Agnes Jamieson: Ontario’s First Female Coroner
Dr. Agnes Larkin Jamieson, born 26 November 1907 to David Francis Jamieson and Agnes Keenan. David was the son of a Scottish born farmer from Vespra Township. Agnes’ siblings were Jean (1909), Edith (1911) and Gordon (1914).
In the days when school marks were printed in newspapers, the Jamieson name was frequently found on the honours list.
Studies
Young Agnes took her smarts to the University of Toronto where she studied medicine. At the University, Agnes Jamieson was required to achieve 10% higher than her male counterparts in medical school, a requirement for all female students. She graduated in 1935. We find her signing her name as Dr. Agnes Jamieson, a witness at her sister Jean’s wedding. Agnes interned at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto and for a short time, practiced in Mimico, Ont., before returning home to Barrie for a rest.
Connection to Minden
During her internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, she met Andre Lapine as a patient. The two hit it off and became lifelong friends. (Visit the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden to learn more about Andre Lapine and to view his paintings).
In December 1939, Dr. Agnes Jamieson took a position that would prove to suit her perfectly. She joined the medical practice of Dr. Crowe in Minden, Ont., but was soon on her own as Crowe left to join the war effort in 1940. At the same time, Dr. Jamieson became the medical officer of health for the Haliburton District.
It was unusual for female doctors to be accepted so readily though the people in her area fully embraced her and her services. People have been quoted describing Dr. Jamieson as “‘The lady doc’ is only chin high to a rail fence, but she’s all wool and a yard wide, and is okay by us – she is more of a man, for all her skirts, than many a guy we know.”
Her hand-picked medical team
Agnes hand-picked two nurses to join her in Minden - Olga Myles and Sylvia Howard. Both ladies were excellent in their field, but were worn out from working at the Gravenhurst Sanitorium. The three became lifelong friends.
For years, Dr. Jamieson was the only doctor in the entire district. She visited her patients by auto, horse or on foot in all weather, setting broken bones, seeing expectant mothers and dealing with regular outbreaks of disease.
Milestone
In 1950, Dr. Agnes Jamieson set another milestone as she became the first female coroner in Ontario. Coroners investigate deaths that appear to be from unnatural causes or natural deaths that occur suddenly or unexpectedly. A coroner may become involved when concerns are raised regarding the care provided to an individual prior to death.
Dr. Agnes Jamieson passed away in 1983 and is buried in the Minden Cemetery. Nurse Sylvia Howard is also buried there.
Dr. Jamieson’s exam table is on display in Irondale’s museum during the summer. Drop in to learn more about her ties with Irondale.
To learn more about Agnes Jamieson and her connection to the art world, please visit the Minden Hills Cultural Centre.