William Lauder (contractor)
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William Lauder (born April 6, 1794 - died January 17, 1845) was a Scots-Quebecer industrial contractor who helped develop the infrastructure of early 19th century Canada.
He was born in Lauder, Berwickshire, a burgh 28 miles southeast of Edinburgh in Scotland named for his ancestors. He was trained to be a stonemason but the turmoil from the Lowland Clearances led to his decision to leave his native country. With his younger brothers, Andrew and James, William Lauder emigrated to Canada in 1819 and settled in Rockburn, Quebec a year later.
William and Andrew's hard work and skills led to their successful creation of a construction business. William was part of the group of contractors who built the Rideau and Chambly Canals. He also constructed the Arts Building at McGill College in Montreal.
William Lauder died in 1845 at his home in Rockburn, Quebec, and was interred there in the Hillside Cemetery.
