Gschwind, John Frederick

DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: U. Sautter, “GSCHWIND (Gschwindt, Schwindt), JOHN (Johann) FREDERICK (Friedrich) TRAUGOTT,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 6, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/gschwind_john_frederick_traugott_6E.html
DCB profile:
- Army and militia officer, physician, and office holder; b. c. 1748 in Oberdaubnitz, near Meissen, Saxony (German Democratic Republic); m. 3 Aug. 1782, probably in Halifax, Anna Fletcher, and they had at least one child; d. 2 Sept. 1827 in Halifax.
- In the mid 1770s he enlisted with the Hessian troops which were to be sent to North America in order to assist the British government in suppressing the colonial revolt. His unit, the Regiment von Stein, was assembled at Hersfeld in Hesse, from where it departed in May 1776. Five months later, the troops arrived in New York City, in the vicinity of which they remained during the next two years. In October 1778 Gschwind’s regiment was transferred to Halifax. Gschwind is listed as a surgeon in the 3rd Company during the years 1780 to 1782, although he may have functioned as such prior to that time.
- When his regiment embarked for the return to Europe after the conclusion of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Gschwind decided to stay behind. One of his reasons for remaining in Nova Scotia must have been the fact that in 1782 he had taken a wife, Anna Fletcher, a widow slightly younger than he. She was to die in 1805, at the age of 55.
- Gschwind succeeded in establishing himself in Nova Scotian society. In 1784 and 1788, as a reward for his wartime services, the provincial government issued to him land grants of 500 and 400 acres in Halifax County; the 500-acre grant was escheated in 1820. Gschwind also kept in close touch with the German community, becoming vice-president of the High German Society in 1789.
- During his more than 40 years as a Halifax resident Gschwind made his living as a physician. His skill was recognized by his appointment in 1793 as surgeon of the 2nd Halifax Militia Regiment with the rank of adjutant, and even more so by his promotion in 1796 to the post of surgeon and physician general of the provincial militia. Around 1801 he was appointed assistant surgeon to the garrison, a position he held for 15 years. His military obligations, however, left some room for civilian activities. From 1799 he was health officer, with salary, “in and for the Port or Place” of Halifax. His primary task in this capacity was to prevent the spread of contagious diseases; in particular, he was responsible for the inspection of incoming ships and decisions concerning quarantine.
United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=11616
Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/164095217/john-f_t-gschwind