John Allan

John Allan was a splendid example of what industry and determination will accomplish for a man. Born in Strathmiglo, Scotland, on the 28th of November, 1863, a son of David and Christian (Roy) Allan, he became one of the successful merchants of Montreal, dealing in clothing, hats, caps and men’s furnishings. He was educated in the schools of his native country and when eighteen years of age crossed the Atlantic to Canada, making his way to Montreal, where he entered the employ of Henry Morgan & Company. After some time spent with that house he joined his brother, Robert Allan, who was engaged in the bottling of ginger ale. Subsequently he embarked in business on his own account on Craig Street in a small way, having a limited line of clothing, hats, caps and men’s furnishings. He closely applied himself to the development of the trade and in that connection steadily worked his way upward, his patronage increasing as the years went by until he won a substantial measure of success. He was truly a self-made man, having been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes and his record proved what may be accomplished when determination and energy point out the way.

Mr. Allan was married in Cupar, Scotland, in 1894, to Maria Isabella Hood, a native of that place and a daughter of Robert and Agnes (Moncrief) Hood, and they became parents of five children: John Roy, Agnes Isabelle, Robert Bruce, Douglas Hood and Malcolm Moncrief. Mr. Allan enjoyed curling as a recreation and his more serious interests were represented in membership in the Masonic fraternity and in Knox church. He was a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association for many years and took a deep interest in its affairs. His death occurred January 11, 1912, and thus was ended a life of activity and usefulness. He had made good use of his time and opportunities and had proved that prosperity and an honored name may be gained simultaneously.