J.W. McConnell: Financier, Philanthropist, Patriot

by William Fong

J W McConnell (1877-1963), born to a poor farming family in Ontario, became one of the wealthiest and most powerful businessmen of his generation - in Canada and internationally. This is his biography.

752 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book sitting on my shelf for many years. Finally, I had the interest to take it and start reading it. As it turns out, it's very interesting and not as dry as I had feared.

The story of JW McConnell is inextricably linked with that of Montreal's industrial development, as he moved to the city in the late 1800's and built his fortune investing in and managing many of Canada's large and profitable enterprises.

I learnt about life in Montreal at the turn of the century, at least life for the upper class Anglos. It was interesting to find out more about the role that the Church played in people's lives, and the beginnings of institutions such as the YMCA.

A large portion of JW McConnell's fortune was used at the end of his life to establish the largest private family foundation (at a the time) in Canada. Today, the JW McConnell Family Foundation continues to promote his values and his vision. Glad to have learned more about this important Canadian figure.