It may not be generally known that, although a very busy man, he acquired a knowledge of telegraphy and became an expert telegraphist.
He had a private wire erected from his palatial residence, Ravenscrag, and connected with the general telegraph office, and by this means kept in constant touch with the inward and outward movements of his large steamship fleet.
He was for many years a director of the Western Union Telegraph Company, and one of the early contributors to the first Atlantic cable, and for a time one of its directors, but Sir Hugh Allan will be better known as the originator of the Montreal Ocean Steamship Company (now known as the Allan Line.)
There was no limit to his superabundant energy; no important enterprise was thought of unless his name and influence was sought. He was president or director in nearly every financial or industrial company in Montreal. No one before or since has occupied such a commanding position in business life in Canada.
He received the honor of knighthood from the late Queen personally in recognition of his great public services; this honor was never more worthily bestowed.
Sir Hugh Allan was a native of Scotland, born at Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Sept. 29, 1810. His death took place in Edinburgh while there on a visit Dec. 9, 1882.
The wonder is that some enduring mark of public appreciation has not been formulated to perpetuate the name of one who has done so much for the land of his adoption.
A statue on Dominion Square would be a fitting momento.
“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And departing leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.”