By Constance Brissenden
With additional research by Larry Loyie
The History of Metropolitan
Vancouver Hall of Fame represents nearly 500 of the thousands of
people who have contributed to the history of the lower mainland
of BC. They come from all walks of life, all cultural backgrounds
and all occupations. All of the Hall of Famers are now deceased,
and we are proud to include a brief record of their accomplishments
here. For the first time, Metropolitan Vancouver has a biographical
directory that includes many individuals from communities overlooked
in the past.
If you have suggestions for inclusion (remember
the person must be deceased), please contact us HERE.
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F G
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For Mayors of Vancouver,
click here.
M
Mac and Mc
Lorraine McAllister Singer, actor b. April
15, 1922, Saskatoon, Sask.; d. April 27, 1984, Vancouver. Singing
star of radio and TV in 1950s, headlining CBC Toronto's Holiday
Ranch and Vancouver's Burn's Chuckwagon, Some of Those Days and
Meet Lorraine. Headline performer for Theatre Under the Stars. Performed
in Johnny Holmes' orchestra with Oscar Peterson as pianist and Maynard
Ferguson as lead trumpet player. Wife of bandleader Dal Richards;
sang with his orchestra at the Panorama Roof of the Hotel Vancouver
(1950-65). "One of the glamorous performers whose warmth and
charm make her a favorite."
Malcolm Peter McBeath Mayor of Vancouver,
1916-17 See Mayors of Vancouver.
Fitzgerald McCleery Farmer b. Oct. 15, 1838,
County Down, Ire.; d. April 18, 1921, Vancouver. Arrived in Esquimalt,
B.C. (April 27, 1862) via the West Indies. Failed as a Cariboo prospector.
With brother Samuel, built the trail from New Westminster to Point
Grey for a salary of $30/month. Worked for uncle, Hugh McRoberts.
In September 1862, the brothers were the first to farm the Fraser
delta lands. Their first 15 head of cattle were shipped by sloops
and scows from Oregon. Dairy products were canoed to New Westminster
and carried by steamer to Fraser logging camps. His home, at the
foot of Macdonald (1873), escaped the Great Fire of 1886. Kept a
diary of his life in B.C., now at the Vancouver City Archives.
Hugh Neil MacCorkindale Educator b. 1888,
Owen Sound, Ont.; d. Jan. 17, 1977. A graduate of U. of T, "Dr.
Mac" first taught in Ontario (1906). Came to Vancouver in 1914.
Served as an artillery officer in France from 1916-18. Taught at
South Vancouver HS (now John Oliver). First principal of new Point
Grey Junior HS (1928-33); superintendent of Vancouver City schools
until retirement in 1954. In his 40 years with the school board
and 21 years as superintendent, he pioneered concepts in education.
Member, UBC senate. LL.D (UBC, 1954).
Anne Elizabeth Macdonald Arts advocate b.
March 18, 1930, Vancouver; d. July 10, 1993, North Vancouver. Established
North Vancouver's Presentation House Arts Centre. Saved the historic
Church of St. John the Evangelist as a recital hall (Anne Macdonald
Hall, 1977). Founded North Vancouver Community Arts Council and
B.C. Arts and Crafts Fair. As first executive director of Vancouver
Community Arts Council, set up Assembly of B.C. Arts Councils. Sat
on many boards and commissions including UBC senate, North Vancouver
School District and Canadian Conference of the Arts. Member, Order
of B.C. Received YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Service
(1990).
Blanche Macdonald (née Brillon) Entrepreneur,
Native rights activist b. May 11, 1931, Faust, Alta.; d. June 8,
1985, Vancouver. Her First Nations and French ancestry was a source
of pride. Championed Native causes and feminist ideals. A housewife
and mother of two, she opened a modelling agency and self-improvement
school (1960), later expanded into fashion, esthetics and make-up
artistry training. As CEO, Native Communications Society of B.C.,
launched a journalism program for Native students. Founding member,
Vancouver's First Woman's Network; board member, Better Business
Bureau, Modelling Association of America, Professional Native Woman's
Association and Vancouver Indian Centre. Received YWCA Woman of
Distinction Award for Business and the Professions (1985).
Jock (James Williamson Galloway) MacDonald
Artist b. May 31, 1897, Thurso, Scotland; d. Dec. 3, 1960, Toronto,
Ont. Lived in Vancouver (1926-46). A leading exponent of modern
art as teacher and painter. Taught at Vancouver School of Decorative
and Applied Arts and B.C. College of Arts (1933-35) which he co-founded
with Fred Varley. One of the first abstract painters in Canada.
