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Pioneer - GUMMER, Harry
Biographical Sketches of
Early Settlers of Wellington County
Information from: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906
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GUMMER, Harry
. With the Guelph Herald in the minds of the Wellington people is associated
the name of the subject of this sketch, for unquestionably, his ability as a
newspaper man as made this journal what it is to-day.
Harry Gummer was born in London England, on March 21st, 1854, and there he received his education. He came to Canada in 1872 and at once became the Business Manager of the Toronto Daily Sun. When that journal ceased publication in 1876 Mr. Gummer became associated with Grip, Canada's Comic Weekly; from there he passed on to the Toronto National, and in 1878 went on the New York Mercury, and a year of or so later identified himself with the Detroit Chaff. It was in 1881 that Mr. Gummer first became connected with the Guelph Herald. After four years' service as Business Manager he, in 1885, purchased the paper, and at once proceeded to lay the foundation of the prosperity which the Herald has since enjoyed. Applying to its direction progressive business methods which the Herald up to that date had lacked, Mr. Gummer soon placed the paper on a sound footing, enlarged and energized its facilities for the handling of news, systemized its advertising department, increased its circulation, and made it the influence of Western Ontario journalism that it is to-day. Mr. Gummer is well known as a prominent worker amongst Fraternal Societies. He has edited the Canadian Forester, the official organ of the Canadian Order of Foresters for nearly twenty years, and is also the Editor of the Chosen Friend, the official organ of the Canadian Order of Chosen Friends, which paper he established in November, 1891. His society connections are many. In Free Masonry Mr. Gummer is a Past Master of Waverly Lodge, A.F. & A.M., Past Thrice Puissant Grand Master Royal City Lodge of Perfection A. & A.S.R., and a member of Guelph Chapter Royal Arch Masons. As a Canadian Forester he has filled the highest office in the gift of the members of that important order, being elected the High Chief Ranger in 1896, and filling that office for two years. He was for nearly twenty years a member of the Executive Committee of the order and is a Past Chief Ranger of Court Grove, No. 69, Guelph. As a member of the Canadian Order of Chosen Friends he has been largely instrumental in bringing that order to its present prominence. He is a Past Councillor and Past Grand Trustee and member of the Executive Committee, and for the past ten years and at present the Treasurer of the local Council. Mr. Gummer is a Past Regent of the Royal Arcanum, a Past Member of the Committee on State of the Order for the Grand Council for Ontario, and at present fills the position of Secretary of Wyndham Council No. 810. He is also Past Consul Commander of Guelph Camp Woodmen of the World; Past President, and for the past fifteen years and at present Treasurer of St. George's Society; Member of Royal Lodge Ancient Order of United Workman; member of Royal City Lodge Sons of England; member of the Canadian Order of Odd Fellows, and a Past Leader of the Canadian Home Circles and representative to the Supreme Council. Mr. Gummer is a member of the Church of England, being a Past Warden of St. George's church, and a delegate to the Synod of Niagara. Mr. Gummer was married in 1879 to Miss Barry, of Toronto. From that union there are eight children, four of whom died in infancy. Living are: Mr. G. B. Gummer, the present Business Manager of the Guelph Herald; Miss A. M. Gummer, Miss Grace and Master Ralph. From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto:Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906 |
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