James McGill

Lt.-Colonel The Hon. James McGill (October 6, 1744–December 19, 1813) was a Scottish-Canadian businessman and philanthropist best known for being the founder of McGill University, Montreal. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada for Montreal West in 1792 and was appointed to the Executive Council of Lower Canada in 1793. He was the first honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the The Canadian Grenadier Guards. He was also a prominent member of the Château Clique and one of the original founding members of the Beaver Club. His summer home stood within the Golden Square Mile.
Biography
The McGill family originated in Ayrshire, and had been living in Glasgow for two generations by the time James was born in the family home on Stockwell Street. The McGills were metalworkers, and, from 1715 onward, Burgesses of the city and members of the Hammermen's Guild, James' father having served as Deacon.
James McGill was educated at the University...