Biography:

Dr. Philip “Thomas” Kearns was born near Wardsville (Middlesex County), Ontario on the 3rd of October, 1901.  Dr. Kearns was the 3rd of 5 children born to Philip Kearns and the former Margaret Jane Fitzpatrick.  He grew up on a farm, located on the 2nd Concession of Aldborough Township, Elgin County.  His siblings were; Joseph Sylvester Kearns, Mary Anastasia Kearns, Patrick Edward Kearns and James Callistus Kearns.

Dr. Kearns graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1933.  He set up his medical practice in Bothwell.

Dr. Kearns married Mary ‘Helen’ Koehler on the 12th of July, 1933 in London, Ontario.  Mrs. Kearns was born on the 18th of January, 1907 in Tyrconnell which is a small community in Elgin County.  She was the eldest of 4 children born to Edward Koehler and the former Mary Helena Dromgole.  Her father was a fisherman and her siblings were; John Edward Koehler, Henry Arnold Koehler and Catharine Patricia Koehler.   At the time of their marriage, Mrs. Kearns listed her occcupation as a stenographer.

According to voter records, Dr. Kearns was still living in Bothwell in 1940.

In 1941, Dr. Kearns reported for duty in St. John’s, New Brunswick and he served his country during WWII.

By 1949 Dr. Kearns was living at R.R.#4  London, Ontario with his wife Helen.  Mrs. Kearns died in 1952.

In 1957 Dr. Kearns was residing in London with his second wife Betty.  He was known to have a son Thomas Jr., a daughter named Gertrude and another daughter.

Dr. Kearns died at St Joseph’s Hospital in London on the 28th of June, 1960.  He was survived by his second wife, his son and his 2 daughters.

*Dr. Kearns also appears on the ‘Gathering Our Heroes’ website.

**Dr. Kearns’ brother Joseph Sylvester Kearns served with the Canadian Armed Services during WWI.

Photo Courtesy of the University of Western Ontario Library.