Born at Kirkcudbright to the Rev. George Garthshore, Minister in Kirkcudbright, and Barbara Gordon. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Blair McGuffoch. He attended medical classes at Edinburgh before becoming a surgeon's mate to Richard Hick-Saunders, in Lord Charles Hay's regiment, eventually taking his MD in 1764. He practiced as an accoucheur in London and was physician to the British Lying-in Hospital. Noted for his generosity and benevolence to the poor, it is said he once gave a single donation that was more than his entire annual income. He also provided financial assistance to the surgeon John Hunter’s widow. He was also guardian to one of Dr Richard Huck Saunders daughters. |