Washington County, Ohio - Chapter 20: Physicians of Washington County, 1902

Chapter 20: Physicians of Washington County

For a time the Legislature of Oliio, largely through the influence of Dr. S. P. Hildreth, attempted to control the practice of medicine and to prescribe definite rules which should prevent unqualified persons from professing to be physicians. Tlie following notices of different dates will show the workings of this law. After a time the Legislature found that in the warring- schools of medicine it was as difficult to establish a school of one particular kind and exclude all others as it has already been found to establish a church of one particular faith and exclude all othei" sects, hence the wellmeant laws for regulating the practice of medicine were repealed.

Medical Notice

Candidates for the practice of medicine and surgery are to be examined in Marietta, Nov. 5tli, by the following Censors: Drs. C. F. Perkins. J. B. Regnier, S. P. Hildreth, J. Safford, J. Cotton, and C. Bicrce.

The Twelfth Medical Society

A law was passed at the last session of the General Assembly (1823-4) to incorporate medical societies. Tlie members from Washington County to the Twelfth Medical District (Washington, Athens, Gallia, and Meigs counties) were Drs. John Cotton and S. P. Hildreth.

The Twelfth Medical Society of Ohio, which included Washington, Athens, Gallia, and Meigs counties, of which Dr. John Cotton was president, imposed these conditions upon the candidates in medicine, who were to present themselves at Reno's Tavern, November 30, 1824.

2d. He shall have studied three full years under the direction, and have attended the practice of some respectable Physician or Physicians, Surgeon or Surgeons, as the case may be, during which time he shall have studied attentively the most approved authors in Anatomy, Chemistry, Materia Medica, Surgery, Obstetrics, and the Theory & Practice of Medicine, provided, however, that if .such Candidate shall have received a degree from any regular Collegiate Institution, within the United States, or elsewhere, he shall be required to study only two years.

3d. He shall, previous to his examination, produce to the Censors of the said society a satisfactory certificate of his being duly qualified in the manner before mentioned, as also of his moral character.

"Dr. John Cotton was elected a Delegate to represent said Society in the General Representative Convention, to be holden in the town Qif Columlbus, on the 2nd IMondav of December, 1827. ' .

"William Thompson, O'f Alexander, in the county of Athens, was elected to receive gratuitous instruction at the Medical College of O'hio, at the ensuing session.

"The regular Physicians and Surgeons, authorized by law Within this district, to practice, are Doctors Joihn Cotton, S. P. Hildreth, Morris German, Bbenezer Bo^-en, Seth Hart, and George N. Gilbert, in Washington County.

born in Hampstead, New Hampshire, in 1796. It was the practice of the time for clergymen to instruct the yonth and prepare young men for college. I^ev. Mr. True had a class of this kind under his instruction. His son, Jabez, accjuired sufficient knowledge of the languages to enable him to pursue a course of medicine with advantage. He read medicine in his native town, and completed his course near the close of the Revolution. He volunteered his services as surgeon of a privateer and sailed for Europe. Soon after comiraencing the cruise, the vessel was wrecked on the coast of Holland, and the marines thrown on the mercy of the Hollanders. Dr. True remlained in EuroiJe until the cessation of hostilities, when he returned to America and Ijegan to practice his profession in New Hampshire.

Dr. True became a ir^ember of the Oliio Connpany in 1787, and came to Marietta in the spring- of 1788. He built a small log office on ^Muskingum street. T'he new country did not affoi-d a lucrative practice, but it was a fortunate circuirjstance that skilled physicians were present. He was employed at the openiiig of the Indian war as surgeon's mate for the troops and rangers, at a salary of $22 per month. During this tinte he also' taught school a part of the time in one of the block-houses of the garrison at "the Point."

Smallpoix and scarlet fe\-er broke out in 1790 and n-!iade it necessary for the doctors to visit the settlements, which, during the Indian war, could only be done by water, as none but trained rangers trusted them'selves to enter the roadless forest; visits at that time even by wtiter were extremely hazardous, but the sick required attention and Dr. True frequently risked his life to respond to the calls Oif duty.

Dr. Tlrue was celebrated for his kindness and syi-nipathy. So far as it was possible he patronized the prejudices of his patient and never resorted to radical remedies, except in cases of absolute necessity. "The result of his calm, deliberati\-e judgmentwas generally correct,'and his treatment of diseases remarkaibly successful, which was doubtless owing to its

Alfter the close of the Indian war. he improved a farm on the Ohio abotit a mile from Marietta, and took an interest in agricultural pursuits. His practice extended over a large area of territory, som^etimtes requiring him to ride 20 miles through forests and over bridgeless streants.

The practice of medicine at that time was by no means lucrati\-e. The general poverty of the people necessitated low charges and in many cases no charges at all, neither for medicines nor professional services.

Dr. T'rue's devotion to the church cannot be omitted from any sketch of his life, how|ever brief. He joined the Congregational Church at an early period of its organization and was for many years a deacon. His house was a home for itinerant pieachers, and his purse always open to needy charities. Dr. True, for several of the last years of his life, served as county treasurer, a position w'hich afforded hinn ease and a moderate income.

In 1806 Dr. True married Mirs. Mills, the \\lidow of Capt. Charles Mills, an amia'ble and excellent womien. He had no children, but the children of his wife were treated with all the love and affection of a real father. He died during the epidemic of 1823.