James M. McGavin McGavin Bakeries founder
b. Dec. 28, 1882, Galston, Scotland; d. April 17, 1969, Vancouver.
Learned his trade in Scotland. Bakery manager, Darvel Co-operative
Society, Ayreshire. Came to Canada in 1913, joined Edmonton firm
of J.A. Stinson. Bought the company in 1914. In 1928, incorporated
as A. and J. McGavin, with brother Allan McGavin Sr. (b. c. 1893,
Kilmarnock, Scotland; d. Aug. 29, 1955, Vancouver). Moved to Vancouver
in 1924. President, McGavin Bakeries (1929-47). Built eight Western
plants; also founded Bee Cee Honey (Vancouver), Peace River Honey
(Dawson Creek) and Barbara Ann Baking (Los Angeles).
Gerry (Gerald Grattan) McGeer Mayor of Vancouver,
1935-36, 1947 See Mayors of
Vancouver.
Helen Gregory MacGill Juvenile court judge
b. Jan. 7, 1864, Hamilton, Ont.; d. Feb. 27, 1947, Chicago, Ill.
Her mother was a suffragette. In 1888, Helen was the first female
graduate of Toronto's Trinity U. (BA, MA, Bmus). The first woman
judge in B.C., she presided over Vancouver's Juvenile Court (July
19, 1917-28), fighting for legal changes to benefit women and children.
In 1934, named to B.C. board of industrial relations. On May 12,
1938, she was the first woman to receive an honorary LL.D from UBC.
A journalist, her publication, Juvenile Courts in Canada, was accepted
as a standard at Geneva. Her daughter, Elsie MacGill, was the world's
first female aeronautical engineer. Biblio: My Mother the Judge
by Elsie Gregory MacGill.
William J. McGuigan Mayor of Vancouver, 1904
See Mayors of Vancouver.
George Albert McGuire Pioneer dentist, MLA
b. April 7, 1871, Mount Forest, Ont.; d. July 2, 1955, Vancouver.
Graduate, Royal College of Dental Surgeons (Toronto) and U. of Maryland
(DDS, 1892). Practised dentistry in Vancouver (1892-1912), then
moved into real estate and investments. President, B.C. section
of the Conservative Association of Canada (1903). In 1907, elected
Vancouver MLA, launching a long political career. As minister of
education, influenced the creation of UBC. Last survivor of the
famous "Solid Five" Conservatives, representing Vancouver
under B.C. premiers Richard McBride and William J. Bowser.
Thomas Robert McInnes Physician, lieutenant-governor
b. Nov. 5, 1840, Lake Ainslie, NS; d. March 19, 1904, Vancouver.
Graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. In 1874, came
to New Westminster to practise medicine. Elected mayor (1877-78).
Appointed surgeon, Royal Columbian Hospital; superintendent, B.C.
Insane Asylum. Elected MP (1879). In 1881, appointed a Canadian
senator. Sixteenth lieutenant-governor of B.C. (1897-1900). In July
1898, he dismissed the Turner ministry, and in 1900, the Semlin
government. In June 1900, Sir Wilfrid Laurier dismissed Gov. McInnes.
In 1903, he was defeated as an independent candidate in a Vancouver
by-election.
Angus MacInnis Politician b. Sept. 2, 1884,
Glen William, PEI; d. March 2, 1964, Vancouver. As a teenager, ran
the family farm after his father's death. Arrived in Vancouver in
1908. Drove a milk wagon, later became a streetcar conductor (1910).
Studied economics and politics and helped found the CCF. Worked
for three years as business agent for Street Railwaymen's Union.
In 1921, elected to the school board. City councillor (1926-30).
Vancouver MP (Vancouver East), 1930-56. LL.D (UBC, 1956). MacInnis
Park in E. Vancouver was named for Angus and wife Grace MacInnis
on Sept. 10, 1994. "A brilliant orator and champion of the
little man."
Grace (Winona Grace) MacInnis (née
Woodsworth) Politician b. July 25, 1905, Winnipeg, Man.; d. July
10, 1991, Vancouver. Daughter of J.S. Woodsworth, organizer of the
CCF party in the 1930s, she was a lifelong socialist activist in
CCF/NDP. Elected B.C. MLA (1941-45). She "emerged from the
backrooms" to win the Vancouver-Kingsway seat for the federal
NDP (1965-74), becoming B.C.'s first woman MP. LL.D (UBC, 1977).
Her husband was Angus MacInnes.
