Judy Wallman, a professional genealogical researcher, discovered that
Stephen Dion the (former) leader of Canada 's Liberal Party great-great uncle,
Robert Dion, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Quebec in
1889. The only known photograph of Dion shows him standing on the
gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription:
"Robert Dion; horse thief, sent to Quebec Provincial Prison 1883, escaped
1887, robbed the Canadian Pacific Railway six times. Caught by Pinkerton
detectives, convicted, and hanged in 1889."
Judy e-mailed Stephen Dion for comments. Dion's staff sent back the
following biographical sketch:
"Robert Dion was a famous horseman in Quebec . His business empire grew to
include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings
with the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several
years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking
leave in 1887 to resume his dealings with the railroad. Subsequently, he
was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton
Detective Agency. In 1889, Dion passed away during an important civic
function held in his honour, when the platform on which he was standing
collapsed."
Stephen Dion the (former) leader of Canada 's Liberal Party great-great uncle,
Robert Dion, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Quebec in
1889. The only known photograph of Dion shows him standing on the
gallows. On the back of the picture is this inscription:
"Robert Dion; horse thief, sent to Quebec Provincial Prison 1883, escaped
1887, robbed the Canadian Pacific Railway six times. Caught by Pinkerton
detectives, convicted, and hanged in 1889."
Judy e-mailed Stephen Dion for comments. Dion's staff sent back the
following biographical sketch:
"Robert Dion was a famous horseman in Quebec . His business empire grew to
include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings
with the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several
years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking
leave in 1887 to resume his dealings with the railroad. Subsequently, he
was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton
Detective Agency. In 1889, Dion passed away during an important civic
function held in his honour, when the platform on which he was standing
collapsed."
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