Few residents today remember that Cayley once had its own hospital.

August 2, 2025

Started in 1908 by Dr. A.O. Brown, Cayley’s longest resident doctor, it was situated adjacent to his residence on Railway Street and also housed a drug store. Old-timers recall it being in operation in 1916. Dr. Brown later retired to White Rock, B.C.

Australian by birth, Margaret Murray is remembered as a “vigorous lady who worked hard for the health of Cayley”, and alternately as “determined” and “bossy”.

Other early doctors in Cayley included Dr. Thinhardt and Dr. De-Long, but their residency evidently was short lived. Families east of Cayley relied on Dr. Shamberger, a versatile gentleman who taught at Sharon school, was a Dunkard Church minister, practiced medicine and “proved up” a homestead simultaneously.

About the same time as Other early doctors in Cayley included Dr. Thinhardt and Dr. De-Long, but their residency evidently was short lived. Families east of Cayley relied on Dr. Shamberger, a versatile gentleman who taught at Sharon school, was a Dunkard Church minister, practiced medicine and “proved up” a homestead simultaneously.

About the same time as the Cayley Hospital opened, Margaret Murray, certified nurse and diplomaed midwife, opened a cottage hospital, possibly as early as 1906. The Nanton News carried her announcement, “Doctor in attendance if required. Terms moderate” but did not specify one by name.

Australian by birth, Margaret Murray is remembered as a “vigorous lady who worked hard for the health of Cayley”, and alternately as “determined” and “bossy”.

With her brother W.P. Breeding, a Crimean war veteran, she owned a half section of land on the south side of Timber Ridge and while resident there walked to and from Nanton for supplies. Neighbors recall her stories of having run away from three convents where she had been placed by a devout mother.

Here is the original page for this artical.the Cayley Hospital opened, Margaret Murray, certified nurse and diplomaed midwife, opened a cottage hospital, possibly as early as 1906. The Nanton News carried her announcement, “Doctor in attendance if required. Terms moderate” but did not specify one by name.

Australian by birth, Margaret Murray is remembered as a “vigorous lady who worked hard for the health of Cayley”, and alternately as “determined” and “bossy”.

With her brother W.P. Breeding, a Crimean war veteran, she owned a half section of land on the south side of Timber Ridge and while resident there walked to and from Nanton for supplies. Neighbors recall her stories of having run away from three convents where she had been placed by a devout mother.

Here is the original page for this artical.

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