Among the enterprising and
public-spirited citizens of Calgary is Malcolm Calder, inspector of the
provincial public works, with offices in the old courthouse here. He was
born in Scotland, on the 18th of September, 1856, a son of Hector and
Ann (MacLeod) Calder, likewise natives of that country. The father was a
farm manager and he spent his life in agricultural pursuits in Scotland.
His death occurred in March, 1900, while his widow survived him until
1903.
In the acquirement of his
education Malcolm Calder attended the public schools of his birthplace.
When he became old enough he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's
trade in Glasgow and followed that trade in the old country until 1882,
when he came to Canada and located in Winnipeg, where he worked at his
trade in connection with the Canadian Pacific Railroad, until 1904, when
he accepted his present position as inspector of the provincial public
works. He was first employed by the territorial government, with the
capital in Regina, and Calgary became his headquarters. He had
previously made this city his home, having come here in 1898. Mr. Calder
has given efficient service in this position and is held in high regard
in this city.
On the 20th of June,
1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Calder to Miss Catherine
Nicholson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Nicholson, natives of
Scotland and both deceased. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Calder eight
children were born, six of whom died in infancy: Hector J., thirty-eight
years of age, is in the garage business in Calgary and is a veteran of
the World war, having served four years and nine months overseas; and
Bessie L. died in 1903, when nineteen years of age.
Since attaining his
majority Mr. Calder has given his political allegiance to the Liberal
party and the principles for which it stands. He maintains an active
interest in local affairs and is well informed on all important
questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is manifest in his
membership in the Presbyterian church, and fraternally he is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. |