456   MEN OF CANADA_

ALEX WATSON, of
the Vulcan Foun-
dry, Woodstock,
Out., was born on the 5th
of September, IS30, at Barr-
head, Renfrewshire, Scot-
land. His parents were
Alexander and Margaret
(Hagert) Watson, who came
to Canada in iS42. The
subject of our sketch re-
ceived his education at pri-
vate schools in leis native
country. Oil coming to
Canada with his parents, lie
commenced the trade of a
moulder in 1843 with John
Gartshore, Dundas, remain-
ing there until 1853. He
then went to Galt, where
he worked at his trade

eighteen months, when he

returned to Dundas and be-

came foreman in the foun-

dry of Holt & Co., «-•here

lie remained three years.

He then went to Norwich

and became a partner in the

firm of Barr & Co., foun-

ders, -,N-hich partnership ex-

isted seven years. In I S71

he moved to Woodstock

and became proprietor of the Vulcan Foundry, which business lie has since carried on with success. 'Mr. Watson was raised a Presbyterian, being an elder in that church for many years, and when but eighteen years of age was all ordained deacon of the Presbyterian Church in Dundas. He is now a member of the Congregational body, being one of the first deacons in Wood-stock Congregational Church, and superintendent of the Sabbath School for many years. He has always been active in church work, and is looked up to as an earnest Christian lean. He has held various public offices in the towel

of Woodstock, having been a councillor a number of years, and public school trustee eighteen years. He also held the office of trustee while residing in Nor vich. In politics lie is Reform, and takes au acti~-e interest in Isis party and the -\~°elfare of his country, and he is admired by all for his honesty and integrity. ~TIr. Watson was married December 3rd, zS52,to l\largaret, daugliter of William Ross, F,sq., of Dundas. He has fire children living—three daughters and two sons. The eldest son carries on a large stove and tinware business ill Woodstock, aiid the other is with his father.