Vancouver Island Masonic History Project
As part of our Vancouver Island Masonic History Project, with its sections on Vancouver Island Cemeteries – Masonic Interments and Deceased Brethren, here is a page on James Smith Drummond, who is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
James Smith Drummond (died 6 February 1888, aged 58) was a member of Vancouver & Quadra Lodge No. 2 in Victoria.
He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland and came to Victoria in 1858 by way of Shasta, California.
He became active in local politics and public service, serving as fire chief, Victoria City Councillor, Mayor of Victoria and local Member of Parliament.
Here is a brief biography of Brother James Smith Drummond taken from local newspaper reports of his death and funeral:
“Death of ex-Mayor Drummond
————-
The death of ex-Mayor Drummond took place at 11:30 o’clock yesterday morning at his residence on Rae street. Mr. Drummond had been an invalid for many months and his last appearance on the streets was on the late municipal nomination day. He looked then little better than a dead man, and the pale , emaciated countenance contrasted mournfully with his looks in former days. Mr. Drummond came [to] the province in 1858, from Shasta, California, and was successively deputy grand master of Odd Fellows, chief engineer of the fire department, town councillor, mayor of the city, and member of parliament. When in his prime he was an energetic, useful and public-spirited citizen; indeed, had he been less devoted to the interests of the city and more to the advancement of his own private affairs he would have ranked at the time of his death with our wealthiest citizens. Mr. Drummond, who was a native of Scotland, leaves a wife and child to mourn his loss. The flags of the fire department – of which institution he was a founder – drooped at half-mast yesterday.”
(Source: Colonist, 7 February 1884, page 3, column 3)
“DEATH – in this city, on the 6th inst, James Smith Drummond, a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, aged 58 years.
The funeral will take place on SUNDAY next from the residence, Rae street, at 2 p.m., and from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 2:30 p.m.”
(Source: Colonist, 8 February 1884, page 3, column 1)
“FUNERAL – The remains of the late James S. Drummond were laid away on Sunday at Ross Bay cemetery. In spite of the inclemency of the weather there was a large attendance. Rev. Mr. Steven performed the last rites. The pall-bearers were: Dr. J.B. Matthews, Capt. W.R. Clarke, Chas. Gowen, Wm. Leigh, Thos. Russell, J. Partridge, John Graham and Jos. Wilson.”
(Source: Colonist, 12 February 1884, page 3, column 1)
James Smith Drummond is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
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