McLennan Family Fond

Francis McLennan was the third born son of Isabella and Hugh McLennan.  Despite the family having their roots firmly planted in Montreal, Francis was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 9th 1857 as his father’s (Hugh’s) business expanded into the U.S.  During his early years, he was firmly devoted to the Presbyterian church, a credit to his mother who was a teacher at the same school. Later in his childhood, Francis and his family temporarily settled in Lancaster Ontario so Hugh could recover, as he suffered inflammatory rheumatism.  After coming of age and graduating secondary school, Francis travelled to Harvard to begin his lengthy post secondary career receiving his bachelor of arts degree in 1879.  From here, Francis attended McGill law school receiving his Bachelor in Civil Law in 1884. As a lawyer, Francis was part of the King’s Counsel for 14 years and spent time in two law firms.  It was also around this time that Francis met his wife, Alma Stuart in mid 1896.

Francis had a special place in his heart for McGill and being a proud alumni, he managed to get a position with the board of governors for 14 years along with receiving a honorary doctorate of law from the university.  Along with being heavily involved in McGill, Francis became a philanthropist, donating books to “needy” students at McGill, Dalhousie and the less fortunate in the Maritimes. Francis McLennan died during Christmas of 1940 however his life was still celebrated thereafter. His legacy lives on at McGill where his private library collection can be found at the McGill Redpath Library (now Redpath Hall).