Clark County, Indiana - Chapter 39: Physicians and Surgeons of Clark County, 1909

Chapter 39: Physicians and Surgeons of Clark County

^^'ithout risking any unsupported claim, or indulging in any flattery, it can be truthfully said that the history of the medical profession, and its personnel, will compare favorably with any other profession in Clark county. Law has produced many distinguished jurists and practitioners on the bench and at the bar ; but medicine has had as brilliant and eminent men in its ranks as can be claimed for the legal profession. Many medical men have distinguished themselves as authors, lecturers and surgeons. Clark county furnished a number of surgeons in the Civil war, who rendered services both on the battle field and in the tented hospitals. Such surgeons as the Doctors Fonts, Beckwith, Field, McCoy, Collins, Sheets, and Davis, saw arduous sen-ice both as regimental surgeons and in the hospitals. The late Dr. W. ^^^ Goodwin was in charge of a hospital in Jeffersonville during the Civil war, and the late Dr. William Morrow was in charge of the government refugee eruptive hospital during the same period.

The present day physicians have no real conception of what hardships, exposure, and trials were the lot of the early physicians of Clark county. They were not blessed with macadamized roads, autumobiles, coupes, depot wagons, taxicabs and closed carriages; but rode through thick and thin, hot and cold, at all hours of the day and night, on horseback, with the old time saddle bags strapped to their saddles. Some of the pioneer doctors would ride many miles over the county, in midwinter, leaving at daylight, and not returning till night, worn out from exposure, fatigue and nen'ous tension. It was characteristic of them to minister to the sick without reference to fee or reward, as the majority of the people were poor, and while honestly inclined, were unable to pay for medical attendance. I knew a physician, now gone to his reward, who practiced his profession from 1829 to 1888 and who estimated that he had done thirty thousand dollars' worth of medical service, for which he received neither cash, and many times, no thanks. While there is a spirit of grasping for lucre in all professions nowadays ; yet the earlier practitioners seemed to take the practice largely from motives of philanthropy. It is one of the grandest of human offices to relieve sufifering; to cheer the depressed ; to succor from the assaults of diseases : and failing in this, to smooth the way to the inevitable tomb. There is no loftier mission ; none which more closely assimilates the human with the divine. While the earlier physicians lia<l to depend on the science as a means of liveHhood, still they rose above the purely mercenary motive in their practice. Many of the pioneer doctors not only ministered to the body, but to the soul as well. Several practiced medicine, and "preached the Gospel to the poor." Notable among Clark county's physicians who combined preaching the Gospel with the practice of medicine, were the late Dr. Jacob Bruner, of Utica, and Dr. N. Field, of Jeffersonville. They, like the blessed "Master," preached the Gospel to the poor, free.

It is amusing and interesting to look back sixty years and see the character of service rendered, and fees charged in those days. The doctors worked hard, and were poorly paid for the ministrations. It was the period when cupping, leaching and bleeding were regarded as indispensable. The practice was carried to extremes by many, as the practice of vaccination was performed on those who had no blood to spare, and as a consec|uence it ceased. The diseases of early times were bilious, remittent, intermittent, and rarely - typhoid, and the cases of the latter were always grave and lasted for weeks and weeks. The old fashioned ague, where the victims almost shook themselves to pieces, was very common in the spring and fall, and good big draughts of Peruvian bark and whisky were the sheet anchors.

While the practice of medicine was regarded as the most honorable, and is yet, it was far from lucrative. In looking back we find some of the fees charged for medicines and professional service, and it must be remembered that doctors then dispensed their own medicines : the charge for visit in the town was one dollar, and for visits to the country, one dollar for the first mile, and fifty cents for each succeeding mile : bleeding fifty cents, two doses jalop fifty cents, box of pills twenty-five cents, extracting teeth twenty-five cents, one dose of calomel and one ounce of paregoric sixty cents. Accouchments five dollars, consultations three dollars. In surgery the fees were very moderate ; strangulated hernia, fifty dollars ; amputations, from ten to twentyfive dollars. Asepsis was unknown, and great stress was laid on "laudable pus." Diseases such as dysentery and fevers were attributed entirely to miasm, and visitations of sporadic and Asiatic cholera were common.

