Arthur O’Connell Kavanagh

A history of the insurance business in Montreal would be incomplete without mention of Arthur O. Kavanagh, who for many years figured prominently in connection therewith. He was one of the city’s native sons, born April 12, 1860, and in its schools pursued his education, while in the school of experience he also learned many valuable and practical lessons, thus constantly adding to his knowledge and ability. The family name indicates his Irish lineage and he manifested the sterling characteristics of the race. He was engaged in business with his brother, Walter Kavanagh, and they became prominent figures in insurance circles, representing the Scottish Union & National Insurance Company, the German-American Insurance Company and the Rochester German Insurance Company, of which they were chief agents. Arthur Kavanagh familiarized himself with every phase of the business and had gained a most creditable position as an alert progressive man and one ready to meet any emergency in business, when death called him on the 14th of September, 1896, when he was yet in the prime of life.

He had been married in Montreal less than five years before, having on the 7th of October, 1891, wedded Alice Mullin, a native of this city and a daughter of Patrick Mullin, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this publication. They became the parents of three sons: Harold Henry; Arthur Patrick, who died at the age of six years; and Walter John. Deep regret was felt at the passing of Mr. Kavanagh, because of his comparatively early age and because he had gained a firm hold upon the affectionate regard of his business associates and his many friends.