avould hardly
know the inside Avhere so many of our, afterwards great public men,
spent a longer or shorter period Avithin its walls.
Mr. Vallee the present Governor owes rauch to his having been a
military raan for sorae tirae in his past career. He was one of the best
known Zouaves Avho went from Canada to Rome iu aid of His Holiness
the Pope, nd he shoAVS, not without some feeling of pride and
satisfaction the decorations received at that period.
A native of Quebec City, born there in 1850. educated at the College
de Levis and Quebec Serainary, ho at the time of enlisting recruits for
the Pontifical Zouaves could not resist the fascination of joining, which he
did in 1863 and remained till after the fall of Rome in 1870. He Avas
knighted by Pope Pius IX of the Order of " St Gregory the Great " for
gallant service in the field and also decorated with the Medal " Bene
Mergnte." Returning to Montreal in 1870 he entered La Banqiie National and
soon became the manager of that Institution in Montreal— and in 1890,
the Government of Quebec appointed him Governor of the Prison, a
situation he has ever since eminently filled to the satisfaction of all
concerned.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

Some large factories are seen and the far east of Notre Dame. The
immense Cotton Mills, the St Lawrence Sugar Refiuery, Coghlin's Spring
Factory, the C. P. R. Work Shops and Lepine Park, the busy wharves
with the great quantities of lumber being exported, Longueuil Ferry
one of the very oldest in or around Montreal and Heney's Carriage
Factory. Four bridges are throAvn over the Street, one at the Jail, the other
further east at the iraraense terminus of the Montreal Street Railway.
the third is at Dalhousie Square, connecting the C. P. Railway, north and
south of the street underneath, going a fine avenue for vehicles from the
wharf to Craig street. The faurth Bridge is connected with the G. T.
Railway at Ste. Cunegonde, where all trains passing over Victoria
Bridge go under it to and from Montreal.
Opposite the. City Hall, is the Chateau de Ramezay, one of the oldest
historical land marks aud associated w ith events of the very greatest
importance in Canadian history. It Avas built in 1705 by Claude de
Ramezay, Governor of Montreal. Within its Avails, after the fall of
Quebec in 1760, the arrangements were made and completed for the
withdraAval of the last French garrison frora Montreal. By this the
finest colony of Franco that she ever has had, passed into the possession
of Great Britain.
In 1775, the Chateau was again memorable as the headquarters of
the American General Wooster Hud the next year under the traitor
Arnold, the Commissioners of Congress Franklin, Chase & Carroll here
held council.
For several years after the commencement of the English regime the
Chateau Avas recognized as the official residence of the Engli.sh Governors
when in Montreal. AfterAvards it was the Jacques Cartier Normal School
until the present one Avas built on Shoibrooke street, east; then it
became the Circuit Court of Montreal and is at the present day approp
riated as a Museum, wln-re can be seen a great number of excellent
portraits, and interesting souvenirs, associated Avith the Plistory of the
Province and other parts of Canada since its discovery by Jacques
Cartier. It is to be hoped that the citizens at large will hereafter take a raore
lively interest in this National Museum and that those haN^ing articles of
historic value or documents appertaining to the history of the Dominion
will donate the same to its keeping. It is worthy of not only State
Endowment but large subscriptions from the citizens of Montreah
BetAveen the Court House and the f ity Hall stood at the early years
of this century, the old Jail, also the Toavu Pillory. On a marble tablet
affixed to the building Ave are told." Here stood the church, chapel and
residence of the Jesuit Fathers. Built 1692, occupied as military head-

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

quarters 1780. Burnt 1803. Charlevoix and Lafontaiue, araong others,
sojourned here. On this square, in front four Iroquois suffered deatli by
fire, in reprisal, by order of Frontenac 1696."
Opposite both the Court House and City Hall is the "Esplanade"
Campus Martins or "Champ de Mars," whic i has lost much of its
pristine beauty by the death of so raany of tha fine old trees which
once surrounded it. Here AA'as the parade ground of both Fiench and
English troops and raany a brave spectacle has been AA'itnessed by great
croAvds of spectators at these times. At the A\-est end stands on St. Gabriel
street, the Provincial Government's Offices, Avhere the Cabinet meets
when in Montreal. This was once the Dominion Government Museum or
Geological Collection, uoav removed to OttaAva,
Opposite at the other end stood and still stands the old Military
Chapel, where the Author so often took service Avhen Prince Arthur Avas
in Montreal and Aviiere he officiated AAdth the Senior Army Chaplain
at the great Military funeral of General Windham, AA'ho AA'as buried from
this chapel.
Congregation be 1Rotre*H>ame be fiDontreal, 1653.
Clustered among all the principal business i)laces of this i^art of the
City still stands this old Institution. The foUoAving sketch, in French,
for the acceptance of my compatriots, Avill be read by them Avith
plessure. Marguerite Bourgeoys naquit a Troyes, en Champagne, en 1620, et
elle commenga par faire partie de la congregation exUrne, (tablie dans
cette ville par les Religieuses de'l'institution de Bx. P Fourrier. C'etait
une association de jeunes ])ersonnes qui, sans contractor aucun engage
ment de consience, se fortifiaient dans la devotion par des bennes ceuvres
faites en commiin.
Soeur Bourgeoys arriva a Montreal le 16 Novembre 1(553, et elle
deploya dans cette Colonie la Charite d'une heroine et d'uo ajiitre.
Ville-Marie ne se composait alors que d'une ciuquautaine de cabanes, et il
n'y evait qu'un trespetit nombre d'enfant en bas age, trop jeunes pour
suivre une ecole. La Soeur Bourgeoys se fit alors la servante de M,
de Maisonneuve ; elle s'occupa du soin de la Chapelle et des raille oeuvres
que son ingenieuse charite sut inventer.
En 1657, la Sa'ur Bourgeoys put ouvrir une veritable ecole et elle la
coramen^a dans une etable, le seul local que I'on put mettre a sa disposi
tion, vu I'etat de pauvrete de la colonie. L'annee suivante, elle se rendit
en France pour y chercher du secours, et elle remena de Troyes quatre
jeunes personnes, avec lesquelles elle fonda la Congregation de Notre-

100 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Dame de Montreal. En 1666 leur etablissement avait dej i. prosper^, et
en outre d'une ecole pour les petites fllles de la classe ouvriere, la
Soeur Bourgeoys organisait un pensionnat de demoiselles, et une congre
gation externe a I'exemple de celle de Troyes.
" Old St Mary street has been widened but not to its advantage in a
coramercial view though much to its appearance as regards Avidth. The
oldest building standing is Molson's Brewery. The C. P. R. (Quebec
Gate Terminus) has completey altered Dalhousie Square. The centre of
the street from this Depot to McGill remains rauch the same as in the
past few years. A fine Hospital (Notre Dame) is next the old square,"
The Sun Insurance aud the Bell Telephone Building are perhaps two
of the most beautiful sights in the city when we enter the main door of
each. Onyx everywhere, most pleasing to the eye and without doubt
having cost respectively raany thousands of dollars.
Then near here we have one of th« best establishments in the street
Palmer's. In older tiraes this store Avas the great rendez-vous of the
Military dons and Royal Patronage. His business has extended to such
extent th'it it co isists now of tAVO large stores. Carsley's immense
store, near McGill street, attracts thousands of visitors, and Wiley's
beautiful China Store is so Avell known that mentioning, it, is almost
superfluous. The Balmoral Hotel adds much to the character of the street as
far west as Chaboillez Square. After that the street returns to the
width of old St. Joseph street. Some large stores and factories are
inthewestend oftheStreet and in Ste, Cunegonde, only separated from
Montreal by an imaginary line and destined like all the other suburbs, at
no distant day to be annexed to Montreil by the force of circumstances,
and become one city u ider one Civic Government.
The days are rolling on when, this street and perhaps all those
running west, will end at Lachine. and by the middle of the next century
a great part of this will be fulfilled. Consider what mighty changes
have been wrought in Montreal since the Writer landed in 1850, the last
half of this 19th century. At the same rate of advance even 'and that
rate multiplied three fold, all these changes will be seen at the middle
of the 20th century, when Montreal Avill be a city of half a million
inhabitants.. Beyond McGill street in early times there were nothing but swamps
woods and wilds in all Grifflntown, Ste. Cunegonde and St. Henri.
After St. Joseph street was traced out and opened up, houses began
to be built and the city gradually extended westward.

History of Montreal.

lOl

102 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Chaboillez Square aa';is named after a well knoAvn citizen of his day
a Notary Avho figures at the commencement of this century as one of the
Justices of the Peace for .Montreal. The Justices in these days had more
power than the Judges have now, AA'hen thy not only regulated the price
of Bread but also the amount of goods each raerchant was allowed to
sell. Bej^ond all, the Tannery lay at the foot (as it still does) of the
high ridge, the bank of the ancients river which floAved at its
base. Among the best knoAA^n representa.tive stores in this street, east may
be pientionel the folloAving, Contant, at the corner of Bonsecours street ;
Long ago, here the well known Dr. Picaud dispensed his drugs, a
reniaikable man Avas the Dr. His grand father I think, or his father
was one of the great Najjoleon Boueparte's Field Surgeons and an Aunt
Avas Abbess of one of the celebrated Institutions near Paris. The Writer
still possesses her splendid cross of solid Jet (half a foot in length) which
he received from Dr. Picaud as a friend. His successor to the business
upholds the place as in the days of old. Near Place d'Armes there aie
the offices of one of the oldest Dentists in Montreal Dr. Young. His
father for years carried on his profession there and his son effectively
continues it.
Pratt's Pijino store, AA'ith all the AA'onderful new instruments must be
seen to be realized. A visit to this great establishment Avill repay any
one and the variety of the different newly patented instruments of
music Avill make one buy whether you want or not.
The Court House is next to the City Hall aud contains a fine Library
of Legal books. It has recently been enlarged to meet the ever increas
ing Avants of the citizens.
The principal officials of the Court House are of cuurse the Sheriff
Honorable Senator Thibandeau and is ever obliging Dejjuty M. Franchere,
the Honorable Mr. Tui cotte, Prothonotary also the Clerk of Sessions, Mr.
Sicotte, himself a great Antiquarian and Historian. Here Judge Dugas
and Desnoyers dispense justice to all and no tAvo men have such insight
into human character as these tAVo learned gentlemen daily experience.
One of the oldest cffieials in the Building is High Constable Bisson-
nette active still and able to bring delinquents to justice, long may he
do so. Of their Honors the Judges of the different Courts of Law, all I
can say is that they are all educated gentlemen "learned in the Law "
a body of men that will compare Avith any such (dispensers of the Law)
as the right men in the right place. Honorable Senator Thibandeau
AA'as born at Cap Saute, l8::;7. His ancestors came frora France to Acadia
(noAV Nova Scotia) during the French Kevolntion of 178S and they made
their Avay Quebec. He early entered into business in Montreal in the

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

lOS

Es
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a*Ww
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104 HISTORY OF MONTREAL

well known firm of Thibandeau, Beliveau and Archambault. At the
present, he is not only the Sheriff of Montreal and a Senator of Canada
but President or Vice President of a member of our best institutions.
In 1890 he was appointed Sheriff on the death of Honorable P. J. O.
Chaveau and has ever since sustained the duties of his high office with
dignity and urbanity.
Honorable H. R. 7^. Turcotte Q.C, Prothonotary of Montreal was
born in 1875, educated at St. Mary's College, Montreal and at Stoneyhurst
College, England. In 1867 he was called to the Bar and raade Q.C, in
1879. Was at one time Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, for three
years. He was appointed to the Executive Council in 1887 as Attorney
General. He acted as Premier during the Honorable Mr. Mercier's first trip
to Europe. After the fall of the Mercier Government he was appointed
Prothonotary of Montreal in 1890 which situation he still fills to the
satisfaction of all who have business to transact with him and is univer
sally esteemed as an upright and urbane gentleman.
Let me give the list of Advocates and Notaries in Montreal in the
year 1812, the year of the war between Canada and the United
States, There were only thirty advocates in Montreal at this time, but
what important bames are found amongst them! How many figured
afterwards on the Bench, at the Bar, or in Parliament, or on the stage of
their country's history. The same raay be said of the nineteen notaries,
their names being found below the list of advocates- Stephen Sewell,
Chas. F. Hamelin, Dr. Ross, Jos. Bedard, D. B. Viger, J. D. Lacroix, Ben.
Beaubien, Ross Cuthbert, Dr. Ogden, F. H, Bender, A. Levesque, J. R.
Rollai d, P. D. Debartzch, L. M. Viger, (he was called Beau Viger , F. A.
Quesnel, S. Gale, Hy. Georgen, T. P. Fortune, John Boston, L. Jos. Papi
neau, J. C. Herse, M. O'Sullivan, Alex. Reid, J. C. Routier, W. Davidson,
H, Henry, Chs. Ogden, Alex, Elliot and Alexis Bownet.
The Notaries were as follows: — Jean Delisle, J. Jorand, J. Papineau
G. Beck, L. Chaboillez, J. G. Delisle, P. Lukin, J. M. Monde'et, Thos.
Barron, ( hs. Psevost, Louis Guy, Louis H. Latour, J. M. Cadieux, L.
Sarrault, Jos. Roi, P. Mercier, A Duraouchelle, Jos. Desautels, Thomas
Bedouin and Henry Griffin.
Let us now record the list of advocates in Montreal just before the
Rebellion of 1837-8. Tl ere were Stephen Sewell K.' '., David Ross, K,C.,
Joseph Bedard, K.C, Hon. Denis B. Viger, Janvier 1). Lacroix, B. Beau
bien, F. H. Bender, Ant. L. Levesque, Hon, P, D. Debartzch, Louis M.
Viger, F. A. Quesnel, Samuel Gale, John Boston, Hon. L. J. Papineau, M.
O'Sullivan, Hugues Heuey, Chas. R. Ogden, Sol. General, > lexis Baurrett,
James U. Grant, D. B. Rollin, Samuel W. Monk, Alex. McMillan,
Toussaint Peltier, Geo. S. Henshaw, William Walker, Peter N. Rossiter,

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. hi5
Alex. Buchanan, C. C. S DeBleury, D. Mondelet, Philippe Bruneau, Robt
Morrough, Hyp. St. George Dupre, C. S. Cherrier, C. J, E. Mondelet,
Hypolite Guy, E. A- Clark, J. S. McCord, Henry Driscol, Pierre Bibaud,
Wm. Badgley, Frederick Griffin, Wm. Ryan, John Stanley, J. H. Johnson,
Daniel Salmon, John Bleakley, James G. Scott, Francis P. Terroux,
Duncan Fisher, Campbell Sweeney, EdAvard T. Jones, C D. Day, E, E.
Rodier, Arthur Ross, Levi Adams, Thomas Nye, Thomas Barron, James
Smith, Augustin N. Morin, P. B, T, de Montigny, N. C; Radiger, J. M. H.
Lennox, Leon Gosselin, Pierre Moreau, John Sexton, William K. McCord,
Louis Hyp, Lafontaiue, John Usher, Hugh Taylor, Robert Armour, and
John Pickel.
When reading over the above list, hoAV raany of these names are to
the inhabitants of present Montreal as " Household Words." We see the
origin of the names cf many of our streets and blocks of buildings
taken from them, but above ail how many bearing these names in after
years sat on the Bench of LoAA'er ( anada, or occupied most important
situations, either in the administration of justice or in the political arena
of their country, or Avere connected AA'ith the troubles of 1837-3S.
As we have given lists of the Advocates of Montreal at the com
mencement and middle of this century, Ave Avill uoav give a list of the
most prominent Advocates of i\' ontreal, at the close ofthis nineteenth
century, only adding that at its beginning they Avere not many only
thirty and at its close there are some hundreds. Prominent amongst them
is the (ity Attoney. J. R. Roy, Q.C, Avith his able confrere and joint
Attorney, L. J. Ethier, Q. C
He is a native of St. Eustache, County of Two-Mountains, and Avas
born in 1855. He studied at St. Mary's College, Montreal and obtained
the degree of B. C. L. at McGill University, Avhere he carried off the
first prize for a thesis on Law. He studied laAV Avith the Avell known
firm of Messrs. Judah Wnrtele and Roy, and Avas admitted to the Bar in
1880, when he was appointed one of the City Attorneys, Avhicli position
he has held up to the present date. He Avas made Queen's Counsel in
1890. He was also an officer of the 65th Regiment for ten year.s. In L"85,
he went to the North West with his regiment as Captain commanding
No. 8 company.
He has been watching the City's interests in a great many cases
before all the Courts of this Country, and even before the Privy Council
in England. He has been attached to the Law since October 1876, over
21 years and has given it his earnest study and attention hence the
position he holds to-day one of the most responsible in the city.

106 HISTORY OF iM ONTREAL,

Xo list could be complete AA'ithout our giete.st Criminal I/iw yei- Heni-i
St I'ierre Q.C, Perhaps feAA" knoAA' of the famous lines a)j|)li --tble tu li m
and his great name sake.

'' Il faut bien I'avouer, au Ciel sur la terre.
Nous avons deux puissants St Pierre:
L'un siege aA-ec eclat au port brillant des cieux.
L'autre aux portes de fer de prisons de ces lieux "
But the similaritA' finishes in the concluding A'erse.
"Voila bien la resemblance ;
Mais quant ;\ ce qu'aux leurs ils peuvent garantir.
Quelle est done la difference':'
Eh ! L'un les fait entrer, I'autre les fait sortir"

This alone is sufficient to enlogise our friend. His life sketch Iirs
often been Avritten aud noAvhere better than in 1113' oAvn Biographical
Gazetteer. List of Chief Legal firms : -Abbotts, Campbell & Meredith ; Archam
bault, Chauvin v Leclair ; AtA\'atcr, Duclos and Mackie; Auge, Glo-
bensky and Lamarre; Edmond Barnard and Co.; Beauchamp and
Bruchesi; Beausoleil and Choquet; Beique, Lafontaiue, Turgeon and
Robertson; Berard and Brodeur; Bethune aud Bethune; Bis^iilon,
Brosseau and Lajoie ; Burroughs and Burroughs; Busteed and Lane;
Butler and Carmichael; Charbonneau and Pelletier; H. J. Cloran ;
J. P. Cooke, Q. C. ; James Crank.sh:>.AV ; Cruickshank aud Cruickshank;
Davidson and Ritchie; Day and !'ay; Deiuers and 1 JpLorimier ; Doherty,
Sicotte and Barnard; N. Driseoll ; Chevalier G. A. hrolet; Dunlop,
Lyman aud MePherson ; Emard and Taschereau; Foster, Martin and
Girouard; Hon. F. E. Gilman; Greenshields and Greenshields; llatton
and McLennan; Hutchison and Oughtred; Hall, Caso-!;iin, BroAvn and
Sharp; Judah, Branchaud and Kavauagh; Lafleur and McDougall;
Lamothe aud Trudel; Lighthall and HarAA'ool : MacMaster and Mac
lennan; Martineau and Delfausse ; McCormick and Claxton; G. A
Marsan; E. A. Morgan ; G. A. Morrison ; Morris and Holt; T. Pagnuelo
Madore and Guerin ; Prefontaine, St. Jean, Archer and Dccu-ie; Rinfret
and Lamoureux ; J. M. Quinn ; Robertson, Fleet and Falconer ; St. Pierie.
Peli.s.sier and Wilson ; Stephens and Hutchins ; laillon, Bonin and .Morin;
Taylor and Buchan ; N. W. Trenholme, Q.C. ; Henry Tneker ; Walsh aud
Whelan ; '\Veir aud Hibbard ; W. A. AVeir.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

107

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MONUMENT MA180NNEUVE.

108

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

PLATE UNDER CORNER STONE.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 109

place b'armee Square

This is one of the most celebrated spots in Montreal. It not only
now, contains the fine monument of its Pounder, but on every side of it,
are Buildings, Avhich can compare AA'ith any iu the Cities of this
Continent. Stand at our Founder's Monument aud gaze all around. On
the south side there is the grandest of all Parish Churches and the
largest Bell in Araerica. Opposite are the Imperial Buildings and the
Bank of Montreal. Ou the east side rears up the lofty height of The
N"ew York Life Insurance Co. AA'ith its multitudinous offices of " all
sorts" aud also the Jacques Cartier B ink. On the opjjusite side are seen
the Building of the Royal Insurance Co, Avhilst over all chimes the old
clock of the Seminary telling us as it does that " tempus fugit". This
even uoaa' at the close of this busy 19tli century is a secred spot. But let
us go back to the olden days and aaIiv it received its name. It is told us
in the early History of .Montreal that, the Indians AA'ere continually a
source of great danger to these early settlers. These Red men Avoiild
Avatch sometimes for days for some one to pass the palisades, and then
pounce upon the unfortunate straggler, tomahaAvk, scalp, and brutally
murder him. This occasioned Maisonneuve to order that no man should
go out or be near the outside walls without i)ermission, Avhich rule Avas
imputed by his men to coAvardice on the part of their leader. This so
galled him that he determined to shoAV that he A\'as as brave as they
Avere, and ordered his men to j)re]vu'e to attack tbe enemy and he Avould
lead thera himself.
He sallied forth at the head of thirty men, leaving d'Aillebout AVith
the balance to hold the fort. After they hatl Avaded through the snoAV
for some distance, they Avere attacked by the Iroquois, Avho killed three
of his men and \\ounded several others. Maisonneuve and his party
held their ground until their ammunition began to fail, and then he gave
orders to retreat, he himself remaining to the last. The men struggled
ouAvard for sorae time facing the enemy, but finally they broke their
ranks and retreated iu great disorder toAvards the fort. Maisonneuve,
with a pistol in each hand, held the Indians in check for some time.
They might have killed him, but they Avished to take him prisoner.
Their chief, desiring this honor, rushed forward ; but, just as he Avas
about to grasp him, Maisonneuve fired and he fell dead. The Indians
fearing that the body of their chief Avould fall into the hands of the
French, rushed forward to secure it, and Maisonneuve passed safely
within the fort. Prom that day his men never dared to impute coAvardice
to him.'

no HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

The most effective guardian of the fort AA'as a female dog named
"Pilote". Every morning regularly Pilote, Avould patrol and make a
reconnoitering tour all over the toAvn. It is said she trained her owu
young to be most valuable allies to their masters. Whenever these dogs
perceived any traces of the Iroquois, and more S))ecially Avhen Pilote
had discovered any signs, then back they ran to the fort, giving a
particular bay to intimate that danger AA'as nigh. Then the colonists
became alert, and they had need to be, for already had five Frenchmen
fallen before the deadly tomahaAvk of the Iroquois. Guillaume Boissier,
the first person buried in Montreal— one of the five -was reverently laid
in the little cemetery at " Pointe a Callieres."
This encounter took jjlace, it is supposed, just AA'here the monument
is now erected to Maisonneuve iu Place d'Armes. Indeed the name
signifies the occurrence referred to.
In connection Avith the old spot AA'hich may Avell be called " The
Hub of Montreal," many curious events are connected, chief among
these is the following relative to tlie times just previous to the declara
tion of independence of the American Colonies. It is taken from my
larger History of the C ity.
•' In connection Avith the tampering of the loyalty of the Canadians at
the time of the Ainerican Revolutionary Avar, the foUoAviug incident may
be mentioned to shoAV Iioaa' far some people Avill go to try and accomplish
their ends. There Avas at this time a fine bust of His M-jesty, George
III, erected in the Place d'Armes Square. Early in the year 1775 or at
the close of 1771, one morning this said bust Avas found all daubed with
tarry paint, a chaplet of potatoes placed on it, and on the breast a notice
which read thus : " Behold the Pope of Canada and the English Sot."
Although the Governor offered a large reAvard for the perpetrators
of this insult to His Majestj', it AA'as never found out, but some one of the
Americans then in Montreal a\ as suspected Avith good reason of being
the culprit. The bust AA'as mysteriously removed, but the stand still
remained. The head of this bust is noAA' to be seen on a plaster bust in the
rooms of the Montreal Natural History Society. This also is recorded in
the records of the Court, .January, 1790, in the presentment ofthe Grand
Jury, Avhere they say ; " Th'it the building situated upon the Place
d'Armes under Avhich His Majesty's bust \a-;is formerly placed is a public
nuisance and ought to be pulled doAvn. " The Court granted the request
and " orders that the same be pulled doAAni accordingly.'' It had remained
for flfteen years after the insult to the King and seven years after the
final independence of the Colonies of America. Mr. P. S. Murphy lately
told me that the bust Avas found at the bottom of the old well which
AA'as in the Place d'Armes Avhen some AAorkingmen AA'ere excavating for
certain rej-iairs at that part of the city. This pump (or aa'cII) was one of
the old places Avhere the citizens got their AA'ater supply.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

HI

'V-'i

U i.isr

^I'Mfl f«^„^_- t:;^:;

IMPERIAL BUILDING.

112 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

The Parish Church of Notre Dame is the largest Church of its class
in the Dominion. It is built of cut lime-stone in the Gothic style. The
architect Avas an Irishman by name O'Donnell Avho is buried in the vaults.
This grave is surrounded by a cast iron fence. We can read the following
inscription, affixed to a rough white marble slab which states :
" CI GIT
Jaraes O'Donnell, Esquire,
Architect, born in Ireland,
Who died in this city
The 28th January, 1830,
In the 56th year of his age.
" He labored five years on this Church, giving the plans aud directing
the works with zeal and intelligence. Having embraced the Catholic Faith
he desired that his remains might rest beneath. His disinterestedness
his talents and his probity of character were Avorthy the esteem of this
Parish ; and the Church- Wardens have consecrated this monument to his
memory. " Requiescat in Pace."
To this, I added in my late Gazetteer " Why not, at least, place some
rich mural design on the ground floor of the Church ? Let the Irish
Roman Catholic people of the city bestir themselves and raise some
better monument to him who Avas an honor to the land of his birth and
a fit companion of Christopher Wren who built St. Paul's, Loudon.
The Church is very ornate 225 feet long, 134 feet wide and the
towers are 2J7 feet high. In one of them hangs " Gros Bourdon," the
largest bell in America, weighing 29,400 lbs. There are 10 smaller befls.
The building could easily contain 10,000 people. In its rear there is a
Chapel, the interior of which is a masterpiece of beautiful wood-
carving. The Imperial Buildings were once " the City Bank " which was
presided over so long by the late Willam Workman ; a well known man
was he. Not only was he one of the Mayors of Montreal, but one of the
founders of the great establishment of " Forthingham & Workman " of
St. Paul street.
He was a man of great abilities and great likes and dislikes. The
Author was one of his likes. FeAV people know that he served as an
officer during and previous to the rebellion of 1837-8.
The following is a fact and speaks volumes for our old Mayor and
Banker.

HISTORY OP MONTREAL. UH

When the Execution of the first tAVo patriots had been accomplished
and the next five Avas decided on, Mr. Workman AA'ent to Sir John
Colborne and unbuckling his sword, laid it doAvn before the' Governor
Avith these AA'ords : ' I have faithfully served Her Majesty, but for these
judicial murders I have nothing but repugnance, henceforth I Avill ueA'er
AA^ear a sword again." He kept his Avord and from that day he Avas
never attached to any Volunteer Militia Corps. The Building uoav is a
nest of offices since its reconstruction and sorae of our best firms
advocates and others are located Avithin its Avails.
^be 3flr0t Canadian Bank.
In the summer of 1817 a number of prominent merchants of the city,
after holding several raeetmgs. formed a company Avith a capital of
$1,000,000 and started the Bank of .Montreal. They had uo charter, for
in those days tlie obtaining of rights for private companies Avas a very
difficult and tedious undertaking, as after the necessary legislation liad
])assed the Provincial Government, the Avhole matter had to be sent to
the British Government for sanction. It was a puzzle to the Bank how
to issue bills for circulation Avithout making each stockholder ]jersonally
liable for their payment, but at last the following form for the reading
of their notes Avas adopted : -
"The President and Directors of the Bank of Montreal promise to
pay A. B., or bearer, the sum of five dollars (or other araount) out of the
joint funds of the Association, and no other."
This form Avas, of course, dropped Avlien the charter was obtained
The Act ot incorporation Avas not obtained until 1821, and, having been
reserved for consideration by the Home Government of tho'e days after
the usual custom, it Avas not proclaimed as laAV until I8-2-2. The cajntal
stock AA'as fi.xed at £250,000 a sum Avhich seems large for a toAvn of less
than 20,000 inhabitants. The charter AA'as reneAved from tirae to time as
it expired and the capital increased, until it has noAV attained the sum of
.$12,000,000 Avith a rest of $fi,000,000. The Bank of Montreal is not only
as to the capital, the largest colonial bank, but it is the largest bank in
North America, the fifth largest in the British Empire, aud the eighth
largest jointstock bank in the Avorld.
The charter of the bank marked it from the first as a Montreal
institution. Foreigners or aliens could not vote at stockholders' meet
ings, and directors could be selected only araong British subjects Avho
had resided in the Province for seven years and in the City at least three
years. The bank therefore became identified Avith the fortunes of the
city, and its great success is an evidence of the commercial ability of the
merchants Avho have successively adrainistered it.

114

HISTORV OF MONTREAL.

^tT~

*j-^,^_ - ^ « A

MONXriEAL DANK, p:'

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

NEW YUKK LIFE L!L'ILUJN(;.

116 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
.John Grey, a retired di y goods merchant, was the first President of
the Bank; Robert Griffin, the first Cashier. The directors Avere some of
the most prominent business men of the city. They were Hon. John
Richardson, Samuel Gerard, Thomas Thain, Horatio Gates, George Auldjo,
John \'c)Ison, Thoraas A. Turner, William Erraatinger, Zabdiel Thayer
and David David, On the 1st of October, 1817, tho first bauk note Avas
issued by the Montreal Bauk. Notwithstanding the prejudice ofthe
"' habitants " against paper raoney, the Bank prospered until 1824, when
Samuel Gerard was made President. He, by his mismanagement, had
lost the one-third of its capital by 1827. John Molson then became
President, and the losses Avere redeemed in a few years ; at that time tiie
Bank paid no dividend. It occupied for the first few years of its existence
a small building in St. Paul street, and then moved into the much larger
one in St. James Street.
The building is of the Corinthian order and forms a pleasing contra.st
to the other buildings Avhich surround it and specially to the great Church
of Notre Dame rif.'ht o )iosite to it. The sculpture of the pediment
representing Canadian scenes, is the AA'ork of Mr. Steel, R. S, A. Some of
the frescoes in the interior of the Bank are considered very fine and well
AA'orthy of any rstranger visiting them whether he has business in the
Bank or not. Some of our most prominent men are now associated in
tlie management of this great Institution, but the chief responsibility of
course rests on Mr. Clonslon, Avho has so effectually managed the affairs
for years past and raised its well knoAvn character even higher in the
estimation of the general jinblic.
The NeAV York Life Building is one of the raost imposing in the City.
It is the highest structure perhaps in Montreal as used for offices. Scores
of such are found in it and they too represent a great variety of the firms
of the City, notably, - the Gas Company " which has done so much for
the lighting of Montreal before the advent of Electricity. A fine view
can be obtained from the top where is to be found a large library and
other appliances for the benefit of the offices connected with the
Building. The Bank Jacques-Cartier is also Avorthy of notice. The whole of
the west side ofthe square consists of business centres, the most
important being "The Royal Insurance Corapany" and iu its Vaults the
" Montreal Trust A- Deposit Corapany,"
St 3ameS Street. (Rue st. Jacques.)
This was the second street opened up by M. Dollier de Canon in 1674.
He called it after, not only. St. James thc Apostle, but especially after M.
Jacques Olier, one of the first founders of Montreal and one of the flrst
Sulpicians in the Seminary. St. James street or Rue St. Jacques, begins now
at the Court House and takes in what was some years ago called « Little

HISTORY OF MONTREAL IH

St James Street." crossing McGill street at Victoria Square it has absorbed
what was once Bonaventure street and continues Avest as far as the City
Limits. Tavo VA'ell knoAA^n .Squares abut it. Place d'Armes and Victoria.
In the early days of Montreal, not only Avas there a Burying Ground in
Place d'Armes but also one Avhere stands the St LaAvrence Hotel. Great
changes haAe taken place in this street. It can iioaa' boast of some of the
most beautiful and important buildings. Banks, fine doves, Miclianic's
Institute, Insurance Buildings etc., all combining to make this street one of
the very best in Montreal. The widening of old Bun-ircnfure street has
given a uniform breadth from the Court House to the fine Bonaventure
Station of the G. T. R. and the removal <. f the Amerirnn Pi c.-bytericn
Church and the Methodist CJiurrh to localities in the upper West End, has
enabled the Temple Building aud the large fine structure where the first cf
these Churches stood, to be erected, on the Aacant sites they occupied
and thus add to the business of the street.
In olden time, Montrealers Avell kneAA" " Tattersall's Horse Market"
Many a man AA'as " bitten " after he supposed that he had bought a " flue
horse." I aacU remember the liubub and exitement of the Jehnes and
habitants AA'hen an old plug Avas led forth to uudeigo the round of the
yard and the bids began to rise sometimes from two dollars up to ten on
an old animal. All is gone, horse and rider liaA-e long since passed away
and imposing buildings uoav take the place of " Tattersall's."
Little St. James street has disappeared, It is noA\- a iiart of the
general street, but fifty years ago it was a A'ery tony .street and in it
resided some A'ery good citizens, , -I, Avell as round the corner of it in St.
Gabriel street. I can AVell remember that one of uiy first calls in
1850 was on one of the most ilifluential Physicians Ir. .McCnllougli
AA ho had his stone residence here, w hich stands to this day, and 1 ueA'er
yet pass the door but the recollection of that visit and the genial Doctor
loom up before vay eyes.
Three great neAA'spapers have their publishing offices in this street.
The Star. La Presse, La Patrie. The Stur has had a Avonderful progress
since it started in Montreal and under the proprietorship and guidance
of Hugh Graham (once a pupil of the writer) it has far outstripped all
English papers in the Dominion.
La Presse, has the greatest circulation of the French papers of
the Dominion. It is one of the most enterprising publications issued and
shoAVS a progressive purpose, that makes it a recognized organ for all
political parties. Under the ;ergis of its young and energetic present
Editor it is destined to further advance and make rapid strides in the
neAVspaper literature of Canada.
La Patrie is the recognized organ of the French Liberals as the
Herald is of the English speaking.