One doctor claimed great success in treating cholera, by the exhibition of: mustard, grains ten; calomel, grains ten; capsicum, grains ten; salt, grains ten, mixed. This palatable compound was forced down the patients throat with a cloth wrapped around a stick. It was wonderful what results followed, as many got well.

The physicians in early times were temperate, charitable, kind-hearted and self-sacrificing, and it ought to be said, long-suffering. No money could adequately compensate them for the sacrifice of comfort, pleasure, rest and even life itself. They were exposed to seen and unseen dangers.

day physicians of the temptations and tendency to excesses in diet and spirituous beverages, which tends to cripple them professionally, as well as morally, not to speak of financial wreck : that the first society adopted and adhered to the following rules :

First. "Physicians should never neglect an opportunity to fortifv and promote the g'ood resolutions of patients suffering under tlie bad effects of intemperate and vicious lives ; and in order to do so, their own lives should be such as to be blameless; as we regard a high moral character to be a prerequisite to an honorable stand in the profession."

As near as can now be ascertained. Dr. Samuel Meriwether was the first physician to settle in Jeft'ersonville. He was a native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, and pursued his medical studies in Philadelphia under Doctor Rush. He married his cousin, Mary Meriwether, in Kentucky, and soon after marriage entered the army as surgeon's mate, serving durmg the War of 1812. For some time he was stationed at Vincennes, and for a period of three months was unable to communicate with his young wife, who was greatly alarmed for his safety. Finally, obtaining a short leave of absence, he visited his home and on his return to Vincennes was accompanied by his wife. The hardships of that lonely ride through the forest can only be appreciated by those who have had a similar experience, and they are few in these days.

Doctor Meriwether remained in the service until 181 3, when he resigned on the urgent entreaty of his wife, though offered permanent service. Soon after resigning he settled for a time in Jeffersonville, remaining until 1823 or 1824, when he removed to Louisville. In 1830 he again returned to Jeffersonville and made this his permanent abode, becoming one of its best respected and most prominent citizens. As a medical practitioner he was very successful, and in addition to being well-read in matters pertaining to the healing art, he possessed the happy faculty of bringing relief to many sick beds by means of his cheerful ways, a young man he became the owner, through inheritance, of several slaves, but believing the system wrong he gave them, their freedom. He was an earnest Christian and a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the first members and founders.

Doctor Stephenson came to Jeffersonville as early as 1821, or perhaps several years previous to that date. He continued in practice until the excitement consecjuent on the discovery of gold in California, when, with a party of some twenty-five persons, he departed on the overland route for the land of gold.

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ind

day of November, 1805, and located in Jeffersonville, Indi?na, in September, 1829. His father was a native of Culpeper county, Virginia ; was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was at the siege of Yorktown, and after the surrender of Cornwallis emigrated to Kentucky in the spring of 1783, taking up his quarters in the fort, at which was afterward Louisville, near the head of the canal. He was the first delegate from Jefferson county to the Virginia Legislature. He resided in that county until his death, in September, 1831.

Doctor Field came to Jeffersonville in 1829 and was thoroughly identified with the city until his death, in 1888. Though born in a slave state he was one of the first vice-presidents of the American anti-slavery society; was president of the first anti-slavery convention ever held in Indiana, and president of the Free-soil convention held in Lidianapolis in the summer of 1850.

Notwithstanding his anti-slavery principles, he never would take any advantage of the slaveholder by advising his slaves to leave him and make their escape to Canada ; nor did he take any part in what was called the "underground railroad." In a contest between the slave and his master on the question of freedom, he was neutral. He determined to abide by the law, creating and maintaining the institution, until abrogated by the moral sense of the masters themselves. He opposed slaveiy on moral and religious grounds, and appealed to the reason and conscience of the slaveholder and the slave.

