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Woodstock, Ontario, Mayor of Woodstock,
was born at Elgin, Scotland, on the 2nd of October, 1849. He is a son of
Thomas Grant, who, with his wife and family emigrated to Canada in 1854.
On arriving in this country, the family made their way to Woodstock,
Ontario, and here took up their abode. Our subject being only five years
old at the time of emigration, his education fell into the hands of the
Woodstock masters. He at first attended the primary schools, but
afterwards entered the high school. We have heard that he was a diligent
and careful student, and turned his time to the most account. Shortly
after leaving school, he entered his father's tannery, and subsequently
he joined himself with his brother. The business of the firm very soon
began to expand and establish important connections for itself all over
the country; and it is now one of the best equipped, and most expensive
tanneries in the Dominion. But our subject has not always confined his
abilities to his private business, for he has taken a deep interest in
political questions, and is ever ready to go upon any platform to
express his views, and help along what he believed to be a deserving
cause. He is quick, energetic, effective, and sincere, and saying this
we know of no higher compliments that could be paid to a public man. He
has always professed the doctrines of the Reformers, and he is one of
the leaders of the party in his county. Mr. Grant has occupied all the
positions in the gift of the people of Woodstock. He has represented
them for a number of years in the county council; was reeve for the
years 1881, 1882 and 1883, during which time he was a leading members of
that body. During the year 1884-5 he filled the position of mayor to the
fullest satisfaction of the people. He has always been aggressive and
progressive in his advocacy of public questions; and has done a great
deal to bring Woodstock into prominence and position. He has always been
elected by handsome majorities; and the longer he is before the people,
the higher seems to become the public appreciation of his qualities. The
well-being of his adopted town seems to be his greatest public care; and
the townsfolk, it seems, are neither blind to this fact, nor unmindful
of it. In 1875 he married Isabella Watson, eldest daughter of Alexander
Watson. The fruit of this union is one child. |
