William Lorne Hutton

Rank: 
Major
Unit at enlistment: 
Canadian Army Medical Corps
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
Yes
Wounded: 
Yes
Cemetery: 
Farringdon Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth city: 
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Address at enlistment: 
221 Nelson Street, Brantford, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
221 Nelson Street, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Physician
Religious denominations: 
Church of England
Marital status: 
Married
Age at enlistment: 
26

Letters and documents

BX October 12, 1916

Capt. W.L. Hutton Reported Wounded – Was with Regulars of Canada as Medical Officer Before the War

Although word was received a couple of days ago by his wife, who resides at the corner of Murray and Nelson street, it was not until today the name of Captain William Lorne Hutton of the R.C.R., appeared in the casualty lists as having been wounded. Before war broke out Capt. Hutton was a medical officer in the Canadian Army. After he enlisted he spent a year in Bermuda with the Royal Canadian Regiment, and he has been at the front for over a year. His wounds, which have not taken him away from duty, were received in the Somme sector, where he now is.

Letters recently received show that he has been working hard and continuously there, at 24 hours a stretch. Mr. H.V. Hutton of the Verity Plow Works is a brother of Capt. W.L. Hutton and another brother is Lieut. (Dr.) R.L. Hutton, of the R.A.M.C., who spent part of a sick furlough in Brantford at the home of his father-in-law, Alfred Ball, 14 Sheridan Street, last winter. He had just then finished eight months’ service at the front.

BX April 12, 1919

War Veteran as New M.O.H. – Recommendation of Board of Health Goes to City Council 

Important recommendations were put through at the Board of Health meeting yesterday, all the members being present.  A resolution was submitted by Mrs. H.R. Frank that the City Council should secure the services as permanent Medical Officer of Health of Dr. Hutton, an old Brantford boy, who has been serving in the war since the outbreak.  The resolution was seconded by Mayor MacBride, and will go to the City Council on Monday night.  Following this a resolution of appreciation to Dr. Bragg for his services in the epidemic was carried.  It was pointed out that while Brantford was hard hit last fall, there was no recurrence of the outbreak here as in other cities. 

It was also recommended that William Glover be relieved of his duties as relief officer by the city, and devote his whole time in future to sanitary inspection work.  It was also decided that a car should be purchased for the board of health department exclusively, to be used by the M.H.O. and the inspector, and that these officials be required to work on scheduled hours.  Another recommendation was to the effect that the work of the plumbing inspector come under the health board.  These recommendations will also go to the City Council, which has jurisdiction in the matter.  In connection with the securing of a relief officer to do the work now done by Mr. Glover, the suggestion has been put forward that a woman be secured for these duties.

BX April 15, 1919

Major Hutton Appointed First Permanent M.O.H. – With Salary of $3,000, Overseas Officer Will Take Over Control of Brantford’s Health Department – Women Made Strong Plea for Unity of Departments

The appointment of Major Hutton, now overseas with the Canadian Forces, will be offered the position of permanent medical officer of health for the city at a salary of $3,000 per annum, his appointment to take effect on his return from France.  Major Hutton, in applying, specified that he would not be able to assume his duties for three months after his return.

The appointment was made by the council last evening, after advantage was taken of the appointment by a delegation representing women’s organizations to press for improved health conditions.

Mayor MacBride read the resolutions of the Board of Health, which drew attention to storm water doing damage to the smallpox hospital, and recommended that the plumbing inspector be placed under the Board of Health, that Mr. Glover be relieved from his duties as relief officer and that Dr. Hutton who has seen long service in the war, should be secured as permanent health officer.

The Ladies’ Appeal

The deputation of ladies was then presented.  It was formed of Mrs. W.C. Livingston, president of the Women’s Patriotic League, Mrs. S. Alfred Jones, Equal Franchise Club, Mrs. J.S. Rowe, Dufferin School League, Mrs. P.P. Ballachey, Board of Education, Mrs. J.H. Clement, Equal Franchise Club, Mrs. W.A. Tipper, Equal Franchise Club, Mrs. E.F. Underwood, North Ward Kith and King, Mrs. John Angus, East Ward; Mrs. H.R. Frank, Alexandra School League and Board of Health; Mrs. W.C. Brown, Eagle Place Kith and Kin; Mrs. T.J. Fair, Alexandra School League.