Robert Edward McKechnie Surgeon b. April 25,
1861, Brockville, Ont.; d. May 24, 1944, Vancouver. Graduate of
McGill U. in medicine. Spent 10 years in Nanaimo as surgeon with
Vancouver Coal. In 1893, moved to Vancouver to practice surgery.
First president, B.C. Medical Association. Member, Council of the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (three terms). Consulting
surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital. At its first convocation,
he was elected to the UBC senate; member of UBC board of governors;
chancellor (1918-44). CBE. LL.D (McGill, UBC, 1925).
Larry (Norman Archibald MacRae) MacKenzie
International advisor, UBC president b. Jan. 5, 1894, Pugwash, NS;
d. Jan. 26, 1986, Vancouver. Worked on family farm (1909-13). Spent
WWI in active service with military honors. Studied at Dalhousie
U; later Harvard and Cambridge in international law. Called to Nova
Scotia bar (1926). Taught law at U. of T (1926-39). His influence
was worldwide with organizations such as the League of Nations and
War Information Board (1943-45). President, U. of New Brunswick;
president, UBC (1944-62). On the Massey Commission, he pushed for
federal grants to universities (1949-51). LL.D (UBC, 1968). Biblio:
Lord of Point Grey: UBC's Larry MacKenzie by P.B. Waite.
John (James Campbell) McLagan Newspaper publisher
b. July 22, 1838, Strathardle, Scotland; d. April 11, 1901, Vancouver.
He first managed the Guelph Mercury with Ontario MP James Innes.
Moved west, settling in Winnipeg. Late in 1883, moved to Victoria,
dealt in real estate, and filed stories with Toronto Globe. From
1884-88, operated Victoria Times. From September 1888,
to his death, he published the Vancouver Daily World. In
his last months, he managed the newspaper from his bed. Also wrote
plays and novels. See Sara Anne McLagan bio.
Sara Anne McLagan (née Maclure) First
Canadian woman newspaper editor b. 1855, near Belfast, Ire.; d.
March 20, 1924, Vancouver. Her father, Sergeant John C. Maclure,
came to New Westminster in 1858 with the Royal Engineers. Sara was
educated in New Westminster. A co-founder of Vancouver Daily World
with husband James C. McLagan. After his death, she continued as
president and editor, publishing with brother Frederick S. Maclure
(b. c. 1864, New Westminster; d. Nov. 25, 1941, Iona Island, B.C.).
Malcolm Alexander MacLean First mayor of Vancouver,
1886-87 See Mayors of Vancouver.
Samuel Maclure Architect b. April 11, 1860,
New Westminster; d. Aug. 8, 1929, Victoria. Son of a Royal Engineer,
brother of Sara Anne McLagan (see bio). Most gifted of early B.C.
architects. Designed some 150 buildings either alone, with his firm
or in partnership with others, including The Temple Building (Victoria,
1893); Murray House (403 St. George St., New Westminster, 1900).
Designed many Shaughnessy Heights homes before WWI. Biblio: Samuel
Maclure: Architect by et Bingham; The Architecture of Samuel Maclure
by Leonard K. Eaton.
Harvey Reginald MacMillan Lumber magnate b.
Sept. 9, 1885, Newmarket, Ont.; d. Feb. 9, 1976, Vancouver. Attended
Ontario Agricultural College and Yale Forestry School. In 1908,
hired as assistant inspector, Western Canada forest reserves, but
spent two years in a TB sanitorium. In 1912, named chief B.C. forester.
During WWI, worked for federal timber-trade commissioner and Imperial
Munitions Board. In 1919, backed by British timber merchant Montague
Meyer, launched H.R. MacMillan Export. His manager (later partner)
was W.J. VanDusen. During WWII, chair of Wartime Shipping Ltd.,
a Crown corporation. LL.D (UBC, 1950). Merged with Bloedel, Stewart
and Welch (1951). Resigned as chair in 1956; resigned as a director
in 1970. Biblio: H.R. by Ken Drushka.
Alexander Duncan McRae Brigadier general b.
Nov. 17, 1874, Glencoe, Ont.; d. June 26, 1946, Ottawa. After selling
a busy insurance firm in Duluth, Minn. (1895-1903), he bought and
resold 500,000 acres in Saskatchewan from the Dominion government
at $1/acre, making a healthy profit. Arrived in Vancouver (1907);
pursued lumber and fishing interests. As director, supply and transportation,
for Western Canada, went overseas with 2nd Division, CEF (April
1915). Brigadier-general, Canadian forces. Ran ministry of information
under Lord Beaverbrook. PC MP (1926-30). Canadian senator (1931).
