Biography:

Dr. David Kenneth Stenton was born in Harwich Township near Blenheim, Ontario on the 5th of March, 1859.  Dr. Stenton was the eldest of 8 children born to William Stenton and the former Mary Sephrona Hutchinson. His father was born in England and his mother was born in New York. Dr. Stenton’s siblings were; Robert Bruce Stenton, Zachariah Thomas “Peter” Stenton, Mary Maud Stenton, Mariah “Catherine” Adepha Stenton, James Archibald Stenton, Helena “Lena” Augusta Victoria Stenton and Warren “Rufus” Stenton. By 1881 Dr. Stenton’s family were living near Sombra in Lambton County.  Dr. Stenton was listed on the 1881 census as residing with his parents and the census records his occupation as a teacher.

Dr. Stenton married Annie Coulter McRitchie on the 18th of Feburary, 1885 in Harwich Township. Mrs. McRitchie was the 3rd of 9 children born to Alexander McRitchie and the former Annie Coulter Bushell. She was born near Thamesville, Ontario on the 18th of February, 1859.  Her parents were farmers in Harwich Township and her siblings were; James McRitchie, Alexander Robertson McRitchie, David McRitchie, Thomas Lovell McRitchie, Maria G. McRitchie, Agnes May McRitchie, Josephine H. McRitchie and Albert Edward McRitchie.  At the time of their marriage, Dr. Stenton was still teaching school and he was residing in Port Lambton (Lambton County), Ontario.

Dr. and Mrs. Stenton had two daughters.   Edna Grace Stenton was born in London, Ontario on the 19th of April, 1888 while Dr. Stenton was a medical student.   Annie Laurie “Bonnie” Stenton was born on the 14th of May 1891 in Harwich Township, where Mrs. Stenton’s family resided.

Dr. Stenton graduated M.D. from the University of Western Ontario in 1890 and he set up his medical practice in Wallaceburg.  According to the 1928 Ontario Medical Register, Dr. Stenton joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons on the 22nd of May, 1890.

The Stenton family moved to St Thomas (Elgin County), Ontario in 1903. They resided at 106 Wellington Street (see photo below) and Dr. Stenton’s practice was located on Ross Street. It is said, that Dr. Stenton rarely wore a coat despite walking to his patients’ homes, in the coldest weather.

Mrs. Stenton died at her residence on the 22nd of July, 1932.   Dr. Stenton died at St Thomas Memorial Hospital (as it was known then) on the 12th of April, 1937.  Dr. and Mrs. Stenton were buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Ridgetown, (Ontario).  Mrs. Stenton’s parents and some of her siblings were also buried at Greenwood Cemetery.

*Dr. Stenton’s daughter, Edna Grace Stenton graduated from Victoria College in 1913 with an arts degree.

**Mrs. Stenton’s brother, Dr. Thomas Lovell McRitchie also appears on the Chatham-Kent Physician Tribute website.