James Elliot

James Elliot, for more than half a century one of the best known bankers of Montreal, was born June 2, 1840, in this city, and was the eldest son of the late Andrew and Sarah (Pullan) Elliot. The father was a native of Northumberland, England, and following his arrival in Montreal in 1832 became a well known contractor of the city.

After acquiring a thorough education in the Montreal high school James Elliot entered the dry-goods establishment of the late Mr. Alexander Molson, and after a time spent in that connection entered Molson’s Bank in 1860. In 1870 he became accountant and further promotion came to him in recognition of his ability in his appointment to the position of manager of the Montreal branch in 1879. Step by step he advanced in his connection with financial interests until he became recognized as one of the foremost bankers of the city. In May, 1900, he was appointed general manager, which position he ably filled until his death, December 19, 1913. In banking circles he was recognized as a man of exceptional ability, prudence and sagacity, and was termed both a model man and a model banker. That he occupied a position of distinction in business and financial circles was evidenced by the large number of business men who paid their last tribute of respect to his worth when he passed away.

Mr. Elliot was for many years a councillor of the Canadian Bankers Association and was otherwise officially connected with interests of importance to the public, being a life governor of the Montreal General Hospital, a vice president of the Montreal Prisoners Aid Association and an active factor in philanthropic work. Mr. Elliot was also an attendant at the Melville Presbyterian church. His political support was given to the conservative party. Although he was past the allotted age of three score years and ten when called from this life, Mr. Elliot’s friends were drawn largely from the younger generation. He was a quiet, unostentatious gentleman of the old school, whose delight outside of his business was his home and garden on Cote St. Antoine road. This home was one of the early residences in Westmount and when erected more than a quarter of a century ago was surrounded by open fields.

Mr. Elliot was unmarried. After providing with great liberality for near relatives he bequeathed five thousand dollars to the Montreal General Hospital, five thousand dollars to the Protestant Hospital for the Insane and a thousand dollars each to the Western Hospital, McKay Institute, Grace Dart Home, the Protestant House of Industry and Refuge and the Salvation Army. His bequest to these many organizations showed his broad-mindedness and his deep interest in the welfare and uplift of his fellowmen.