Jean-Louis Beaudry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean-Louis Beaudry
MLC
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| 11th Mayor of Montreal | |
| In office 1862–1866 |
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| Preceded by | Charles-Séraphin Rodier |
| Succeeded by | Henry Starnes |
| In office 1877–1879 |
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| Preceded by | William Hales Hingston |
| Succeeded by | Sévère Rivard |
| In office 1881–1885 |
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| Preceded by | Sévère Rivard |
| Succeeded by | Honoré Beaugrand |
| Member of the Legislative Council of Quebec for Alma | |
| In office November 2, 1867 – June 25, 1886 |
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| Succeeded by | Sévère Rivard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 27, 1809 Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Lower Canada |
| Died | June 25, 1886 (aged 77) Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Resting place | Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery |
| Profession | businessman |
Jean-Louis Beaudry (March 27, 1809 – June 25, 1886) was an important Canadian businessman and politician. He is well-known for serving as the mayor of Montreal three different times. He was mayor from 1862 to 1866, then from 1877 to 1879, and again from 1881 to 1885. In total, he led the city for ten years.
Early Life and Business
Jean-Louis Beaudry was born in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec. He grew up working on his family's farm. Later, he worked as a clerk and a shopkeeper. In 1834, he started a dry goods store with his brother. This business became very successful.
Beaudry also became interested in politics from a young age. In 1827, he signed a petition against a plan to unite Upper and Lower Canada. In 1837, he became a leader in a group called the Société des Fils de la Liberté. During the Rebellions of 1837, Beaudry had to leave Canada for a short time and went to the United States. He returned in 1838 and continued to grow his successful business.
Political Career in Montreal
After becoming a successful businessman, Beaudry decided to enter politics. In 1860, he was elected as a city councillor in Montreal. Two years later, in 1862, he ran for mayor of Montreal and won. He was easily re-elected for several years.
Beaudry did not run for mayor in 1868. He ran again in 1877 and won, and again in 1878. However, in 1879, he lost a tough election to Sévère Rivard. Beaudry was elected mayor once more from 1881 to 1885. His younger brother, Prudent Beaudry, was also a mayor, serving in Los Angeles from 1874 to 1876.
Jean-Louis Beaudry was also a member of the Legislative Council of Quebec. He served on this council from 1867 until his death in 1886. He was buried in the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal.
Key Accomplishments as Mayor
During his ten years as mayor of Montreal, Jean-Louis Beaudry helped the city in many ways:
- He helped create the city's first fire and health departments. These were important for public safety and well-being.
- He oversaw the opening of a new City Hall building on Notre-Dame Street. This building was a central place for city government.
- He played a key role in keeping peace between Protestants and Catholics in the city. He did this by stopping parades by the Orange Order that could cause conflict.