In 1941, national chair, Canadian War Services Fund. Entertained
high society at Hycroft (1489 McRae). In WWII, donated Hycroft to
department of health and pensions and moved to Qualicum Beach, B.C.
Hugh McRoberts Sea Island pioneer b. 1814,
Belfast, Ire.; d. c. July 11, 1883, New Westminster. After immigrating
to Australia, he searched for gold in California (1849) and Yale
(1858). Joined William Powers, an Englishman, building a trail from
Yale to Boston Bar. Also built the McRoberts Trail from New Westminster
to Musqueam. First settler on McRoberts' Island (later Sea Island)
in 1861. Pre-empted a claim on the north bank of the Fraser on April
24, 1862, and transferred two lots to his nephews, Samuel and Fitzgerald
McCleery. Later sold his farm and moved to New Westminster, establishing
a dairy business.
George McSpadden First assessor b. Nov. 3,
1865, near Bryansford, Ire.; d. May 22, 1920, Vancouver. An experienced
building contractor, he became the City of Vancouver's first building
inspector and city assessor. Systemized operations, added new departments
and gathered statistics. In 1900, took a census of Vancouver's population
(just over 23,000). Elected City alderman by a large majority. Built
his residence at Commercial and Charles in E. Vancouver. McSpadden
St. and McSpadden Park named for him.
Frank Cornwall McTavish Surgeon b. 1872, Palmrya,
Ont.; d. Nov. 8, 1936, Vancouver. Came to Vancouver in 1903 after
serving in Boer War (1899-1902). In 1905, appointed surgeon-lieutenant
in 6th Regiment, the Duke of Connaught's Own Rifles. In 1906, raised
the 18th Field Ambulance, Canadian Army Medical Corps. After WWI,
was provincial secretary of St. John's Ambulance. An orthopaedic
surgeon, he was on the Vancouver General Hospital staff for many
years. Helped organize the Crippled Children's Hospital where he
served as chief surgeon until his death.
M
James Edwin Machin First librarian, Carnegie
Library b. c. 1833, Leamington, Eng.; d. March 31, 1910, Vancouver.
From 1892-1910, he served as Vancouver's second librarian, after
Mrs. George Pollay (1887-92). Eliza, his wife (b. c. 1855, Eng.;
d. Dec. 22, 1916, Vancouver), and daughter also worked with him.
Lacking funds, they "begged books from their friends in England
and in this country." The new library (Main and Hastings) was
sponsored by US industrialist Andrew Carnegie. The cornerstone was
laid March 29, 1902. Eliza was choir mother of Christ Church Cathedral
for 27 years, a founder of the Operatic Society and supporter of
local musicians. She introduced Christmas dinners at the Carnegie
Library, a tradition that continues today at the Carnegie Community
Centre.
Charles Cleaver Maddams Mount Pleasant settler
b. 1855, Eng.; d. 1928. In 1883, moved to Victoria as steward for
B.C.'s third lieutenant-governor, Clement Francis Cornwall. Later
worked as assistant to Henry Abbott, remaining with CPR to 1901.
In 1888, bought five acres on the south shore of False Creek in
Mt. Pleasant; in 1890, built Maddams Ranch (aka Maddams Orchard).
Because of nearby Chinese farms, he named the area China Creek.
In 1923, transferred the ranch to the park board to cover his taxes.
"The ranch was the pride of the community in its day."
Maddams St., originally a Mt. Pleasant trail, is named for him.
Hugh & Isabella Magee Hugh and Isabella
Magee arrived in British Columbia in 1858 with four young children.
The Magees were among the first Europeans to settle in the Vancouver
area. In 1861 Hugh Magee began farming 240 acres of land in the
Big Bend area along the Fraser River near New Westminster, and in
1867 moved to 191 acres of land in what is now the Southlands area
of Vancouver. By 1880, Isabella had given birth to 15 children,
of which 13 survived.
Hugh Magee was a colorful, quick-tempered, quick-witted
Irishman, fiercely loyal to friends and quarrelsome with opponents.
In 1893 Magee cleared Magee Road (49th Avenue) through the forest
to the newly constructed Granville Street. Hugh Magee died March
9, 1909, at the age of 83. He left a will with instructions that
kept lawyers and the courts busy for the next fifty-three years.
Magee High School was named after this Vancouver pioneer. (Entry
by John Macdonald. Hugh Magee was John's wife's great-great-grandfather)
Edmond Maillard Fraser Mills confessor d.
