1841–1918
Toronto Necropolis
Section O Lot 221
Born in Toronto, John Ross Robertson began his career as a bold young publisher, launching school papers and satirical magazines before founding the Toronto Evening Telegram in 1876. His innovative approach – short, punchy local news stories and affordable advertising – made the Telegram a household name and transformed Canadian journalism. His landmark series, Robertson’s Landmarks of Toronto, remains a treasure trove of the city’s early history.
Robertson’s influence extended beyond the newsroom. Elected as an Independent Conservative MP for Toronto East in 1896, he championed civic reform and copyright law. His philanthropy was legendary: he donated generously to the Hospital for Sick Children, founded the Lakeside Home for Little Children and bequeathed his vast historical collection to the Toronto Public Library. His name lives on in John Ross Robertson Public School.
A passionate advocate for fair play, Robertson served as president of the Ontario Hockey Association (1899–1905), earning the title “Father of Amateur Hockey in Ontario.” He fought against professionalism and violence in the sport, and donated silver trophies to hockey, cricket and bowling tournaments that further encouraged amateur competition. The championship trophy of the Ontario Hockey League, the J. Ross Robertson Cup, is still named in his honour. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947.
Sources:
• Mount Pleasant Group – John Ross Robertson
• Dictionary of Canadian Biography – John Ross Robertson
• Wikipedia – John Ross Robertson
Photos:
• Headshot - John C. Yorsten Publishing Co., public domain
• Monument - Flibirigit, CC BY-SA 4.0
