Dr. James Switzer Freeborn was born December 18, 1858 to Andrew and Emily (Switzer) Freeborn of Invermay, Ontario.
Dr. James Switzer Freeborn
He was a graduate of the Toronto School of Medicine in 1885. He served during the Riel Rebellion as an army surgeon. After post-graduate work in England, he took up practice in Markdale and then spent 40 years practicing in Magnetawan. Anecdotal history suggests that Dr. Freeborn was the medical officer who confirmed that Louis Riel had died.
James Frederick Freeborn married Mariete Elizabeth (Etty) Gardner in Arran Township on February 21, 1888.
Dr. Freeborn built the house pictured right in 1910 on land that was originally part of the Stewart farm. During WWI the house was the headquarters for numerous organizations rendering support for troops overseas. Dr. Freeborn practiced medicine here until the time of his retirement in the 1930’s. (information and picture originally shared by Richard Freeborn, Feb. 8, 2011).
Dr. Freeborn did not enlist in WWI although two of his sons did.Add a caption
An excerpt from Canadian Forces and Defence Forces Lists, 1832, 1863-1939 which shows that James Switzer Freeborn was a Medical Officer for the Northern Pioneers. dd a caption
Dr. Freeborn kept a detailed journal that detailed the service every person who enlisted in Magnetawan. Unfortunately, that journal 'disappeared' while stored at the Public School in Magnetawan.
