Brett

(submitted by Don Hollingsworth and Pat McLean)

Robert George Brett (1851–1929) was born in Strathroy, Ont., to James and Catherine (Mallon) Brett. He was a druggist. The 1871 Hagyard's Almanac advertises

R.G. Brett, Watford, Chemist & Druggist, dealer in drugs; medicines; chemicals; stationery; toilet, fancy & rubber goods; perfumery, etc.; paints, oils and varnishes; always on hand, a large and complete stock of dye-stuffs of the best quality and at low prices. Horse & cattle medicines; physicians' prescriptions and domestic receipts carefully compounded. Pure wines & liquors for medical purposes. A full assortment of patent & proprietary medicines always on hand. Also agent for Hagyard's medicines.

After graduating from grammar school, he obtained his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Brett then practiced medicine in Watford and Arkona in the late 1870s. In 1878 he married Louise Hungerford, daughter of Samuel Hungerford of Watford. They had two sons: Dr. Reginald Harry and Robert Earl.

In 1880 Dr. R.G. Brett went to Manitoba, where he was a founder of the Manitoba Medical College, University of Manitoba. He was recognized as one of the leading physicians in Winnipeg, and had a very large practice there.

Dr. Brett and his family moved to Banff along with his brother-in-law, Dr. Lindsay of Watford, in 1883. There he served as chief surgeon for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Dr. Brett believed in the value of mineral springs to cure chronic diseases, such as the sulphur mineral waters that flowed from the foot of Sulphur Mountain at Banff. In 1886 he established the Banff Sanitarium where he was senior surgeon. The April 1, 1887 issue of the Watford Guide-Advocate states: “Recently he has been devoting his attention to developing the attractions of the celebrated hot springs at Banff. He has built a large Sanitarium and hotel there, and there is every indication that the place will become a popular resort for invalids and pleasure seekers.” Associated with him in managing the institution was S. W. Hungerford, another Watford native.

In 1888, Dr. Brett was elected to the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Red Deer. In 1915 Prime Minister Robert Borden recognized Dr. Brett`s thirty-year contribution to medical care and politics in the Northwest Territories and Alberta by appointing him to be the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, a post he held until 1925.

A park in the city of Edmonton is named in his memory.

Chapter 24 of 25 - Brett Family

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