Memorable Manitobans: John Tully “Jock” Speirs (1860-1925)

Baker.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on 10 March 1860, son of John Speirs and Elisabeth Tully, he came to Winnipeg in 1881. Started in wines; burned out twice; in the early years operated one wagon which he drove himself; one oven, small output; lived to see it expand to one of the largest bread-manufacturing plants in the West. In 1910, he was in partnership with Edward Parnell. Daily output of 100,000 loaves; 60 wagons; over 350 barrels of flour used daily; value of plant over $500,000.

On 31 October 1882, he married Susan Mamie. They had four children: James M. Speirs (b 1888), Ellen S. Speirs (b 1890), Mabel Speirs (b 1892), and Catherine Speirs (b 1898). He was a member of the Masons, the IOOF, the COF, the St. Andrew’s Society, and the Manitoba Lawn Bowling Association. He served a single term on the Winnipeg city council, in 1899. He was a Past Chief of the Clan Stewart. He was an ardent curler.

Uncle of James W. Speirs.

He died at his Winnipeg residence (6 Middlegate) on 13 March 1925 and was buried in Brookside Cemetery.

Sources:

Birth registrations, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

A History of Manitoba: Its Resources and People by Prof. George Bryce, Toronto: The Canadian History Company, 1906.

Pioneers and Prominent People of Manitoba, Winnipeg: Canadian Publicity Company, 1925.

“Winnipeg Pays Final Tribute to J. T. Speirs” Undated newspaper clipping. [Manitoba Legislative Library, Biographical Scrapbook B8]

Profile revised: 8 August 2009

A collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. Search the collection by word or phrase, name, place, occupation or other text: Custom Search Browse surnames beginning with: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y | Z Send corrections and additions to the Memorable Manitobans Administrator at biographies@mhs.mb.ca Suggest a Memorable Manitoban  |  Sources  |  Acknowledgements Support the MHS and