A poet who was also a physician said:
"God and the doctor we alike adore
Just on the brink of danger - not before
The danger post, both are alike requited -
God is forgotten and the doctor slighted."
Although the physician's vocation is
justly regarded as among the most important of human pursuits,
it is nevertheless true that, considering the qualifications and
the labor required, it is among the least profitable, in a
pecuniary sense. Especially is this true of the country
doctor who attends faithfully to his work and holds himself in
readiness to attend to al calls, by day or night, in "winter's
cold or summer's heat." Such a man is a public benefactor;
and although he is often poorly paid, even in thanks, the world
could not do without him.
In this chapter it has been the endeavor of the editor
to give the name of every physician of prominence who has
resided in the county, together with such facts in the history
of his life as could be gathered from trustworthy sources.
Dr. Ziba
Lindley
was one of the pioneer physicians. He settled in
Brookfield Township about 1815, and for several years was
successful medical practitioner. He was probably the
first regular doctor who settled within the limits of the
county. He was a son-in-law of Judge William
Rannells, one of the early pioneers.
Dr.
Ebenezer Bowen and his brother, Dr. George Bowen,
of Waterford; Dr. John B. Regnier, Dr. Hodge
and Dr. Benjamin Brown, of Macksburg, all had more or
less practice in the valleys of Duck Creek in early years.
Dr. George Bowen, of Waterford, Washington
County, had a large practice throughout the western portion
of Noble County. Dr. Clark of Seelysville,
Morgan County was another early doctor who practiced in the
same field. Dr. McGarry, of Olive, and Dr.
Ziba Lindley of Brookfield were the only resident
physicians at an early day in the western part of the
territory now forming the county.
Dr.
David McGarry may properly be regarded as the pioneer
physician of the county, inasmuch as he was the first
medical graduate to settle in this section of the country,
and had through life an extensive practice. He died at
his home in Olive Township Oct. 6, 1851. The
Investigator of the same date said of him: "In his
death we shall not mourn the loss of any political
signification, but the departure of one who, living, was
worthy of noblest name with which the Almighty stamps his
creatures - a man: one of those very few who regard their
neighbor's welfare as their own and do unto others as they
would that others should do unto them * * * * The poor
may bless his beneficence; the rich, his talent and skill;
his friends his never-failing radiance of affection; his
enemies, if any he had, his kind and forgiving disposition,
and a merciful and all-wise God will take charge of the
rest." Dr. McGarry was a native of Ireland, and
graduated in medicine at the university of Glasgow. He
came to America when a young man and about 1816 settled in
Olive Township, near what afterwards became the village of
Olive. He was the first physician of prominence in the
county, and with the exception of Dr. Wm. McKee, and
one or two others, probably the only medical graduate in the
county up to the time of his death. His practice was
extensive. He was sound in judgment, and in every way
well-fitted for his calling. He was therefore one of
the most respected and honored citizens of the community in
which he resided. He married Miss Reed after
coming here, and was the father of several sons. Three
of these sons, Samuel, Robert and John,
adopted their father's profession and were all prominent as
good physicians. Through not having the educational
advantages which their father enjoyed, they had a good
knowledge of medicine, and were competent practitioners.
Dr. Samuel McGarry, who died at Olive in 1874, was an
unusually excellent physician and was held in high esteem.
His brothers, John and Robert, also practiced in the county
until their deaths, and were generally popular.
Dr.
William McKee was one of the best of the pioneer
physicians of the county, and for many years had an
extensive practice. He was born in County Down,
Ireland, in 1797; received an academic education and in 1828
graduated in medicine at the university of Glasgow,
Scotland. He practiced in Belfast, Ireland, a few
years, and in about 1832 came to America, whither some of
his relatives had preceded him. He remained only a few
years, meantime teaching a few terms of school in Zanesville
and Sharon. He then returned to his native country,
but came back again about 1836, and locating at Olive, made
his home with his cousin, Robert McKee. Good
doctors were then very few in the newly settled country; his
practice soon became extensive, and he had calls by day and
night to attend patients in the country for twenty miles
around. He led a busy and useful career and was
greatly esteemed by all. He continued to practice in
Noble County until his death, July 1, 1865. He was a
man of modest, unassuming ways; of sound and reliable
judgment and through knowledge. He married Martha
J. Clymer of Olive Township in 1841, and was the father
of seven children, five of whom survive and live in Noble
County - Andrew C., Isaac E., Flora F. (Lund), Orvil O.
and Charles W.
Dr. Orvil
O. McKee is one of the prominent physicians of
Caldwell. He was born in Olive Township Feb. 9, 1854.
After attending the common schools and academies of this
locality, he took a four years' course at the University of
Michigan, graduating from the medical department of that
institution in 1882. Immediately afterward he settled
in Caldwell where he has since been pursuing his vocation
with good success. Dr. McKee was married to
Sarah Wharton, of Cambridge, in 1885.
Dr,
James F. Capell was one of the brightest and best men
of the county. He not only succeeded admirably in his
profession, but he also edited a paper with conspicuous
ability, and was distinguished for the force and vigor of
his writings. Dr. Capell was one of the early
treasurers of Noble County, and in the controversy which
resulted in the removal of the county seat from Sarahsville,
he was always an active participant. He was born and
reared in Marion Township, and after receiving both a common
school and collegiate education, he began the study of
medicine under Dr. Waddell, of Belmont County.
