George Turner Orton

Dr. George Turner Orton
George Turner Orton Source:Library and Archives Canada
Member of the Canadian Parliament for Wellington Centre
In office 1874–1887
Preceded by	James Ross
Succeeded by	Andrew Semple
Personal details
Born	(1837-01-19)January 19, 1837 Guelph, Upper Canada
Died	November 14, 1901(1901-11-14) (aged 64) Winnipeg, Ontario
Nationality	Canadian
Political party	Liberal-Conservative
Alma mater	University of St Andrews
Profession	Physician, Politician

George Turner Orton (January 19, 1837 – November 14, 1901) was a physician and political figure in Ontario, Canada. He represented Wellington Centre in the House of Commons of Canada from 1874 to 1887 as a Liberal-Conservative.^[1]

He was born in Guelph, Upper Canada,^[1] the son of Dr. Henry Orton, who came to Upper Canada from England, and Mary Jerram. He studied medicine at the College of Surgeons in Dublin and the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He graduated from the University of St Andrews School of Medicine with an M.D. in 1860. After practicing in England, Orton returned to Ancaster, Ontario where he set up practice with his brother T.J. Orton, later moving to Fergus. He served as surgeon for the county militia.^[2] Orton ran unsuccessfully for a federal seat in 1872.^[1] In 1883, he moved to Winnipeg. Orton was surgeon for a brigade which served during the North-West Rebellion. He also served as medical officer for the Canadian Pacific Railway and coroner for British Columbia.^[2] Orton married Ann Farmer. He was defeated in a bid for reelection in 1887. Orton also served as reeve for Fergus.^[1] In 1888, he was named medical officer for the federal Department of Indian Affairs. He died in Winnipeg at the age of 64.^[3]

The community of Orton, Ontario was named in his honour.

References[]

Sources

• The Canadian parliamentary companion, 1885 JA Gemmill

Notes