Mr. W.C. Livingston pressed for appointment of a permanent health officer and of an assistant sanitary inspector, preferably a nurse whose qualifications would be of much value.

Mrs. S. Alfred Jones heartily endorsed the resolutions presented.  Dr. Hutton’s experience abroad along sanitation lines would be of great value.  She favored a merging of all health activities here – Miss Anguish, who had 600 children under her care for the Social Service League, the Board of Education with its dental clinic and its three nurses, and the M.O.H., if these were merged the work could be done without overlapping and with increased efficiency.

Mrs. P.P. Ballachey was very much interested.  She felt that a man who had served overseas for four years and had overcome many obstacles would not be deterred by the many discouragements he would meet here.

Mrs. Jones added that the school leagues of the city all favored medical inspection in the schools.  If they were to do what the soldiers did – fight for Anglo-Saxon supremacy – they would fight to give the children at home a proper chance and prevent the Anglo-Saxon children from becoming submerged.  They were not asked for medical inspection immediately for the estimates had been passed, but it was a matter which had to come.  The women of the city were anxious for it.

Alderman Kelly wondered if a lady assistant sanitary inspector could go into the places it might be necessary for such a person to go in.

Mayor MacBride gave briefly some particulars of Dr. Hutton, a former Brantford man.  The Board of Health had been unanimous in selecting him.  As for having the M.O.H. devote part of his time to medical inspection of school children, this could not be done under the present act.  It would need an amendment to the act.  He suggested that the council initiate a move to coordinate the two bodies.

Alderman Harp presented a resolution, calling for the appointment of Dr. Hutton as M.O.H., at a salary of $3,000 to take effect on his return from overseas.  Dr. Bragg to continue as M.O.H. in the interim.

Dr. Hutton’s application, written while he was with the army of occupation in Germany asked for a five year contract, subject to dismissal by the Council.

Alderman Clement most heart fully recommended Dr. Hutton, who had educated himself, working in his factory during the summer months and graduating with honors. His service for his country showed what manner of man he was.

The resolution was approved.  Mayor MacBride paid a high tribute to Dr. Bragg, who had stepped into the breach during the epidemic and who had carried on since until a man from overseas could be secured.  As for woman inspector, he personally felt that it was a wise move.

BX July 30, 1919

Dr. W.L. Hutton is Now M.O.H. – Appointment Formally Approved by Council Last Evening

The appointment of Major Dr. William Lorne Hutton, a war veteran, as Medical Officer of Health for Brantford, was formally approved by the City Council last evening, when the by-law confirming the appointment was given the necessary readings.

Dr. Hutton will carry out the duties of such civic officer as laid down by the Ontario Health Act, devoting his whole time to his civic duties, and the by-law also laid down:

“That the said Medical Health Officer shall act in an advisory capacity in connection with indigent patients of the city of Brantford, and that upon the recommendation of the relief officer or of the mayor, the medial health officer shall visit and make an examination of and report upon the condition of any indigent patient for whom the city of Brantford is responsible, and make a recommendation as to the disposal of such patient.”

His appointment, which is at the pleasure of the City Council, carries with it a salary of $3,000

BX July 31, 1959

Dr. W.L. Hutton Dies – Won International Recognition as MOH

Dr. William Lorne Hutton, Brantford’s medical officer of health for 39 years, and, until his retirement eight months ago, director of the Brant County Health Unit, died last night in the Branford General Hospital, in his 71st year.

Born in Winnipeg, a son of the late Harvey Hutton and Mary Verity, he was educated at Albert College, Bellville, and the University of Toronto, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Medicine in 1911.

He then joined the regular army, in which he served through the First World War, attaining the rank of major.  He was medical officer of the Royal Canadian Regiment.  After the war he became Brantford’s MOH.

In this capacity he gained international stature as a pioneer in diphtheria control and later in water fluoridation.  He was widely and frequently recognized for his achievements in these fields.

Dr. Hutton is survived by his widow, the former Floss Loney, their daughter, Mrs. G.M. (Mary) Brown of Toronto, and five grandchildren, and one brother, H.V. Hutton of Brantford.

