George L. Milne
1850-1933
Born in Scotland in 1850, George Milne moved to Ontario with his family in 1857. Milne and his two brothers,
Alexander and John eventually all made their way to Victoria. Alexander Roland found success through
the development of the Empire Hotel And Restaurant(1).
Dr. Milne quickly established a profitable and respectable medical practice in Victoria. Unlike his brothers, George
took a very public role in community, church and government. Perhaps he took his lead from his parents who were deeply involved
in Presbyterianism(1). George Milne became a member of session at St. Andrew's in 1893.
George involved himself in many aspects of community, being a school board member, president of the B.C. Liberal Association,
and registrar and secretary of the B.C. Medical Council. He ran against the government of John RobsonJohn Robson was a highly active, early member of St Andrew's and later Premier of BC in the 1890 provincial
election and was elected with 901 votes as one of four representatives of Victoria City(2). His political career was not
without its problems. As Health Officer for the City of Victoria, Milne was forced from office during a disagreement with the cabinet
of the province during the summer of 1892. In 1896 he ran for federal parliament but was unsuccessful.
Dr. Milne's medical work was well respected. In addition to being involved with the B.C. Medical Council, Milne also worked as
an immigration health inspector and wrote several papers on health issues such as Typhoid Fever and sewerage.
George Milne also retained a number of business interests, being director of several companies including the Nanaimo Gas Company and the National
Life Assurance company of Canada as well as presidency of several corporate entities(3). As well, like his brother Alexander, George was an active
member of the Freemasons .
Sources:
(1) Danda Humphreys, On The Street Where You Live, Go to reprinted source on rootsweb
(2) View Online: A History; British Columbia
(3) Go to Source: "Electoral History of British Columbia, 1871-1986," Elections BC
(4) View Online: Biographical Dictionary of Well Known British Columbians