Vancouver Island Masonic History Project
Vancouver Island Cemeteries – Masonic Interments
William James Mable (died 1938, aged 76) was a pioneering carriage and wagon maker in Victoria. He was a member of Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 in Victoria.
An historic building at 713-715 Johnson Street in downtown Victoria, built in 1908 by by architects Thomas Hooper and C. Elwood Watkins for William James Mable and his carriage factory, is still standing. It is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
Here are the local newspaper reports of his death and funeral:
“W.J. MABLE DIES HERE
Pioneer Victoria Resident And Former Alderman Succumbs to Sickness
William James Mable, 223 Russell Street, Victoria West, [note: the Mable house at 223 Russell Street is no longer standing] pioneer carriage and wagon maker of Victoria, died yesterday morning in the Royal Jubilee Hospital, following an illness of six weeks. Mr Mable who was born in Thorold, Ont. seventy-eight years ago, retired from business three years ago.
His passing will be regretted by a host of friends who fame to know Mr. Mable during his fifty-six years of residence in the city. He was noted for his earnestness of purpose, his congeniality and leadership of men.
SERVED ON COUNCIL
He was a city alderman in 1908, 1909 and 1910, serving under Mayor A.J. Morley and the late Mayor Dr. Lewis Hall. When the Victoria Conservative Association was organized at the beginning of the century, Mr Mable took a keen interest and was a driving force in the organization. He was president for a time.
Mr. Mable was a member of the old French Hospital, and long served the Royal Jubilee Hospital as a director. He was also a pioneer member of Victoria Columbia Lodge No 1. A.F & A.M.
During his long residence in Victoria. Mr. Mable led a very active life, and was known widely for his interest in the general welfare.
Mr. Mable is survived by his widow, at home; three daughters, Mrs. H M Cowper and Mrs. W K Narhtrieh of Victoria, and Mrs. L Krauss, of Wisconsin, who is in the city at present, one brother and three sisters in Thorold, also four grandchildren.
The remains are reposing at Sand’s Mortuary Chapel where funeral services will be conducted at 3 o’clock on Friday afternoon. Interment will be made in the family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery.”
(Source: Daily Colonist, 9 March 1938, page 1 )
William James Mable is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
Would you like to leave a comment or question about anything on this page?