The Honourable Dr. William Egbert, 1925-31

Like his immediate predecessor as Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, The Honourable Dr. William Egbert was a medical doctor. He was a leader in his profession and was active in Alberta municipal and provincial politics.

Dr. William Egbert was born on February 25, 1857, in Welland County, Canada West (Ontario). He was the son of Joseph Morgan Egbert and Maria Silverthorne. Dr. William Egbert attended Dunnville Public and High Schools and received his Bachelor of Medicine degree from the University of Toronto in 1889 and his Doctor of Medicine and Master in Surgery degrees from Victoria University, Toronto. As well, he completed postgraduate courses in London, England, and New York City.

On December 27, 1884, Dr. William Egbert married Eva C. Millar, daughter of Daniel Millar of Haldimand County, Ontario. They had two children: Ethel C. and William Gordon. His son became a judge of the Supreme Court of Alberta.

Dr. William Egbert taught briefly at Dunnville, Ontario, and was Principal of the Dunnville Public School prior to entering medical school at the University of Toronto. Following the completion of his medical training, he established a practice at Milverton, Ontario. In 1904, he moved to Calgary to practice medicine.

At the provincial election of March 22, 1909, Dr. William Egbert was an unsuccessful Liberal candidate for Calgary. However, that same year, he was elected to the Calgary City Council for a two year term. Dr. William Egbert was a candidate for Mayor of Calgary in 1911, but was defeated.

He was a member of the United Church of Canada and his fraternal associations were the Order of Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Oddfellows. He served as President of the Alberta Provincial Federal Association from 1917-25, was President of the Calgary Board of Trade in 1918, was President of the Alberta Provincial Medical Association in 1921, and was President of the Alberta Liberal Association in 1924. He was also a member of the Edmonton Board of Health, served as Paymaster of the 103rd Regiment, Calgary, and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta (1917).

On the advice of Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, Dr. William Egbert was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta effective October 29, 1925. This appointment was made by Lord Byng, Governor General of Canada. Dr. William Egbert served as Lieutenant-Governor until his successor was appointed effective May 5,1931.

In 1935, Dr. William Egbert became Chairman of the non-party Economic Safety League which was organized to oppose Social Credit.

He died on October 15, 1936, at Calgary, Alberta, and was buried in the Union Cemetery in that city.