Dn. Solomon Drown is known rather as a scholar and a man of letters than as a physician. He came to Mlarietta in the summer of 1788, and attended on General Varnum, as counsel during his sickness. He was selected to pronounce the eulogy at his funeral, which was published at the time in New England. He also delivered the address at the first "Seventh of April" celebration. Albout 1791 he was elected professor of lx>tany and natural history in Brown University, of which he was a graduate. He filled the position for many years.

in January, 17S9. He was a son of General Farley, of Ipswich, M'assachusetts, and studied medicine at Salem, under Dr. Holyoke, in 1782. Colonel Barker says of him): "He was a modest, amiable young man, always ready to obey the calls of humjanity. and had the good will and confidence of all who knew him." He soon became disco'uraged with the new country and returned in the fall of 1790 to ]\l]assachusetts.

Dr. \Villl\m Pitt Pittnam, fourth son of Col. W'illiam Pitt Putnam, and grandson of Gen. Israel Putnam, was born in Brooklyn, Oonnecticut, in 1770. He attended the scliools of the neighborhood in the wdnter and worked on a farm in the summer. He was placed under the tuition of Re\'. Dr. Whitney at the age of 16, and pursued a course in Latin and other studies preliminary to reading medicine. At the age of 18 he entered the office of Dr. Waldo, of Pomfret, the distinguished surgeon of the Re-\'Olution. He attended a course ai lectures at Camlbridge in 1791, and in 1792 camje toi M'arietta. He spait a portion of his time at Belpre. where his 'brother Ii\'ed, but the Indian war made genera! practice dangerous and unprofitable. In 1794 Dr. Putnam returned to Connecticut. xVhen he niai'ried Berthia G. Glysson, and in company with his father's family, came to Marietta in 1795. In 1797 he piu'chased the lot on the corner of Fifth and Putnam streets, on which his brother David afterward built the Mansion house, no\\' occupied by W. \\t Mlills.

Dr. Putnam in 1799. having becon^e discouraged, although he was highly esteemed and had a fair share of patronage, determined to give up practice and turn his attention to farming. He purchased 200 acres on the Ohio' River, eight miles above Marietta, and with characteristic energy, plied his hand in the clearing. The fatigue and exposure of forest life brought on bilious fever, O'f wihich he died, October 8, 1800, leaving no children tO' inherit his name or his fortune. His widow subsequently married Gen. Edward Tupper.

istence was Josiah Hart, whoi wias born in Berlin, Connecticut, in 1738. He attended Yale College ifor the purpose of preparing for the ministry, but after graduating in 1762 changed his intention and entered on a course of medicine. His first wife died in 1777, leaving seven cliildren, two of wliom settled in Ohio. He married, for his second wife, Mrs. Abigail Harris, a blood relative of the celebrated Miles Standish, wlhom Longfellow has immortalized.

Dr. Hart came to M'arietta in 1796, and was in active practice until 181 1, when he renioved to his farm, where he died from spotted fever in 1812. His wife died a few hours after and both were buried the same day.

Dr. Hart was one of the first deacons of the Congregational Church and was a consistent, pious Christian. He had a strong love foiT science and was a regular attendant at the meetings of a chemical .society, composed of physicians and others. This society met two or three evenings in a week, where experiments were exhibited and lectures given. The seal of this society has been preserved by Dr. George O. Hildreth.

Dr. \Villi.\m B. Leonard was born in England, in 1737, and was bred a surgeon. He was an associate of Apothecaries' Hall, London, and in the prime of life served as a surgeon in the British Armly. In 1794 he determined tO' engage in wDolen manuifacture in America, and as machinery was at that time prohibited from being transported out of England, Dr. Leonard determined to clandestinely bring it on the vessel on which he had engaged passage, but was detected and imprisoned. Having been discharged, he came to America in 1797, and engaged in medical practice in Massachusetts until iSoi, when he came to Marietta. Here he married Lydia Moulton, of William' AL'oulton, a highly respectable pioneer.

Dr. John B.\ptiste Regnier. - All the old citizens of the Duck Creek and Muskingum valleys and of Marietta remeniber John Baptiste Regnier, and most oif them cherish his memory as a personal friend. Medicine exerts a greater personal influence over its patients than any other profession. The patient who recovers from a serious malady is likely to retain feelings of the profoundest gratitude toward the nVan who has rescued him frcmi i)ain or death.

Dr. Regnier was born in Paris in 1769. His motlier kqit a small store for fancy goods and is said to have been a very handsome and stylish woman.

The family was loyal tO' the go\'ernment and to the king, and as a consequence were sufferers from' the convulsions which revolutionized France. John had acquired a good education and special attainments in architecture and drawing, which he intended to follow as a profession. Like all the better class of French students, he had also attended scientific lectures, and had paid particular attention to the department of medicine. In 1790, when the young men were all called upon to enter the ranks of the re\'olutionists, the Regnier brothers, who were loyalists, decided upom leaving the county. John B., Who was 20 years old, and Mbdeste, who was 14, joined tlie comjpany of emigrants who had purchased land from Joel Barlow, and came to the United States. They reached Marietta October 16, 1790. After a few days they embarked on iboats, and proceeded to lands purchased from, the Scioto Land Comliiany, and were among the founders of Gallipolis. Having lost their fortune, and dreading the Indians, to whom they were unaccustomed, the two brothers left their forest home and went to New York. On their way up the Ohio their boat was upset and all their eflfects thrown out. Among- them was a curiously wrought octagonal cylinder, which was afterward found in a sand-bar below, and exhibited in an Eastern museum as a legacy of prehistoric art.

