John Ostell, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetJohn Ostell
Anglo-Canadian architect, surveyor and manufacturer
Date of Birth: 07-Aug-1813
Place of Birth: London
Date of Death: 06-Apr-1892
Profession: architect
Zodiac Sign: Leo 
About John Ostell
- John Ostell (7 August 1813 – 6 April 1892) architect, surveyor and manufacturer, was born in London, England and emigrated to Canada in 1834, where he apprenticed himself to a Montreal surveyor André Trudeau to learn French methods of surveying.
- In 1837 he married Eleonore Gauvin, a member of a prominent French Catholic family in the city.
- His marriage ensured entry to French Canadian society, he was appointed diocesan architect for Montreal.
- In 1849 he formed a partnership with his nephew Henri-Maurice Perrault (1828–1903), this was the formation of one of the first architectural dynasties in Canada. He mostly worked in the Greek Revival style of architecture.
- His first work in Montreal was the city's original Custom House, completed in 1836.
- This was followed by the McGill University Arts Building, 1839–1843, the oldest building on the McGill campus, extended 1860-1862; Asile des Soeurs de la Providence (aka Asile de la Providence), 1842 (demolished); High School of Montreal, 1845 (demolished); Protestant Orphan Asylum, 1848 (demolished); Palais episcopal (Episcopal Palace) 1849, burnt 1852; Eglise de Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Graces, 1851; Church of St Anne, 1853 (demolished); Grand séminaire de Montréal, 1854; and the Old Montreal Court House, now known as the Édifice Lucien-Saulnier.1856-1859.
- Ostell submitted designs for the new St.
- James Cathedral in Toronto in 1849, placing second in the competition to Frederick William Cumberland.
- The only residential home left standing built by Ostell is the former home of Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine in downtown Montreal at 1395 Overdale Ave.
- Unfortunately, the home is falling into ruin. In 1859 he largely abandoned architecture having established a successful lumber business in 1852.
- The factory made doors and windows for export to Upper Canada (Ontario), Australia, the USA and Britain.
- By 1856 the factory covered 5 acres (20,000 m2) and employed 75 workers and had a turn over of goods worth £18,750 per annum.
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