He was one of the largest individual holders of Dominion Steel preferred and also an extensive holder of the common stock. He was likewise a heavy stockholder in the Dominion Coal Company.
All his life he was a man of business, which through careful attention brought him substantial as well as honorable success. Mr. O’Connor was a figure that attracted attention and he made lasting friendships in business as well as in private life. He was known as a man of his word, and always ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate in life’s battle. Many of his acts of kindness and substantial assistance were known only to the recipients. His acquaintance was large and included the prominent business and public men of his time.
Mr. O’Connor held membership in St. Anthony’s Catholic church and in politics he was a conservative. In his habits and tastes, he was most domestic, finding his greatest pleasure in administering to the welfare and happiness of his family. The most envious could not begrudge him his success, so honorably was it won and so worthily used for the benefit and assistance of others. His nature was one of extreme generosity and his example is worthy of emulation.
His sudden death on April 15, 1909, left a widow, a son and two daughters. James O’Connor is a resident of Montreal; Margaret resides at home; and Laura Esther is now Mrs. G. F. Hemsley. Mrs. O’Connor previous to her marriage which took place in St. Patrick’s church, Montreal, was Miss Catherine Curran, a daughter of John Curran, a prominent and distinguished citizen of this city.
Among the mercantile institutions of Montreal is that of H. Vineberg & Company, clothing manufacturers for the trade, the inception and building up of which business is entirely due to the indefatigable efforts of H. Vineberg. The firm occupies what is known as Vineberg’s building, eight stories in height. Hundreds of young men have learned their trade and received their start in this establishment, and that many of them today occupy creditable positions in life is in a measure due to the lofty principles which are the policy of the firm. Many have profited by Mr. Vineberg’s kindly advice, who took an interest in each employe of his large enterprise and who, moreover, often helped them to begin their career in the right direction. Mr. Vineberg has aided many men who are today prominent in professional life in the city and has ever taken a deep interest in charitable and church organizations, having particularly given his aid to those who came to this country in straitened circumstances in order to enjoy the privileges of British freedom, British institutions and the prosperity held out to all who but want to grasp it in the vast Canadian commonwealth.