McGill University

   Founded through the far-sighted liberality of James McGill, a merchant of Montreal, who in his will left his property of Burnside and £10,000 to found the college. It was granted a royal charter in 1820, and opened in 1829. The original bequest proving insufficient to complete the college buildings, a further sum was given by William Molson for that purpose. A new charter was obtained in 1852. The period of greatest development of the university dates from 1855, when J. W. Dawson was appointed principal. The university has been fortunate in receiving generous bequests from wealthy citizens of Montreal, notably from Peter Redpath, Sir W. C. Macdonald, and Lord Strathcona.

   Bib.: Dawson, Historical Sketch of McGill University in Canada: An Ency., vol. 4; Ency. Brit.; Ency. Amer.