Wellington County, Ontario GenWeb - Pioneer - HOLLIDAY, Thomas

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Pioneer - HOLLIDAY, Thomas

Biographical Sketches of
Early Settlers of Wellington County

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Information from: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906

HOLLIDAY, Thomas (d.), b. York , Eng., 1817, d. Oct. 13, 1902. He remained with his father Robert Holliday, until 18 years of age. His relatives being engaged in brewing, whose ancestors represented four generations, he believed that he had all the inherent qualities, and decided to acquire the art. He accordingly engaged with John Jueson, Market, Weighton, with whom he remained 15 years. He was then with Sir John Simpson, York, Lord Mayor of the city, which connection lasted until 1854, when, having saved a sufficient sum, and having implicit faith in his skill, he decided to cross the Atlantic, settling first in Hamilton, and that he might become acquainted with the custom of this country, engaged for two years with Grant and Middlewood, after which time he purchased the Guelph plant. Here he followed the brewing business successfully for 46 years, and became one of the foremost brewers in Canada. A more skilful maltster than the late Thomas Holliday was hard to find. He ran a business that he thoroughly believed in, and one in which he had an honorable desire to excel. He always took more pride in the making of good ale than in the accumulation of wealth. He was an able man, energetic, skilful, and magnetic; of fine physique, with many friends, and a knowledge of the world obtained by travel. He detested dishonesty, and never drew a line between meanness and dishonesty, and his word was considered as good as his bond; an Englishman of the old school, he was dignified, and of rather an austere manner but beneath this outward mask of austerity, there beat one of the kindest hearts in the world. And there are many in the city of Guelph who knew that the late Thomas Holliday did not live for himself alone. He was very charitable, and none were ever turned from his door. He was very public spirited and progressive, and a liberal patron to all worthy undertakings. No appeal for charity was ever made to him in vain.

For several years Mr. Holliday represented St. James Ward, in the City Council, and he carried to the discharge of his duties as an Alderman, the same rugged candor, sterling honesty, and practical common sense that characterized his business dealings. In his younger days he was an expert angler and a first-class pigeon shot. And was always a generous supporter of all manly sports.

With his friends, he was always genial and considerate, and in the home, to which he was greatly attached, his deep affection and the tender solicitude of a strong nature, were always shone towards those he loved.

The family who survive him are William , and Tindale, who manage the brewery; Mrs. Macauley, wife of Dr. Macauley, General Manager of the Sun Life Ins. Co., in Japan and China; Mrs. Torrance, wife of W. P. Torrance, Toronto; Mrs. J. R. M. Dixon, Guelph, and Misses Mary, and Emma, who reside at the family home "Burnside."

From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto:Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906





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