In insurance circles in Montreal and among business men in general the name of Alfred B. Dufresne is well known because of his activity in the field to which he directs his efforts. He was born April 13, 1874, at Joliette, Canada, a son of J. Alfred and Honorine (Delfausse) Dufresne, who now reside in Montreal. He was educated in Plateau Academy and at the age of eighteen years began work as a clerk in the office of the Alliance Assurance Company in Montreal. During the twelve years he served the company he won promotion from time to time until he became chief clerk, his capability and fidelity thus winning him recognition and gaining for him substantial advancement. In 1903 he was appointed inspector for the Mount Royal Assurance Company and so continued until 1907, when he was appointed chief specific rating inspector of the Canadian Fire Underwriters Association. In 1908 he was appointed manager of the Montreal-Canada Fire Insurance Company, filling the position for two years, or until 1910, when he took up general agency work, now representing the Northwestern National Insurance Company, the Montreal-Canada Fire Insurance Company, the Anglo-American Fire Insurance Company, the Protection Fire Insurance Company and the Rimouski Fire Insurance Company, with offices in the Duluth building.
On the 12th of October, 1909, Mr. Dufresne was married to Miss Gabrielle Mathieu, and to them have been born two daughters, Jacqueline and Françoise. The family reside at No. 171 Esplanade Avenue, and Mr. Dufresne is a member of the St. Denis Club. Much of his life has been passed in the city where he now resides, and his admirable traits of character, as well as his business ability, have gained him firm hold on the regard and good-will of all with whom he has been associated.
CHARLES ALBERT DUCLOS.
The name of Charles Albert Duclos figures in professional circles in Montreal as that of a lawyer whose ability has won for him a large clientage. He is a man of scholarly attainments, which, added to his knowledge of the law, has gained him prestige among the successful advocates of the city. A native of Joliette, P. Q., he was born on the 3d of August, 1861, his parents being the Rev. R. P. and Sophie A. Jeaureneaud Duclos. The father was a French-Canadian, while the mother was born in Switzerland. The Rev. R. P. Duclos has devoted his life to the work of the ministry as a representative of the Presbyterian church. Realizing the value of education as a factor for success in any chosen field of labor, the father provided his son with good opportunities in that direction and, after attending the Montreal high school, Charles A. Duclos entered McGill University, in which he pursued the arts course, winning the B. A. degree in 1881, and then entered upon the study of law, winning the B. C. L. degree, with the Elizabeth Torrance gold medal in 1884. His high standing in scholarship constituted the basis upon which his friends builded their belief in his successful future, and the faith which they manifested has found justification in his professional career. Following his graduation he at once entered upon active practice in Montreal, where he has remained continuously since. Aside from his practice he is the vice president of the Ross Realty Company, which was organized in 1906, and in that connection he has displayed sound business judgment and enterprise.
In June, 1889, Mr. Duclos was united in marriage to Isabella Spence, a daughter of G. M. Holbrook, of Ottawa, and they reside at No. 488 Elm Avenue, Westmount. Mr. Duclos’ fellow citizens of Westmount called him to the office of mayor, in which he served in 1905-6, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He is a conservative in politics, and he stands for all that means progress along material, intellectual, political and moral lines. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His social connections are with St. James, Canada, Royal Montreal Golf, St. George Snowshoe Clubs, of Montreal; and the Rideau Club, of Ottawa. Appreciative of the social amenities of life and readily recognizing and appreciating these qualities in others, he has gained many friends in these organizations. However, he regards the practice of law as his real life work and bends his energies, in major part, toward his professional duties. He was created king’s counsel in 1903, and the years of his active practice now cover nearly three decades—years in which he has made continuous advancement as the result of constantly developing power in the line of his chosen profession.
CHARLES A. DUCLOS