H8 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
When we look at our present Post Office and remember the one
almost opposite and still go further back to the early days we may well
be proud of it. Let our minds travel back just exactly 100 years to the
year 1797 and this is what our Post Office arrangements shoAA'. The
English Mail Avas once a month . It was sent by Avay of New York after
the final signing of Independence by Great Britain, and AA'as four
weeks in getting to New York from Montreal to the packetship
that carried it acr(jss the Atlantic. One had to Avait, not four
Aveeks, but four months, before an ansAver AA'as received from the
other side. Let us follow the answer back, of this letter, which Avas
sent to Britain four months ago. The packet returning called at Halifax,
AA'hence the letter would in a month's tirae arrive in Montreah We may
Avell be proud of the 19th century. Science, in many of its most
Avonderful divisions, lay slumbering till its advent. Steam coaches,
steamships, steam mills of every description, telegraphs by land and sea,
telephones and phonographs, seAving machines and all the AA'onders by
electricity, iron ships and ironclads, smokeless powder, things never
before conceived nor thought of in the mind of man— these are the
inventions of the 19th century ; and when a daily mail leaves Canada,
not only for Great Britain, but for France, Germany, Belgium and a host
of other countries, it does seera strange to us that the postal authorities
should have issued this notice about this period : " Letters for any part
of the Continent of Europe are to be sent under coA'er to a correspondent
in London, otherAvise they cannot be forAvarded from this province."
The head of the Montreal Post Office is Arthur Pausereau, Esq.
He is one of the most prominent men of letters in Canada. Born at
Contrecoeur in 1844, in 1862, he entered as a student inthe office of Mr.
Girouard, attended McGill College and then graduated as B. C. L, and in
1865 Avas admitted to the Bar.
In 1870, he became one of the proprietors of La Mincrre from Avhieh
he retired in 1880. In February 1,^92 he AVas appointed Post Master of
Montreal. During his incumbency the Avhole internal economy of the
Pudding has been improved and the Post Office is now in a better state
than it Avas cAer before.
The St. Lawrence Hall has not always been under the proprietorship
and eye of its present well known owner.
A hundred and fifty years ago, Avas situated Avhere now stands the
St. Lawrence Hall, an old cemetery. This Hotel is one of the best known
and most frequented Houses in the Dominion, Henry Hogan the
genial proprietor is as Avell knoAAu as his Hall but apart from this, if any
man deserves thanks and praise as a patriotic citizen he does. He, at
great risk and expense bought years ago the Gale Farms in the East end
of the city, then the Village of Hochelaga- and long before the C. P. R.
located its shops and terminus there.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

119

^r. LA'WKENl K HAI L.
120 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
This move on the part of Mr. Hogan, was the flrst to develop the
East End and every one interested in its development may pray that the
energetic proprietor of these acres may live long to see the realization
of his desires.
As Rector of Hochelaga for 21 years, the writer knows raore than
others of the many acts of charity and goodness which Mr. Hogan has
done all creeds, Avhen he became the largest Real Estate owner in that
municipality. The Temple Building is built on the site of the Methodist Church which
has been removed to St. Catherine street. A great nuraber of offices are
found in this vast pile, including all the dift'erent phases of business
life. It is one of the most imposing buildings in the city and a great
addition to the many fine structures in St. James street.
Peside it, is the Guardian Building also containing many offices.
The Standard Building is one of the flnest in Canada and contains not
only the headquarters of that Institution for Eastern Canada, but also a
Bank and many offices.
1 he Merchants Bank AA'as established in 1864, Avith Hugh Allan as
President and Jackson Rae as Cashier and occupied the premises on
Place d'Armes noAV belonging to the Royal Insurance Co., the new
Building on St. James street was completed in the fall of the year
1873. In IS77, the Avell knoAv'n present Manager George Plague Esq.
Avas called upon to take the management of the Bank and the 1 onorable
John Hamilton Avas elected President, AA'hich office he filled till 1882.
Sir Hugh Allan Avas then again made President but died a few
months afterwards. He was succeeded by Mr. Andrew Allan, his
Brother, Avho still holds the position.
The Mechanic's Institute is one of the feAv Libraries in .Montreal,
There are about 12,000 volumes on the shelves. The Reading Room, is
Avell patronized bv the Public, but the Institution is not in that flour
ishing condition it should be in. Some years ago a large 1 lotel 1 he OttaAva,
stood on the same side of the street nearer the Square, uoav made into
shops aud offices.
One of our oldest and best known citizens has his place of business in
this street, Charles Alexander, Pie is uoav 82 years of age but yet hale
and hearty and attends to his ( uties in his large establishments in this
and St. C atherine streets as any young man of half his age. But it is as
a large hearted citizen that his name Avill ever stand in the annals of
Montreal. He entirely built " The Roy's Home" a fine Institution for
destitute boys and such like, and he is intimately connected with several
Benevolent Societies. He has done a great amount of . good. His sons

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

121

122

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

Mil II i\l s I iNK

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 123

now almost entirely conduct the business. We are glad to place a
record of this industry in St. .lames street as a slight recognition of a
AA^orthy man and one A\ho Avas once one of the Aldermen of the City, as
AA^ell as one of its Members of Parliament at Quebec.
There is perhaps no store in the city, the external and internal
appearance of AA'hich is more suggestiAe of elegance and solidity than
that of R. Hemsley s, manufacturing jeweller, 25-5 and 257 St. James
Street. The spacious AA'indoAA's alone contain richer stock than an
ordinary sized jjevA'elry store, AA'hile the inside is a revolution.
Counters of solid, shining plate glass, top and sides, run along either
side of the retail department, and ansAver the double purpose of counter
and shoAA' case. Upon their crystal shelves, witliin, is exposed to view a
collection of rare and precious gems, and of jeAvelry, cutlery, and
China and silverAA'are, etc,, the most beautiful that money can purchase,
or art devise.^
Pardonable as Avould be any pride A\hicli Mr. Hemsley might CA'ince
in the arrangement of his store, or in the complete selection of stock
there to be seen, it is in the manufactory that he takes the greatest
interest. Here it is that those beatiful and artistic souvenir spoons,
and the enamelled cufflinks, stick pins and hat ])ins, brooches and other
jeAA'eh'A', everAA\here to be seen, aie designed and finished. Mr. Hemsley
started this venture ]e^s than half a dozen years ago, and Ijy his persev
erance and originality has made the field practically his oAvn. Year by
year the industry has groAvii, and the ever enlarging factory is being
jjushed to its utmost capacity to supply the demand for those beautiful
articles. Mr. Hemsley uoav has the Canadian field ])ret(y mucii to himself,
and has invaded the American and British markets, and is about to
export to Australia.
The Avhole system ef manufacturing has been originated and perfect
ed by experiments conducted by liimself.
Victoria Square did not ahvays have this name. It Avas of old called
"Commissioner's Square" on account of the Commission established to
regulate this square and attend to the Avharves of the river, hence the
street opened up betAveen St. Paul street and the river received also the
sarae name. When the monument to Her Majesty Avas erected in this
Square the name was changed to Victoria. Great events have been
enacted here, Avitness the Gavazzi Riots, the Orange Riots and such
like, and Ave can recollect the imposing St. Pat)ick's Hall, at the east
corner of it Avhere the Avriter organized a Scotch concert and by the
kindness of Col. Fielding , the splendid Pand of the Rifle Brigade played
for the last time in Montreal. This Avas just after the Red River
Expedition nnder Col. Wolseley now (Lord) and Generalissimo ofthe

i24

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

125

JIOL.SON'S LANK

126

HISTORY OF MONTRBAL

HLSTORY OP MONTREAL

127

U. T. E. STATION.

128 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.
British .Army. A few days only after I hat concert the roof fell in and
the building was demolished and in its place are the fine stores to be
seen to-day.
All round the square are some fine rows of stone buildings, con
spicuous among which are what was once the Y.M.C. Association Rooms
now occupied as a Business College. At the corner of the Square on
St. James street west once stood a large Hotel " St. Jaines." A great fire
with loss of life, left it in ruins. Now^a large handsome block has been
erected where it stood.
Beaver Hall Hill in early times at or near Avhere St. Andrew's Church
now is, had a large residence erected across the street and as its proprietor
Avas one of the leading spirits in the North West Fur Corapany, and the
principal peltry was Beaver, presuraably he gave that narae to his
residence. Noav all is changed but the name still remains.
St. Paul Street anb Commissioners.
Some people imagine that this street was named after St. Paul of
Biblical fame, but in this they make a mistake. It Avas the third street
laid out by M. Dollier de Canon, Superior of the Seminary and represent
ing the " Seigneurs de Montreal " and as a late distingni.shed member of
that body has said of this same Superior, it was he " qui determina ces
alignements, fixa le parcours des differentes rues et donna les noms qui
ont ete conserves j'usqua present."
He called this street after the name of the heroic founder " Paul de
Maisonneuve." In process of time, the Saint Avas gradually put before it
and now it is altogether known by the name of St. Paul street. Though
it is still that narrow street as in the olden time a vast amount of business
is transacted within its borders.
At the West end, or near to it, was erected, almost immediately
after the commencement of the settlement of Montreal, a citadel called
" Pointe a Calliers " and we may judge of the strength and good position
of this Fort, by the fact that it resisted for 35 years, all the attacks of
the brave, but blood thirsty Iroquois Indians. Maisonneuve also built
in or near the Fort, several erections, for convenience or security, a
chapel, hospital, barracks for the garrison and a magazine for goods for
trading with the Savages.
In 1651, the Governor established a common for pasturage. It was
40 arpents in length and under the protection of the guns of the Fort.
This common afterwards became Commissioners and Coraraon streets.
The banks <- f the Saint Lawrence were not, as they are now, lined with
splendid wharA-es, but the waters laved the shores and the cattle quietly
Avalked down to the water's edge and drank without let or hindrance,
whilst the youngsters enjoyed themselves in the river.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 129

Bonsecours Market is the largest building in connection Avith these
streets, but by tar the most interesting is Bonsecour Church, noA\' the
oldest in .Montreal. The Market still holds its oavu e\'en noAV as the
principal one of the CitA and on Market Day it is still a siglit to see
the great concourse of Farmers and country Dames, Avith their vast
variety of produce. What an amount of business is done in Bimsecour
Street and Jacques Cartier Square and in and around the Marltet and it is
rare if one cannot find everything "from a needle to an anchor " aa ithin
some one or other of the stores at this part of the Oity. The same can
be said of St Paul Street and of that fine Block belonging to the Nuns,
for in it and the rest of this old Street and off' streets is transacted a
A'ast amount of the immense business of Moutreal not forgetting that,
belonging to the Harbor is done in Commissioners street and Coinmon
Street. One of the raost important Buildings in Montreal is situated here.
The Customs House, Avhat an amount of money is monthly sent to Ottawa.
frora this source. It amounts to betAA'een 5 or 6 millions of dollars an
nually as the average, The arrangements are perfect for tlie facilita-
tiue ofthe multitudinous loads of goods Avhich pass througli its gates, and
the City of Montreal may Avell be proud of its Customs House. Though
the city is situated 500 miles from the Atlantic Ocean the energy and
enterprise of its merchants, have raised it from its infantine state to be
noAA' the eighth city in size in the Continent of Aiuuriea and when the
Canals and Rivers are deepened in a few years to come and the di\'el(ip-
ments of the iraproA'cment iu its Harbor with ueAV Brieges etc., all
cijinplete then it AA'ill become indeed the great commercial Emporium of
the Dominion and the pride of every Canadian be he a citizen cf
her. borders or not.
Another most important Building is that of the Messrs Allan's Line
of Steamers. Montrealers have much to thank these tAvo Brothers, Sir
Hugh aud AndreAV Allan for the commencement of that AA'onderful line
of steamers Avhich bears this name, and for the many other lines which
now make the Port of Montreal one of the best known in the
World. The old Custom's Square still remains. It is uoav called Place Royal.
Many a curious sight Avliich the eyes of modern .Montrealers never have
looked upon has been seen transacted in the long ago, iu this square
chief of Avhich I may mention " The Red Cross"
I have much pleasure to present here to my readers Mr. P. S.
Murphy's history of "La Croix Rouge."— "The Red Cross is at the corner
of Guy and Dorchester streets, Avliich for a century and a quarter has so
prominently raarked the burial place of Belisle, the murderer, and lias

130 HISTORY OF MONTREAL

long been an object of curious speculation. The popu'ar story is that it
marks the grave of a notorious highwayman, who robbed and murdered
hsbitavts returning frora Montreal to St. Laurent and the back country
by Dorchester street, which Avas at that time the only highway west of
St. Lawrence street. Ihis story is somewhat incorrect. Belisle Avas i ot
a highAvay robber, his crime was house-breaking and a double murder.
He lived on Le Grand Chemin du Roi, now called Dorchester street, near
the spot where the Red Cross stands. On the other side of the road
and a little higher up, Jean Pavre and his wife Marie-Anne B.istien
lived. Favre was reputed to be well off and to have money in his house.
This excited the cupidity of Belisle, who formed the project of robbing
his neighbor, and accordingly, one dark night, broke into the house and
fired his pistol at Favre, when, however, only wounding him, he
stabbed him to deat'i Avith a large hunting knife. Favre's wife riishe I
in to help her husband, and was met by Belisle, who plunged the knife
into her breast, and then despatched her by a blow of a spade. Belisle
was suspected, and soon alter arrested, tried, convicted and condemned
to the terrible punishment of " breaking alive " rompu vlf), which was
then in force under the French regime in Canada. Belisle was conderaned
to " torture ordinary and extraordinary," then to be broken alive on a
scaffold erected in the Market Place (the present Custom House Square)
in the city.
" This awful sentence Avas carried out to the letter, his body buried
in Guy street, and the Red ( ross erected to mark the spot, as fully des
cribed in the following document, which is not only interesting but
historically valuable :
'¦ Extrait du, Rcquisitoire du P ocureur du Roi.
"'Jerequiers pour le Roi que Jean Bai.tiste Goyer dit Belisle soit
declare dhment atteint et convaincu d'avoir de dessein pr6medit6 a&sas-
sin6 le dite Jean Favre d'un coup de pistolet et de plusieurs coups de
couteau, et d'avoir pariellement assassine la dite Marie-Anne Bastien,
I'epouse du dit Favre, k coups de beche et de couteau, et de leur avoir
vole I'argent qui etait dans leur maison ; pour reparation de quoi il soit
condamn^ avoir les bras, jarabes, cuisses et reins rompus vifs sur un
^chafaud qui, pour cet effet, sera dresse en la place du marche de cette
ville, a midi ; ensuite sur une roue, la face tournee vers le ciel, pour y
flnir ses jours. Le dit Jean Baptiste Goyer dit Beli.=le pr6alablement
apphque a la question ordinaire et extraordinaire ; ce fait son corps mort
porte parPexecuteur de la haute justice sur le grand chemin qui est entre
la maison ou demeurait le dit accuse et celle qu'occupaient les dits de-
funts Favre et sa femme, Les biens du dit Jean Baptiste Goyer dit

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 131
Belisle acquis et couflsques au Roi, ou il qui il appartieudra sur iceux, ou
a ceux non sujets a confiseation, pre ilablement pris la somme de trois
cents livres d'amende, en cas que confiscation n'ait pas lieu ou profit de
Sa .Majeste. " ' Fait a Montreal le 6 Juin 1752.
" ' (Signe,) " 'FOITCHER.'"
This history of the "Red Cross" was narrated to Mr. Murphy,
nearly fifty years ago. by the widoAV of Louis Haldiraand, a nepheA\- of
General Haldimand, once Governor of Canida. This lady AA'as born
in 1774, and heard the story from her mother, Avho lived near " la Place
du Marche " (present Custom House Square) Avhen the execution took
place. Older citizens can annually remember the great piling of ice blocks
in Spring (Avhen the St. LaAA'rence breaks up) aud in the recollection of
many hoAV that sometimes on Commissioner street, these ice shoves piled
up to the height nearly of the top of the houses. Connected Avidi this,
were the great floods of GriffintoAvn, Avlien at the last one, the Avaters in
McGill street reached up near to Notre Dame and Chaboillez Square and
a hundred of streets Avere submerged. All this is uoav obviated but at
an immense cost to the city, and Avhen the ncAV improvements iu the
Harbor are completed and the ugly rampart along the length of Com
missioners street removed, our Harbor will bo one of the brightest and
best on the continent.
Let us noAV retrace not only our steps but imagination to the time
Avhen the first Church in Montreal Avas built. It still stands, the Old
Bonsecours, but its present improvements, to many, have rather depre
ciated it, than made it appear better. HoAA'ever a good engraving of the
old Church is given in this Book, for after generations to see the great
building as it stood over tAVO centuries ago. It Avas built in 1673 by the
celebrated Sceur Marguerite Bourgeois and since then many a fervent
prayer hs gone up iu its sacred precincts to God Alraighty for preser
vation from remorseless Indians (Iroquois), foreign Invaders, and perils
by flre, AVater and wind. Sorae Iconoclasts, a feAV years ago, in what
they declared was to be for the advantage of the city, planned the
demolition of this old memorial and all that part of the street east and
north, that I hope is past and may the old Bonsecour Church still, for
long years to come receive the prayers of the faithful, for " good
succour " in their undertakings or for those of them, most dear to the
suppliant, kneeling devoutely at the shrine of the Patron Saint of
Montreal

1S2

HI'^TORY OF 'ONTREAl,

BONKECQUr.S CHl'ltCII.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 13."?

In this street, St. Paul, were three residences of very great import
ance in these early days. The 1st of course Avas that of the Founder of
Montreal. It AAas called the residence. It was built in A. D. 1650, in
the spot Avhere uoaa' stands the great store of ^lessrs, Frothingham &
Workman. It measured 71) feet front by 24 feet deep. From 1659 to
1712 it AAas occupied by four missionaries, priests of the Seminary of
St. Sulpice of Paris and in ll~!50 was demolished.
Another old building AA'as the Chateau A'audreuil. It was erected in
St. Paul street near .Jacques Cartier Square. The corner stone was laid
on the 15th May 172S by Madame Philippe de Rigaud de Vaudreuil. On
the 1st October 1773 it AAas destroyed by fire.
The other old Building must be mentioned " L'Intendance."
This Palace Avas built in KiDS and torn doAvn in 179.3. It stood near
St. Viateur street, between St. Paul and Commissioners streets and was
the seat of the civic adniiuistratioii of the city and Island of Montreal as
AA'ell as of the adjacent parishes. Its dimensions AA'ere 104 feet long by
30 feet in depth."
A very interesting paper by R. C. Lyman, Esq., of St. Paul street
on "LTnder Montreal" AAas read before theNumismatic and Antiquarian
Society of Montreal some years ago, Avhen an underground passage was
discoA'ered in St. Paul street. After careful investigation it Avas fimnd
that it belonged to the old Hotel Dieu. Mr. P. S. Murphy concisely and
forcibly explained its aventnreand significance. This Hotel Dieu property
once ran as far as St. Sul))ice street and w hat Avas then called little St.
Joseph street and to the property eastAvard belonging to the " Sisters of
the Congregation and from the Banks of the St. Lawrence back or rather
up to very near Notre Dame street.
" In building their Laundry " la Buanderie " they naturally placed it
not far from the river." NVhen St. Paul street AAas really opened it
naturally happened that it cut the Main Buildings and their out houses
in two parts. In this exigency they conceived the idea of carrying it
under the street hence this old tunnel (lately discovered ) but thepurpose
and the construction have given rise to a great amount of speculation and
absurdity. The principal AA'holesale firms doing business in Montreal in 1S16
were 'McGillivray, Thain A' Co., otherAvise called the " North-West
Company;" Forsythe, Richardson A- Co., Avho Avere agents of the East
India Company ; Maitland, Garden & Auldjo ; Gerard, Gillespie, Moffat.
& Co., then agents Phoenix F'ire Insurance Co., of London ; H. Gates cS; Co.
Allison, Turner & Co.; Desrivieres, BlackAVOod & ( o.. Blackwood, La-
Roque & Co.; Robinson, Masson A Co.; Hector Russel A Co.,— the great

LSI HISTORY OF MONTREAL
retail dry goods house of that time. Miller, Parlae t Co. James Miller
left the firm in 1819 and engaged exclusively in shipbuilding, and was
really the founder of the Allan line of steamships : James McDougall .v
Co., merchants and brokers : Hart, Logan & Co. ; Geo Piatt & Co., hard
ware ; J. >.' J. \I. Frothingh im, hirdAvard, uoav existing as '^'rothingham
(.^Workman. J. T. Barette hardware ; Jacob DeWitt, hard AVare. Lewis
Lyman, druggist, the founder of the present house of Lyman, Sons v Co.;
Day. Gelston >. Co., druggist, Mr. Day being the father of the late Judge
Day; Wadsworth & Nichols, druggists; Thomas ani John Torrance,
wholsale and retail grocers ; BoAvman & Smith grocers ; Zabdiel Thayer,
crockery, Toussaint Peltier, grain merchant ; Felix Souligny, do ; Nider
Aird & White, auctioneers ; M. C. Cuvillier & Co., do., and Bridge &
Penn, do. Most of these firms did Avhat would even uoav be called a very
largo business, and many of the men composing them were reputed
Avealthy. The possession of $25,000 in those days made a rich raan, and
$100,000 a very wealthy raan.
Among the very many large firms now doing business in St. Paul street
may be mentioned. The Tiffins, Jacques Grenier, once Mayor of Montreal.
Ihe Hudons, and in the Nuns Block.; The Rubber Co.; Buntin's Paper
Co. and Hodson, Summer & Co. Two old firms stand prominently out J. G.
McKenzie and Frothingham & Workman, whilst the Wighman Co, and
B, J. C oghlin require more than a passing glance. Nearer to McGill street
the stores aud establishments are represented by Green the great furrier
aud in olden times this part of the street Avas as busy as that of the east
end.

St. ifrancois Javier street.

'ihe six intersecting streets viz; St. Francois Xavier, St. Sulpice, St.
Lambert, St. Peter, St. Gabriel, and St. Vincent were all laid out by
Dolier de Canon, as short cuts to reach the three main avenues Avhich he
had before traced out in the old Town. St. Francis Avas the name by
which the first Avas called, but the name was changed by Bishop Laval
iu honor of St. Francois X.avier, one of the most distingui-hed Jesuit
Missionaries to China and the East. This last name it still retains. It
may AA'ell be called " The Wall street of Montreal." A vast araount (f
business is daily transacted within its borders. The Great Telegraph
Companies, also the Express companies are in this street. A number of
Insurance offices are found in it chief of which is the large establishment
of Major I'ond's. It still is one of the uarrow streets of Montreal. Ihe old
Exchange Bank was at the corner of this street and Notre Dame, and is
UOAA' used by a number of different offices.

History of Montreal.

133

3-

1.36 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
St. (Babriel street.
This Street received its name, not frora the Holy Archanged but
from and in honor of M Gabriel Queylus the first Cure of .\ ontri-al
and also from M. Gabriel Souart Avho Avas his immediate successor
About the middle uf this century, this street Avas one of the fashionable
dwelling places of Montreal. Dr. Sewell, Dr. .Macculloch, F. Griffin Q.C.
.\Ir. S. Gerard, President of the Bank of Montreal and Dr. Ross Q.C, al]
lived in this street, aud to this day in some of the short streets running
from it to Jacques Cartier Square can be seen Avhat really old Montreal
looked like, as very many of the houses there still remain.
St. Dincent street.
This street was originaly c died St. Charles in honor of M. Charles
Lemoyne, AA'ho had rendered great services to Canada. It was after-
AA'ards changed to its present name.
St. Xambert street.
It Avas so called in honor of Lambert Closse, who was killed just at
the corner ofthe street aud Notre Dame by the Indians.
St. 3osepb street.
It is now called St. Sulpice street from the fact that on its side, it
bounds the Church aud the buildings in the rear. A great amount of
business is done in this street and the short ones running off it to the
east. Surrounded by some of these streets are the large Buildings of the
Sisters of the Congregational Nunnery.
On the other side of the Parish Church are tAVO of the six streets
traced out by M. Dollier de Canon. The first has already been n-entioned.
St. Peter street was named not only from " The Prince of the
Apostles," but in compliment to M. de Kaucoup, one of the earliest
settlers of Montreal. St- Sacrament anb Ibospital streets.
They both derived their names, the first from the sacred Host and
Pyx being kept in that street and the other from the hospital which
the Founder Maisonneuve built in it, in the earliest days of the History
of Montreal.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 137

Quite a AA'onderful Building has been erected in the midst of those
streets including vSt. Nicholas. " The Board of Trade Building " is one of
the largest of its kind and containing not only the Board Rooms, etc., but
scores of offices among AA'hich are found many of the raost influential
Merchants and Shippers of the city. Other large centres of Trade are
seen all around. Facing the foot of one or two of these streets is seen
St. Ann's Market, the old Parliament Buildings burned in 1849 on account
of the passing of the obnoxious Indemnification Bill. W. W.
Ogilvie's splendid Building is a proof of the great strides made in
Avestern grain, AA'hen his flrst venture was 500 bushels of Manitoba AA'heat.
The Custom House and Allan's offices hide the wharves at this point
froiu vieAA'.
Another narroAA' street is that of St, John. A large business is here
ever can led on in this street and in it are found some A'ery important
flrms. Another street St Helen is RecoUet street of old where stood sorae
of the flrst Hnglish Churches, as for instance, the old Baptist church, Old
St Paul's church and others. At its entrance on the site of Aviiich is
noAV a large Commercial Building stood the RecoUet Church and out
buildings. It should have been preserved. In this Church at the close of
last century. the good priests alloAved both Episcopalians and Presbyterians
to hold their services till their own places of Avorship Avere built.
These are mostly all the streets of any importance till a\ e come to
McGill street and yet they comprehended the old Town of Montreal.
HoAA^ changed from these days is the ar( a of our City, East, Avestand
north for miles frora Place Royal as the centre or from Place d'Armes
thousands of immense buildings. Religious, Educational, Cimimercial and
private have sprung up and are yearly being built and the day avIII conit-
Avheu the Old Parish of Montreal Avill be all absorbed in the City of
Montreal of the 20th century. flDc(5ill street
This Street AA'as called, not after the Avell knoAvn figure seen in
Montreal 50 years ago Honorable Peter McGdl. but from an old inhab
itant at the beginning of this century who had his residence in the cilv
and whose name Avill ever be associated in McGill College and this street.
Honorable James McGill. He Avas a prominent citizen and his name is
often mentioned in the old Records as a Justice of the Peace, a member
of the Government and also as holding many offices.
We find him one of the Commissioners appointed to open up St.
Joseph street as far as Chaboillez Square : also in the same position, to
see to the demolition of the old Avails of Montreal. We find him Avith
others petitioning the Government to reduce the annual tax on the
English Cemetery Avhich stood, where noAV stands, " The St. LaAvrence
Hall" and other buildings.

138

History of monTrbaL,

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 139

As a merchant he A\-as one of the largest in these days in Montreal.
The folloAA'ing Table will show the extent of his commercial transactions
for a year. We must remember that in these early days and the close of
the last century the merchants Avere required to get permission to buy
a certain quantity of goods annually. This refers to grain and produce
d-^alers, Avhat novA' AAOuld our magnate merchants think at the close of this
century to be so restricted. The following names, bring well knoAvn
old firms to ones recollection of that early date. Pork Flour Biscuit
lbs. lbs. lbs.
Messrs. Todd & McGill 6,000—2,000—10,000
L. Ermatinger 4,000—2,000 
Gabriel Cote 2,000—1,000— 3,600
Hypolite Desrivieres 4,000—1,000— 1,800
M. Blondeau 1,000—1,000— 1,800
Chas. Chaboillez 600—6,000— 1,800
Jos. Sanguinet 600—1,000- 1,000
These orders were given in May 1780 by the Court.
It is reported that quite an emulation sprang up betAveen James
McGill and auother of the Commissioners supposed to be Chaboillez, aa hose
name should be giA'en to this street. McGill prevailed as A\'e all knoAA'
frora the present name of the street. In the above list Ave can see names
of .Merchants, who gave their names to streets of this CitA'. but these
names (like some others) have never changed, as Cote, Desriviers, Cha
boillez Square and Sanguinet streets.
Many changes have taken place from the time it Avas "terra incognita."
Now it is one of the most Avell knoAvn streets in tlie City, containing
very many large and influential business establishments, and one of the
oldest Hotels.
Long ago the Grey-Nunnery flanked its loAAer end and it Avas near there
that the first fort in Montreal Avas built, " Pointe a Calliers" and Avhere
the intreped Lambert Closse with a brave band utterly exterminated a
column of Iroquois, who had attacked the fort, coming from the AAood
and swamps, which then only met the vieAS", but where to-day are the
Lachine Canal, I'oint St. Charles and GriffintoAVU.
The Grey Nunnery, Les ScEurs Crises, AA'as ahvays a building Avliieh
attracted attention Avlien any one lauded at the foot of .McGill Street
and passed it. In AAas founded in 1753, by Madame Youville. Nothing

140

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

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H ISTORY OF MONTREAL UI

could be more appropriate than the inscription which was seen on the
gateway front of the Chapel and AA'liich was occasioned by the folloAving
circunotance. The inscription was,
" Hopital General des Sceurs Crises
founded 1755.
'• Mon Pere et ma Mere ra'ont abandonne mais Le Seigneur me
recueilli. Ps. 26.
The circumstance of this inscription AA'as this. In the year 1775, Mde
Youville was going into ToAvn on Institution business. When she came
to the " Little River" AA'hich Avas then open and uncovered, (now one of
the city drains) she sa\A' an infant stuck frozen into the ice Avith a
dagger sticking in its throat and one of its little hands raised through
the ice as if in the attitude of imploring justice and the vengeance of
Heaven against its murderer.
This so shocked the good Sister, that after consultation with her
associates, they determined that their charity should henceforth extend
to Orphans and Foundlings as AA'ell as the aged and suffering infirm.
No one can calculate the immeasurable amount of good Avhicli they
have done since then and their great establishment, now translated
between St. Catherine and Dorchester streets, still has its doors open,
night and day, to all AA'ho need protection and help.
In all the distress and epidemics Avliich have fallen on Montreal for
150 years these good Sisters "The Grey Nuns" have ever and ahvays
been in the van of the fight and if little wordly praise and advancement
have accrued to them, their reward is hereafter.
St. Ann's Market was the old Parliament Buildings before they Avere
burned. This incident is described iu tlie folloAA'ing succinct sketch— and I
may add before it, that if the fanatics who led the croAvd, had themselves
only kuown the future mischief and loss to the city they Avere bringing
on, they Avould haye paused before their senseless and foolish action.
What has \' ontreal lost by this idiotic burst of spleen and anger?
Millions of dollars, for this day the Parliament Avould have been held in
this city and when Confederation came, instead of an out of the av ly
place like OttaAva, being the metropolis of Canada, our own fair city
would have been the spot and thus for ever remained not only as it is
to-day, so far ahead of all the other cities of the Dominion ; but the Hub
and the Centre, as it is geographically placed, of inland and ocean
navigation and the ruling power of the whole Dominion and the Capital
of the same.

142 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
During the session of Parliament in lS49, a Bill was introduced and
passed providing for the payment of losses sustained during the Rebel
lion. The British inhabitants Avere indignant that any such Bill should
have been inliodueed, and every means were taken to prevent its
passage through the House. When it had been passed, great anxiety
was manifested as to AA'hether it AA'ould receive the sanction of the
Governor-General. On Wednesday, the 25th April, a day Avhich will be
long noted in the annals of our city. Lord Elgin proceeded to the
Parliament House to sanction the ueAV tariff, and other Acts. About
five o'clock in the afternoon he sanctioned a number of Bills, and among
tliem Avas the objectionable Rebellion Bill. No sooner had the Bill
become law than the information Avas conveyel to the crowds in
waiting outside of the building, and when His Excellency appeared he
was received with groams and pelted Avith stones and eggs. The ex
citement AA'as intense. Printed notices Avere posted in various parts
of the city, calling a mass meeting to be held immediately on the
Champ de Mars, and by eight o'clock an immense number of persons had
assembled, Avhen, after some strong resolutions had been passed, the cry
Avas raised " To the Parliament Buildings."
The House of Assembly was engaged in discussing the Judicature
Bill, when a loud shout gave the members warning that a riot was
tormenting outside. A number of stones Avere now thrown through
the windows, and in a .short time there Avere but few squares of glass left
unbroken in the whole range of the building.
By this time the members had all retreated, when about a dozen
persons entered the Assembly Hall, and one of them boldly seated
himself in the Speaker's chair, and muttered something about dissolving
the Parliament, The others then commenced the work of demohshing
al that came before them, sticks being thrown at the glass globes ou the
gasaliers which were beyond their reach.
The cry of fire was now raised, and it was discovered that the build
ing had been fired by some of the mob. '1 he flre spread with great
rapidity, and in half an hour the whole building Avas wrapped iu a
sheet of flame. No attempt was made to save the building, and the
engines Avere only used upon the surrounding property. By this fire
the valuable library, containing tlie archives and records of the colony
for over a century, was completely destroyed. the only article saved
Avas the mMce belonging to the LoAA'er House. The party who saved the
mace carried it to Donegani's Hotel, and delivered it to Sir Allan McNab.
The mob now proceeded to the residence of Mr. Lafontaiue, and set
it on flre, and through the efforts of some ot the citizens the flames were
extinguished, but the Avhole of the furniture and library were completely
demolished. Several other houses, occupied by obnoxious merabers of
the Parliament, were also destroyed.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 143
It was feared that the Governor might suff'er from the violence of
the mob. He therefore left his residence at Monklands and remained in
the city under the protection of a body of military.
On the 26th. Messrs. Mack, HoAvard, Ferris and Perry, Avare arrested
on the charge of arson, and were committed for trial. A cro\A'd
of nearly 3000 persons accompanied them to jail but no violence SA'as
shown. The Parliament Building destroyed during this riot, Avas originally
the St. Ann's market, the interior of which had been remodelled for
the accommodation of the Legislature. It was 342 feet in length by
50 in AA'idth, the central portion projecting four feet beyond the Avings.
It was constructed of Montreal limestone, and though plain, its only
ornaments being a portico at either end, presented an effective ap
pearance. McGill street has sorae very large and energetic business centres and
one or two of our oldest citizens have their stores in this street.
Craig Street.
In the days of Montreal's earliest History, and even some are yet
liAdng who remember not Craig street of to-day but a sluggish creek,
spanned by httle wooden bridges at St. Lawrence Main and Bleiiry
streets. Beyond this all was "sporting regions." This street dates from
the early years of this century only. It was called after Governor Craig.
Even in 1S16 it was such a creek, that Viger Gardens or Square Avas then
a swamp. About St. Louis street was a small deep pond, the resort of
muskrats and AA'aterfowl. This pond at last was filled up by taking
material in levelling the street (Notre Dame) frora Bonsecours to
Dalhousie Square and duraping it into the hole, thus filling it
up and forming the two streets of the present day, St. Louis and Champ
de Mars. Craig street now extends frora the Goal to St. Antoine street. It is
one of the Avidest in the city and underneath it runs the Craig Street
Tunnel, the main sewer of the City of Montreal.
A large number of important business centres are in this street, some
Of which rival any other city in amount of enterprize and energy. Tavo
of our largest paper firms, the celebrated Laurentian Baths, the Drdl
Shed and last but not least the offices ofthe useful, comfortable and cheap
City Passenger Railway, not forgetting the old papers the Gazette, the
Herald and the Witness are all in this street.
Two squares abut on this street, Papineau and Viger. They are
spoken of in another part of this volume.