August 3, 1966, Ste.-Foy-Les-Lyon, France. On Sept. 22, 1909, some
30 families (110 people) left Montreal by special CPR train to work
in Fraser Mills in the southwestern part of Coquitlam. Father Maillard,
a young Roman Catholic Oblate from France, arrived with them. Lived
in baggage cars for two weeks while homes were built by new employers.
First service held in a room above a store. Opened Our Lady of Lourdes
Church on Dec. 10, 1910. When it burned down in 1911, he rebuilt
it. After he left the community in 1912, the post office adopted
the name Maillardville in his honor (1913). In 1937, he returned
to France to teach at a Franco-Canadian College in Rhone.
W. H. Malkin Mayor of Vancouver, 1929/30 See
Mayors of Vancouver.
Mandrake the Magician (Leon Mandrake) Entertainer
b. April 11, 1911, New Westminster; d. Jan. 28, 1993, Surrey. Raised
in New Westminster. At eight, performed at Edison vaudeville theatre
and New Westminster's Civic National Exhibition. From 1927, toured
North America with his magic show. By the 1940s, he was a top box-office
draw. Married his wife and partner/assistant, Velvet, in Chicago
in 1947. Toured worldwide, setting the trend for large, elaborate
illusion shows; was the first magician to play nightclubs. In the
1950s, he had two TV series and performed on the CBC. Lectured at
Canadian universities in the 1970s. Inspired a cartoon strip, Mandrake
the Magician.
Joseph Mannion Unofficial first mayor of Vancouver
b. March 17, 1839, County Mayo, Ire.; d. Sept. 12, 1918, Lillooet,
B.C. Left priestly studies to hunt for gold in the Cariboo, arriving
in New Westminster on April 19, 1862. From 1864, worked as a stevedore,
telegraph company employee, miner and logger. In 1874, bought a
half interest in the Granville Hotel (later sole proprietor). In
1881, his two sons drowned when their canoe was swamped on English
Bay. Known as "the mayor of Granville" before the first
official mayor, M.A. MacLean, was elected. Elected alderman (1888)
but resigned and moved to 160 acres on Bowen Island. "Settled
into the life of a country squire."
Charles (Carlos) Marega
First professional B.C. sculptor b. Sept. 24, 1871, Genoa, Italy;
d. March 27, 1939, Vancouver. Arrived in Vancouver in 1909. In addition
to sculpting, he also taught art. His work can still be seen in
Vancouver, including a statue of Captain Vancouver at City Hall
and twin lions at the south end of Lions Gate Bridge.
Richard Marpole CPR executive b. Oct. 8, 1850,
Wales; d. June 8, 1920, Vancouver. At 16, joined Northern Railway
of Canada. From 1881, he moved up in CPR ranks as a contractor,
assistant manager of construction, and superintendent, construction
and operation. Transferred to Pacific Division (1886) and was named
general superintendent (1897-1907), then B.C. general executive
assistant (1914). Vice president, Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway.
He was manager when the first passenger trains crossed Canada and
the first in North America to prepare timetables based on a 24-hour
system. Member of the posse to catch Bill Miner, May 14, 1906, after
his second train robbery. Marpole is named for him.
Leonard Charles Marsh Social scientist b.
Sept. 24, 1906, London, Eng.; d. May 10, 1982, Vancouver. Attended
London School of Economics, then moved to Canada to direct a social-science
research program at McGill (1930-41). Supported League for Social
Reconstruction. A writer and editor, contributed to the League's
influential book, Social Planning for Canada (1935). His book, Canadians
In and Out of Work (1940), studied social class. Research advisor,
federal committee on post-war reconstruction (1941-44). Published
Report on Social Security for Canada (1943). His programs led to
today's social security system. Welfare adviser to UN (1944-46);
director of research, UBC school of social work (1948-64); professor,
educational sociology (1964-72). Retired in 1973.
"Fighting Joe" (Joseph) Martin Premier
b. Sept. 24, 1852, Milton, Ont.; d. March 2, 1923, Vancouver. Worked
as a telegraph operator and teacher, then practised law. In 1883,
elected as Manitoba MLA; minister of education and attorney-general.
In 1893, elected MP. Practised law in Vancouver (1897); becoming
one of the city's largest landowners. Elected B.C. MLA (1898). After
Premier Semlin was forced to resign by Lt. overnor Thomas R. McInnes
in February 1900, Martin became acting premier, with six supporters.
Four months later, he was defeated by James Dunsmuir. Moved to England
(1908); elected to British House of Commons (1910). Back in Vancouver,
he tried (and failed) to get elected as Asiatic Exclusion League
candidate, to become mayor, and to start an evening paper (1914-22).