He located at Sarahsville early in the history of that town,
and was soon in successful practice. For thirty years
he was an untiring worker in the professional field, and had
the esteem and respect of all who knew him. Probably
his practice was larger than that of any other physician of
the county of his time. He died in the vicinity of
Caldwell, at the home of his father-in-law,
Dr. David McGarry.
Preceeding Dr. Capell at Sarahsville, there were
several physicians who were brief residents - Dr. Welch,
originally from Belmont County; Dr. Connor, from the
vicinity of Cumberland, and others. Dr. J. Y.
Hopkins was a resident of Sarahsville in 1851. He
remained several years. The present physicians are:
Dr. W. S. Spriggs
and Dr. J. D.
Aldridge.
D. S. SPRIGGS. --
Dr. William S. Spriggs, M. D., is among the old and reputable
physicians of Noble County. For nearly a quarter of a
century he has devoted himself to the practice of his
profession in Sarahsville and vicinity. He was born in
Belmont County, Ohio, in 1837. His father, Morris
Spriggs, was one of the early settlers of the county,
and the father of eight children who grew to maturity.
Benjamin F., the
elder, was one of the leading lawyers of the county; John
P. is an attorney of Monroe County;
David S. is a prominent member
of the Noble County bar; J. W. is a lawyer and
a leading citizen of Salem, Oregon; Dr. William the
subject of this notice; Dr. Alfred R., of Illinois;
and Eliza and Sarah R. The
family are a race of teachers, and in early life all
followed that vocation. William S. received a
thorough common-school education, and at the age of twenty
began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John
Kellar, of Mt. Ephraim, Ohio. Completing his
preparatory course he entered the Starling Medical College.
The following year he began practice at Mt. Ephraim, and in
the comparatively short time was in the possession of a
remunerative business. His attention, however, was
diverted from his professional duties by the stirring scenes
that were then being enacted, and, in company with others,
he recruited Company H, of the One Hundred and Sixteenth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon the organization of the
regiment he was elected first lieutenant of this company.
He served under General Milroy in the Valley
campaign; was at the battle of Winchester, and was with the
regiment until 1864, when he resigned his commission,
returned to his home and resumed his practice at Mt.
Ephraim. Shortly after he removed to Sarahsville,
where he has since remained, giving his time wholly to his
professional duties, and it's but just to say that no
physician in the county has attained a more enviable
position in the practice than he, or enjoys a greater degree
of confidence and esteem of the people. While he has
devoted himself assiduously to his practice he has
interested himself in all matters pertaining to Sarahsville,
especially in the advancement of its educational interests.
In political belief he is a Democrat, and while he is not a
politician in the ordinary sense of the term, has identified
himself prominently with local politics. In 1859 the
doctor was married to Miss Matilda Gant. She
died in 1878, and in 1879 he was again married to Miss
Ida Hickle. By the first marriage there were three
children - Edgar, Ethelind and Clement D.; by
the second, Frank, Sadie and Ernest.
John D. Aldridge, M. D. was
born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1860. He received
his literary education at Mt. Union College, and began the
study of medicine under the tuition of T. H. Wilson,
of Dennison, Ohio. He graduated with honor from the
Starling Medical in 1883, and in the same year established
himself in the practice of his profession in Sarahsville,
where he has built up a successful and remunerative
practice. He is a member of the County Medical
Society. The doctor was married in 1882 to Miss
Alice Sheppley, of Blue Bell, Guernsey County, Ohio.
The first settled physician in Sharon was Dr. John
Kirkpatrick, who came about 1835 from Guernsey County.
In 1837 he located on a farm near Sharon, from which he
removed about a year later. He was considered a good
doctor. Next came Dr. Joseph V. Allison, from
Washington County, who remained eight or nine years, leaving
in 1847. He had a good practice and was a most worthy
citizen. Dr. Jesse M. Stone came to Sharon soon
after Dr. Allison. He was a successful
doctor and a man of good intelligence. He was one of
the associate judges of Morgan County, chosen to that
position just before the adoption of the new Constitution of
Ohio. Dr. John Hardy was located
in Sharon at the same time with Drs. Allison
and Stone, and remained several years. Later
physicians have been quite numerous, many young physicians
having located here, each of whom remained but a short
time. The present medical practitioner is Dr. Felix
O. Neptune, son of Wesley Neptune,
of Middleburg.
Dr. Charles Shraeber was a
German who located in Sharon prior to the formation of the
county and practiced there several years.
Dr. Howells, practiced in Sharon several years prior to
the war. He went out with the Ninety-second Ohio
Volunteer Infantry as a surgeon. He was killed in a
steamboat disaster after the war.
Dr. Francis Slater, a native of
England and an Edinburgh graduate, settled at Sharon in
1855. Though a man of unquestioned ability, he
obtained but a small practice here. At the beginning
of the war he was appointed by Governor Dennison assistant
surgeon of the Seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and
his ability and skill soon brought him into prominence.
He served as surgeon-in-chief, Kanawha division, department
of Ohio; medical director, post of Chattanooga; medical
director, fourteenth army corps; medical director, cavalry
corps, and finally as medical director, department director,
department of Alabama. From 1868 to 1874 he was
medical referee in the U. S. Pension Office. He died
at Washington, D. C., in 1879.
Dr. Jesse M. Stone, a native of
Harrison County, began practicing at Hiramsburg, and prior
to 1848 located in Sharon, where he remained some years.
He afterwards practiced in other parts of the county.
He removed to Tennessee and died there. Dr. St one was
a prominent politician of the Democratic party, and was once
an aspirant for member of Congress from this district.
