The Architects of our City

John Wilson Siddall 1891
photo courtesy of Sean Siddall

John Wilson Siddall was born to William Farrow Siddall and Emma Wilson in Westwoodside, Lincolnshire on September 4^th 1861. Mr. Siddall's father was a master builder and clerk of works when John was younger. John married Murian Emily Dickerson and had two children, Leonard born, May 20 1888 and Gertrude on October 1^st 1890. John Siddall was educated and worked in London England before coming to Canada in 1891.

He joined the architectural firm of Knox and Elliott in Toronto. Knox and Elliott were from Chicago and established offices in Toronto in 1888. They were known for designing the Confederation Life building in 1889 with Edgar Jarvis. John Siddall joined the firm as Knox, Elliott and Siddall in May of 1892 and soon after Knox and Elliott moved their offices to Cleveland Ohio. Siddall along with fellow partner Frank Baker A.R.I.B.A. took over the firms business in Toronto. Frank Baker was born in Barrie Ontario and was the first Canadian architect to pass the examinations as Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Together they planned and supervised the construction of the Janes Building at the corner of King and Younge St., the Foster Warehouse on King St. E., the A. & S. Nordheimer Music Store and Factory and finished the Confederation Life building that was started by Knox and Elliott. In 1894, their plan for the Government Building in B.C. was not successful.

By 1895, John Siddall was on his own and designed one of his most impressive works; the Holy Blossom Jewish Synagogue at Bond and Dundas East.

In 1898, John partnered with George King to design the Stratford City Hall. They went on to design the Orilla High School and in 1899 the magnificent structure of the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (now the Oshawa Community Church) on Simcoe St. S.

John won the proposal to redesign the St. Lawrence Market with Edgar Jarvis. This was very controversial for Mr. Siddall and forced him to account for his designs. Mr. Siddall was on the executive of the Architects Association and was a regular contributor to the Engineering and Contract Record Journal.

He went on to design the Bowmanville Town Hall, numerous homes, churches and factories throughout Ontario including the Big Nickel Theatre in 1914 and Woodbine Heights Baptist Church in 1929.

John Siddall lived in Siddall House on Roxborough Ave. in Toronto. He ran unsuccessfully as an Alderman for Ward 3 in 1910 and for the School Board 1921. John Wilson Siddall died on June 26^th 1941 and was buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.