William Doran
WILLIAM DORAN, (Mayor of Hamilton, ON 1888-1889)
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William Doran’s parents were Sylvester Doran (1789 - ?)) and Elizabeth Doyle (? – 1886) from Carlow, Ireland. They came to Canada in 1821 during the famous potato famine, making Grimsby, Ontario their home. Sylvester was a gifted stonemason and built their family home at 470 Main Street, which is still standing. They began a farm and had 8 children, Michael (moved to Hamilton, ON 239 James Street North and owned the Dominion Vinegar Works and Doran Bros), Edward (Burlington and Nelson), William (ex-Mayor of Hamilton), James (who took over the family farm), Peter (of Barford), John (of Brantford), Eliza (of Grimsby), and Mrs. Hewitt (of Atlantic City, Iowa). They were the first Irish Roman Catholics of the area and Sylvester built the first Irish Roman Catholic Church on Patton Street, home to a monument in Sylvester’s name. James Doran inherited his father’s land, and sold it in 1884. He built properties at 81, 83 and 85 Main Street East. James headed the Grimsby Manufacturing Company and was appointed the high school trustee. Doran Avenue was named after this family.
William Doran was born on November 13, 1834 in Grimsby, Ontario. He worked on the farm and as a teacher in his early years. He moved to Hamilton, ON and started a grocery store with his brother Michael. There are exerts from the local newspaper advertising their new grocery store on King Street East next to “Meakins and Sons” on 12OCT1866, 7FEB1867, 20MAR1867 and more. On October 1st, 1867 he petitions for a crosswalk at King Street and Nelson Street (near his grocery store). On April 17, 1868 he advertises to rent a house with 6 rooms on King Street between Nelson and Catheart Streets. On March 20, 1868 he advertises to rent out a grocery store on John Street, North of King Street (between Lind and Barton).
William Doran married Sarah Cecilia Morse (4JAN1848-28FEB1928) on September 16, 1868. Their children were Ethel M, Dr. William (?) Doran of Detroit, Reginald M. (Peanial) of Bank of Hamilton, Abishai (D: 20AUG1873 at 11 months), Eveline, D.W. Alton (Berwick, ND), and Amy Cecilia.
In 1871, William (aged 37), Store Keeper, and Cecilia (aged 23) lived in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with their daughter, Evelyn (aged eight months). The family were Wesleyan Methodist.
In 1875 William enters into another business with his brother Michael called the Dominion Vinegar Works at 41 Stuart Street, which was built by James Williamson and sold to the brothers (and burnt down in 1912).
In 1877 William Doran entered into politics by placing an ad for Ward 5 Alderman. He was elected to city counsel in 1879. In 1890 he was chairman of the hospital committee and continued as Alderman from 1881-1882.
On April 11, 1883 he advertises the sale of a brick cottage at 203 James Street North and to contact him at 31 Stuart Street.
On July 9, 1883 – letter to policy owners including William Doran for fire insurance.
His residence in 1885-1886 is 203 James North.
After a brief retirement from public life, he is then elected chairman of sewers committee from 1886-1887 then is elected as city Mayor 1888-1889. On October 24, 1889 he laid the first cornerstone of the first Hamilton Public Library.
In 1891 (20FEB) William Doran and Adam Laidlaw run for the Dominion Parliament (today Liberal Party) against McKay and Ryckman and was unsuccessful.
In 1891 his residence is 108 East Avenue South.
On November 4, 1893 William Doran requests deduction in property tax at 108 East Avenue South, which was valued at $4900. He was awarded $100 deduction.
On August 3, 1894, William Doran was on the Library Committee.
On June 5, 1896, William Doran was a member of the Public Library Board.
On Jun 16, 1896 – William Doran attended the Railway conference.
In 1897, William was elected to city counsel as Chairman Board of Works.
On December 1, 1898 Michael advertises to rent a store on the corner of West Avenue and King William.
On January 30, 1899, William Doran is pallbearer at Mrs. Gage’s funeral.
On August 27, 1901 William Doran gives up office.
In 1901, William (aged 67), Vinegar Manufacturer, and Cecilia (aged 53) lived in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with their children: Ethel (aged 26), William, (aged 22), and Amy (aged 18). Also living with them was Peainal [Reginald] M. Doran (aged 13). The family were Methodist.
On February 20, 1903 there was a fire that started at his residence at 108 East Avenue South that started in the basement near the furnace. Mostly smoke and water damage.
February 1903, William Doran gets stomach cancer.
On March 16, 1903 William Doran advertises loss of French Poodle 2 weeks ago on Bay and Cannon.
On November 11, 1903, William Doran dies of stomach cancer and pneumonia at the age of 72 at this residence. His pallbearers were Adam Rutherford, Col. Moore, Horace Davis, Jas McClary, William Burkholder, and JB Turner. He is buried at the Hamilton Cemetery.
On May 22, 1905 – The household goods are auctioned off.
1912 – Dominion Vinegar Works burns down. New brick building built in it’s place but fire again in 1948 and rebuilt as a one-storey.
On February 28, 1928 wife Sarah Cecilia Doran dies.
William Doran (November 13, 1834 – November 12, 1903) was mayor of Hamilton, Ontario from 1888 to 1889.
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