144 HISTORY CF MONTREAL.

From Craig street, run north, raany streets, all very narroAV and of
little consequence save that in some of them there are important
raanufactures. Two of them are called after heroes of the Plains of
Abraham, Wolfe and .Montcalm ; one received its name from a Avell
known notary, others called after different saints in the Calendar. The
principal tAVO streets St. Lawrence and Bleury Avill be Avritten by them
selves as Ave proceed. At the far east end of this street is De Lorimier
Avenue, once called Colborne, but now changed to its present name in
commemoration of the death of Chevalier De Lorimier, the last of the
twelve Patriots who Avere hanged in 183S-9. The street called
Papineau Road, frora the celebrated faraily of that narae, runs from the
square uoav called Papineau Avenue norch to the city limits. Tiiis road
was formerly of bad repute and raany worthless characters resorted
there, all is noAV changed. It contains the old Military cemetery and
Burying Ground Avhich should be held sacred iu the eyes of all Montreal
and kept from desecration as a venerable spot. It is still Imperial
property. One of the most important things belonging to the city lies in
the uarroAV neck of ground between this street Craig aud Notre Dame,
the pumping house, Avhich does good AVork especially in the Spring,
Avlien the River rises aud fills up the drains to the imminent risk of
flooding. One of the finest blocks in the street stands opposite to the Montreal
Street Raihvay and which for years before the M. S. R. built their oAvn
fine offices AA'as used as their offices. This is the Wilson Block, called
from one of the most energetic Mayors that ever sat in tbe civic chair.
The great property Avhich he left is ably superintended by his Son-in-
LaAV, Mr. Beauchamp a man Avell known in the city and ever ready to
advance any undertaking that maj"- redound to the development of
Montreal. The Garth Establishment is one of the oldest in Montreal and one of
the largest. Over all the continent their manufactured goods have
found a way and to-day their business extends everywhere. Charles
Garth is one of the oldest living citizens of Montreal, still full of life and
vigour, connected with many of the great establishraents as Director or
otherwise but intimately bound up in his oaa'ii Church, the Church of
England of Avhieh he has been a consistent and loyal member to the
Writer's knowledge for nearly the past half century.
The Canada Paper Co. has its large establishment in this street and
nothing more can be said of its beautiful productions than that all the
paper of this Book, as fine paper as can be procured in America came
from this establishment.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

145

146 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
.Another very great establishment is that of J. C. Wilson & Co. also
one of our largest paper manufacturers. His great mills are at Lachute
and any one passing his building in Craig street must be struck with
the peculiar kind of freestone of which it is built. It is the only one of
its kind in the city and reflects high credit on the enterprising prop
rietor for utilizing our own Canadian Sandstone (freestone) and not
importing as so many have done, foreign material, when our OAvn
Dominion will and can supply every mineral ore ahd building stone
required, but it just exemplifies the old Scriptural adage, "a prophet has
no honor in his own country."
The two oldest papers in Montreal are found on this street. The
" Gazette " and the " Herald," The former Avas the first paper published
in Montreal or perhaps Canada.
The newspaper press of Montreal, like the inhabitants, is subdivided
into English and French. The English papers are the more important,
and are widely read by the French population. There is one morning
and three evening papers, namely : The "Gazette," "Herald," "Star,"
and " Witness," The "Gazette" was founded in 1778 by Fleury de
Mesplet, and in 1 828 it was published each Monday and Thursday by
Robert Armour, iu twenty-four columns. In 1833, under the editorship
of Andrew Armour, it was published twice each week. Andrew
Armour took Hugh Ramsay into partnership, and the firm sold out in
1845 to Robt. Abraham, who made the paper a daily one. It subse
quently passed from Abraham to Ferres and Milne (1850), Low & Cham
berlain (1856), and in 1870 it became the property of the Whites, the
editor. Thomas White, afterAvards becoming a cabinet minister, and
being succeeded as editor by his son. His uncle Richard White, still
conducts the veteran Tory organ. The "Gazette" has an established
reputation among political and commercial journals.
The " Herald was established in 1803. It has made the fortunes of
several proprietors, notably Mr. Penny, and has been the property of an
ex-cabinet minister of great mental acumen, Hon. Peter Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell is one of the fathers of Confederation, and while he has
never received public honors commensurate with his services he is
highly considered by all shades of politieal opinions, aud has been
dubbed " Sir Peter" by perhaps a greater ruler than the Defender of the
Faith. "The Public," generally. The "Herald" has recently passed
into new hands and is now a more enterprising journal than ever
before. The "Witness "is known to every one and was organized by the
late well known citizen "John Dougall" and holds its own against all
others throughout Canada, as we find it scattered ail over the Dominion
and the United States. It is now managed by a worthy son of the Old
Temperance Warrior and fearlessly exposes all aud everything not
consistent to the well being of Society.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

147

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL. I49
Perhaps the finest building in Craig street is the new Station of the
C. P. Railway. In connection with this building of which we give a
fine cut, the first that has appeared in Montreal, I would like to state,
that I received the same Avith cuts of the Chateau Ramezay, Harbor^
Dominion Square and .McGill University from Ne'w York and had to pay
custom duty, etc., before getting theiu in as a loan for illustrating my
Book and from the well known Periodical " The Illustrated American."
Here I would thank the proprietor for his urbanity and kindness,
especially as when in trying its illustrate our streets I have been met
with anj^thing but gentlemanly urbanity ou the part of many to whom
I applied for cuts to illustrate the work.
St. Hutoine Street.
The old St. Antoine suburbs began at a bridge crossing the creek at
the east end of St. Antoine street and Avas a road Avith several cross
lanes pretty closely built up as far AAest as Mountain street. There Avas
only one first-class house, that of Norman A McLeod, a rich " North-
Wester," or member of the North-West Company. The chief man of
this company, the Hon. William McGillivray, had a fine stone residence
in Cote St. Antoine, about the end of Dorchester street, the most
magnificent building in the Avhole city, afterwards OAvned by the Hon.
Charles Wilson and standing to the present day.
A Square is seen in this street. " Richmond Square." It is one of
the blots on the city. 1 dont think there is such a miserable square iu
Montreal. Surely the City fathers and the Aldermen Avho represent this
division, should see to its improvement. The actual fact of .McGillivray
Home quite close to it and the knowledge of one of our City Mayors,
Hon. Chs Wilson having owned the home should be sufficient for them to
beautify the Square a little more than has been done for years
past. St. "Denis Street.
an& otbet 0trcets intersecting or running parallel to It.
St Denis street is one of the best known in the City. It is called
from the titular Saint of France, Let me give a short account of him.
He was a Bishop and Martyr in the early Church History. A. D. 245.
This Saint was sent to Gaul (now France) to convert the heathen.
He fixed his episcopal see at Paris and in A. D. 273 suffered martyrdom
by decapitation on a hill, called ever after " Mons Martyram." This is uoav
called by Parisians " Montmartyre." M any a tirae in the days of " Char
lemagne" and his successors, has the battle cry of "St. Denis" been
heard when the French (Franks) were engaged in deadly Avarfare with
their country's foes.

150

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

History ofmontIieAl. isi
st Denis street begins at Craig and runs north to the City Liraits^
eventually, in the years to come it will extend railes beyond that point
to the Back River or Rivieres des Prairies.
The raost important buildings now in the street are Laval University
and St. James Church. This was long ago called the Bishop's Church but
the terrible fire which burnt nearly the whole east end consumed it aud
the Palace, and the present splendid edifice arose on their ruins. The
Bishop AA'as then the first of Montreal. Bishop Lartigue was made Bishop
Sept. 1836 AA'hen Montreal became a separated see and St James Church
was made his Cathedral.
Near to it is the great Establishment of the Reformatory and in tha
street the old and well known Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. At the
extreme north end, the Carmelite Nuns have erected a large edifice to
remove to it AA'hen completely finished, from Hochelaga, as their Estab
lishment there on the banks of the river must give place to comraerce
and trade. Many of our prominent Judges, Privy Councillors, Aldermen
and Business men locate in or near St. Denis street or iu St. Louis
Park, one of the finest and nattiest squares in Montreal. A great
Protestant Public School stands opposite the Park " Tbe Aberdeen School''
and there is one of the R. C. Commissioners' iu Roy street, a little off St.
Denis street.
This street is one of the best kept in the City, a continual roadvvay,
day and night, asphalt pavement and Avide and fine thoroughfares.
The loAA'er part under Sherbrooke street is finely bordered both sides AA'ith
healthy trees and in summer, looking down, you seem to be entering a
long avenue of sorae sylvan forest or a grand entrance to some ancient
castle or policy in the Old World. We are proud of St. Denis street and
so are its inhabitants.
Cherrier street is called from one of the best known and most
respected citizens of Montreal. He was a partner in LaAv with the
celebrated " Viger " who left to him all his property. Mr. Cherrier AA'as
one of the " Immortels " Avho was imprisoned in the Montreal Gaol in
1837, and when he died was perhaps the oldest member of the Montreal
Bar, a man of unimpeachable character, a good citizen and a warm friend
even to his political foes of 1837-8. It was right that one street iu
Montreal should be called by his name and that in connection with the
vast property which he left at his death.
Prince Arthur street received its name from him, the Queen's 3rd
son, who, when the Writer was Military Chaplain iu Montreal, was a
Lieutenant in the Rifles, and is now " Duke of Connaught " A pretty
story is recorded of his Baptism. We can see Our Gracious Majesty The
Queen (not an old Lady as she is now at her Diamond Jubilee), but a
fair and youthful woraan holding up her son to the old bronzed Warrior.
{The Irish Hero, Wellington), and telling him that his first name was to be

nl52 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Arthur in recognition of the Avonderful good that the Warrior had done
for England and the English Race. There'is a pretty picture of the
same and those Avho have it should preserve it as a memorial. The
street formerly from St. Lawrence Maiu to the present St. Louis Park
was called Courville street. West of St. Lawrence it was called Bagg
street. Roy street is called after a man of this name and so is Drolet street
after a AA'ell known citizen (still living) of that name. Chevalier Drolet,
Pine Avenue is a misname. There is not a single pine tree to be seen in
the whole street. It runs past or near the celebrated new Hospital,
" The Victoria" built, and endowed by tAA'o Montreal citizens, Lord
Mount Stephen A- Sir Donald Smith now Lord Strathcona and is one of
the greatest and best of its kind in the Continent of America.
Laval University, founded originally at Quebec by Royal Charter
and under a special Papal Bull, has now a distinct branch at Montreal.
It is a Roman Catholic institution teaching in the Frencli language and
has faculties of Theology, of LaAV, of Medicine and of Arts. Its teaching
staff at .Montreal is very complete and large numbers of studenti attend
its courses of lectures.

St. Xawrence fIDain Street.
1 he following description of St. Lawrence Main street, refers to the
year I8l6 and following years. It was written by an old citizen, long
since dead.
" St. Lawrence suburb, coraraenced at a bridge over the creek at the
foot of St. Lawrence street. This street, as far up as where Ontario now
intersects, was quite thickly lined with small low Avooden buildings.
Above Sherbrooke street, before reaching the Mile End tavern, there
were but two houses, both of stone, and on the left side of the street
then belonging to John Clark, and now the property of the Bagg estate,
Taylor's brcAvery AA'as then occupied by Thomas French as a tannery and
Geo. Wurtele kept the " Farmers' Hotel " in the old house now standing
opposite the St. Lawrence market and called the " Glasgow Hotel." Sher
brooke street was then opened from St. LaAA'rence street about as far
west as Bleury. In 1819 two fine residences Avere built on this street,
one bv Jacob Hall, and the other by Torrance. They were both promin
ent objects to the citizens below, and the latter being the only cut-stone
structure outside the main city, was the admiration of every passer-by.
It is now the residence of the Molson family."
This house still stands at the corner of Sherbrooke and St. Lawrence
Main streets.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

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We all know the origin of the name. It was on the anniversary of
this Saint's Day that the famous navigator Jacques Cartier entered that
river which ever since has borne the name he gave to it, and when this
street was laid out, it also received the name.
In looking from Sherbrooke street down this old well known thorough
fare with its widened extent, its fine shops, resplendent with gas and
electricity, broad foot paths, splendid electric cars, what would the
old " Habitant " say if he could be suddenly raised from the dead and
placed on this spot and made look down that street, up and down which
90 or 100 years ago, he had so often driven his homemade "rig," He
would only be confounded and be able to exclaim " Mon Dieu." Yet in
this progressive age what more wonders are yet to be seen in this street,
time alone can tell. Look at the crowds that stop to see Boi>seau's
magnificent exhibition of colored light". Look at the ¦' Monument
National". Look at the "Musee Eden" and continue eihove Shcrbroole
and see the flne stores and blocks of Buildings onto Mile End, conspicuous
among them all that splendid row of 1 axter's Block, and we must
confess that the St, Lawrence Main of to-day is different frora that of 1800.
There are some large stores in this street. Among its stores are
L. Surveyer, Lorge it Co., Kennedy, Alderman Grothe, Boisseau's and the
late Fogarty's with E. Giroux in the National Monument and many
others. Surveyer is one of the best known hardware stores in Montreal.
In 1866 he founded the present house which is four stories in height and
fllled with everything necessary in this line, one of which may be
mentioned here a razor, which bears his name and pronounced one of the
best in the market.
The store of Lorge & Co , Furriers, is one of the oldest in the street.
Mr, Lorge imports direct from England, France and the United States.
He is a native of Belgium, but has resided in Montreal since 1850.
He was awarded a bronze medal in 1869, a diploma in 18-(0, and bronze
and silver medals iu 1882, at the Exhibition held in .Montreal for the
superiority of his goods over all competitors.
Alderman Grothe has already been spoken about in a short sketch
araong the Civic Fathers of Montreal and it may only be said here
that his store is one of those that passers by generally stop to admire the
rich and varied display of his windows.
The Musee Eden, is not half enough well known. If more children
would visit it, they would be better impressed with some of the most
important events of History, than reading off the same events in a page
of general school History. It is situated in the Monument National
which building is a creJit to the street and a tribute to those who have
so industriously worked to make it a success-

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

155

NATIONAL MONUMENT

The idea in opening the Musee Eden AA'as not only to establish a
coramercial enterprise, but, moreover, to found in the Metropolis of Can
ada an undertakins: specially consecrated to fine arts and the glorious
episodes of the country's history. Differing entirely from similar institu
tions in large toAA'us of Europe and on the American continent, Avhich
represent no originality beyond tlie cosmopolitan scenes and figures
belonging to all countries, the Directors of the Musee Eden Company
have sought in the history of their oavu country, so full of remarkable
incidents, subjects for the instruction of the public. The Galleries of thc
Musee Eden are, a continual source of instruction and amusing recreation
the actual reproduction of events being ahA'ays more lasting than a page
of history learnt off by heart.
The Directors haA'e spared no trouble or expense to make the halls
of the Musee as perfect as possible from an artistic and historic point ot
view, and they rely on the patronage of the public to help them to
continue an unrivalled undertaking, a patriotic work, and an imperish
able tribute to our national glory.
However, I raust say that the arrangeraent might be so changed that
all historical groups should come together and all those of the dark side
of humanity be placed in a Aving by themselves as is done in the great
Avaxworks of London. Then the rainds of children AA'ould not be vitiated
or startled, as they need not see or go into that Aving AA'here these scenes
are. I coraraend this classification to the serious consideration of the
Directors and am certain that it Avould result iu a larger increase of
visitors.

I5g HISTORY OF MONTREaL.

Bleuri^ street.
This street received its name from a Avell knoAvn citizen in the past.
De Bleury, indeed until of late years the street Avas always known by the
name of De Bleury street.
At the foot of the street in the early years of this century a foot
bridge crossed the Craig creek and a narrow lane rau up about as far as
Dorchester street, along which straggled about half a dozen small houses.
This was called ' Flirtation Lane " and it was a favorite prominade for
all romantic couples during the long twilight of the summer evenings.'
A little up the street stood in the fifties tAVO splendid Terraces called
respectively " Tecumseh " and " Waverly ". Old citizens can recollect the
fine iron railings Avhich Avere in front of thera Avith battle axes and spears
etc., it made a fine sight. Standing as a solitary one or tAA'o still do at
the present day, a good Avay off the street, they had an imposing
appearance. Now mostly all the houses have nad fronts added to theiu
and they have been transformed into shops.
Bleury street has been Avidened and now forras one of the best
entrances into the city. Its continuation. Park Avenue, leads one to
Mount Royal Avenue, Avhere we find located the Buildings of the
Provincial Exhibition Co. Before coming there we pass through the
Mount Royal Park, that part at least which is called Fletcher's Field,
from a well known military man of that narae. At the end of the Park
we can join the suburban Electric Railway, Avhich Avill take us round the
Lesser Mountain, passing Outramont and Cote des Neiges and returning
to the city, a delightful drive at a moderate cost.
The chief feature of Bleury street is St. Mary's College (Jesuits) and
great Church of the Gesu. As the Authorities could not find any of thc
past cuts of either Building, they are absent in this sketch of the street,
though they appear in both my large works of 1875 and 1894,
No ereat manufactures are found in this street, but one of the
largest engraving establishments in Canada is situated near Craig. The
Burland Lithographic Co. and a little beyond was the chief Photographer
in the Dorainion, "Notman," who still pleases thousands with his unriv'-
alled pictures. The founder of this House has passed to the great
majority, but his son ably keeps up the record. Here, Royalty, more
than once, has entered the doors, to be photographed, as the House bears
the title of " Photographer to the Prince of Wales and Royal Faraily.
At the sarae side further up stands the oldest stained glass man
ufactory in the Dorainion, "J. C. Spence & Sou." The founder of it has too,
gone the way of all the earth, but the Son carries on successfully the
work of his Father, as the beautiful windows everywhere testify.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

157

SPENOE'S 'U^ORK (At Lennoxville.)

158 HISTORY OF MONTREAL
Off Bleury street is found one of the largest manufactures of
Aerated Waters, Soda and Ginger Ale in the Dominion, that of Chas.
Gurd & Co. By his own inate industry and perseverance he has built
up an immense business, Avhich is yearly increasing and it should succeed
as the productions of the Firm are those Avhich cheer, but do not inebri
ate aud therefore should be Avell patronized, as it is by every one.
Not far up the street is the AAell knoAvu establishment of Cunning
ham, sculptor. He is au ex- Alderman and Avhen in the Council, was a
most energetic meraber and had greatly to do with the widening of the
street. Off frora Bleury is the celebrated St. Patrick's Church aud all
its dependencies, presided over by the AA'ell beloved present Pastor
" Father Quinlivan." He succeeded a very great friend and patron of
the Writer's " dear old Father Dowd," aud it was a simple act of
recognition of his kindness to him that the Author of this work has
placed in his large " Biographical Gazetteer of Montreal" both a lifelike
picture and sketch of the AA'ell knoAvu Priest of St. Patricks for so many
years, " Father Dowd."
St. Patrick's is one of the finest churches in America and its con
gregation consists of raany of our best Irish farailies. The Writer well
remembers St. Patrick's in the fifties, having lived for some years, right
under the Aegis of the Irish saint, a feAV doors from the Church, and
yearly mixing in the great gatherings of the 17th March. How many
Avho raet then, are alive uoav ?
Two streets, very old ones, and Avhich have not improved much in
the advance of Montreal, cut Bleury street, Lagauchetiere and Vitre
streets. The former is supposed to have derived its narae from an officer
in " Cariguac's " of the French regine, Avho built a house in this street,
after the regiment was disbanded.
In all the History of " La Nouvelle France" no family is foujad, I
am told, of the name of Vitre. The only raan who bears this name was
the pilot Avhom the English army and fleet comraanded by Wolfe, im
pressed into the service and corapelled to pilot the fleet through " The
Traverse " below Quebec. It is said that the whole fleet hoisted French
colors and so deceived him and others so impressed, as they supposed
that it was the French fleet bringing relief to Quebec, but that when
once passed this dangerous spot in the St. Lawrence, the French colors
were hauled down and the British Union Jack raised aloft. It is also said
he never left the fleet but was carried to England Avherehe lived some
years on a small government pension. Hoav his name came to be given
to this street, let Antiquarians flnd out, but the above has been told, as
the origin of the name of the street. It raight be when Wolfe and
Montcalm streets were of old laid out, some one thought of him who had
piloted the English fleet to Quebec and so gave his narae to the
street.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 159

Another and a new street " Ontario " cuts Bleury. It contains
nothing of importance, save the Church of St, John the Evangelist, at
the corner of St. Urbain. One of the best knoAvn radu in Moiitreal
Revd. Canon Wood has been its Rector for over 35 years and has Avorked
it up to its present flourishing condition. It is the only decidedly High
Church iu ^lontreal among the Protestant Bodies. A fine School is in
connection with this Church, well patronized and does good work under
the principalship of Revd, A, French the Avell knoAA'u Rector. Many
influential citizens attend this Church and one of them Honorable Sena
tor Drummond has built "St, Margaret's Home" on Sherbrooke Street.
It is a blessing to all those who seek its help in their incurable diseases.
•(botcl=®feu 5e /IRontreal, 1652.
Though this great Institution was once aAvay doAvn in St. Paul
street in the long ago, still this old bit of History will be acceptable
to the French Readers of the Book as giving then the actual facts of the
foundation of this benevolent House.
A. D. 1640, le Canada etait rest6 presque sans culture et Ton y
comptait a peine deux cents frangais y comprisles femmes, les enfants et
IfcS religieuses de Quebec. C'est alors que Dieu in,spira a un pieux laique
d'etablir une colonie pour honorer la Sainte-Vierge dans I'ile de Montreal.
M. Jerome Le Royer de la Dauversiere, lieutenant-general au presidial de
la Pleche en Anjou, unit ses plans a ceux de I'ilustre fondateur du semi
naire de St, Sulpice, M, Olier, qui presque simultanement avait eu le
meme genereux dessein. Des personnes de la Cour, et des pretres ver-
tueux, brillant de zele pour la propagation de la foi, s'associerent aux
fondateurs pour faire I'acquisitiou de I'ile de Montreal, et ils apprecierent
les avantages qu'elle offrait a I'execution de leur projets apostoliques.
L'associati. n se forraa sous le nom de " Messieurs et Dames de la
Societe de Notre-Dame de Montreal pour conversion des sauvages de la
Nouvelle-France "
Les hardis colons destines a ce nouveau poste, le plus avance de
civilisation dans cette partie du globe, s'etaient erabarques, des l'annee
precedente, conduits par un pieux et brave gentilhomme Champenois, M.
de Maisonneuve. Le 17th Mai 1642, ils mirent pied a terre dans la partie
de I'ile connue plus tard sous le nom de Pointe a Callieres, et ils s'y 6tabli-
rent au nombre de quarante-cinq. Cette petite troupe eomprenait des
soldats et des ouvriers de divers etats tous choisis pour leur piete et leurs
bonnes mneurs ; Melle Mance en faisait partie. Cette ferarae intrepide se
rendait en Canada pour y fonder un Hotel-Dieu, et preparer les voies aux
sceurs HospitaliSres de St Joseph, qui venaient de s'etablir k la Fleche,
en sorte qu'a Montreal le premier hopital prit naissance avec la premiere
chapelle. Mile. Mance partagea avec joie les dangers, les epreuves et les
privations des commencements de Ville Marie.

160 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Le ler Novembre 1669, trois sceurs arriverent de France pour appor-
ter k Montreal la stabilite et la profession solennelles.
Au mois d'Aout 1662, la Sceur Marie Morin entra a THotel-Dieu
comme novice k Tage de 13 ans et demie, et c'est la premiere Soeur d'ori
gine Canadienne qui ait fait ses voeux k Montreal. Elle vecut 82 ans, et
c'est k elle que Tout doit les Annates de I' Hotel- Dieu. memoires du plus
touchant et du plus ediflant interet, qu'elle a ecrit jusqu'au 29 Sep
tembre 1725. Beaver Iball Ibill.
The origin of this narae has been given before in the description
of Victoria Square. Three churches cluster closely together up the Hill
they are diverse in their systems, the flne St. AndreAv's Church, Scotch
Presbyterian, presided over by the Avell knoAvn Revd. J. Edgar Hill
the Reformed Episcopalian, and the Church Messiah, Unitarian. This
la.st Church had long as its pastor. Dr. Cord ner, AA'hos9 name need only
be mentioned, to recall his virtues and learning and Avho died in Boston
some years ago.
St. Andrew's Church is said to have the flnest spire of any church in
Canada. The Writer well remembers Avhen a flre destroyed the .spire
and a good deal of the edifice.
It was just before the arrival of H. R. H. Prince Arthur in 1869 and
as he arrived in the evening and that a pretty dark one, with no lights
electric, as now to brighten up the scene, only a few far distantly placed
gas lights, the hundreds of blazing torches ouly cast a weird aspect on the
whole body of men which croAvded the streets everywhere, to welcome
the Royal Visitor. The burned spire of the beautiful church looked
somber in the back ground but it AA-^as soon rebuilt. I well remember
at a great state Dinner given by the Prince to the military officials in
Montreal that he spoke to rae about the fine spire having been
destroyed. This eventful dinner is sunk in my memory as few are now
living who were there. I think only Col Ferrier and Col. Lyman now
remain of the Canadian Militia then represented as no officer was below
the rank of Colonel.
The Bar was represented by the late well knoAvn Judge Badgley ;
Commerce by the never forgotten Honorable John Young. These two sat
immediately on the right and left of the Prince. The two chaplains.
Rev Mr. Bartlett and myself opposite and Ave had the honor, the
senior chaplain in asking grace and myself in returning thanks. Beside
me sat that gallant old gentleman and polished warrior Col. Dyde and
round, all the Colonels and high officers of Her Majesty's service then in
Montreal After dinner a pleasant time was spent in the draAving room
where the Prince showed us very large albums, one, of all the Royal
Family, another of the principal nobility and another of the military and
naval celebrities of England.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 161

In connection AA'ith St. A dreAA''s church Organ, one of the finest in the
city, a story is told of the late Sir Hugh Allan and William Dow, the
two wealty adhenents to that " quid auld kirk of Scotland." It is re
ported that the canvassers for the Organ fund first Avent to Sir Hugh
(as he Knight to head the list. .1 friendly rivalry existed between the
tAA'o, the jocularly told thera to go to William Doav and Avhatever he
subscribed he Avould do the same, fhe good Knight thought one or tAAO
hundred dollars AA'ould be the amount. AAvay Avent the gentleraen to the
AA'ealthy Commoner, and told him exactly how the matter stood and
if he gave any amount. Sir Hugh Asoiild give the same. Mr. Doav, Avith a
tAA'inkle in his eye, asked for the subscription pap>-r aud finding it
a royal opportunity to get even Avith Sir Hugh headed the list with
$1,000. They returned to Sir Hugh and haA'e declared that it did them
good Avhen they presented the paper aud the Knight, Avith outstretched
eyes, beh-ld this large sum standing opposite his rival's narae. But
as a gentleraan and raan of honor he took iu the situation in a moraent
and iramediately underneath Avrote his subscription of the same amount.
Thus did the canvassers succeed in securing nearly half of the price of
the beautiful Organ iu St. Andrew's Church from its tAVO most influential
raembers. Further doAvn the Hill and nearer the Square, once stood the Ton-
gregational Church Avhere AA'as enacted that blot ou Montreal the Gavazzi
Riots and where the Revd. D. Wilkes so long officiated. It afterAA'ards
was the ': Herald " printing establishment, then it Avas burnt and uoav
is a very large commercial concern.
Beyond the churches, Ave pass tAvo small squares, both donated by
Mr, Philipps to the city in the forties. Facing one of them is the flne
residence of the late Wm. Doa\-, the Avell remembered Montrealer , aud on
another side " The Ferrier Block,"
This street in its upper end used to be almost entirely devoted to
Doctors and Dentist some years ago but is gradually being transformed
into business and stores. In the upper Squares, Alfred Joyce has a flne
establishment and is one of the fcAV in his line, A\ho has made a fortune
in Montreal. At another corner of this Square is the Art Gallery; au
Institution Avhich received its eclat from tAVO eminently public spirited
men of Montreal, Beuiah Gibb and Judge McKay, Avho both left large
gifts of valuable pictures to form the Gallery.

162 HISTORY OF MONTREAL

Dorcbester Street.
" %e ©ranb Cbemin Ou IRoi. "
This street is called from a former celebrated Govern )r of that name
and as the last Lord has died only a few Aveeks ago leaving no heir, the
title in English Aristocracy has uoav become extinct a id it is well that
we perpetuate the name in one of our streets.
The street has little changel since the days of old in the east end.
The only great building Avhich there attracts the eye is the General (or
English) Hospital as it is called. It is the oldest in Montreal and no
Institution in the city has done the araount of good that this ciA'ic
blessing has done in years past.
It is now a great Institution, and has received additional wings to it
through the benevolence of kind citizens and it at the present day holds
its OAVU with any Hospital in Canada or. America for efficiency, order, ad
vance and all other appliances connected with the working of suc'i an
Institution. '1 brough the kindness of the most indefatigable friend it
has, Wolferston Thoraas Esqr., I am permitted to give tAvo fine views
ofthe Hospital audits Avorking Avhich will add to the interest of the
Book. The street continues, after leaving the Hospital as far as Bleury
much as it AA'as in years past. At Bleury it abuts on the new extensive
reparations made by the Jesuits and St. Patrick'.s Church, till it passes
Phillip's Square when we arrive at a large building, the Masonic Temple
and near to it " The Old High School of McGill College " where the writer
was one of the Teachers associated Avith such names as Rector Howe
T. A. Gibson, D. Rogers and W. BoAvmau in the fifties, long ago.
The fine building ofthe St. James Club must be noticed and one of
the most extensive private dAA'ellings iu Montreal, that of our well known
citizen, G. W, Stephens Esqr, It Avas built by his father, one of the most
energetic Americans, who ever made their horae in this C ity. It hag
been the temporary abode of Royalty or its representatives. Opposite is
the fine Church of St Paul's over which is placed H. M. G. Majesty's
Chaplains, Dr. Barclay.
We now come to Dominion Square and Knox Church with its well
known Pastor Revd. Mr. Fleck. After passing it we find the large
American Church and splendid mansions, chief among which, is that of
Lord Strathcona aud Mount Royal. No man has done more for Moutreal,

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

163

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 165

than he has done. God bless him for it. What generous gifts ; the Royal
Victoria Hospital, connected AA'ith Lord Mount Stephen. The Donalda
College and others, and the AA'riter must here acknowledge that as far as
he knOAVS not one ligitimate scheme or call ^for benevolence ever was
made to hira in A-ain. May many ye«rs still be liis as a Lord. As this
western part of the street is debarred from Street Railway or heavy
traffic, it is a favorite rendez-A'ous for those Avho practice cycling
hundreds of AA'hom are daily seen on its smooth pavement.
The immense Building of the Grey Nuns must noAV be spoken of. At
the corner cf Dorcheter and Guy streets is the Red cross, the story of
which his already been giA'en in the history of St Paul Street, as AVell as
the story of their foundation in that of McGill Street. The street then
continues on to the City limits.
The following bit of old History is inserted here AVhich gives the
Origin of the good Sisters of this well kaoAVn Community.
L'Hopital-General de Montreal doit sa premiere fondation k un
vertueux citoyen de cette ville, Mr. Francois Charon de la Barre, qui
voulut y cousacrer ses biens et sa personne. Ddux autres pieux laiques,
MM. Jean Fredin et Pierre Le Ber, secnn ierent puissainment, et donne-
rent avec lui commencement a sou oeuvre de charite, de z^-le et de desin-
teressement. .M. Le Ber I'-tait le fril-re de la sainte R 'eluse qui vi'cut vingt
ans dans une cellule de Convent <le la Congregation de ViUe-.Marie, sans
comraunieation avec le monrle. Il resta fidele a sa vocation jusqu'a sa
mort, ne fit point de vanix, mais termini une vie sainte comme pension-
naire, a I'lTopital Gem-ral, en Ojtobre L7i)7. Ljs trois amis voulaint former
une Communaute de Prferes Hospitallers, destiuee a soigner des hommes
pauvres et infirmes.
Des 16 '¦><, M. Charon et ses Heux associes obtinrent du Superieur de
la Miison de St. Sulpice de .Moatf.iil un terr lin conveaible a, la Pointe
Callieres, et ils firent bientot a lears frais plusieurs autres acquisitions pour
servir a la fondation de I'hopital.
It is a coincidence that two such gr^-at charitable Institutions as the
Montreal General Hospital and the Grey Xunnery are to be found the one
the east the second at the Avest of tUis old street. May they both con
tinue to flourish and in the coming ag.-s do ever as much amount of good
as they have done in the years past.
Near the American Presbyterian Church once stood the Diocesan
College lately transferred to a flne building, the gift of A. F. Gault, Esq.,
The present building is now the lieadquarters of the Young Women's
Christian Association of Montreal and if the Y. M. C. Association does
so rauch good for the young raen of the city, assuredly this one does the

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

same of the young women. Associated with it are some of the most
godly and good women of the city. I could mention many names but
knowing the inate modesty of these Avorkors, these Daughters of Israel,
forbear, only stating, that for a long series of years, they have ever
cheerfully helped rae in my AA'ork in the Feraale Prison of Montreal and
have been ever ready to exemplify the Apostolic words " C harity
never faileth."
I raust give more than a passing glance to the beautiful Church not
far distant. When I pass it, the recollection of its large hearted Minister,
Revd. Mr - Wells, appears before my mind, and to think, after all his
labors in Montreal aud elseAvhere he was to meet with such a dreadful
accidental death. His memory is stored up in hundreds of the congre
gation and it will be long till Ave see his like again.
In this street, not far from here stands the grand Crescent Street
Church, presided over by a AAeil beloved Pastor, Rev. Dr. \ cKay. This
Church contains one of the largest and wealthiest congregations in the
city and it may Avell be so as the genial Doctor is the Head, and Centre
of the whole Institution and reigns in the hearts of his people like the
the good old Presbyterian Ministers of Scotland in the days of long ago.
Near Dorchester in Guy street stands one of the flne R.C. Commissioners
Schools, Belmont School, a A'iew of Avhich is given through the kindness
of P. S. Murphy, Esq. Guy street received its name frora a celebrated
Notary of Montreal at the commenceraent of this century. In it to-day
there are a number of charitable Institutions, among them, " The Church
Horae " which Avas founded by the flrst Anglican Bishop of Montreal
and has lately received through our present venerable holder of the See
a very considerable araount for its future prosperity.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

