DIOSCORE ALFRED BENOIT, M. D.
Dioscore Alfred Benoit, M. D., prominent in the field of medical practice, making a specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, was born in Montreal on the 26th of July, 1880, a son of Lucien and Albina (Bourdon) Benoit, the former a native of Contrecoeur and the latter of Lavaltrie, Quebec. The paternal grandfather, Isaac Benoit, was born in Geneva, Switzerland, a member of an old French family of rank established in Switzerland at the time that Louis XIV issued the revocation of the edict of Nantes. Some years after his arrival in Canada Isaac Benoit embraced the Catholic religion.
Dr. Benoit pursued a commercial course in a Catholic school and his classical course in St. Mary’s (Jesuit) College. Having determined upon the practice of medicine as his life work he entered Laval University wherein he completed the medical course with the class of 1906. During the succeeding year he was interne in Notre Dame Hospital and then went abroad to continue his medical studies in Paris, where he remained for two years, making a specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. Upon his return he was made demonstrator of anatomy in Laval University which position he occupied for a year. He next became adjoint professor in obstetrics and medicine to Laval University and adjoint professor to the Catholic Maternity Hospital. He is a member of the Medical Society of Montreal and the profession as well as the public recognize the high position which he has attained in the field in which he specializes. His reading and investigations have been deep and broad, and his opinions are largely accepted as authority upon points in question concerning the obstetrical practice. In politics Dr. Benoit is a conservative according to the views of Macdonald and Cartier with tendencies toward the nationalist. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. His entire life has been passed in Montreal, save for the period spent in study abroad. He there came under the instruction of some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of Paris, returning well equipped for the arduous and responsible duties of a profession in which he has made continuous advancement. Dr. Benoit’s office is at 945a, St. Denis Street.
DR. DIOSCORE A. BENOIT
J. LOUIS MICHAUD.
J. Louis Michaud, district engineer of public works of Canada for the district of Montreal, was born November 27, 1851, at Rimouski, province of Quebec. He is descended from an old family of St. Denis, county of Kamouraska. His father was Tobie Michaud, a contractor and builder, and his mother was Felicitée Fournier.
J. Louis Michaud was educated at the Classical Seminary at Rimouski and studied engineering with Charles Baillarge, an eminent engineer of Quebec, for two years, and then for two years was connected with the engineering department of the Intercolonial Railway. On the 19th of April, 1878, he was admitted to practice as a licensed land surveyor at Quebec and the recognition of his skill and ability came to him in April, 1882, when he was made Dominion land surveyor at Ottawa. In 1883 he came to Montreal to reside, but his work for the Dominion in surveying the Canadian northwest continued until 1889. From that year until 1896 he was engaged in private practice in Montreal and an extensive clientage was accorded him. He is recognized as one of the best versed men in the science of his profession as well as in all the practical phases of the business. In 1896 he was appointed district engineer of public works for the district of Montreal and has since conscientiously and capably discharged the duties of that position.
In 1880 Mr. Michaud was married, at Matane, Rimouski county, Quebec, to Henriette Bradley, who died in 1910. They had eleven children, three of whom died in childhood. Two of the number, Albert, aged seventeen years, and René, aged fifteen, met death by drowning at Ste. Anne de Bellevue. The surviving six are: Alexander, who is with the Canadian Light & Power Company; Edouard, a missionary priest in central Africa; Juliette; Adolph; Grazielle; and Gabrielle. In a review of the life work of J. Louis Michaud it is self-evident that his advancement has come through the development of his powers resulting from broad study and active practice in the profession. He holds to the highest standards, and his progression has been continuous. He is a member of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers and is a member of the Corporation of Land Surveyors in Quebec.