John Kinder Labatt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Kinder Labatt
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Labatt c. 1864
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| Born | 1803 Killermogh, County Laois, Ireland
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| Died | October 26, 1866 (aged 62–63) |
| Known for | founder of Labatt Brewing Company |
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John Kinder Labatt (born 1803 – died 26 October 1866) was an important Irish-Canadian businessman. He is best known for starting the famous Labatt Brewing Company. This company grew to become one of the largest breweries in Canada.
Contents
John Kinder Labatt's Story
Early Life and Moving to Canada
John Kinder Labatt was born in 1803 in a place called Queen's County, Ireland. This area is now known as County Laois. His parents were Valentine Knightley Chetwode Labat and Jane Harper Labat. Not much is known about his childhood in Ireland.
In the 1830s, John Labatt decided to move to Canada. He first settled down as a farmer near a city called London in what was then known as Upper Canada.
Starting a Brewery Business
In 1847, John Labatt decided to try something new. He invested in a brewery with a business partner named Samuel Eccles. They started their company together and called it "Labatt and Eccles."
After seven years, in 1854, Samuel Eccles decided to retire. John Labatt bought out his partner's share of the business. He then changed the company's name to the "London Brewery." His sons, Ephraim, Robert, and John, helped him run the growing business.
Beyond the Brewery
John Labatt was not just a brewer; he was also very active in his community. In 1849, he started another business project with other London businessmen. They formed a company called the Proof Line Road Joint Stock Company.
This company built a road that connected London to the areas further north. This road made it easier for people and goods to travel. Once the road was finished, it had three places where people had to pay a small fee, called tollgates, to use it.
John Labatt also served as a town councillor for Saint David's Ward from 1850 to 1851. This meant he helped make decisions for the local government. He was also one of the people who helped start the London Board of Trade. Today, this organization is known as The London Chamber of Commerce. He also helped create the London and Port Stanley Railway, which was an important train line.
A Lasting Legacy
When John Kinder Labatt passed away in 1866, his son, also named John Labatt, took over the brewery. Under his son's leadership, the company continued to grow and become very successful. Today, the Labatt Brewing Company is a well-known name across Canada and beyond.
See also
- John Labatt Centre
- John Molson
