David Russell Jack (5 May 1864, Saint John, New Brunswick–2 December 1913, Clifton Springs, New York) was a Canadian author, editor, publisher, and politician.[1]

David Russell Jack

Jack's ancestors were United Empire Loyalists who settled in New Brunswick.[1] Jack attended the Saint John Grammar School, graduating in 1881.[1] In 1883 he published his Centennial prize essay on the history of the city and county of St. John, which was greatly acclaimed.[1]

In 1884, following the death of his father, Jack took over the family insurance business and also inherited his father's position as Spanish vice-consul.[1] In the decade which followed he served his city on the Common Council as well as the Board of School Trustees.[1] Some of his political accomplishments included the introduction of electric street lighting in Saint John, preparation for Prince George's 1901 visit, and the 1910 erection of the city's Champlain Monument.[1][2]

From 1901 until 1908 Jack published Acadiensis, a quarterly journal of the history of the Maritime provinces.[1] Jack also contributed to the Montreal Daily Star, the University Magazine (Montreal) and the Queen's Quarterly (Kingston).[1] Jack accumulated an excellent collection of historical documents related to the Maritimes.[2] Many of these were donated to the city library.[2]

Jack died in 1913 at a sanatorium in New York where he was being treated for heart disease.[1]

Bibliography

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  • 1883, Saint John, Centennial prize essay on the history of the city and county of St. John
  • 1900, Saint John, Summer tourists: a manual for the New Brunswick farmer
  • 1900, Boston, Biographical review ... of leading citizens of the province of New Brunswick (contributed essay on his grandfather, David William Jack)
  • 1913, Saint John, History of Saint Andrew’s Church, Saint John, N.B.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Larocque, Peter J. (1998). "Jack, David Russell". In Cook, Ramsay; Hamelin, Jean (eds.). Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Vol. XIV (1911–1920) (online ed.). University of Toronto Press.
  2. ^ a b c "David Russell Jack". Hall of Fame: Heritage Resources Saint John. Saint John: Heritage Resources and New Brunswick Community College. 13 February 2008. Archived from the original on 22 September 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2011.