[@Gisk]
So you said early 19th century, which I guess precludes the year 1867. I’m asking because I want to make a Canadian, or at least someone from where would become Canada, so it would affect if they were a nation yet. The idea I have is he comes from a long line of veterinarians, helping with farm livestock mostly. Of course my character gets the mad scientist bug and begins experimenting with creating hybrid-creatures. He would also have an interest in uplifting animals, so that they could do more tasks. Is end goal is a race of Beast-Men who serve humanity.