167

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168 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Milliam street anb abjoining streets.
It is a remarkable fact that we flnd in this part of the city, a number
of names, the most loyal of any in the City of .Montreal. William street
was called after William iVth and then Ave flnd King, Queen, Prince,
Duke, all after the Royal Family.
Wellington need only be mentioned to bring up the name of the
most illustrious military Irishman, the Emerald Isle ever produced. In
connection Avith his name I may state that many years ago a prize Poem
on the Duke of Wellington AAas announced at one of the great English
Universities. The successful candidate took for his theme the Life and
Career of the Great Napoleon, and finished an elaboate description of
that great commander AA'ith the folloAving couplet, Avhich gained him
the prize. "So great a iuhh, the Avorld scare-- ever kncAV, Bent to thy Genius,
Chief of W.vterloo." It is a Avonder that Napoleon is oul\ represented
by a street called Napoleon Road and another sraall street off St.
LaAvrouce. We find Dalhof.sib street also in th^s quarter of the city and
College from the old Seminary ' ollege AA'hich formerly stood there.
The ( ollege is noAv turned into a ne.st of Manufactories of all kinds
and where once Learning and the Arts prevailed commerce aud manu
factures noAv hold their sAvay. It Avas once occupied by a Regiment of
British Troops in the sixties. The ancient narae of Ireland is found in
Hibernia street, off Wellington, and Scotland's Great Revolutionist
John Knox runs oft' it in Knox street. .McCoRD street was named after
the family of that name Avho held extensive property here and who
Avere ably represented by the late Hon. Judge McCord ofthe Superior
Court of Montreal. Mullin.s street from an Irish family of that name,
once prominent in Montreal. Ott.aaa'a street runs down to the Canal
Basin and named after thc Capital of the Dominion. Seigneurs was
named after the old Seminary Seigneurs of .Montreal. Workman, from
the old Mayor, runs from Canning street to the City Limits, there are
also Murray, Nazareth and Ann streets.
These are the principal streets in this section of the city.
It is to be regretted that in a great raany instances, two, three and
soraetimes four streets, terraces and lanes bear the same name. Look at

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

169

"^— .fit',;,

ST STEPHENS CHURCH.
170 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

the confusion this causes in postal arrangements and civic affairs ! Will not
some good Samaritan Alderman iu the next Council bring forward a laAv
aboutthe naming of streets? Why let every one. Proprietor or Builder, be
permitted to give any narae he pleases to his property or block ? Look
at the following, there are no less than six localities bearing the name of
Albert, three of Bishop, tAVO of Champlain, two of Cherrier, two of
Desrivieres, three of Dorainion, three of I )orchester, no less than five of
Evans, two Frontenac, two Fullum, tAVO Hanover, two of Lome, tAVo
Mansfield; two Maple, two Marlborough, three of \l etcalfe, two Milton,
two Montcalm, tAVO Napoleon, tAVO Pl.-iteau, two Richmond, two Roy, two
St. Francois, two St. Henry and two Victoria, etc.
What confusion this all causes. The American system of numbering
the Avenues and Streets is far preferable and this could be done with
all the great Avenues of .Montreal beginning at Commissioners street and
going north making all cross streets nurabers and all avenues letters of
the alphabet. A large square is found lying to the north of William street and
south of Notre Dame and Chaboillez Square. All round are extensive
manufactures, but at the corner running into ( haboillez Square stands
one of the finest Churches in Montreal, St Stephens, over which the
Venerable Archdeacon Evans, D. C. L. is the Rector. The Archdeacon is
better known to the public as, for many years past, being one of the
most energetic members of the Protestant Board of School Commis
sioners. He has always been reelected when his term of office expired.
He is the Archdeacon for Montreal.
We now pass on the Pointe St. Charles and the Lachine Canal,
The first movement for a canal to unite Lachine and Montreal, took
place in 1792. Ever since then Montreal had been vainly endeavoring to
obtain permission to open a canal and after raany delays and disappoint-
raents, work was at length begun in 1821 and completed at a cost of
$44U,000; but it was inadequate for the wants of the trade as we may
gather frora the following notice which appeared in the Quebec Gazette
of 3rd. Nov., 1831.
A Public Notice is hereby given that the undersigned and others
will apply to the Legislative of this Province at its ensuing session of
Parliament for the Privilege to form a Joint Stock Company for the
purpose of making a Canal, Lock and Basins, in such places as they may
find necessary for a useful Navigation from the Lake of the Two Moun
tains to the waters of Lachine and from thence to the foot of the current
St. M&ry with a branch to the Port of Montreal should they think fit, of dimen
sions not less than will admit the Passage of such Vessels as can pass

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 171

through the Locks of the Rideau Canal, and to acquire lands for Rasius
and water privileges as may be AAanted by the said Company for the
Navigation and the use of the AA'aters thereof.
Horatio Gates Joseph Masson
Dr. Armoldi Jules Quesnel
Thomas Phillips J. Bouthillier
AndreAV White F Z. Aut La Roque
Peter McGill Jos, Logan
Montreal 1st October liH.
The enlargement hoAA'ever AA'as not carried out till 1^43. Ever since
then improvements have been going on in the Canal deepening of the
chanel, and enlarging the Avidth and uoaa' greater improvements than ever
these past feAV years have been are being accomplished, until ere many
years, ships and steamers of very large tonnage uoaa' and Avill (even
larger ones) be able to ascend easily from \; ontreal to Lachine.
Many large manufactories are found ou its banks and at and around
Windmill Point gre.at traffic and business can be seen during the season
of Navigation. A fine Bridge "The < urran Bridge " spans it aud several others at
Pointe St Charles and Cote St. Paul. The Avhole neighborhood of the
Basin teems Avith life and activity during the summer season.
Pointe St. Charles would be nothing Avithout the Grand Trunk
Raiiway. It has built up this part of the City and is continually being
the means of developing more and more this populous district. Let us
for a little, revert to the commencement of Raihvays in Canada. Certain
gentlemen of Moutreal in the year 1831 took steps to obtain a charter for
a raihvay betAveen Laprairie aud St. Johns and " The hamplain and St.
Lawrence Railway " Avas opened in 1836 and succssfully Avorked by
steam the folloAving years. The first Engine Avas called " The Kitten ''
and I believe it exists to this day.
in 1842 there was a brisk trade up the Champlain Valley for Burlington
and Whitehall over this railAvay, the only raihvay iu Canada, from La-
prauie to St. Johns. The hne shut doAvn in winter, just think of it
as the reason Avas " there Avas no advantage iu connecting the ice of the
Richelieu Avith the ice of the St. LaAvrence."
In the year 1844 however their sprang up a great desire to have a
winter port for Canada, a meeting was held in the old Congregational
Church at the East end of the Champ de Mars the object of which Avas
the project of the St. LaAvrence and Atlantic raihvay. The meeting was
small but attending it Avere sorae of those master minds which have

172 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

guided Montreal on to her present state of significance. The great event
of that meeting AA'as the address and paper given by Judge Preble of
Portland. Maine. This soon gave fruit in a matured plan for a railway
from Montreal to Portland. By the exertions of a small group of
energetic citizens araong AA'hora Avere the Honorable George Moffatt, Sir
Alexander Gait, the Honorable A. N. Morin, and the Hble. John Young
this road was opened in 1848 frora Longueuil to St. Hyacinthe, and it
was afterAvards pressed forward until it was absorbed into the Grand
Trunk systera.
In the year 1851, the Champlain and St, Lawrence Railway was
corapleted to Rouse's Point and the St LaAvrence and Atlantic to Richmond.
In 1852 a raihA'ay Avas opened to Moore's Junction on the Ogdensburg
road and the St. LaAA'rence and Atlantic reached Sherbrooke.
Noav came the idea of building a Bridge across the St. Lawrence
River. The possibility of such a vast undertaking was demonstrated by
Thomas Keefer, Esq., in a report Avhich he furnished to Honorable John
Foung, as the PresiJent of the projected .Montreal and Kingston
Railway In this year, hoAvever, both that western undertaking and the
Portland RaihA'ay Avere absorbed iu the Grand Trunk Railway. Ihe
celebrated Messrs. Pete, Brassey and Betes obtained the contract for its
construction and so the G. T. R. had birth.
In 1853, no raihA'ay \ et to the AAest AA'as in existence, great quantities
of voods Avere ever arriving at Longueuil for Montreal and west, and the
carters in those days, specially in Winter, had a busy aud raoney raaking
tirae, for this year I 8")3 the raihvay Avas opened through to Portland,
.Maine. It was UOAV deterrained to build the Eighth Wonder of the
World for so the Victoria Bridge has long been called. On July 20th,
1854, the flrst stone of the Victoria Bridge Avas laid and the same year
the raihvay ran to Point Levis, opposite Quebec. As the G. T. R. had
only reached Brockville, a vast amount of Avestern traffic drifted into the
American Raihvays for Boston and specially New York. But noAV the
Canadian pluck and inate courage of our people asserted itself, fhe AUans
came to the fore Avith their splendid Line of the Montreal Ocean
Steamship Company. I he G. 1. R. had been completed to Toronto and
the flrst train frora Montreal to Toronto left on the 27th of October,
1856. That sarae year in November it was opened to Stratford. The
occasion was celebrated by a fete. Into these rejoicings the citizens of
all classes and nationalities bent their utmost energies. They .sent
invitations to all the leading people in all the cities and toAvns of Canada

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 173

and balls illuminations and rejoicings and a holiday expressed the hopes
and aspirations of the inhabitants of Montreal in particular and Canada
at large. On the 17th December 1859 the Victoria Bridge Avas comjileted and
the G. r. R. AA'as open noAV from Port Huron on the Lake of that iiameto
Portland on the Atlantic coast a mighty Avork aceoniplished by the
energies and determination of the Canadian people. In l^-^lid eommenced a
decade of progress, The Prince of Wales represi-nting the Majesty of
the British Empire came out to ( 'anada to open the Victoria Bridge and
to see and make knoAA'n on his return, what kind of peojjle were the
loyal sons of Ids Mother, in Britisii North America. He sa\A' and cert
ainly gave a good report. I he opening of the Victoria Bridge Avas an
event Avhicli will be never forgotten by those aa'Iio Avitne-sed it. Great
festivities and rejoicings AA'ere the order of the day and lean remember
that AA'hen the youthful Prince Albert AA'ith a ringing blow sent doAA'n
the golden spike into its place the Avliole air resoun ed with the accla
mation " God save the Queen."
And AA'ell has the old Bridge stood. By day and by niglit over its
well built piers thousands and ten thousands of trains have ])assed since
that day and never has there been an accident.
The Grand Trunk Raihvay system durin.t,' the decade of lS(illxl870
received its full development. There is no doubt tint \l ontreal oAves ¦
much to the G, T. R. The steady increase of its trade was due to its
influence. In Ontario and elscAvhere many of the small railroails were
absorbed by the Grp^nd Trunk, for as yet the Victoria Bri(l,<:e Avas the
only one Avliieh spanned the St Lawrence east of Niagara. This occasion
ed the raerchants of the city, Avinter and summer, to have their ware
houses full, all AA'ere kept busy. In ! 871 The (h-and Trunk had absorb
ed (to its credit) and possessed every outlet and inlet, in winter, of the
City of Montreak This led, on account of the ever incre.-ising trade to the
organization of the Canadian Pacific RiiUvay, and uoav at the close of
this century both raihA-ays are taxed to their uttermost to exjjort the
araazing quantities of grain annually produced in Manitoba and
the North-West. The Victoria Bridge is now under i-econstructiou to
enable the vast amount of traffic to daily pass over it. The management
is under the personal eye of a most energetic and flrst class railway
men, Mr. Hays, and it aaIU n .t be his fault if in succeeding years
the Old Grand Trunk of Avhich Canadians are pr.ud Avill and still be
" Secundus nullL"

174

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

VICTORIA .RIDGE

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 175

As I have just said the raihvay, though it has passed through trying
tiraes of opposition and depression of trade, still holds its onward way
and it will be a blessing to the Dorainion, for long years to come. Before
closing the remarks of the G. T. R. I must bring up one or two who
have been connected with the management in the years past, but who like
so very many of the older inhabitants of Montreal have joined ttie great
raajority. The Honorable James Ferrier AAas long its governing head in
Canada. Chs. J. Brydges long its Manager and the late Sir Joseph
Hickson iu and later years its central figure. Peace to their ashes. They
all AVorked hard for the G. T. RaihA'ay of Canada,
At Point St. Charles are the General offices of the G. T. R. but as
they are in au inconvenient place for the business men of Montreal, no
doubt they aaIII be removed. Some years ago these offices were at the
Point, then they were translated to Jacques Cartier Square and once
raore, after having built the present extensive Buildings, taken to
Point St. Ch ,rles.
Business exte ision and easier coinmunication AA'ith the merchants of
the City render it imperative that they should now be located in Mont
real and it is hoped before long that they Avill be.
The different Religions den minations are Avell represented at the Point
by their Churches, all substan ial buildings and each having good cong.
regations yet one that over Avhieh Dr. Ker is Rector holds an es])ecial
record. Originally built by the Grand Trunk ou the land n )w occupied by
them as yards, it received the name of " Grace Church " from the name of
the AA'ife of Chas. J, Brydges then the General Manager. Dr. Ker is one
of the most erudite and learned of the clergy of .Montreal and he is a flne
example, like the Dean, of a perfect Iri-h gentleman and saying that, ilicit
is enough. Verdun is a village near the Pointe. In it is situated the Protestant
Hospital for the Insane. The chief inhabitant of the place is John
Crawford Esq, a man who never looked to more advantage than Avhen
as the Master of the Hounds, he pursued iu his younger days, Avith
energy and spirit the exhilerating pastime of " hunting Rayard." In his
red c'oat and spurred boots he looked, as he always does, a fine speci
men of an Anglo Saxon.
Along the bank of the Canal Ave come to a nice Vill ge also a suburb
of Montreal " CoTB St. Paul." There is a fine English Church here,
for more than a quarter of a century having been superintended by Dr.
L. Davidson Q.C, and who has done as rauch solid good work in the place
as any ordained Minister.
In time these places will be annexed to the City of Moutreal.

176

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 177

St. Cuneoon^e.
This important suburb is an incorporated City bA' itse'f, its inhabit
ants are fast creeping up to the 20,000. Many large manufactures are
found AA'ithiu its limits. It is impossible to tell, Avhen a stranger drives
along Notre Dame Street, Avhere Montreal ends and St Cunegonde begins.
It is to be hoped that under the ubav Council of Montreal, St Cunegonde
St Henri aud other outlying Municipalities, all Avill be amalgamated into
one grand City aud indeed I go as far as that of our prospective Mayor
and AA'ould include the AA'hole Island of Montreal, under the sarae systera
as has been inaugurated in Greater Ncav York. We have not the diffi
culties they have had to overcome, uo rivers or arras of the sea to pass
like as in NeAV York aud Brooklyn, aa'c are all one Island and that the
raost iraportant in the i'orainion of Canada. Just fancy that the total
population ot the Island of Montreal nearly doubles the total of the
Province of Prince EdAAard Island.
It has its own Legislature, enacting its oaa'u LaAAs and regulations, sends
its Senators and Merabers of Parliament to the Canadian Capital and yet
Montreal AA'ith all its AA'ealth and ]3opulation must go to the Legislature of
Quebec, for permission to be alloAved to do almost everything. It is
preposterous. As Home Rule should be giAeu to Scotland, Ireland and
Wales,to manage their oavu internEil affairs like the Province -i in the Domi
nion and the States of the Union, so should Montreal have the iiudeu able
right of doing likeAvise especially as ihe greater amount of the taxes requi
red by the Quebec Government are taken from the City and the Island.
There AA'as once a time iu the History of Canada Avheu a movement and a
strong one, took place of connecting this Island Avith Upper Canada, uoav
the Province of Ontario. If Home Rule for Montreal does not in the near
future become a " fait accompli ;" may be the movement Avill be recus-
sitated and this beautiful Island and metropolitical City lost to the
Province of Quebec.
Stranger things have happened in these stirring tiraes. A Province
equally progresive as any of the present may be formed out of parts of
Quebec aud Ontario and Montreal Lsland may yet becorae one by itself.
The B. N. A. Act can be altered as Avell as any other LaAV. The great
Daniel O'Connell used to declare, "he never saAV a LaAV, but he could
drive a coach and six horses through it." Progression is the order of the
day and the 'iOth century is drawing near. Theyoung boys of the Island
are fast growing up to be the Rulers and Legislators of the new century
and all I have said raay yet before a decade or tAVO of that century has
passed be realized. The whole circumstance of the divided municipali
ties of Montreal proper and those of the country parts reminds me of the
City's motto " Concordia Salus" also of au old country saying " United
we stand, disunited we fall."

178 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

St. Ibenri.
Is also a city by itself, but what applies to St Cunegonde
applies to St Henri. St Henri countains a most important Station of the
G. T. R. " All Trains stop at St Henri" for there, one branch takes the
traveller east, north and south to New York, Boston, Portland, Quebec
and Halifax, Avhilst the other goes west to the great regions of the
Occident including all our populous and growing Canadian cities.
Some fine public buildings are seen iu this City. The Church is a
massive structure. In days of old it was called " The Tanneries " and
through it, as at this day, runs one of the roads to Lachine. The only
great manufactory of Sewing Machines can be easily distinguished from
its imposing appearance and, also the Cotton .Mills.

Ste (Tatberine Street.
This street is becoming the great business centre of the city. I can
well remember when all the streets above it in the western part to
Sherbrooke were an open field aud when the Wellington Block was
built which was then considered a grand row, now both east and west
from it, immense business stores rear their heads, showing the pluck and
perseverence of our citizens.
St Catherine street has been extended east to the present limits of
Montreal and west into the suburbs, springing up everywhere. When a
few years ago. St James the Apostles Church was erected, all around was
unoccupied fields, now on every side blocks of dweUings have gone np or
are going up and a large, populous community, of the better class are
settled or are setthng in all the streets intersecting St. Catherine st. The
English Cathedral was the first large structure erected and now it is
difficult to count the number of grand stores, churches, dwellings.
theatres and other places, dotted over its whole length.
Like many of the other streets, its name is taken from the Calendar
of the Church, and called after. " Ste. Catherine." She was a Saint and
martyr A, D. 307. She is highly reverenced in both the Eastern and
Western Churches, especially among the Greeks, who spell her name
'Katharine." Her place of martyrdom was Alexandria in Egypt, and
the mode of torture was between four wheels armed with short spikes or
swords, which, revolving different ways lacerated her body to pieces.
Hence we have all heard of or seen the katharine or Catherine wheel,
her emblem. Perhaps, no Saint, has been represented so often with her
wheel, in the east as well as the west, as she has been.

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

179

180 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Two public squares abut on the south side, both in tbe west end.
In business circles, where can we see so raany fine stores of all kinds, as
Hamilton's, Murphy's, Morgan's, LeAvis, Scroggie's. Campbell's. Tcoke's,
ShaAv's, Ogilvie's, Paul's, Hancock & Dudgeon's, Alexander's, Brown's,
Holland's, Phelan's, Birk's, and many others, and in the East end "orae of
the best stores in Montreal are found iu this street, doing a very large
amount of business for their eastern customers. Two Theatres are in
the street. The Queen's in the west and the French theatre in the east.
There is also the Academy of Music a few yards from the street also the
Natural History Museum and Art Gallery. In the centre part Ave have
the Plateau Academy. This Roman Catholic Comraercial Academy av^s
erected in 1870, on the Plateau between St Catherine and Onbariostreets.
To P. S. Murphy Esq, Member of the Council of Public lustruction and
School Commissioner for Montreal, and his untiring efforts that ib is
]jrincipally OAving that the cause of Education among our Catholic
fellow citizens in this city has been elevated to the high standard it
now occupies. And it is also due to him to state that to his cultivated
taste and love of Art, we owe the splendid structure and ornamental
grounds on the Plateau, and the raany other fine buildings erected by
the Catholic School Commissioners AA'hich embellish and adorn various
parts of our City, three fine views of Avhich are given in this Book
through his kindness.
After passing Bleury street St. James Methodist Church looms up as
one of the most imposing structures in Montreal. My old friend Dr, Robt,
Campbell has his St. Gabriel Church removed from the Champ de Mars to
a little distance of this church ou the oppo.site side. His old church
Avas the first Presbyterian one erected in the city aud dates back to
this time last century. The genial Doctor published some years ago a
most interesting work on the History of the Church and Montreal which
includes a vast amount of important matter on " Old Montreal."
Standing facing Phillip's Square, is the structure of Morgan's Store, a
credit, to the City and built of good old Scotch red sand stone (freestone)
from the great Corncockle quarries of Ayrshire. It is one of the sights
of the City. Within is a perfect panoraraa of alraost everything to
delight the eyes and it is hard (with a light purse) not to break the
commandment. (Thou shalt not covet.) The two founders Henry and
James Morgan have passed to tne great raajority. but their successors
continue this great business with the energy and pluck which charac
terized the old firm when years ago, tlie establishment stood in McGill
Street. Living in Hochelaga during the twenty four years of the Writer's
Incumbency in the English Church' there he al-ways found the whole
family intellectual and gifted and one of the daughters has secured to her
self an undying fame by her beautiful Book of poetry and English poeti
cal translations from the French and German and which was highly
eulogised in Canada, tbe United States and England.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

181

ST. JAMES METHODIST CHUROH.

182 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Birks' large store need only be raentioned by stating, it is the
largest in Montreal and one of its object sights internally. Opposite is
the beautiful English Cathedral with its chaste monuraent to the first
Bishop of Montreal aud Metropolitan of Canada and beyond it See House
the official residence of the Anglican Bishop.
We must not casually pass by without speaking of two important
Institutions near St, Catherine Street. "The Vetrinary College" and
" Natural History Museum." The former is presided over by one of the
best known Doctors in the Dominion and so respected and skilled that
he is the recognized official of the Dominion Government in all diseases
connected with cattle, a responsible situation, as Canada's great future
export trade to Europe, with its cereals, will consist of its animals, its
cheese and butter. Dr. McEachern deserves well of the comraunity for
having already shoAvn his discrimination in certain issues which were
before the public regarding quarantine, etc.
The Natural History Museum contains one of the finest collections in
Canada but is too little known. Two or three hours can be profitably
spent here in surveying its Avonderful curiosities, chief among which, are
the presents of that large hearted citizen the late Honorable Jaraes Ferrier
which he brought from Egypt and the East. Among them is a perfect
Egyptian Mummy and when looking on the shrivelled dried up face it
recalls to ones mind the splendid stanzas of the Poem written to
another Mummy in Belzoni's Exhibition.
A good hall is found in the Museun and the Writer remerabers iu the
sixties of having delivered a Lecture on Conchology in it to the pupils of
all the Ladies Schools theu in Montreal. In those days Ladies Schools
Avere great institutions in the City. Nothing raore need be said but that
it was a great success owing to the Chairraan being Dr. Hingston, now
Sir William 1 1 ingston, a life long friend of the Writer's and one of whom
Montreal may well be proud. Sir William is a man of a thousand and he
has slioAvn it AA'hen he was Mayor of Montreal, by his Wiirld wide repu
tation, by his high position in his profession and the late mark of merit
in distinguishing hira "Sir William" though his good old title " Dr
Hingston" ever is the first on the lips of his old friends.
I cannot pass by these few remarks on Sir. William in particular and
Physicians in general but especially on our genial Doctor, without
quoting frora the Book of the Apocrypha in Ecclesiasticus 38 chap, Avhere
it is thus Avritten. " Honor a physician with the honor due unto him,
for of the Most High cometh healing and he shall receive honor of the
King. The skill of the Physician shall lift up his head and iu the sight
of great men he shall be in admiration."
We now come to, on both sides of the street a long series of stores of
all kinds. One of the best knoAvn Chemist stores in the city is that of
' LeAvis." For raany years he had his business establishment iu the Y. M.

iilSTORY OF MONTREAL,

183

O

o

184 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.
C. Association Building in Victoria Square but like so many of the down
Town merchants has corae into this street which is rapidly becoming the
Broadway of Montreal. The interior of Mr. Lewis' store is chastily
arranged and everything shoAA's that the Proprietor has artistic tastes
combined with his extensive knowledge of Chemisty and Materia
Medica. To him the Pharmacopoeia is not a sealed but an open book.
Shaw's Piano and Music store has also come from under the hill.
Henry Shaw AAas one of the best known raen iu the city, tAventy five years
ago, in his business. I can well remember AA'hen he flrst came to Montreal
as Agent and Auctioneer for large quantities of Books brought from
England. This is to some extent carried on by his Brother. Perhaps no
such Auctioneer for Books ever appeared in this City. He seeraed to be
perfectly acquainted Avith every volume Avhich he held up in his hand and
his erudite remarks on it made one buy Avhether previously inclined or
not. This store does a large amount of business especially in music and
the different musical instruments, found therein besides Pianos and
Organs. Of t' em all, those of Murphy's and Ogilvie's and Hamilton's stand
out conspicuously. John Murphy is a AVorthy son of his father, the dear
old man, 1 knew so well in the early years of the flfties. when he had
his store at the corner of St John and Notre Dame streets. He was one
of the most genial old Irishman in the city, and his saintly wife was a
diamond of the first water. It is a fitting sequel to the father's probity
and truth that his son has built up such a business on the foundation of
the old " Belfast Linen Store " of the long ago.
As a Florist and one aaIio has succeeded Avell in Montreal, must be
raentioned Colin Carapbell. His conservatories must be seen to be
described but, as I have never reached the distinction of being able to do
justice to and describe such establishraents, my advice to ray Readers
is, for all to go there and then to his store and see and purchase for
theraselves the beautiful plants and floAVers.
Harailton's is a store Avhich can only be seen to be des^^ribed. Once a
Presbyterian Church, they have transformed it internally into a veritable
Oriental Bazaar and the ever obliging flrm Avith their large corps of
assistants are taxed to the utmost ou cheap sale's days. It is a pity that
the outward appearance of the store does not fulfil the ideas of the
interior, but this raay be remedied in the future.
Ogilvie's is a grand iieAV store, an ornament to the street and the
place where every thing " Scotch " can be procured. The senior partner
has succeeded well since, years ago, he opened his store at the corner of
Mountain and St. Antoine streets. Every thing is very substantial in this
estabhshmeut from that of the owner himself to the quality of his goods
and Daughters of Old Scotia flock there knowing they will get all the
Clan Tartans of Caledonia and the best of English goods.

History of Montreal.

185

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BIRKS' STORE.

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WALTER PAUL'S STORE.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 187
One corner store, the internal A'iew of AA'hich is given, is that of
Walter Paul's. This is the great Establishment in Montreal, for all
Groceries, Fiuits and such like. Walter Paul is as well known as St. Cathe
rine street itself, and it is because he is an upright and conscientious
dealing man, that he has acquired such a prominence. He is a member
of A'arious, charitable and other institutions aud a large hearted citizen
in all benevolent schemes.
We must not pass by the Evangelistic Rooms and store. They are
presided over by the well known Miss Barber. She is a daughter of
the old Professor of Elocution of McGill College, Dr. Barber, and iu the
fi ties, in the High School of that Institution, the Writer had often to
listen to his unique method of instruction when he Avas one of the
i eachers of that School,
Some fine Churches are found in the west end of St. Catherine and
intersecting streets, and betAveen this street and Sherbrooke are many
interesting buildings.
The Diocesan College was built entirely by the great liberality of
A. F. Gault Esq. It is a fine building aud reflects credit on the
Architect. The High School too is a large structure, but I question
whether the mode of Education is up to that which emanated from the
Old High School of McGill. Ihe great number of our first class English
Merchants. Literary and Professional man and others holding the rains of
Montreal's prosperity in their hands, Avho were educated there, is an un-
answere 1 proof that the education given in the forties, fifties and sixties
was as thorough as that now given Avith its grades and subdivissions
and modern ideas. I could pick out from all the above classes men uoav
in Mont eal AA'ho OAA-e their present position to the good and thorougli
education they received in those old days, from such Educators as Rector
Howe, T. A. Gibson, David Roger, Wm. Bowman and J. D. B. May the
present High School, hoAvever, prosper as the old one did. It is under a
good staff of Teachers and the School Commissioners are men Avho knoAv
their duty and responsibility, and are striving to keep up to these pro
gressive times.
On Stanley street stands the Synagogue of the Spanish and Portuguese
Jews. I'his building (a beautiful cut of its Interior is given) Avas erected
in 11190 and opened for pubhc AVorship. Ib is a most attractive edifice
being based on the best traditions of JeAvish architecture. It is a com
bination of the massive forms of Ancient Hgypt Avith the graceful
features of Eastern art. Within everything is choice and beautiful. Its
lofty colonnades, its reraarkable Ark of best mahogany and marble and
its fine coloring, all unite to raake it quite distinct frora any other place
of worship in Montreal, and as I said in my large Gazeteer " give it an
individuality appropriately in keeping Avith the striking individuality of
the Peculiar People Avho AVorship Avithin its Avails."

188

HISTORY of; MONTREAL

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 189

This short account AVOuld be incomplete Avithout mentioning the
well knoAvn Dr. DeSola, Avhose son has inherited the mantle AA'hich fell
from his father's shoulders when he joined the great majority. Dr.
DeSola was a reraarkable man both in his AAritings and erudition aud
one of McGill's Professors and i feel myself proud to have been, nearly
fifty years ago, associated with him as one oi: the many Teachers of
McGill in those early days. His son Clarence hal the distinction of
planning and overseeing the coustruction of the Synagogue, Avhich
enables me to say, that although a busy man in is mercantile career, he
yet could draAA' out and carrj' to successful issue such a building as is au
honor to Moutreal.
I well remember AA'hen Sb Jaraes the Apostle's Church stood alone in
a field and fields then all around. The worthy Rector, Rvd, Canon
Ellegoode AA'ill shortly hold his Jubilee, Avhen he Avas ordained. He is
and has always been one of the most polished gentlemen in Montreal and
of its representatives, as he was of the Bishop, at the great public d nner
given to our retiring Mayor, R. Wilson Smith, Esq., Avhich Avas honored
by the presence of the talented young Archbishop Bruchesi of MoTtreal,
Some Association groundi for recreation are passed ab the west
end, AA'here the youth of Montreal shoAV their agility in the different
branches of athletics etc. The Western Hospital, doing a good Avork
is seen a little off on the south side. We proceed AA'est till we reaeli the
Glen. This brings up meraories of the fifties, Avheu the Writer Avas more
than once a guest of the late Hugh Ramsay, one of the best known of
old Montrealers aud AA'hose son Robert, a talented Advocate of the city,
died in the prime of his life a few years ago. The Manor House Avas
theu called "The Glen " hence to this day the name is perpetuated iu the
dell there seen. One road to the Mountain Park comes down and meets
Sb. Catherine street at this point, but all is so changed now, that the old
proprietor would scarcely know the place.

