Kilborn, Leslie Gifford

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: See full biography at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Gifford_Kilborn
Wiki Biography:
- Leslie Gifford Kilborn (April 7, 1895 – June 23, 1967), the son of Omar L. Kilborn and Retta Kilborn, was born in Sichuan, western China. Kilborn greatly advanced missionary work in west China. He was the author of multiple texts, translator of many textbooks, and served as director of the College of Medicine of West China Union University and dean of the Faculty of the College of Medicine.
- Kilborn was born in China, and moved back to Canada to pursue an education. Kilborn enrolled at the University of Toronto in 1913, and took honors classes in physiology and biochemistry. Graduating with first-class honors in 1917, he obtained his M.A. in physiology and obtained his M.D. in 1921. He also received the Victoria Silver Medal in Science.
- Kilborn and his wife Janet set out for west China in the autumn of 1921. After arriving at Chengdu, he started medical work in Pengxian county and took Mandarin lessons simultaneously. About a year and a half later, he moved from Pengxian county back to Chengdu where he began his teaching career as a physiology lecturer. Quickly rising through the ranks of the academic world, Leslie became the dean of the Department of Physiology and deputy section head of the medical division.
- Kilborn’s service was not limited to the academic world. He was deeply involved in politics and strengthening international relations. When Canada and China first established diplomatic relations, the Canadian government asked Kilborn to assist the newly appointed minister in establishing a legation in Chongqing. He travelled between Canada and Chengdu despite the arduous travel involved.
Third Great Grandson of United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=4441
Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/211810359/leslie_gifford-kilborn