Edward Mackay (1813-1883)
Dry Goods Merchant, of Kildonan Hall, Montreal
He was born in Scotland at Kildonan, Sutherland. When he was ten, his family relocated to Caithness, victims of the Highland Clearances. He emigrated to Montreal via Kingston in 1840, joining his brother Joseph's drys goods firm on Rue Saint-Paul of which he became a partner in 1850. In the same year their nephew, Hugh Mackay, joined the business, becoming a partner in 1856. By 1860, the Mackay Brothers firm moved into large new premises on McGill Street. Edward and Joseph retired in 1875 leaving the firm in the hands of Hugh and his brothers Robert and James. He lived at Kildonan Hall, Montreal, never married, and died worth a million dollars.
In addition to his role within MacKay Brothers, Edward was President of the Canada Cotton Manufacturing Company and the Colonial Building & Investment Association. He was also a Director of the Bank of Montreal; the London and Lancashire Life & Fire Assurance Company; the Montreal Rolling Mills; and, the Shedden Forwarding Company. He declined several invitations to stand for Parliament as a Liberal, but he was active in his support of Liberal candidates. He was a Presbyterian and made religious and charitable bequests totalling over $70,000. After his death, his heirs donated $40,000 to endow the Edward Mackay Chair at the Presbyterian College. After his brother died, he succeeded him as President of the Mackay Institution for Protestant Deaf Mutes.
In addition to his role within MacKay Brothers, Edward was President of the Canada Cotton Manufacturing Company and the Colonial Building & Investment Association. He was also a Director of the Bank of Montreal; the London and Lancashire Life & Fire Assurance Company; the Montreal Rolling Mills; and, the Shedden Forwarding Company. He declined several invitations to stand for Parliament as a Liberal, but he was active in his support of Liberal candidates. He was a Presbyterian and made religious and charitable bequests totalling over $70,000. After his death, his heirs donated $40,000 to endow the Edward Mackay Chair at the Presbyterian College. After his brother died, he succeeded him as President of the Mackay Institution for Protestant Deaf Mutes.
