30) Edward James Anderson: Elected mayor for the City of Welland in 1925, 1926, 1927 & 1928

Vital statistics

Birth: December 29, 1877 at Forfar, Scotland

Death: January 31, 1947 at Welland, Ontario, Canada (age 69)

Burial place: Woodlawn Cemetery (Find a Grave)

Parents: Robert / Margaret (née Miller)

Spouse: Caroline Alberta (née MacAllister)

Children: Margaret

Occupations: Owner of Thorold Iron Works / Co-owner of Welland Iron and Brass Company

Religion: Presbyterian

Political affiliation: Liberal

Community affiliations: Welland Rotary Club / President of the Welland County Hospital Board / Board of the Water Commission / Mothers’ Allowance Board / Manager and Treasurer of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church / President of Welland County Liberal Association / President of City Children’s Aid Society

Profile

Edward James Anderson was born December 29, 1877 at Forfarshire in Scotland to Robert and Margaret (née Miller) Anderson. When Edward was not yet a year old, his father (a dairy farmer) tragically died in an accident. Edward was educated at the public schools of Forfar, and then as a teenager studied mechanical engineering, graduating from his courses with high honors. He immigrated to Canada in 1900 and first worked in Hamilton as a mechanical draughtsman, then moved to Welland in 1902 and worked in the plants here. By 1914 he established the Thorold Iron Works in Thorold, while still residing in Welland, and in 1918 established the Welland Iron and Brass Company in partnership with W. S. McIntyre. The latter company made iron, brass and copper castings, and general machine and pattern work. Every year under Edward’s leadership it increased its volume and trade. By 1930 it employed twenty five men.

Edward became interested in local government and as a citizen acted for the advancement of many measures for civic improvement. The “ardor and vigor that he displayed in these acts” made him popular in the community and led to him being elected as councillor in 1923 and 1924. His activity in those two years were described thusly: “… many problems arose before the government, where the sane counsel of Mr. Anderson proved invaluable in the administration of affairs. Everywhere he was recognized as one of the leaders of progressive activity, sponsoring and fighting for many movements of general public benefit—movements which to-day have shown the foresight of the alderman.” His popularity and ability were so widely recognized he won the mayoralty by vote in 1925, then the next three years he was acclaimed as mayor (unopposed). At the end of 1928 he decided not to run for mayor or councillor again, and would focus on the water board which was a pressing issue at the time. All the council provided him with effusive praise on the six years of service he provided, the first two as councillor and the last four as mayor. At the conclusion of the final meeting Anderson thanked them, and said “If you wish to do something for me you will all seek re-election. Welland requires your services and the benefit of your experience. You have a perfect working machine. All departments are well managed and manned by faithful servants.” His closing wish was for the future success of his colleagues.

Edward died at his home at 96 Bald Street on January 31, 1947. He died of a heart attack, his death coming as a surprise as he had been appearing well until then. His obituary called him a “man of fair judgment, straight-forward in his dealings, with an indefatigable capacity for work. He had the typical reserve of a Scotsman, but an innate friendliness won for him from people with whom he came in contact a mingled feeling of affection and respect.” Edward was also the Liberal MPP for Welland from 1934 to 1943, arguably the post he is most remembered for. Humphrey Mitchell, the Ontario Minister of Labour, said of Edward after his passing: “It is difficult to put into words how I feel about his death. To me, he had been a staunch and true friend ever since I met him. He was the type of citizen, who has contributed to the greatness of this country… He was a wise and kind employer, and in my opinion, an outstanding man in his well-loved community of Welland. As one who knew him intimately, I can say his thoughts were always on the welfare of his city and the county of which he was so proud.”

Edward married Miss Alberta MacAllister in 1907, and they had a daughter together, Margaret, and he was survived by both of them.

Sources

  • Coombs, Albert Ernest, “The History of the Niagara Peninsula” (1930), 216.
  • “E. J. Anderson Former M.L.A., Dies Suddenly.” Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, February 1, 1947.
  • “Edward J. Anderson.” The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, November 27, 1924.
  • “Mayor Anderson Likely To Remain In Civic Affairs.” Welland Evening Tribune, December 22, 1928.
  • “Retiring Aldermen Pay Tribute Mayor Anderson For Fine Civic Service.” Welland Evening Tribune, December 20, 1928.
30) Edward James Anderson: Elected mayor for the City of Welland in 1925, 1926, 1927 & 1928