George Iles was born on June 30, 1852, in Gibraltar, the son of a British soldier.

He was a writer and editor renowned for his contributions to popular science and general literature. He immigrated to Canada in 1857 and began contributing to Montreal newspapers at the age of 15, eventually becoming a regular contributor to The Gazette. He earned his LL.D. degree from McGill University. Originally involved in the hotel business, he served as the manager of the Windsor Hotel for a time before leaving Montreal for New York, where he dedicated himself entirely to literature.

He established his permanent residence in the United States but returned to Montreal, Quebec, for vacations each year. He authored popular books on science, electricity, and invention, and frequently contributed to magazines such as "Popular Science Monthly." His writings emphasized the practical applications of science and often included illustrative anecdotes to engage readers. Notable works include "Flame, Electricity, and the Camera" (1900) and "Little Masterpieces of Science" (1902). Additionally, he served as an editor for "Popular Science Monthly." In 1928, he received an honorary degree from McGill University.

He died in October 1942, in New York City, New York.

Hugh Percival Illsley was born in Montreal.
He began studies at McGill University School of Architecture in 1914. At the same time, he joined the Canadian Officers Training Corps at McGill. He furthered his architectural training in the office the Montreal architects Edward & William S. Maxwell whom he joined that year. He left to fight in World War I as a machine gunner, then as observer and then pilot for the Royal Flight Corps.

On his return to Canada in 1919, he was offered his first architectural job, with the firm Ross and MacDonald. In the 1930s he moved to John S. Archibald Architects The firm changed names several times: in 1934, the architectural firm of Archibald, Illsley and Templeton was created. Illsley later began his own firm, H. P. Illsley, which eventually bought the Archibald firm. Among his architectural projects were the Montreal Forum, the Masonic temple on Sherbrooke St. in Montreal, Manoir Richelieu, and the Post Office building at University Ave. and Cathcart St. in Montreal.

Throughout his career, Illsley maintained involvement with the military. Poor health prevented him from serving as a pilot in World War II, but he helped organize the first air cadet squadron to be formed in Canada under the Air Cadet League. Illsley was the Commanding Officer. With over 300 members, the Squadron trained in Westmount High School, using the Royal Montreal Regiment Armoury for drill and recreation purposes. Illsley designed their first uniform.

He retired in 1976 and died in 1992.