He represented Clark county in the Legislature in 1838 and 1839. He served as surgeon in the Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and rendered important service on several battle fields and in field hospitals. In 1868 he was president of the Indiana State Medical Society and was well and widely known as a writer upon scientific and religious subjects. Doctor Field was of the old school of physicians, and his visits to his patients, where he would compound his own prescriptions from a supply of drugs in his hand case, were occasions where his genial humor and fund of anecdote did much toward the recovery of the patient. His long experience in the practice of medicine placed him at the top of the profession in Clark county, and his hundreds of surgical operations in the army, including nearly all the operations known to military surgery, gave him the reputation of being one of the best surgeons in the state of Indiana. He was pastor of a church in Jeffersonville for more than half a century and would never receive a dollar for such service. He baptized nearly one thousand persons in the Ohio river during his pastorate. Doctor Field was a remarkable man, an original thinker and a firm defender of his views and opinions.

Dr. W. F. Collum was Mayor of Jeffersonville from 1848 to 1854, and was a councilman from the Third ward from 1845 to 1848, when he became Mayor, was a member of the Board of Health from 1855 and 1857, and from 1859 to 1865. He came to Jeffersonville in 1838, and practiced medi- cine and surgery till his death, which occurred in 1870. His death was caused by blood poisoning from a wound made in a post-mortem dissection. His oldest son was Capt. Richard Collum, who commanded a warship in the Civil war. Two other sons \\'illiam F. Collum and Chapman Collum, died in this city. His daughter, Sarah, married a Mr. Sellers.

Doctor Holiday made his appearance some time about 183 1. He came from Virginia in a boat containing his family, and on his arrival in Jeffeiisonville was in destitute circumstances. Chancing to call nt the office of Dr. Nathaniel Field, he offered for sale some of his medical tooks, in order to procure funds to carry him to his destination in Illinois. He was persuaded to relinquish this plan, and instead, with the advice of Doctor Field that this was a good poinl for a physician, located in Jeffersonville. where he remained some five years. At that time he went on down the river and settled in Mississippi, where he died soon after.

Dr. H. N. Holland came here in 1849, in which year he graduated from the University of Kentucky. Originally a practitioner in the allopathic school, he becaine convinced that he could do humanity better ser\'ice by giving medicine in small doses than in large, and after a few years' practice embraced homeopathy in 1853. Before coming to the city he w^as a resident of Scott county for nine years. In 1846-47 he was elected from that county to the state Legislature, and served with ability. He was first to introduce homeopathy into Jeffersonville, and was successful in building up an extensive practice. He served as school trustee and member of the council.

Dr. \\'illiam Stewart settled here about 1850. but in a few years removed to Washington, D. C. where he became inspector of marine hospitals.

Dr. W. D. Fonts was a native of Scott county, Indiana, and read medicine with Dr. A. A. Morrison, of Lexington, Indiana, and \n 1857 graduated from the L^niversity of Louisville. During the \\'ar of the Rebellion he was surgeon of the Eighty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, from which he was promoted to a brigade and finally to division surgeon. He was captured and confined in Libby prison for five months. At the close of the war he returned to Lexington and practiced medicine until 1871. when he located in Jeffersonville, remaining here until his death. The doctor was exceedingly popular with all classes and enjoyed a large practice.

Dr. C. R. McBride was a native of Clark county and passed his early life on a farm, which was near Dead Man's Hollow. At twenty years of age he began the study of medicine with the late Dr. N. Field, and ir. 1850 he entered the University of Medicine of Louisville. Kentuckv, but did not graduate until later years - 1866. All his life he practiced his profession in this citv. He served as township trustee, was City Clerk for six years, physician to the State Prison and township physician for several years. In 1868 he was elected to the state Legislature, serving a regular term and a special session. Doctor McBride was a good physician and a man of versatile talents.