He was elected associate judge of Morgan County, under the
old constitution, while Sharon was a part of Morgan County.
He was moderately successful as a doctor.
Dr. Joshua Craig who was born
and educated in Ireland, came to Marion Township when the
country was new, and for many years was the only medical
adviser in that section of the county. He had an
extensive practice, and was considered a good and useful
member of his profession.
The first resident physician of Summerfield was Dr.
David Frame. He came in 1880 from
Guernsey County, and after about three years' practice
returned to that county. Dr. John
Banford came next, and first engaged in school teaching.
He was unmarried, and lived with James W.
Shankland. He took up the study of medicine
without a preceptor, and after acquiring some knowledge of
the art, began practicing. From Summerfield he removed
to Cincinnati. Next came Dr. John Waterman,
from Waterford, Washington County, who remained a year or
two. Dr. Nathan Johns, a "steam doctor,"
or an adherent to the Thomsonian system, was here several
years and bore an excellent reputation, though his school
generally was held in no great favor. He died in
Summerfield. About the same time came Dr. Foreman,
and later, Dr. Graham. Dr. William Hare, Dr.
Williams and Dr. Mechem also practiced here a
short time each. Dr. Carder, a professed cancer
doctor, was also in Summerfield several years. Dr.
Robert Stephenson, an Englishman, formerly a traveling
Methodist preacher, came here from Somerton about 1846, and
remained in the town and vicinity until about 1866, when he
removed to Centerville, Iowa, where he died later. He
was a competent physical and quite successful in his
practice.
Dr.
R. B. Taylor, who was brought up in the vicinity of
Summerfield, studied medicine in McConnelsville, and
practiced in Carlisle and Summerfield. He was a useful
member of his profession. For a time he was a local
preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but he joined
the Free Methodist Episcopal Church before leaving
Summerfield. He went to Kansas. Dr. Taylor was
the son of Rev. Edward H. Taylor, a well known Methodist
circuit preacher of pioneer days. His mother, Lydia
(Brewster) Taylor, was a lady of remarkable intelligence and
agreeable manners. She was a teacher among the Indians
in the early years of Ohio. Both she and her husband
are buried at Summerfield.
Dr.
William Horton, son of Moses Horton,
was reared and educated at Summerfield, and practice his
profession here for several years at different periods.
He studied under Dr. Graham, who married his sister
and practiced some years in the town. Dr.
Graham removed to Kansas and was in the "border war."
Dr. Horton removed to Southern Indiana about 1871,
and now lives near Cincinnati. Dr. A. A. Staats
is now the oldest resident physician of Summerfield.
He has practiced hereabout eighteen years. Dr. W.
R. Taylor has practiced in the town several years and is
a competent physician. His brother, Dr. David
Taylor, formerly practiced here. Dr. R. S.
Brown is in the drug business in Summerfield.
Dr. A. A. Staats is now the oldest resident
physician of Summerfield. He has practiced hereabout
eighteen years. Dr. W. R. Taylor has practiced in
the town several years and is a competent physician. His
brother Dr. David Taylor, formerly practiced here.
Dr. R. S. Brown is in the drug business in Summerfield.
Dr.
Reuben P. Summers
n was born in Fayette County, Pa. in 1818. In 1822 he
came to Ohio with his parents. His father was a prominent
farmer in Harrison County, where he died in 1856. He
reared a family of four children. Reuben P. Summers
passed his early life on the
(P. 193)
Dr. A. A. Staats, of
Summerfield, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1838.
He attended school in Sarahsville, and was for a time a student
at Marietta College. In 1864 he enlisted in the
Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered
out July 3, 1865. In 1866 he began the study of medicine
under Dr. R. C. Downey, now of Caldwell. He attended
medical lectures at the Starling Medical College one term, and
in 1868 graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and
Surgery. After a short residence in Sarahsville, he
located at Summerfield in 1869, where he is still in practice.
Robert Stephenson, M. D., a
prominent practitioner of Centreville, Iowa, was born in
Ohio September16, 1841. He studied medicine with his
father and graduated from the Iowa State University in 1867.
September 17, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier in
Company D., Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment
made famous by its gallant commander, General
James A. Garfield. He served with credit until his
discharge from the service as first sergeant, September 30,
1864. The following year he removed to Iowa, where he
married Miss Ruth E. Pennington, a native of
West Virginia. The doctor is in possession of an
extensive and lucrative practice, and, although a young man,
has attained an enviable position among the physicians of
the State. In 1883 he was elected to the chair of
demonstrator of anatomy and gynecology, in the College of
Physicians and Surgeons at Des Moines, Iowa. He is now
making a specialty of surgery and gynecology, his practice
taking him to all portions of the State. He is local
surgeon for the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, and the
Kansas and Missouri Railroads. He is a prominent
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the
Masonic order occupies the position of Captain General of
St. John's Commandery, No. 21. He is a member of the
State Medical Society, also the Des Moines Valley Medical
Association, and the Appanoose County Medical Society.
He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the Grand Army of
the Republic, and is prominently connected with that
organization. In his religious affiliations he is a
Presbyterian. He has four children, Ralph O.,
Robert, Glenn and Bessie B.
Dr.
William Ross Taylor. - The subject of this notice was
born in Switzerland County, Indiana, in 1850, and was reared
on a farm. He served two years as County
Superintendent of schools in his native county, and in 1874
entered Urbana, (Ohio), University, from which he graduated
in 1878. He then taught school and read medicine for
three years. In 1881 he came to Summerfield where he
continued his studies under the tuition of his brother, Dr.
