19) Joseph Russell McCollum: Elected mayor for the Town of Welland in 1900
Vital statistics
Birth: October 6, 1848 near Dunnville, Ontario, Canada
Death: February 23, 1922 at Welland, Ontario, Canada (age 73)
Burial place: Fonthill Cemetery (Find a Grave)
Parents: Peter Royal / Jerusha
Spouse: Annie (née Lee)
Children: George G. / Harry Lee / Fred
Occupations: Harness Maker / Contractor / Businessman
Religion: Anglican
Political affiliation: Liberal
Community affiliations: Chairman of Water Works Commission / Welland County Hospital Board
Profile
Joseph Russell McCollum was born October 6, 1848 on a farm in the Dunnville area to Peter and Jerusha McCollum. He went to school in Welland when it was a village, and then was educated at a business college in London, ON.
When he graduated and came back to Welland, he went into the harness business with Alexander Griffiths, who also eventually became mayor of Welland and who we recently profiled. They worked together for two years until he sold his share of the business to Alexander, then entered into the contracting business with his brother-in-law, George Lee. He achieved significant success, and he was able to retire around 1897 when he sold out after completing a big contract with the United States Government at Port Huron. He was considered to be one of Welland’s wealthiest citizens, also like his early business partner Alexander Griffiths.
He had ran and was elected as a councillor for Welland in the years 1879, 1881, and 1884. It was much later in 1900 that he was elected as mayor, becoming the first mayor of the 20th century for Welland. Crowell Hull Reilly was first proposed to be nominated for mayor, but he declined as he was too busy. 1900 was going to be a busy year for the mayor and council due to a large amount of money earmarked to spend on public works. “Mr. McCollum was chosen as having the time at his disposal, as well as solid business ability, to look after the affairs of the town next year when so much money is to be expended.” As mentioned, he had retired a few years prior, and so being a man of large means it was generous of him to donate a year of his retirement to spend much time and effort for the town.
His wife Annie died on Feb 25, 1910, which in her obituary was noted as the 32nd anniversary of the day she entered her home in Welland as a bride. Joseph died 12 years later in 1922 when he was 73. His obituary noted he had never known a serious illness until recently, when he developed rheumatism which eventually caused his death. The day he died he experienced a morning of agony before falling into a deep sleep and passing away. He had not been inactive in his retirement, and had been interested in improving the town’s waterworks. At the time of his death he was Chairman of the Water Works Commission. He was credited as devoting “years of activity with no thought of material reward.” His obituary also spoke on his character: “He was broad-minded and energetic in the interests of the city and in spite of his advanced years was performing a splendid service to the community right up to within a short time of his death.”
One of the houses he lived at in Welland was 213 Division St. and can still be seen today, though many alterations have been made to the building, changing the appearance it originally had of an ornate mansion. The included picture is the house today from a 2021 newspaper article on the house, as unfortunately no photograph can currently be found of Joseph.
Sources
- “Changed exterior hides history of 213 Division Street.” The Welland Tribune, October 16, 2021.
- “Jos. R. M’Collum Died Thursday.” The Welland Tribune and Telegraph, February 28, 1922.
- “Mrs. J. R. McCollum.” Welland Telegraph, March 1, 1910.
- “Municipal Nominations.” Welland Telegraph, December 29, 1899.
- “Reform Association.” The People’s Press, December 19, 1899.