Dr. L. \\'. Beckwith obtained literary education at Greencastle, Indiana, and in 1849 began the study of medicine under Dr. Samuel Meriwether. In 1856 he entered the University ^^ledical College in Louisville, from which he graduated in 1858. He began to practice in Harrison county, where he married, but subsequently located in Chicago. In the early part of the War of the Rebellion he was appointed surgeon of the Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served throughout the war. In 1S65 he located in Jeffersonville and was equal in ability to the ablest physician abovit here, where he held his own. For five years he served as physician to the Indiana State Prison.

Dr. Isaac N. Griffith was a student under Dr. N. Field in 1S34-35. He married a Louisville lady and removed to Louisiana, where he died eighteen months-after he began the practice.

Dr. \\'. H. Sheets, a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgeiy, entered the military service of the United States as acting assistant surgeon, and was assigned to duty at the L'nited States Hospital at Madison, in 1862, immediately after leaving college. In 1865 he came to Jeffersonville and established a lucrative practice. He served for five years as physician to the Indiana Prison, South. In 1880 he was appointed pension examiner for this portion of the state. He has sen-ed as secretary of the Board of Health for several years.

Dr. \\'. N. McCoy pursued a course of medical study with Dr. Samuel Reid, of Salem, Indiana, and attended lectures at the Liniversity of Louisville in i860. In his youth his opportunities were meager, and only by close ap])lication and persevering industry was he enabled to overcome obstacles that would have daunted many a man situated as he was. Early left with the care of a family resting on his shoulders, his success in his profession is all the more wonderful. After attending a course of lectures he engaged in practice in this county at which he was quite successful. He entered the medical service of the United States as acting assistant surgeon, and was assigned to duty at New Albany. From that place he was sent to JefTerson barracks, Missouri, and thence to Mound City hospital at Cairo. He resigned in the spring of 1864, and soon after opened an office in Jeffersonville. In the winter of 1869-70 he attended a course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, from which he was graduated. In 1866 he was surgeon in charge of the militan,' hospital at Jeffersonville, in which he remained most of the time until the hospital was condemned, and the business connected therewith closed. Doctor McCoy enjoyed a large practice for many years.

Dr. David McClure was a native of New York. He pursued his medical studies and was graduated from Fairfield and Geneva Medical College in 1837-38. In 1839 he came to Indiana, and in 1864 located in Jeffersonville. He had the confidence of the public to the extent that in 1843-44 and 1853-54 he represented Scott county in the state Legislature, and in 1880 was elected as a Demoratic Joint Representative of Clark, Scott and Floyd counties in the Legislature.

Dr. E. W. Bruner read medicine with his father at Utica, in this county, and attended lectures at the Miami Medical College in Cincinnati in 1866-67. After practicing in Sellersville, New Albany, and Utica, he came to Jeffersonville in 1879.

Dr. T. A. Graham, one of the most loveable, popular and successful physicians which Clark county has ever produced, studied medicine with Dr. D. S. Armer, of New Washington, after his graduation from Hanover College. He entered the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati in 1870, where he graduated in 1871. In 1872 he took the "ad eundem" degree at the University of Louisville. He began active practice in Oregon township and in 1872 removed to Jeffersonville, and purchasing the drug store of Isaac Brinkworth, he associated himself witli his brother. T. A. Grahain. Doctor Graham was an exceedingly popular man, and probably no physician before or since has enjoyed a more e.xtensive and lucrative practice than was the deserving good fortune of this late lamented doctor. In his intercourse with his professional brothers he was high-minded, considerate, even aft'ectionate, and the very ?oul of honor. The doctor's death in the very zenith of his usefulness, while yet a comparatively young man, was a crushing blow to his own household and a sad loss to the profession in Clark county. Doctor Graham was a member of the Indiana Legislature, and as a member of the Medical Association, among the most earnest and best.

