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Almonte’s First Doctor

The Need for a Doctor

It did not take long after the arrival of the first settlers in Ramsay Township and Almonte, and the development of the first mill-based industries on the Mississippi River to be established before the need for a doctor in the growing community was realized.

Black and white photograph of a sawmill in Almonte, c. 1850, with the Mississippi River and town of Almonte in the background.

Sawmill on the Mississippi River, Almonte, c. 1850

Doctor William Mostyn was the first doctor to arrive in Almonte in 1858, 29 years after the first settlements were established in the area. He was born in County Roscommon in Ireland in 1836 and lived there until his family emigrated to Kingston, Ontario. He attended Kingston Grammar School and then Queen’s College, where he received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1858. This was the same year that he moved from Kingston to Almonte and set up his practice in the community. Doctor Mostyn was responsible for building the locally famous Doctor’s House in the town where he lived with his sister Sara and a housekeeper.

More than just a doctor, William Mostyn involved himself with the growing community rather quickly. He served as a surgeon in the 42nd Battalion of the Volunteer Infantry, represented the Rideau and Bathurst division on the Ontario Medical Council, and was even the first Reeve for the town of Almonte in 1871.

Black and white etched drawing of Doctor William Mostyn surrounded by a collage of buildings and streetscapes around Almonte. He is wearing a white shirt and dark suit. He has a beard and neatly styled hair.

Doctor William Mostyn, “Almonte (Ont.) Illustrated,” Canadian Illustrated News, 1879

In fact, listing his resume just adds to his impressive nature and demonstrates his commitment to involving himself in the betterment of the area. Among many other things, he was:

  • A school board trustee for 17 years
  • President of the North Lanark Agricultural Society
  • Member of the Legislative Assembly for North Lanark
  • Member of the Freemasons

The esteemed doctor was at the peak of his career and fully involved in community activities when tragedy struck. While out boating on the Mississippi River near the small village of Appleton south of Almonte, Doctor William Mostyn tragically drowned in March of 1881. He left behind no wife or children but did leave a community without a doctor to care for their ailments and injuries.

Black and white photographic portrait of Doctor William Mostyn, a man with dark hair and a beard wearing a suit.

Portrait of Doctor William Mostyn

A Home Fit for a Doctor