190 HISTORY OF MONTRBAL.

Dominion Square.
This Square Avas originally a Roman Catholic Ceraetery, and hundreds
of citizens still lie below its surface. It was made a public square and
hundreds raore were taken out when the Cote de Neiges Cemetery open
ed up, their bones were collected in heaps and taken there, the old coffins
being piled up in large stacks and burned on the spot. This continued
tin fears of an epidemic caused thera to be carted to Pointe St. Charles
and there burned in the fields. It is now the largest and best Square
in the City, but I can never pass over the Square and especially the north
side of it Avithout these lines of the English Poet running through my
mind. " Beneath our feet and o'er our head
Are countless warnings given.
Beneath us lie the silent dead
Above us is the Heaven."
The fine picture following this short description of the Square was
received from New York and is an admirable view ofthe Square.
Some of the finest buildings in Montreal are found here, as St James
Cathedral, Windsor Hotel, Y. M. C. Association Rooms, Hamilton's store,
Methodist Church, St George's Church, the C. P. R. Depot and the fine
monuraent to Sir John A. McDonald. Perhaps the raost important
imposing and largest religious edifice, not only iu Canada, but in America
is St James Cathedral. It is an exact duplicate in the scale of one half of
the celebrated St Peters in Rome, its length is 300 feet with a portico of
30 feet, its breadth is 225 feet at the transept. The height from the
pavement to ridge of the roof is no less than 80 feet, the height of the
dome with lantern ball and cross 230 feet whilst the interior diameter of
the dome is 70 feet. It is not yet completed and when. Avill present to
the2 eye of the spectator one of the grandest structures to the glory
of God to be found in any country. Near by, and connected with it is
the Palace of the Archbishop of Montteal. This title recalls to the
Writer's mind a forraer saintly Archbishop (Bourget) who, with his
genial and talented Canon (Lamouche) did much to establish the 2nd
edition of the " Harp of Canaan " in Canadian Schools^ and especially in
soma of the principal Ecclesiastical Convents. ,

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

191

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192

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 193

An Author may, indeed, have Avell felt proud, Avhen he received such
commendation from the highest authority in Montreal of his literary
labors. It reads as follows : Evech6 de Montreal.
Cher Monsieur,
•' Chaque page de votre ouvrage est une des plus brillantes de la
literature Chr^tienue et Tensemble pour un tableau coraplet de l'histoire
des deux Testaraents, trace vraiment du raain de maitre. J'adniire
comme vous avez pu rapprocher et lier ensemble tant de pieces detachees
sans rien force pourtant, ui rien sacrifier du recit. C'est, a raons sens
un rare merite, et je vous felicite de tout coeur."
The Windsor is the largest Hotel in Canada, and is oAvned by a syn
dicate, of which Charles Garth is President. It is ahvays tlie abode of
the Governor-General AA'hen he visits Montreal, and has noAV built to it a
large Hall, AA'here raany gatherings are held, aud delighful concerts.
The Y. M. C- A. Building is too Avell knoAvn, as their association is,
to require much notice from me. It has for years been the means of
doing a vast amount of good to the young men of .Montreal, aud has ever
been raost ably conducted by .Mr. Budge, Avho is ahA'ays alive to every
movement Avhich may help young raen and keep them from theatres and
saloons. His AA'ork is well knoAVU all over Araerica, and no man is better
fitted than he is to do Avhat he is doing. May he long be spared to the
Institution. He is in his official capacity the right raan in the right
place. I am very glad to be able to jilace here in connection Avith the Y. M.
C. A. Building, a short sketch of the present esteemed President of that
iraportant Christian institution, and I may add that the appointment of
Mr. Ames to his present position in the Council of Montreal as Alderman
for the most influential and moneyed Avard in the city has been a good
step iu the right direction, and in the various civic functions which he
will be cahed upon for the next two important years to perform, he Avill
do nothing that will raihtate against the developmentof his native city,
but everything to endeavor to raake .Montreal, as she is destined to be,
the Metropohtical city of Canada, which in the next century will be one
of the powers of the Continent.
H. B. Ames was born in Moutreal, •27tli June 1863. His early
education was obtained in the city, and .Avas supplemented by a four
years classical course in college at Amherst, Mass.
Upon graduation at the age of twenty-tAVO, Mr. Ames went into
business with his father, in the firm of The Ames, Holden Co., wholesale
manufacturers of boots and shoes, where he remained until December of

194 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
1893. Since that time Mr. Ames has given his time almost exclusively to
study and public work. At present he holds the following positions : —
Member of the Protestant Committee of the Council of Public lustruc
tion ; President of the Young Men's Christian Association ; Alderman for
St. Antoine Ward in the City Council ; Elder and clerk of the Session of
the American Presbyterian Church, and has until recently been President
of the Volunteer Electoral League, and Secretary of the Municipal
Association. Mr. Ames is also a Director in half a dozen mercantile
companieo, and owner of an extensive plant of workingmens' dwellings
operated on philanthropic principles.
Mr. Ames speaks French and English and has been a contributor to
the Century Magazine ; Canadian Magazine ; the Bulletin of the Depart
ment of Labor, and other publications. In the spring of 1897, he pub
lished a work entitled " The City Below the Hill," being a sociological
study of a considerable industrial section of the City of Montreal.
The Churches in this Square speak for themselves. St. George's is
par excellance, the church for the English people, though its Rector is
the genial and well known Irishman, " Dean Carmichael." The present
Anglican Bishop Avas connected with St. George's as first. Assistant
M inister, then as Rector, and now as Bishop, for over half a century.
Some of the wealthiest people in Montreal attend this church. When
the spire is corapleted it will be one of the ornaraents of the square.
The C. P. R. Station, a fine cut of which is given, through the kind
ness of Mr. McNicoll, needs uo pen of raine to praise it or the railway, of
which it is Montreal's terminus. The C.P,R. has revolutionized Canada,
and without it the vast plains in the West would still be barren wilds.
It deserves well of the people of Canada.
Although a good deal of "scare" in some public quarters against
this railway iu the years past was heard, Canadians are now beginning
to see that their country owes more than thanks to those intrepid men
who organized the company aud carried through such a vast undertaking,
even before the tirae expired by contract for doing so. The British
Government, too, a'cknoAvledges the utility of the line, for now by it are
sent to or brought back, all reinforcements for the Western Coast and
Pacific Fleet. It will yet be, in connection with the People's Railway,
" The Intercolonial," from Halifax to Vancouver, the great highAvay to
India, China and Japan, and the yearly increase of traffic and extension
in every direction, proves that under the management of Sir WiUiam
Van Horne and his able assistants, the C.P.R. will continue to be one of
the brightest and best jewels in Canada's escutcheon.
The origin of the C. P. R. was this, many complaints had been made
by the merchants of Montreal, that they could not get their goods push
ed on to the sea board and in December 1873, they were unusually severe

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

195

196 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
which resulted in a formal correspondence and protests aud counter
protests between the Steamships Corapany (Allan's) the Railway
Company and the Corn Exchange. No less than over a million bushels
of grain and nearly 90,000 barrels of flour were stored in Montreal for
export. The third protest can be summerized in this, " trains were
rolling over the Victoria Bridge, filled with United States products, and
Canadian shippers could not get cars to carry away their produce for
shipment." While matters stood in this predicament a railway called the
" Northern Colonization " from Montreal to Ottawa, the capital, was
strenuously and actively advocated, including a branch line of about 14
miles to St. Jerome. As far back as 1868, this road had been projected
by " Father Labelle " the patriotic cure of that Village. His idea was to
have a wooden Railway (like the old Joliette one) to open up the fine
country, north of St. Jerome.
Sir Hugh Allan took it up and OttaAva became the objective point.
It resulted iu a million of dollars being subscribed by the City of Mont
real toAvards this object. After sorae time, the railway assumed the
name of the " Qnebec, Montreal, Ottawa and Occidental " or as it Avas
then known by the Initials Q., M., O. & O. R. The writer, with Father
Labelle, did good work in bringing the terminus into Montreal. He was
then Rector of Hochelaga and the end of the Line was to be in his
parish, and when entrance within the city was secured, a voteof thanks
from the Contractors Avas all he ever received, save the satisfaction of
doing something for the east of Montreal. Finally, the new line, the C,
P. R. absorbed all these lines, and now has a continuous connection from
Quebec aud Montreal to OttaAva, whence as we all know, it steams west
till it lands its passengers in Vancouver, on the shores of the blue
Pacific Sir Hugh Allan was the first President of the road, and it has had
some notable men since. Lord Strathcona being one. The present incum
bent of the office, Sir William Van Horne, ably sustains the character of
his predecessor, and under the Vice-Presidency of T. G. Shaugnessy
Esqr., and his able management, the C. P. R. is developing north, south,
east and west over all the br ad Dominion. It is, indeed, the Queen's
highway to India. Long may it be so, as a means of uniting the east
with the west, and binding the vast possessions of Her Majesty more
firmly in one grand bond of brotherhood and love. Yet above all shall
float our country's flag, for Canada is still and ever will be, "The
brightest gem in Britain's diadem."
Montreal possesses very few public monuments throughout the city.
The Queen's, Vitoria Square, and at the Donalda College, Sherbrooke
Street, Sir John A. McDonald's in Dominion Square, Maisonneuve's in

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 197

Place d'Armes Square, Chenier's in Viger Square, and Nelson's on Jacques
Cartier Square, are about all that a visitor sees on his perigrinations
round the city.
Some of our departed citizens who have done so much for Montreal
should have public monuments. Look what Sir Hugh Allan did in the
shipping business of this city — what Hon. John Young did for the develop
ment of Montreal. What Hon. Jaraes McGill did in its educational glory.
How Sir George Cartier and Sir Louis Lafontaiue both distinguished its
legal ranks, not to speak of the two yet living men, raised high as mem
bers of the House of Lords, by their muniflcent gifts to Canada at large
and Montreal in particular.
Plenty of space is found in all the principal squares to erect such
monuments. A new Hotel has been opened at the foot of Windsor Street aud
corner of St. James, The Queen's Hotel. Another opposite the C.P.R.
Depot, is most convenient to strangers arriving at that depot, as the
Queen's is to the travelling public when they arrive at the Bonaventure
Station of the G. T. R.
St. Jude's Church is one of the modern Churches of Montreal. The
present Rector has been in charge of the Church and Parish since 1876
and after twenty two years of faithful work he has the satisfaction of
seing now over five hundred families in connection with St Judes. The
Church is lighted by Electricity and recently has had built in it one of
the finest organs in Montreal.
The pople in the vicinity (even those who do not belong to St.
Jude's are all interested in St. Jude's as is seen whenever any social or
Literay gathering takes place, when all denominations are represented in
the audience. As a public man we wish Revd Canon Dixon long prosp
erity in his labors and clerical life.

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HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

ST. JUDE'S CHUROH,

HiSTORYfOP MONTREAL. 199

Mestmount, formerly calleb Cote St. Hntoine.
Westmount is"one of the most flourishing suburbs of Montreal.
Here everything is conducted as the citizens fondly think, on the most
progressive style, a close municipality it is, where no heavy vehicles
dare go over certain avenues, (for all the streets are avenues,) no cycling
without bells, no intoxicating drink allowed in the city, consequently
no hotels or saloons. Well, I presume that in many of the private
houses, the Lords of Creation, order their Wine and Beer from Montreal
and Prohibition is not yet dominant in Westmount, nevertheless, it is a
good sign when saloons are stopped, and it would be much better for
Montreal, if five hundred less, AA'ere in it, aud stopped too.
Westmount must, like all other cities aud suburban corporations,
come into the city in the near future. It cant live AA'ithout the city. I
presume that 7-lOths of its population draw all their income from Mont
real, and AA'hen the battle comes, the great city can then pass by-laws so
regulating those, liA'ing out of its limits, that necessity will compel them
all to join into one organization. Of course it is a fine thing to be .Mayor or
Councillor of one of these adjuncts to Montreal, but it is also an expen
sive thing for Montreal, say at fires, to send out her Brigade, to extin
guish what is not within her borders, and the same Avitli drains, water
and raany other arrangeraents, so that in the future, not only these out
lying municipa'.ities butthe wii ole island will becorae "The City of Mont
real." As much opposition Avas raised to the idea of the uniting New
York, Brooklyn and other towns adjacent, but it is now an accomplished
fact, and so it will be in the near future with Montreal.
There are some fine residences in Westmount and a fine school, of
which the citizens may well be proud. To the west of it is one of the
most benevolent institutions on the island, "The McKay Institute for
the Deaf and Dumb." It has for years been doing a good work, aud has
been a blessing to the country. Not far from it is the well known Con
vent of Villa Marie, ofold called Monklands, the residence of the Governor
General .until the fanatical burning of the Parliament House in 1849.
The large Convent was burned some years ago, but is again in a flourish
ing state. A fine picture of it is giA'en at page 39 of this volume, and an
interesting sketch at page 99.
Over Cote des Neiges Hill we come to the Roman Catholic Cemetery,
which must be visited to be entirely described, and passing it we enter
the thriving village of the same narae.
A beautiful vieAV can be obtained when driving, on a suraraer's day
down the Cote St. Antoine road, of Montreal West, the Canal, Victoria
Bridge and all the landscape for miles around, but nothing like that from
the top of the Mountain, Avhich gives a far raore extended vision.

200 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

SberbrooFie Sereet.
Sherbrooke Street has alvA'ays been the aristocratic street of Mont
real. It was named after one of the Governors of Canada. It extends
at present from Papineau Road in the east to the western limits of the
city and outlying municipalities. Although it is such a " tony " street, yet
it is one of the worst in the city as regards paveraent — the old fashioned
" McAdam '' stiil being the raaterial used in keeping it in order. Some
day in the near future, under the new regime, it raay be as well asphalted
as St. Catherine and Dorchester Street West.
There are no manufactures on this street. It is devoted to fine (some
of them magnificent) private dwellings and centres of Art and Educa
tion. It is remarkable that at the far east and at the far west, the
street is (as it were) embraced by two great Roman Catholic seats of
learning, the Jacques Cartier Normal School and the Moutreal College
(Seminary). In its centre part the Mount St. Louis College, the Donalda
College and McGill University and other buildings, inviting all shades,
all classes, male and female, to enter their halls in pursuit of knowledge.
AUied AAdth the latter tAvo, other colleges stand alongside of McGill, the
Presbyterian and Congregational, and not far distant the Diocesan Col
lege, so that on the whole Ave must come to the foot of the Royal Mount
to get our higher education, demonstrating there is no royal load to learn
ing but hard study and severe application.
About where McGill College Avenue is situated and all along that
part, anciently stood the old village of Hochelaga in the days of Jacques
Cartier, and iu the excavations for buildings some years ago, pieces of
pottery, flint arms, and even bones were thrown up and eagerly pounced
upon by antiquarians and others, as relics of that olden time.
The Jacques Cartier Normal School, is too well known, to need any
pen of mine, to elucidate its capabilities and usefulness. Even in the
days when it was located in the Chateau Ramzay, it was doing good
work. This has increased a thousand fold at the present time and the
City raay be proud of both its Normal Schools, for the Jacques Cartier
aud Belmont Normal Schools, are sending forth capable men and
woraen. to do the greatest of all national Avork, " teaching the young."
Both institutions are superintended by two well known educationists,
Rev. Abbe Verreau aud Dr. Robins, men eminently fitted for their
position, and the hope of everyone wishing well for this country is, that
both may be long spared to hold the reins of these tAvo institutions, and
in the future do for the country what they have done before.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

201

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in HISTORY OP MONTREAL

An important Institution of Learning, coraes next. The Mount St.
Louis College. This establishment is both, a boarding school and a day
school. Perfect order prevails within it, as the difi'erent departments are
all under military discipline. Indeed the Cadets of Mount St. Louis
College could be depended on, in an emergency, for doing as good military
work as some of the older corps of the city, and they had the honor of
carrying off The Duke of Connaught's flag, for best drill, more than
once. The Christian Brothers, who teach here and in so many different
places in Montreal and the Province, have done a good work for the
education of the young, and all praise is due to them, for the splendid
edifice they have erected on Sherbrooke street.
A great Religious Institution stands iu this street, near St. Lawrence
Main. The convent of the " Good Shepherd." This is both, a cloistered
as "well as a public Institution. Connected with it, the Nuns have the
sole management of the feraale Prison (Catholic side) Fullum street, and
in the experience of the writer (over twenty years) they have faithfully
done their duty in that Prison To this may be added that they have
a Reformatory for girls in their house ou Sherbrooke street, and that
much good accrues from this department.
After crossing St. Lawrence Main, on the north side, is a new Hospi
tal or Home for Incurables, called the " St. Margaret's Home." This
was entirely the gift of Honorable Senator Drummond. We all remember
during the small Pox Epidemic, the AVork which was done by the
sisters then and Avhich was publicly acknowledged by the city Coun
cil. I cannot pass along the next part of Sherbrooke street without
thinking of the days Avhen on its south side, at this part, there was a
well known Institution, ' Gilbeau's Gardens,' This Avas a fine Zoological
and Gymnastic Instition, patronized by thousands of citizens. In it was
a good display of the Animal Kingdom. Beasts, Birds aud Reptiles. lean
well remember the fuss and excitement when the first and only "Lordly
Lion " was born in Moutreal. Even a week or tAvo old, the forest king
had a rough tongue and it was a treat to hold him in ones arms and
then be able to say " I held a real Lion once." It grew to be a magnifi
cent specimen of the leonine race and afterwards was exhibited in the
city with the circus of the world wide showman " Barnura " then it was
a noble specimen and those like myself who gazed on him and he had
fondly laid in our arms ahvays thought " descretion was the better part
of valor." Why have not the citizens of Montreal, the pluck to institnte a
Zoo which would be an honor to our metropolitical city ? Pictures and
statues of the aniraal kingdom, give but a faint idea of the reality, I
know when, in London I spent a whole day in the Zoo as well as that of

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

^03

3Q >cc rI-

204 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Edinburgh etc, looking ou the "wonderful works of God" in His animal
Creation, and nothing educates a child more than observiug the actual
living specimen of what he has seen in his lesson book, or heard
described there. The eye is as great an educator as any of the other
senses. The only attempt to show a few animals is at the Sohmer Park.
Let some of our wealthy citizens, take up the matter and in a few
years Montreal might have a "Zoological Garden" worthy of its position
in the Dominion of Canada.
The next important building we come to, is the new Donalda College
for the higher education of women, founded and endowed by that
generous citizen. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal. It will do its
good work in the coming years.
The Montreal Diocesan Theological College was founded
in the year 1873, by Rt. Revd. Ashton Oxenden, D.D., then Bishop of
Montreal and Metropolitan of Canada. The step was forced upon Bishop
Oxenden, by the rapid growth of the Church in the Diocese, and the
impossibility of securing in any other way a satisfactory supply of clergy*
to meet the increasing needs of his Diocese.
The work of the College began in the Library of the Synod Hall, and
was carried on there for eight years, when a more suitable building was
provided by the munificence of A. F. Gault, Esq., who purchased the
property, 896 Dorchester street, now occupied by the Young Women's
Christian Association, at a cost of $23,000, and presented it to the College
in trust. There the work was continued under much more favorable condit
ions, as a permanent horn,e was provided for both Principal and Students.
Additional funds were raised which secured the appointment of a
resident Tutor, to assist the Principal and provide remuneration for
different clergy of the city who lectured regularly in the College.
Among the first lecturers were Rt. Revd, E. Sullivan, D.D., formerly
Bishop of Algoma, and now Rector of St, James Cathedral, Toronto ; Rt,
Revd. Maurice S. Baldwin, D.D., Bishop of Huron ; and Rt. Revd. J. P.Du-
moulin. Bishop of Niagara.
While its internal growth was thus satisfactory, the position of the
College as a Church institution was more clearly defined, and its relations
with the educational world were extended. In 1879,an act of incorporation
was obtained from the Legislature of Quebec, and in 1880 it was affiliated
to the University of McGill.
The advantages of affiliation with a great institution of continental
reputation such as McGill University are obvious. In the first place, the
Diocesan College is able to devote practically its whole income to strictly
theological work, thus assuring the efficiency and thoroughness of the
course. Secondly, the immense resources and the high educational

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

205

McGILL COLLEGE— Entbance Gate.

206

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

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HISTORY OF MONTZEAL.

207

208 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
standard of a University such as McGill, afford theological students a
liberal education that could hardly be looked for under other circum
stances. In the third place, the broadening influence of life in so large a
university world, and contact Avith raen of such widely different viewg
and aims and pursuits is of inestimable advantage to every student, and
to none more than to the student of theology. Affiliation also gives the
College representation on the Corporation of McGill, and consequently a
voice and influence in University affairs, In 1895, owing to the increas
ing influence and needs of the College, Mr. A. P. Gault announced his
intention of presenting a raore suitable building and of adding to the
eufloAvment of the College. The "Holland" property on University street
waspurehased for that purpose, and a very handsi-ne and commodious
building erected. The building, Avhich is in the collegiate gothi: stylo
includes a semi-detached residence for the Principrd, a chapel with a
seating capacity for fifty students, a convocation hall capable of holding
500 persons, commodious lecture rooms, dining room, library, and
accommodation for about 40 resident students. The whole was also
furnished magniflcently by the same generous donor, and the sum of
$50,00' added to the endoAA^raent.
The buildings and additional euJowraeut Avere formally handed over
to the Bishop of the Diocese on the occasion of the opening of the
College, on October -2lst, 1896, iu the presence of His Grace the Primate
of ail Canada, and a number of other bishops, clergy and visitors, and
given in perpetuity without conditions of any kind in trust to'the
Bishop of Montreal and his successors.
We now come to the University of which Montrealers are proud
"Old .N'cGill" yet it is in infancy in comparision even Avith some of the
American Colleges who can boat their century, nevertheless McGill has
made its mark on this Continent and it is rare that we do not find a gra
duate in our perigninations throughout the Dominion and United
States. Founded by Hon. James McGill, with liberal gifts of money and land
it was originally intended as a Church of England Institution, but drif
ted in the years, long ago, to be a cosmopolitan unsectarian. Alma .Mater
where men of all creeds and climes can now enjoy a University education
"secundus nulli" to any on the Continent and Avhose doors are ever open
to every class and every nationality.
Alongside of it are two other Institutions, but both denominational.
The Morrice Hall of the I'resbyterian college will ever recall the generous
gift of its founder "David Morrice."
Above all is the splendid Reservoir which supplies the city with
water and near to it is the old .MoTavish House. A history of this House
from the pen of that well knoAvn Antiquarian P. S. Murphy Esq., and
Avho figures so often in this "History of the Streets of Montreal" will be

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

209

THE RESERVOIR.

210 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

perused Avith interest by every reader of this book. It has long been styled
"The Haunted House." Behind it is a Monument which was erected to
this old 'SNor-Wester." As the following interesting sketch was heard
but by a few Menbers of the Antiquarian Society, its publication here,
will multiply its interest.
THE McTAVISH OR HAUNTED HOUSE.
In common with other settlements founded on this Continent by the
four great civilizing nations of the Old World, the English, the French,
the Dutch and the Spanish, Montreal has lier legends, her greatness.
Boston has the Puritans and their quaint history ; NeAV York revels in
the tales of old Knickerbocker days ; N ew Orleans becomes interesting
through the French occupation ; Florda bears witness to the day of
Spanish possession ; Quebec looks back Avith pride to the part she
played in the earlier development of the country, and as it is wi h all
these, so it is with Montreal aud her memories of the brave raen and
true, who, long years ago resided Avithin her boundaries whence they
carried on that great commercial warfare Avhich opened up that vast
expanse of territory to the West, the Canada of the future. Worthy
successors were they of Lasalle, Champlain and Iberville, the latter who
bore the banner of France from Hudson Bay to New Orleans. They
were great men, these pioneers of the olden days Men not of words, but
of deeds, Avhose impress Avill be seen for all time to come on the pages of
the history of our country. There are strange stories of their live
extant to-day, and the story of Simon McTavish and the house that he
built, long one of the land-marks of Montreal, is not the last interest
ing. Thirty odd years ago there stood under the brow of Mount Royal a
huge mansion, weatherbeaten, unfinished, tenantless. It had been there
since the memory of the oldest inhabitant, yet never had it changed its
appearance, except as years weot on. it grew more venerable. Three
generations had known it under sirailar conditions, standing there,
tenantless, uncompleted, a relic of the ambitions of by-gone days. Time
had changed its surroundings, gathered round it a new generation of men
and things, but still the old house reared by the hand of man, for the
occupation of man, remained vacant, save for the cattle that took refuge
in it from the scorching rays of the summer's sun, and the birds who
built their nests among its beams, while, finally, after many, many years
of exposure to the pelting rains of summer and the drifting snows,
the hand of man again seized upon it, in the great march of improvement,
aud levelled it to the ground.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

211

212 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

Although the house of McTavish came down before it had ever been
occupied, it did not want for occupants. Public superstition gave it a
tenant, if not in the flesh in the spirit. People who passed it after
dark swore afterwards that they had seen the ghost of Simon McTavish
wandering through it, Desertrd as it was, it Avas easy for a weird name
to attach itself to it, and so for years the McTavish house was known as
the "Haunted House".
Many attempts have been made to explain the origin of the ghost
story. The most probable is that told to the writer's father in 1832, by
a farmer named McMartin, who then occupied and farmed the McTavish
property around the deserted building, aud who said that while the
moon was in its particular phase it shone on an angle of the tin roof
causing a bright ray of light, which the superstitious called McTavish's
spirit. The Simon McTavish mentioned above as the builder of the
McTavish house was in his day, one of the leading citizens of Moutreal.
He was engaged in the fur trade, then the principal business of the
country. The North West Company was formed 17B3 by a Benjamin
and Joseph Frobisher, in which Simon McTavish and several other
gentlemen were partners. On retiring from the North West Company,
Simon McTavish married a Melle Chaboillez, a member of one of the
most distinguished French families of the city and a family particularly
noted for the beauty of its ladies. Melle Chaboillez was a sister of the
then Cure of Longueuil, a noted scholar of those days. One of the
sisters married a Mr. Samuel Sherwood, of Toronto, a barrister; and a
third the late Hon. Roderic McKenzie, of Terrebonne, one of whose
grand- daughters was the Avife of the Hon. Roderic Masson, late Lieute
nant Governor of Quebee. In 1818 through the influence of his wife's
family Mr. Sherwood was elected to the house of Assembly for Lower
Canada, representing the then county of Effingham, at present known as
Terrebonne, It is said that during the winter months, Mr. McTavish
city residence w4s Nos. 23, 25, and 27 St. Jean Baptiste Street, while
during the summer months he occupied a stone cottage a few hundred
yards west of his new house, this cottage was afterwards oeupied by
McMartin the farmer above mentioned. It was at this cottage he died
in July 1804. At that time it was thought such a long distance between
the McTavish House and the city that a lunch was laid on tables in
front of the house for those who came to attend the funeral. Mr.
McTavish was buried in a vault situated a little to the west of
•'Ravenscraig". The mausoleum and shalt erected over his place of
burial are atill to be seen. He left four children. His fortune at the
time of his death was estimated at £126,000 sterling, an immense sum in

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MOUNT ST. LOUIS COLLEGE.

214 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
those days. It will be of interest to note that in the year 1 803 Mr.
McTavish bought the Seigniory of Terrebonne for the sum of £25,000
sterling, and his brother-iu-laAA' and associate, the Hon. Roderic McKenzie,
lived there. At the time of his death the McTavish house Avas in
course of construction. Work was at once discontinued the wind
ows of the second and third stories bricked up, and its strange career
began. The McTavish house was more than a pretentious dwelling for a
gentleman of those days. It stood between Peel and McTavish Streets
the greater part of thehouse being the grounds of the present residence
of Mr. AndreAV Allan. The house AA'ith one semi-circular toAver at each
end had a frontage of about 126 feet. The roof of the main building was
constructed on the old fashioned "high" principle, draining from the
ridge-pole to all four aides. Those of the tAVO towers were conical in
shape, all being covered AA'ith tin. The maiu building -was three
stories high, the rez-de-chaussee or ground floor being sorae twelve feet
in heightj the intention being evidently to have it occupied by the kit
chen, servants rooras etc., the garae as we see In many of the houses
built in France. The toAvers coming up above half-way between the
second and third roAV of AAdndows.
The raaterial eraployed in this construction was dressed limestone.
The interior cf the house Avas never corhpleted, only the floor beams
placed in position. There are many reports concerning Mr. McTavish's
death, but as a matter of history, he took cold, in the month of March
or April AA'hile superintending the construction of his house, which
turning to inflamation, brought his career to an end in July 1804. The
particulars'' concerning the death and funeral of Mr. McTavish were
given to the VA'riter, by a lady Avho was residing as a guest at the Mc
Tavish cottage at the time of its oAvner's death. By his death Montreal
of that day lost one of her foremost citizens. A man Avhose enterprise
was responsible directly and indirectly for much of her prosperity, and
whose business integrity was known to be above reproach. His death
was regretted by all who had kuown him in his life and who were
compelled to adrnire his manly character. The old house ,is gone, but its
story will live for years to come. -
P.S. — Since writing the foregoing I have been lent a book entitled
"A Tour to Niagara Falls", written in 1806 by a Boston gentleman, Mr.
Timothy Bigelow, who had visited the McTavish house, and I give
below an extract Avhich corroborates the above: — "ToAvards evening we
took caleches and drove out to the mountain, we passed by the new
house of the late Mr, McTavish, which he has left unfinished, and Ave
visited his tomb, Avhich is situated behind the house iu a thick wood on
the mountain side. The situation is the most romantic that can well be

HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

2lfe

Ex-MAYOR R. WILSON SMITH'S RESIDENCE,

216

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

A. F. GAULT'S RESIDENCE.

HISTORY 0FM0t^Tl?EAL.

2lt

COP3>HO '?iOS3
Cl oo 3c

218

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

WOLFERSTAN THOMAS' RESIDED CE.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

219

>X HH
EdCO fd 5 O M

220

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

LORD STRATHCONA'S RESIDENCE.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

221

W. W. OGILVIE'S RESIDENCE.

222

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

JAMBS LINTON'S RESIDENCE.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 223
imagined, Behind the tomb rises a lofty precipice of perpendicular
rocks, one of which forms a detached column and seems as if intended by
Nature for a inonument. Tlieso rocks are composed of regular strata, the
uppermost of which are of limestone. They are part of a ledge or
precipice AA'hich extends quite round the mountain and has the appear
ance of having been AA'orn by Avater This is to be accounted for by
supposing that most of the Island of Montreal, and of course of the
surrounding country, were once coA'ered to this height by the river,
AA'hich has since forced a passage through the rock at Quebec, and
between that place and this, so as to leave bare the extensive plains that
noAA' border upon it, all of AA'hich bear the raarks of having been forraed
by AA'ater, The river frora the mountain side is exceedingly picturesque
and grand. From the place Avhere you stand, numerous and AA'ell
cultivated fields extend to the city, all of Avhich with its suburbs is
directly under your eyet. Doaau the river for thirty miles or more,
you see the water skirtad AA'ith rich fields in -which are thickly
scattered churches, and Avindraills almost constantly in motion, dA\'elling
houses and various other buildings. The fields are bounded by dark
AVOods Avhich terminate the vieAV, excejjt tow ards the south-east Avhere
the green mountains of Vermont lift their tops to the clouds.
Mr. McTavish is much regretted by the gentlemen of Montreal, aa'Iio
speak of him as having been a thorough merchant, an accomplished,
hospitable, munificent raan, in short an ornameub to socie y. He died
July 6th. 1S04, leaving an estate of one liLiiidred ani tAventy thousand
pounds sterling to be inherited by four childrsu."
This is the testimony of a man Avho met aud conversed with men
who had been close friends of .Mr. McTavish.
Many beautiful private residences are in this street, and indeed also
in some of the intersecting streets. As illustrating Sherbrooke, I have
great pleasure in inserting flne vieAVS of the following Houses, Ex-Mayor
Wilson Smith's, Hon. Senator Drummond's, A. F. Gault's, Wolferstan
Thomas's, J Baxter's, and several others Avith Lord Strathcona's.
In the -East end there are also some fine residences, notably that of
our present Mayor [1898] Raymond Prefontaine Bsci. MP. before AA'hose
door will stand the Civic Lamps, Avhich have not been iu our east end for
several years past. And Ave only hope as they illuminate the entrance
of his Honor's House so Avill they stand as a beacon that our own grand
city will shine conspiciously to all the Dominion, as its guiding star and
" umbilicus " " The Hub " of Canada in every department that can extend
its influence and strength.

224 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

A very large venture on the plan of such residences in New York
and elsewhere is found in the west of this street. It is au imposing
structure, called after the street, " The Sherbrooke " aud some of our
most prominent citizens, prefer living there than having the trouble of
domestics etc. in keeping private residences. Roswell Pisher Esqr, is to
be commended for his attempt (quite successful) to inaugurate such a
system of living in Montreal and we wish all success to him. He is the
elder Brother of the well knoAvn family, that of Dr. Pisher, whose son
Hon. Sydney has attained to the high distinction of, at the present, being
one of the Privy Councillors of the Dominion of Canada and who, as Min
ister of Agriculture, has done more in the interest of Farms and Dairy
men and Settlers, than auy man since Confederation. This shoAvs the
importance of importing young men, with present ideas into the
Government. Old man are apt, like' myself, to think that the ways of
old were and are the only true " viae glorise " but the world is progressing
fast aud new ideas and wonderful inventions follow, one after the other
in such quick succession, that "Old raen" must give way to this advance
yet ever in ones mind comes the culminating History of Rehoboam son
and successor to the great Soloraon, that he despised the advice and
admonitions of his old courtiers and followed that of the younger men and
revolution and disaster and dismemberment of his Kingdom, soon after
wards followed. Still, as one who has well nigh had half a century's
experience in the Province of Quebec and who has been a keen observer
of the signs of the times, I raust here write. The World's ideas change
and mighty changes are on the tapis. The youth and young men of
to-day, have the destinies of our fair Dominion in their hands. Let
them, like the Hon. Sydney Pisher, throw all their energies into develop
ing this mighty Land and when the close of the 20th century shall
come, Canada will then be a great and mighty nation, one of the fore
most on the Earth.
We now come to the great collection of Buildings which compose
the Montreal College of the Seminary. Standing in bold relief to all
are the Towers, the flrst building erected here, not long after the set
tlement of Montreal. Both a picture and the the beautiful verses of the
late talented Mrs. Leprohon are given and above all the following unique
paper from the facile pen of P. S. Murphy Esq. on the Towers. It is in
French but every one can easily read it or translate it in English. The
whole description tells us every thing required about the old Port and
Towers and all its appendages but especially where the saintly Soeur
Bourgeoys taught the Indian girls in one of the Towers. The two
epitaphs are peculiarly interesting to the Antiquarian and Canadian
Historian.

HISTORY CF MONTREAL

THE TOWERS.

228 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

Zbc ®Ib lowers.
By Mrs. Leprohon
On the eastern slope of Mount Royal's side,
In vieAV of St. LaAvrence' silvery tide ;
Are two stone toAA'ers of Masonry rude,
AVith massive doors of tirae— darkened AA'ood,
Traces of loop holes still show in the Avails,
While softly across them the sunlight falls.
Around, stretch broad meadoAvs. quiet and green
Where cattle graze — a fair tranquil scene.
These old toAvers tell of a tirae long past.
When the Redman roamed o'er these regions vast.
And the settlers — men of bold heart and brow
Had to use the SAAOrd as well as the plough ;
When women, no lovelier uoav than then.
Had to do the deeds of undaunted men.
And had higher airas for each true Avarm heart
Than study of fashion's or toilet's art.
It was in those toAA'ers— the southern one.
Sister Margaret Bourgeoys, that sainted Nun,
Sat patiently teaching day after day,
Hoav to find Jesus. — The Blessed way.
Mid the daughters swarth of the forest dell.
Who first from her, of a God, heard tell,
Aud learned the A'irtues that Avoman should grace.
Whatever might be her rank or her race.
Here too, in the chapel toAver buried deep.
An Indian Brave and his grandchild sleep.
True model of womanly virtues— she.
Acquired at Margaret Bourgeoys' knee;

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

He, Avon unto Christ from his oavu dark creed,
From trammels fierce of his childhood freed.
Low humbled his savage Huron pride.
And amid the pale-faces lived and died.
With each added year, groAvs our city fair ;
Churches rich, lofty and spacious square.
Villas and mansions of stately pride.
Embellish it now on every side ;
Buildings, old land marks, vanish each day.
For stately successors, too quick raake way ;
But Kf pray from change time may long leave'Jree
The ancieut Towers op Ville Marie 1 "

Xe fort H)e0 fIDessieure.
Ce fort a ote appele ainsi pour le distinguer de I'enceinte palissadee
qui lui etait contingue et que I'on designait sous le nom de Fort des Saurages.
Comme ils faisaient partie, tous deux, du mi*me ouvrage de defense, on
Ies voit mentionnes sous la denoraination commune de Fort de la Mon
tagne. Le Eoit des Messiers fut construit en 1604 par I'abbe Francois Vachon
de Belmont, pretre de Saint-Sulpice, et a ses propres frais.
II se composait; lo de quatre courtines, ou raurs eu pierre garni' s de
meurtrieres et flanquees d'une tourelle a chaque angle: 2o, du fort propre-
ment dit, ou chateau, place au centre et qui servait de residence aux
missionnaires; 3o de la chapelle qui s'elevait en face du chateau, le chevet
adosse an milieu de la couriine entre les deux tourelles.
La chapelle a ete demolie en 1796, et une porte cochere a ete percee
dans la courtine.
Bn 1S25, le chateau fut exhausse d'un etage, mais on lui conserva son
aspect primitif. En 1854, il a ete reraplace par le vaste edifice qui renferme
le college et le grand seminaire. Les deux tourelles situees en arriere, au
piedde la montagne, ont et6 demohes eu merae teraps.
De tout le fort des Messieurs, il ne reste plus que les deux tourelles et
la muraille qui les rehe. Elles ont dons deux cents ans d'existance et se
trouvent, apres le Seminaire de Montreal, les plus anciennes constructions
de la ville,

228 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Dans la tourelle de Touest se tenait I'ecole des petites filles sauvages,
et dans celle de Test residaient les ScEurs de la Congregation charg^es de
Tenseignemeut. Eu 1824, la derniere fut transformee en chapel'e ; dej&, en 1790, on y
avait transporte les restes' pieusement receillis, de deux enfants de le
forfit, Taieul et la petite fille. Le premier avait ete c'.iretien aussi fervent
qu'intrepide guerrier . la seconde avait eu le bonheur, bien rare pour les
filles de sa nation, d'etre adniise dans I'institut de la Sffiur Bourgeoys.
Les missionnaires, voulant saver leurs noms de I'oubli, avaient fait poser
des 6pitaphes sur leurs tombes. J'en donne ici la transcription, telle qu'on
lit sur les murs de la petite chapelle.
? droite . Ici reposent
Ies restes mortels
de
Fbawcjois Thoroniiongo
Huron
Baptise par le Reverend
Phre Breboeuf
II fut par sa piete et par sa probite I'exemple
de.s Chretiens et Tadmiration des infidfeles.
II mourut
Age d'environ cent ans,
le II Avril, 1690.
et a gauche : Ici reposent
les restes mortels
de
Mabie Therese GAN^irNSAQuoA.
de la
Congregation Notre Dame,
Apres avoir exerce pendant treize ans I'ofEice
de maitresse d'ecola k la montagne, elle
mourut en reputation de grande
vertu, kgee de 26 ans, le
25 November, 1695.
(Extrait des manuscrits dn Commandeur Jacgues Viger que M. Vabld
Verreau a eu la complaisanee de msttre a ma disposition.)
P. S. MURPHY
M, C. lust. Pub,

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RESIDENCE AND PRIVATE HOSPITAL OF DR. BRODEUR.

