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Donald Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal

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Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal
BornTemplate:Birth date
Forres, Moray, Scotland
DiedJanuary 21, 1914(1914-01-21) (aged 93)
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, Politician
Known forKey figure in Hudson's Bay Company; president of Bank of Montreal; co-founder of Canadian Pacific Railway; Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; chancellor of McGill University and University of Aberdeen

Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, (6 August 1820 – 21 January 1914), initially known as Sir Donald A. Smith from May 1886 until August 1897, was a prominent Scottish-born Canadian entrepreneur and a key figure within the British Empire. He held significant roles including commissioner, governor, and major shareholder of the Hudson's Bay Company, as well as serving as president of the Bank of Montreal. Together with his cousin George Stephen (later Lord Mount Stephen), he played a pivotal role in founding the Canadian Pacific Railway. Politically, Smith was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and subsequently represented Montreal in the House of Commons of Canada. From 1896 until his death in 1914, he acted as Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Additionally, he chaired both Burmah Oil and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, while fulfilling duties as chancellor at McGill University (1889–1914) and the University of Aberdeen.

Referred to affectionately by King Edward VII as "Uncle Donald," his estate was appraised at $5.5 million (equivalent to $ million today). Throughout his lifetime and through posthumous donations, Smith contributed over $7.5 million plus £1 million to numerous charitable organizations across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He personally raised Strathcona's Horse, a regiment that participated in the Second Boer War. His philanthropic efforts included financing the establishment of Leanchoil Hospital, and alongside Lord Mount Stephen, donating $1 million each for the construction and upkeep of Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital.

Smith endowed the Lord Strathcona Medal and made substantial donations to institutions such as McGill University, Aberdeen University, the Victoria University of Manchester, and Yale University. At McGill, he initiated the Donalda Program to promote women's higher education by founding the Royal Victoria College in 1886. Furthermore, he funded McGill’s Strathcona Medical Building and established academic chairs in both pathology and hygiene.

Early life

Born on 6 August 1820 on Forres High Street in Moray, Scotland, Smith was the second son of Alexander Smith and Barbara Stuart, tracing lineage back to Murdoch Stewart, 2nd Duke of Albany. His father transitioned from farming and military service to working as a saddler in Forres. Among Smith’s family were notable figures including the philanthropic Grant brothers from Manchester and Canadian explorer John Stuart, who was a partner in the North West Company and served as Chief Factor for the Hudson's Bay Company.

Smith received his education at Anderson's Free School before being apprenticed to a lawyer; however, he opted instead for a career in commerce. Declining opportunities in Manchester and with the Indian Civil Service, he chose to follow his uncle John Stuart into employment with the Hudson's Bay Company, embarking for Montreal in 1838.

Hudson's Bay Company

Smith began his career with the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) in 1838, advancing to clerk by 1842. From 1843 onward, he managed the seigneury of Mingan in Labrador where his progressive approaches initially faced opposition. After a fire destroyed the Mingan post in 1846, he moved temporarily to Montreal but soon returned to Labrador to oversee fur trading and salmon fishing activities until the 1860s.

In 1862, Smith was promoted to Chief Factor for Labrador and impressed HBC directors during a visit to London in 1865. By 1868, he had been appointed Commissioner of HBC’s Montreal department, responsible for eastern operations. That same year, alongside George Stephen, Richard Bladworth Angus, and Andrew Paton, he co-founded Paton Manufacturing Company, a textile enterprise based in Sherbrooke.

During the unrest of 1869 in the Red River Colony linked to Rupert's Land’s proposed transfer, Governor-General John A. Macdonald assigned Smith to investigate. Engaging with Métis leader Louis Riel at Fort Garry, Smith proposed recognition of Métis land rights which led to negotiations through a Council of Forty representatives. His Royal Commission report on the North-West Territories enhanced his stature both in Canada and London. Although unable to prevent Thomas Scott’s execution by Riel’s provisional government, Smith secured pardons for other detainees and was appointed President of HBC’s Council of the Northern Department overseeing Manitoba and surrounding territories.

Later that year, Smith accompanied Colonel Garnet Wolseley’s expedition to Red River and served as Acting Governor of Assiniboia until Lieutenant Governor Adams George Archibald assumed office. Remaining active in the region after 1870, Smith negotiated land transfers from HBC to federal authorities and managed particular land claims. Archibald appointed him to his Executive Council on 20 October 1870; however, this appointment was subsequently invalidated by Canadian authorities on legal grounds.