D. H. Taylor; attended the Miami University of Medicine in
1881-2, and in 1882 began practice in Summerfield. In
1883-4 he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
Baltimore, Maryland, graduating March 4, 1884. He
returned in Summerfield, bought his brother's practice and
is now successfully engaged in his profession. Few
doctors in the county have a larger practice. Dr.
Taylor was married in 1885 to Jenola Kean of
Summerfield, and they have one child - Glen B.
Dr.
Robert Samuel Brown is a native of Noble County, born in
Marion Township in 1856. He was brought up on the farm
of his parents, attending the common schools and two terms
of normal school at Summerfield. In 1878 he began
reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. D. H.
Taylor; attended the Columbus Medical College in 1879 -
80; was granted a certificate by the Noble County Medical
Society in 1880, and began practice in that year; attended
Columbus Medical College in 1882-3, and graduated in March,
1833. He then located in Middleburg, where he remained
until 1884, when he came to Summerfield and bought the drug
store of Taylor Bros. He has since followed the
drug business.
Dr.
David Frame a physician in Beaver Township was taxed
$4 on the Guernsey County tax duplicate for 1830.
The first physician who settled in Batesville was Dr. Joseph
Wilcox. He came in the infancy of the town, 1833,
remained many years and had a large practice. Dr.
Wilcox studied medicine in Uniontown, Belmont County.
Dr. William B. Stotler, from Knox County came next.
He read medicine in Barnesville. After some years practice
in Batesville, his house was burned and he removed to Missouri,
where he was still living at last accounts. Dr. John
Stotler, is brother, also practiced in Batesville a few
years. Dr. Hoops, a competent and skillful
physician practiced several years and died in Batesville.
Dr. John Taylor, Dr. Grimes, Dr. Moore and others have
been among the later physicians. Dr. C. A. Moore
remained several years, removing about 1880. Dr. J. H.
Tilton practiced about two years, and in 1883 went west.
The present physicians of Batesville are Dr. T. S. Rosengrant
and Dr. Frank James. Dr. James came in
1886. Dr. Rosengrant settled in the town in 1883.
He is a native of Guernsey County, and came from Fairview.
He is a graduate of the Columbus Medical College, and stands
well professionally and socially.
Dr. Frank James, of Batesville, is the son of Rufus P.
James, of Sharon Township. He was born in Noble
County, July 16, 1855. He worked on a farm until
seventeen years of age, then engaged in school teaching and
the study of medicine. Dr. Bolen, of Cumberland, Ohio,
was his medical preceptor. He attended medical
lectures at Columbus and Baltimore, graduating from the
college of physicians and surgeons in the latter city.
He is now engaged in practicing his profession in
Batesville.
In Caldwell, probably the first settled physician was Dr.
Atkinson Martin, whose biography appears elsewhere. He
came to the town in 1859, and for a time served as deputy
auditor. DR. J. M. Moorehead came to Caldwell about
1862 and remained two or three years. Dr. Ernest Gibbs
also located here during the war. Dr. Hopkins now of
Macksburg, came from Monroe County and was among the early
physicians. Dr. J. W. Kraps, now of Dexter City,
practiced in Caldwell form 1865 until about 1871. Dr.
John Martin came in 1864. Dr. J. W. Hull
(deceased) practiced here a few years.
Dr.
John McGarry
was born in Olive Township in 1820. He studied
medicine under his father's tuition, and for over twenty
years was engaged in practice in this county. He
married Elizabeth, daughter of George Walters,
and reared five children - William G., Henry B., John B.,
James H. and Mary B. (deceased). The sons
all reside in Noble County except one.
Dr.
Erwin Gibbs is a
prominent lawyer and an old resident of Noble County. He
is the son of Dennis Gibbs, one of the early New England
settlers of Olive Township, and was born in that township, Dec.
25, 1825. He was reared on his father's farm and shared
the rough experiences of pioneer life. He received such
schooling as the inferior subscription schools of the early days
afforded. He was editorially connected with two of the
early newspapers of Noble County. He began the study of
law in the office of Hon. Isaac Parrish and finished in
the office of Hon. W. H. Frazier. He was admitted
to the bar in 1868, but did not enter upon the practice of the
law until 1875. His early political teachings were such
that he became a "free-soiler" and cast his first vote for the
nominees of that party. On the formation of the Republican
party he became an adherent to its principles and still remains
constant to them. He has taken an active part in politics
for many years and is a sound and effective public speaker.
In 1863 Mr. Gibbs was elected to the office of probate
judge and for two terms fulfilled the duties of that position.
In 1870 he went to Kansas where he embarked largely in the real
estate business until 1873 when the panic brought financial
disaster to him. In 1875 he returned to Noble County and
in partnership with William Chambers engaged in the
practice of law. He has since had a large practice and is
a very successful lawyer. Judge Gibbs
has been twice married - first, in 1853 to Rhoda
Chamberlain, of Beverly, O., who died in 1859; and, second,
in 1864 to Ada M. Tuttle. By the first marriage
there was one child who died young. Three children have
been borne of the second union - Mattie L., Dennis C. and
Ada M. In religious belief,
Judge Gibbs is a Universalist.