For the next eight or 10 years Dr. Regnier suffered varying but cruel fortune. But those years of uncertainty and hardship threw him into the profession for which nature had intended him. In the year 1802 he entered the office of Dr. Lemoine, his French medical friend at Washington, Pennsylvania, and in

1803 came to Marietta for the purpose of entering the practice. Mbnsieiir Thiery, a French baker, sold him a lot in Fearing township, onto wfhich he moved and made imiprovements. It soon became known that he was a "French doctor," and from that timie on his practice grew, and his purse was filled. There was an unusual amount of bilious fever, in the treatment of wliich he was remarkably successful. He also proved himself a skilled surgeon. One case particularly extended his reputation. A miaii had become caught in the ibranches of a falling tree and was bniised from head to foot. The pulsations of his heart had ceased and the body was already cold when the doctor arrived. He ordered the attendants to kill a sheep and bring him the warm pelt as quickly as possible. The steaming skin was wrapped around the bruised and naked body, and a cure, which seemed almost miraculous, was accomplished.

In i8o'8, E^r. Regnier renToved to Marietta, where he had frequently been called as counsel, and attending physician. His practice was extended over a wide range of territory, and drew heavily on his physical powers. In Marietta he becamie a great social as well as professional favorite. He was a cheerful and interesting talker, was full of sympathy and al- Wrays ready to give assistance.

He purchased a six-acre lot and laid out the finest garden in the city. "It was a model from which divers individuals iniproved tlieir own and ultimately implanted a permanent taste for this refining art to the citizens of Mjarietta." '

He was one of the original members of the State Miedical Society, organized in 1812. In 1818 he v.'as elected Coimty Commissioner. In 1819 he sold his property in Marietta, to Dr. John Cotton, and purchased 320 acres of land on Dwck Creek. He built a flouring and saw-mill and a brick dwelling house. Up to that time the country was unimproved, but in a few years a prosperous settlement had grown up. He left Marietta with the intention of freeing himself of his kborious practice, but found it impossible. He was still called upon by his old patrons, in serious cases, and his strong humanity did not permit him tO' refuse. Broken do\\'n by overwork, he died of bilious remittent fever in Alugust, 1821. Dr. Hildreth, his contempO'rary and friend, has said of him :

"Qose discrimination and accurate obsevation of all phases and shades of disease gave him wonderful tact in prognosis, the base of all successful practice, while his knowledge of the proper remedies rendered him very successful in their application. His colloquial powers were unrivaled, and at the bedside his cheerful conversation, aided by the deep interest he actually felt in the sick, with his kind, delicate ma.nner of iniparting his instructions, always left his patients better than he found them, and formed a lasting altachmpnt to his person in all who* fell under his care. His death was lamented as a serious calamity, and no physician in this region of the country has since fully filled the place he occupied in the public estimation."

Dr. Nathan MicIntosh. - The subject of this sketch possessed the characteristic energy oif his family. He was the son of Col. \\'illiam Mcintosh, of Needham, Massachusetts, and born in 1762. His father was a man of consideral>le local note, having commanded a comli^any in the Continental Army, and subsecjuently served as colonel of miilitia. He \\-as one of the delegates in the con\'ention in Boston, in 1788, on the adoption of the Constitution of the United States.

Nathan Mcintosh, after receiving a suitable education, studied medicine in Boston, and was admitted to practice in 1786. In 1788 he decided on going west, and started for Marietta on horseback. When he reached Meadville, Pennsyhania, he was attacked with smallpox, and suffered severely from that loathsome disease. He practiced for a short time at Hagerstowln, Pennsylvania, and Clarksburgh, (West) Virginia, and then came to Marietta in 1790. He received the appointment of surgeon's mate at the Waterford garrison at the salary of $22 a month. He married, in 1792, Rhoda Shepard, daughter of

In 1793 Dr. Mcintosh decided to accept an invitation extended by leading citizens of Clarksburgh to locate at that place, and renxoved his family there in July, under escort of 15 soldiers. He was soon in possession of a large practice, but being full of adventure sufifered a serious financial misfortune. He contracted to build a bridge across the Monongahela River at Clarksbiu'gh, and warranted it to stand a certain length of time. But soon after its completion, the whole structure was swept away during a freshet.

Dr. Mcintosh returned to Mtirietta in 1795 and resunned practice. His courteous and obliging manner and skill as a surgeon won him a large practice.

Jacob Young, the great itinerent Methodist, in his autobiography, comtmends the kindness of Dr. ^Mcintosh in the m'ost feeling terms. In 1805 the pioneer Miethodist was stricken down by an attack O'f fever at a house where the surroundings were by no means pleasant. D. Mcintosh took himi to his house and not only doctored but nursed him during a long term of sickness.

In religion Dr. Mcintosh was a Halcyon, a sect embracing nearly the same doctrines propounded by the Second Adventists. He had previously been a Methodist. H^e wirote and lectured on religious and moral topics, being particularly severe on the secret societies. He published a volume on the subject of "Scripture Correspondences."

