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Duncan MacEachern is
prominent in milling circles in Wetaskiwin and throughout the district,
and has been connected with this line of occupation for many years.
During this time his work has influenced the general business growth of
the town and has resulted in prosperity which places Mr. MacEachern
among representative and substantial men. He was born in Quebec, on the
17th of October, 1863, a son of John and Jennie (McDermid) MacEachern,
the former a native of Glengarry, Ontario, and the latter born in
Scotland. The paternal grandfather, Duncan MacEachern, was born in
Scotland and came to Canada in early life. He sailed on one of the most
up-to-date vessels of that time and was six weeks in crossing. After
arriving in Canada he located in Glengarry, Ontario, and homesteaded
some land there. It was heavily wooded and to him fell the hard task of
clearing it and putting it under cultivation. He brought the land to a
highly cultivated state in due time and lived thereon until his demise.
The maternal grandfather, Duncan McDermid, was likewise a native of
Scotland, and he was one of the pioneer settlers of Quebec, where John
MacEachern and Jennie McDermid were married. They lived in that province
throughout their lives, the father being a successful agriculturist. To
their union six children were born, three of whom are living, Duncan,
whose name introduces this review being the eldest.
Mr. and Mrs. MacEachern
were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church and he was a stanch
supporter of the Conservative party.
In the acquirement of his
early education Duncan MacEachern attended an old log schoolhouse iii
Quebec and remained on the home farm until he was eighteen years of age.
lie then went to work in an old stone mill and spent some time
familiarizing himself with that line of work. That was some thirty-eight
years ago. He worked in different mills in Ontario and in 1897 came to
Wetaskiwin and entered the milling business. He began in a minor
capacity but in 1899 bought an interest in the mill and in 1903 was
placed in entire charge of the mill. Two years later he bought the mill
outright and has continued to operate it. The mill has a one hundred
barrel capacity and he sells his flour and feed to a large trade
throughout the province. He is probably the oldest business man in
Wetaskiwin and this community owes him a debt of gratitude for the part
he has played in making it the thriving metropolis it is today.
On the 14th of October,
1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. MacEachern and Miss Jennie
Waterston, a native of Ottawa. To their union five children have been
born: The eldest member of the family, Norman A., came to Wetaskiwin
with his parents when he was three years of age, in due time attended
the high school here and spent one year in the Alberta University at
Edmonton. Upon the outbreak of the World war he was one of the first to
volunteer his services to his country and he served with the Tenth
Battalion overseas for two years. Tie was severely wounded and was
confined to a hospital for some nine months. He was cited for bravery in
action and was promoted to a lieutenancy and later to a captaincy, and
decorated with the badge of the Distinguished Service Order and bar. lie
returned to his home in Wetaskiwin in February, 1919. He married Agnes
J. McDonnald of Calgary, a niece of Dr. Crawford, and they have one son,
Norman Donald, who is one year old. Norman A. MacEachern is now engaged
with his father in the operation of the mill, having an interest in the
enterprise, and he is devoting his entire time and attention to his
work. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and of its choir, and is
one of the most popular and efficient young business men of this
community. The second member of the MacEachern family is Marion M., who
graduated from the University of Alberta in 1923. The other two living
members of the family are Stanley Duncan, who is engaged in the grain
business in Winnipeg, and John Andrew, who is fifteen years of age and
an employe of the Imperial Bank. Charles Lorne died at the age of five
years.
Mr. MacEachern has always
given his political endorsement to the Conservative party and he has
been active in party affairs. He was mayor of this city in 1907 and his
administration was progressive and businesslike. lie was chairman of the
hospital board for two years, a member of the city council for five
years, and served on the local school board for seven years. The
religious faith of Mr. MacEachern is evidenced by his membership in the
Presbyterian church and he was chairman of the managing board for many
years. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons. Many years have
come and gone since Mr. MacEachern arrived in Wetaskiwin and throughout
the period he has been a prominent factor in the advancement of the
commercial interests upon which the growth and prosperity of a village
always depend. He came here a poor man and today is numbered among the
leading, influential and honored citizens of this district. |