Dr. O. P. Graham, a younger brother of Dr. T. A. Graham, and for a number of years associated with him, is a native of Clark county, was graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville in 1890. Doctor Graham is one of the best known and most popular physicians in this section of the state and commands a large practice. He served two terms as County Health Officer, and is a member of the state and county medical societies.

Dr. D. C. Peyton is also a native of Clark county. He began the study of medicine in 1881 under the direction of Dr. J. M. Reynolds, and in 1882 attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. After practicing in Clark county for two years he entered the department of medicine of the L^niversity of Louisville and graduated in 1886. The same year he located in Jeffersonville and has built up a substantial practice. He has taken several courses in surgery, which in connection with his varied experience have given him a promment position in the ranks of his profession. Doctor Peyton served for six years on the City Board of Health, for three years as secretary of the County Board of Health, for three years as surgeon of the old Prison South, and has also served as surgeon for the Car Works, the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad, the Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, and the Phoenix Bridge Company at the time the Big Four bridge was building. During the Spanish war Doctor Peyton was appointed major and brigade surgeon by President ]\IcKinley and had charge of all hospitals in the state of Pennsylvania.

Dr. David L. Field is a native of Jeffersonville and studied medicine under that eminent physician of Indianapolis, Dr. Thomas Harvey, and also under his father, Dr. N. Field, of Jeffersonville. He graduated from the department of medicine. University of Louisville, in March, 1868, and immediately began the practice of medicine in his native city, being associated with his father until the latter's death. In 1880 Doctor Field opened a drug store and conducted it in connection with his medical practice until 1894, when he sold it and devoted his whole time to his profession. He is a member of the State Medical Association, and the Clark County Medical Societv, and he enjoys a large practice in the city of Jeffersonville. Doctor Field is a well read man, and his name is widely known among members of the medical profession throughout the country by reason of his valuable contributions to medical literature, many of which have been read and discussed before state and county associations. Doctor Field has inherited many of the genial and attractive characteristics of his father, and these together with his wide reading make him an interesting companion as well as a capable physician.

Dr. C. F. C. Hancock, a native of Clark county, began to read medicine under Dr. J. M. Reynolds, at Memphis, in 1885. He soon after entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, where he took first honors in a class of eighty-nine students. Later he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he graduated in March, 1887. Doctor Hancock's first practice was in Jasper, Dubois county, where he formed a partnership with Dr. E. J. Kempf, of that city. In July, 1888, he located in Jeffersonville and here his success in his profession has been marvelous. His success may be attributed to his intense earnestness, which he has displayed throughout his medical career, and to his personality, which has won for him hosts of friends. Doctor Hancock has been a member of the county and city boards of health and also surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He has one of the largest practices in Southern Indiana and has been very successful in his business ventures as well as in his profession.

Dr. I. N. Ruddle, a graduate of the medical department, L^niversity of Louisville, in 1881, located in Jeffersonville soon after his graduation. With the exception of about six months in 1882, when he had removed to Illinois, he has practiced in JefTersonville ever since. Doctor Ruddle is one of the best informed practitioners in Clark county, and enjoys a very successful general practice. In his first year in Jeffersonville he served as the township physician. He later served as a member of the Board of Health of Jeffersonville several terms, and for twelve years has been on the examining board for pensions.

Dr. John H. Baldwin is a graduate of the Southwestern Hospital and College of Homeopathy in Louisville. Kentucky, class of 1897. He served as a house surgeon in the city hospital after his graduation and came to Jeffersonville in 1898. where he has carried on the practice of his profession ever since. For several years Doctor Baldwin was a lecturer in the school from which he graduated, and later became professor of the principles and practice of medicine. He has established a large and lucrative practice, and has identified himself prominently with things outside of his profession He is an elder in the Presbyterian church and is president of the Chautauqua Association, which has held such successful seasons for the last five or six years.

