Georges-Casimir Dessaulles
Georges-Casimir Dessaulles | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | April 19, 1930 (aged 102) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician, senator |
| Years active | 1848–1930 |
| Known for | Senator for Quebec (1907–1930), mayor of Saint-Hyacinthe, president of the Bank of Saint-Hyacinthe |
Georges-Casimir Dessaulles (September 29, 1827 – April 19, 1930) was a notable Canadian entrepreneur, political figure, and senator. He was appointed to the Senate of Canada representing Quebec in 1907 at the age of 80 and maintained his senatorial duties for 23 years until his passing at 102, ranking among the most senior and longest-tenured politicians in Canadian history.
Originating from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Dessaulles was the son of Jean Dessaulles and the nephew of Louis-Joseph Papineau. He completed his studies at Georgetown University in 1848, where he participated in the Philodemic Society. Before joining the Senate, he held leadership roles including president of the Bank of Saint-Hyacinthe and mayor of Saint-Hyacinthe. Additionally, he served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Quebec for Saint-Hyacinthe between 1897 and 1900, having been selected as a last-minute candidate following the death of his son-in-law Maurice St-Jacques.
In 1857, Dessaulles wed Émilie-Emma Mondelet; after her passing, he remarried Louise-Frances Leman in 1869. His 100th birthday was honored as a significant occasion within the Senate, making him only the second sitting senator to reach this milestone. Upon his death, he held the distinction of being the oldest active politician worldwide—a record that still stands.
Known for his reserved demeanor, Dessaulles addressed the Senate floor only twice: once to refute claims regarding a corrupt appointment and once to express gratitude for a portrait presented on his centennial birthday.
His daughter, Henriette Dessaulles, gained recognition as a distinguished author and journalist.
References
- 1827 births
- 1930 deaths
- Businesspeople from Quebec
- Canadian men centenarians
- Canadian senators from Quebec
- Liberal Party of Canada senators
- Mayors of Saint-Hyacinthe
- Quebec Liberal Party MNAs
- People from Saint-Hyacinthe
- Politicians from Montérégie
- Philodemic Society members
- 19th-century mayors of places in Quebec
- 19th-century members of the Legislative Assembly of Quebec
- 20th-century members of the Senate of Canada
- Canadian bankers