Dr. John Martin,
a prominent physician of Caldwell, was born in Monroe
County, Ohio, May 1, 1832. He was reared on a farm,
receiving a common school education and afterwards attended
Monroe Academy at Woodsfield. He began the study of
medicine under Dr. W. T. Sinclair, of Woodsfield,
remaining with him four years, assisting him in his practice
during the last year. He next attended the Forest City
Medical College at Cleveland, and on his return practiced in
Woodsfield for two years. He then removed to Monmouth,
Ill., where he remained farming, practicing medicine and
following the drug business until 1861. In October of
that year he was appointed by Governor Yates
assistant surgeon of the Fifty-fifth Illinois (fractional)
Regiment. In February, 1862, the Regiment was
consolidated with the Fifty-seventy Illinois, and he
returned to Ohio soon after volunteering as surgeon in the
Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served
until November, when he left the regiment on account of ill
health. In 1864 he came to Caldwell and engaged in
practice. In 1868-9 he attended the Miami Medical
College where he graduated in March, 1869, and has since
practiced in Caldwell. In the spring of 1865 he was
commissioned surgeon for drafted soldiers with the rank of
major. Has been government pensioner examiner since
1873. Dr. Martin has served as school
examiner of the county, and is at present president of the
board of education in Caldwell. He was married in 1856
to Charlotte C., daughter of Judge Kirkbride,
of Woodsfield. His children were Walter C.,
station agent at Mount Gilead, O.; Frank M., editor
Caldwell Journal; Willis K. (deceased), and Carl
Otto.
Dr. Robert C. Downey,
M. D. - The grandparents of the subject of this
notice were born near Winchester, Va.; his father, who was
the seventh son, was named Doctor. He came to
Ohio and settled in Noble Township about 1820. There
Robert C. Downey was born in 1834. In early
life he farmed and taught school. He studied medicine
in Guernsey County and in Indiana, and graduated from the
Starling Medical College. In 1863 he became assistant
surgeon of the Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry and served until the
close of the war, being present in all the battles in which
his regiment was engaged. Sine the war he has
practiced his profession in Noble County. He has been
married four times and is the father of three children.
Dr. Downey served as county coroner four years.
He is a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, Masons and Odd Fellows.
Dr. Charles Perry Simons,
M. D., was born in Zanesville, Ohio, January 26,
1812. His father, John White Simons, was one of
the early settlers of Muskingum County, and was born near
Philadelphia, Pa., in 1819. He followed the vocation
of an iron worker, and removed to Zanesville in 1830.
He died in Cambridge in 1871. Dr. Simons
received an academical education, and studied medicine under
the tutelage of Dr. Andrew Wall, of Cambridge.
Completing his preparatory course he attended the Michigan
Medical College, graduating, however, from the Ohio Medical
College at Cincinnati in 1864. In the spring of 1862
he entered the army as assistant surgeon in the general
hospital at Camp Dennison, Ohio. After passing an
examination before the State board of medical officers, he
was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Ninety-eighth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry. His division joined Sherman's
command, and he followed the fortunes of this army from
"Atlanta to the Sea". At the close of the war he was
mustered out with his regiment at Cleveland, in 1865.
Flattering offers were made him to accept a position in the
regular army which he declined. Returning to Cambridge
he established himself in practice, making a specialty of
surgery and diseases of the eye and ear. In his
practice the doctor was highly successful, and soon attained
an enviable position among his professional brethren.
Aside from his professional duties he gave some attention to
political matters, and in 1881 received the nomination for
State senator. In 1883 he came to Caldwell, and
engaged in the drug business. Since this time he has
not been in active practice, giving his attention to special
cases only. In 1884 the doctor was married to Mrs.
Arrena Kells, daughter of Henry Teener,
of Caldwell.
Dr. G. A. Way has practiced his profession in Caldwell since
1869. He is thoroughly well-read and a very competent
medical adviser. He was born in Marietta in 1844.
His parents removed to a farm in Monroe County in 1857 but he
continued to attend school and college in Marietta. In
1861 he entered the service as a private in the One Hundred- and
Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served through the war and at
its close was mustered out as second lieutenant. This,
considering the youthful age at which he entered the army, is a
remarkably good record. Before entering the army he began
the study of medicine under Dr. Joshua Way, of Monroe
County. He afterward attended the Miami Medical College of
Cincinnati, from which he graduated Mar. 2, 1869. In 1870
he married Miss Maria Skinner of Meigs County. Two
children have been born of this union. Dr. Way is a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Noble County
Medical Society. He was one of the original members of the
latter in 1869 and has served continuously as its secretary ever
since.
Dr. W. S. Bebout,
a prominent young physician, is a native of Athens County, born
in 1852. He was educated at Beverly College, Washington
County; studied medicine under Dr. P. H. Kellyof
Waterford; attended the Columbus Medical College and graduated
with the class of 1880. He began his professional career
in Caldwell where he has a large practice. Dr. Bebaut
is a Republican and has served one term as coroner of the
county. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He was married in 1878 to Miss M. A. Keever of Washington
County and they have three children.
Dr.
Corwin E. Bugher.
Corwin E. Bugher, M. C., was born in Blue Balls, Guernsey
County, Ohio, in 1860. He received a collegiate education
and studied medicine under the tutelage of Joseph Runsoheff,
M. D., F. R. C. S., who occupies the chair of descriptive
anatomy and clinical surgery in the Medical College of Ohio at
Cincinnati. He took one course at the Michigan Medical
College at Ann Arbor, thence to the Ohio Medical College where
he graduated in the class of 1887. In April of the same
year he established himself in the practice of his profession at
Caldwell.
