John Molson Jr.
John Molson Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Montreal, Canada |
| Died | July 12, 1860 (aged 72) Montreal, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, politician |
| Known for | Director of Molson Bank; President of Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad; President of Montreal General Hospital |
John Molson Jr. (October 14, 1787 – July 12, 1860) was a prominent Canadian entrepreneur and political figure. He held leadership roles including director of Molson Bank, president of the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad—recognized as Canada’s inaugural railway—and president of Montreal General Hospital. He was a descendant of the founder of the Molson family business empire.
Life
Molson was born in Montreal to John Molson (1763–1836) and Sarah Vaughn (1751–1829). After training in brewing, he became a partner in the family’s brewery by 1816. Although primarily focused on finance, he capitalized on the family’s dominance in river transportation by owning the Swiftsure. During the War of 1812, he profited through purchasing discounted bills of exchange in Montreal and reselling them at a gain in Quebec. He was among the early directors of the Bank of Montreal and served as vice-president of Molson's Bank following its establishment in 1855. As a leading advocate for the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad, he assumed its presidency in 1837. His commercial ventures also encompassed Montreal’s initial water supply system, gas company, fire insurance sector, and several industrial projects. Following his father’s footsteps, he occupied roles as life governor, vice-president, and president of Montreal General Hospital. Politically active, he chaired the Constitutional Association and supported governmental forces during the Rebellions of 1837, sustaining injuries and attaining the militia rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Between 1838 and 1841, he was a member of the Special Council of Lower Canada.
Marriage and children
In 1816, Molson wed his cousin Mary Anne Molson (1791–1862), daughter of Thomas Molson and Anne Atkinson. The couple had six children: one daughter and five sons, among them John Molson III, who also married within the family circle and later became president of the Molson Bank. John Molson Jr. passed away on July 12, 1860, in Montreal.