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Friday, January 29, 2016

John Sebastian Helmcken

Just behind St. Ann's Schoolhouse that was pictured here yesterday is the house that belonged to John Sebastian Helmcken, probably my favorite amongst all our founding fathers. He was a medical doctor and in the statue above is pictured as he was probably often seen, leaving his house with his medical bag in one hand and his stethoscope around his neck. His house is the oldest house in the province that is still on its original foundation. He built it in 1852 next door to Governor James Douglas, whose daughter he married. You can find out more about him by clicking HERE.

4 comments:

William Kendall said...

The place looks quite cheerful.

JoJo said...

Lovely home. Are there any Helmckens left in the Victoria area?

Benjamin Madison said...

Thanks for your comments.

@JoJo - It wouldn't surprise me if there are still Helmckens here - John Sebastian raised three or four children as a single parent after his wife died. He died in 1920 and I believe I have seen reference to at least one descendant living here.

Benjamin Madison said...

@JoJo - writing the above note jogged my memory - J. S. Helmcken's grandson Ainslie Helmcken founded the provincial archives (right next door to the museum) in 1967. He died in the 80s so there may well be some of his immediate family still in the city.