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THOMAS M'GARA
Dr.
Thomas McGara was a native of Pennsylvania, where
his boyhood days were spent. In the fall of 1812 he left the
land of his fathers', came to this county and settled in
Washington, engaging in the practice of medicine, being the
first practicing physician in the county. His family
consisted of a wife and two children, Joseph and
Jane—the latter never married. Joseph
married a lady named Smith, and engaged in the
medical profession in Greenfield and Ross County. The
elder McGara was a great favorite of the people ; was
elected to the state legislature, serving his constituents
faithfully for a period of six years. He died at the
age of eighty-eight, retaining his faculties to the last,
having continued in his medical pursuits until one year
prior to his death. He was an uncle of Judge
Daniel McLean—his mother's brother. He was
a very popular man, of a slow, deliberate disposition and
somewhat singular in his habits.
DR. BALDRIDGE.
The second
physician (according to some the first) was Dr.
Baldridge, who came here in about the year 1811.
With his medical duties he combined those of a minister of
the gospel. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church; had a wife and one child.
BENJAMIN HINTON
The next physician
of more than ordinary ability was Benjamin Hinton,
who came from Highland County in 1818. A few years
after his settlement in this county he was united in
marriage with Rachel Stimpson. He was an
energetic and upright citizen and noted for his great
kindness to patients. Mr. Hinton was a
mem-
[Pg. 259]
ber of the legislature, and county treasurer (collector) for
many years. In 1838 he removed to Peru, Indiana, where
he died some years ago.
JAMES HINTON.
James Hinton, a
brother of Benjamin, was a member of the pioneer medical
fraternity of this county. Unlike his brother, who
died in comparative poverty, he rapidly accumulated a
fortune. He finally left for the west, settling in
McLean County, Illinois, where he purchased a tract of land
containing fourteen hundred acres. He is now
seventy-seven years of age, but still continues in the
practice of his chosen profession.
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