J. F. DUBREUIL.
One of the able advocates of Montreal and one who has filled with honor various official positions, is J. F. Dubreuil, a descendant of a distinguished family which has found mention in Abbé Tanguay’s “Dictionnaire Généalogique.” In this book L’Abbé Cyprien Tanguay mentions among the earliest ancestors of the house of Dubreuil the following. Christopher Dubreuil, born in 1696; Jean Du Breuil, born in 1655, a son of Pierre and Catherine (Gosselin) Du Breuil, married September 28, 1682, at Montreal; wife died December 22, 1685: one child; married August 6, 1686, Ste. Famille Marguerite Gaultier: seven children. Jean Etienne Dubreuil was a notaire royal and a brother of the above mentioned Jean. He married twice and had a family of many sons and daughters.
J. F. Dubreuil was born at Lachine, province of Quebec, January 24, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Hélène (Barré) Dubreuil, the former of Pointe-aux-Trembles and the latter, of Montreal. The father was for many years a notary public. J. F. Dubreuil received his education at the Jesuit College of Montreal, famed for its thorough teachers, and completed the course of instruction by graduation on February 6, 1866. He subsequently engaged as an advocate and as he was able, capable and conscientious, soon enjoyed a profitable practice, his services being demanded by a representative clientèle. He served from 1873 to 1882 as deputy clerk of the crown and peace, and from June, 1883, until June, 1889, as deputy sheriff of Montreal.
On January 26, 1869, at Sorel, Mr. Dubreuil was united in marriage to Miss Marie L. C. Beaupré and they have the following children: J. F. L., vice president of the Commercial Travelers Association; George, who is employed in the registry office at Hochelaga; Charles, of Richelieu, Ontario; and Raoul, who is with the Canadian Electric Company.
In his political faith Mr. Dubreuil is a conservative, giving his support to that organization. For many years he has made Montreal his home and has witnessed the change from a comparatively small city to that of a world’s metropolis, having participated in bringing about the transformation according to the best of his ability. He is deeply interested in the growth of the city along material, as well as intellectual, lines and as he has always lived a life of conscientious righteousness, is highly esteemed and respected in the community where he is widely known.
JOHN RANKIN.
No worthy enterprise of Montreal sought in vain the assistance of John Rankin, and his public spirit found expression in tangible effort for the general good. At the same time he conducted important business affairs as representative of large corporate interests of his native land. He was born in Lanark, Scotland, in 1825, and had traveled far on life’s journey when death called him February 27, 1908. Coming to Canada in 1854, he carried on business first under his own name and afterward as senior partner in the firm of Rankin, Beattie & Company. He also represented J. & P. Coates, the world renowned thread manufacturers of Paisley, for many years, and was instrumental in establishing for them a large Canadian business. He was likewise financial agent for the house of Arthur & Company, of Glasgow, and in the further development of his business interests became one of the founders of the Shedden Company and of the Guarantee Company of North America. As his worth and business talent became recognized his cooperation was sought along many lines and when keen business judgment prompted his investment in any interest he was almost at once accorded voice in the management. He became a promoter of the New York Daily Graphic, the Consolidated Bank and of the Montreal & Sorel Railway, now a part of the Delaware & Hudson system. As a business man, his position was second to none and his record was one which any man might be proud to possess. He never made engagements that he did not keep, nor incurred obligations that he did not meet, and his name became a recognized synonym of integrity and enterprise in commercial and industrial circles. At River David, in 1861, Mr. Rankin was married to Miss Louisa S. C. Wurtele, a daughter of Jonathan Wurtele, in his life time, Seignor of River David. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rankin: James L., a contractor of Montreal; Archibald J., who resides in Edmonton, Alberta, where he is a clerk in the government offices; John, who is a civil engineer, residing at Victoria, British Columbia; Norman S., who is connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway at Calgary; Allan C., a bacteriologist in the employ of the Siam government, at Bangkok; A. G. Ernest, who is a notary of Montreal; Louisa M., who is Mrs. John Fair, of Montreal; and Isobel S., at home.
None ever questioned Mr. Rankin’s interest in the city and the general welfare of its people. He stood for all those things which are a feature in civic betterment and his interest in moral progress was evidenced in his membership in St. Paul’s Presbyterian church, of which he was secretary and treasurer when the present edifice was erected. He was also a governor of the Montreal General Hospital. His high standing is further indicated in the fact that his name was on the membership roll of St. James Club. To him were accorded the “blest accompaniments of age—honor, riches, troops of friends.”