John Try-Davies (1839-1911)

He was born at London, England, and was christened at St. George's, Hanover Square. He started his financial career with Stern Brothers of London, afterwards representing them in New York. He came to Montreal in 1872 where his maternal grandfather, John Try, had been Chairman of the Harbour Commission etc. In 1873, he purchased a seat on the Montreal Stock Exchange and retired in 1902. He served as a Captain in the Victoria Rifles and was President of the Outremont Golf Club. He was a founding member of the Pen & Pencil Club with William Hope etc. and was a founder of the Mount Royal Club. He authored various literary productions including A Semi-Detached House and Other Stories; Love & Co.; and, The Dead Street. His portrait was painted by Wilhelm Funk in New York and by Alphonse Jongers in Montreal. He was married at Montreal to Eleanor, grand-daughter of Louis-Joseph Papineau. She died in childbirth in England at Clarges Street in London's Mayfair. They died without children and among other bequests Try-Davies left $150,000 to the Montreal General Hospital.