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.