Dr. John Locmis. at present the oldest practicing physician in Jeffersonville, began the practice of his profession in 1861. He was a graduate of the Fxlectic School of Homeopathy, of Philadelphia, and from the Homeopathic INIedical University of Ohio. Although Doctor Locmis is now in his eightyninth year he enjo}-s the practice of medicine in Jeffersonville, Louisville and Xew Albanv. He has written much for medical magazines throughout the country and in his practice was fc;r many years the sole representati\-e of the School of Homeopathy in Jeffersonville. Doctor Lcomis' health and vigor at his age testify to his purity of life, and affords a valuable example for the 5'ounger generation of professional men to emulate.

Dr. Lewis L. Williams, a native of Jefferson county, Kentucky, began the practice of medicine in Jeffersonville in 1893. He had previously practiced in Utica, where he was for one term trustee, and in Spencer county, Indiana. Doctor Williams was a member of the state and county medical societies. During the Spanish war he was the examining surgeon for the enlistments for Company E. One Hundred Sixty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Soon after he removed to Brazil. Indiana, and still remains in the practice of his profession.

Dr. ^\'illiam L. Samuels, a graduate of the department of medicine of the University of Louisville established himself in Jefferson\ ille, but in 1897 was appointed superintendent of the county hospital at Eureka, Nevada. Doctor Samuels was a bright and studious }-oung man and would have been an addition to the profession in Jeffersonville. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, and had served three years in the Indiana National Guard before starting to read under Dr. T. A. and O. P. Graham.

Dr. Terry Townsend, a graduate of the Jeffersun\ille higli scliool, class of '94, read medicine under Doctor Hancock and later graduated from the medical department, Uni\-ersity of Louisville. A student and an ambitious worker Doctor To\vnsend"s future seemed bright. He removed to New York City soon afterward and built up an extensive practice.

Among the }-()unger physicians of JefTersonville are : Dr. George Twomey, Dr. \Miayne Crum. Dr. Marshall Varble, Dr. Claude Crura, Dr. David Cohen. Dr. Austin Funk, and Dr. A. H. Seibert, whose sketches appear in this volume.

In the brief existence of Spring\ille a disciple of Esculapius named Vale ministered to the people as long as the town remained a town, but of his personality we know nothing. Dr. Morrison James also practiced in Springville or Tullytown, as the Indians called it. He was a rough man of tliie period, and as was the custom, carried his medicine with him. His personality is likewise lost to history.

In later years Charlestown had the following doctors to minister to the wants of her sore and afflicted : Doctors Minor, A. P. Hay, Samuel Fowler, Hugh Lysle. H. I. Tobias, Alban Vernon, Andrew Rodgers. William G. Goforth. J. S. Athan, Leander Clemmeus, Campbell, Hay, William Taggart, Samuel C. Taggart, D. H. Combs, R. Curran, J. E. Oldharn, Josiah Taggart, and others.

Dr. Andrew P. Hay practiced medicine in Charlestown for many years, and during the last term of President Grant, he was appointed National Bank Examiner, and removed to Indianapolis, where he lived till his death, several years later. Doctor Hay was an eminent ]\Iason, having been grand master of Indiana.

Charlestown was among the most prominent towns in Indiana from early times, and among her earlier physicians who added to the reputation of the place as a center of professional prominence were Drs. Samuel C. Taggart, David H. Combs, James S. Athan, J. E. Oldham, James Taggart, Robert Curran. etc., etc.

In Owen township, among the prominent physicians who are now actively practicing medicine, are Drs. Josiah, ^^'illiam and Robert Taggart. They are all natives of the county and medical men of ability.

