Portal:Laurentides/Selected biography/1

Jean-Louis Beaudry (March 27, 1809 – June 25, 1886) was a Canadian entrepreneur and politician. Beaudry served as mayor of Montreal three times, from 1862 to 1866, from 1877 to 1879, and from 1881 to 1885 for a total time served as mayor of ten years.

Born in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec, he was raised and worked on the family farm. After working as a clerk and shopkeeper, Beaudry opened a dry goods store with his brother in 1834. Beaudry became increasingly politically active. In 1827 he signed a petition in opposition to the proposed union of the upper and lower Canadas. In 1837 he became one of the vice presidents of the Société des Fils de la Liberté. When the Rebellions of 1837 occurred, Beaudry fled temporarily to the United States. He returned in June 1838 and resumed his business dealings which flourished. Read more...