Memorable Manitobans: James McKerchar Waddell (1889-1970)

Hotelier, farmer, historian.

Born at Dominion City, Manitoba on 14 March 1889, only son of Isabella McKerchar and Alexander Waddell, he received his elementary and high school education locally then studied civil engineering at the University of Manitoba. On returning home, he operated the Farmer’s Elevator for a number of years, later purchasing the Queen’s Hotel which he operated from 1928 to 1957. At that time, he took up farming on his land five miles west of town. He served as bandmaster of the Dominion City Band since 1912, and he was a member of the Manitoba Progressive Liberal Party and the Roseau Valley Legion. In retirement, he wrote a history of Dominion City which was completed by his daughter and published as Dominion City: Facts, Fiction and Hyperbole. He died at Morris, Manitoba on 5 January 1970 and was buried in the Dominion City cemetery.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 7 January 1970, page 36.

Dominion City: Facts, Fiction and Hyperbole by J. M. Waddell, 1970.

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 2 July 2010

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