Shared Photo: Alexander McCandless Image 1

Question

This was my Great Grandfather.  Left Ireland when in his 20's, eventually joined up with family in Victoria BC.  Co-Owned Clothing Store in Victoria, went on to be Mayor of Victoria - I have his council group photo in my living room.  Held many high profile positions in Victoria and then Vancouver.  He lost all his considerable wealth in Depression. My father, Bruce McCandless described his grandfather as a quiet broken man, took the streetcar to visit his sons house ( Kenneth Gilmore McCandless) for Sunday dinners.  Spent his last years living in a rooming house in Vancouver.  Sad. 

I wanted to share this family photo of Alexander McCandless with the community. Location: unknown. Date: unknown.

Click here for the image details page or here for the full-sized version (640 x 800).

Answer 1

A very distinguished looking gentleman. How old would you guess him to be in this photo?

Answer 2

He is certainly a distinguished looking man. I see that this picture is from the City of Victoria Archives, so was it taken when he was Mayor of Victoria?

It is certainly sad how so many people lost their money during the depression. Not only the wealthy, but the middle class people that had all of their money in the banks.

I wonder if it is harder for a man to have attained stature and lose everything than for a man to have little and lose all?

Thank you for sharing this story of your g-grandfather.

Answer 3

My McCandless's came from County Ayre in Scotland. Immigrated to PA.