Ranjit Mattu Star athlete b. July 17, 1916,
Jullunder, Punjab, India; d. March 23, 1989, Malibu, Calif. Came
to Vancouver in 1924. The "Gretsky of his time." Graduated
with a BA from UBC as a star athlete in rugby and football. He coached
Canadian high school football and later jr. football (to 1949).
His team, The Vancouver Blue Bombers, were the Dominion Champions
of 1947, the first such championship won by Vancouver. Joined his
father's firm, Best Fuels; later established various business interests
including Ocean City Sawmills (renamed Hem-fir Lumber) on Mitchell
Island. A community leader, he was Indian Prime Minister Pandit
Nehru's organizer and host when Nehru visited B.C. in 1949.
Thomas Hayton Mawson English landscape architect
b. May 5, 1861, Scorten, Eng.; d. 1933. An influential landscape
theorist, he taught at Liverpool University. Travelling across North
America on a speaking tour, he was given several commissions in
Vancouver. Offered designs for reclamation of Coal Harbour and Stanley
Park (1912-13). His Vancouver office, T.H. Mawson and Sons, located
in the Rogers Building in 1914, was represented by son John W. Mawson.
Famous clients included Andrew Carnegie and Cecil Rhodes. A published
author on landscape architecture. Biblio: The Life and Work of an
English Landscape Architect.
George Ritchie Maxwell Presbyterian cleric,
labor party founder b. Jan. 11, 1857, Stonehouse, Scotland; d. Nov.
17, 1902, Vancouver. Arrived in Vancouver in 1890 to take over first
Presbyterian church. A "social gospel" clergyman, he helped
create the Nationalist Party, B.C.'s first labor party, in 1894.
Served as Liberal-Labor MP for Burrard riding from 1896 until his
death.
Susanna Gertrude Clarke Mellon Supporter of
arts and worthy causes b. c. 1844, London, Eng.; d. June 17, 1926,
Vancouver. Family moved to Ontario in 1851. She convinced her husband,
Captain Henry Augustus Mellon (b. May 22, 1840, Nottingham, Eng.),
to move from Winnipeg to B.C. in 1886, arriving just after the Great
Fire of June 13. Fundraiser for local arts groups; founder, Historical
and Scientific Society (April 3, 1894). In 1901, they "pressed
that Lord Stratchona be asked to help provide a museum building."
The Carnegie Library building was proposed as an alternate site.
Member of the Pauline Johnson Fund committee to publish her works
(see bio).
Maxie (Maximillian) Michaud Hotelier, early
French pioneer b. c. 1874, Point Levis, Que.; d. June 1, 1960, Langley,
B.C. Walked across Canada to the Pacific. Bought the Brighton Hotel
(located at the foot of today's Windermere St. in Vancouver) in
March 1869 from Oliver Hocking (see bio). Changed name to Hastings
Hotel, promising "Travellers can be accommodated at all hours
with good beds and meals. A good stock of liquors and cigars."
It became a popular spot with holidayers from New Westminster. He
was "not exactly married" to his companion, Frisadie,
who "charms all sojourners at the 'End of the Road.'"
George Miller Mayor of Vancouver, 1937-38
See Mayors of Vancouver.
Jonathan Miller III Vancouver's first postmaster
b. Sept. 5, 1834, Middlesex, Ont.; d. Dec. 6, 1913, Vancouver. Came
to B.C. from Ontario in 1862. Settled in New Westminster, "engaged
in mercantile pursuits," later logging in 1865. About 1871,
hired as tax collector/constable of Granville. Lived in Gaolers's
Mews police station (Water and Carrall) until 1886, a small government-built
log cottage facing Cordova. Two small cells had doors but no locks.
In 1886, offered the job of chief constable for the newly incorporated
City of Vancouver but chose postmaster instead, a position he held
to 1909.
Bill Miner (The Grey Fox, alias Bill Edwards)
Train robber b. 1842 or 1847, Bowling Green, Kentucky; d. Sept.
2, 1913, Georgia State Penitentiary. Pulled Canada's first train
robbery, in Silverdale, 40 miles east of Vancouver on north bank
of the Fraser, on Sept. 10, 1904. Described by Pinkerton Detective
Agency as a "master criminal of the American West," he
spent 28 years in San Quentin. After a second train robbery (May
8, 1906), in Ducks near Kamloops, he received a life sentence in
the B.C. Penitentiary but escaped Aug. 9, 1907. On Feb. 24, 1911,
he attempted the first train robbery in Georgia, was caught, convicted
and died in prison. Called "the gentleman robber."
