Daniel Gallery

Daniel Gallery, born on April thirteenth, eighteen fifty-nine, was an influential Irish-born Canadian politician and merchant. He hailed from Labasheeda, County Clare, Ireland, where he was the son of Thomas Gallery and Mary O'Neill. In the early 1860s, following his father's eviction from their family farm, Daniel and his family relocated to Montreal, Quebec. His brother John established a successful bakery, Gallery Brothers, which contributed to their family's prominence in the new city.

Educated at the Christian Brothers' School, Daniel Gallery embarked on a career in commerce before entering public service. He served as an Alderman from eighteen ninety-eight to nineteen oh-three and held the position of acting mayor. His commitment to education was evident during his four-year tenure as School Commissioner of the Catholic Schools Board in Montreal. In nineteen oh-seven, he visited Ireland as part of a delegation from the Montreal Educational Commission, where he played a pivotal role in bringing the Presentation Brothers to Canada in nineteen ten to enhance education for English-speaking Catholics.

Gallery's political career began when he was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada during the general elections of nineteen hundred. A member of the Liberal Party, he served as Whip from nineteen oh-two and was re-elected in nineteen oh-four. His political journey faced challenges, including a void election in nineteen oh-six and a defeat in the nineteen seventeen federal election as an independent candidate. During World War I, he was instrumental in establishing a Home Guard in Montreal, showcasing his dedication to community safety.

Beyond politics, Daniel Gallery was deeply involved in various benevolent societies, including the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbanus. He served as Vice President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was the Grand Marshal of the Montreal St. Patrick's Day parade in eighteen ninety-four. Proud of his Irish heritage, he was a strong advocate for Home Rule for Ireland, with his obituary highlighting his descent from notable Clare families and the O'Neills, who were originally Earls of Dungannon.

Daniel Gallery was married to Mathilda O'Neill, and together they raised seven daughters and one son. In nineteen thirty, Gallery Square in Griffintown, Montreal, was named in his honor, a testament to his lasting legacy in the community.