1836 - 1914
At the age of twelve William Saunders immigrated to London, Ontario from Crediton, England where he’d been born in 1836. He received no formal education, but he began an apprenticeship with a local druggist. He was a natural at the career and opened his own pharmacy at the age of 19, which he later expanded into a wholesale pharmaceutical store. Saunders became a well known member of the North American pharmaceutical community, even becoming a founding member of the Canadian Pharmaceutical Society and in later years becoming it’s president.
An interest in plants for medicinal purposes led Saunders to an interest in entomology as well. He and Charles Bethune were the founders of the Entomological Society of Canada as well as the publishers and editors of the Canadian Entomologist. Because of his involvement in these projects Saunders was also able to publish Insects Injurious to Fruits which was considered to be the most knowledgeable text on the subject for the next 25 years.
While these are impressive accomplishments, Saunders’ most significant achievements were found in his work on experimental farms. In 1869 Saunders bought a farm where he experimented with hybridization in fruit trees and published his findings. John Carling, the federal minister of agriculture, asked Saunders to continue and expand his research to improve the practice of agriculture in Canada.
With this new responsibility taking up his time Saunders turned over his pharmaceutical business to his sons. Using various means of transportation including train, sleigh, and horse in all seasons Saunders travelled the nation making proposals for the locations of experimental farms. These were located in such places as northern Alberta to Prince Edward Island.
The experimental farms proved to be very successful, as Saunders was able to create many kinds of hardy fruit trees such as crab apple trees and improved certain types of grains for prairie farmers. On these farms Saunders experimented with hybridization and cross fertilization among many other things. In 1903 Saunders hired his son Charles to continue his work, and his son continued his development of early Marquis wheat. This proved to be a blessing to many of the farmers in the prairies for a number of years.
Upon his retirement in 1911 the Department of Agriculture was generous and sent Saunders on a year long trip to Europe to thank him for his contributions to the field. He passed away in 1914 with his sons carrying on his various businesses.