Alexander C. Henry

In business circles of Montreal the name of Alexander C. Henry was well known, for from 1899 until his death, three years later, he was purchasing agent for the entire system of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the magnitude and importance of his duties making his position a most difficult and responsible one. He was born at Beamsville, Canada, in 1849, and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools he attended the Upper Canada College, at Toronto. Subsequently he removed to Montreal, and gradually working his way upward in business connections became, in 1884, assistant purchasing agent for the Canadian Pacific Railway, and in 1899 was made general purchasing agent for the entire system. His ability, fidelity, indefatigable energy and enterprise brought him to the prominent position which he occupied. At the time of his death Sir Thomas Shaughnessy, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, paid high tribute to his memory and bore testimony to his honesty, which was manifest in his careful accounting for every penny, although in his capacity of purchasing agent he expended over one hundred and two million dollars.

On the 30th of November, 1882, in Montreal, Mr. Henry was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Wilson, of England, and to them were born three children, two of whom are living, H. Gordon, being a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, and the other, A. Wilson, of Montreal. Mr. Henry held membership in St. James the Apostle church. He was a public-spirited citizen, active in support of any movement which he deemed of vital worth in the upbuilding and progress of the community. He belonged to St. James Club, the Forest and Stream Club and others, and he had an extensive circle of friends who held him in the highest esteem. Mr. Henry passed away on February 2, 1902.