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A Cyclopaedia of Canadian Biography: Being Chiefly Men of the Time by Rose

Introduction to the Talmud,” displayed a deep and broad acquaintance

1974 words  |  Chapter 24

with rabbinical literature, and was received with marked approbation by the _literati_ of this continent and Europe. His literary labours had now made him a prominent figure among the learned bodies of Montreal, and in 1853 he was appointed Professor of Hebrew and Oriental literature at McGill University, Montreal, a position which he continued to fill with marked ability during the rest of his life, and for which his deep knowledge of Semitic tongues particularly adapted him. He was also a co-labourer of Sir William Dawson in the Natural History Society, as well as at McGill, and did much towards vitalizing and extending the usefulness of that body. In 1853, in conjunction with the Rev. J. J. Lyons, of New York, he published his work on “The Jewish Calendar System,” containing a very exhaustive and abstruse treatise upon the Jewish mode of calculating time by the lunar system. Some years after this he completed one of his greatest and most learned productions, “The Sanitory Institutions of the Hebrews;” a work containing a most elaborate and critical consideration of the rabbinical dietary and hygienic laws, as based upon the Jewish traditional exposition of the hygienic statutes of the Bible, viewed in the light of modern scientific discoveries. The work excited alike the applause of scientists and of rabbinical scholars, and the eminence to which its author had now attained resulted in his having the degree of LL.D. conferred upon him in 1858. Shortly after the publication of “The Sanitory Institutions of the Hebrews,” Dr. de Sola published a supplemental work to it, entitled, “Behemoth Hatemeoth;” and in 1860, when Dr. Hall founded the _British American Journal_, devoted to the advancement of medical and physical sciences, Dr. de Sola accepted an invitation to assist the publication, and among many others of his writings that appeared in this journal his articles “Upon the Employment of Anæsthetics in cases of Labour, in connection with Jewish Law,” is specially worthy of notice. During the succeeding decade he was particularly active with his pen, bringing out in rapid succession numerous works and treatises, besides constantly lecturing before various literary and scientific associations. Of his writings and lectures at this period the principal ones were: “Scripture Botany,” “Sinaitic Inscriptions,” “Hebrew Numismatics,” “Philological Studies in Hebrew and the Aramaic Languages,” “The Ancient Hebrews as Promoters of the Arts and Sciences,” and “The Rise and Progress of the Great Hebrew Colleges.” For several years he occupied the position of President of the Natural History Society, and in that capacity he received Prince Arthur (now Duke of Connaught) when His Royal Highness visited the society in 1870. His address upon “The Study of Natural Science,” delivered before the Prince upon this occasion, called forth a letter of approbation from Queen Victoria. In 1869 Dr. de Sola completed his valuable historical work entitled, “The Life of Shabethai Tsevi, the Jewish False Messiah.” This was followed by two other important historical works: “The History of the Jews of Poland,” published in 1870, and “The History of the Jews of France,” published one year later. Ever since his arrival in Canada Dr. de Sola had been labouring zealously in every movement that tended to the advancement of the Jewish people. His eloquence as a preacher, added to his intimate knowledge of rabbinical learning, placed him among the very foremost exponents of Jewish thought of the day, and he was recognized as one of the chief leaders of the orthodox Jews of America. Broad-minded and tolerant in all things, he was at the same time strictly orthodox in his Judaism. His deep studies in the paths of science, literature and philology all tended the more to confirm him in his abiding faith in the Book of Books; hence we find that throughout his career he was constantly engaged, both in the pulpit and press, in giving battle to those who would assail the Hebrew Scriptures. Scarcely a work ever left his hands that did not contain many a well directed shaft at