Harry Hayward Henshaw

Harry Hayward Henshaw, whose name was well known in electrical circles died in Montreal, his native city, May 15, 1908. He was born in 1865, a son of Joshua Henshaw, who for many years was paymaster with the Grand Trunk Railway. His mother bore the maiden name of Jane Fayrer and in the family were two sons and a daughter: Charles G., now living in Vancouver; Harry Hayward; and Lady Williams Taylor.

After pursuing his education in Montreal schools, Harry Hayward Henshaw obtained a position with the Grand Trunk Railway and afterward spent twenty years with the Royal Electric Company, gaining intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the various phases of the business, during the two decades of his identification therewith. When the Royal Electric Company became a part of the amalgamation forming the Montreal Light, Heat & Power Company he became secretary and treasurer of the new company, remaining thus for many years, on the expiration of which period he became manager of the Allis-Chalmers Company, manufacturers of electric machinery. He had been with them for only a few months when ill health forced him to resign. Throughout almost the entire period of his business career he was connected with electrical interests and came to be a leading figure in electrical circles.

In Montreal in 1895 Mr. Henshaw was married to Florence Thompson Christie, a daughter of Peter M. and Margaret (Thompson) Christie, the latter being a daughter of Edward Thompson, a prominent citizen of Montreal serving as alderman from the Centre ward and rendering the city much valuable service. He was mainly instrumental in the widening of Notre Dame Street during his term of office, and in recognition of his efforts for this work he was publicly presented with a handsome silver service on Christmas Day, 1859. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Henshaw, William Christie, came to this city at an early day and was active in the soap manufacturing business until late in life when he retired. He was a prominent church man, being for forty years an elder in St. Paul’s church. To Mr. and Mrs. Henshaw was born a daughter, Margaret Fayrer. Mr. Henshaw was a member of St. James Club, Forest and Stream Club, and the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club. He belonged to the English Cathedral church and was interested in all that pertained to the city’s development and progress, along material, social and moral lines. His life measured up to high standards of manhood and citizenship and commanded for him the respect, confidence and good-will of those who knew him.