George Archibald Campbell, head of the legal firm of Campbell, McMaster & Papineau, of Montreal, was born in this city, September 26, 1875, a son of the Rev. Robert Campbell, D. D., an ex-moderator of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church in Canada and for more than fifty years one of the foremost divines of that denomination. His mother was the late Margaret (Macdonnell) Campbell. Both parents were of Scotch descent and were members of families prominent in the clerical and legal professions.
George Archibald Campbell supplemented his course of study in the Montreal high school by a course in McGill University, where he was graduated with first rank honors in 1896, upon the completion of the arts’ course. In preparation for the bar he then entered the law department and won his B. C. L. degree in 1901. He received the Macdonald traveling scholarship in law and he supplemented his instruction received at McGill by attending lectures at the Universities of Paris, Grenoble and Montpelier, France. He received his practical legal education largely under the direction of Donald Macmaster, K. C., M. P., and was called to the bar in July, 1901. Subsequently he became a member of the firm of Macmaster, Hickson & Campbell and entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he has now continued for thirteen years, his record being marked by an orderly progression that has brought him to an enviable position as a representative of the Montreal bar. He is now practicing as the senior partner in the legal firm of Campbell, McMaster & Papineau. In May, 1912, he was created a king’s counsel by Lieutenant Governor Langelier.
On the 20th of January, 1909, Mr. Campbell was married in Montreal to Miss Amy G. Dawson, elder daughter of William V. Dawson, head of the importing and manufacturing company of W. V. Dawson, Limited, of Montreal. Their religious faith is evidenced by their membership in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Campbell’s political views accord with the principles of the conservative party, and he is a member of the Liberal-Conservative Club. Something of the nature of his interests and recreation outside the strict path of his profession or in the field of citizenship is shown through his membership in the Montreal, University, Beaconsfield Golf, Hermitage Country and Canadian Clubs. He is also a member of the Montreal Art Association. He finds enjoyment in golf and in motorboating and also takes delight in amateur farming, all of which constitute an even balance to his intense professional activity.
WALTER JAMES PRENDERGAST, M. D.
Dr. Walter James Prendergast, a successful practicing physician, well read and holding ever to high professional standards, was born in August, 1857, at Cote des Neiges, before it became a part of Montreal. His father, Walter Prendergast, leaving his native Ireland, came to Canada in early life and for a number of years conducted a hotel at Cote des Neiges, but retired many years prior to his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Joanna Griffith, was a representative of an old family of Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Dr. Walter J. Prendergast pursued his education at St. Mary’s, from which he received the degree of B. A., and afterward spent three years as a student in McGill University, but finished his professional course at Bishop’s College, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1880. He remained throughout his later career a close student of his profession and thus his knowledge constantly broadened. Immediately following his graduation he began practice in Cote des Neiges and after ten years spent there removed to the city of Montreal, remaining in practice on St. Denis Street until his death. His widow and children returned to the old family home on Cote des Neiges road, where they now reside. Dr. Prendergast was a general practitioner and was much interested in his profession. In fact, anything which tended to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life was of interest to him and he ever read broadly upon subjects having to do with the safeguarding and restoration of health. In his professional capacity he did great good and was very charitable, for he would respond again and again to the call of the needy even when he knew there was no chance of remuneration for his services.
In Montreal, in 1892, Dr. Prendergast was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Scanlan, a daughter of Michael and Alice (Duggan) Scanlan. The latter, born in Montreal, was a daughter of Patrick Duggan, for many years a contractor of this city. For a half century Mr. Scanlan was connected with the growth of the import and export trade of this country. When seventeen years of age, or in 1857, he entered the service of David Torrance & Company and in 1872, when the Dominion line was established, he became wharf superintendent, which position he held until his death. During that period he was tireless in the faithful performance of his duty and in carrying out the wishes and furthering the interests of the corporation which he represented. Whether in Montreal, in Portland, Maine, or in Boston, Massachusetts, or wherever his duties called him he was the same genial, courteous gentleman, ever watchful of the interests under his care. He died October 20, 1907, at the age of sixty-seven years.
Dr. and Mrs. Prendergast became the parents of four children who survive, namely: Aileen, Walter Francis, Harold and Kathleen. Dr. Prendergast was a man of domestic habits, devoted to the welfare of his family. He was public-spirited and was interested in all those things which work for good and progress. In politics he was a liberal. He was a communicant of St. Agnes Catholic church, and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
Dr. Prendergast passed away January 21, 1910. Those who knew him—and he had an extensive acquaintance—entertained for him warm regard and many there are who have reason to bless his memory because of timely aid which he rendered them. His practice extended among the poor as well as the rich because of his benevolent nature and it is probable that he derived greater satisfaction from his ministrations to the former than to the latter, for his kindly spirit prompted him to reach out in helpfulness at all times.