John Ogilvie

John Ogilvie (1833–1888), and his brothers, Alexander Walker Ogilvie and William Watson Ogilvie took over their father Alexander's flour business in 1856 and expanded it into what would subsequently become the largest millers and exporters in the British Empire. The brothers played a historic role in Canada's agricultural and industrial development. Early years Ogilvie was born at the family farmhouse at Côte-Saint-Michel, Lower Canada (now Quebec) on January 8, 1833, the second son of Alexander Ogilvie and Helen Watson. He received his early education from Mr. Gibson, a Scotsman employed by the English speaking residents of the district to teach their children. He attended high school in Montreal. He lived with his parents working on their farm until April 1855 when he moved to Montreal. Business career A.W. Oglivie & Co. In Montreal, Ogilvie became the first partner of his elder brother Alexander with A. W. Ogilvie & Co., millers and grain dealers, opening their first mill in 1856. The third brother, William Watson, joined them in 1860. Alexander left the company in 1874 to pursue a political career as an MLA in Quebec and later as a senator in Ottawa. William and John administered the company following Alexander's departure as it became Canada's largest flour miller and exporter.