He was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters, Dr. R.L. Hutton of Brantford, Ernest Hutton of Toronto, Mrs. Harry Smith of Winnipeg, and Mrs. Alex McMillan of Montreal.

Dr. Hutton will rest at Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home from Saturday evening, with private funeral service on Monday.  Interment will be in the family plot at Farringdon Burial ground.

Tribute Paid

Reeve William J.E. Foot of Paris, chairman of the Brant County Health Unit, said today:

“I was deeply moved to hear of the passing of Dr. Hutton, I feel that the county and the city have suffered a great loss in the passing of this fine medical officer and gentleman.”

On behalf of the Brant County Health Unit I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his widow and loved ones.”

Acting Mayor Dick Beckett, speaking on behalf of the city council, commented: “The city has suffered a great loss in the death of Dr. Hutton.  He was one of the foremost men in public health in North America, and brought great benefits and recognition to Brantford.”

Former mayor and now city clerk Reg Cooper said: “There is a sad feeling around the city hall today o learning of the death of Dr. Hutton.  He had worked in this building for many years as medical officer, before the county health unit was established.”

“Dr. Hutton was a fine gentleman to work with, and a devoted public servant in his field.”

The City of Brantford honored him at a dinner in March, 1953, in recognition of his accomplishments in different fields of public health – of which fluoridation was only the latest.

That night he received a citation in which Brantford thanked him for his long and faithful service.  It was signed by the then Mayor Reg Cooper and read:

“Through tis citation and by virtue of my office as Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of the City of Brantford, Canada, I publicly commend, on behalf of his grateful fellow-citizens the many services, faithfully and often brilliantly rendered to this community and the country as a whole in the broad field of public health by “Doctor William Lorne Hutton, Director of the Brant County Health Unit.

“Since he first assumed his duties as Medical Officer of Health, following his discharge from the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps after the First World War in 1919, Dr. Hutton has not only paid meticulous attention to the requirements of the City of Brantford and the County of Brant butt also has pioneered undertakings which now stand as useful examples in the whole sphere of Public Health.

“He has given the medical leadership necessary to the eradication of smallpox here.

“He has successfully headed the movement for the general pasteurization of milk.

“Through his interest, one of the first of Ontario’s mental health clinics was set up in this city.

Defeating of Diphtheria

His greatest single achievement, to date, has been the defeating of diphtheria, a disease which formerly claimed many lives annually, besides leaving a train of pathetic crippling together with costly expense. Thanks largely to his personal zeal, no case of diphtheria has occurred for nearly a quarter of a century and Brantford has long held a world record in this regard.

“Latterly, for the last nine years, another product of Dr. Hutton’s pioneering spirit has benefited tis city.  Fluoridation of the water supply has reduced the incidence of dental decay in the teeth of children to a spectacular extent.

“This without embellishment, is the record of the man we now delight to honor and though his modestly forbids us to make a more elaborate recognition of his outstanding public service I have the honor as Chief Magistrate to proclaim him beyond question, Brantford’s Man of the Year, 1954.”

Success of Fluoridation

That night, as on so many other occasions, Dr. Hutton heard, the happy story of fluoridation’s success here.  The report that night, in the previous 10 years there had been a reduction of 54.2 percent in dental defects among Brantford school children.

A unique honor was conferred on Dr. Hutton in June, 1957, when the Canadian Dental Association accorded him an honorary membership – one of few such membership of the dental profession.

Even within this exclusive bracket, such tributes have been limited, and are awarded only on the basis of outstanding service.

“You are recognized,” Dr. Don W. Gullett, Toronto, secretary of the dental association, said when Dr. Hutton received the honorary membership “as the Father of Fluoridation in Canada.”

Dr. Hutton refused to be drawn into controversy with the arch critics of fluoridation, the men and women who went so far as to call the chemicals “rat poison.”

He was sure when the fluoridation experiment was started in 1945 that it would be safe and beneficial.  That’s how it turned out.  That was enough for Dr. Hutton.

Found Harmless

The Brant County Health Unit’s 1956 report on fluoridation bore the imprint of Dr. Hutton’s exuberance.

