William Douw Lighthall

William Douw Lighthall (December 27, 1857 – August 3, 1954), often referred to as W. D. Lighthall, was a Canadian lawyer, historian, novelist, poet and philosopher.

Life and work Born in Hamilton, Canada West, to Margaret Wright [McIntyre] and William Francis Lighthall, W.D. Lighthall grew up in Montreal and attended the High School of Montreal and McGill University, where he graduated B.A. in 1879, Bachelor of Civil Laws in 1881, and M.A. in 1885. Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1881, he practiced law in Montreal for the next 63 years, from 1881 to 1944. He took a long-time interest in Canadian history, originating the Château Ramezay Historical Museum, and serving on the Royal Historical Monuments Commission and as chairman of the McCord Historical Museum. He wrote historical books, such as Montreal After 250 Years, and monographs, like The Manor House of Lacolle. In 1921, he was made an honorary Doctor of Laws by McGill.

Publications History Montreal After 250 Years. Montreal: F.E. Grafton, 1892. Reprinted as Sights and Shrines of Montreal.

Poetry Thoughts, Moods and Ideals: Crimes of Leisure. Montreal: "Witness" Steam Printing House, 1887. Old Measures (collected verse). Montreal: A.T. Chapman, 1922. Toronto: Musson, 1922.

Edited Songs of the Great Dominion: Voices from the Forests and Waters, the Settlements and Cities of Canada Walter Scott [Windsor Series], 1889. Canadian Poems and Lays. Walter Scott, 1892. Canadian Poems (Canterbury Poets, 1891).