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CA-K942Economy & trade

William Molson, brewer and banker

William Molson, 1863 (William Notman).
William Molson, 1863 (William Notman). William Molson · William Notman · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.
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William Molson, youngest son of Montréal brewer John Molson, helped expand the family empire into distilling, lumber, a foundry, steamships and railways by the mid-19th century. In 1853 he and his brother John founded Molsons Bank, which he led until his death. A leading philanthropist, he was president of the Montreal General Hospital and gave money toward founding and building McGill University, later becoming a governor.

Scope & context

Molson as described in his designation.

Sources behind this record

1
William Molson National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada (Directory of Federal Heritage Designations)

Importance; plaque text