William Smith

Clearly defined purposes and close application were salient features in the career of William Smith, who died in Montreal on the 14th of March, 1910, when nearly eighty-four years of age. He was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, September 20, 1826, and came to Canada when a young man. He practically spent his remaining days in this city. He at first engaged in the dry-goods business, which he followed for many years with good success. Eventually he became a manufacturing tobacconist and again prosperity attended his efforts in the commercial field. He also owned valuable real estate, having taken advantage of early opportunities for investment along that line. The soundness of his judgment and the clearness of his vision were indicated in the rise in his property values, making his holdings well worthy of consideration.

Mr. Smith was married in Montreal to Miss Margaret Watson, daughter of George and Margaret (Selkirk) Watson of Montreal. He continued to make the city his home until his life’s labors were ended in death, when he had reached a venerable age. He was a man respected by all and such was the regard entertained for his opinions, that his advice was frequently sought upon important questions. He was an attendant at Erskine church. Mr. Smith is survived by his widow, who resides in what has been for years the family residence, built by Mr. Smith at No. 56 Simpson Street and which home stands on the site of the former home of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, discoverer of the Mackenzie river and the first European to cross the Rocky mountains.