Dr. Mcintosh, about 1806, turned his attention to the manufacture of bricks and building brick houses, working diligently in the brickyard and on walls. He died of fever September 5, 1823, during the prevailing epiden^'ic. His family consisted of four sons, and two daughters. The children were : Enoch S. ; Rhoda, wife of J. M. Qiamberlain ; William \Miiting ; Nathan Henry ; Samuel Dooey ; and Lucy Hulda, wife of Samuel Maxon, of Gallia Count}-.

Dr. Robert \Vall.\ce came fromi Pennsylvania to Marietta probably soon after the Indian war. He was here in 1801. Dr. Regnier speaks of himi as "a very intelligent druggist." A society oif physicians and yoiuig mien of scientific tastes was formed in the early part of the century. Experiments were performed under Dr. Wallace's direction, antl he also occasionally delivered scientific lectures. His oldest son, Mtitthew Wallice, was a Presbyterian clergyman. His second son, David, Vvas a physician. The family removed to Cincinnavi probably about 1809. Dr. David Wallace was one o'f the parties to the first and uerhaps only duel in the history of the county. In the spring of 1801, a difficulty arose which resulted in Dr. Wallace challenging John Woodbridge to a duel. The island opposite Marietta was the place selected, and pistols were the weapons chosen. The parties accordingly met, but Wallace's courage failed and he was willing to ask pardon. Woodbridge was not thus easily satisfied. He cut a stick and gave Wallace a good dressing. They were both present at the "Sevfenth of April" celebration, which occurred soon after. The song composed for and sung upon that occasion closed with the stanza :

Dr. Samuel P. Hildreth. - No preface is necessary in an outline of the life of Dr. Samuel P. Hildreth. The reader already knows him, but an index to the labors of his bus}- and }outhful life will be of in.terest and value.

He was born in Methuen, Essex County. Massachusetts, September 30, 1783. He wis a son O'f Dr. Samuel Hildreth, and a descendant of Richard Hildreth, whose name is found ani!rngst a company o^f 20 front' the towns of Wo'uurn and Concord, wJio, in 1652, petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts Bay for a tract of land on the west side of Concord, or MVisketaquid River, where they say "they do find a very comfortable place to accommo-

(late a (.nmiiany of God's people upon." Samuel I'resci it Hildreth was of the sixth genera tion from Richard. Until he was 1 5 years old he labored upon the farm, there acquiring induiitrioui; habits and the jxjwer of physical endurance. A social library in the town afforded access to books, and a taste for reading w:is acquired at an early age, and until his death he was a devourer of books. Alfter finishing the course of the common schools, he spent four seasons in the Phillips Aicadeniiy in Andover, and at Franklin Academy, which p':epared him for entering college. In place, however, of completing a college course, he entered the office of Dr. Kittridge at Andover, and began the study of medicine. He received a diploma in 1805, from the M'edical Society of Massacliusetts, having attended lectures at Camlbridge University.

Dr. Hildreth began practice at Hampstead, New Hamlpshire, the native home of Dr. Jabez True. He boarded in the family of John True, Esq., through wliom he learned of the professional success of Dr. True and the prospects for a young man at Marietta. From Tiis boyhood he had entertained a desire to see the far West, and in Septemlber, 1806, left his Xew England home in the hope of realizing his amibition. The journey to Marietta was performed on horseback and consumetl about a month. He says in his autobiography, "It was a land of strangers, but he was young and his heart buoyant with hope and expectation of good fortune. He soon obtained a share of the practice, the only physicians then Tseing Dr. Ttue and Dr. Hart. Dr. Leonard had recently died and Dr. Mtlntosh had abandoned medicine. His rides sometimes extended o\-er 30 miles through the wilderness, the settlements being few and far between."

Belpre was at that time without a physician, and at the solicitation of leading citizens Dr. Hildreth decided to locate there. He arrived at Belpre on the evening of December loth, just in time to see the deluded Blennerhassett leave his island paradise to embarkin Aaron Burr's perilous expedition.

physicians. The epidemic which raged all along the Ohio was particularly severe in Jhe neighboThood of Marietta. Few families at Belpre escaped. Dr. Hildreth was particularly fortunate in his treatment of these cases. Practice at Belpre was excessivelj' laborious on account of the amount of riding necessary. Overexertion during the sumairer brought on an attack of inflammation of the hip, which continued for several months. In the spring of 1808 he returned to Mkrietta, where the practice required less riding. The epidemic of 1807 furnished him the subject for a paper in the loth volume of the AVtc York Medical Repository. From this time he became known as an acute, discerning investig-ator and faithful writer on scientific and historical subjects. He, however, continued his large and laborious practice until a few nnonths before his death, in 1863. He said his profession, during earlier years, kept him busily engaged and his scientific and historical later could be pursued only by saving the "odds and ends of time."

' Dr. Hildreth was a man of decided political opinions. In 1810 he was elected to represent Washington County in the Legislature, and again re-elected in 181 1, when he defeated Judge Cutler, the Federalist candidate, by 20 votes. Hildreth was a supporter of Jefferson and Madison, whose political teachings at this time had displaced the doctrines of \Vashington and Hamilton. In the same campaign Hon. \\^illiam Woodridge defeated Hon. William R. Putnam for the State Senate, Woodbridge being a Democrat and Putnami a Federalist. They were four able men, and after the administration of Monroe had broken part}- lines, all found a home in the political camp o'f the Wbigs. Dr. Hildreth, however, was never again a candidate for office, but never neglected to vote. While in the Legislature, he drafted and succeeded in having passed the first law regulating the practice of medicine and establishing medical societies, which remained in force until the rivalry of different medical schools caused all laws on the subject to be repealed.

