1857–1943
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Row 60 Level E
Augusta Stowe-Gullen was born in Mount Pleasant, Ont, into a family where advocacy and education were guiding principles. Her mother, Dr. Emily Stowe, was a trailblazing physician – the first female physician in Canada – and suffragist who fought tirelessly for women’s rights and access to medical education. Inspired by her mother’s determination, Augusta pursued her own dream of becoming a doctor.
In 1883, she made history as the first woman to graduate from a Canadian medical school, earning her degree from Victoria College, now part of the University of Toronto, while taking courses at the Toronto School of Medicine. This achievement marked a turning point for women in medicine in Canada and opened doors that had long been closed.
After graduation, Augusta married Dr. John Gullen, co-founder of Toronto Western Hospital, quickly establishing herself as a respected physician and educator. She served as Demonstrator in Anatomy at the Ontario Medical College for Women from 1883 to 1890, later becoming a lecturer on children’s diseases. At Toronto Western, where she was on the medical staff, she delivered the hospital’s first baby in 1896. Alongside her hospital work, Augusta maintained a private practice and represented women in medicine as a Senator of the University of Toronto for 12 years.
Her influence extended far beyond medicine. Augusta was a tireless advocate for women’s equality, serving as president of the Ontario Provincial Council of the National Council of Women, vice-president of the National Council of Women and president of the Canadian Suffrage Association, succeeding her mother in this role following the latter’s death in 1903. She campaigned vigorously for women’s political franchise and social reforms, helping pave the way for Ontario women’s right to vote, which was won in 1917.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Augusta Stowe-Gullen was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1935. She passed away on September 25, 1943, aged 86, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion and progress, a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Sources:
• Mount Pleasant Group – Augusta Stowe Gullen
• The Canadian Encyclopedia – Ann Augusta Stowe Gullen
• Women and Gender Equality Canada – Ann Augusta Stowe Gullen
• Victoria University in the University of Toronto – F26 Augusta Stowe Gullen Collection
Photo: Catherine Lyle Cleverdon, Library and Archives Canada
