Article

John Wilson McConnell

Published Online December 16, 2007

Last Edited December 16, 2013

John Wilson McConnell, publisher, businessman (b in Muskoka, Ont 1 July 1877; d at Montréal 6 Nov 1963). McConnell was the owner of the Montreal Star, the largest English-language newspaper in Québec, and as such was a force in the land. He went into business in Toronto as a young man.

McConnell, John Wilson

John Wilson McConnell, publisher, businessman (b in Muskoka, Ont 1 July 1877; d at Montréal 6 Nov 1963). McConnell was the owner of the Montreal Star, the largest English-language newspaper in Québec, and as such was a force in the land. He went into business in Toronto as a young man. In 1900 he moved to Montréal as manager of Standard Wood Chemical Ltd, but in 1906 he went into finance as an investment broker. By 1912 he had control of the St Lawrence Sugar Refineries. He bought the Montreal Star in 1925 from Hugh GRAHAM, Baron Atholstan, and took control in 1938 on the latter's death. In 1939 he threw his paper's support to the Liberals and against Premier Maurice DUPLESSIS in the Québec general election; he thereafter remained close to Mackenzie KING. King offered him a Cabinet post during WWII, but McConnell refused. He was also a philanthropist of note, helping such artists as Maureen FORRESTER.