230 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

®tbcr 0treet0.
A large' number of streets are left out in this Volume. Many of
them, are of recent origin and their names easily tell one of the origin
ator of the street or why so called. In Atwater, Aylmer, Beaudry;
Berri, Berthelet, Bruchesi, Bruuswick, Cadieux, Champlain, Coursol'
Delisle, Desery, Dollard, Dufferin, Durocher, Frontenac, Pulford, Fullum'
Gosford, Hanover, Iberville, Lafontaiue, Logan, Lorne, Maisonneuve,
Marlborough, McTavLsh, Metcalfe, Moreau, Osborne, Peel, Prefontaine,
Redpath, Rivard, Rouville, [ St. Charles Bororaee, St. Dominique, St.
Familie, St. George, St. Hubert, Stanley, Sussex aud Victoria.
The above names will at once strike the student of Canadian History
of their origin, and enable him to see that in the History of his city,
Governors, Generals, Ecclesiastics, Professional men and Merchants, have
given their names to these streets.
Let me however republish, what I wrote of some of these streets in a
long article sent to one of the papers some years ago.
As I said before, there are many streets called after the names of
individuals who had long ago property in them, or wl.ich streets rau
through their estate, such as Guy street from a notary of that name,.
who figures in the early years of this century ; Chaboillez Square, from a
Justice of the Peace of that name. The first tirae we find raention made
of Pierre Guy as a Justice is ou 26th June, 1787, when he authorizes with
James Finley, J. P.. a " Doctor for the Goal." He is then mentioned with
James McGill as one ofthe Justices at the Court of Quarter Sessions. 12th
January, 1794. At the close of tbe last century in the last Sessions of the
Peace held October 21st, we again find the name of Louis Chaboillez. 
and the last time his name, on the 10th January, 1800, at the
opening of the Court, the first of the century convened in Montreal, his
name appears AA'ith those of Alex. Auldjo, Robt. Cruickshanks, and
James Dunlop. Both Guy and Chaboillez were notaries. Aylmer street
is called after Lord Aylmer, mentioned in Canadian history ; Beaudry
street after a person of that name ; Cadieux street after a well-known
notary of- 1813 ; Papineau Road,, after J. Papineau; Berthelet, after a
judge of that name; Coursol, after Judge Coursol, who died not long ago ;
Delisle, after a Avell known citizen who with William Workman open
ed up a great part of the west end of Montreal and lying below St
Antoine hill ; Drolet, frora G. Drolet, lately living in Paris ; Dufresne, from

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

231

5D
tg> Hft)SI ccoenoo

232 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

one of that name. The following also are called from naraes of citizens,
Bleury, Durocher, Fullura, Lafontaiue, Logan, Lusignan, McKay, McCord-
Moreau, Panet, Phillips Square, Richardson, Sanguinet, Shaw, Shuter,
and Young. Then there are the four Apostles, St. Mathew, St. Mark, St.
Luke, aud St. John streets. Then we have Albert, Lorne, Balmoral,
Prince Arthur, Britannia, Hanover, and Victoria, all connected with
Royalty. Araong governors of the country and generals who have
figured in Canada we haA'e Amherst, after a general of that narae, Champ-
laiu, from our early navigator, also Jacques Cartier, Dalhousie, famous in
the history of the country, the never to be forgotten De Salaberry, of the
war of 1812-13, Dorchester, after him who was in Canada at the troubles
of 1837-8 ; Frontenac, from a celebrated French governor of Canada, who
built Kingston, AA'hich was for a long time called Fort Frontenac, Gosford
from Lord Gosford, one of the governors, Sherbrooke from Lord Sher
brooke, Iberville from one of the early French governors of Canada,
Laval Avenue from Bishop Laval, the first Roman Catholic Bishop of
Quebec, Montcalm and Wolfe, frora the tAvo heroic generals who fell on
the Heights of Abraham at Quebec, Murray, frora General Murray, who
figures very much about the tirae of the Araerican Independence,
Marlborough frora the great English general of that narae, Richmond
rom the Duke of that name, Governor-General of Canada, who was
bitten by a rabid fox and died of hydrophobia iu intense agony, and was
buried ui Kingston. Stanley from Lord Stanley and Wellington from
the immortal Duke of that name, Chatham frora Lord Chatham. Theu
certain localities giAC names to the streetn running in or through them :
University street because of McGill College ; College street because the
old College, called iM ontreal College, stood in it before its removal to the.
West of the City, Cathedral because near St. James' Cathedral. This
street AA'es formerly called Cemetery street as it led to the Roman
Catholic Cemetery, Avhich is now Dominion Square.

w^in^}}^

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 233

^be Street tablets.
The Street Tablets, Avhich have been erected by the Members of the
Nuraisraatic aud Antiquarian Society of Montreal have done a vast
amount of good and have enabled Visitors to our fair City, just to know
the exact position AA'here so many CA'ents occurred in the olden times.
The citizens are under a deep obligation to the Society in general and
to two gentlemen especially, for the AA'ork they have done. They are
W. D. Lighthall Esqr. Advocate M. A. and deLery McDonald Esqr. To
their exertions the whole was successfully accomplished. But even in
the few years that have elapsed since the Tablets AA'ere put .up, one or
two have already disappeared, notably the one at Dalhousie Square,
which was placed on the Fire Station there. This Civic building was
sold (as it stood) by the Corporation to raake Avay for the yard of the C.
P. Railway and the tablet has disappeared. Therefore I think in this
History of the Origin of the Streets of Montreal, the insertion of at least
the principal oues Avill be hailed by every one aaIio Avill possess a copy of
this Book.
Beside, iu process of years sorae of the buildings or places where these
Tablets are uoav erected raay be burned or destroyed and though a
brochure has been printed on the Tablets yet these pamphlets soon
disappear and therefore in a more enduring form of a bound volume,
placed in public and private Libraries, the contents at least ofthe tablets
will be preserved for a feAV hundred years to come.
We will take them as they are found in the Old Toavu and as much
as possible follow the order of my preceding History of the Streets and
the growth of the City, but Ave must digress at the first and give the
notice of the site of Hochelaga. as that Indian Village historially appears
before Ville Marie. In my description of Sherbrooke Street, there is
mention made of, some years' ago , finding Indian bones, arroAvheads and
pieces of pottery, so that it is almost definitely settled that on the
plateau of Sherbooke Street, the Indian Village stood. In Guy Street
near Sherbrooke Street the tablet reads as folloAA's :—
" Site of a large Indian village, claimed to be the toAvn of Hochelaga,
visite dby Jacques Cartier in 1535 "
" Place Royale" or "La Place du Marche" uoav Custom House
Square, has always been a most interesting spot. Here the publi

234 HISTORYIGF MONTREAL.
executions took place and in my account 'of St. Paul Street is given the
execution and the only one, of a murderer.', who was buried at the
corner of Dorchester and Guy Streets and over whose body. The Red
Cross was erected. Oo a tablet on the Old Cuotom House now the
Inland Revenue Building it reads thus.
"The first public square of Montreal, 1657, "La Place du March6" —
granted by the seigneurs, 1676."
Two tablets in front of the Custom House are peculiarly interesting
as they record the founding of our City. The whole proceedings are given
at the comraencement of (his volume in the " History of Montreal" the
tablets read thus.
"This site was selected aud named in 1611 La Place Royal, by
Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Canada ;" and " near this spot, on
the I8th of May, 1642, landed the founders of Montreal, commanded by
Paul de Chomedy, Sieur de Maisonneuve. Their first proceeding was a
religious service." .
We all know that araou.g the first things that the founders did Avas
building a Fort to protect themselves. It was (as all these primitive
structures Avere) built of pickets and a few cannon were mounted on
it.— It was styled " Le Fort de Ville Marie " and stood on what is now
part of (. ommissioners' street and near or behind the present imposing
building the Federal Custom House. The streetfif it]can be called such,
is still named Fort street. The tablet thus reads : —
" Here was the first Fort of Ville Marie, first dwelling place of the
founders of Ville Marie, built 1643, demolished 1648, replaced by the
house of Monsieur de Callieres, 1686."
In Foundling street there is auother tablet which marks the site of
the residence of Governor de Callieres. At page 141 of this work in ray
description of McGill street will be found an interesting account of the
origin of the name of the street and the grand motto of the good Sisters
relative to the foundlings. The tablet reads : —
" Site of the chateau of Louis Hector de Callieres, Go vernor^ of ^Mont
real, 1648, of NeAV France, 1698-1703. He terminated the fourteen
year's war with the Iroquois by treaty at Moutreal, 1701."
Not far from the Square " Place Royale " at the extensive premises
of Messrs Frothingham & Workman and on their building^is a tablet
which thus reads : —
" Upon this foundation stood the first Manor House of Montreal,
built 1661, burnt 1822, re-built 1858. It was the Seminary of St. Sulpice
from 1661 to 1712. Residence of de Maisonneuve, Governor of Montreal,
and of Pierre Raimbault, Civil and Criminal Lieut.-General."

HISTORY OP MONTREAL. 23S
A beautiful cut of this House is given in my Book at page, 138 and
I would advise my Readers to read the French note to be found on the
picture. —
We have much pleasure in giving the next extract. It is from an
interesting paper published lately iu the Montreal " Star,' and the writer
Avill I doubt not, forgive me in making the extract. It is about the
Parish Church of Montreal, and he says.
" The earliest church in iMontrcal AA'as one of bark, built in the
original fort. This Avas replaced in 1656 by the first parish church, on
the north corner of the present St, Sulpice and St. Paul streets, where a
tablet marks its site. In 1072 the edifice was in its turn replaced by
what is noAA' knoAA'u as the old parish church, which stood across Notre
Darae street on Place d'Arraes.
Its picturesque belfry toAver remained alone on the corner of this
square for some years after the removal of the old church, but was
taken down iu 1810. The cut stone front, designed by King's Engineer
De Lery, who erected the stone fortification Avails of the city, and Avho
also designed the Cathedral of Quebec, was, Avhen taken doAvn, used as a
front for the Recollets Church, aud after the demolition of the latter^
Avas incorporated in the back walls of the store upon its site, AA'here
sorae of the pieces are still to be seen. The furniture and pictures were
sent to the Church of Bonsecours, and the pulpit chairs of the Unitarian
Church are made out of tirabers of the towers. Atablet ou the Seminary
wall records the history of the second parish church."
Two tablets on the front of the Imperial Building, Place d'Armes
are seen, one reads thus. —
" Near this square, afterAvards named La Place d'Armes, the founders
of Ville Marie first encountered the Iroquois, Avhom they defeated,
Chomedy de Maisonneuve, killing the chief Avith his oavu hands, 30th
March, 1644" The other inscription records the interesting fact that the
Imperial building stands upon the second lot granted on the Island of
Montreal. On the Bank of Montreal aa'o also find another tablet Avhich tells
us: — "The stone fortifications of Ville Marie extended frora Dalhousie
Square through this site to McGill street, thence south to Coraraissioners
street, and along the latter to the before mentioned square. Begun 1721
by Chaussegros de Lery. Demolished 1817."
The western gate of the fortifications which had replaced a smaller
wall of palisades erected in 1685, stood near the corner of Notre Dame
and McGill streets. The tablet reads: " By this gate Amherst took
possession, 8th September, 1760, General Hall, U. S. Array, 25 officers
850 men, entered prisoners of war, 20 September, 1812."

236 HISTORY O^ MONTREAL.

The latter part of this tablet, a most important event in the History
of Montreal, is well described iu my Panoraraa of Notre Dame street at
page, 79 and taken from the " Herald " of that date.
In those early days that part of Jacques Cartier Square between the
Hotel de Ville and Court House was occupied by a building called The
" Place des Jesuits " It was here they had their Monastery and the
tablet records, that the celebrated French Historian Charlevoix resided
there in these words: —
"The Pere Charlevoix, Charlevoix historian of La Nouvelle Prance,
1725. Mention has already been made in this work of the tablet erected on
the Court House. It recalls to ones mind the " vived picture of early
tiraes, the torturing by fire on the square of four Iroquois prisoners, who
thus suffered death by a stern order of Governor Frontenac in 1696, in
reprisal for the torturing of French prisoners taken by their tribes.''
On the City Hall we find a tablet which connects the Square with
the discoverer of Canada. It says : —
"Jacques Cartier, celebrated navigator of St. Malo. Discovered
Canada and naraed the St. Lawrence, 1534-1535."
At the east corner of Jacques Cartier Square next to the Chateau de
Ramezay stands the old store of the " Compagnie des Indes." This
Association answered in the French Regirae to the Hudson Bay Company
of the English. Sharae be it said it is now a saloon . The tablet erected
here bears this fact: —
" The residence of the Hon James McGill, founder of McGill Univer
sity, 1714-1813."
The Chateau de Ramezay is one of tbe most historic spots in Mont
real. It is now a good Museum and as I have raore than once been told
the fine collection of " Louisburg " relies which I gave to the Museum is
noAV one of the most attractive portions of it, with the old historic
" Louisburg Bell." Let the visitor go the place where they appear and
his mind will immediately revert to the period when the immortal
Wolfe attacked the Fort and after hard fighting succeeded in reducing
it, Opposite the City Hall or Hotel de Ville is the Chateau de Ramezay.
Two tablets upon it set forth a portion of its history. The one relates
to its erection, about 1705, by Claud de Ramezay, Governor of Montreal.
The building after the British- conquest was used for a period as a
residence for the English Governors when in Montreal. The other
tablet relates to 1775, and reads : "In 1775 this Chateau was the head-

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 237
quarters of the American Brigadier-General Wooster. and here in 1776,
under General Benedict Arnold, the Commissioners of Congress, Benjamin
Franklin, Samuel Chase and Charles Carroll, held council."
As mentioned before, the tablet at Dalhousie Square has disappeared
in the demolishing of the Civic Fire Station Avhich AA'as erected there and
ou whose side the tablet was placed, it thus reads : —
"This Square occupies the site of La Citadille, built in 1685, replac
ing the mill erected by Maisonneuve and Dailleboust iu 1660 ; Royal
Battery 1723. Levelled and presented to the city by Earl Dalhousie,
Governor-General, 1821. Near the east corner of Notre Darae street stood
the Porte St. Martin (Quebec Gate). Ethan Allan entered it a prisoner
of war, 1775. This station replaced the French Arsenal, removed 1881,
with the last portion of the fortification Avails of 1721."
An old church, is reached by the gateway leading from Notre Dame
street to the Convent of the Congregation at St. Lambert Hill.
The tablet upon it reads; "Notre Dame de Victoire, built iu
memory of the destruction of the fleet of Sir Hovenden Walker, on the
Isle aux Oeufs, 1711."
On St. Helen street near Notre Dame a tablet reads : " Here stood
until 1816, the Church and Monastery of the RecoUet Fathers, 1092, in
which the Anglicans frora 1764 to 1789, and the Presbyterians from 1791
to 1792, worshipped." It was also the flrst parish church for the Irish
CathoHcs of Montreal, from 1830 to 1847.
The Hotel Dieu St. Joseph de Ville Marie Avas established in 1014 by
the Duehesse de Bullion. The original building Avas erected on St. Paul
street, near Custom House Square. The tablet on the Avail of the present
institution reads: Hotel Dieu de Ville-Marie, founded in 1644 by Jeanne
Mance. Transferred in 1 861 to this land, given by Benoit and Gabriel
Basset. Removal of the remains of Jeanne Mance aud 178 nuns, 1861."
The Montreal College or Grand Serainary has been already described
in P. S. Murphy's paper in another part of this volume Avith the tablets
to be seen in the Towers, but on the Avails there is another tablet Avhich
tells us of General .Amherst and the position of his array at the tirae of
the surrender of Montreal and the end of the French Regime.
A tablet on the summit of Mount Royal records the visit of Jacques
Cartier to it in 1585, The early records say that de Maissonneuve made
a pilgrimage here also bearing a cross on his shoulders, in January 1643.
On the premises of Mr William Smith, near the head of Simpson street,
is a tablet of interest; which reads thus. " Site of the residence of Sir
Alexander Mackenzie, discoverer of the Mackenzie River, 1793, and the
first European to cross the Rocky Mountains."
Let us finally, once more descend the hill and when Ave arrive at
Beaver Hall we find a tablet which reads thns on the Unitarian

238 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Church. "Here stood Beaver Hall, built 1800; burnt 1848; mansion of
Joseph Frobisher one of the founders of the North-West Company,
which made Montreal for years the fur trading centre of Araerica."
West of the Court House, there is a tablet which reads : " Here stood
the first Synagogue in Oanada, erected in 1777, A.M 5557, by the Spanish
and Portuguese Jewish congregation, founded 1768."
On the walls of the Congregational Convent. St. Jean Baptiste street,
there is inscribed : "Congregation of Notre Darae, founded by Marguerite
Bourgeoys. Convent built 1695. Jeanne LeBer lived here solitary from
1695 to 1714."
On a building at the corner of St. Peter and St. Paul streets, there is a
tablet which thus reads : " Here lived Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salles
1G68." He was the discoverer of the Mississippi. A tablet on Notre
Dame street, just east, of St. Lambert Hill reads thus: "In 1694 here
stood the house of La Mothe Cadillac, the founder of Detroit."
Another on St, Paul street, near Custom House Square, reads : "Jean
Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville ; born in 1680. In company with
his brother, d'Iberville, he discovered the mouths of the Mississippi, 2nd
March, 1690 ; founded New Orleans in 1717; and was Governor of Louis
iana for forty years. Died at Paris, 1768."
On the corner of Notre Dame and St. Sulpice street, a tablet tels,
us thus. " Here M. de la Prairie opened the flrst private school in Mont
real, 1688."
On St. Helen's Island a tablet is placed concerning Levis. It
relates his withdrawal to that island and his burning his flags by night
lest they should fall into the hands of the English.
These form a galaxy of Historial interest to every student of Montreal
as well as Canadian History.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 239

IRew aibermen anb ©tbera.
Among those who have attained to the Council Board of Montreal is
Mr. Ames whose short sketch appears at the description of the Y. M. C.
Association Building on Dominion Square. He AA'ill be one of the most
energetic aldermen of the city. He represents the rising young raen of
Montreal, and his immense majority is a proof of the estimation in which
the fellow citizens of his ward regard hira. I agree Avith hira in toto,
that there is no need for our grand city going begging to Quebec every
year for this or that. Let the new Council boldly corae forAvard and tax
all the land within the city area. They raay omit the Religious, Benevo
lent and Literary Institutions forthe present, but tax all alike, all the land,
every inch of ground in the city. That Avill produce $75,000 or $80,000
annually to the corporation if not more. Imagine $40,000,000 nearly of
free and exempted real estate within the city, whilst the poor" man has
to pay his tax on his little house, secured by the sAveat of his brow. The
next two years will show what pith the ucav council is made of, and I
think the tldn edge of the wedge has gone in to accomplish it. With
such men as Mr. Ames and the other new men of the Council these
requisite changes and necessary improvements in the citiy's financial
affairs will receive the attention they deserve, and every aa'cII minded
citizen will endorse the Council in its attempt to raise within the city,
from its untaxed millions a revenue to swell the large amount requisite to
keep Montreal as it should be the "Banner City of the Dominion." Mr.
Ames did much in his .splendid letters of " The City Below the Hill," in
opening up the eyes of thousands to our social position, aud he is per
haps the only one in Montreal who has tried the " Peabody " idea of
homes for working men. His entrance therefore into the council, and his
seat in more than one of the important coraraittees, is a guarantee that
the affairs of Montreal will not suffer in his hands, and that our " Civic
Fathers"  " Patres Conscripti "— will be henceforth ever more on the
watch to see that all things are administered to the satisfaction of the
ratepayers and to the advancement of our city and the good of all.
ALDERMAN H. EKERS.
Mr. Ekers was the successful candidate at the last election in St
Lawrence Ward. His presence in the council Avill infuse new life in the
committees in which he sits as well as in the Council in general.

240 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
He was born in Montreal in 1855 and is still a man in the prime of
life. He received his education at the Montreal College School, an insti
tution for many years presided over by the late well known Charles
Nicolls, one of the best teachers the City ever had. After finishing his
curriculum he entered into the present business and has continued ever
since developing tho same, until it is now one of the great industries of
Montreal. Mr. Ekers has always been a staunch Conservative (Tory) in
his politics, yet ever ready to advance everything connected with the
advancement of his native City from AA'hatever source it may spring.
This is seen by his being a meraber of the Board of Trade. He is also
a Governor of the Montreal General Hospital and a Life Member of the
M. A. A. A. He is also a J. P. for the city of Montreal.
His Brewery is situated at 409 St. Lawrence Main Street where the
office is, but Mr. Ekers is a busy man, and his new civic duties with
those of his own ever increasing business, concentrate and take up
all his tirae. The St. Lawrence Ward will, no doubt, find the benefit of
their representative in the Council of the City.
ALDERMAN ARTHUR GAGNON.
Mr. Gagnon is another of the new Aldermen of Montreal. He was
born at Laprairie and received his education at the Catholic Commercial
Academy iu this city. Having completed his studies he left, to enter the
dry goods business. Steadily persevering, he became senior partner in
the firm of Gagnon, Toussaint et Cie, of St. Lawrence Main Street. In
1880 he bought out the flrm and continued until three years ago, when
he sold out, and has been engaged ever since as the Treasurer for the St.
Jean Paptiste Society and Accountant. Having decided to seek muni
cipal honors he became a candidate at the last election for St. Lawrence
Ward, when he was returned by a large majority.
He is also one of the young men who have lately entered the Council
Chambers and he is there sure to be seen and heard in the different com
mittees to which he belongs.
His own ward will not suffer by his having been returned. The
City Council has for the next two years great work m store for the
development of Montreal, and it is certain that at the beginning of the
new century, the city will have well benefltted by the present council
and their system to make it still more flourishing and prosperous than
ever in the years gone by, JAMES COCHRANE.
Was born in Kincardine, Scotland, 1850. He was educated first at
the " Old British and Canadian School," then at the Montreal Collegiate
School.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 241

He coramenced life iu the eraploy of the Montreal 'i elegraph Com
pany, rising rapidly by dint of hard Avork to the position of night man.
ager and chief operator, which post he occupied for a number of years
subsequently holding a similar position at Whitehall, Malone aud Boston
as Avell as in Canada, including Sydney, C. B. After gaining expe
rience and knoAvledge of the Avorld, he abandoned telegraphy, and
engaged under the late John J. MacDonald, in the construction of the
Intercolonial Railway, being energetic and enterprising in all that he
did, To Mr. Cochrane the credit belongs of having constructed the first
telegraph line through the Avoods on the north shore of Lake Superior,
between Nepigon and Dog Lake for John Ross, the manager of construc
tion for the Canadian Pacific Raihvay Company. About this time he
rendered an iraportant service to the country by conveying troops across
the gaps during the North West Rebellion, receiving, as recognition of
this valuable assistance, a letter of thanks from the Government of
that day.
t'pon his return to Montreal, after years of prosperity in the West
he began extensive operations as a contractor. Much of the present
beauty and comfort of the city streets are owing to the superiority of
the methods and materials used by Mr. Cochrane iu fllling the contracts
assumed by him. He introduced the Sicilian Rock Asphalt, and has
laid over fifteen miles of it in length. The heavy rock Avork in St. Jean
Baptiste Ward was nearly all done by him.
Mr. Cochrane takes a lively interest in all that pertains to the labour,
question, evincing by the practical assistance frequently rendered by
hira in the furtherance of schemes Avhich have for their object the
advancement of the cause of the working man. He is a strong friend of
the struggling sons of toil, and was vice-president of the Trades and
Labour Council.
In politics he is Liberal. He is a Governor of the Montreal General
and Notre Dame Hospitals, and of the I'rotestant Insane Asylum at
Verdun. J. L. ARCHAMB A.ULT, Q. C.
The subject of this sketch has been appointed lately to the raost
important position of Joint City Attorney in connection Avith .Mr. Ethier,
Q. C. He was born at Varennes 1849, and educated at the College of
St. Hyacinthe. After his college career he entered as a student in the
Law offices of Cartier, Pominville & Betournay, of Montreal, and in 1870
took his degree of B. C. L., at McGil University. He Avas admitted to
the Bar July 1871, at twenty-two years of age.
Soon after his admission he entered into partnership Avith Hon.
J A Chapleau (gow Sir Joseph) and the late Hon. J. A. Mousseau ex-

242

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Premier of Quebec. Afterwards he formed a partnership with W. W,
Lynch (now Judge) aud G. H. Bergeron, late Deputy Speaker of the
House of Commons. He has been Crown Prosecutor for some years, un
til the late change of Government at Quebec. He was made Q. C. in
1887, when just about making his second trip to Loudon, England, to
attend an important case before the Privy Council. In his professional
engagements he has not forgotten Literature, as his articles have ap
peared in raany periodicals. He has never entered the vexed arena of
politics but devoted himself always to his profession hence, Montreal
may rely on his ability and research when called upon to defend her in
terests in the Courts.

HISTORY OP MONTREAL. 213

®Ib Signs anb Sionboarbs of HDontreal.
" At last the order has gone forth that the signs aud signboards Of
Montreal shall be no more -at least they shall be no more as theA' haA'e
been — every man's sign protruding horizontally frora the shop or store
Avhich'i t represents, and all together forming a complete labA'rinth of
various signs to the utter extinction of syraraetry or design of the
beauty of the street. It has taken Montrealers a long time to come to
j-his understanding. The tAVO greatest cities on the earth, viz : London
and Paris, first gave the order for street signs to be placed on the
houses they represent and not to portrude into the street. It is noAV
185 years since the French capital took the lead and London foUoAA'ed in
1761. M. de Sartines, Lieutenant of Police, ordered that " in a montli's
tirae from the publication of the act, all signboards in Paris and its
suburbs Avere to be fixed against the Avails of ihe houses ahd not to pro.
ject more than four inches, including the border, frame or other
ornaments ; also, the signposts and sign-irons Avere to be removed frora
the streets and thoroughfares, and a passage cleared." In the Daily
News of date 1761 we flnd this item of inforraation: "The signs in
Duke's Court, St. Martin's Lane, Avere all taken doAvn and affixed to the
houses." But as every old custora dies hard, so, in London, it took to the
year 1773 till the last of these signs in Marylebone and Whitecross street
was taken doAvn. The Conimissioners-by-LaAA' Avere ordered to clear all
obstructions, Not only had the signs and their supports aud posts to go,
but all balconies, spouts and gutters had also to disappear. What a
blessed thing for the pedestrians of Montreal, if this could be carried out
regarding the spouts and gutters Let the Corporation add to their im
provements a by-law for the ordering of all these spouts and gutters to be
carried to the back of the houses or in some Avay to prevent the AA'ater
running over the foot pavements. In London, in the suburbs, even to
this day, in spite of all these acts,, some signs and signposts, in all their
ancient splendor, are to be seen. At the time when the sign posts wera
removed, the Londoners began to pave their streets Avith Scotch granite
blocks and to .show how long they last, we can see these original streets
so paved at the present day. This paving of the streets gave occa
sion ts the folloAving epigram :
" The Scottish new paveraent wefl deserves our praise
To the Scotch we're obliged, too, for mending our ways.
But this we can never forgive, for they say
As that they have taken our posts all aAvay. "

244 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

Now let us give a history of signs frora the earliest records and we
will find that it is not only interesting but valuable to the student of
Ancient as well as Modern History. In all the Oriental cities such as
Constantinople, Cairo, Alexandria, Damascus, Aleppo, and many others
the difierent trades are confined to the difierent streets, that is, you will
find all the silk embroiderers, all the dealers in drugs and perfnmes con-
fir.^-1 to certain streets or to certain rows in the bazaars and wekalehs-
class has its OAvn quarter, where iu little open shops, the merchant
throned on a low counter, generally smoking his pipe or drink-
iffee iu the style characteristic of the Mussulman. Every one
Knows just where to go for a particular article, and when he gets there
he can see at a glance what each man has to sell, and there
fore signboards here would be of no use. When Ave look into
the way of the ancient Egyptians, we find just the same. They
thought that any sign was superfluous ; their goods Avhich they
exposed for sale, they considered Avere sufficient to attract the
buyer's eye. But, in the latter ages of Egyptian history
they, too, felt that a sign Avas something, and Sir Gardiner
Wilkinson tells us that they sometimes made " inscriptions denoting
the trade with the emblem which indicated it," but it was only occas
ionally that they did so. All that is mada known to us of this subject
among the ancient Greeks is very meagre aud indeflnite. There are,
however, csrtain Greek writers who make frequent allusions to signs and
signboards. Aristophanes, Lucien, the poet, and other writers speak of
them, showing that they were not unknown to the ancient Greeks, The
philosopher Aristotle, who was the tutor of Alexander the Great, says
in his 18th Probkmatum (translated in English ' : "As with the things
drawn above the shops, Avhich, though they are small, appear to have
breadth and depth." Athenajus says: "He hung the well-known sign
in front of his house." None, however, of these Greek writers tells us
what these signs were, whether they were painted or carved, or the
natural object, so that we are left entirely in the dark, and not much
enlightened by Greek history. It is with the Romans, however, that we
begin to get light. In ancient Rome, the Eternal City, some of the streets
derived their names from the signs in them. In the Bsquilise, for in
stance, there was a street called " Vicus Ursi Pileati "— (the street of the
Bear with the Hat on). They almost ahvays put a bush at the door as
the sign of a tavern, and hence we derive our own sign and the old pro
verb " Good wine needs no bush." Again, they placed an ansa, or handle
of a pitcher to denote a post-house, and afterwards these places where
posting and horses could be procured were called Ansaj. Have we not
seen in Montreal the sarae idea ? How often is there to be observed a
small whisp of straAv tied to the end of a stick, and protruding from some

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 24S

shop door or yard gate to denote that there the buyer can get all he
wants in food for horses and cattle. The Romans also had painted signs.
This is quite evident from various authors. The celebrated Phsedrus,
the Fable writer, says, (translated in English )
When the rats A\ere conquered by the array of the Aveasels (a story
Avhich we see painted on the taverns.)
Horace also says in his 2nd Book of Satires VII. " I admire the posi
tion of tlie men that are flghting, painted in red and black, as if they
Avere really alive." Cicero says in his " De Oratione " : "Now I Avill
show you hoAA' you are, to Avhich he ansAvered, ' Do please." Then I
pointed Avith my fiuger toAvards the cock painted on the signboard of
Marius, the Chimberi m, on the New Forum, distorted, with his tongue
and hanging c'neeks. Everybody began to laugh." The paintings on
these signboards were not elaborate, prett3' much AA'hat Ave sea on those
of our own at the present day. However, some of the raost famous
painters have deigned to paint for a signboard, both in England and
France. Let me mention a few. A beautiful sign of Shakespeare, Avliich
formerly hung in Drury Lane, cost a J. T. Smith £500 sterling, which sum
the painter Clarkson received for it, Samuel Wale, R. A , painted a cele
brated flagstaff and others, but his best was a whole length of Shakespeare
about flve feet high for another tavern in Drury Lane. It was sur
rounded by a massive gilt frarae, but did not long continue hanging
for the act of Parliaraent compelled it to be taken down. It was sold
for a trifle to a broker at AA'hose door it stood for years till it Avas wholly,
destroyed by wind and Aveather. There are some good examples of these
signboards to be seen in the South Kensington M useu tn. Sign painting theu
(as it is still) Avas an iraportant brauch of employraent, and gave AA'ork to
men Avho made it their profession. The " Great Professors " occasionally
painted a sign " for a freak." Hogarth stands at the head of these,
Richard Wilsou, R. A., painted the "Three Loggerheads," AA'hich name was
given to the village to this day. Morland painted several ; Ibetson and
David Cox and ths elder CroAve all painted signboards and Harlow was
obliged to paint a vieAV of Queen Charlotte for the payment of a bill he
had run up at Epson. A story is told of this painting. Underneath he
put the initials, T. L., for Sir Thomas Laurence, the celebrated painter.
When the latter heard of it " he got into a terrible rage, and said, if
Harlow were not a scoundrel, he Avould kick hira frora one street's end to
the other ; upon Avhich HarloAV very coolly remarked that "Avhen Sir
Thoniis should make up his raind to it. he hoped he AA'ould choose a short
street." The great Millais who so lately died also condescended to sign
painting. He did a St, George and Dragon, Avith grapes round it. There
are few who have not done so. Some of the greatest of ancient painters
have also painted signs etc. Correggio painted "The Mule and the Mula

246 HISTORY OF MONTREAL,

teer," now in the Sutherland collection. Generally speaking however,
these signs were not of flrst class order, so that the Historian Pliny is
correct when he tells us in his Natural History (flrst, stating that Lucius
Munius Avas the flrst in Rome who affixed a picture to the outside of a
house) that "after this I flnd that tJiey Avere commonly placed on the
Forum (the raarket place of Rorae). Hence that joke of Crassus, the
orator." On the Forum av as also that of an old shepherd, with a staff,
concerning Avhich a German legate, being asked at how rauch he valued
it, ansAvered that "he would not care to have such a raan given to him as
a present, even if he were real and alive" What renders all these ex
tracts true are the signs and signboards Avhich have come down to us
frora the Avonderful excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii, These
tAVO cities, as all the world knows, Avere destroyed by a terrible erup
tion of Mount Vesuvius, iu the year A. D. 79. All things that the inhab
itants did not carry avA^ay were found just as they were left, and
covered by the scoria and ashes of the volcano, and amongst a thousand
and one different articles and effects now rescued frora oblivion not the
least interesting are the signboards af the ancient inhabitants of Italy.-
We flnd that a few Avere painted, the paint being just as fresh as 1800
years ago. Generally their signs were made of terracotta or stone, and
let in to, so to speak, the pillars at each side of the shop door. Among
them we find a goat as the sign of a dairy where milk was sold. A m'ule
driving a mdl was the sign of a baker, and as boys in ancient Pompoij
required the rod at school as they do now in Montreal we flnd at the door
of a Schoolmaster the sign of a boy getting a good birching. Drinking
places in all ages have been about the same, and their signs are similar
no matter Avhat country or age of the world's history. We flnd that in
Pompeii a public-house keeper had two slaves represented above his door
carrying an amphora (a large cask). This is exemplified in our own
''Two jolly brewers carrying a tun slung on a pole," very often seen in
England as a public house sign. A wine merchant of this city had a
sign of Bacchus, the god of wine, pressing the juice of a bunch of grapes
into a cup We flnd signs of the anchor, the ship, and the chequers. In
Herculaneum, a shoemaker had a fine sign. A beautiful cupid carrying
a pair of shoes or ladies' sandals, one ou his head aud the other in his
hand. As years rolled on we find that in Rorae signs were sculptured on
the tombs ill the catacombs and the method in the Middle Ages of punn
ing on a name can also be seen here. Por instance, the grave of Dracon-
tius bears a dragon ; that of Onager, a Avild ass ; Umbricius, a shady tree;
Leo, a lion ; and a lady of the narae of Porcula, a pig. When the Roraans
conquered Britain they introduced their manners and customs among
our old forefathers, and after they had completely left the island these
customs reraaind. Hence we find their favorite tavern sign of a bush