the infidel teachings of certain modern sceptics. In the columns of the Jewish press he was particularly active in this respect, and for many years he was a very regular contributor to various Jewish journals, particularly to the _Occident_ of Philadelphia (edited by the gifted Isaac Leeser), with which he was closely identified. He also frequently visited the United States, where his lectures invariably attracted large audiences and brought him into great prominence. In 1872 Dr. de Sola was invited by General Grant’s administration to open the United States Congress with prayer, and for the first time in history the extraordinary spectacle was witnessed of one who was not a subject of the United States nor of the dominant faith—one who was a British subject and a Jew—performing the opening ceremonies at the assembling of Congress at Washington. This high example of liberality upon the part of the government of the United States was generally looked upon as one of the earliest indications of the birth of a more friendly feeling between the United States and Britain, whose relations had then been but recently strained by the _Alabama_ Claims; and Sir Edward Thornton, the British Minister at Washington, as well as Mr. Gladstone—who was then premier,—extended to Dr. de Sola the special approbation and thanks of the British Government. Having purchased the stereotype plates and copyright of Isaac Leeser’s works, Dr. de Sola published about this time a new and carefully revised edition of that author’s English translation of the Bible, according to Jewish authorities. He also brought out a new translation of the Jewish Forms of Prayer, based upon the editions of his father (D. A. de Sola) and of Leeser. These were heavy undertakings, and their completion entailed several years of severe work. In addition to his other arduous duties, Dr. de Sola had now been appointed Hebrew Lecturer at the Presbyterian College, Montreal, and also Lecturer in Spanish Literature at McGill—a literature with which he was particularly familiar. But the heavy strain of such intense application to work at length undermined his naturally strong constitution, and in 1876 his health suddenly gave way. After a year’s rest in Europe he was so far recuperated as to be enabled to partly resume his duties, and in 1878 and 1879 he was again an active contributor to the Hebrew press. Among other of his writings at this time one of the most noteworthy was, “Yehuda Alcharizi, and the Book Tachkemoni.”—In 1880 he produced his last great work, “Saadia Gaon”—a book which gives a vivid picture of the political struggles and literary labours of one who played so important a part at the court of a Prince of the Captivity. But Dr. de Sola’s health was now rapidly failing, and, while in New York, on a visit to his sister, he was prostrated by an attack of illness which finally culminated in his death on June 5th, 1882. The remains were removed to Montreal, and there interred. In his decease the _literati_ of Canada felt that they had been bereft of one of their brightest luminaries, while the Israelites throughout the Dominion mourned the loss of one who had literally _built up_ Judaism in Canada. As his remains were being consigned to their earthly tenement with truth indeed did the officiating rabbi exclaim, “If respect be attached to the name of Jew throughout these Canadas, to Abraham de Sola belongs the chief glory of having gained it.” For thirty-five years he had ruled his co-religionists in his adopted country with a sway that was almost absolute—for his influence extended far beyond his own immediate flock. He had bent every energy to improve and advance his people, and in his death it was felt that there had passed away one who above all others had energized and elevated the Jewish community in Canada. Dr. de Sola was married to Esther Joseph, in 1852, and had several children. His eldest son succeeded him as minister to the Portuguese Jewish congregation at Montreal. His wife’s father—Henry Joseph—was one of the earliest Jewish settlers in Canada, while her brothers stand among the most prominent and most respected citizens of Montreal and Quebec; one of them, Jesse Joseph, being president of the Montreal City Gas Company, president of the Montreal Street Railway Company, and director of the