Joseph Emm Seagram

Joseph E. Seagram was known throughout Canada chiefly as a distinguished breeder of racing horses and as head of several progressive industries in Waterloo, including Seagram Distillery, one of the country’s largest. He was a native of Galt, but moved to Waterloo in 1864.

Seagram’s interest in the breeding and racing of thoroughbreds culminated in the famous Waterloo Seagram Stables winning the King’s and Queen’s Plate on fifteen occasions, including eight consecutive years. Very frequently thoroughbreds from the Seagram Stables won other outstanding racing events in Canada and the United States.

Seagram served his country with distinction as a member of the House of Commons, representing his home riding, as a Conservative from 1896 to 1908.

A particularly civic-minded citizen, he contributed in various ways to civic and charitable organizations and donated the land on which the present K-W Hospital was built.