Duty and Sacrifice: The Story of Dr. John Hanly
The untimely deaths of Almonte’s doctors did not start and finish with Dr. Mostyn.
Dr. Hanly pictured with his three children
Dr. John Hanly was a popular doctor in Almonte from 1893 until his death in 1927. John Frederick Hanly was born in Waubaushene, Ontario and was introduced to the world of healthcare at a young age. His father, also Dr. John Hanly, would bring his son to visit his patients. The young man grew up going to remote settlements and communities around Waubaushene with his father.
It was this experience that led Dr. Hanly to enroll in the University of Toronto for medical training. Graduating at the age of 23, he worked with his father as a travelling doctor in Waubaushene. This often meant using snowshoes or boats in order to reach his patients in remote communities. After graduating, he married Jean Elizabeth Kean and left for Almonte in 1893. The family settled into the community and family life. The couple had three children, Arthur, Lois, and Bruce, and resided on Bridge St.
Commitment to Patients
Although a family man, Dr. Hanly always made time for his patients and put everyone else’s needs before his own. According to a letterhead from his practice, his office hours were listed as 8-10 AM, 1-3 PM, and 7-9 PM. Between these office hours, Dr. Hanly would be conducting house calls, doing hospital rounds, and travelling to his patients. Needless to say, his days were often long and very busy.
Professional cards in the Almonte Gazette
Dr. Hanly was known for his caring and attentive relationship with his patients. He would often call in prescriptions at any hour, and would make house visits in any weather condition. Visiting patients in the country during a winter storm could pose a particular problem. During these storms, the doctor would inform the telephone operator of where he needed to go. Then, the operator would wake the farmers who lived along the route and ask them to clear a trail for the doctor’s horse and cutter. Keeping his patients healthy was oftentimes a community effort.
Dr. Hanly with his horse and wagon
A Man of the Community
Although a very busy man, Dr. Hanly was also highly involved in the Almonte community. He was known to devote his time to educational matters, which included being a member of Almonte’s Board of Education and a member of the Lanark County Educational Association.
Dr. Hanly was also on the board for the public library, secretary for the Bethany United Congregation, local physician for the Canadian Pacific Railway, medical health officer for Almonte, and played cricket with the Almonte club.
Dr. Hanly at home, Christmas 1925
During the flu epidemic of 1918/1919, Dr. Hanly worked tirelessly to help his patients. The strain of the epidemic ultimately took a toll on his health, and he was advised by his doctor in Toronto to go on bed rest for six months to heal his strained heart. Dr. Hanly ended his bed rest early despite his doctor’s recommendations, and after carrying out a normal morning of appointments and errands, he arrived home and collapsed dead on February 28, 1927.
The town of Almonte mourned the doctor and went to great lengths to honour him. His funeral was held on the Wednesday the week of his passing, and schools were closed so that all could attend. The funeral procession went all through town, and businesses drew their blinds as a mark of respect. Women could be seen weeping openly while the men stood mute and withdrawn. Almonte had not only lost a doctor, but a friend.