Political career

During Manitoba's first general election held on 27 December 1870, Smith secured a seat in the provincial legislature representing Winnipeg and St. John, narrowly defeating his long-standing HBC adversary John Christian Schultz by 71 votes to 63. Aligning with Archibald’s consensus government, Smith opposed Schultz’s staunchly loyalist Canadian Party, a victory that incited unrest among Ontario soldiers stationed in Winnipeg.

At that time, it was permissible for politicians to hold both provincial and federal offices concurrently. Early in 1871, Smith was elected as an Independent Conservative to the House of Commons of Canada for the newly established riding of Selkirk, initially supporting Sir John A. Macdonald. After his re-election in 1872, he championed the interests of the HBC and advocated for the concerns of Manitoba and the Northwest. He played a pivotal role in founding the Bank of Manitoba and the Manitoba Insurance Company, collaborating closely with banker Sir Hugh Allan.

In 1872, Smith became one of the inaugural members of the Temporary North-West Council, which governed the North-West Territories. He was unique in simultaneously holding positions in two provincial or territorial legislatures alongside a federal parliamentary seat.

Following delays in reimbursement for expenses related to Red River, Smith distanced himself from Macdonald in 1873, voting to censure the government amid the Pacific Scandal, a move that contributed to its downfall. Although he continued as an Independent Conservative, his relationship with official Conservative ranks became increasingly strained.

When Manitoba eliminated the dual mandate in 1873, Smith resigned from his provincial post early in 1874—the first to do so—and won the federal election against Liberal Andrew G. B. Bannatyne by a margin of 329 to 225 votes. The Manitoba Free Press speculated that Smith may have encouraged Bannatyne’s candidacy to weaken more formidable opposition.

That same year, after HBC separated its fur trade operations from land sales, Smith was appointed head of land management. His enthusiasm for railway development intensified; in 1875 he contributed to incorporating the Manitoba Western Railway and became a partner in the Red River Transportation Company, which controlled the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad by March 1878. Business interests increasingly commanded his attention, leading him to resign as land commissioner in early 1879, though he retained significant influence within HBC for many years thereafter.

In the tightly contested 1878 Canadian federal election, Smith narrowly triumphed over former Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Alexander Morris with a vote count of 555 to 546, aided by support from the Manitoba Free Press. However, local Conservatives challenged this outcome, resulting in its annulment two years later. On 10 September 1880, Smith was defeated by former Winnipeg Mayor Thomas Scott, who won with 735 votes against Smith’s 577.

Corporate leader

In May 1879, Smith joined the board of directors for the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway Company, holding a substantial 20% shareholding. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Canadian Pacific Railway, becoming a board member in 1883 despite prior disagreements with Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald. A highlight of his involvement was driving the last spike at Craigellachie, British Columbia, symbolizing completion of the railway. Although he served on its board for several years, he was passed over for presidency in 1888 when William Cornelius Van Horne was chosen instead.

Through extensive investments across Canadian and American enterprises during the late nineteenth century, Smith accumulated considerable wealth. Joining the board of the Bank of Montreal in 1872, he advanced to vice-president by 1882 and assumed the presidency in 1887. His proficiency in real estate facilitated his rise within finance; he founded or participated in over eighty trust companies including prominent entities such as Royal Trust and Montreal Trust. Maintaining a significant ownership stake in the Hudson's Bay Company, he ascended to its Governorship in 1889.

In media ventures, Smith made an unsuccessful attempt to acquire the Toronto Globe in 1882 but succeeded in gaining control over the Manitoba Free Press by 1893. As both principal shareholder and Governor of Hudson's Bay Company from 1889 until his passing in 1914, he exerted considerable influence over one of Canada’s most historic corporations.

Later political career

In the 1887 Canadian federal election, Smith secured re-election to the House of Commons representing Montreal West as an "Independent Conservative." That same year, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by St John's College, Cambridge. He achieved a decisive victory over James Cochrane in the 1891 election. Maintaining his involvement in Manitoba's political affairs, Smith attempted, though without success, to act as a mediator during the Manitoba school crisis of the 1890s.

High Commissioner

Prime Minister Sir Mackenzie Bowell had intended for Smith to succeed him in 1896; however, Smith declined the opportunity. Consequently, the leadership passed to Sir Charles Tupper, who appointed Smith as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on 24 April 1896.