Among many of the doctors who shed lustre on their profession, and who have long since joined tlie "silent majority," may be mentioned. Drs. Abin Vernon, Leander Clemmens, H. J. Tobias, Andrew Rodgers, W'illiam G. Goforth, Hugh Lvsle, Samuel Lawler and Samuel Work Those worthy

Clark county can claim to have many able and successful physicians, who are actively ministering to the sick and the afflicted. Among them may be mentioned Drs. Bottorff, D. H. Combs, C. Jones and Sidney Cortner, of Charlestown; Doctors Walker, Prall and others, of Henryville; Doctors Fountaine, Meloy, Q. R. Hause, J. M. Howes, of Sellersburg, and Drs. S. D. Hazzard and Frank Johnson, of Utica. Sketches of most of these men will be found in the biographical section of this volume.

Doctor Fowler was one of the earliest, if not the very first physician to practice here. He located in the township about the year 1820. He did a large practice. The county being new, malarial fevers prevailed and during the fall months nearly everyone suffered from them.

Dr. M. Williams succeeded Doctor Fowler, between 1825 and 1830, and in 1828 Dr. Andrew Davis came to Bethlehem and he and Doctor Go forth practiced there during the early thirties. Doctor Taylor practiced in Bethlehem in 1834. Later Doctor Gilpin and Dr. George O. Pond were located here for a short time, Gilpin locating here in 1837. From 1840 to 1846 Doctor Cummings practiced medicine in Bethlehem. He removed to Chicago, but later returned to Bethlehem, and soon after died there. During the early fifties Dr. John Y. Newkirk practiced in the village.

Dr. Thomas Duerson and Doctor Fritzien, teth from Kentucky, located in Bethlehem in 1870. Doctor Fritzien after practicing in Bethlehem a number of years removed to New W'ashington, w'here he died a few years later.

Dr. Thomas Duerson was the only one of the later physicians to remain long in Bethlehem. He was born and brought up on the Kentucky side of the river, nearly opposite Bethlehem. He studied medicine with his uncle. Doctor Deurson, of Kentucky, and after graduation, while still a young man, located at Bethlehem, and remained there until the end of his life, except for two or three short absences of but a few months each. He died in 1903. For many years he did a large practice in Bethlehem and surrounding country, but the small compensation he received compared with the large amount of yvork he did, was noted by all who gave the matter any attention. During Doctor Deurson's residence in Bethlehem and since his death a number of physicians have been located there each for a short time, among whom may be mentioned Doctors Mayfield, Hoddenshield and Muret. Each of them seems to have done a good deal of work there, but all agree in pronouncing it a hard place to practice in on account of the broken, hilly country, bad roads, etc. There are no physicians located at Bethlehem at the present time, the practice being done almost entirely by the New Washington physicians.

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ixd. 42 1

The physicians of Owen township have been few in number, but of long tenure. Dr. W'ilHani Taggart began the practice in the township in 1833 or 1834, and from that date until 1870 was continuously engaged in the practice in the township, except the period from 1849 to 1858. during which he resided and practiced his profession in Charlestown. He did a large and laborious practice, always traveling on horseback. He often rode an average of fifty miles a day for weeks at a time during the late suinmer and fall months, besides visiting and prescribing for from fifty to sixty patients daily.

During the time Doctor Taggart resided in Charlestown Dr. \\'arren Horr lived and practiced medicine in Owen township for a few years. He is the only physician who was ever located in the township except the Taggarts (father and son), and except Dr. E. M. Bruner, who was located there for a few months in i860, when he first began the practice.

Upon the retirement of Dr. \\'illiam Taggart from the practice his mantle fell upon his son. Dr. John F. Taggart, who after serving through the war as surgeon of the Fourth Regiment, Indiana Cavalry, and surgeon of the Second Brigade, First Division Cavalry Corps, located in Owen township at his present residence, where he has been engaged in the practice of medicine to the present time.

