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Toronto, was born on the 23rd Dec., 1832, at
Dumbarton, Scotland. The Galbraith family is a race of millers, our
subject being the fourth generation, all having been engaged in this
pursuit. His parents were John Galbraith and Christian Craig. His mother's
kindred were well-to-do and highly respected farmers. Our subject was
educated at Neilston, at the Parish School, with a view to becoming a
minister, but owing to certain circumstances he entered into business with
his father. He was always, however, of a studious nature, and while at his
daily employment frequently made vast mental excursions. This habit he
maintains to the present. His first idea of emigrating to Canada was
occasioned by what he read of the country in Chamber's Journal. He
left home in 1856 for Toronto, in which city he has since resided. He
first obtained a situation through Mr. McMaster with Mr. James Young,
produce merchant, with whom he remained for three years. In 1859 he formed
a partnership with Mr. Robert Swan, which existed for six years, when Mr.
Swan retired. Mr. Galbraith has since carried on the business with very
good success. He was President of the Corn Exchange four times, and Vice
President of the Board of Trade twice. He took an enthusiastic interest in
the Toronto, Grey & Bruce Railway when that line was first proposed.
In 1883 he took a trip to Great Britain, and visited the scenes of his
early youth. In religion Mr. Galbraith is a staunch Presbyterian, and in
politics an uncompromising Liberal. He married in Feb. 1856, Janet Grey
Wright, a native of Neilston, Scotland, and by this lady had ten children,
nine of whom are living. His eldest son is associated with him in the
milling business at Allandale, near Barrie. Mr. Galbraith is a total
abstainer, never having touched a drop of intoxicating liquor during his
life. Wherever Mr. Galbraith is known he is respected, and is a
persevering, honourable, and upright man. |