Montreal Telegraph Company; while another brother, Abraham Joseph, of Quebec, was president of the Dominion Board of Trade, first president of the Stadacona Bank, and a director of the St. Lawrence River Navigation Company and of the Gulf Ports Steamship Company. He was nominated for mayor of Quebec some years ago and generally claimed to have been elected. Another brother, J. H. Joseph, has long been director of the Montreal Elevating Company. * * * * * =Carleton, John Louis=, Barrister, St. John, New Brunswick, was born at St. John on 1st October, 1861. His father was William Carleton, and mother, Bridget O’Connor. Mr. Carleton received his education in the schools of the Christian Brothers in his native city, and studied law in the offices of Weldon & McLean, and Allen & Chandler, St. John. He was admitted an attorney in October, 1882, and called to the bar the following year. Mr. Carleton having made the study of criminal law a specialty, he has in consequence been engaged on all the principal criminal cases tried in the province since he began practice, besides many important civil cases. In November, 1886, he was appointed Official Referee in Equity by the Provincial government. For several years he has been an active member and held office in the Father Matthew Association, and in the Irish Literary and Benevolent Association. He is also a member of the Young Men’s Liberal Club. Mr. Carleton is a respected member of the Roman Catholic church, and was married on the 22nd of September, 1886, to Teresa G. Sharkey, of St. John. He is a rising man in his profession, and has a promising future before him. * * * * * =Finnie, John Thom=, M.D., L.R.C.S., Edin., Montreal, was born on the 14th September, 1847, at Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His father, Robert Finnie, carried on business for many years in Peterhead as tailor and clothier. Dr. Finnie was educated partly in the parish school of his native town, and after coming to Canada continued his studies at the High School and McGill University, Montreal, and graduated from the latter institution as doctor of medicine early in 1869. He then went over to Britain and prosecuted the study of his profession in the hospitals of Edinburgh, London and Paris, and in October, 1869, passed the necessary examination at the Royal College of Surgeons, of Edinburgh, and received from that college the degree in surgery and midwifery. In 1870 he returned to Montreal, and since that time he has successfully practised his profession. The doctor has for many years taken an active part in various societies, national and other kinds, and has on two occasions been elected president of the Montreal Caledonia Society. He has been for several years and now is the president of the Montreal Swimming Club. His large and increasing practice has prevented him from taking any active part in either municipal or provincial politics; yet he is a man of large and liberal ideas, and we have no doubt, if time permitted him, he could be of great practical use to any party with whom he might choose to connect himself. He is an adherent of the Episcopal church. He was married on the 9th of April, 1874, to Amelia, daughter of the late Christopher Healy, and has a family of four children. * * * * * =Alward, Silas=, A.M., D.C.L., M.P.P., Barrister-at-Law, St. John, New Brunswick, was born at New Canaan, Queens county, N.B., on 14th April,
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1. Chapter 1 2. introduction of many other distinguished families in every department of 3. 1647. There were three brothers, Petrus, Balthazer and Nicholas; one 4. 1874. His diaconate he spent in Massachusetts, preaching in several 5. 1873. The doctor has taken an interest in various companies, and is at 6. 1834. His father, Matthew MacFarlane, was born in the parish of Dramore, 7. 1. Moved by Henry Stuart, seconded by Gédéon Ouimet, M.P.P., 8. 2. Moved by Andrew Robertson, seconded by C. A. Leblanc, That as 9. 3. Moved by the Honourable T. J. J. Loranger, seconded by J. C. 10. 1. Moved by J. H. Filion, seconded by Mr. Boisseau, that Mr. 11. 2. Moved by Mr. Wilfrid Prévost, seconded by J. A. H. Mackay, 12. 3. Moved by J. A. H. Mackay, seconded by J. H. Filion, That the 13. 1853. Judge Berthelot was appointed in 1875, as above mentioned. In 14. 