John T. Wilson

The life record of John T. Wilson spanned sixty-four years. He was born in Greenup, Scotland, February 9, 1841, and died in Montreal on the 23d of February, 1905. His parents were John and Mary (Thomson) Wilson, the former a sea captain. The youth of John T. Wilson was marked by events and experiences such as come to the lot of all. He reached a turning point on the journey of life, however, when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for Canada. Settling in Montreal, in 1866, he became one of the city’s foremost business men, his name being engraved high on the roll of those who contributed most largely to the commercial greatness and consequent prosperity of the city. He was for forty years the senior member of the firm of Wilson, Paterson & Company, importers and general manufacturers’ agents, continuing in active business until his demise. The volume of trade developed with the growth of the city and had its inception in the progressive methods, initiative spirit and undaunted enterprise of the partners.

When business hours were over and the cares of the day were put aside, Mr. Wilson greatly enjoyed a game of golf or billiards. His interest, too, reached out to many of those projects which recognize the needs of the city and the claims of humanity. He attended St. Paul’s Presbyterian church. For ten years he was a member of the council of the Board of Trade and was ever keenly alive to the projects instituted by that society for the benefit and upbuilding of the city. He belonged to the Canadian and St. James Clubs of Montreal, and the Hunt Club. His business activity was evenly balanced with his honorable methods in trade; his interest in club life and in manly outdoor sports giving him the necessary rest and recreation from that line of work which takes strong hold upon the emotions and calls forth the more tender sentiment in nature. In a word, his was a well rounded character and his place as a representative citizen of Montreal none contest.