William Nelson.

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William Nelson

A   M E M O I R


BY

SIR DANIEL WILSON, LL.D., F.R.S.E.,
President of the University of Toronto.



Printed for Private Circulation.

T. Nelson and Sons, Edinburgh.

1889.

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TO

THIS
MEMOIR OF HER HUSBAND
IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY
HIS OLD FRIEND AND
SCHOOLMATE

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FOREWORD.

THE volume here produced for the eye of friends is the memorial of onewhose life presented a rare example of simplicity, of thoroughness inworking up to a high standard in all that he undertook, and fidelity inhis responsible stewardship as a man of wealth and a captain ofindustry. The friendship between us extended in uninterrupted union,with the maturing estimation of years and experience, from early boyhoodtill both had passed the assigned limits of threescore years and ten. Itwould have been easy to swell the volume into the bulky proportions ofmodern biography: for William Nelson keenly enjoyed the communion offriendship; and his correspondence furnishes many passages calculated tointerest others besides those who knew and loved him as a friend. Butthe aim has been simply to present him “in his habit as he lived;” andthus to preserve for relatives,{10} personal friends, and for hisfellow-workers of all ranks, such a picture as may pleasantly recallsome reflex of a noble life; and record characteristic traits of one ofwhom it can be so truly said: “To live in hearts of those we love is notto die.”

D. W.

University of Toronto,
September 26, 1889.

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