“All that Brantford has to report is the plain, simple, beautiful truth that fluoridation has transformed a community noted for children with mouths full of decayed and unhealthy teeth into one with a substantial percentage of children with perfectly pearly teeth and a general lessening of tooth decay among all age groups.

“Brantford likewise reports that fluoridation is harmless to the public health.

“These are self-evident truths and we state the facts in the sure knowledge that, in time, they will be recognized everywhere.”

Few men love tier work the way Dr. Hutton did for him, it wasn’t work at all.

He said that night in March 1953 in thanking the city for the honor it bestowed on him:

“For me you have made the dream of every health officer come true.  I wish to thank this City Council and every council since 1919 for the privilege of letting me be health officer to the city.

“Through all these years you have been paying me to do the things I most like to do in life.  I hope you will continue to do so.”
Coined New Word

Dr. Hutton once coined a new word for the “malady” afflicting persons opposed to fluoridation.  The world fluoriphobia.

With his flair for humor and his love for laughter, he “disclosed” to the Detroit District Dental Society in February 1955, that he had “isolated and identified a new disease.”

I call it fluoriphobia,” he said.  “All scientific men have been saddened by the appearance of this new malady – which actually is a disorder of the human mind.”

The afflicted, he said, are few “but they’re very noisy.”

At that meeting of the Detroit District Dental Society Dr. Hutton was presented with a plaque as Canada’s most outstanding doctor in the field of fluoridation.

To the delight of Detroit dentists, fighting for fluoridation of water in that city, Dr. Hutton roundly criticized opponents of fluoridation:

“Stout hearts and commonsense are needed,” he said, “to tread our way through the tumults which daily assault our intellectual integrity.  It is indeed hard to distinguish between the wise man and the wise guy.

“What are people to think when it is falsely stated, as it has been, that sodium fluoride use in water fluoridation, turns into hydrofluoric acid and slowly disintegrates the human body.”

Third City in the World

Brantford was the first city outside the United States and the third city in the world – behind Grand Rapids, Mich. And Newburgh, N.Y. to fluoridate its public water supply.

Dr. Hutton conceded that he was no man to seize upon new ventures “just to be different.”

He word long underwear (“it keeps me warm”) and pearl grey spats (“I don’t like drafts on my ankles”) and used a straight razor (“there was no such thing as a safety razor when I learned to shave”)

But let me assure you of this,” he told the Detroit dentists “Brantford has been fluoridation its water since 1945 and the results are almost too marvelous to describe.  There are no ill effects whatsoever.”

Also honored at the Detroit meeting was Dr. Frederick S. McKay, Colorado Springs, Colo., the man credited with the discovery that fluoride in drinking water reduces tooth decay.

Dr. Percy J. Ross, president of the Detroit District Dental Society said.”

“These two men, one from Canada and the other one of our own, shall long be revered in the memories of all who hold that the public good is paramount. Both are pioneers, but it is as scientists and gentlemen that we salute them here tonight.

In Other Fields

Dr. Hutton may always be remembered best for his fluoridation work but his achievements in other fields of public health were great too.  His anti-diphtheria work was a shining example.

In 1940 under Sr. Hutton’s leadership, Brantford became the worlds’ first city of more than 25,000 population to go 10 years with ought a case of diphtheria.

In 1922, Dr. Hutton and the late Dr. James Roberts, Hamilton, inaugurated, with the support of their boards of health and education and the co-operation of the citizens, a general use of toxin-anti-toxin as a diphtheria preventive.  Three years later, toxin-anti-toxin was supplanted by toxoid, the winner over diphtheria.

The incidents of diphtheria in Brantford dwindled.  The last death was in 1929, the last non-fatal case in 1930.  Then came 10 diphtheria free years.  Brantford became known as a “no-diphtheria” city – long before many other cities attained that goal.

In September, 1956, Dr. Hutton received a distinctive honor – election to be a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s leading scientific bodies.

Dr. Dael Wolfle, association secretary wrote to Dr. Hutton”

“It is a decided pleasure to advise you that you have been elected a Fellow in recognition of your standing as a scientist. I know that this expression of esteem on the part of your fellow scientists will inspire in you greater efforts on behalf of science and its positon in our civilization.”