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Calgary takes justifiable
pride in its public officials, who have proven themselves to be men of
ability, integrity and marked civic loyalty. Of this number is Joseph IL
Mercer, who for the past nine years has filled the office of city
treasurer, and throughout the period of his service he has been actuated
by an unselfish spirit of devotion to the general good. He was born in
Hertfordshire, England, June 7, 1872, and his parents were James Duncan
and Elizabeth (Rogers) Mercer, the former a native of Glasgow, Scotland,
and the latter of England. For many years the father was identified with
educational interests in residing in the mother country until about
1900, when he came to Canada. Making his way to the west, he took up a
homestead claim in the province of Saskatchewan and continued to make
his home on the property until his death, which occurred ill fall of
1918, when he was eighty-three years of age. He is survived by the
mother, who is now living in Victoria, British Columbia.
The Public schools of
Worcester and Winchester, England, afforded Joseph I-I. Mercer his
educational privileges and his initial experience along financial lines
was gained ill London County Bank of London, England. In Canada he
joined the British Bank of North America, now known as the Bank of
Montreal, and remained in the service of that institution for five
years, during which he was employed in its branches at Halifax, Nova
Scotia. and St. John, New Brunswick. He next became connected with
Tilden, Gurney & Company, Limited, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in the
capacity of manager and afterward left that firm to take charge of the
office and financial affairs of the Hanbury Hardware Company, Limited,
wholesale dealers at Brandon, Manitoba. P. Burns & Company, Limited, of
Calgary, later secured his services as office and credit manager and he
continued with that firm until 1914, when he was called to public
office. He has since been city. treasurer of Calgary and broad
experience in financial affairs has made him exceptionally well
qualified for the responsibilities which devolve upon him. He has proven
a faithful custodian of the public funds and the work of his department
is characterized by a high standard of efficiency. For a number of years
he took an active part in the proceedings of the Credit Men's
Associations of Calgary and Winnipeg and is a fellow of the Institute of
Municipal Treasurers and Accountants.
in March, 1904, Mr.
Mercer married Miss Annie Mabel Scott, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Easton
Scott, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Mercer became the parents of two children, both of whom died in
infancy. Mr. Mercer is a member of the Anglican church and is also
identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Gyro Club. He utilizes
every available opportunity to promote the welfare of his city and
exploit its resources and advantages, being enthusiastic in his support
of western Canada, which he regards as a country of great possibilities.
He stands as a high type of manhood and Calgary has greatly benefited by
his citizenship. |
