Rolland, Hon. Jean Baptiste, Montreal, was born at Vercheres, Quebec, on the 2nd January, 1815. His grandfather came from France over a century ago, and his father, Pierre Rolland, was born at Vercheres, so that it can be seen that the family come of an old and honored ancestry. His mother, Euphrasine Donais, of the parish of Contrecœur, was also a member of an old French-Canadian family. The subject of this sketch was educated in the parish school of St. Hyacinthe, but when seventeen years of age he determined to seek his fortune elsewhere, and possessed of indomitable pluck and energy, and with only twenty-five cents ready cash in his pocket, he set out for Montreal. Although he was friendless and alone, he soon made some headway, entering the office of La Minerve as an apprentice to the printing trade, and afterwards worked for some years on the Courrier. In 1842, Mr. Rolland started in the book, paper and fancy goods trades, and the firm of J. B. Rolland & Fils, has for many years past been favorably known to the trade of the entire Dominion as extensive dealers in home manufactures, as well as large importers of French, German and English fancy goods, with a very large paper mill at St. Jerome. Leaving the active management of the mercantile business in the hands of his sons, Mr. Rolland entered extensively into the real estate business, buying valuable properties in the city of Montreal, besides acquiring extensive tracts of land in the adjoining village of Hochelaga. He built largely on his lands, both in Montreal and Hochelaga, acting as his own architect as well as contractor; and his success is an excellent illustration of the fact that money can always be made through judicious investments in real estate. In politics Mr. Rolland was always a pronounced Conservative, rendering valuable aid to his party, and his services in this respect were recognised by his being called to the Dominion Senate in 1887, in succession to the late Senator Senecal. In March of this year (1888), the honorable gentleman was taken suddenly ill at his residence in Montreal, and despite prompt and skilful medical attendance, died on the 22nd March, deeply regretted by a large circle of public and private friends. Mr. Rolland took an active interest in municipal affairs, having been alderman for East Montreal ward for nine years, and a magistrate since 1855. He was always prompt in identifying himself with any movement likely to build up the city of his adoption, and was at various times president of the Board of Trade and Manufactures, and of the St. Jean Baptiste Society; a director of the Citizens’ Insurance Company, and one of the harbor commissioners. Although himself a Roman Catholic, Mr. Rolland was one of these gentle, conciliatory spirits, who was on the most cordial terms with all classes—not only in politics, but in religion. He was married in 1839, to Esther Dufresne, of St. Laurent, and had issue twelve children, six sons and six daughters, four of each still living.
Drysdale, William, Bookseller, Montreal, was born in the city of Montreal on the 17th of April, 1847. His father, Adam Drysdale, was a native of Dunfermline, Scotland, settled in Canada many years ago, and for a long time held a position in the civil service of Canada, conferred upon him by the late Lord Elgin. His grandfather was one of the first persons to engage in the shipping trade between Scotland and Canada, especially to the port of Montreal. William Drysdale, the subject of our sketch, was educated at Montreal, in the school conducted by Mr. Hicks, who afterwards became the first principal of the Normal School in that city. Here he received a thorough commercial training, but owing to the serious illness of his father at the time, he was prevented from taking a classical course. After leaving school he entered the office of the late John Dougall, who was then publishing the Weekly Witness, and also carrying on a book business. Young Drysdale was given almost the entire charge of the book branch, which he conducted to the satisfaction of his employer. After a short time he entered the service of another bookseller, Mr. Grafton, with whom he remained for ten years, and was the confidential manager of the firm. In 1874 he commenced business on his own account, and owing to his early training and urbanity of manner soon acquired a business that is now second to none in the Dominion. His business relations extend from Gaspé to British Columbia. He has already published a number of important Canadian works that are of great value, in a historical sense, to the country at large. Mr. Drysdale, having strictly confined himself to business, has not had much time to devote to political affairs. He is in no sense a party man, but he takes a broad view of things generally. As a private citizen he, however, always takes an active part in whatever tends to improve his native city and help his fellow-citizens. He is on the executive of the following:—Society for the Protection of Women and Children, the Dominion Temperance Alliance, Boys’ Home (of which he is treasurer), Numismatic and Antiquarian Society, a life member of the Mechanics’ Institute, governor of the Montreal Dispensary, and is one of the most active promoters of the Protestant Hospital for the Insane. Mr. Drysdale is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is a superintendent of one of the Sunday schools. He was married in 1888 to Mary Mathie Wales, daughter of the late Charles Wales, merchant, of St. Andrews East. Duncan MacGregor Crerar, a New York poet, sums up Mr. Drysdale’s character in the following lines: —
Some are while careful of their own affairs,
And when successfully amassing wealth,
Who oft times will withdraw as if by stealth,
To render good to others unawares.
Well known to them the haunts of poverty,
Clothed are the naked, and the hungry fed,
Oft take they place beside the patient’s bed,