Near St. Thomas in Elgin County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

The Honourable John Rolph, M.D.

1793-1870

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 23, 2024

1. The Honourable John Rolph, M.D. Marker

Inscription. This property once belonged to John Rolph, a prominent physician, lawyer and legislator. Born in England, he emigrated to Upper Canada in 1812. In 1824, with Dr. Charles Duncombe, he established at St. Thomas the province's first medical school, the "Talbot Dispensatory". A reformer, Rolph represented Middlesex in the assembly, 1824-29, and Norfolk, 1836-37. Although not an active participant in the Rebellion of 1837 he was so seriously implicated that he was compelled to flee to the United States. He returned in 1843, established a noted medical school in Toronto, and became the founder of the radical Clear Grit party, 1849-50, and president of the legislative council, 1855-57.

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Science & Medicine • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.

Location. 42° 46.286′ N, 81° 13.766′ W.

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Marker is near St. Thomas, Ontario, in Elgin County. It is on Fingal Line 1.6 kilometers west of Sunset Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 39545 Fingal Line, St Thomas ON N5P 3S5, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dr. Charles Duncombe (1791-1867) (approx. 1.8 kilometers away); Jumbo (approx. 1.9 kilometers away); St. Thomas’ Church 1824 (approx. 2 kilometers away); McArthur’s Raid, November 11, 1814 (approx. 2 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (approx. 2.2 kilometers away); a different marker also named Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 23, 2024

2. The Honourable John Rolph, M.D. Marker

(approx. 2.2 kilometers away); Col. the Hon. Thomas Talbot 1771-1853 (approx. 2.3 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (2014) (approx. 2.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Thomas.

Also see . . . Rolph, John (biographi.ca).

Immigrating to Upper Canada in 1812, he served during the war as paymaster of the London District militia. He also took up land near Port Talbot and in these years he and members of his family were on excellent terms with the arch-tory, Colonel Thomas Talbot. In 1817 Rolph took the initiative in inaugurating the “Talbot Anniversary,” honouring the founding of the settlement by the colonel in 1803. Soon afterward Rolph returned to England to resume his education. From 1818 to 1821 he studied both law and medicine at St John’s College, Cambridge, and medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals in London.

(Submitted on August 30, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Dr. John Rolph, ca 1870 image. Click for full size.

3. Dr. John Rolph, ca 1870

(Public domain)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 30, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.