John Rigney Barlow

John Rigney Barlow, a civil engineer, who in 1900 was appointed to the position of city surveyor of Montreal, has since served in that capacity and is one of her best known civic officials. A native of Scotland, he was born at Stornoway, Lewis, on the 29th of July, 1850, a son of the late Robert Barlow of the Canadian Geological Survey. The first five years of his life were spent in the land of hills and heather, after which the family came to the new world. John R. Barlow was reared in Montreal and started in the business world in the employ of the Canadian Geological Survey, with which he remained from 1872 until 1875. He then entered the service of the corporation of Montreal in 1876, and did important duty in that connection. He was engaged in the construction of water works in the town of St. Henri and did other important duties. He became assistant city engineer of Montreal in 1880 and was made deputy city surveyor in 1882. Further advancement came to him in his appointment to the position of city surveyor in 1900, and he is now acting in that capacity. He thoroughly understands the scientific principles which underlie his work as well as every practical phase of the business and now occupies an enviable position among the civil engineers of Montreal.

In March, 1877, Mr. Barlow was married to Margaret Coutts, a daughter of the late Rev. William Darrach, and they reside at No. 78 St. Luke Street. Mr. Barlow is a member of the Engineers Club and also of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers, in which he was elected to membership in 1887. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His professional relations have brought him an extensive acquaintance, while his sterling traits of character have gained him firm hold upon the affectionate regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.