James O’Connor

Prominent in the business and financial life of the city, James O’Connor was numbered among Montreal’s well known and successful business men. He was born at St. Alphonse, province of Quebec, and when a young man in his teens, came to Montreal at which time his capital was but little more than his energy, pluck and determination. From the time of his arrival here his attention was largely concentrated upon business affairs and he wisely improved his time and opportunities, thus advancing step by step until he reached the plane of affluence. For many years he had charge of the wholesale pork packing house on Williams Street and there laid the foundation for his fortune.

For a number of years before his death, Mr. O’Connor had largely confined his business activities to the stock market, where he was a prominent figure. While a man of sound judgment and keen business sagacity, one of his strongest characteristics was his great courage and persistency. During the great financial depression of 1907, when security values were slumping in a manner that brought financial ruin to many, Mr. O’Connor’s fortune suffered a large shrinkage. He had confidence in the future, however, and the pluck to hold on, with the result that he recouped his losses and added substantially to his fortune, which was estimated at over a half million dollars at the time of his retirement.

He was one of the largest individual holders of Dominion Steel preferred and also an extensive holder of the common stock. He was likewise a heavy stockholder in the Dominion Coal Company.

All his life he was a man of business, which through careful attention brought him substantial as well as honorable success. Mr. O’Connor was a figure that attracted attention and he made lasting friendships in business as well as in private life. He was known as a man of his word, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate in life’s battle. Many of his acts of kindness and substantial assistance were known only to the recipients. His acquaintance was large and included the prominent business and public men of his time.

Mr. O’Connor held membership in St. Anthony’s Catholic church and in politics he was a conservative. In his habits and tastes, he was most domestic, finding his greatest pleasure in administering to the welfare and happiness of his family. The most envious could not begrudge him his success, so honorably was it won and so worthily used for the benefit and assistance of others. His nature was one of extreme generosity and his example is worthy of emulation.

His sudden death on April 15, 1909, left a widow, a son and two daughters. James O’Connor is a resident of Montreal; Margaret resides at home; and Laura Esther is now Mrs. G. F. Hemsley. Mrs. O’Connor previous to her marriage which took place in St. Patrick’s church, Montreal, was Miss Catherine Curran, a daughter of John Curran, a prominent and distinguished citizen of this city.