Anderson Ruffin Abbott was born in Toronto, Canada, on Apr. 7, 1837. The son of Wilson R.
and Ellen Toyer Abbott, who had emigrated as "free people of color" from Mobile, Alabama, to
Toronto in 1835. Anderson Abbott was educated at Toronto Academy where he was an honor
student, and Oberlin College, Ohio. Preparatory department, 1856-1858. In 1861 he graduated in
medicine from Trinity College, University of Toronto. He was a licentiate of the medical board
of upper Canada in 1862. His mentor Was Dr. Alexander T. Augusta, who was born free
in Virginia, matriculated at Trinity Medical College in Toronto, and graduated in 1856 with a
bachelor of medicine degree.Duobtlessly influenced by Dr. Augusta, who had successfully requested a commission in the United State Army in 1863. Abbott wrote the Secretary of War. E.M. Stanton, on Feb. 6, 1863:
I learn by our city papers that it is the intention of the government of the United States to raise 150,000 coloured troops. Being one of that class, I beg to make application for a commission as assistant surgeon. My qualifications are that I am 24 years of age; I have studied medicine five years; I am a licentiate of the college of Physicians and Surgeons of Upper Canada...I am also a matriculant of the Toronto University where I intend to take my degree in the spring of Bachelor of Medicine.
On Apr. 30, 1863 Abbott again wrote Stanton
Sir: I beg most respectfully to apply for a situation as medical cadet in the army. I am a coloured man, and would desire to be appointed in one of the coloured regiments, if you think favorably of my application.
It may be some recommendation to add that I have been a pupil of Dr. A.T. Augusta for several years-he received a commission from you, as surgeon, recently. He will give you all the information you may require concerning my character and attainments.
Yours Respectfully. A.R. Abbott.
The records of the National Archives in Washington, DC, show that on Sept.2, 1863, Dr. Abbott took the oath of allegiance to the United States as Acting Assistant Surgeon. His rank was that of captain. By contract of Feb. 26, 1864, Abbott received the sum of $100 per month ($113.83 per month. and transportation in kind, when performing in the field). His initial contact of Jun. 26, 1863, stipulated a monthly wage of $80.
Dr. Abbott's tour of duty in Washington between 1863 and 1866 was outstanding. He was one of eight black physicians to be appointed to the Army Medical Corps and a founder of FREEDMEN'S HOSPITAL. in 1864 he served several months as chief executive officer of Freedmen's Hospital. He unsuccessfully suggested on Dec. 30, 1864 that the name of the hospital be changed to "JOHN BROWN" or "BUTLER because of the confusion regarding the spelling of the hospital: Freedmen's or Freedman's. The name "Freedmen's Hospital" first appeared on the official records on June 15, 1864.
In his memoirs Dr. Abbott states that on July 0, 1863, he and mrs A.T. Augusta travel to Washington DC via new York. While at the train depot in New York, he and Mrs. Augusta were abused by two thugs. Unable to elicit aid from the depot authorities, they successfully eluded their tormentors, taking refuge in an oyster saloon until the time of their train's departure.
While on duty in Washington DC. Drs. Abbott and Augusta were warmly received by President and Mrs. Lincoln at the White House levee in the winter of 1863-1864.
On the death of President Lincoln in April 1865, Mrs. Lincoln presented as a memento to Dr. Abbott the plaid shawl which, "it is alleged, formed part of the disguise which he wore on the occasion."
Dr. Abbott was on duty in the contraband camp, Washington DC from June 26, 1863 to June 25, 1864, on January 22, 1865 Dr. Abbott became director of Abbott Hospital in Freedmen's Village, Virginia. He resigned his position as acting assistant surgeon in April 1866 and returned to Canada. He passed the primary examination for the degree of medicine at Toronto University in 1867 and in 1869 he became a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Ontario.
In August 1871, Dr. Abbott married Mary Ann Casey in Toronto. From this union there were five children. Abbott practiced in Chatham, Ontario, Canada in 1874, he was appointed coroner of Kent county and allegedly the first black man to hold that position in Canada. He was elected president of the Kent county medical society. He also served as acting resident physician of Toronto General Hospital.
His death on December 29, 1913, in Toronto was mourned by citizens on both sides of the Canadian-USA border.