Country Midwife: The Story of Elizabeth Harvey Ward Nuhn

This is the story of a remarkable Grey County woman who, from 1924 to 1954, attended the births of over 1000 babies in and around Flesherton. Born in 1884, Elizabeth Harvey was one of eight children in a big farming family. In 1903, she married her handsome neighbouring suitor, Hazzard Ward and they had four daughters. When Hazzard died suddenly in 1927, Elizabeth had one daughter still at home. Demonstrating her resiliency, she sold the farm, moved into town, and began assisting Dr. Milne with medical challenges on a regular basis. Around 1930, she moved into the home of Mr. Nuhn to assist with his care, as well as others who needed it. She married Mr. Nuhn and inherited the Nuhn home when he passed on. In 1934 Elizabeth was persuaded to specialize in obstetrics. The first baby born at the Nuhn Nursing Home was June Meads, born June 17, 1934. The last baby born there was Ann Sinclair, in 1954. Elizabeth Harvey Ward Nuhn died on May 7, 1961. Her funeral, attended by family, friends and many of "her babies" was one of the largest ever held in Flesherton.

Country Midwife chronicles a time when electricity, indoor plumbing and telephones were scarce to non-existent. Transportation was limited, especially in the long winter months when snow drifts blocked the roads. In spite of these conditions, and with no formal training, Elizabeth Nuhn provided a safe and comforting place for babies to be born and mothers to recuperate. Known as Gramma Nuhn to all "her babies", she served her community with competence and compassion.