William James Topley was one of Canada's most significant and sought-after portrait photographers in the latter part of the 19th century, and in the early years of the new century. He photographed all of the Prime Ministers of Canada who were in power during his career, as well as other notable political figures of the day. His studio was one of the busiest in the country.
Library and Archives Canada has digitized many of Topley's photographs and they can be accessed at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca. I found other portraits of J. B. McRae on this site.
John Bell McRae, born 10 Aug 1874, was the eldest son of John W. and Catherine McRae of Ottawa, Ontario (1901 Canada Census). John had five siblings: James, Margaret, Mary and Joseph (Percy). I also have in my collection, an 1895 Topley photograph of the youngest brother, Percy.
According to Ontario Canada marriages, 1801-1928, John Bell McRae, 33, married Jessie Henderson, 32 in Carleton County, Ontario on 21 October 1908. John's parents are listed as John William McRae and Catherine Wallace. Jessie's parents were Alexander Allan Henderson, a medical doctor, and Elizabeth Susan Smith.
I believe that the Topley Collection at Library and Archives Canada has a portrait of the bride and groom, taken shortly after their marriage.
As far as I can tell, the couple did not appear to have any children. Jessie Henderson McRae died on June 4th, 1934 and John Bell McRae died on the 8th of April, 1940. Both are buried in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa.
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