Dr. Hildreth carried his research into almost every department of science, but natural history was particularly fascinating. In 18 12 he published a paper in the Medical Repository on the American Colombo, with a drawing of the plant. It is proper to state in this C(innection that he had a remarkaWe genius in drawing. Insects and plants were represented with scrupulous accuracy, and engravings mfide from them have a permanent value. The illustrations in his geological and botanical reports were prepared by his owai hand. They show artistic ability, as well as accurate obserw'Uiiii and cluse discrimination.

In i8_'2 he published in the AV«" York Medical Repository twO' articles, one on hydrophobia, and one on a curious case of Siamese twins, found in his obstetric practice. A full history of the epidenwc ol" 1822-23 was published in the Jounial of Medical Science, Philadelphia, in 1824. The author was well qualified to write on this subject, as he had visited daily from 60 to 80 patients, and in August, 1823, was Jiimself attacked. He arrested the disease in a few days by taking Icsnit's bark in cpiarter ounce doses. This was a trial of medicine to which few patients w.ould submit. Sulphate O'f quinine had not yet come into use in Ohio; or by it many valuable lives might have been saved. An article was published in 1825 on the minor diseases, or sequela of the great epidemic in the IVestcrii Journal of Medicine. Cincinnati. In i8ig he wrote a series oif papers on the natural and ci\il history' of Washington Connty, wihich appeared in Silliincin's Jonrnai in 1826. One of these articles gave a drawing and description of the spoonbill sturgeon found in the waters of the Ohio. In 1827, his articles contained descriptions and drawiings of several fresh-water shells found in the Mjuskingmn, of which nothing had been known. His series of meteorological registers, published in that jo'urnal from 1S28 until ]\Iarch, 1863, are useful for reference to writers on the clinfcite of Ohio.

At the request of Professor Silliman, Dr. Hildreth undertook to explore the coal regions. of the Ohio', the result of which was published in the Journal for January, 1836, under the title of "Observations on the bituminous coal deposits in the valley of Ohio, and the accompanying rock strata, with notices of the fossil, organic remains, and the relic of vegetable and animal bodies, illustrated with a geological map, by numerous drawings of plants and shells, and by views of interesting scenery."' The Journal said editorialy that this was one of the most important of Dr. Hildreth's scientific labors, and by far the most valuable con-_ tribution which up to that time had appeared on the subject discussed. It filled an entire number (185 pages) of the Journal, and was profusely illustrated by figures of fossils, sections, and original drawings, embraced in 36 plates on wood. Articles on the history of the North Amelrican locust, saliferous rock formation, with a history of the manufactureof salt from the first settlement of Ohio. "Ten days in Ohio," - a geological description of the country from Marietta to Chillicothe by way of Zanesville, - and "the Diary of a Xaturalist" appeared in the same journal from 1830 to 1836.

In 1832 he wrote a history of the floods in the Ohio since the first settlement, which was published in the volume of the transactions of the Historical Society of Ohio. In 1837 he was employed, in company with other geologists, to make a geological survey of the State. He delivered an address in 1839 before the Medical Society of Ohio, of which he was president, on the climate and diseases of Southwestern Ohio, which was printed.

In 1830 Dr. Hildreth commenced the collection of a cabinet of natural history. While out on his daily professional rides, he would stop to gather insects, shells, fishes, fossils, and minerals. He often employed boys in the country to do this service for him. When he returned from, 3, drive, he was in the habit of picking out the specimens he desired to keep, labeHng them and placing tliem in cases. Duplicates were sent to Eastern friends in exchange for books or specimens cf that section. In the course of eight 3'ears his cabinet contained more than 4,000 specimens, and his library, a choice variety of works on natural history. Shortly before his death he donated his cabinet and library to Marietta College, where it is known as the "Hildreth Cabinet." "This donation made Dr. Hildreth one of four or five of the largest benefactors of the College."

In 1840 Dr. Hildreth turned his attention to writing history of the first settlements of He collected his material with great care from manuscripts and personal interviews, and wrote a book of 550 pages, which will always be of interest and value. He was the means of preserving a variety of important history and interesting anecdotes, which would otherwise have been lost to posterity. His second volume of "Lives of the Early Settlers of Ohio" was published in 1852. These two books have a permanent place in history Dr. Hildreth, besides, contributed many interesting historical papers to the Pioneer, and a history of the first settlement of Belleville was published in the Hesperian. A journal of diseases each month, with a bill of mortality, was kept from 1824 till his death. A large amount of manuscript of permanent value, though ne\-er published, besides miany smaller -articles were among the products of his pen.