1878. The 18th being nomination day in Manitoba, and the news reaching 15. 1840. On the 4th of January, 1839, Mr. Allison addressed a letter to the 16. 1873. Judge Senkler was educated by his father, and commenced life in 17. 1874. In the same year he was articled to W. A. Ross, then barrister in 18. 1885. Mr. Falconbridge is a pronounced and steadfast Conservative in 19. 1886. Judge Kelly is a Roman Catholic, and was married, first, in 20. 1884. Dr. Reddy held many offices of the highest trust and honour in 21. 1837. He is the third son of Michael Spurr Harris and Sarah Ann Troop. 22. 1882. He is a member of the New Brunswick Medical Society and of the 23. 1880. He still continues his membership in, and is physician to, each of 24. Introduction to the Talmud,” displayed a deep and broad acquaintance 25. 1841. His father, John Alward, a successful agriculturist, was the son 26. 1839. He is son of Thomas Harrison, by his wife Elizabeth Coburn, and 27. 1840. After a three years’ course at the Grand Seminary he was, on the 28. 1732. He was a staunch and persistent friend and advocate of political 29. 1827. In 1831, he was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian church, 30. 1834. His father, John Palmer, grandson of Gideon Palmer, a U. E. 31. 1825. By descent Dr. MacCallum is a pure Celt, being the son of John 32. 1863. The capitular degrees were received in the New Brunswick Royal 33. introduction of the English Medical Registration Act in 1860. He has 34. 1681. Since then the family has multiplied considerably, and is now 35. 1878. In 1882, Mr. Church was elected a member of the Nova Scotia 36. 1844. He is the fourth son of Charles G. Buller, of Campbellford, 37. 1840. His mother, Sarah Ann Williams, was born at Port Dover, Lake Erie 38. 1856. His father, Alexander Robb, the founder of the works he manages, 39. 1874. In 1859 Mr. Ross entered politics as a Liberal, and was returned, 40. 1812. His mother, Elizabeth Coulson, was a native of Stockton, near 41. 1772. His father, John Macdonald, of Allisary, and his mother, Ellen 42. 1851. He studied law in the office of Thomas Kirkpatrick, Q.C., of 43. 1874. Upon his removal to Orillia, he set to work to erect the handsome 44. 1837. His parents, William and Mary Smith, are both alive, and residing 45. 1875. Mrs. Archibald was re-appointed chief preceptress of Mount Allison 46. 1844. In the same year he was offered and declined the office of 47. 1855. His mother, Ann Evans, was a native of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, 48. 1881. He was married again on 29th November to Miss Nealis, daughter of 49. 1876. He has travelled a good deal in Britain and on the continent of 50. 1876. Messrs. Angers and de Boucherville worked harmoniously together, 51. 1873. And Laval again, in 1878, presented him with the degree of LL.D. 52. 1872. The entrance of Mr. Mathieu into political life dates from that 53. 1870. By his first marriage he has three children, one son and two 54. introduction of denominational colleges, and their partial endowment by 55. 1880. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, whom he 56. 1750. His son, Pierre, was lord of the Seigniories of Rivière Ouelle and 57. 1883. He represented the Crown in Quebec with the late Judge Alleyn, at 58. introduction to Professor Pillans, who treated him very kindly and 59. 1873. He took first prizes throughout his course for Latin, Greek, 60. 1858. His brother, John W. Kerr, who was appointed county attorney and 61. 1887. In 1885, Mr. Shakespeare was elected to the presidency of the 62. 1866. In the Limestone City he found employment as a teacher, and for 63. 1846. The family, on the paternal side, came originally from the county 64. 1877. This work has been exhaustively and very favorably reviewed by Dr. 65. 1878. This enumeration does not include various papers published in the 66. 1884. He was chairman of the Western Judicial District Board of 67. 1814. He is a son of William Nyren Silver, of Port Lee, Hampshire, of 68. 1838. He went early into business, and only of late years relaxed his 69. 1886. He is also a member of the Board of Management of the Church 70. 1877. Mr. Kennedy was made a freeman of the city of St. John in 1839, 71. 1841. He is son of Robert Hopper, whose father came from Hamilton, 72. 