CHAS. R. HOSMER.
Charles R. Hosmer, Esq.
“Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. Some have greatness thrust upon them.” It is no difficult task to determine to which class Mr. Hosmer belongs.
Born some fifty years ago in the little French Canadian village, Coteau Landing. On receiving an elementary training at the village school he turned his attention to telegraphy, and, instructed in its mysteries by the operator and agent at the railway station there, qualifying as an operator he secured a position with the Montreal Telegraph Company and was in its employ for some years.
When the Dominion Telegraph Company came into being he entered the service and rose step by step to the highest position attainable. When that Company merged with the Great North Western, Mr. Hosmer was offered and accepted the offices of President and General Manager of the Canada Mutual Telegraph Company, then recently organized. A few years later when the Canadian Pacific Railway Company were about to establish a commercial telegraph business, he was made General Manager, and held this for some thirteen or fourteen years, during which period he was very successful in organizing and carrying on this branch of the Company’s business. He was also a leading factor in exploiting the Commercial Cable and the Postal Telegraph Cable Companies; he is a Vice-President of the former and a director of the Canadian Pacific Railway, director of the Merchants’ Bank and many other financial concerns; President of the Ogilvie Milling Company, said to be the largest of the kind existing; a member of St. James’ Club and at one time President; he is also a member of Mount Royal (yclept the millionaires’ club).
Mr. Hosmer is a recognized leader in financial circles in Montreal; he is possessed of a cheery, bright and winning personality, affects no airs, gracious in manner with a pleasant word for all.
Although not actively connected with the Canadian Pacific Telegraph System, his guiding hand is always reached.
He is yet a young man, full of life and energy, there is no saying the number and kind of activities may further engage his busy and restless mind.
His motto seems to be:
“Still achieving, still pursuing,
And a heart for any fate.”