Alexander Mitchell First farmer in Greater
Vancouver b. May 8, 1847, Masham County, Que.; d. May 16, 1931,
Mitchell Island, B.C. Arrived in B.C. in April 1877; his wife and
two small children arrived shortly after. Settled in Moodyville,
later took out squatter's rights as a pioneer resident of Richmond's
small Mitchell Island. Active in municipal politics, he represented
Ward 3 of South Vancouver as councillor. Secretary of the school
board, later councillor for Richmond's Ward 5. Promoted the Fraser
Ave. bridge. His second wife also died but his third wife survived
him.
Alex (Alexander) Mitchell Owner, Stanley Park
stables b. 1866, Bruce County, Ont.: d. April 1, 1948, Vancouver.
Arrived in Vancouver on May 24, 1887. Hired as warehouseman and
shipping clerk by Thomas Dunn and Co., a wholesale retail hardware
store at 8 Cordova. In 1899, decided to start his own business.
Bought Stanley Park Stables (Seymour and Dunsmuir), the taxi business
of his day, with 86 horses, 40 rigs, seven hacks and two tallyhos.
WWI and the popularity of the automobile led to bankruptcy in 1914.
Worked for an ice delivery company in management until retirement.
Masumi Mitsui WWI hero b. Oct. 7, 1887, Japan;
d. April 22, 1987, Vancouver. One of 196 local Japanese residents
who volunteered for WWI. Of these, 145 men were killed or wounded.
After leading his troop up Vimy Ridge, Sergeant Mitsui received
the Military Medal for Bravery (April 1917), one of 12 Japanese
to receive the honor in WWI. In 1942, his family was moved from
their seven-hectare Port Coquitlam chicken farm and new house to
an internment camp in Greenwood, B.C. In August 1985, Masumi was
the honored guest at the relighting of the lantern in the Japanese
Canadian War Memorial (built in 1925) in Stanley Park. The light
was extinguished during the Pacific war.
Masajiro Miyazaki Doctor, community activist
b. Nov. 24, 1899, Minamiaoyanaji-Mura, Inukamigun (now Hikone City),
Japan; d. July 24, 1984, Kamloops, B.C. Arrived in Vancouver on
June 29, 1913. Took part in UBC's Great Trek (Oct. 22, 1922). Practised
medicine in Vancouver until 1942 internment in Bridge River-Lillooet
area. Served as doctor for 1,000 internees. In 1945, Lillooet petitioned
for his release to replace its deceased doctor. The Miyazakis rented
the main floor of the Casper Phair home. After Japanese residents
were legally able to buy property, he bought the house. Awarded
Scouting's Medal of Merit (1970) and Order of Canada (1977). In
1983, he donated the Phair house as a heritage site. Biblio: My
Sixty Years in Canada (1973).
Walter Moberly Explorer b. Aug 15, 1832, Steeple
Ashton, Eng.; d. May 15, 1915, Vancouver. In 1858, he carried out
the first exploration of B.C. by a professional civil engineer,
later working on the Cariboo Road (1862-64). Elected MLA (Cariboo).
Asked by Gov. Seymour to manage department of lands and works, he
wrote the Land Act and drew up the Mining Act. Convinced Seymour
to build a road along the Fraser to join the Yale Cariboo Road and
Hope. After resigning as MLA, became B.C.'s assistant surveyor general.
In 1865, discovered Eagle Pass and Illicilliwaet River, making a
transcontinental railroad possible. In 1866, explored and mapped
Columbia River Valley. In 1872, surveyed the Yellow Head Pass. "A
resourceful and brave woodsman."
Richard Clement Moody Engineer, colonel b.
Feb. 13, 1813, St. Anne's Garrison, Barbados; d. March 31, 1887,
Bournemouth, Eng. Graduate of Royal Military Academy. Arrived in
B.C. in January 1859, in command of Columbia Detachment of Royal
Engineers to lay out townsites, roads, etc. Chose New Westminster
as site for capital. Worked on major trails and Cariboo Road. Owned
Mayfield, a model farm near New Westminster. Established townsite
at Hastings (later absorbed into Vancouver). Returned to England
on Nov. 11, 1863, when his detachment was recalled.
Sew (Sewell Prescott) Moody Sawmill owner
b. c. 1835, Hartland, Maine; d. Nov. 4, 1875, at sea, near Victoria.