HIS'TORY CP MONTREAt 24't

frequently taken by the Britons for the sarae purpose. When the age
of chivalry arrived, coats of arms, crests aud badges were assumed as
signs by shopkeepers and inns. Hence arose such as "The Red Lion,"
"The Blue Lion," "The Red Ro?e," "The White Rose," aud a thousand
others. In old Engl md, where education was then at a low ebb every
thing tangible to the eye AVas taken as signs. Thus a large knife
showed a catler's shop and as at the present day, a huge pair of shears,
a tailor's, and a hand for a glover. These signs are seen in
Montreal. As luxury iacreased, however, and several shops
of the same kind vied with each other in attracting
custora, then something more than the simple signs
heretofore used was requisite. At this time reading was still confined
to a few and it was therefore necessary that objects should be placed
before the public to euable them to know the different commodities sold
in the different shops. Then, again, as raost persons could not even read
the large letters of the merchant's name, they employed symbols to
facilitate their advertising. Thus a store keeper of the name of Hare-
bottle employed the figure of a hare and that of a bottle to make his
name intelligent to the non-readers who passed his door ; so one of the
name of Cox, put up two figures of two cocks. As soon as these more
elaborate signs became general, then each one vied withhisneighborin mak
ing quaintness one of the desiderata and costliness another. The wind
and rain being powerful enemies to the preservation of the sign, it became
the interest of the proprietor to elaborate to the utmost the iron Avork
by which it was suspended, and hence we fine ornamentations which
would do credit to work for the interior of some cathedral. Independent
of all this, there were (as at the present day in Montreal, against the by
law, too,) muiy who simply suspended at their doors some pro
rainent article of their trade. One of the oldest signs is the Golden
Fleeca, or rather Sheep also the Globe. The Montreal globes Avere very
unornamental. One or two might be gilt, but iu London a favorite one
was a man with his head and arm or sometimes both arms througa the
upper part of the globe. It represented the motto " Help me through
this world. " Then again, two kinds of lyres or harps respectively, are
seen the Irish and the mythological. These signs were always taken by
sellers of music and musical instruments. The Admiral Avhich so long
appeared with his sextant above the door of a well known optician
in Notre Dame street has disappeared. I would suggest, as the
Londoners look with some degree of astonishment at the
grotesque figures of ancient signs and signboards now
in South Kensington Museum, that those interested in such
things collect the most important and place them it safe keeping
till we have a public museum such as all cities of this size have. But
what will become of all our Punches and Indians Avho have figured so

248 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

long at the doors or above them of cigar and tobacco sellers, where will
that wonderful female bonnet, and near to it the enormous hoop shirt,
go '? I find that certain spots of the city were more given to these
protruding signs that other parts. One locality had no less that eight
mighty globes, all iu the short distance of about 300 yards. Then look
tb the great army of pestles and mortars everywhere. The elabor ate
pictures of hearses drawn by coalblack horses for the marital or of the
snowyAvhite ponies for children must disappear. So must the Golden
Lion and mighty teapot, the huge caunister for coffee and the heavy gilt
hammer, ' What was a necessity a hundred years ago is noAV a farce in
directing any one to find a particular shop or store. We have not very
many coats of arms in Montreal as signs, but those we have must give
p'laiee to auother situation. One, however, will still remain, and that is
the Royal Arms. When Ave enter any place belonging to Her Majesty
we many be sure to see " The Lion and the Unicorn," that is the sign
Avhieh enfolds all. Another sign which is hoped will soon give way to
something more common-sense is the gilt tooth, sometimes of such pro
portions that one Avould think it Avould or should have belonged to either
the Erairas or Zuzims of old. It shows where teeth can be extracted.
In an old almanac of 1813 I flnd there were only five who attended to
this department of medicine in Montreal, and they are called " Seigneurs
et Aracheurs des Dents." There are two signs which we see in every
city — the three balls of the paAvnbroker. " My Uncle," and the striped
pole of the barber. The origin of these signs is given ; The three balls
are taken from the loAver part of the coat-of -arras of the Dukes of Medici ,
frora Avhose states aud frora Lombardy nearly all the early bankers
came. These capitalists also advanced money on valuable goods, and
hence gradually became pawnbrokers. These bankers had their little
stalls in these Italian Cities, and when one of these (like some merchants
of the present day) could not redeem their pledges, his stall was taken
away or as they said then " banco rotto," hence arose
the term a " bankrupt. " Let us uoav see why the barber's
pole is painted rei and white. These poles date from the time when
barbers also practised bloodletting or phlebotomy. When a patient had
to be bled he was made to hold on to the pole with his hands in order to
make the blood fioAV more freely. We can see this in more than one
illuminated MS. As the pole was, of course, liable to be stained with
blood, it was painted red. When not in use the barbers were in the
habit of suspending it outside of their shop with a white linen cloth
tAvisted round it — hence carae the two colors. In latter times and in
Montreal, Ave see red and Avhite, black and white, and red, white and
blue poles. The barbers AA'ere called surgeon barbers. The two profes
sions becarae separate in 1715.

History of Montreal, 249

Many do not knoAV that Dean SAvift penned the folloAving for a
barber's sign :
" Rove not frora pole to pole, but step in here.
Where nought excells the shaving, but the beer."
We see often a large barrel raade the sign of the shop AA'here
beer is sold, and a beaver aUvays represents a hat store. The tall hat
was called a beaver, and the pelt Avas that of the beaver, hence
the narae. The red or colored umbrella is the invariable sign of the
maker of that article. Umbrellas Avere brought into fashion by
Hanway, the philanthropist, about the end of the eighteenth century.
Before this time a cloak was the only protection during a shoAA'er. Han
way was the first man who ventured to AA'alk the streets of London
with an umbrella over his head. After doing so for a quarter of a cen
tury he saAV thera coraraon enough. A big hat Avas often seen in Mon
treal as the sign for a hatter, and if one studied these signs he could
get at their age from their shape. It is curious to note, not only in
signs and their names, but also in everything else, Iioaa' corrupted the
name gets and after long usage takes the bastard narae and not the
original. We see this in such naraes in our oAvn country as " Susan
Mary " for Sault Sainte Marie, " Petticoat " for Petite Cote, and raany
others, and in names of places, etc., in England it is just the sarae. We
find it in the words " RottenroAV " in Loudon, and in the " Bell Savage ''
for la Belle Sauvage. We see it in the sign " The Bull and Moutli,"
which means Boulogne Mouth ; in the sign '• Shovel and Boot," Avhich
in all probability Avas "The Shovel and Boat," a sign often seen on canals_
" The Axe and Bottle " evidently Avas originally the Battle Axe.
No doubt when all the signs and signboards disappear the streets Avill
look bleak and barren for sorae time. Hoav silent it wiU feel at midnight,
especially when the Avind bloAVS, and there are no signs to shake and
creak on their hinges ? What a difficulty in finding out the shops one
wants to go to, and how, above all, raostly everybody, and especially the
old people, will grumble at the innovation.
Again I would call on those Avho are taking, or about to take doAvn,
their signs or signboards, that they should attend to my suggestion aud
send the best and also the oldest to some rauseura like the Natural His
tory Museum, the Chateau Raraezay, the McGill College, or to one of
the French clubs, to be kept there, so that Montrealers of the year 2000
may see Avhat curious things their old forefathers used in inducing the
citizens to corae to their shops to buy, or to their hotels to stay.

250 HISTORY OF M0N3?REa.L.

a pbantasmaaoria of Citisens' IRarnee of flDontreal.
All the naraes mentioned here, and beginning with a capital letter
are really names of some one or other of the inhabitants of our City»
Let any one try what I haA^e done and they will find that a very large
amount of labor has been expended on even this conglomeration. One
living in a large city does not know how many curious names are found
therein. This Avill help to clear up the mist of those parties and perhaps
make them think that their faraily name is something after all. I have
divided the list into several different parts, and all the names of any
particular class go together, of course some of the capitals commencing
lines do not represent families.
But one of all the months inscribed is Sene,
" The merry month of May," — when all is Green ;
For Spring has corae after Long, Frost, and Snow,
And ice and cold have gone, as they must go ;
And Winter's, Gale, and storm which carried cold
Have disappeared as in the Daze of old,
And Summer's ray, brings health and happiness.
And all— the goodness of the Lord, do bless.
Of Scripture names, a number here we trace
Adam and Eve, the first of huraan race,
Abel is also seen and likewise Kane,
But for the name of Seth we search in vain,
Abraham, Isaac, Israel, now appear,
The sons of Jacob, Judah, Levi, Dan are here ;
And his two younger sons are also Sene,
Joseph, and Benjamen, the loved I ween,
Amos, the prophet— patriach Job, then he
Who led the people from their captivity ;
Moses, Saul, Sampson, Samuel, David's son
Solomon, Daniel, and yet we are not done.

HISTORY OF iMONTREAL. 251

For MathevA', Lucas, John and Paul, are found
And Thomas, Andrew, Peter, James, theu bound
We o'er the holy Land, to Jordan, River,
And thus from Scripture, naraes, we noAA^ must sever
Of coraraon naraes indeed VA'e have our fill,
Richard and Thora, Jack, Duncan, Jacks and Bill,
Robert and William, Henry, Dick and Gill,
Johns, Frank and Hughes, Jacques, Jones and Matt, and Will.
Plant, on the Mountain, Forest, Hill or Glen,
The Box, Beech, Ash, Hickory, Bark, and then
Oakeg, Cherry, Pear, Briere, Perry, Birch and Vine,
Olive, the Rose, or Rue, then Moss and Ferns and Pine ;
There's Pease, Thorn, Millet, Wood, Brush, Dates, Heath,
A Root, of Bush, Herb, Moore, or Penn, or Haugh, beneath
The Lily, fair and Gourd, Avith Rice, Mace, Date.
No south is here but there is a Southgate ;
The North, is here, and there are West, and East,
Both Pope and Cardinal, Bishop, Dean, Monk, Priest,
And Church, aud Kirk, and Cross, and Clerk I Aveen,
Sexton Avith Keys. Bell, Books, at Hand, are Sene
Whilst Elder, Deacon, Canon, Hood, come so fast.
That all the cleric titles soon are past.
There's Childs and Mann, there's Baby and there's Sonne,
But father, mother, brother, sister, none.
" Light, as a Feather," this adage is here.
And Bland, and Wand, and Duff, and Tuff, appear ;
Here Fish, and Nish, and Hodge, and Dodge, are Sene
And Budge, and Mudge, and Sait, Wait, Steen and Geen,
Soly, and Joly, with Wight, aud Wright, and Bright,
Ulley, and Soiilley, Tardy, Hirdy, Foster, and Knight,
Brooke, Cooke and Tooke, with Sport, and Short, and Ray,
Hay, Jay, and Wray, and Lay, and Kay, and Bray.
Of titles, King, Queen, Noble, Prince, and Earl,
A Duke, a Lord, the Diamond, but no pearl ;
Savage, Clement, Gentle, with a Comb, and Brush,

252 HISTORY OP MONTReAl.
Of birds Swan, Sparrow, SAvallow, Cook, no thrush,
A.Drake and Duck, a Kyte, Hawke, Nightingale,
A Pigeon, Parrot, both in Martin, Dale ;
A Dorkin and the Coxe, an Egg, from hen,
In Moore, or Forest, is seen a Stork or Wren,
Where Quail, and Heron, we hear the Peacock, cry
The Crane Sandpiper, Swift and Wildgoose fly.
And where on Birks or Brays, the Robins sing.
Goslings, in Woods, do show the approach of Spring.
From Bird, to metals and we noAV behold
Iron, Steel and Silver, no lead but Guinea, Gold ;
A Beau, for ev'ry Belle, a Coffin, Case, — here come
With Major, Knight, the Fyfe, Harp, Horn and Drum.
Of animals, there's Wolf, Fox, Catt, and Mair,
The Badger, Lion, Tiger, Beaver, Bear,
No sheep but Lamb — no cow but Bull, is here.
No deer, but Hart and Roe— no goat but Kidd appear ;
Hare, Burroughs, deep from Bullock, in the Field,
vAnd to the Gunn. of Hunter, Avill not yield.
In flsh, we see Pyke, Salmon, Dor6, Roach,
For the Law says no Pisher, these must poach.
Foote, Head, Brow, Hand, and Lippe and Legge, we see.
No other Parton, Mann's, anatomy ;
Oolier, the Coleman, brings now all his Coals,
And Empeys, down his load at Mr. Bowles ;
Wallace and Bruce, the glorious chiefs are here.
And Cramp and Camp, and Smart, Dart, now appear ;
Of curious names if we now wish to seek.
These Yelle, Fell, Pell, Fatt, Hatt, Watt, Feck and Meek,
And Routh, and Raynes, and Baynes, and Sleep, and Bold,
Barr, Farr, Carr, Marr and Parr, we too behold,
No leather but there's Hides, there's Bacon, and there's Hogg,
Goode, Dowd, who has uo pride, with Moll and Bogg,
Dragon and Leach, Fowler, Owler Lynn, and Flynn,

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 253
Pacey, and Stacey, Riley and Wiley, Purse, and Quinn,
Hincks, Wincks and Jinks, Pow, Purr, and Riggs,
Bagg, Dagg and Ragg, and Spragg, aud Wijjgs aud Biggs,
There's Short, and Long, and Dodge, Hodge, Frost, Kold, SnoAV,
Stark, Bark, and Park, there's " Burke, and Hare," and Low,
And Baird and Caird, and Ball, and Call and Fall,
And Dodd, and Todd, we see with Wall and Hall,
There's Nish ahd Nash, there's Boy and Noy, ToAvie, Sleet,
Webb, Walsh and Watts, and Ass, with Horseman, Fleet,
There's Silverman, and Silverstone, and Silverwood all three,
And Golden, Goldstein, Goldbleet, Goldbag, ou the Lee,
There's Ironside and Copperthwait, there's Starnes, Barnes and Dunn,
We Hope the Beer Is Cool, says Sonne, and Munn and Lunn,
Codd, Dodd, and Todd, and Ruff and Tuff and Cuff,
Plow, Pick and Peck, and Gurd, Bott, Holt, and Huff',
There's Runk and Rorke, Shield, Sword, Spear, Roy,
With Hess, and Ness, and Marks, and Parks, Topps, Toy,
There's Goodhugh, and Goodyear, and also a Goodbody,
There's Peterson and Patterson, but there is no tomnoddy ;
Dame, Trott is here, and her raost famous Catt,
The Best, to Cater for a sly mouse or Ratte,
They all send out Avith Croll, and Kell and Well,
And Swail, and Baile, with Pell and Tell and Felle,
Like Band of Singer, or like wild Ass, Bray,
Or roar of Bull, heard in the Spring, in May.
Of occupations many are, we look,
A Barber, Baker, Carter, Smith and Cook,
Taylor, Wright, Carpenter, Glover for glovemaker.
Sawyer, Sadler, Cooper, Falconer, Nurse, and Baker,
Boxer and Fuller, Farraer, Slater, Dyer, Ave see.
Mason, and Gardiner, Cutler, for cutlery.
Shepherd and Shearer, Surveyer, Miller for MiUs,
Potter and Porter, Brewer, Clerk, joiner for Sills,
An Archer, Htsater. is seen over Field and Flood,
O'er Sands and Water, but there is no blood ;
Spriggins, and Wiggins, we have Stark and Park,
With Briggs and Wiggs, and Larkin, but no lark,

254 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Castle on Cliff, a Couch in lonely Glen,
A Gate, a Locke for Chambers, there's Quill, no pen,
No Quires, for Church, but Singer and their Song,
These are all names that to the Kirk, belong,
If we now turn to countries, we find again,
England and Ireland, Holland, Greece and Spain,
English and Irish, Norman, Finn, Frank, France,
With whom the Scott, and Welsh, of Wales, aye broke a lance,
Rome, York and Manchester, Peebles, and Ayer,
Over the land are scattered here and there.
Of color, Red, White, and Black, and Brown and Green,
There's Gray, and Grey, no purple here is Sene ;
Whether in the Street, or in the Lane, we be,
A Flint, Rock, Stone, for certain we will see,
And May, that be the copestone of the ome.
Rising above the brightest Spott our Home.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 255

ConclubinQ 1Remar1k0.
Various changes have taken place Avhilst this AA'ork has been going
through the Press. Our esteemed Mayor Wilson-Smith Esqr. has
fulfilled his term of office and Raymond Prefontaine Esqr. Q.C"., M.P. has
been by acclamation placed in the Mayor's chair and is now " His Honor
the Mayor of Montreal" Several of the Alderraen of 1896-7 have resigned
and others have been elected in their place. Death has been very
sparing of the Patrons of the Book, U' ne having joined the great raajor.
ity during the past five months. The Civic Bill has passed the Legis
lature and it remains to the new Council to inaugurate a systera Avhich
will place Montreal on such a footing that she Avill iu future be raore
enabled to regulate her own affairs and to extend her borders so as to
include all the neighboring municipalities, if not the Avhole Island
itself. It remains with the new Council to adopt such raeasures that the
interests of the city will be the pararaount and first idea in all their
By-laws and Regulatious,so that our grand City,the first in AA'ealth in the
Dominion will be the Banner City of Canada. It has been thrown up to
Montrealers by Torontonians that our Avealthy citizens are not so
generous as those of the City of Toronto. The raany pictures in this book
of public places raised by Montreal gifts of private citizens or of those
only spoken of, refute this charge, and stand as a public recognition of
generous minds and hearts. To mention one would be to mention a long
list of Educational Establishments, Literary and Club Buildings, Hos
pitals and Asylums, and many other raonuraents of their forethought and
generosity. Perhaps there is not a city of the same size which can boast of
such a variety and number of such Institutions,at least we beat Toronto
a thousand fold, but still for Montreal's teeming thousands— there is yet
room for many more such like Institutions.
Regarding the variety of pictures, I may state that those that ap
pear of pubhc Buildings were loaned to me at once by those interested
in the same— or they paid for a cut being raade. Some public Buildings
will be missed. The fault is not raine but of those whom I requested to
send in the cuts of their Churches, Colleges and Establishments. Con.
spicuous among such are the English Cathedral and Trinity Church, in

256 HISTORY OF MONTREAL.
Viger Square, St. James' Cathedral, Church of the Gesu, and St. Patrick's
Church, Laval University and the High School, the Parisli Church,
Place d'Armes, and some of the Convents. However, alraost all these
Institutions have been so frequently placed in Histories, Guides and
Descriptions of Montreal iu the past, that the great number of new
views in my Book Avill be accepted as a step in the right direction.
A number of these have never appeared in a book .of this kind on
Montreal before and they add to the value of the Avork.
As regards the variety of cuts — one may say that a uniform kind
would have better illustrated the Book. Let hira Avho thinks so, just try
to do otherwise than I have done. In a Book of Biography hke my last
Gazetteer — published a few years ago — each photo-portrait was the
basis of a beautiful photo-graveur. In this work it might also have
been the sarae, if the great expense of doing so had not been in the way.
Besides, those who sent cuts of their different buildings or of some His
torical event, wished them to appear just as the cut they sent would
produce — hence has arisen such a diversity of pictures inthe volume.
In concluding ray labors I find after every care, there have crept
in a few typographical errors. These will easily be detected and cor
rected. If the reading of the one thousand and one different items of
interest aud History will give ray readers the satisfaction I have derived
from its corapilation, the labor has not been in vaiu. Much research and
trouble have been expended in the work of corapilation and every one
will adrait that it is the only work which contains the complete record
of the City in the letter press and cuts from its inception to the present
day. I thank here (as I did others in the Preface) all who have helped
rae in giving plates to illustrate the Avork and who have so kindly sub.
scribed for one or more copies, thus enabling me to bring it out.
As this will certainly be the last Book on Montreal published in this
Century, and as none of us can have any idea of what the progression
of the 20th Century will bring forth, I close these remarks by stating
that for nearly fifty years the writer has been issuing Books on General
History, Geography, English Literature and especially on the City of
Montreal, his adopted home, and for each and every Work he has
always received the hearty approval and support of the citizens, for
which, aud the raeasure of patronage vouchsf ed to this "his last Bantam''
he writes : " Thanks."

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 257

an jebucational Centenari?.
A good deal has been written and spoken about our Public Schools.
Has it ever struck those in conueetion with our educational system
in Montreal, that the year 1887 was the centenary of the establishment
and introduction of English education and English schools into this city
of Montreal, but such is the case, nevertheless ?
Just exactly 100 years ago we find in the presentment of the Grand
Jury of the Court of King's Bench, that they had received a corarauni
cation from a Mr. Nelson, a teacher of Three Rivers, asking if suffi
cient patronage would be granted to him if he should remove his school
from Three Rivers to Montreal. The Grand Jury recommended his com
munication to the Governor, and that the Government allowance be
granted to him, aud promised that patrodage Avould be given him, as the
want of an English school was much felt in Montreal.
This is the substance of their presentment, and on the strength of
it Mr. Nelson removed his school from Three Rivers to Montreal.
Who was this Mr. Nelson ? He was the father of Dr. Wolfred Nelson
and Dr. Robert Nelson, two names famous in the troubles of 1837 and
1838. Is it not a curious coincidence that the Jubilee of English educa
tion in Moutreal should have been the year (1837) of the accession of
Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen to the Throne of England
and that two of the chief patriots of the rebellion of 1837-8,
should have been the sons of him who is the father and the founder of
English Education in this raetropolitan city of the Dorainion — and
stranger still, that when the centennial of that education arrived it was
also the jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign, and also the jubilee year for
the free and independent election and self governraent procured to us by
the patriots of 1837-38 — by what they then did. Nay, raore than this,
that there was over the Province of Quebec, then called Lower Canada,
and where the twelve patriots shed their blood and died fer their native
land a Liberal Governraent at the Queen's Jubilee and at her Diamond
Jubilee also a Liberal Government which seems to have indeed risen
on the buried ashes of these twelve noble men who suffered iu the
Liberal cause, and in this Golden Jubilee year, uniting all classes and
nationalities, and doing justice to all creeds and causes thereby not only
carrying out the sentiments of the patriots of 1837, but also those ofthe
prophetic seer in Holy Writ, where he explains, " The liberal deviseth
liberal things and by liberal things shall he stand." May the above fall
a t loasand fold on the present Liberal Goverment of Quebec, and may
the leader of it, as the old prophet says stand, as he is so much entitled
to do. ^ ^
J. D. B.

258 HISTORV OF MONTREAL.

a Scene in dvm Street anb tbe Cbamp be Mars.
Whenever I pass up Gosford Street and by Avhat is now a vinegar
factory it recalls to my merao y one of Ihe greatest finierals that ever
took place in Montreal, frora' the Garrison Chapel, that of General
Wyndham, the Commander of H. M. Troops, then in Canada. Only one
other General had ever died in Montreal, so far as I know. General Dur
ham buried in the Papineau Burying Ground. The funeral of General
Wyndham wao peculiarly interesting, not only because he Avas one of the
heroes of LucknoAA', and pi-evious to that of Sebastapol, but because it
was attended by Prince Arthur and other notables. In reading the
account I wrote of the circurastance, one will see how many of the officers
mentioned haA'e passed over to the great majority, and that few of our
Montreal superior oft'icers then present are now to the fore.
On The day of the General's funeral, according to orders, the whole
of the troops in garrison paraded on Craig Street with arms reversed,
and winter clothing.
Long before the appointed hour, 2 p, m., a great crowd had gathered
on ' raig Street and ou the Champ de Mars. Very fe\A' of the spectators
except the military officers and friends of the deceased were allowed to
enter the Chapel. "*
The coffin Avhich contained the remains of the illustrious General
was enveloped by the Union Jack, and on it was placed his hat and
sword and Avreaths of iramf)rtelles. Inthe front pew were seated the
chief mourners, Mr. Wyndham, his son, Surgeon Major Smith, Captains
Hendson and Hare. H, R. Highness, Prince Arthur, sat immediately be
hind in the next peAV in corapany Avith Colonel Harailton, R. E., and
Colonel McNeil representing Sir John Young, Governor General, and not
far from them were Colonel Brydges, of the G. T. R. B|rigade, and Colonel
T. Lyman, and raany others of the staff and volunteers.
The pall-barers were Colonel Martindale, R. E,, Colonel Osborne
Smith, D. A. G. M., Colonel Gibbon, Colonel Wolseley, D- A. G. M., In
spector General McGee, Colonel Lord Russel, Lieut.-Colonel Harwood,
D. A. G. M., Lieut.-Colonel Fielden, .60th Rifles, and Colonel. Dyde, Com
mandant. The Clergyraen present were the Rev. Mr. Bartlett, Senior Garrison
Chaplain, Rev. J. D. Borthwick, Junior Chaplain, Rev. Dr Balch, the
Rev Dr. Wright, and the Rev. E. Wood.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 23il
At the conclusion of the Church service the body Avas borne out ou
the shoulders of six men of the Rifle Brigade, and placed upon a gun
carriage drawn by six horses. Thirteen miuute guns from Captain Gore's
Battery were flred previous to the departure and after ceasing flring the
Artillery took their departure in front of the cortege, and the procession
moved along Craig Street up St. LaAA'rence to Mount Royal Cemetery,
in the following order : The Rifle Brigade, the Cler jy in separate con
veyance, the hearse, before which Avas led by au orderly, the General's
horse, chief mourners, officers of the staff, railitia and volunteer officers,
regular officers, and H. R. Highness, Prince Arthur.
The streets were lined the whole distance Avith great croAA'ds of
spectators listening to the beautiful music of the Rifle Brigade Band.
When the procession arrived at t'le cemetery the Artillery took up
a position on the left and unlimbered, the Rifle Brigade halted, lined
the Avenue, AA'ith arras reversed, alloAving the procession to pass on to
the vault. Here the remainder of the burial sarvice Avas read by the
two Chaplains, the writer repeating these solemn AAords over the coffin
" As our hope is this our brother doth,"
At the conclusion the battery fired a salute of thirteen guns, the
body was borne into the vault and all was oyer.
Among those who also took part in the ceremony were Lieut.. Col..
Bolton, Coh ThackweU. A. G., L'eut.-Col. Earle, Lieut.-Col. Bacon, B. M.M.,
Col. David, Lieut.-Col, Routh, Major Hickson, (afterAvards Sir Joseph),
Huo-a Allan, Esq., (afterAvards Sir Hugh), Hon. Gideon Ouimet, Ed.
Carter M, P. P., Rev. J. Dumoulin, (now Bishop of Niagara), Rev.
Canon Bancroft, Rev. Canon Bond, (uoav Bishop of Montreal), Hon, John
Young aud many others.
What changes have tak n place since that day. Prince Arthur is
UOAV Duke of Connaught, Colonel Wolseley is uoav Commander-in-Chief
of the British Army. TiiackAvell, Earle, David, Hugh Allan, Bancroft,
John Young, Ed. Carter, Colonel Gore, Sir John Young, Governor Gen
eral, Colonel McNeil, Colonel Dyde. Dr. Balch, Colonel Brydges, (and
there may be others) have all passed aAvay, and of the thousands Avho
then saw a General's funeral for the first time, thousands lie in the
Mount Royal Cemeteries.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

REMINICENCES

— OF —

CERTAIN STREETS.

HISTORY OP MONTREAL. 261

®ur Solbiera* (Braves.
Not long ago I visited the Island, and was pained to see that, just at
the place where slumber Britain's dead, all the merryraaking goes on. It
is indeed a desolate looking place, and strangely out of keeping with its
surroundings. When I saw it, it brought vividly to my mind the last
burial of the last British soldier who was interred within the little
cemetery, I will give here a record of that funeral, at Avhich tirae, I was
Chaplain in Montreal of Her Majesty's troops.
" Burial of a Soldier of the Red River Expedition — In connection
with the above it may be interesting to the readers of the Church
Herald, to know of the last Imperial railitary funeral which took place
in Montreal previous to the final departure of all Her Majesty's troops.
A young men, one of the Red River Expedition, died about a fort
night ago from disease contracted in the well-regulated and famous
Canadian expedition. As all the troops had been sent to Quebec, except
one hundred men, and the old burial ground of the Papineau Road was
completely filled, it was ordered that he should be buried on St. Helen's
Island. The weather was very tempestuous, and a heavy snowstorm
was falling at the time. On 'account of it, no meu were allowed to go
over in the garrison boat, save the boatmen and one or two others to as
sist. The coffin lay in the stern of the boat, with the officer in com
mand on one side, and the chaplain to officiate on the other, and thus
was rowel to his long resting place, the last of Her Imperial Majesty's
troops, which in all probability will ever be quartered in Montreal. On
arriving on the Island and at the grave, it was found that there were no
ropes to lower the coffin, and by placing one end of a board iu the grave
and the coffin on it, gradually withdrawing it and tying a muffler of one
of the men round the other end, the coffin was slowly lowered into its
last resting place.
Why have our Protestant Committee for Mount Royal Cemetery
consented to deliver up the Papineau Road burying ground to the Cor
poration of Montreal — a largely Roman Catholic corporation — to make,
as is supposed, a public square of it ? What earthly use is there in
Papineau Road of a public square? There are fields enough all round
unbuilt on, and no necessity for such.
As I buried the last soldier in the little cemetery on St. Helen's
Island so I did in Papineau Road burying ground ; aud Avhen I saAV the

262 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

ground thrown on his coffin supposed that the spot -would be held sacred.
We Canadians have been greatly benefitted by the troops when they
were here, and Ave all were glad enough of their protection at times like
'66 and '70, and even in earlier tiraes, as well as the Trent affair. And I
consider it as giving up a sacred trust on the part of the Mount Royal
Protestant cemetery trustees to hand over this spot for such a ridiculous
purpose as is intended. I do hope public feeling will be aroused, that
the desecration will never take place, and that a memorial will be sent
to the War office anent it. As a representative of Her Majesty's troops,
and one who had a good deal to do with this burying ground for eight
years. I protest against its being ruthlessly broken into and the monu
ments and gravestones and the bones of warriors there interred re
moved. J. D. B.

fi^

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 263

Ifuel for fiDontreal
The folloAving letter AA'ritten by rae inthe Montreal " Star " March
1872— the year of the the terrible scarcity of fuel in Montreal is worthy
of preservation, Avith the reraarks of that paper.
One of the finest sights that the Streets of iVl ontreal ever witnessed
was that sarae year Avhen to help the poor of all nationalities and
denorainations, that large hearted "Apostle of the North" Mgr.
(Father Labelle) arrived in Moutreal Avith sorae hundreds of sleighs, all
loaded with wood for the Corporation to distribute to the freezing poor.
If the good Father had never done anything more in his public life, this
act comraended hira to the estimation of all but we can also see at
page 196 in the History of the C. P. R. — what his acts were then.
Many a poor Avidow's eyes [AAere Avet Avith thanks and orphans made
warm by his timely and kind aid as Avell of the action taken of ray sug
gestion and St. Helen Island's trees — The Spring of 1872 Avas a very in
clement and cold one and March was one of the coldest months of that
winter. " In the present dreadful scarcity of fuel, AAould it not be fulfilling
the duties and responsibilities of the City Fathers if the Corporation
could make some arrangeraent with the Dominion Government to be al
lowed to take away all the fallen trees on St. Helen's Island'? I remem
ber, Avhen a Chaplain to the troops, my duties took me several times a
week over to the Island, remarkins frecpiently on the fine large trees
lying all over the Island, and rotting quietly aAA'ay. Your readers can
also remeraber the great hurricane Avhlch did such damage to the orna
mental trees of our city two years ago. It also passed over St. Helen's
Island, and laid several scores of trees level with the ground.
These trees consist of maple, birch, hicory and beech. To-day beech
is being sold at $15 per cord, and, roughly calculating, sorae hundreds
of cords could be gathered on St. Helen's Island, Avithout touching a
single standing tree growing aud in life, for there arejraany of the large
trees standing, quiet dead, or nearly so. Let then, the City Fathers,
before the ice goes, get this wood for the poor of their city, and I am
sure the Dominion Government will not refuse their request. Trusting
the suggestion throAvn out may be acted upon. J, D. B.
" The letter Ave published last night from the Rev. J. Douglas Borth
wick, suggesting that the fallen trees on St. Helen's Island be utilized

264 UlSl'Oftt Of MOtJTfea^L
as fuel, must commend itself to every citizen, and should be acted 'upon
without a moment's delay. If it is necessary to procure the permission
of Sir G. E. Cartier, —surely a mere formality — the same should be done
by telegraph, and the work of hauling the timber at once begun. We
notice that a contemporary suggests the thinning of shade trees on the
streets, as a means of alleviating, in some measure, the sufferings of the
poor, and we regard this suggestion, also, as worthy of immediate atten
tion. The suffering from the present fuel famine can scarcely be over
estimated, yet there is an immense store of wood in some of the yards —
some of which has been held for years, and will likely be held for many
more."

?^?

HISTORY OP MONTREAL. 263

(Breat funerals.
Some great funerals have been seen in the streets of Montreal during
the last half of this century
One of the most important Avas that of the first Anglican Bishop of
Montreal and Metropolitan of Canada, whose pretty monuraent stands
in the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral. The writer Avell remembers
the day, for it was a long walk from the Cathedral to Mount Royal
Cemetery. This event is fixed in the rainds of the old Clergy of the
Diocese, now alive, Avho attended the iraposing obsequies.
Another funeral, and perhaps one of the largest ever seen in Mon
treal, was that of Sir George Cartier. His whole life was aroraance. His
wife, Lady Cartier, was a few days ago, long years after hira, laid
to rest. It was a national funeral, at the expense of the Dorainion, and
no man deserved it more. People who saw or participated in the pro
cession will never forget it.
Another national funeral was that of D'Arcy McGee. Foully mar-
dered as he was entering his house at Ottawa, after delivering one of the
most magnificent of his many speeches, it behoved the Government to
give him a public funeral, and well it Avas carried out. The obsequies of
McGee were grand. Thousands and thousands passed round his remains
in his house St. Catherine Street, which had been denoted to him by his
over open hearted countrymen. Passing through St. James Street the
sight was impressive and yet sorrowful. Scores of Priests, Ministers
Judges, Advocates, Doctors, Notaries, Merchants, a dense long mass of
the wealth and influence, not only of Montreal, but Canada, walked
solemnly behind the remains of the distinguished orator and poet. Per
haps the villany of his death, by Fenian hands, had something to do
with the universal sympathy. Be that as it may, McGee's public funeral,
and especially when it passed St. James Street and Place d'Armes Avill
be a thing ever to be remembered.
The funeral of General Wyndam has already been described.
When that good Archbishop Bourget died, his obsequies Avere one of
the raost magnificent that ever Avere seen in Montseal, and the treraen-
dous crowds of onlookers and the long procession, deraonstrated the love
and affection of his people to the dead Prelate.
The funeral of Hackett had a still more significant meaning than his
simple carrying to the tomb. Those Avho saAV it can never forget the

HISTORY OP MONtRtiiL.

long procession of Orangemen from the Ottawa District, from the Hun*
tiugdon District, and Eastern Townships, audit was a source of thanks
giving that the day passed without bloodshed and murder, as the minds
of men were high strung on social, political and other tensions.
The funeral of Guibord was an occasion which at one time was
thought to precipitate the city into internecine war, but the ability and
energy, and the pluck and suavity of the then Mayor, (now Sir William
Kingston,) at least prevented an outbreak, and the orders of the highest
Court in the Empire were carried out without any rash efforts of the
population.