1883. In 1879 he was appointed agent of the Commercial Union Assurance 73. 1833. He is the fourth son of Hon. Joseph Masson, a member of the 74. 1833. He is the second son of Michael Spurr Harris, who came to Moncton 75. 1882. He is representative in Quebec of the Grand Lodge of California 76. 1846. His father, John McConnell, served under Mr. Howard, of High Park, 77. 1880. He has been for some time a member of the Board of Education of 78. 1887. He leaves four sons. He was for many years the leading member of 79. 1841. About the time of Dr. Strachan’s appointment as councillor, began 80. 1856. In 1858 he was elected to the parliament of Canada, subsequently 81. 1878. His attention to the duties of his office won general approbation. 82. 1665. His grandfather, Stephen Jones, a graduate of Harvard College, was 83. 1865. Second, to Emma, daughter of Edward Albrough, of Halifax. 84. 1836. His parents were Robert McKnight and Eliza Gray. He received a 85. 1887. He was a son of John Torrance, in his lifetime one of the leading 86. 1845. His parents were Thomas E. Oulton and Elizabeth Carter, both 87. 1870. In 1880 he was appointed judge of probate for Hants county; and in 88. 1859. In the latter year he successfully contested the county of 89. 1810. Being poor working people, they were only able to give their son a 90. 1834. Mr. Moffat, the subject of our sketch, is the eldest son of this 91. introduction of responsible government, was reappointed to the Executive 92. 1835. The Synod appointed Dr. John Rae, principal of the Grammar school 93. 1879. He was elected leader of the government by the unanimous vote of 94. 1870. He took an active part in agitating for the construction of the 95. 1885. He is now a director of the Coaticook Cotton Company; of the 96. 1789. He was of Norman and Saxon descent, claiming kindred with Michael 97. 1739. His father and his father’s brothers were gentlemen of 98. 1882. His politics are Conservative, and though younger than the 99. 1865. Haliburton first became known as an author in 1829, when he 100. 1840. He was educated at Fredericton. Mr. Peck is the youngest son of 101. 1878. He sold his life insurance policy, some real estate, and, in fact, 102. 1844. He is of an old English family, his grandfather, whose name he 103. 1814. He was the only son of John Jennings, manufacturer, of that city. 104. 1873. After Confederation this office was merged in that of postmaster 105. 1884. Mr. Bowser is a member of the Masonic fraternity, was Chaplain of 106. 1881. He became a member of the Orange society in 1863, and continued a 107. 1760. Mr. Tourangeau’s great grandfather emigrated from La Touraine, 108. 1878. The manufacturing company, of which he is president, is a large 109. 1832. The case created great interest throughout England, and was 110. 1870. In the year 1881 Mr. Stevenson retired from the force with the 111. 1841. He is a member of a family for many generations resident at 112. 1826. His father was John Emmerson, who at an early age came from 113. 1881. He is also the author of a paper entitled, “Vinland,” an account 114. 1837. He is also a nephew of the late William Walker, advocate, of 115. 1843. His father was the late Major Pope, who was for many years 116. 1796. He was formally thanked by parliament. A succession of honors 117. 1837. The second had been a student in the office of this young lawyer, 118. 1850. His father, Richard Clarke, was a general merchant and flax buyer, 119. 1843. His father, William G. Archibald, was a native of the same county, 120. 1719. John is the fourth child, in a family of five, and was educated in 121. 1869. In 1870 he married Marie Malvina, third daughter of Francis 122. 1843. He received the honorary degree of M.A., in 1855, and of D.C.L., 123. 1860. On the 23rd May, 1862, he joined the British army as ensign, 124. 1818. Her mother, Mary Magdalen McKay, was born at St. Cuthbert, Quebec, 125. 1829. The family came to Canada in 1834, and settled in the city of 126. 1886. In this a monster chorus of over nine hundred voices, accompanied 127. 1884. Immediately thereafter steps were taken, by the same trustees, to 128. 1866. He held the office of master of Poyntz lodge, at Hantsport, from 129. 1842. His father was Alexander Shields, a farmer from Fifeshire, 130. 