Henry Hogan was but a boy when he came to Montreal and his early training in a business way began in the line of business of which he made such a great success in later life, the hotel business. In 1851 he became proprietor of what was then called the Hogan Hotel, in which enterprise he was in partnership with Messrs. Borden and Compaine, but both men retired early, being succeeded in the firm by Frederick Penn, who remained a partner with Mr. Hogan until 1869. After that time the latter was alone as sole proprietor of St. Lawrence Hall. In 1856 he was one of the prominent factors in the grand banquet given by the citizens in the Hall to mark the opening of the Grand Trunk Railway, on which occasion many distinguished citizens were his guests. In 1860 he entertained the members of the suite of the Prince of Wales, later His Majesty, King Edward VII. In those days Mr. Hogan entertained many people of title and prominence. The story of this hotel has its own connection with the history of Canada, for under the roof of St. Lawrence Hall there occurred many things that led to the present-day development of the Dominion. Here Mr. John A. Macdonald, later the great Sir John, met his sturdy opponent, Mr. George Brown, and exchanged views on the best means of uniting the scattered provinces. From this beginning confederation was achieved and Mr. Hogan performed his share in these events and at all times faithfully carried out the duties of citizenship. St. Lawrence Hall was for many years the best known hotel in Canada and one of the best known on the continent. Princes of the royal blood, soldiers and statesmen, political refugees, artists and poets, stars of the operatic and dramatic stage partook of its hospitality and their names recall events of bygone days. The opening of Victoria bridge brought many notables to the Hall, and during the progress of the Civil war in the United States the clank of the sword was heard at St. Lawrence Hall, which became the headquarters for the Confederate representatives and southern refugees. Jefferson Davis and John Wilkes Booth were guests of the Hall, and during the Trent affair it was the headquarters of the officers. During the trial of John Surratt, the register of the Hall was taken to Washington and has never been returned. After the Civil war, General Sherman, of the Union army, and also one of the most prominent Confederate generals visited Montreal and were entertained by Mr. Hogan, as was Henry Ward Beecher and other distinguished Americans. The banquets held at St. Lawrence Hall were noted affairs, the place being the scene of many brilliant social gatherings.
The ancestral records of the Hogan family included the names of many prominent in military circles and Henry Hogan also took a deep interest in these affairs, being for years commanding officer of the Montreal Field Battery, of which he was lieutenant in 1855, afterwards became colonel and assumed command, retiring with that rank in 1866. Mr. Hogan had been connected with numerous business enterprises aside from his hotel interests. He always had implicit confidence in the future of Montreal and made investments that proved highly profitable. His business ability won him success and prominence in his chosen field and his capability, tact and resourcefulness made him an ideal host, whether entertaining a little private gathering of friends or a large concourse of notable and eminent citizens at a banquet. In religious belief he was a Unitarian. His death occurred October 9, 1902, and he was survived by a widow, two sons, Henry H. and Lawrence H., and also two daughters: Anna W., now the widow of Major Low, of the British army; and Marion E., who died unmarried.
MARTIN MONTGOMERY REYNOLDS.
Martin Montgomery Reynolds enjoyed the reputation of being one of the foremost experts in railroad accounting and finance. He had thirty years of experience along that line and was connected with roads in the United States and Mexico until he came to Canada in 1908 as fifth vice president of the Grand Trunk Railway and third vice president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. At his death, which occurred June 17, 1914, he held the position of vice president in charge of the financial and accounting departments.
Martin M. Reynolds was born in Syracuse, New York, and educated there. His first notable position in the railroad world was that of auditor of the Mexican National Railroad, which office he held until 1892. He then went to Vermont as general auditor of the Central Vermont Railroad, which office he held until 1896. From 1896 to 1899 he was auditor for the receivers of this road, and from 1899 to 1902 auditor for its successor, the Central Vermont Railway. From 1902 to 1904 he was comptroller of the National Railway of Mexico and in 1904 accepted in addition to this office the comptrollership of the Mexican International Railway and the Interoceanic Railway of Mexico, continuing in this office until 1908. In that year he came to Montreal as fifth vice president of the Grand Trunk Railway and third vice president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, and in 1910 was promoted to the third vice presidency of the Grand Trunk. From 1911 Mr. Reynolds was vice president in charge of the financial and accounting departments of the Grand Trunk and Grand Trunk Pacific and affiliated lines. His office was one of the most important in the service. Mr. Reynolds was also a director of the Canadian Express Company.
In 1894 Martin M. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Flora Livingstone and they resided at the Linton apartments, Montreal. Although he was in Montreal only a few years he quickly became imbued with the Canadian spirit and his aims and interests became thoroughly Canadian.
CHARLES A. BRIGGS.
Charles A. Briggs was an active business man of Montreal, well known and respected. He conducted a retail fur store under his name on Notre Dame Street, and careful management and wise direction of his interests wrought the substantial success which eventually came to him. A native of Montreal, he was born October 3, 1839, a son of Russell Briggs, who came to this city from Vermont and here spent his remaining days. Charles A. Briggs was indebted to the public-school system of Montreal for the educational opportunities he enjoyed. In early life he acquainted himself with the fur business and eventually became proprietor of a retail fur store on Notre Dame Street. He closely applied himself to the conduct of the business and his able management and reliable methods were strong elements in his growing success.