E. Blake Robertson, Ottawa
J. C. Breithaupt, Kitchener
Webber, John A., Assistant Postmaster, Hamilton, Ont., was born in the township of Binbrook, Wentworth County, December 10th, 1861, the son of Esau Webber, contractor, Hamilton, Ont., and his wife Isabella (Ledmon) Webber. He was educated at the Hamilton Public Schools and Hamilton Collegiate Institute, was appointed to the Civil Service as a clerk in the Hamilton Post Office, October 24, 1881, advancing steadily till, in June, 1918, he was appointed to his present position by the Civil Service Commission, an appointment received with general satisfaction by the press and business men of Hamilton, and one of the earliest important promotions made by the Civil Service Commission. He married on June 1, 1886, Helena S. Murray, daughter of John J. Murray (M.D. Trinity College, Dublin), of Waterdown, and has two daughters, Ada A., wife of R. H. Moore, Cleveland, Ohio, and Charlotte I. Mr. Webber is a member of the Canadian Club, President Hamilton Horticultural Society, Vice-President Hamilton Garden Club, Director of Ontario Horticultural Society, representing Niagara District, member of the Executive Council Hamilton Scientific Association, member of the Canadian Order of Foresters, life member of Canadian Red Cross, and a sustaining member of the Hamilton Health Association (Mountain Sanitary). He is an Anglican, and a member of the Executive Board of St. Thomas Church. Outside of his agreeable manner, intense activity is Mr. Webber’s outstanding characteristic, and his principal recreation seems to be in always doing things, and doing them well and cheerfully. Alluding to his appointment, “The Civilian” (organ of the Civil Service), says: “In the appointment of Mr. John A. Webber as assistant postmaster at Hamilton, we have another instance of the application of the merit system as inaugurated by the Civil Service Commission. He was appointed to the staff on October 24, 1881, and has risen from junior clerk to almost head by efficient work, his standing in all Departmental examinations being very high. For ten years before his present appointment, he acted as Superintendent of the office, filling the assistant postmaster’s place during Mr. Matthews’ absence, and while in these positions his courteous and prompt attention to the needs of the public made him a host of friends in the business world with whom the appointment is very popular. As to the staff, the appointment is equally popular, every man knowing that under Mr. Webber any grievance is sure of a fair hearing and a just decision in the matter.” Mr. Webber’s father was a prominent contractor in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, during which period he erected many public buildings and business blocks, among which were St. Mary’s Cathedral, Centenary Church, Masonic Hall, Lester Block and hundreds of stores, hotels and private dwellings. While carrying on the contracting business during the period of food shortage, following the Crimean War, he bought and operated a 200-acre farm in the county on which the subject of this sketch was born but only remained during infancy. During the Great War Mr. Webber took an active part in patriotic, Red Cross and Relief Work, and in his long connection as director, and for several years in succession President of the Hamilton Horticultural Society. Has contributed not a little to the beautifying of home surroundings throughout the city. In his connection with the Gordon Club and in the eight counties under his jurisdiction as director of the Ontario Horticultural Society he did much to stimulate the production of vegetables and other foods throughout the district during the war. His efforts in the direction received commendation from the President of the National War Garden Commissioner, Washington, D.C., for adding to the world’s supply of food during the war. Mr. Webber lives at 130 Stinson Street, where he delights in Horticulture.
Irwin, William Nassau (Toronto, Ont.), only son of Francis Irwin (Irish), for many years Treasurer of the town of Orangeville, county town of Dufferin, and Jane (Taylor) Irwin (Canadian). Born at Orangeville, Ontario, on November 14, 1863. Educated in the Public and High Schools of Orangeville, and Trinity College, Toronto. Studied law in office of McCarthy and Walsh, Orangeville, and afterwards with Mowat, Maclennan, Downey and Langton, and Maclaren, Macdonald, Merritt and Shepley, Toronto, graduating from Osgoode Hall, and called to the Bar in September, 1886. A member of the legal firm of Henderson, Irwin and Ungaro, Toronto. Married in September, 1893. His only son, James Carter Irwin, member of the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, wounded in action in Flanders, died at King George Hospital, London, England, July 31, 1916, from effects of his wounds, in his 18th year. Mr. Irwin was interested in bicycling, when that sport was at the height of its popularity, being President of the Athenaeum Cycling Club, and member of the Canadian Wheelmen’s Executive for several years. Member of the Church of England and the Orange Order. Interested in journalism. A Liberal-Conservative.
Sinclair, Robert Victor, K.C., Barrister and Solicitor, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Morrison (Colville) Sinclair, was born in Forestville, New York, May 24, 1861, and at an early age came to Canada with his parents and settled in Ottawa, where he received his education in the Ottawa Collegiate Institute. He read law with Stewart, Chrysler & Gormully from 1880 to 1885, and was called to the bar in the latter year, when he went into partnership with Mr. Gormully under the title of Gormully & Sinclair, and remained there until 1894, when he retired to practise alone. In 1900, he formed a partnership with the late Sir Adolphe Caron, the firm being known as Caron & Sinclair, and remained there until 1907, when he again retired to practise alone. In 1908 he was created a K.C. Mr. Sinclair is recognized in the Ottawa legal fraternity as one of the Capital’s most successful barristers. In 1907, Mr. Sinclair was elected a member of the Ottawa Stock Exchange. August, 1887, he married Daisy King, daughter of James W. King, ex-M.P., Director of Penitentiaries. He has one son and three daughters. He is a member of the Rideau Hunt Club, and was a member of the executive committee in 1907. In religion he is an Anglican, in politics a Conservative, and he resides at 237 Wilbrod St., Ottawa, Ontario.