1880. He then entered the law office of his brother, Ernest Pacaud, well 131. 1819. His parents were James Kelly and Margaret Crosby, both natives of 132. 1766. The Lovitts have always been identified with the best interests of 133. 1857. Mr. Cartier was the only Lower Canadian minister who belonged to 134. introduction into New Brunswick, and for the past twenty years has been 135. 1862. In 1866 he married Helen E., daughter of Thomas Barlow, a member 136. 1862. The honorary degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by Victoria 137. 1888. Dr. Courtney is tall, erect, and well formed. He has greyish blue 138. 1841. His ancestors came from France, and settled in the county of 139. 1869. Towards the close of the year 1869 he went to Switzerland, where, 140. 1820. His parents had come from Scotland several years before, and, if 141. 1885. In September, 1883, he went to Europe, and in the course of his 142. 1884. He was the son of J. B. Proulx and Magdalen Hébert. His great 143. 1872. His mother, Rosalind E. Bernard, was born in Montreal, educated at 144. 1838. The subject of this sketch was educated at St. Mary’s College, 145. 1873. Promoted brevet lieutenant-colonel in June, 1874, and appointed to 146. 1840. His ancestors emigrated from France, and were among the early 147. 1877. He has occupied a distinguished position at the bar; was elected 148. 1843. On his return he began the practice of his profession, and soon 149. 1886. At the close of 1887 he was appointed by the Imperial government 150. 1868. Being too young for ordination, he remained in the school, 151. 1872. In 1872 he received the degree of hon. M.A. from Trinity College, 152. 1878. He is a Roman Catholic in religion. He was married on the 12th 153. 1702. The bishop’s nephew, James Molony, of Kiltanon, the first 154. 1815. He is a son of John Haythorne, a wool merchant of Bristol, and who 155. 1873. The following autumn Mr. Haythorne was summoned to the Senate, and 156. 1875. Immediately upon entering into business, he obtained a large 157. 1877. The point was raised by J. Norman Ritchie, now one of the judges 158. introduction of responsible government into Canada for any length of 159. 1841. This gentleman took an active part in the troubles of 1837-’38, 160. 1854. Mr. Unsworth left four sons, one of whom, Joseph, is 161. 1875. He was also surgeon of police from 1863 to 1875. Besides these 162. 1873. He brought with him a stock of ready-made clothing, and shortly 163. 1822. His father was Robert Boak, of Shields, in the county of Durham, 164. 1809. He received his education at the Seminary of St. Hyacinthe, where, 165. 1826. From 1826 to 1830 he was director of St. James Grand Seminary at 166. 1866. In September of that year he retired with the rank of captain, and 167. 1823. In Nova Scotia, since confederation, the legal affairs of the 168. 1860. His career as a school trustee will not soon be forgotten, as it 169. 1600. His mother, Anne Whiteway, is descended from a Devonshire family 170. 1856. In 1857 he removed to Toronto, Ontario, being employed by Paterson 171. 1859. His parents were Theophile Chênevert and Mathilde Filteau. His 172. 1871. He spent the years 1872 and 1873 at Edinburgh, Scotland, and 173. 1829. His parents were Neil Sinclair and Mary McDougall, first of 174. 1832. He received part of his education in that town and also pursued 175. 1854. In 1856-7 he was provincial secretary, and became premier of the 176. 1878. He was inspector of the post offices of the Dominion of Canada in 177. 1846. He went through the elementary schools of his parish, then was 178. 1873. He then commenced business by opening a general store, which he 179. 2816. The result was similar throughout the province. Mr. Payzant took 180. 1850. He is a descendant of one of the oldest and most honorable 181. 1876. He was for some time a valued and progressive member of the city 182. 1775. The following verses, contributed by “E. L. M.,” a 183. 1878. Since then he has successfully practised his profession in 184. 1856. Complete withdrawal from mercantile cares for a year having 185. 1882. He has been prominently connected with various other societies and 186. 1857. In 1859 he went to the Red River settlement, where he remained 187. 1887. (See sketch of his life on page 40.)

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