"He looked on the bright side of things - loved beauty, althomgh of an eminently practical turn of mind - was very fond of flowers, w^hich he cultivated diligently. Industry and system in all that he did may be accounted among his marked points. Besides his laborious medical practice, he accomplished, as he himself expressed it, by 'saving the odds and ends of time." Without having a brilliant mind he exemplified the fact that 'industry is

Dr. Hildreth's able and productive pen gave him an extended acquaintance among the scientific men of his day. He was one of the first pioneers of science west of the Alleghany Mountains and was regarded as one of the most acute observers of facts of his time. Prof. Benjamin Silliman, his warm friend, has written a feeling tribute to his memory:

"In his private life he illustrated every virtue of a Christian gentleman. Bright and cheerful by nature, he loved nature with the simple enthusiasm of a child. Industrious and systematic in a high degree, no moment of life was wasted. In his family we have seen a beautiful example of domestic happiness and warm-hearted hospitality. He lived with nature and nature's God - and among the patrons and co-workers in this journal, who have left its founder almost alone, no one had shed a purer and more mellow light in the horizon of his setting sun - no one had departed more loved and regretted by the senior editor."

Dr. Hildreth died July 24, 1863, in his 80th year. He had been in his usual good health ; a well-preserved and happy old gentleman until a few weeks before his death. He sank away gradually, his mental faculties being preserved to the last. His funeral was on Sunday, July 26, the services being in the Congregational Church, of which he was a memlber. These last sad rites were conducted by Rev. Mr. Wakefield, of Harmar, and President Andrews of Marietta College.

The following letters came into the hands of the editor in August, 1902, through the kindness of Dr. George O. Hildreth. We append them to the sketch already given of the life of Dr. S. P. Hildreth.

days ago, and in a bookstore saw for the first time a work by you. entitled "Pioneer History of the Ohio Val'Iey and the early settlement of the Northwest Territory." chiefly from original papers, etc. I purchased the ijook and subsequently ascertained that it was the only copy for sale in this city. The published remarked that it formed the first volume of the transactions of the Historical Society of Cincinnati, and that the manuscript of a work containing "ample" biographies of the first settlers of Marietta and its vicinity, would be published as the second volume of the transactions.

I enquired unsuccessfully at every bookstore in Washington but none had the book. I requested Messrs. Taylor & Maury to purchase it for me in Philadelphia or New York and "in a few weeks they returned answer that it could not be procured in either place. Happening to think of the "Omnium Gatherum" Collection of Peter Force, the Bibliomaniac of this city, I there found the book and subsequently I saw a copy in the library of the National Institute. Now as I wish to obtain the 2d volume of the Historical transactions containing as it does an imperfect sketch of my venerated ancestor, Geo. Parsons, I will thank you to inform me whether it can be purchased in New York or New England.

I have read curiously the ist volume of 'Pioneer History of the Ohio Valley," and as you are disposed to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, I beg leave to ask your attention to page 199 where you say: "The Board of Directors (of the Ohio Company .Associates) employed Dr. Cutler to make a contract with the Continental Congress for a tract of land in the great Northwest Territory of the Union. In July following (1787) the Doctor went to New York, and after tedious and lengthened negotiations succeeded in contracting for a million and a haJf acres for the Ohio Company at two-thirds of a dollar per acre." Now my dear .Sir, if the original documents in the handwriting of Samuel Holden Parsons, signed by him alone with his genuine signature, and preserved in the eighth volume of the Washington manuscripts, Page 226 and 230 numbered 41, can be relied upon, the "Memorial to the Continental Congress for a grant of land" and proposition for the purchasing of land in the Western Country was made by Gen. Sam. H. Parsons and presented by him as Agent of Associaters and in behalf of the Ohio Company, May 8, 1787.

The memorial was read May 9 and referred to Messrs. Carrington, King. Dane, Madison and Benson and acted on July 23, 1787 - I have a copy of the original documents in the handwriting of Gen. Parsons. - Subsequently, July 21, 1787, "Proposals of Samuel H. Parsons and others for the purchase of a tract of land in the Western Territory" wiere introduced lin which Mr. S. H. Parsons as associated Agents - but Mr. Parsons is first named and the memorial is filed and endorsed, "Proposals by S. H. Parsons, July 21." So much for historical events based upon originai vouchers.

Dear Sir : Yours of the 2d inst. is at hand. The brief sketch I have given in the Pioneer History, of the purchase of lands by the Ohia Company, is made on the authority of the original journal of their transactions now in the hands of W. R. Putnam, grandson of Gen. Rufu'S Putnam, one of the original Directors and superintendent of the settlement in Ohio. The journal says that on the 7th of March, 1787, at a meeting of the company in Boston, it was resolved that three directors be appointed for the company and that they make immediate application to the Hon. Congres's for a private purchase of land. etc. When Gen. S. H. Parsons, Rufus Putnam and Rev. Manasseh Cutler were named and chosen, this Board oi Directors authorized Mr. Cutler to make a contract with Congress for a tract of land, for which purpose he left home the latter part of June, 1787 - called on Gen. Parsons at Middletown, Conn., the 2d of July and "settled all matters with reference to my busmess with Cong'ress."

He arrived in New York on the 5th of July and in the 53 Vol. of the A'^. American Rn'icw. page 335 and onward, you will find the history of the "tedious and lengthened negotiations," contract with the Board of Treasury on which was based the purchase. "At a meeting of the Directors and agents of the Ohio Company held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, Aug. 29, 1787, the report of Mr. Cutler was read - That in consideration of the Res. of Congress of the 27th and 29th July, 1787 - he had agreed on the conditions of a contract with the Board of Treasury of the U. S. for a particular tract of land containing in the whole as much as the company's funds will pay for, should the subscriptions amount to one million dollars agreeably to the articles of association, at $1.00 per acre, from which price is to be deducted one-third of a dollar for bad lands and defraying expenses of the surveying," etc. Then follows the boundaries and other matters - "whereupon. Resolved, that the above report be received, the proceedings of Mr. Cutler be fully approved, ratfied, and confirmed."

