Biography:

Dr. Richard Drake Swisher was born around 1830.  His parents were Burgess Swisher and the former Mary Abel.  Dr. Swisher’s father was born in Jerseytown, Pennsylvania and his mother was born in Dutch Hill, Pennsylvania.  It is unknown when they immigrated to Canada.  His parents were farmers and his siblings included; Jacob, Joseph, Sarah, John and William A. Swisher.

According to the 1851 Canadian Census, Dr. Swisher was living with his parents in Elgin County, Ontario and he was teaching school.  He graduated M.D. from Victoria College in Toronto in 1867.  He started practicing medicine in Thamesville, Ontario in 1867.  According to the 1881 Ontario Medical Register, Dr. Swisher joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons on the 25th of March, 1869.

Dr. Swisher was married to Maria.  Mrs. Swisher was born December 21st, 1838 in Southwold Township (Elgin County), Ontario.

Dr. and Mrs. Swisher had three daughters; Mary Ann Swisher was born in 1857, Susan (who died in childhood) and Ada Maria Swisher was born in 1865.  Dr. Swisher owned property in the Town of Thamesville and a farm in Zone Township (Chatham-Kent).  Dr. Swisher appears in the 1864-1865 County of Kent Gazetteer.  His medical office was located on Main Street.  Dr. Swisher’s is also listed in the 1869 and 1889 Ontario Gazeteer and Business Directory advertising his medical practice in Thamesville.

Dr. Swisher cared for the residents of Thamesville for over 20 years. He was appointed as a Coroner for the County of Kent on the 12th of June, 1869.

Dr. Swisher died in Thamesville on the 26th of  March 1890. Maria Swisher died in Thamesville on the 31st of December, 1895.  Dr. and Mrs. Swisher were buried at the Mayhew Cemetery in Thamesville.