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John Ross Robertson was a joining member of Ionic Lodge. During his service as Grand Master he visited every Lodge in his jurisdiction - quite a remarkable accomplishment considering his health at the time and the extensive wilderness between his home and many of the Lodges.
He was born at Toronto, Ontario on December 28, 1841 and was educated at Upper Canada College. Interested in journalism since a young boy, he founded the Daily Telegraph in 1866 and operated this paper until 1871. In 1876 he founded the �Evening Telegram� and from this venture became one of the wealthiest men in Canada. He built an highly profitable publishing empire in Canada largely benefitting from then loose copywrite laws. He wrote several books including:
His public service extended to Federal Parliament from 1896 to 1900 when he was a Tory Member of Parliament representing the riding of East Toronto.
In addition to Freemasonry, he was also an Orangeman. Initiated in Temperance L.O.L. No. 301 in 1861 until he transferred his membership to Brunswick L.O.L. No. 404 and remained a life-long member there. He rose to the rank of Junior Deputy Grand Master in the Grand Orange Lodge of Ontario West. �The Sentinel� noted his passing by stating that he had walked in fifty-three Toronto Orange Parades.
In 1870 Robertson travelled to Fort Gary to interview Riel concerning the uprising there. His report in his newspaper not complimentary towards things with an affinity to French Canadians. Later, Army Cadets from his school - Upper Canada College - earned a Battle Honour - amongst the oldest in the Toronto Garrison - for their direct involvement in the supression of the Riel Rebellion.
John Ross Robertson died at Toronto on May 30, 1918.
With the tragic death of his wife and children to disease, Robertson was inspired to become one of the founders and main benefactors of the Hospital for Sick Children and remained a strong supporter of this hospital throughout his life.