While Mr. Cutler was negotiating for the purchase in New York, he had requested the Directors to associate with him in this transaction - Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Board - which was done.

"Boston, Sept. i, 1789. - At a meeting of the Directors of the Ohio Company at Brackett's Tavern - present - Gen. Putnam. Rev. Cutler and Gen. Varnum - Resolved, that Mr. Cutler and Winthrop Sargent and they each of them be authorized and empowered to complete the contract made by them with the treasury Board of the U. S." And then directs the treasurer of the company to pay the treasury of the U. S. $500,000 on the order of either Cutler or Sargent.

The deed of sale was made and executed the 27th of Oct. 1789, &c., signed by Mr. Lee and Samuel Osgood for the U. States, and by Mr. Cutler and Win-

NoTE. - The "immense old parchment" was left by William R. Putnam to the care of Marietta College. It is now in a frame on the south wall of the main library room. It confirms the statement of Dr. Hildreth.

I have thus endeavorfed to explain to you the grounds and authority I had for saying that the contract with Congress for the Ohio Company lands was made by Messrs. Cutler and Sargent.

There is nothing more recorded in the journal of the doings of your grandfather, Gen. Parsons, in this transaction, that I have seen; had I been in possession of the facts you have stated in your letter, I should certainly have taken pleasure in noting them in my hi-tijry iif tile matter.

If you can point out any way by which I can send you a volume of "The series of the first settlers of Ohio," I will do so as I have several small ones. Very truly yours.

Dr. John Cotton was a physician well known and highly esteemed in his time, and is still remembered as a successful practitioner of physic and skillful surgeon. He was the son of Rev. Josiah Cotton, and was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1792. Rev. Josiah Cotton was a descendant of Rev. John Cotton, of Boston, and a graduate of Harvard College. The subject of this sketch entered Cambridge University at the age of 14 and graduated in 1810 with honorable standing in his class. He received his medical degree at Cambridge in 18 14, and began practicing in Andover, Massachusetts. In 1815 he married Susan Buckminster and came to Marietta, being attracted by the climate. In the latter part of the year he opened an office on the west side of the Muskingum, and soon acquired a comfortable practice, which grew with age and experience.

Dr. Cotton was an enthusiastic worker in the cause of religion. Immediately upon his arrival, he set to work at organizing Sundayschools, and in 18 16 one had been opened on the west side and two on the east side. He continued an enthusiastic Sunday-school worker and teacher. He accumulated a large collection of theological books, and at the age of 40 studied Hebrew that he might be able to understand more fully and explain more

Dr. Cotton was ardent in his opinions. He soon became a local political leader, and in 1824 was chosen Representative in the Legislature. In 1825 he was chosen associate judge and filled the ixjsition until the time of his death. For a number of years he was chairman of the Whig Central Committee, and proved himself an adroit politician. He took delight in scientific studies, and often lectured in the Marietta Lyceum and the Young Ladies' Seminary. Astronomy was his favorite theme. He delivered an address in Latin on the occasion of the installation of the first president of Marietta College. He was one of the original trustees of the College and for many years president of the Board. He was also trustee of the Medical College of Ohio. He died unexpectedly after a brief illness of three days, April 2, 1847.

Dr. Jonas Moore was a native of Ne\v Hampshire, and was in the senior year at Dartmouth when his father died, necessitating his return home. He never went back tt> graduate. His whole family was soon after carried off by scarlet fever, and he came to Marietta where he taught school and studied medicine with Dr. S. P. Hildreth. He next went to Louisiana where he practiced for a number of years. He afterward became one of the leading physicians of Marietta, where he died in March, 1856. He was a trustee of Marietta College, and took deep interest in educational matters. He was of a scientific turn of mind and invented a number of mechanical devices for use in surgery. He was highly respected as a man.

Dr. G. M. p. Hempstead, who was a native of Connecticut, came to Ohio- in 1802, and found good facilities for obtaining an education in Muskingum Academy, where he was prepared for college. He w^as for a short time under the tutelage of Hon. Gustavus Swan, late of the Supreme Court, and Dr. Jonas Moore, of Marietta. He graduated from Ohio University, in 1813, being the first literary graduate of that institution and consequently the first in Ohio. He received the degree of A. M. in 1822 and LL. D. in 1879. He began the study of medicine in 18 13, and in 1 8 16 went to Water ford, where the spotted fever had become epidemic. He was there three or four months, and thence removed to Portsmouth, Ohio, where he was a prominent physician for many years.

Dr. Morris German was a native of Chenango County, New York. He attended lectures and received a diploma in New York City. He located in Harmar during the epidemic of 1823, and in a short time was in possession of a full practice, which he held until his death in 1835. Dr. German was a contemporary of Hildreth and Cotton, and held an honorable standing in the profession. He died at the age of 39.

