MATHEW M. MORRISON.
 


	Mathew M. Morrison, city market master of Saskatoon, was born in
the township of Brock, Ontario, on the 7th of July, 1867, a son of Robert
and Mary (Bagshaw) Morrison, the former a native of Ireland and the
latter of Ontario. The father and mother of Mrs. Morrison were natives
of England and were members of old and honored English families.
Squire Bagshaw and his wife came to Canada at an early day. Robert
Morrison, the father of Mathew M., left his native country and located in
the United States at the age of eighteen years. He remained in New York
for two years and then came to Canada, locating at Kingston. Subse-
quently he purchased land in Brock township, Ontario, and was active in
the cultivation of that land for the remainder of his life. His death oc-
curred in September, 1897, and his wife died in August of that year.
	Mathew M. Morrison received his education in the rural schools of
Brock township, Ontario, and subsequently attended the Uxbridge high
school and the Collingwood Collegiate Institute. After putting his text-
books aside he spent about one year traveling throughout Michigan, work-
ing at various odd jobs, and then he engaged in farming with his father
until 1891. In that year he went to North Dakota and took up a home-
stead near Conway, which he brought to a highly improved state and
operated it with great success for five years. At the termination of that
time he disposed of the homestead and purchased more land near Law-
ton, North Dakota. He cultivated the second farm for five years and in
1902 sold it at a substantial profit. In that year he made a trip west,
going as far as Edmonton, Alberta, and on the same trip stopped off at
Saskatoon. This town impressed him as being a prosperous community
with unlimited possibilities for future prosperity and he finally decided
to locate here. He took up a homestead near Grandora, and improved
and operated it for three years. He then moved into Saskatoon, and with
C. S. Smith promoted the Saskatoon Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
which is now known as the Saskatchewan Farmers Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Company. Mr. Morrison wrote the first three hundred policies for
the company and was its treasurer for two and one-half years. In 1911
the city of Saskatoon established the city market and Mr. Morrison was
put in charge of the market.  He opened the present Market building
and at that time discharged the many duties of his position under the
name of market clerk and weighmaster. For three years he operated the
market alone and during that time it grew to such extensive proportions
that the city felt called upon to enlarge the quarters of the market and
change the system. The city determined to employ a market master but
Mr. Morrison did not apply for that position. Instead, he remained in
charge of the scales for an additional three years. His close application
to the thing at hand, innate ability and integrity was rewarded when he
was appointed market master, which important position he has since held.
	On the 7th of November, 1894, Mr. Morrison was married to Miss
Sarah Weir, a daughter of John and Margaret (Ford) Weir, natives of
Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Weir came to Canada at an early day and located in
Winnipeg about 1880, before sidewalks had been laid out in that city.
He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad for some years and later
moved to Hartney, Manitoba, where he engaged in the land improvement
business. He acquired some land on his own account, improved it and
operated it successfully until 1900, when he disposed of it.  He then
moved to Souris, Manitoba, where he retired from active life and resided
there for two years. Subsequently he took up residence in Vancouver,
where his death occurred.  Mrs. Weir has also passed away. Mr. and
Mrs. Morrison have two children: Deliom T. was born in North Dakota,
on the 4th of July, 1902; and Evelyn S. was born in Saskatchewan, on
the 30th of December, 1904. Since attaining his majority Mr. Morrison
has always given his political allegiance to the Conservative party and the
principles for which it stands.  The religious faith of Mr. Morrison is
indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church.  Fraternally
he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is
present grand patriarch, also member of Canton branch. He is also iden-
tified with the Independent Order of Foresters and for three years was
high chief ranger for Saskatchewan.  He is now past high chief and
financial secretary of the local lodge, which positions he has held for sev-
eral years.


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