The steps in the orderly progression of William Rutherford whereby he has reached his present advanced position in business circles of Montreal are easily discernible and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. Born in Montreal, April 22, 1864, he is a son of William and Elizabeth (Jackson) Rutherford, both of whom are of Scotch birth, the former coming from Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, and the latter from Biggar, Lanarkshire. They were representatives of the excellent Scotch type that has done so much for Canada and its substantial upbuilding. The father was a member of the first council of Cote St. Antoine, which afterward became Westmount. He was an enthusiastic curler and greatly enjoyed other outdoor sports. His interests, however, were largely concentrated upon the development and management of important business interests. He founded the lumber firm of William Rutherford & Sons in 1852 and was largely instrumental in developing it into one of the most extensive lumber enterprises of Canada.
In the acquirement of his education William Rutherford attended successively the schools of Cote St. Antoine, the high school of Montreal and the private school conducted by Hon. E. H. Springrice. He crossed the threshold of the business world as a junior clerk with Gillespie, Moffat & Company, general merchants, and subsequently became a clerk for the Pillow Hersey Manufacturing Company, owners of rolling mills, etc. Subsequently he entered the firm of William Rutherford & Sons of Montreal and upon the incorporation of the company became its treasurer. The business is today conducted under the style of William Rutherford & Sons Company, Ltd., dealers in and manufacturers of lumber and timber. The business is now one of mammoth proportions and in his official capacity William Rutherford of this review is bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control. Into other fields he has also extended his efforts and his business interests are now of considerable volume and importance, placing him among the prominent representatives of commercial and industrial activity in the province. He is now the president of the Dominion Box Company, Ltd., of the Grier Timber Company and the Dominion Park Realty Company, Ltd.
On the 16th of May, 1894, in Montreal, Mr. Rutherford married Miss Ida Bulmer, a daughter of John Bulmer and a representative of a well known Montreal family. Their children are William J., John B., Jean, Andrew S. and Marjorie. Presbyterians in religious faith, the family hold membership in St. Andrew’s church of Westmount. Mr. Rutherford is a liberal in politics, conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day. He has filled a number of local offices, having been elected alderman of Westmount in 1908, while in 1910 he was chosen mayor of the city. In 1913 he was made school commissioner of the city and in 1912-13 was a member of the executive committee of the Canadian Manufacturers Association. He is also a member of the committee of St. Andrew’s Society, while along more strictly social lines his membership is in the Canada, Engineers, Manitou and North Lake Fish and Game Clubs. His success permits him that leisure which enables him to enjoy fishing, hunting and other outdoor and indoor sports, but he is preeminently a business man and one whose successful methods might be studied by all who wish to gain prosperity within the legitimate lines of business.
CARL ROSENBERG.
Among the mercantile houses of Montreal the British American Import Company occupies a place of prominence and importance. Under this firm style Carl Rosenberg is connected with Canadian trade interests. Mr. Rosenberg was born in Kishenev, Russia, on the 15th of July, 1870, a son of Wolf and Bessie (Dachis) Rosenberg, both now residents of Montreal. The former has now retired from active business life.
Carl Rosenberg was one of those who did not find the opportunities which he sought in his native country and, seeking the benefits of British freedom, selected the Dominion of Canada for his field of operation and came to Montreal twenty-five years ago, or in 1889, when a young man of about nineteen years. After his arrival he went into partnership with a cousin, who had preceded him to the Dominion and who was engaged in the importing and dry-goods jobbing business. The name of the firm was Shiller & Rosenberg and they continued for two years, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Rosenberg became the leading factor in the establishment of the British American Import Company, who opened their place of business on St. Paul Street, Montreal. His ability as a merchant, his ready understanding of local market conditions and his indefatigable energy led to such growth of business that in 1909 the firm was enabled to put up a large building of their own at 516 St. Lawrence boulevard, into which they moved in 1910. The British American Import Company occupies a leading place in its line in Montreal and their reputation is of the highest. Its success is largely due to the executive ability of Mr. Rosenberg, its founder.
In 1888, when but eighteen years of age, Mr. Rosenberg, while yet in Europe, was married to Miss Clara Sperling and to them were born the following children: Hannah, who married Dr. Tannenbaum; Sarah, now Mrs. Aronson; and Madge, Rose, Sadie, David and Moses.
Mr. Rosenberg is a liberal and, adhering to the faith of his fathers, he was during 1910-11 a director of the Baron de Hirsch Institute, but his fast expanding business interests forced him to relinquish this position. He is a justice of the peace; vice president of the Herzl Dispensary; a founder and an ex-president of the Jewish Eagle Publishing Company, holding the latter office for five years; and a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 54, of the Masonic order. He is a shrewd and able business man and his name and that of his firm stand for successful accomplishment in the trade annals of the city.