George William Midgley, Merchant

Series: Elgin County Vertical File Collection - St. Thomas and its Men of Affairs series

History / Biographical: From St. Thomas and Its Men of Affairs (grammar and spelling are as originally published): Born in St. Thomas, June 5th, 1860; son of John and Emma Midgley; his father was the oldest merchant in St. Thomas at the time of his retirement from business and has had one of the most interesting public careers in the history of the city. Educated in the Central school, Wellington street, and at the age of sixteen entered the employ of his father in the original store at 201 Talbot street. At the time of the establishment of the east end store (now George W. Midgley,) he continued his connection there until the retirement of his father, when he took the business over himself as proprietor and has since conducted it. It ranks as the oldest business in St. Thomas being established in 1862 and continuously conducted since. Member since 1885 of Court Elgin, A. O. F., and of Trinity church. Married, 1901, Miss Wilhelmina Howard, of Niagara-on-the Lake. Residence: 36 Hincks street.

Scope and Content: Photograph of George William Midgley with the caption "George W. Midgley, Merchant", published in "St. Thomas and Its Men of Affairs" alongside his biography, excerpt above. Photograph is on page 55 and his biography is on page 54.