John Rankin

No worthy enterprise of Montreal sought in vain the assistance of John Rankin, and his public spirit found expression in tangible effort for the general good. At the same time he conducted important business affairs as representative of large corporate interests of his native land. He was born in Lanark, Scotland, in 1825, and had traveled far on life’s journey when death called him February 27, 1908. Coming to Canada in 1854, he carried on business first under his own name and afterward as senior partner in the firm of Rankin, Beattie & Company. He also represented J. & P. Coates, the world renowned thread manufacturers of Paisley, for many years, and was instrumental in establishing for them a large Canadian business. He was likewise financial agent for the house of Arthur & Company, of Glasgow, and in the further development of his business interests became one of the founders of the Shedden Company and of the Guarantee Company of North America. As his worth and business talent became recognized his cooperation was sought along many lines and when keen business judgment prompted his investment in any interest he was almost at once accorded voice in the management. He became a promoter of the New York Daily Graphic, the Consolidated Bank and of the Montreal & Sorel Railway, now a part of the Delaware & Hudson system. As a business man, his position was second to none and his record was one which any man might be proud to possess. He never made engagements that he did not keep, nor incurred obligations that he did not meet, and his name became a recognized synonym of integrity and enterprise in commercial and industrial circles. At River David, in 1861, Mr. Rankin was married to Miss Louisa S. C. Wurtele, a daughter of Jonathan Wurtele, in his life time, Seignor of River David. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rankin: James L., a contractor of Montreal; Archibald J., who resides in Edmonton, Alberta, where he is a clerk in the government offices; John, who is a civil engineer, residing at Victoria, British Columbia; Norman S., who is connected with the Canadian Pacific Railway at Calgary; Allan C., a bacteriologist in the employ of the Siam government, at Bangkok; A. G. Ernest, who is a notary of Montreal; Louisa M., who is Mrs. John Fair, of Montreal; and Isobel S., at home.

None ever questioned Mr. Rankin’s interest in the city and the general welfare of its people. He stood for all those things which are a feature in civic betterment and his interest in moral progress was evidenced in his membership in St. Paul’s Presbyterian church, of which he was secretary and treasurer when the present edifice was erected. He was also a governor of the Montreal General Hospital. His high standing is further indicated in the fact that his name was on the membership roll of St. James Club. To him were accorded the “blest accompaniments of age—honor, riches, troops of friends.”

The summer home of Mrs. Rankin is “Manor House,” Pointe Seche, County Kamouraska, Quebec.