Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1985.278.006 |
Object Name |
photograph |
Description |
Black and white, three-quarter length portrait photograph of Doctor Edward Charles Arthur in soldier's uniform. He has a mustache, is wearing a cap, and is holding a baton in his right hand. |
Year Range from |
1914 |
Year Range to |
1918 |
Medium |
cardstock |
Studio |
Campbell's |
Place |
Winnipeg |
Event |
First World War |
Provenance |
Doctor Edward Charles Arthur Born November 29th, 1856 (on grave) / November 24th, 1866 (on enlistment papers) in Pictin, Ontario. Studied at Victoria college in Coburg and graduated in medicine from Trinity college in Toronto. Practised medicine in Lloydtown, Ontario; then joined his younger brother, R.E. Arthur (a C.P.R. doctor) at Lake Superior for the construction of the C.P.R. mainline there. Came to Nelson in 1890 as a C.P.R. Doctor for the projected Kootenay-Columbia railway; walked into Nelson on foot. Was also a prospector in the area, as well as one of the first people of European descent to walk entirely around Slocan Lake while on a prospecting tour. He was appointed district coroner for the area (a position he retained until death) and made many of his trips on horseback. After C.P.R. construction was finished he started a general medical practice in Nelson, as well as opening the city's first drug store. He was one of the founders of the Board of Trade, and throughout his life served as a councillor on the mining committee; also operating the Silver Glance mine in 1902 and a gold property in the Trout Lake division later on. After Nelson was incorporated, he was a candidate for the first city council, and later served as an alderman in 1899; a political opponent of Nelson's first Mayor, John Houston. One of the founders of Nelson's school system; before there was a building or a school board, the first school was held in his dining room. Was one of the first members of the school board, and was elected secretary multiple times. Early member of the board of managers of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. Belonged to the fraternal orders of the Masons (past master of Nelson Masonic Lodge and grand master of grand lodge of British Columbia) and the Odd Fellows (member for 50 years). Founded and was first member of the Nelson Five Hundred Club, and was one of the founders for the private-study Fort-nightly club. Director of the Kootenay Old-Timers Association. Before war he was also appointed city medical health officer. Lived at 515 Silica Street, and worked as a physician and surgeon at 405½ Baker Street. Religion was Presbyterian. At advent of world war one, he tried repeatedly to enlist, despite being overage, and succeeded in Edmonton in 1916. Enlisted with the Canadian Army Medical Corps, #12 Field Ambulance. Left for England in May, 1916 with unit, but was transferred and served in various English military hospitals for about a year. Eventually served in France as the medical officer of a forestry battalion serving in the Jura mountains of southern France, then was transferred to serving in the great hospital base in Etaples, Belgium. Held the rank of Captain in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. He remained in Belgium until Armistice. Afterwards, he remained in England working with demobilization efforts, and then served in a hospital ship making journeys between Liverpool and Portland. Upon returning to Nelson he served as vice-president of the Nelson branch of the Great War Veteran's association for some time. Appointed as inspector of hospitals by provincial government for two years. Ran for mayor against L.H. Choquette. Held office in the Kootenay Medical Association. Died in Nelson, July 6th, 1932; 75 years old. Buried in Nelson. Known family: Siblings - Dr. R.H. Arthur (lived in Sudbury, Ontario) and Matthew S. Arthur (lived in Skiff, Alberta, died April 10th, 1944); Wife - Isabel Arthur (Doctor, and medical inspector in Nelson); Daughter - Margaret Isabel Arthur. |
People |
Arthur, Edward Charles Campbell's |