Progressive development finds a worthy exponent in Joseph Versailles, whose connection with real-estate operations has been an element in the material development of his section of the province. He was born in Montreal on the 28th of March, 1881, a son of Joseph Versailles and Julie Monarque. Mention is made in L’Histoire de l’Eglise by Rhorbacher of a companion of Jeanne d’Arc of the name of Pierre de Versailles. In early Canadian records the family name frequently appears with many variations, including that of Martin and Louis Martin of this family who was born in 1639 and was massacred by the Iroquois Indians at Long Sault on the 21st of May, 1660. The first record found under the present family name is that of Guillaume Versailles, who was born in 1731 and died on the 27th of November, 1751, at Trois Rivières.
Joseph Versailles of this review was a student in St. Mary’s College (Jesuit) on Bleury Street, Montreal, from which he was graduated in 1903 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having completed the classical course. Turning from the educational field of business he was for six years proprietor of a hardware store and thus laid the foundation for the success which has since come to him through his activities in the real-estate field. Three years ago he founded the town of Montreal East and his real-estate operations there have been a foremost element in its development and substantial growth. He has recently erected one of the finest office buildings of Montreal on St. James Street, its height making it known as one of the skyscrapers. Mr. Versailles displays marked energy and determination and in his business career brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent, energetic and honorable effort. He has thoroughly qualified himself to discuss every phase of the real-estate business and with remarkable prescience he has recognized the possibilities for the city’s growth and the extension of its suburban interests. The town of Montreal East which he founded was incorporated June 4, 1910, and since that time he has continuously served as its mayor, in which connection he has largely promoted its interests and development.
On the 20th of September, 1904, Mr. Versailles was united in marriage to Miss Marie Prendergast, a daughter of the late M. J. A. Prendergast, managing director of La Banque d’Hochelaga for twenty-five years. He was with the pontifical zouaves in Italy from 1867 until 1870, engaged in the practice of law following his return to Canada and then entered upon active connection with banking interests. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Versailles are Marguerite, Pauline, Joseph and Yvan. The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Versailles was founder and the first president, in 1903 and 1904, of L’Association Catholique de la Jeunesse Canadienne-Française. In politics he does not maintain a position of aggressive partisanship. He believes in Canada first, rather than party, and in Canada for the Canadians and acting upon this belief his public service has been of benefit to the municipality and the general interests of society.
LEWIS D. PERHAM.
Lewis D. Perham, who for many years was connected with the customhouse of Montreal, was born in Russelltown, Quebec, in 1854, a son of Freeman Perham, a farmer of Russelltown. In the public schools of his native place Lewis D. Perham pursued his education and also attended a business college in Montreal. His life in one way was quietly and uneventfully passed, most of it being devoted to service in the customs department of his adopted city. For many years he was thus active in the government service and was occupying that position at the time of his demise. His long connection with the customs office plainly indicates his fidelity, capability and promptness in the discharge of his duties.
In 1885, in Montreal, Mr. Perham was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Phillips, a daughter of Thomas Phillips, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Four children were born to them, of whom two are living, Lewis P. and Ruth E.
Mr. Perham was a conservative in politics. For a few years he held membership with the Orangemen and he belonged to the American Presbyterian church. Death called him December 10, 1907, and those who were his associates in life mourned his death, for substantial qualities and commendable characteristics had endeared him to all who knew him. His life was upright and honorable, for he closely followed ethical and moral standards.