Sir Henry Mill Pellatt 1859-1939
At the peak of his dramatic career, Sir Henry Mill Pellatt was one of Canada's most powerful businessmen. An ambitious financier who became wealthy through bold investments in electricity, real estate, and mining, Pellatt helped to bring electric street lights to Toronto and to develop the first Canadian hydroelectric generating station at Niagara Falls.
In 1901, Pellatt became commanding officer of The Queen's Own Rifles, a militia regiment he had joined at the age of 17. His leadership of this regiment and his role in the development of electric power in Ontario earned him a knighthood in 1905.
In 1913, Pellatt and his wife Mary moved into Casa Loma, designed for them by architect E.J. Lennox. It was one of North America's grandest residences. Ten years later, the Pellatts were forced to leave after failed investments severely reduced their wealth.
Major General Sir Henry Mill Pellatt died in 1939, and was honoured with one of Toronto's largest military funerals.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.