OBITUARY OF JOHN LOVELL MEIKLE

This is the text of the obiturary of John Lovell Meikle, from the Port Arthur News Chronicle, Thursday, August 27, 1925. Page 1.

J. L. MEIKLE DEAD,
RESIDENT HERE
FOR 45 YEARS

Was Owner of First Auto in the
City and Built First
Concrete Walk

WAS SEVENTY-SEVEN

Came to Port Arthur in 1882--
Headed Many Business
Institutions

John Lovell Meikle, resident of Port Arthur for nearly forty-five years, builder of the first piece of sidewalk in the city, owner of one of the first automobiles, a Cadillac, brought to Port Arthur, and for many years among the prominent business men of Western Canada, died last night, at eleven o'clock, at the family home, 16 McKibbin street, following illness of two weeks. Mr. Meikle was seventy-seven years old. He was born at Lachute, Que., in 1848.

He came to Port Arthur in 1882 and established a small fancy goods business on Water street. In 1884 he built the block at Park and Cumberland streets, where Lowrey's book store is now located, and there conducted a musical instrument and fancy goods establishment, later disposing of the business to John Thompson. A few years later the business was again sold and operated under the name of Armstrong- Butcher-Greeland, Limited. In 1892 he opened the Meikle-McLean Piano Co., in Winnipeg, now the J.J.H. McLean Music Co. In 1895 he built the piece of sidewalk fronting the Bazaar corner. He was probably the first subscriber to the Bell Telephone service in Port Arthur. In 1900 he established the Western Fancy Goods Co., and built the five story brick block on the south side of Park street. In 1902 the Lincoln street addition to the block was erected. The Western Fancy Goods Co. flourished as the largest business of the kind in Western Canada for many years and many of the residents of Port Arthur received their early business training with Mr. Meikle. About 1900 he built what was then the largest brick house in Port Arthur, now occupied by Col. J.A. Little on the Red River Road. He owned the Carrick Addition and Meikle Park, which were subdivided by later purchasers. He also owned at one time the property from the corner (of) his Water street store to the Bazaar on Cumberland, leasing the privilege from the Bell Telephone company of Canada. He also owned the first automobile ever seen in Port Arthur.

Well Known Odd Fellow

Mr Meikle was a member of Port Arthur Lodge, I.O.O.F. No 244, and was a veteran of the order, wearing an I.O.O.F. veterans' jewel, of which he was very proud.

He was a member of the town council of Port Arthur in the years 1897 and 1898, and was also a member at one time of the board of education. He was one of the prime movers for the establishment of the General hospital, and served on the trustee board of that institution.

He is survived by his widow, living at 16 McKibbin street; one daughter, Dora, Mrs. J.C. Dobie, 12 South High street; and one son, Russell, 62 College street. Another son, James Milne Meikle, died in 1884 at the age of eight years. A half sister survives, Mrs. Cook, wife of Colonel Cook, of Cookstown, Ont.

Relatives of Mrs. Meikle are Dr. George Milne, Victoria B.C., Robert Milne, Los Angeles, Cal., brothers; and two sisters, Mrs. Thompson of Meaford, and Mrs. Tyson, of New York. A neice, Miss Belle Tyson, a graduate nurse from Chicago, has been making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Meikle for some time.

The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at two-thirty from the family residence, 16 McKibbin street, to St. Paul's church, thence to Riverside cemetery. The officiating clergy will be Rev. J.A. Tuer and Rev. William Cross, Ph.D.