The first physician at Hiramsburgh was Dr. George
who located there prior to 1836 and remained two or three years.
He came from Washington, Guernsey County. Dr. Ramsey,
a competent and scholarly physician practiced in this place
about eight years and was highly esteemed.
Dr.
Nathan P. Cope
was for several years engaged in medical practice at Hiramsburgh.
He was born in Harrison County, July 15, 1815, and was a member
of the Society of Friends. In 1841 he married Jane
Black, who is still living, near Hiramsburg. They
reared a family of eight children. Dr. Cope settled
at Hiramsburgh in 1847 and remained until his death in March,
1868.
A number of young physicians have been brief residents
of Hiramsburgh.
Dr.
John Finley,
of Hiramsburgh, is a native of this county, where his parents
were early settlers. He was born in 1845, and received his
medial education at Baltimore and Cincinnati, where he graduated
with the degree of M. D. He has been engaged in the
practice of medicine at Hiramsburgh since 1877, and has been
very successful. He has been twice married and has one
child. Dr. Finley is a Democrat, a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and of the Masonic order.
The first physician to locate in Mount
Ephraim, was Dr. Edmund Mechem
from Belmont County, who
settled about 1842, and remained a few years. About a year
after he came he was joined by his brother, Dr. Jesse E.
Mechem, who remained about ten years. Dr. Edmund
Mechem went West; his brother followed him in 1853, and is
now living in Kansas. They were both well-read physicians.
Dr. Jesse had a large practice and was very successful.
Dr.
John Kellar, of Mount
Ephraim, was born in what is now Center Township, Noble
County, December 26, 1822, and is a son of Levi Keller,
an early settler of the county. After receiving a
common school education he studied medicine under Dr.
Jesse E. Mechem, who he succeeded in practice in 1853.
He was the contemporary of Drs. David and Samuel
McGarry. James F. Capell and other physicians of
the county. He is probably the oldest physician now in the
county. His practice was large for many years. Of
late he as partially retired from practice. Dr. Keller
is a pronounced temperance man and bears an unsullied
reputation. He was married in 1851 to Sarah Ann,
daughter of John Miley, an early settler of the county,
and is the father of Elizabeth J. (deceased), Margaret
E., Franklin V., Jefferson J., Arithela B., John W., Hester A.
and Mary D. Dr. Keller has served in all the
township offices, including that of justice of the peace.
He is a Democrat and has been a candidate for the offices of
county auditor and representative to the legislature, but was
defeated, his party being as usual in the minority in the
county.
Dr.
Michael H. Neville, one of the old medical practitioners of Noble
County, is a native of Virginia. Born in that State in
1812, at the age of nineteen he began his business life as a
clerk in a store. After about three years he engaged in
buying and selling live stock. In 1838 he married Miss
Harriet Black. Their children are Mary C. (Morris),
Kansas; Malvine J., deceased; and Mary E. (Uhlrich).
He read medicine under Dr. William H. Dew, of Randolph
County, Va., and began its practice in 1845. In 1855 he
came to Ohio, locating near Sarahsville, whence he removed to
Mount Ephraim, his present home, in 1862. He has since
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession.
He has served as coroner and justice of the peace.
The first settled physician in Harriettsville was
Dr. Baldridge, who came prior to 1849 and was only a brief
resident.
Dr.
Frank M. Mason
came to Harriettsville soon after Dr. Baldridge.
He went to California in 1849 and remained there a short
time. Returning to Noble County he was elected
sheriff, removed to Sarahsville, and held that office until
1855. He sold out to Dr. Wilson. In
1857-8 he again practiced in Harriettsville, as a partner of
Dr. Martin, to whom he sold out in 1858. Dr.
Mason then went west and is now in Oregon. He was
accounted a good physician.
Dr. Wilson, who succeeded to Dr. Mason's
practice while the latter was sheriff, was of the eclectic
school. He returned to his former home in Belmont
County after a few years. Dr. Patterson was
here a short time, among the early physicians. Dr.
Curtis was here for a brief time, later.
Dr. Nelson Walters came to Harriettsville prior to 1857
and remained several years. He was reared in Sharon
Township and studied medicine under Dr. John McGarry.
He now lives on a farm near Elba.
Dr. William G. Martin practiced in Harriettsville from 1860 until
his death, April, 8, 1882. He was born in Monroe County,
Feb. 23, 1838. He passed his boyhood on a farm, receiving
a common-school education. He studied medicine under
Dr. George Mason of Stafford and began its practice in
Harrietsville. He was kind, charitable and much esteemed
both professionally and socially. He was married in 1861
to Margaret Pryor, of Elk Township, who bore him two
sons. Dr. Martin was a prominent Odd Fellow and
served as district deputy grand marshal. Dr. J. W.
Brock succeeded him in practice and is still in
Harrietsville.
Dr.
Atkinson Martin
was born in Monroe County in 1832; brought up on a farm;
attended the common schools and Woodsfield academy; read
medicine under Dr. W. T. Sinclair, of Woodsfield;
went the Kansas in 1855 and began practice there. In
1856-7 he attended the Cleveland, Ohio, medical college, and
in 1857 settled at Harriettsville, where he remained three
years. He then went to Caldwell, where he served as
deputy auditor under George Bell, and at the same
time practiced medicine. He was also in the mercantile
business in Caldwell for two years. In 1866 he went to
Omaha, returning to Caldwell in 1870 and remaining until
1878. He afterwards resided in Sharon and Dexter, and
in 1882 returned to Harriettsville, his present residence.