HISTORY OP MONTREAL. 267

FIRMS. Etc.

SPOKEN OF

- in-

Other Parts of This Book

HISTORY CF MONTREAL 269

The METROPOLITAN
. . ESTABLISHED 1892 . .
Montreal's Live Weekly Society Journal.
WALDEMAR WALLACH, Proprietor.
>v *v *•#
Published every Saturday morning. Price five cents per copy, or
$2.00 per year to every part of Canada or the
United States.
SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS.
Social and Personal News from the leading cities of the Dominion •
Music and the Drama, Sporting, Finance, Woman's Realm, Literature
Illustrations, etc., etc.

PUBLISHING OFFICE :
U2 St, jftancois Javier Street,
:M:o:N"a?i^EA.Xj.
The CHRONICLE

Jnsurance anb ^Finance.
ESTABLISHED JAN. 1881. PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY.
At 151 St. James Street, Montreal.
R. WILSON SMITH, Proprietor.

270 HISTORY OF MONTRBAL.

QEO. W. SADLER. GEO. F. HAWORTH.

SADLER & HAWORTH

(Formerly Rob<n, Sadler & Haworth)

MANUFACTURERS OF

Oak Tanned . . .
Leather Belting;

DEALERS IN

RUBBEB ANB COTTON BELTIN&
And Mill Supplies.

»???????

MONTREAL: TORONTO:
511 William Street. 9 Jordan Street.

HISTORY 0F:M ONTREAL,

271

.PEcarmet®!© Retfi^i^^fe

E. GIROUX; Jr., - Proprietor.

•^i-i^

216 St. Lawreiice St. ¦ MONTREAL,

272

HISTORY OF MONTREA.

Queen's Hotel

'6fe^

• • ffiONtREAL. • •

Gopi^er of Wii^dsor ar^d St« Jan^es Sts.
THE ONLY FIRE PROOF HOTEL
*•* IN THE OITY OP MONTREAL '•*
. . STRICTLY FIRST-CLASS . .
C. & N. VALLEE, Proprietor. CEO. D. FUCHS, Manager.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL

273

J. W. SHAW Sl CO

Piee

©g ^ f£)fe@es

AND
nysiGAb iNSTRa/nnNTs.
Largest Piano and Music House in the Province,
S'^le Agency for
WEBER -:- GERHARD ~:~ HEINTZMAN
^^_SHAW PIANOS_^:::>
Lowest Prices. Pianos in Instalments. Pianos Tuned.
Pianos Repaired. Pianos Exchanged
SHAW'S PIANO AND MUSIC HOUSE

2274 St. Catherine Street.

^V ALTER PAUL
^jfamil^ (3roccr-^
still keeps the Lead as a Purveyor of
FiRST CLASS GROCERIES ,
"* FRUITS AND PROVISIONS
With all the extras in these lines that are to be got in any market

CORNER METCALFE & ST. CATHERINE STS.

274 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

GOPIPOOHOIP PQESmPTlOKS.
You Want us to be
Careful with yours.
Two persons read every prescriptions sent to us, And
check the drugs aud their weighing and ineasuring to
prevent mistakes.
YOU WANT PURE PRUGS
We are afraid to keep any other kind. We make sure of
ofthe identity of every drug and chemical that we buy
and watch our stock constantly and see that none de
teriorates.
YOU WANT LOW PRICES
After we have given you pure drugs and carefulness we
are just as careful to be reasonable and cons ientious' in
our charges. TRY US.

gl^ESGI^IPiniOH (sHEMISrp
2208 St. Catherine Strept, Oor, University. Branch ; St- Catherine St, Oor. Guy,
..COLIN CAMPBELL..

¥r0rist sRid S)e@0r<at©r
2267 St. Catherine Street,
(FORMERLY OF BEAVER HALL HILL,)
Greenhouses at Rockfield, near Lachine,,.-^'' ^

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 275

THE COLONI A.L HOUSE
HENRY MORGAN & CO.

This enterprise was established in lf^44 by Mes^is. David Smith and
Henry Morgan, la 1(35'2 Mv. Smith retired, and Mr. James Morgan was
admitted (a brother of Mr. Henry Morgan), and at that time connected
with the wholesale dry goods house of Muirhead & Morgan, in GlasgoAV,
Scotland. Upon his enteranee into partnership, the present style of the
firm was adopted and has ever continued an honorable name^ and a veri
table trade mark to all purchasers of reliable dry Fgoods, etc. The pre
sent co-partners are Mr. James Morgan and Colin D. Morgan. They are
recognized authorities in the trade, and bring to bear splendid busi
ness qualifications. Mr. James Morgan is the son of the late Mr. James
Morgan, and was born in Glasgow iu 1847, and coming to Canada in his
boyhood was educated at the Montreal High School. Mr. Colin D. Mor
gan was born at Peebles, Scotland, in lS4f) ; he was educated in JLondon
England, and then became connected with the house. The establishment
was for many years located at the corner of St. James Sireet aud Vic
toria Square, but the firm decided wisely to lead in the movement up
town, and in 1891 completed the erection of their present magnificent
building on St. Catherine street, the finest building in America devoted
to the retail dry goods business, It cost $32.'), 000,', while the ground cost
$100,000 additional. It is built entirely of imported red sandstone, and
is a remarkably handsome piece of architecture, four stories high, and
basement, in height, and Sll feet by 260 in dimensions. The fixtures are
all of California whitewood, producing a chaste and elegant effect. Tho
appearance of the main floor with its various ^departments and profuse
display of goods has no equal in Canada, and is fully up to any store in
New York. The arrangement of departments are as follows : 1 st floor,
general dry goods, silks, satins, dress fabrics in all the newest textures
shades and patterns, dress trimmings, ribbons, laces, gloves, flannels,
stationery drugs in the most comprehensive assortment and all standard
oroprietary remedies, and toilet preparations, On the second floor are
mantles, suits, sewing machines, and optical aud millmery de'-
nartments ; here also is the display of fine china, books and stationary
On the third floor is the display of furniture, carpets, and upholestered
goods while on the fourtn floor are the workrooms aud Mressmakmg
department. Here also is a dinning hall for the employees, of whom
there is over 400. This is the only dry goods house m the city having a
ladies waiting and reception room. It is most xichly furnished and car-
oPted with immense mirrors set ou the walls. Connected Avith it are
lavatories with mahogany fixtures. The firm's greatenterpri.se in this
resoect is duly appreciated by the ladies of Moutreal and vicinity The
firm are direct importers of staple aud fancy dry goods from i ranee,
Germany, Switzerland, England, and Scotland.

278 HISTORY OP MONTREA.

T. A. GROTHE

. . . MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER OF . .

m

Gold and Silver Watches
Clocks, Eye Glasses , ,

AND

JEWElil2ERlES IN GENERAL
Sorictp Necklaces an^ Badges, <JIompetition iWebals.

Specialty : WEDDING RINGS.
95 and 952 St. Lawrence St.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

277

yib%

'5<-

<^<.*-,vg

^"^y'm^^

'. .-««

c

7/.' .;>?('

L,. r). s., D D H,
Notre Danie Street,
MONTREAL, Camada.

278'

HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

W EDWARD CAVANAGH CO.

Mr. Edward Cavauagh, head of the firm of The Edward Cavanagh
Company, is one of Montreal's most important and enterprising business
men. He belongs to the ranks of Irish-Canadians who do honor to their
race, and in all his business carries with him a reputation second to none
inthe city. Mr. Cavanagh was born in Hemmingford, in 1858. He re
ceived his education in the Montreal College and then commenced his
business training, by spending four year in a large hardware establish
ment. In 1881 he commenced commercial life for himself by opening
a store on Notre Dame street. One year later, he removed to his pre-,
sent large premises ou the corner of Notre Dame street, which are to
day one of the largest, best equipped and stocked hardware and paint
stores in this city. The trade of the firm has been pushed with such
vigor and judgment that now it embraces all of Eastern Canada and
Ontario. Mr. Cavanagh is a member of the C. O. P., I.O.O.P., 0 M.B.A.,
National Alliance, A. O. U. W., and Knights of Labor.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 279

ESTABLISHED IN CANADA IN 1863.
Canadian Branch Head Office Montreal.
LONDON AND LANCASHIRE
Assurance Company.
Low Rates. Absolute Security. Prompt Settlements.
B. HAL BROWN, J. L. KERR,
Manager. Assistant Manager.
^=-=  ANNUAL INCOME, St, 316, 333:  ==^

L. J. A. SUR VF. YER,
hardware IBerehant,
No 6 St. Lawrencj Main St., - (DoNTi^EAii.
Builders' and House Furnishing HARDWARE, Cutlery,
Tools, etc., etc. Lace Curtain Stretchers, Eclipse Door
Springs, and all NOVELTIES in the line.
BELL TELEPHONE 1914.

JAMES HARPER,

. MANUFACTURER OF

The Gettalel Harpei's

2425 ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
-;- AND -:-
18 ST. PHILIP STREET,

280

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

_@_

PHARMACIE PICAULT.

3

GROS ET DETAIL . .
1475 IRue motre Dame, = nSNTREAL.

RIEMDEAU HOTEL

The Riendeau Hotel is centrally located at Nos. 58-CO Jacques Car-
tier Square. This popular place was openad in 1889 by Mr. Joseph
Riendeau, vs^ho is an experienced hotel man. Mr. Riendeau was born in
Longueuil, and at one time was the proprietor of the Canada Hotel. He
afterwards opened a hotel on St. Gabriel street, knovph as the Riendeau
Hotel. His present hotel is a spacions four-storey and basement stone
building, 70 x 125 feet in size, and contains all niodern improvements,
steam heat, electric lighis, call bells, elevator, telegraph and telephone
offices, barber's shop, baths,?etc. Theparlors are handsomely furnished
the dining room comfortably seats a hundred guests, and is conducted on
the American and European plans, the terms being only from $2.i 0 to
$3.00 per day. It has on its roof a pavilion from which guests can obtain
the flnest views of the river St. Lawrence.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 281

B. J. COGHLAN.
AN enterprise of great importance to the welfare of Montreal, and whose works
-"¦ are at Hochelaga, and are amongst the most extensive in the country, giv'\ng
employment to a great number of men, are those of B. J. Ooghlan, Esq. His office
and warehouse is situated at 364 St. Paul Street. He deals extensively in all kinds
of railway supplies, hardware, iron, steel, etc., and is the sole representative of the
following wall-known manufacturers in GreatBritain : Messrs. John Brown & Oo.,
Ltd., Sheffield ; John Round & Son, Ltd,, Sheffleld ; Michael Hunter & Son, Shef
field ; Glasgow Iron and Steel Company, Glasgow; Payton & Co., Birmingham;
Birmingham Battery & Metal Co., Birmingham. He is also sole agent in Montreal
for the celebrated White Star Line of Ocean Greyhounds. Mr, Coughlan is a
native of the county of Galway, Ireland, and received his education at Trinity Col
lege, Dublin. He ln,s been Justice of the Peace for over 20 years, a member of the
Board of Trade for 27 years, and a Life Governor for both the Notre Dame and
Gen3ral Hospital-, and is one of the oldest raembers of the Montreal Hunt Club.
Mr. Coughlan is one of our best known and most highly respected citizens, con
tributing largely to the development of the city by his energy and the amount of
employment he affords in his general business. As Rector of Hochelaga for 24
years, J can say that his works in that new municipality ever were the means of
employing many families living in the village, and giving employment to many
who contributed to build up what is now the H ichelaga Ward of Montreal.
EDWARD L. BOND
INSURANCE
Fire Marine Accident Plate Glass
CHIEF AGENT in Canada tor leading British, Continental and
American Offices.
30 ST. FRAIMCOIS XAVIER STREET.

GERMAIN BEAULIEU
Hbvocate
97 ST. JAMES STREET, - Banque du Peuple BLilding
. £t001^ SO .

CHS. L. GERMAIN
Hbpocate
¦j<To. IO I^TJE ST. j"j^cq,tj:bs.

282 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.
J. C. SPENCE & SONS,
37k Bleury Street.
This is one of the most successful firms in Montreal, engaged in the
manufacture of ecclesiastical and domestic stained glass, church furnish
ings, and decorations. The business was founded in 1»56 by the late J,
C. Spence, who eventually admitted his sons, W. R. and H. J. Spe- ce
into partnership. J. 0. Spence died in 1891. The business occupies two
spacious floors 75 x 30 feet in area, a"d the stock is the following
articles of altar furnishings, very moderate in price, viz : — Brass flower
vases, brass alter desks, alms basins, plain and engraved,, wax altar
lights, candlesticks, altar crosses, pocket communion sets, chalices, etc.
siik and linen fringes, stoles, altar linen, bnrses, etc. The firm make a
specialty of stained glass for churches, dwellings, and stores, in every
style of art; also leaden transom lights, and door lights in all grades, and
their trade extends throughout the Dominion. At the World's Fair,
Chicago, they were awarded a medal for their beautiful stained glass
windows. Both the sons were born in Montreal, and have spent all their lives
in this business. This is the oldest establishment of the kind in Mon
treal.

GOLD MEDAL AWARDED. SILVER MEDAL AW RDED.
2 Gold and S Silver and § Bronze Medals and 17
Diplomas awarded for Superior Excellence.

CHARLES GURD & Co.
Belfast (finger ^le an5 ^erate5 toatcrs,
.LYON SILVERMAN..

^

. iflavorina JEitracts, perfumery ^
'' . Sauces, (Broccrs' Sundries, 6lc.
And Proprietor Canadian Extract of Beef Co.
388 & 390 ST. PAMI- STREET,

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 283

RONAYNE BROS.

No house in Montreal eu.ioysa better reputation than the boot and
shoe establishment of Messrs. Ronayne Bros., Chaboillez Square. The
citizens of Montreal refer to this liouse witli pride as an evidence of what
the possibilities of the trade are when ample capital and enterprise are
allied to energy and industry. This business was founded in 1^6(> by the
father ofthe present proprietors. Mr. Ed P. Ronayne has been brought
up in this business and is iuWy conversant \\ith its requirements. They
occupy four spacious adjoining stores, which are furnished in an elegant
manner. The .stock is one of the most comprehensive in the city, inclu
ding the finest lines of foreign aud domestic boots and shoes, slippers,
sporting shoes of all kinds, and rubljer shoes fromf-e leading manufac
turers. Here can he obtained the hi-'hest grade of slippers. Oxfords,
ladies', misses' aud childreu'.s footwear: also dainty French kid ball
slippers to stout shoes for men's and boys' wear. The business is both
wholesale and retail. Ten assist;uits are employed, aud Messrs. Ronayne
quote prices that defy competiticni, and their patronage is consequently
of a large and fashicmable character The partners are natives of Mont
real, active members of the Board of Trade, and are highly regarded for
their strict probity This house well merits the large measure of ]iop-
ularity it has for so many years enioyed from the public.

Municipal Debentures, Government and Provincial Bonds,
Railway and other Investment Securities
BOUGHT, SOLD OR NEGOCIATED.

K AA^ILSON-SMITH, FINANCIAL AGENT,
I SI St. James Street, MONTREAL.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES-Suitable for
Banks, Trust Estates, Insu ance Companies,
Permanent Investment or Deposit with
Canadian Government.

28i

HISTORY OF MONTREAL.

COLIN McARTHUR & CO.
1030 Notre Dame Street, - MONTREAL

Cdt of Pbistix* Flat,
PREVIOUS to the year 1878, Canadians were compelled to depend upon the
Uaited States for wall paper of all kinds. Then the enterprising flrm of
Messrs. Watson & McArthur founded an establishment in Montreal, known
as the " Montreal Wall Paper Factory."
Mr. McArthur is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born i,n 1835. He
was educated at St. Enoch's School in his native city, and was for sixteen years
associated with the firm of Wylie & Lochead, wall paper manufacturers. For a
good portion of that time he held the post of mxnager in th 'ir eshablisnmsnt. He
was very frequently called upon to represent the Interests of the Glasgow house
in the United States and Oanada, becoming thus well acquainted with business
life on this side of the Atlantic, finally spvering his connection with Wylie & Loc
head, and settling in Toronto, where he remained for four years. In 1870 he re
moved to Montreal, and eight years later became a partner in the firm already
alluded to.
CFrom its very commencement the business was eminently sucoessful. Mr.
McAuthur had brought out from Scotland skilled labor, such as could not at that
time be obtained in this country. In 1884 the founders dissolved partnership, and
the business was thereafter conducted by Colin McArthur & Co.
The old premises situated on Grey Nun Street, were too small for the demands
of the rapidly increasing trade, so a removal was made in 1884 to the present loca
tion at 15 Voltigenr Street. The building which was formerly occupied by Molson's
College, is a handsome four-story structnre, and is thoroughly equipped with all
niodern appliances and machinery, as well as every other requirement of this im
portant trade.
It is needless to say thai; Colin McArthur, through their superior ability, enter
prise and integrity, has retained the good will and respect of a constantly increas
ing circle of patrons.
The Montreal Wall Paper Factory is an institution of which Montrealers may
justly feel proud. It, from the first, deserved t to succed, and it has enjoyed
success in no small measure.

HISTORY OF MONTREAL, 285

BalmHole

li

|10NTI^EALi, ©AN.
A. ARGH- WEliSH, - Proprietor.
CONDUCTED on both the American and
European plans. Palatial in appointment,
yet home like. Elegant lofty Dining Hall.

BALL ROOM
AND CAFE . .

Fine Cusine, under an experienced French
Chef and personal supervision. Table d'Hote.
Free Busses meet all trains and boats.

TERMS— American Plan, $2.50 to $400 per day-
European Plan $1.00 per day.

286 HISTORY OP MONTREAL.

The extensive works of the Dominion Oil Cloth Company on St.
Catherine and Parthenais streets, Montreal, represent a gradual and
steady growth, which has been the result of the excellence of the goods
produced and of good business engagement. T he company was formed
in the year 1872 in a very small way as compared to the large premises
they now occupy, which comprises six large factories together with a
very extensive warehouse. The works of the company turn out a great
variety of goods to suit all classes of customers. In the iioor oil cloth
department are to be found a great selection of patterns, which are
made in all the various widths, from a strip of IS inches wide for stairs
to sheets of 12 feet for large rooms, In the light goods section every de
scription of table, shelf, stair and enamelled carriage oil cloths are made,
all of which are acknowledged to be second to none made on the Con
tinent. About one hundred and twenty skilled workmen find constant
work in tbis factory, while many others are employed in the various in
dustries, which are in part supported by the company's ^vants, as the
large quantities of cotton goods, such as sheetings, drills and ducks used
by them are now all produced in the cotton mills of this Country ; they
also use large quantities of varnish, linseed oil, brushes, dry colors, etc.,
which are now made in Canada. Besides manufacturing oil cloth, this
company make all their own paints, immense quantities of which are
used in making the various lines of oil cloth. They also manufacture
and supply the jobbing trade with the celebrated D. O. 0. brands of pure
white lead paints and putty, which are known all over the Dominion.
The paid-up capital of the company is $20J,000, a sum that has enabled
them to procure the most improved machinery and facilities for pro
ducing sufficient goods in their lines to supply the wants of the entire
Dominion, below prices of ten or fifteen years ago. This large invested
capital also shows that they are in a position to keep abreast of all im
provements in the oil cloth business. The ofiicers of the company are :
President, Mr. Andrew Allan ; Vice-President, Mr. J. O. Gravel ; Treasurer
Mr. J. J. McGill ; Man. Director and Secretary, Mr. John Baillie.
I have pleasure in recording the great advance of this company,
for as one connected with the East End of Montreal since 1865, I have
noticed its inception, gradual growth and absorption of all the pro
perties which surrounded it. I can remember when it boasted alone of
the old stone building on Parthenais street in its earlier days and I can
remember over twenty years ago, visiting the factory. JSTow one loses
himself in its extensive buildings and can hardly believe that it is the
same concern. May it prosper, for it is one of these institutions
of native industry which deserves the hearty endorsation of every Cana
dian, English or French, J. D. B,

HISTORY OF MONTREAL. 287

RENAUD, KING & PAHERSON
^ Fii^e F^ri^itarc ar^d Bcddii^g ^
Brass ar^d Iroi^ Bedsteads
652 GRAIG STREET, MONTREAL.

Prominent among the houses of entsrprise and refinement actively
engaged in the sale and manufacture of fine and medium furniture and
bedding in the city of Montreal is that of Messrs. Renaud, King and
Patterson, whose office and warerooms are centrally situated at 652
Craiff street. This important and extensive bn.siness -was founded by
Mr. Wm. King, who conducted it till 1 ^^Sf, wlien Messrs. Renaud and
Patterson became partners, the firm being known as Renaud, King and
Patterson, The partners are thoroughly i)taetical and expert cabinet
makers and upholsterers. They occnjjy a large four story and basement
building, "25 x 120 feet in area, extending to l^\irtilication Lane, aud three
floors of the adjoining warehouse. Here they keep always a heavy
and choice stock of parlor, library, hall, bedroom, dining room and
kitchen furniture— the parlor suits being obtainable in all the latest
styles of upholstery. In rich upholstering, of fanc\' and drawing-room
chairs, sofas, couches, lounges, parlor suits, rockers, etc., we have sel
dom seen such a beautiful display, and the most fastidious can readily
be suited here. They also import first-class iren bedsteads, Austrian
bentwood furniture, rattan gnods, etc., and make to order, from special
designs, cabinet ^vork and fine upholstery, using all kinds of rich cabinet
avoods as mahogany, cherry, ebony, rosewood, Frencli walnut, quarter
ed oak, cocobala, bird's-eye maple, etc. Their flne furniture is unsur
passed for elegance, quality of material and work.
LORGE & CoT
Hatters ^ Furriers

71 ST. LAWRENCE MAIN STREET,
TVtONTReKL-.

288

HISTORY OF MONTRBAL.

THE-
WIGHTMANSPORTING
GOODS CO.

THIS is a prosperous concern and enjoys the reputation of handling,
only the best goods and of dealing honourably with its patrons.
They are manufacturers, importers and wholesale and retail dealers in
fishing tackle, sporting goods, fancy goods and smallware. Their place
of business is at No. 403 St. Paul Street, of which Mr . A, R. Wightman is
ole proprietor. It is an old established House, its foundation dating
from 1863, when it was inaugurated by the flrm of Ostell & Company.
To these, in 1887, succeeded that of Wightman, Ramsay & Company.
which w^as dissolved in 1889, the present company becoming proprietors.
The premises occupied were for many years on Custom House Square,
but the business inereased so much that it had to be removed. Here the
company utilizes an entire four-story building with basement, 30 x 60
feet, which is fully stocked with the choicest assortuent of sporting goods
of all kinds to be found in the country. The house is recognized by our
leading sportsmen and athletes as the headquarters for obtaining every
thing they may want in any of their line. Fishing tackle is a leading
speciality, and safety bicycles and lacrosses, and the trade is both whole
sale and retail. The house is sales agent for the Goold Bicycle Co., of
Brantford, Ont., also of the celebrated goods of Spaulding Bros,, of New
York and Chicago. Mr. Wightman is a native of Toronto, and is ex
tremely popular, especially with sportsmen.

INDEX • TO •
SKETCHES REMARKS, Etc.' '
Page.
Mayor's Dedication  7
Preface   9
Maisonneuve  II
Letter of Maisonneuve..  13
Letter of General Amherst  17
James McGill  18
Principal Citizens in 1801  19
Battle of Chatauguay  20
Lighting of Montreal  c.  21
W. W. Ogilvie  21
Beginning of Lachine Canal  22
Incorporation of Montreal  ,  22
Visit of the American Asso. Adv. of Science  23
Death of Sir George B. Cartier  2,5
Guibord  , -5
Prince Arthur's Arrival  2.5
Marquis of Lorne and Princess Louise  25
St. Lawrence Channel  •  27
Growth of Montreal  28
Notes sur I'Histoire de Montreal  30
List of Mayors of Moutreal  •.,  43
Sketch of Mayor R.Wilson Smith  45
" " K. Prefontaine  ,  48
Alderman Rainville....  49
" " " Beausoleil  49
" " " Brunet  .-..- 50
" " Grothe  51
" Laporte  •  51
<i " " Costigan  52
11 " " Col. Stevenson  ,  52
.< " " Archambault   ,  54
I, " " Savignac  54
ll " " Dupr6  55
« " " Martineau  55

Sketch of ' L. O. David, City Clerk  55
" " Col. Hughes  S7
" " J. O. A. Laforest  58
" " Coroner McMahon  ,.  58
" " Chief Detective Carpenter  58
" " Chief Z. Benoit  59
" " J. E. Dor6  59
" " E. O. Champagne^  60
Public Squares of Montreal  61
Sketch of Alderman Harper   65
" " " McBride  65
" " " Sadler  65
" '¦ " Jacques  Pg
" " " Kmsella  f6
•' " " Charpentier  67
" " Recorder DeMontigny  67
" Percival St. George  ^  68
" " J. Rouer Roy, Q.C  ,  68
Notre Dame Street  71
Sir. J. M. LeMoyne  71
Dollier de Canon  71
Col. Ethan Allan  72
A Daring Deed  74
Capture of Montreal  74
'j he First Steamboat of the St. Lawrence  75
Entrance of U. S General Hull etc., as Prisoners of War  79
Sunday 4th November, 1838  80
Whipping  86
First Instance of Felony  87
Burning in the Fland  87
The Pillory and Stocks ,  .,  88
Benefit of Clergy   90
Criminal Tables  64
Governor Vallee  97
Bridges in Montreal  97
Chateau de Ramezay  98
Champ de Mars  99
Congregation of Notre Dame  99
Contants'  102
Sheriff Thibandeau  102
Hon. A. K. Turcotte  104
Liist of Advocates in Montreal 1812  ^  104
Isist of Notaries in Montreal 1812  104
Last of Advocates 1837  .;  ¦. 104
L. J. Ethier, Q. C  :  105
Henri St. Pierre, Q. C  „ 106
List of Legal Firms  106

Place d'Armes -Square  109
The Guardian "Pilote"  110
George III. Bust  110
The Parish Churc i  112
James O'Donnell  112
Imperial Buildings    112
AVilliam Workman  112
The First Canadian Bank  113
St. James Street  116
TattersaU's  117
Little St. James Street  117
The Star  117
La Presse   117
La Patrie  117
Post Office  118
Arthur Dansereau  ,118
St. ;^Lawrence Hall  11 ¦<
Henry Hogan  118
Temple Building   120
Merchants' {Bank  1'20
George Hague  l'^''
Mechanic's Institute  120
Charles Alexander  128
Richard jHemsley  123
Victoria Square  '121
Old St. Patrick's Hall  128
St. Paul and Commissioners Streets  128
Bonsecour Market  il29
The Custom's House  ,...,.,...,,. .120
Allan's Offices  129
Place Koyale  1*^9
La Croix Rouge  •"•• I'^e
Bonsecours Church  >131
Maisonneuve's House  !|33
Under J.Montreal  ^^-^
Chief .Wholesale Merchants in.l816  ioo
^ l^ " 1888  134
Present St Fraucois Xavier Street  '124
1 Oft
St. Gabriel Street 
St. Joseph Street  1^6
gt Sacrament and Hospital Streets  136
s^r. John Street  ¦"

Board of Tfade Building  187
McGill Street  [  137
Merchants' Stocks in 1780  139
The Grey Nunnery  ,  139
Parliament Buildings Burned  141
Craig Street  :  143
M.S. Railway  144
The Wilson Block  144
Garth's Establishment  .'  144
Canada Paper Company  ,  144
J.C. Wilson & Co  146
The Gazette  146
The Herald  146
The Witne.ss  '.  146
C. P. R. Station, Craig'^Street  149
St. Antoine Street  149
Richmond Square.  149
,St. Denis Street  ]49
iLaval University  151 — 2
Cherrier Street   151
Prince Arthur Street  151
Victoria Hospital  152
Drolet Street  152
St. Lawrence Main^ Street  ].:  152
Surveyer & Co  154
liOrge & Co   154
j^lderman Grothe  154
Musee.Eden  ,. 154
Bleury Street  .:  .'¦  156
J. 0. Spence &, Son  156
Chs. &urd & Co  158
CunninghanL Bros  158
St. Patrick's Church  158
Origin of Vitre Sireet   158
Rev. Ed. Wood   159
Hotel Dieu,  159
Beaver Hall Hill  ,  160
St. Andrew's Church  160
StateDinner by Prince Arthur  ,  160
Story of St. Andrew's Church Organ  161
Alfred Joyce  :  161

Dorcaester. Street  ,  ,  ,,..,,   162
G-eneral Hospital  ,  162
Old High School of McG-ill  ''.. ''^". 162
Gr. "VV. Stephens  162
St. Paul's Church   162
Knox Church  ,  162
Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal  ,  162
Grrey Nuns  _^ 165
Y. W. C. Association  ,  165
American Presbyterian Church..,  166
Rev. Dr. McKay  ,  166
The Church Home  166
William Street, etc   168
Principal Streets near William,...,  168
Street Names  168
St- Stephens— Archdeacon Evans  170
Lachine Canal  170
The Grand Trunk Railway  lYl
Opening of the Yictoria Bridge  ITS
Rev. Dr. Ker  175
Verdun  175
John Crawford  ,  175
Cote St. Paul  175
St. Cunegonde   ._  17*7
St. Henri  '.  178
St. Catherine Street  178
Plateau Academy  ,180
P. S. Murphy  180
Dr. Robert Campbell  180
Morgan's Store  180
Birk's Store  182
The Veterinary College  182
Natural History Museum  182
Lewis' Store  182
Shaw's Store  184
John Murphy  185
C. Campbell's Store  185
Hamilton s "  185
Ogilvie's "  185
WalterPaul's "  187
Evangelistic Rooms  187
The High School  ,.. 187
The Synagogue  187
The Grien...  l8'.»

Dominion Square  ,  190
St. James' Cathedral  190
Tbe Windsor  198
Y. M. C. Association   193
Mr. Budge  193
The President, Mr. Ames  193
St. Greorge 's Church  ,  194
The C. P. R. Station, History of theC. P. R. -Railway  . .... 194
Montreal's Public Monuments  ,  196
St. Jude's Church  197
Sherbrooke Street  200'
Jacques Cartier Normal School  ,....,  '200
L'Abbe Verreau   200
Dr, Robins  '200
Mount St. Louis College  202
The aood Shepherd  -202
The Old Zoological Gardens  202
The Diocesan College  204
A. F. Gault  -204
McGill University  208
The Morrice Hall.!  208
The McTavish House Story  210
The Sherbrooke  224
The College of the Seminary  224
The Towers by Mrs. Leprohon  ,  226
Le Fort des Messieurs  227
Other Streets  ,  :  2S0
The Street Tablets  238
New Aldermen and Others  ^239
Alderman Ames  239
AM«rman Ekers  f239
Alderman Gagnon  240
James OochTane  ,.-  ....240
J.C. Archambeault, Q. C  241
Signs and Signboards of Montreal  243
Phantasmagoria of Citizens' names  250
Concluding Remarks  255
Educational Centenary  25Y
Scene in Craig and Camp de Mars  258
Burial ofthe last soldier in Montreal  261
Scarcity of Firewood in 1872  263
Great Funerals  265

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.
Plan of Montreal — Vignette  2
Mayor R. Wilson Smith  q
Letter of Maisonneuve  13
Letter of General Amherst  17
Victoria Bridge  24
Lachine C. P. R. Bridge  26
View of Place d'Armes  29
View of St.. Helen's Island  31
Bonsecours Church, 1657  ,34
Ville Marie Convent  39
Bon of Louis XIV  41
City Hall  42
.Jacques Viger —1st Mayor  43
Raymond Prefontane  47
Victoria Square  53
Viger Square  56
St.. Louis Square  60
Mount Royal Park  64
Madame Mance  69
Maisonneuve Signing Papers  73
Notre Dame Street  78
Notaries' Autographs  85
Sun Insurance Building  91
Jacques Cartier discovering Canada  93
Palmer's Store  95
Palmer's Store, No.. 2  96
Molson's College  101
Montreal Harbor -East  103
Maisonneuve Monument  167
Plate under the Monument  108
Imperial Building  Ill
Bank of Montreal and Post Office  114
New Fork Life Insurance Building  115
St. Lawrence Hall  -  119
Temple Building  121
Merchants' Bank  152
Charles Alexander and Store  124
Molson'.s Bank  •'  125
R. Hemsleys' Store  1-26
G T. R. Station  1-7

Bonesecour's Church, front  132
Chateau de Ramezay  ,  135
The Residence. 1650  138
The Harbor of Montreal  :  140
Death of Montcalm  145
The -Witness" Building  147
C.P.R Station, Craig Street  148
Entrance to St. Denis Street  150
Entrance to St. Lawrence Street  153
National Monument  155
Spence's Work at Lennoxville  157
Montreal General Hospital.  ,,  1^3
Montreal General Hospital Ambulances  Ig4
Belmont School   Igy
St. Stephen's Church  Igg
Victoria Bridge, 2nd View  I74
Sarsfield School  17g
Plateau Academy  I79
St. James' .Methodist Church  28I
Morgan's Store  Ig3
Birks' Store  185
Walter Paul's Store  Igg
Jewish Synagogue  ,  188
Dominion Square  191
Y.M.C. Association Building  292
C. P. Railway, Windsor Station   295
St. Jude's Church   19y
Jfl,cques Cartier Normal School  201
The Diocesan College  .,  203
McGill College, Entrance Gate  205
McGlll University  ¦  206
Presbyterian College  207
The Reservoir  209
Victoria Hospital 211
Mount St, Louis College 213
R. Wilson Smith's Residence ' 215
A. P. Gault's Residence 216
Senator Drummond's Residence 217
Wolferstan Thoma's Residance 218
J- Baxter's Residence 219
Lord Strathcona's Residence 220
W, W. Ogilvie's Residence 221
James Linton's Residence 222
The Towers 225
Dr. Brodeur's Residence 229
High School, Kindergarten 231

\^^^