Sévère Rivard

Sévère Rivard, born on August seventh, eighteen thirty-four, was a prominent Canadian lawyer and politician who made significant contributions to the city of Montreal. After receiving his education at the Séminaire de Nicolet, he embarked on a legal apprenticeship under the guidance of esteemed lawyers Rodolphe Laflamme and Edmund Barnard, ultimately being called to the bar in eighteen fifty-nine.

Rivard's political career began in eighteen seventy when he was elected to the city council representing the Saint-Jacques ward. His dedication to public service was evident as he was re-elected in eighteen seventy-three and also served on the city's Roman Catholic Board of School Commissioners from eighteen seventy to eighteen seventy-seven.

In eighteen seventy-nine, Rivard made a remarkable bid for the mayoralty, defeating the seemingly invincible incumbent Jean-Louis Beaudry by a narrow margin of two hundred and ninety votes. His popularity soared, allowing him to run unopposed in the following election, securing a second term as Mayor in eighteen eighty.

Beyond his mayoral duties, Rivard was appointed to the Legislative Council of Quebec, where he served until his untimely death on February fourth, eighteen eighty-eight, due to complications from paralysis. He was laid to rest at the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to his community.