In 1861 he married Martha Dudley, of Olive Township.
Two of his children are living - Erwin J. and
Elizabeth.
Dr.
J. W. Brock
has resided and practiced in Harriettsville sine March,
1882. He was born at Antioch, Monroe County, in 1850;
educated in the common schools at the National Normal
School, Lebanon, Ohio; studied medicine under Dr. G. W.
Mason, of Stafford, Ohio. He attended medical
lectures at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati; began
practice at Calais, Monroe County, in 1877; moved thence to
Elba, Washington County, and from Elba to Harriettsville,
Dr. Brock was married in 1881 to Minnie Seidler,
of Elba, Washington County. He is a member of the Odd
Fellows' Lodge and of the Noble County Medical Society.
Dr. J. H. Williams
has practiced medicine in Harriettsville since June, 1885.
His boyhood was spent chiefly on a farm. He was
educated at Summerfield and studied medicine under his
father, Dr. J. B. Williams, of Monroe County.
He graduated from the Columbus Medical College in the spring
of 1883, and entered upon active practice in 1885. He
is the partner of Dr. J. W. Brock.
The first physician in Carlisle was Dr. L. S.
Cummins, who came in 1839 and remained until 1850, when
he removed to California. He was a competent physician
and had a large practice. Dr. McPherson, from
Guernsey County, followed Dr. Cummins and remained
six or seven years. Dr. John McGarry, son of
Dr. David McGarry, one of the pioneer physicians of the
county, next practiced here. Dr. Richard h. Kean
from Monroe County, resided in Carlisle a number of years.
He was a successful doctor. Several other physicians have
been brief residents of the place. Dr. A. L. Dorr
is a present resident physician.
The early medical practice of the southeastern part of
the county was largely attended to by Dr. Brown, of
Macksburgh, and Doctors McKee and McGarry, of
Olive. Dr. Miles Ogle, who now resides near Dudley,
was the first settled physician of Middleburg, where he had a
good practice. He remained about fifteen years. He
was reared in the county. Dr. J. H. Tilton was in
Middleburg a number of years. He came from Belmont County.
After leaving Middleburg he practice in Sharon, Caldwell and
Batesville, finally moving to Illinois. Dr. Felix O.
Neptune, now of Sharon, practiced in Middleburg several
years and was successful. Several physicians have
practiced here at different dates, each remaining but a short
time. Dr. A. Andrus, of Columbus, Ohio, is a young
graduate who settled in Middleburg in 1886, is the present
resident physician.
Dr.
Miles Ogle, who now lives on a farm near Dudley, practiced
medicine for some years in Middleburg. He was succeeded in
1867 by Dr. James T. Brown, who remained four years.
At East Union Dr. Samuel McGarry was the first
practicing physician. Next came Dr. J. H. Hilton.
Each of these remained but a short time. Dr. Doughterty
practiced several years with good success. Dr. D. H.
Taylor, a competent physician, practiced two years, then
removed to Wheeling, his p0resent location. Dr. Amos Day
was here longer than any other physician He came from
Watertown, Washington County. He went to Senecaville and
thence to Olive, where he died. Other doctors have practiced
here for a brief periods. Dr. G. T. Tingle is the
present physician.
The medical men of Sharon, Olive, Beverly and
Macksburgh attended to the wants of Jackson Township in early
years. Dr. Bowen of Waterford, Dr. McGarry
of Olive, and Dr. Brown of Macksburgh, each had
considerable practice in this township. About 1850 Dr.
Jacob Shaub located at Jacksonville (Crooked Tree), but he
was only a brief resident. Then came William Boyd,
who was a good physician and had a large practice. He also
carried on the mercantile business for several years.
Dr. Boyd died in the West. Dr. Black came later
and was the last settled physician at Crooked Tree.
Dr. R. J. W. Kraps, M. D., is among
the oldest physicians of Noble County, and occupies a foremost
position among the leading practitioners in this section of the
State. His family are of German extraction.
| John Kraps, the progenitor of
the family in this country, and the paternal-grand father of the
doctor, was a soldier of the Revolution and at the close of that
great struggle settled in Maryland, where he married and where
Jacob Kraps, the father of John W., was born.
From Maryland the family removed to Ohio, taking their residence
in Jefferson County, where John W. was born in 1826.
His father was an itinerant Methodist minister and unable to
give to his son the educational advantages he so much desired,
but by precept and example he instilled in his mind those
principles which have since been the controlling factors in his
career. His mother nee Elizabeth Beal, an
estimable lady, was of German parentage but born in Maryland,
her grand-father, Alexander Clancy, was a revolutionary
soldier. But little is known of his history further than
that he was an early settler of Ohio, where he died at an
advanced age. The early life of Dr. Kraps was not
unlike that of most boys of that day. He acquired largely
through his own efforts a good English education, and was
extremely anxious to enter the Military Academy at West Point,
thinking a military life would be congenial to his tastes, but
in deference to the wishes of his father he abandoned his
project and chose the practice of medicine as his life's
vocation. In 1849 he became the student of an eminent
physician of Zanesville, Ohio, completing his preparatory course
he entered the Cincinnati College of Physicians and Surgeons,
from which he graduated with honor in the spring of 1853, and
soon after established himself in the practice of his profession
at Gaysport, Ohio, where in a short time he found him self in
the possession of a large practice. Thence he removed to
rural Dale, Ohio, where he was in active practice until 1863,
when he entered the service as Surgeon of the One Hundred and
Sixtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry with the rank of
major. With this organization he remained about four
months, when he was assigned to the Seventh Ohio Volunteer
Infantry. The doctor soon attained an enviable reputation
as a surgeon, and was detailed for the more intricate and
difficult branches of the science. He was at the battles
of Monocracy, Monticello, Red Mountain, Columbia, Selma, Ala.,
Montgomery, Ala., and Columbus, Ga. After the Close of the
war he located in Caldwell, where for twelve years he had a
large and lucrative practice. In 1878 he removed to Dexter
city where he now is engaged. He is an acknowledged
authority on everything pertaining to surgical science
especially surgical gynecology, while in the general practice
none heave attained a greater degree of success and in all
matters involving a thorough knowledge of medical science he is
considered an oracle. Dr. Kraps is a gentleman to
whom the Latin phrase "Fabor suæ
fortunæ is eminently applicable.
