John Molson Jr

John Molson, Jr

John Molson, Jr, brewer, entrepreneur in banking, transportation and utilities (b at Montréal 14 Oct 1787; d there 12 July 1860), eldest son of John MOLSON the elder, whose deputy he was from 1807 to 1835. In 1836 after the death of his father, he sold his 25% interest in the Molson brewing and distilling operations to his 2 brothers, Thomas and William. He was then able to concentrate on his other positions, such as first president of the CHAMPLAIN AND SAINT LAWRENCE RAILROAD (1836), founding president of the City Gas Co (1837), which brought gas lighting to Montréal, and director of the Bank of Montreal (1824-53). In partnership with his brother William he founded Molson Bank (1854). Like his brothers, he was known also for his philanthropy in Montréal's civic life, contributing generously to McGill University and serving as governor of the Montréal General Hospital.