James Crosskill Mackintosh
James Crosskill Mackintosh | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Died | May 18, 1924 (aged 85) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, stockbroker, politician |
| Years active | 1855–1922 |
| Known for | Mayor of Halifax; founder of Halifax Stock Exchange; president of Starr Manufacturing Co. |
James Crosskill Mackintosh (1 February 1839–18 May 1924) was a prominent figure in Nova Scotia’s financial and political spheres, known for his roles as a banker, stockbroker, and as Mayor of Halifax.
Early life and education
Mackintosh was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to John Mackintosh, a Scottish immigrant, and Mary Catherine Crosskill, who also had Scottish roots. His education took place at St. John's School followed by the Halifax Free Church Academy. At the age of 16, in 1855, he left formal schooling to begin working as a clerk at the Bank of Nova Scotia.
Career
In 1857, Mackintosh was appointed as the first official accountant of the Bank of Nova Scotia. He became a member of the North British Society in 1859 and advanced to the position of secretary by 1860. His community involvement included active participation in the Halifax YMCA and Fort Massey Presbyterian Church.
After departing from the bank in 1873, he co-established the private banking enterprise Almon & Mackintosh. Subsequently, he founded J.C. Mackintosh & Co., a brokerage and banking firm with offices located in Montreal, St. John, Fredericton, and New Glasgow. He was instrumental in founding the Halifax Stock Exchange in 1874 and served as its president.
Mackintosh joined the executive committee of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in 1878 and was elected to Halifax City Council that same year. Serving five years as alderman and justice of the peace, he advocated for reforming assessment practices and enhancing tax collection efficiency. From 1884 to 1887, during his tenure as Mayor of Halifax, he spearheaded significant projects including laying the foundation for the Halifax Dry Dock and refurbishing Grand Parade. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing regular ferry operations between Dartmouth and Halifax.
He held leadership positions across several organizations: president of the Halifax YMCA; vice president of both the Victoria School of Art and Design and Starr Manufacturing Co.; president of SPCA Nova Scotia; and president of the Nova Scotia Bible Society. Mackintosh was also a benefactor and vice president of the Halifax School for the Blind.
In 1893, he helped launch the Eastern Trust Company and acted as a provisional director. By the mid-1890s, he participated on the Board of Arbitrators within the Halifax Board of Trade. His son-in-law, John E. Wood, joined J.C. Mackintosh & Co. as a partner in 1904—the same year Mackintosh became a board member of the Dartmouth Electric Light Company.
He held vice presidential and directorial roles at Eastern Canada Savings & Loan Co., Ltd., and was a board governor at Dalhousie College from 1905 until 1919. In 1914, Mackintosh served as president of Starr Manufacturing Co., while also holding directorships at Eastern Trust Co. and St. Croix Lumber Co. He maintained control over his banking enterprise until 1922 when leadership transitioned to his son Alexander Forrester Mackintosh and John E. Wood.
Personal life
On 15 April 1869, J.C. Mackintosh married Emma Isabel Grant; their son Alexander Forrester Mackintosh was born in 1877. His wife led as president of the Local Council of Women of Halifax. Politically aligned with the Conservative Party, Mackintosh attended Honorable Charles Tupper’s address in Halifax in 1875. He engaged actively with numerous civic and educational institutions including membership at the Halifax Club and support for the Halifax Protestant Industrial School beginning in 1875. In 1907, he became a member of the Canadian Club of Halifax. By the late 1890s, Mackintosh held shares in the Bank of British North America.
Death
James Crosskill Mackintosh passed away on 8 May 1924 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Works
- Memoranda concerning the short-line railway issue (1885)
- The mayor's speech and comprehensive overview of the city's governmental affairs (1886)