Peter Redpath

Peter Redpath
Born (1821-08-01)August 1, 1821
Montreal, Lower Canada
Died February 1, 1894(1894-02-01) (aged 72)
Chislehurst, England
Known for Businessman and philanthropist

Peter Redpath (August 1, 1821 – February 1, 1894) was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, closely associated with Redpath Sugar.

Biography

Redpath was born in Montreal, Lower Canada, the son of a Scottish immigrant, John Redpath, a director of the Bank of Montreal and a member of the Montreal City Council.

Redpath worked in the family's sugar refinery and other businesses in Montreal. He was a member of the McGill University Board of Governors from 1864 until his death. He endowed a chair of Natural Philosophy at McGill in 1871 and established the Redpath Museum in 1880. In the same year, he migrated to England. He also founded the Redpath Library at the University in 1893. He donated about half a million dollars in money and books to McGill University.

Family

Grace Redpath by William Notman

Peter Redpath married October 16, 1847, Grace Wood, daughter of William Wood, merchant and philanthropist, of Manchester. She was born at Bowdon, Cheshire, England and educated privately. The couple lived in Montreal up to their return to Manor House, Chiselhurst, Kent, England, in the 1870s. Mr. Redpath died February 1, 1894, aged 73. His wife supported his philanthropy. In 1894 she contributed $11,500 for Redpath Museum expenses and $40,500 for the maintenance of the Redpath Library. She funded the building of an additional wing to the Redpath Library at McGill University, which was completed in 1894. A portrait and bust of Mr. Redpath, and a portrait of Mrs. Redpath were placed by the governors of McGill University in its main gallery.[1]

References

  1. ↑ Morgan, Henry James Types of Canadian women and of women who are or have been connected with Canada : (Toronto, 1903)


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