When the Liberals triumphed in the 1896 Canadian federal election, Sir Wilfrid Laurier chose to retain Smith in the High Commissioner role, albeit with somewhat reduced authority. On 23 August 1897, Smith was elevated to Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal within the Peerage of the United Kingdom, acknowledging his significant influence in both Canada and Britain. Prior honors included KCMG (1886), advancement to GCMG (1896), and later receiving the GCVO in 1908.

Smith worked alongside Manitoba Liberal Clifford Sifton to encourage immigration from Eastern Europe to settle the Canadian prairies, facilitating Canada's economic growth. He also organized Strathcona's Horse, a privately raised Canadian unit during the Second Boer War, and became a leading proponent of British imperialism while based in London. After the conflict, he participated in the Royal Commission (Elgin Commission, 1902–1903) that examined its conduct.

He was instrumental in establishing the Anglo-Persian Oil Company and assumed its chairmanship in 1909, using his influence to position it as a principal supplier to the Royal Navy—an important strategic business accomplishment.

In 1900, Smith received a second creation of his Barony with a special remainder allowing succession by his daughter Margaret Charlotte Howard.

His distinguished status was further reflected through honorary roles such as Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen (1899–1902), recipient of Aberdeen’s Freedom of the City (1902), Honorary Colonel of the 8th (Volunteer) Battalion, King's (Liverpool Regiment) in 1902, and honorary doctorates from Victoria University of Manchester and University of Oxford.

He was appointed to the Imperial Privy Council in 1904 and granted Freedom of the City of Bath in 1911.

Philanthropy

Strathcona was widely recognized for his philanthropy, contributing generously across Canada, Britain, and internationally. Among his most notable donations—jointly with George Stephen—was funding for Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital, which opened its doors in 1893. He also supported McGill University, founding Royal Victoria College in 1884 to advance women’s education and serving as Chancellor from 1888 until his passing. Furthermore, he provided financial support to Yale University's Sheffield Scientific School for constructing a science and engineering facility and establishing two engineering professorships; Yale honored him with an honorary degree in 1892. His generosity extended to aiding development at the University of Birmingham following Joseph Chamberlain’s appeal.

In 1910, Strathcona entrusted $500,000 to the Dominion Government at a 4% interest rate aimed at fostering citizenship and patriotism. This fund notably backed the Royal Canadian Army Cadets by promoting physical fitness and military training. The Trust issued a Syllabus of Physical Exercises for Schools in 1911. The Cadets commemorate him through the Lord Strathcona Medal.

Death

Lord Strathcona passed away in 1914 in London and was interred at Highgate Cemetery. His red granite tomb is prominently positioned near the cemetery’s entrance. His remarkable seventy-five-year tenure with the Hudson's Bay Company remains unparalleled.

He maintained a residence in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile and owned estates in Scotland, including Glencoe House (purchased in 1895) and later the Hebridean Islands of Colonsay and Oronsay. Additionally, he held homes in London and leased Knebworth House from 1899 until his death while serving as Canadian High Commissioner. Although accorded a full state funeral at Westminster Abbey, he elected to be laid to rest beside his wife at Highgate Cemetery.

His obituary published in The Times of London remarked:


Family

In 1853, he wed Isabella Sophia Hardisty (1825–1913), daughter of Richard Hardisty, Chief Trader for the Hudson's Bay Company, and Margaret Sutherland. Lady Strathcona’s lineage encompassed English, Indian, and Scottish roots. Her brother was the Hon. Richard Charles Hardisty. In 1903, she was presented to King Edward and Queen Alexandra. Alongside her daughter, she contributed $100,000 to McGill University in Montreal toward a new Medical Building wing. The couple owned several residences including 53 Cadogan Square, London; Knebworth House; Debden Hall; Glencoe House in Scotland; Colonsay House in Scotland; and 1157 Dorchester Street within Montreal’s Golden Square Mile.

They had a single child, the Hon. Margaret Charlotte Smith, who inherited the title Lady Strathcona in 1914 through the special remainder of the 1900 barony. In 1888, she married Robert Jared Bliss Howard OBE FRCS (1859–1921), son of Robert Palmer Howard, Dean of Medicine at McGill University.

