William Mostyn, late member of the Ontario parliament, and the oldest and leading physician and surgeon in Almonte, is of Welsh descent, the family moving into the county of Roscommon, Ireland, a little more than two centuries ago, and becoming large landed proprietors. Our subject is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Murray) Mostyn, and was born at Elphin, in the county of Roscommon, on the 5th of June, 1836. Before he was a year old, the family emigrated to Canada, and settled in Kingston, where he was educated in the grammar school and the university of Queen’s College, receiving the degree of doctor of medicine in 1858. He has held a fellowship in that university.
Dr. Mostyn commenced the practice of his profession at Almonte soon after receiving his diploma, and has continued it up to date, having an extensive ride and doing a lucrative business. His reputation in all branches of the healing art stands well. He is surgeon of the 42d battalion of volunteer infantry; represented Rideau and Bathurst division in the Ontario medical council from 1869 to 1872; was the first reeve of Almonte (1871), resigning after holding that office for three terms; has been a trustee of the local school board for sixteen or seventeen years, and is now its chairman; represented the riding of North Lanark in the third Ontario parliament, and is the author of the game law of 1878, and took a prominent part in all agricultural matters brought before the House. He is a Conservative in politics; in religion, a churchman.
The Doctor has been president of the North Lanark agricultural society since 1867; takes a deep interest in matters pertaining to that society, and has done, and is doing, much to encourage the improvement of the soil and of farming stock. He is noted for his public spirit in enterprises generally, and belongs to the progressive class.
Dr. Mostyn holds a high position in freemasonry, having been deputy district grand master for the Ottawa district in the grand lodge of Canada.
A writer in the Canadian Illustrated News for January 4, 1879, states that Dr. Mostyn, “like most old countrymen, is a great admirer of athletic and field sports; that he is president of the Mississippi curling club of Almonte, and has been the donor of several medals for competition.” The same writer facetiously adds: “the ladies may be interested in learning that the worthy doctor is one of two surviving members of the Anti-Connubial Club the only black mark against him.”
The doctor is well posted on general as well as professional and political subjects, is a ready and easy converser, and can carry his part well in the social circle.