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

Dr. Charles Duncombe (1791-1867)

Dr. Charles Duncombe Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 23, 2024

1. Dr. Charles Duncombe Marker

Inscription. This house was built in 1848 by Dr. Elijah Duncombe brother of Dr. Charles Duncombe. The latter, born in Connecticut, came to Upper Canada in 1819 and settled on this property shortly thereafter. In 1824, with Dr. John Rolph, he opened at St. Thomas the province's first medical school, named "The Talbot Dispensatory" in honour of Col. Thomas Talbot. Charles Duncombe later moved to Burford township and in 1830 was elected to the legislature as a Reform member for Oxford. An ardent supporter of William Lyon Mackenzie, he raised an insurgent force during the Rebellion of 1837 which was dispersed by loyal militia. Duncombe then fled to the United States where he remained until his death

Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario

Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.

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

Location. 42° 46.722′ N, 81° 12.568′ W. Marker is in St. Thomas, Ontario,

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in Elgin County. It is at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Talbot Street, on the right when traveling south on Pleasant Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: St Thomas ON N5R 3E1, 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,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and 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 walking distance of this marker: Jumbo (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); St. Thomas’ Church 1824 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); McArthur’s Raid, November 11, 1814 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); a different marker also named Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Col. the Hon. Thomas Talbot 1771-1853 (approx.

Photographed by Tim Boyd, August 23, 2024

2. Dr. Charles Duncombe Marker

0.7 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (2014) (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (1898) (approx. 0.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Thomas.

Also see . . . Duncombe, Charles.

The doctor turned politician in the election of 1830. He and Charles Ingersoll were returned for Oxford County to the 11th Upper Canadian parliament. In contrast to his later reputation as a radical, he was very much a moderate and an independent in his first term. Generally he voted with the Tories for public improvements such as banks and canals, and on issues involving government officers such as the granting of generous salaries to officials – not surprising positions for the representative of an area badly in need of public works to take.

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

Dr. Charles Duncombe ca 1840 image. Click for full size.

3. Dr. Charles Duncombe ca 1840

Source: Library and Archives Canada (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 178 times since then and 28 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.