Their offspring included:

  • The Hon. Frances Margaret Palmer Howard (1889–1958)
  • The Rt Hon. Donald Sterling Palmer Howard, 3rd Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal (1891–1959)
  • The Hon. Robert Henry Palmer Howard (1893–1915), who died in combat
  • The Hon. Edith Mary Palmer Howard (1895–1979), who married John Brooke Molesworth Parnell, 6th Baron Congleton
  • The Hon. Sir Arthur Jared Palmer Howard, KBE CVO (1896–1971)

His Montreal home was located within the prestigious Golden Square Mile. In 1905, he purchased Colonsay Island in the Inner Hebrides, which remains under family ownership today.

Legacy

Several buildings at McGill University in Montreal bear Lord Strathcona’s name as a tribute to his substantial financial and personal contributions. A street in Westmount is named after him, as well as the Strathcona Desjardins Credit Union, which primarily serves English-speaking communities including educators and healthcare workers.

The family mansion on Dorchester Street (now known as René Lévesque Boulevard) was demolished in 1941 to make way for an apartment complex. Strathcona Avenue in Westmount also commemorates his name.

In Manitoba, the Rural Municipality of Strathcona along with three Winnipeg streets—Donald Street, Smith Street, and Strathcona Street—honor him. Alberta features multiple dedications such as Calgary’s Strathcona Park neighborhood, Edmonton’s Strathcona neighborhood, and Strathcona County municipality. British Columbia’s Vancouver neighborhood called Strathcona takes its name from Lord Strathcona School (established 1891), while Mount Sir Donald in Glacier National Park also pays homage to him.

Artistic representations of Lord Strathcona include several bust portraits by Swiss-American artist Adolfo Müller-Ury; some are displayed at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad offices and within Hudson's Bay Company locations. In 1916, Müller-Ury gifted a charcoal bust-length drawing to McGill University.

The Town of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories carries his name. A stained glass window dedicated to him is installed at Westminster Abbey, and his coat of arms adorns the entrance of Marischal College in Aberdeen. Ottawa’s Strathcona Park, created in 1907, is named after him. The Manitoba town of Transcona merges “Strathcona” with “transcontinental,” reflecting its railway origins connected to Lord Strathcona.

In 1973, he was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame.

Vessels named in honor of Lord Strathcona

During Lord Strathcona's lifetime, at least three ships carried his name:

  • Strathcona, a wooden sidewheel paddle steamer measuring 598 tons and 142 feet in length, constructed in 1898 by J. Macfarlane at New Westminster, British Columbia for the Hudson's Bay Company. It operated along the Pacific Northwest coastline and was involved in transporting members of the Yukon Field Force during 1898-99. After its sale in 1902 to S.J.V. Spratt, it subsequently became part of the Sidney & Nanaimo Transportation Company fleet. The vessel was wrecked on a submerged log near Pages Landing on the Fraser River in 1909; it was salvaged in 1910, but with engines and boilers removed, the hull was left abandoned.
  • Strathcona, a steel Great Lakes freighter built in 1900 by Caledon Shipbuilding Company in Dundee, Scotland, weighing 1,881 tons and stretching 253 feet. Initially designed as a bulk carrier, it was transformed into a package freighter in 1911 by Collingwood Shipbuilding Company. It served Inland Lines, Ltd., based in Hamilton, Ontario until 1913 before transferring to Canada Steamship Lines. During the First World War, it was requisitioned for ocean duties but was sunk on 13 April 1917 near the Orkney Islands by a scuttling charge from SM U-78.
  • Lord Strathcona, a steel salvage tug of 495 tons and 160 feet in length, built in 1902 by J.P. Renoldson & Sons, Ltd., located at South Shields, England. Initially owned by George T. Davie & Sons of Lauzon, Quebec, it was acquired in 1912 by Quebec Salvage & Wrecking Company, Ltd., a subsidiary of Canadian Pacific. The tug remained operational throughout World War II before being transferred to Foundation Maritime in 1944; it was dismantled in 1947.

Additionally, a fourth ship named Lord Strathcona was an ocean steamer of 7,335 tons and 455 feet long, constructed in 1915 by W. Doxford & Sons Ltd. at Sunderland, England. Owned by the Dominion Line, this vessel was torpedoed and sunk by U-513 on 5 September 1942 while carrying iron ore from Wabana to Sydney, Nova Scotia. All 44 crew members aboard, including Captain Charles Stewart, were successfully rescued.

See also

References

  • Merchant Princes, Peter C. Newman, Viking, 1992
  • Kenneth Bernard, "Lord Strathcona: A Hudson's Bay Trader Who Has Won A High Place in the British Peerage," The World's Work, March 1907

External links

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