(died 22 Sept. 1892), architect. (W. H. Hodson) After training as an architect in England, and after a short period of practice as an architect in the United States, W. H. Hodson settled in Montreal, where he practised as an architect over many years. He was the architect of St. Finnan’s Cathedral, Alexandria. The contractor who actually constructed the building was the Glengarrian, John Ranald Chisholm. W. H. Hodson is one of the forgotten men of GC history. At the time of the building of the church, his role seems to have made little impression on Glengarrians, or at least none that has been handed down by way of records, and since his death his name has rarely appeared in GC sources. Also, though respected, it does not seem that he was one of the better-known Montreal architects of his day. An obituary notice, which was published with a small portrait in The Canadian Architect and Builder (Vol. V, Oct. 1892 pp. 100), is quoted here in full: “Mr. W. H. Hodson, one of Montreal’s old time architects, has passed over to the majority, an acute attack of pneumonia having ended his useful career. He commenced the study of architecture with one of the best firms in Manchester, England. Completing his studies there, he emigrated to this country [sic–North America must be meant] some time in the fifties, practising with great success in New York and Brooklyn. Coming to Canada in 1857 or 1860, he located in Montreal, and probably first distinguished himself on the building occupying the north east corner of Bleury and Craig streets, amongst others carrying out the works successfully of Messrs. Owen McGarry’s and D. Ford’s residences, St. Ann’s church and St. Finnis [sic], Alexandria. Mr. Hodson was a man of sterling qualities, his honesty being almost proverbial, his energy [and] integrity lasting to the end.” William H. Hodson died in Montreal. See also G.-É. Tanguay.

Montreal Star 23 Sept. 1892 * Macdonald, St. Finnan’s, 11 * Villeneuve 179 * in The Canadian Architect and Builder Hodson published a technical article, “How to Estimate,” Feb. & March 1892, and he is mentioned April 1892 as a member of the Province of Quebec Association of Architects