"The father of North Vancouver." After logging near New
Westminster, he bought a Burrard Inlet sawmill on the North Shore
in 1865, around which sprang up the community of Moodyville. Drowned
when SS Pacific sank off Victoria on its way to San Francisco. "Sewell
Moody was not an ostentatious man, to everyone, great and small,
he was simply Sew Moody." His only son was also Sewell Prescott
Moody (b. c. 1874, Victoria; d. 1949, Victoria). See also Captain
James Van Bramer.
William Moore Panoramic photographer b. Dec.
11, 1887, Bryson, Que.; d. Oct. 30, 1963, Burnaby. Came to Vancouver
in 1912 from Banff where he worked with photographer Byron Harmon.
Set up a studio at home on E. 21; later on Sophia. One of two panoramic
photographers in the city, he specialized in photos 8" high
and up to 8' wide. Took hundreds of views (1913-53) including English
Bay, sporting events and city scapes. From 1920-46, photographed
annual New Westminster May Day celebrations. His camera was a Kodak
No. 8 Cirkut. He donated 370 Cirkut images to the Vancouver City
Archives.
Alan Morley Journalist b. Aug. 15, 1905, Vancouver;
d. Oct. 6, 1982, North Vancouver. Born in Vancouver but grew up
in Armstrong and Penticton. First worked with father Harry, manager
of the Sally Dam, in the Kettle Valley as mucker and miner. Put
himself through UBC in early 1930s writing for the Vancouver Sun.
Wrote for 21 other newspapers before returning to the Sun in 1957
until retirement in 1970. Author of Vancouver, From Milltown to
Metropolis (1961).
John Morton Pioneer settler b. April 16, 1834,
Lindley, Eng.; d. April 18, 1912, Vancouver. Landed at English Bay
on Oct. 16, 1862, lured by tales of rich coal deposits. Instead
found "a forest of husky timber standing along Burrard Inlet."
Built a brickyard with partners Samuel Brighouse and William Hailstone,
together derisively nicknamed The Three Greenhorns. Used local clay,
making him the first resident to manufacture a product in the area.
The factory soon closed. With partners, bought 550 acres in what
is now the West End, at $1 an acre. When the CPR arrived, "the
Morton Ranch" proved a bonanza. On his death, his estate was
worth $700,000.
Ruth Morton (née Mount) Early settler
b. March 17, 1848, Yorkshire, Eng.; d. Dec. 14, 1939, Vancouver.
Arrived in 1884 to marry John Morton, becoming the first white woman
to settle in the area. When she arrived in New Westminster, the
Burrard Inlet site of John Morton's business activities was an almost
untracked wilderness. Their first home was on English Bay. The Ruth
Morton Memorial Baptist Church was named for her.
Don (Walter Alfred Donald) Munday Mountaineer
b. March 16, 1890, Portage la Prairie, Man.; d. June 12, 1950, Vancouver.
Climbed more B.C. mountains than any other mountaineer in his 40-year
career. A war hero, he was wounded in his left arm in WWI and permanently
disabled. Met equally daring wife Phyllis Munday scaling a peak.
Married in 1920. They discovered Mt. Waddington, B.C.'s highest
peak, in 1923, and made four attempts to reach the top, coming within
18 metres in 1926. Took part in many mountain rescue operations.
Member, Alpine Club of Canada. President, Canadian Authors Association.
His books include The Unknown Mountain.
Phyllis Munday (née James) Mountaineer
b. 1895, Sri Lanka; d. April 11, 1990, Nanaimo. She came to Vancouver
in 1901. Climbed Grouse Mountain at age 10. With husband Don Munday,
did early backbreaking explorations of B.C. coastal mountains, notably
Mt. Waddington. Made many first ascents of highest peaks in Coast
Range. First woman to climb Mt. Robson (1924). A Girl Guider (1910-45),
she began Vancouver's first company (1910) with her mother. In 1924,
founded the Lone Guides for girls in isolated areas. After retiring,
named B.C.'s woodcraft and nature advisor. Awarded Bronze Cross
for carrying an injured man down Grouse Mountain. LL.D (U. of Victoria);
Member of Order of Canada (1975).
William George Murrin BCER president b. Aug.
27, 1875, London, Eng.; d. July 25, 1964, Vancouver. Worked with
City of London Electric Lighting (1894-1901) and London United Tramways
(1901-03). Joined B.C. Electric Railway (BCER) in 1913 as mechanical
superintendent; president (1929-46). Active in the community, he
received the Silver Acorn from the Greater Vancouver and District
Boy Scout Council and was a life member of the Salvation Army (1958).
A governor of UBC; LL.D (1957). President, Vancouver Art Gallery
Association, Vancouver Little Theatre Association; member, Vancouver
Symphony Society.
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