Dr. Felix Regnier, the second son of Dr. J. B. Regnier, was born in Otsego County, New York, in 1801. When he was two years old, his parents moved to Marietta, Ohio, where he received a liberal education and began the study of medicine under Dr. S. P. Hildreth. He received a diploma from the Medical Society of Ohio in 1824, and in that year began the practice of his profession at GaUipolis, Ohio. In 183 1 he removed to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he remained two years and then came to Marietta. He had an office in Harmar and was regularly engaged in practice here until April, 1866. During the succeeding 11 years he traveled, in the hope of improving his wife's health. After her death in 1877, he remQ(\'ed to Carthage, Illinois.

Dr. Hugh Trevor, a descendant of Sir Hugh Trevor, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1806. He graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, and at the College of Surgeons, Dublin. He afterward spent nine years in the hospitals of Paris. He came to Marietta in 1834, and began the practice of medicine. His medical knowledge was of a high order, and he had the confidence of a large class. of people. While in Marietta he married Maria Holden, daughter of Joseph Holden. In 185S

Dr. Shubel Fuller was born in Canada in 1806. In 1818 his parents came to Marietta. After passing through the schools of that period, he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John Cotton. He attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and opened an office in Marietta in 1835. Dr. Fuller was a successful physician, and conducted a large practice until the sickness which terminated in his death, February 17, 1857. Dr. Fuller was a descendant of the Plymouth Rock family of that name.

Dr. G. J. Stevens, an old practitioner, was located in Harmar for 13 years. He was a native of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, where he was born in 1805. He attaided lectures at Fairfield Medical College, and received a diploma in 1827. He practiced in New York, and in Portage and Summit counties, Ohio. He died at his home in Harmar in April, 1881.

Dr. Wilson Stanley was born and spent his early life in North Carolina, and graduated from the Homeopathic Hospital College,, of Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced medicine for about 10 years in Marietta, and moved tO' Memphis, Tennessee, in 1866, where he died, within a year.

Dr. George O. Hildreth, son of Dr. Samuel Prescott Hildreth, graduated at Ohio University in 1829, at the age of 17. He entered upon a course of medical study under the direction of his father, and attended lectures at Transylvania University, Kentucky, where he graduated in 1835. He was regularly associated with his father until the death of the latter in 1863. Since then he has been alone,, occupying the same house and office on Putnam street. His practice has continued over a period of a little more than 60 years, with but a single intermission, during a period of fonr years - 1849-53 - which were spent in California. For the last five or six years failing health has compelled him to decline to visit patients. Until the summer of 1902 he con-

Dr. Josiah Dexter Cotton, son of Dr. John Cotton, was born in Marietta, Ohio, May 18, 1822. He graduated at Marietta College in 1842, being the youngest of a class of nine students. He began the study of medicine in his father's office, and after attending lectures at the medical college in New Orleans and the Ohio Medical College, received the degree of M. D. from the medical department of the university at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1847. He began practicing at Mount Vernon Furnace, Lawrence County, Ohio, and there married Ann M. Steece, on July 6, 1848.

When his father died, Dr. Cotton returned to Marietta and has been engaged in active practice ever since, except three years during the war, when he was surgeon of the 92nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He was brigade surgeon of General Turchin's brigade at the battle of Chickamauga and medical director of. the Provisional Division of the Army of the Cumberland and Tennessee at the battle of Nashville. He was a member of the Council of the city of Marietta for 10 years, from which he resigned to enter the army.

Dr. Z. D. Walter succeeded to the practice of Dr. W. Stanley in 1866. He was born of Quaker parentage, and spent his early life in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He received his education and afterward taught for two years at Westtown boarding school, a. Quaker institution, and attended medical lectures at the Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, where he received his degree in 1866. From that time he continued to practice in Marietta until 1889, and in that year he removed to Pueblo, where he continues the practice of medicine and takes a deep interest in scientific research. At the present time he is enjoying his experiments in managing a new automobile.

Dr. Seth Hart was born in Berlin, Connecticut, November 13, 1814, and came to Washington County in the spring of 1825, and' on the 9th of April of that year opened an office in Watertown. He remained in practice until September 27th, when he returned to New York and attended a course of lectures at Fairfield.

Dr. Hart practiced in Watertown from the spring of 1825 until 1836, excepting the time he was absent attending lectures in New York. Since 1836 his office (until his death in 1891) was located in Harmar, with but two breaks. In 1865 he was called to Tennessee to assist his son at the army hospital at Tullahoma. After the close of the war he remained two years. In 1869 he took charge of a mining enterprise in the Rocky Mountains and remained one year.

Dr. Hart, ever after entering the practice in 1825, made a habit of keeping and preparing his own medicines. His first experience in compounding medicines was at a drug store at Palmyra, New York. Since then a long and busy life of practice gave him an intimate acquaintance with drugs and their use.

During the period of his practice in this county - more than 60 years - Dr. Hart always maintained the highest reputation for efficiency as a doctor and integrity as a man. His life was useful not only to himself and family but also to the community which he served for more than half a caitury. His visits were an inspiration to thousands of families in the hour of pain and distress, and his life was indeed an example of industry and uprightness. He joined the Presbyterian Church at the age of 16. When he came to Harmar, he united with the Congregational Church, where he held his membership until his death.

D-R. Sam Hart was ]>orn in ^^'atertlnvn township in 1830. He completed his studies at Marietta Academy in 1849, and recei\ed a degree from the Medical College of Ohio in and surgeons of Washington County will be found in another part of this volume devoted more extensively to the biographical history of representative citizens.