In early life he was dependent upon his own resources, and
through his own efforts he has won success in all departments of
life. In 1848, he was married to Miss Martha E. McNabb
of Zanesville. By this union, there were five children,
Jacob, francis, Charles W., Sarah E., John H. and Lois P.;
the three last are deceased. In 1870, Mrs. Kraps
died, and in 1873 the doctor was again married to Miss Susan
L., daughter of Doctor Erwin N. Gibbs, an
eminent physician of Caldwell, Ohio. The doctor is a
worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of
the Republic.
Samuel G. Wishard, M. D., is the son of John R. and
Eliza J. (Adair) Wishard, and was born in Winchester,
Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1843. In early life he followed
teaching. He entered the army in June, 1861, in Company F,
Twenty Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out
as first sergeant in December, 1805. He was in the battles
at Pittsburgh Landing, Perryville, Laverne, Stone River,
Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca,
Adairsville, New Hope Church, Burnt Hickory, Peach Tree
Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Love joy, Columbia, Spring Hill,
Franklin and Nashville. After the close of the war his
regiment was sent to Texas in the Fourth Army Corps. In 1865
he married Miss Susie Gray, of Washington County. Two
children, Proctor and Nellie, were born of this union; the
latter died in 1881 at the age of ten months. Mrs.
Wishard is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. Wishard graduated at the old Cleveland Medical
College in 1871. He is a member of the Noble County Medical
Society; is located at Dexter City where he has a large
practice. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and
holds the office of surgeon in the Grand Army of the
Republic post at Dexter City.
Dr. P. M. McVay was born in Franklin Township, Monroe County, Ohio, in 1812.
At the age of thirteen his mother died, and from that time
he was dependent upon his own resources ; he acquired a good
common-school education, taught school, and at the age of
twenty began the study of medicine in the office of W. G.
Martin, of Harriettsville. He passed a creditable
examination before the censors of Monroe County, and in 1865
established himself in the practice of his profession in
Dexter City where he remained until 1879 at which time he
was elected to the office of county treasurer, which
position he filled creditably for two terms. In the autumn
of 1885 he formed a co-partnership with W. H. Bush, and the
firm established the Caldwell woolen mills. In 1861 the
doctor was married to Miss Lovina Pryor; they have five
children living.
Dr. G. T. Tingle
was born in Cambridge, Ohio, in 1812. His father, Dr. J. P.
Tingle, is one of the oldest practitioners of Guernsey .
County, having been in continuous practice since 1838. Both
father and son were born in the same house and in the same
room. This house has quite a remarkable history. During the
War of 1812 it was a recruiting office, and the first court
held in Guernsey County was held in it. The Tingle family
where originally from Virginia. George R. Tingle, the
progenitor of the family in the State, came to Cambridge in
1806 and built the third house in the village. During the
War of 1812 he held a captain's commission. The doctor
studied medicine with his father, and attended Starling
Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. In spring of 1864 he
enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-second Regiment,
Ohio Infantry. Company A, of which his father was acting
surgeon. In October of 1864 he was discharged in order to
enter the hospital department. He began practice in 1866 at
Otsego, Muskingum County, Ohio, and in 1881 came to East
Union, Noble County, Ohio. In 1867 the doctor was married to
Miss Amanda Shrigley, of Adamsville, Muskingum County, Ohio;
they have four children, George, Bertie, Walter and
Lina.
The doctor is a successful practitioner and has a large and
lucrative practice, and is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and Grand Army of the Republic, and a staunch
Republican.
Dr. James H. Abbott began the practice of medicine at Kennonsburgh in
1872, and has since resided there. lie was born in Beverly,
Ohio, in 1844, and in early life taught school and gave
instruction in music. He began the study of medicine in
I860, and in 1872 graduated from the Miami Medical College,
Cincinnati. He married Lydia A. Law in 1874, and is the
father of three children. Dr. Abbott served in the late war
from May, 1864, until the close.
Dr. W. R. Boggs, of
Keiths, is a native of Noble County, where his parents reared a
family of eight children. He was born at Sharon, Mar. 23,
1854. He followed teaching, and in 1883 graduated from the
Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville. He settled at
Keiths, where he is now in successful practice. Dr.
Boggs is an Odd Fellow and a Democrat. He was married
in 1876 to Sarah A. Barkley, of this county, and they
have one child, Ola.
Dr. James T. Brown, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., settled in
Fulda in 1874 and was the first physician in the place. He
still resides in Fulda, having a good practice. Dr.
Brown came to Middleburg, in this county in 1867, and
practiced until 1871, when he returned to Pittsburgh and
remained three years.
|