Member-only story

The Private and Public Lives of James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout Edgar

Ray Blair

·13.4k Followers· Follow

Published in My Dearest Wife: The Private And Public Lives Of James David Edgar And Matilda Ridout Edgar

5 min read · 2 weeks before

1.2k View Claps

79 Respond

Save

Listen

James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout Edgar were a prominent couple in late 19th and early 20th century Toronto. James was a successful businessman and politician, while Matilda was a socialite and philanthropist. This article explores their private and public lives, as well as their contributions to Toronto society.

My Dearest Wife: The Private and Public Lives of James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout Edgar

by Maud J. McLean

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9020 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

James David Edgar

James David Edgar was born in 1841 in London, Ontario. He was the son of a successful merchant and politician. Edgar attended the University of Toronto and then Osgoode Hall Law School. After graduating, he practiced law in Toronto for a few years before entering politics.

Edgar was elected to the Ontario legislature in 1871. He served in various cabinet positions, including Attorney General and Premier. Edgar was a controversial figure, but he was also a skilled politician. He was known for his sharp wit and his ability to get things done.

In 1885, Edgar was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. He served in this role until 1891. After leaving office, Edgar returned to Toronto and resumed his business career. He was also active in philanthropy, serving on the boards of several hospitals and charities.

Edgar died in 1915. He is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.

Matilda Ridout Edgar

Matilda Ridout Edgar was born in 1844 in Toronto. She was the daughter of a wealthy merchant and landowner. Matilda was educated at home and then at the University of Toronto. She was a talented musician and artist.

Matilda married James David Edgar in 1864. The couple had four children. Matilda was a devoted wife and mother, but she also had a strong interest in public affairs.

Matilda was a founding member of the National Council of Women of Canada. She also served on the boards of several hospitals and charities. Matilda was a strong advocate for women's rights and education.

Matilda died in 1927. She is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.

The Private Lives of James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout Edgar

James and Matilda Edgar were a devoted couple. They had a strong mutual respect and affection for each other. They also shared a love of music, art, and literature.

The Edgars were also very private people. They rarely gave interviews and they did not share much about their personal lives with the public. However, their close friends and family knew them to be a loving and supportive couple.

The Public Lives of James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout Edgar

James and Matilda Edgar were both very active in public life. James was a successful politician and Matilda was a prominent philanthropist. They both made significant contributions to Toronto society.

James Edgar's political career was marked by both controversy and accomplishment. He was a strong advocate for responsible government and he played a key role in the development of Toronto's infrastructure. He was also a controversial figure, but he was also a skilled politician who was able to get things done.

Matilda Edgar's philanthropic work focused on improving the lives of women and children. She was a founding member of the National Council of Women of Canada and she served on the boards of several hospitals and charities. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and education.

The Legacy of James David Edgar and Matilda Ridout Edgar

James and Matilda Edgar were both remarkable individuals who made significant contributions to Toronto society. They were both strong and independent people who were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in.

The Edgars' legacy lives on in the many institutions that they helped to found and support. Their work continues to make a difference in the lives of Torontonians today.