Name:
Alexander Ironside 
Location served:
Chatham  
Years in Practice:
1829 to 1858
Area of Specialization:
Family Physician  

Biography:

Dr. Alexander Ironside was born around 1798.

Dr. Ironside married Margaret Rapelje on the 24th of March, 1829, in St. Thomas, Ontario.  Mrs. Ironside was born in Woodhouse Township, Ontario on the 23rd of March, 1808.  She was the 6th of 12 children born to Captain Daniel L. Rapelje and the former Elizabeth Vandervoot.  Captain Rapelje had fought in the battle of 1812 and was the founder of St Thomas, Ontario.  Captain Rapelje built a log grist mill to support his family.  Mrs. Ironside was the 6th of 12 children and her siblings were; George James Rapelje, Elsie Rapelje, Alletta Lent Rapelje, Lambert Rapelje (died at the age of 15), Jeronimus Rapelje, John Rapelje, Daniel Barclay Rapelje, Elizabeth Jane Rapelje, Hiram Lee Rapelje, Henry VanAllen Rapelje (died at the age of 19) and Mary Lawrence Rapelje.

Dr. Ironside was known to be practicing medicine in Chatham in 1838.  He is also recorded as being a member of the West Kent Militia.  On June 7th, 1842, Dr. Ironside was one of a number of physicians that attended a meeting of the Western District Medical Society, held in Chatham.  Discussed at the meeting were treatments for pneumonia and scarlet fever.

According to the 1851 census, Dr. and Mrs. Ironside were living in Chatham with their children; Isabella 19, George 17 and Mary 11.  Dr. and Mrs. Ironside’s daughter Elizabeth died on the 25th of September 1850 at the age of 14 years.  The obituary in the Kent Advisor on the 26th of September, 1850 reported that Elizabeth was buried at St Paul’s Church.

Dr. Ironside advertised his business in the 1851 Chatham Directory.  His office was located on King Street.

Dr. Ironside is believed to have died in 1858.  Mrs. Ironside died the same year, in Kansas City, Missouri.