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Alberta, Past and Present, Historical and Biographical
Vol 2
Joseph Hare Mercer


Calgary takes justifiable pride in its public officials, who have proven themselves to be men of ability, integrity and marked civic loyalty. Of this number is Joseph IL Mercer, who for the past nine years has filled the office of city treasurer, and throughout the period of his service he has been actuated by an unselfish spirit of devotion to the general good. He was born in Hertfordshire, England, June 7, 1872, and his parents were James Duncan and Elizabeth (Rogers) Mercer, the former a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and the latter of England. For many years the father was identified with educational interests in residing in the mother country until about 1900, when he came to Canada. Making his way to the west, he took up a homestead claim in the province of Saskatchewan and continued to make his home on the property until his death, which occurred ill fall of 1918, when he was eighty-three years of age. He is survived by the mother, who is now living in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Public schools of Worcester and Winchester, England, afforded Joseph I-I. Mercer his educational privileges and his initial experience along financial lines was gained ill London County Bank of London, England. In Canada he joined the British Bank of North America, now known as the Bank of Montreal, and remained in the service of that institution for five years, during which he was employed in its branches at Halifax, Nova Scotia. and St. John, New Brunswick. He next became connected with Tilden, Gurney & Company, Limited, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in the capacity of manager and afterward left that firm to take charge of the office and financial affairs of the Hanbury Hardware Company, Limited, wholesale dealers at Brandon, Manitoba. P. Burns & Company, Limited, of Calgary, later secured his services as office and credit manager and he continued with that firm until 1914, when he was called to public office. He has since been city. treasurer of Calgary and broad experience in financial affairs has made him exceptionally well qualified for the responsibilities which devolve upon him. He has proven a faithful custodian of the public funds and the work of his department is characterized by a high standard of efficiency. For a number of years he took an active part in the proceedings of the Credit Men's Associations of Calgary and Winnipeg and is a fellow of the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants.

in March, 1904, Mr. Mercer married Miss Annie Mabel Scott, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Easton Scott, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer became the parents of two children, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Mercer is a member of the Anglican church and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Gyro Club. He utilizes every available opportunity to promote the welfare of his city and exploit its resources and advantages, being enthusiastic in his support of western Canada, which he regards as a country of great possibilities. He stands as a high type of manhood and Calgary has greatly benefited by his citizenship.


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