Dr. Samuel Adair was the first physician to practice medicine in New Washington of whom we have any account. He was from Ohio and located here about 1820. He did a large practice in this and surrounding townships, and continued in the practice until near the end of his life. Dr. Phillip Jolly was another of the earlv phvsicians of the township. He also was from Ohio and for many years did a large practice in New \\'ashington and vicinity. He subsequently removed to other parts, leaving Doctors Adair and Davis in the field. Dr. Solomon Davis was engaged in the practice of medicine in Xew \\'ashington in the forties, but being engaged at the same time in merchandising and other occupations his medical practice was at no time extensive.

Immediately before and during the war Drs. T. Field and L. E. Eddy, sons-in-law to Doctor Adair, were practicing in Xew Washington. Doctor Eddy removed to Charlestown at abnut the beginning of the war, and there engaged in the drug business in connection with the practice of medicine, and later both he and Doctor Field removed to Louisville.

Doctor Armer was another physician who was engaged in the practice of medicine at New Washington during and for some time after the war. For a time he did a large practice, having little or no competition, until Dr. S. L. Adair, Jr.. having in the meantime graduated in medicine, began the practice. After practicing a few years Doctor Armer removed to other parts and Dr. David S. Allhands located in New ^^'ashington. and a few years later Dr. George \\' Haymaker. The practice was then divided between Doctors Adair, Jr., Allhands and Haymaker. Doctor Haymaker did nor remain long

In 1894 Dr. R. S. Taggart began the practice of medicine at New Washington, and a few years later Doctor Allhands removed to Louisville. Doctor Adair. Sr., having turned over his practice to his son, Dr. S. L, Adair, Jr., nearly all the practice of Xew Washington township and much of the neighboring territory is done by him and Dr. R. S. Taggart.

Doctor Ferguson received his education principally at the Barnett Academy, in Charlestown, under the instruction of the principal, Mr. Z. B. Sturgus, a justly celebrated educator. His course of study preparatoiy to entering Hanover College was almost completed when the death of his father, in November. i860, necessitated his leaving school; he was then only fifteen years of age. He was now thrown upon his own resources. During the winter of 1861. at the age of sixteen, he commenced the study of medicine, and attended lectures in Louisville the following winter, after which he stood a satisfactory examination and was appointed a medical cadet in the L^nited States army, and stationed in a hospital at Louisville, Kentucky.

He continued to hold this position for two and one-half years, during which time he attended a second course of lectures and graduated as a doctor of medicine at the Kentucky School of Medicine in the spring of 1865. On the 1 6th day of October, 1865, he opened an otfice and commenced the practice of medicine at Henryville. his native town, not yet being twenty-one years of age. During the winter of 1866-67 '""S again attended a course of lectures and graduated at the Aledical University in Louisville. After practicing five years he visited the city of New York and for six months devoted himself to the diligent study of his profession at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, at which celebrated institution he also graduated. During hi? stay in that city he took private courses of instruction in medicine and surgery from some of the most eminent men of ihe profession. Frank Hastings Hr.niilton. Lewis A. Sayer. and Austin Flint. After his return from New York City he continued to do a large and successful practice, during which time he successfully performed many of the most difScult operations known to surgery. He performed successfully the operation for strangulated hernia on a man sixty-five years of age, and when the patient was in a condition of collapse, it being the only successful operation of the kind ever performed in the county. He continued in active practice in a constantly enlarging field until 1878. when he was nominated and elected Treasurer of the county over three competitors for the office, and in 1880 he was re-elected to the same office by the largest majority of any one on the ticket.

Baird S History Of Clark Co.. Ixd

He was a smi of H. W'isner, a pnjmineiit, acti\'e farmer of that countv. When a young man the doctor became infatuated witl: the medical profession. At about the ag-e of twenty-six he commenced studying under Dr Samuel H. Wright, of Dundee, Xew York, with whom he principally resd. He attended his first course of lectures at Geneva, Xew York. Several years were spent in pursuit of his medical education and in teaching. In the year 1862 he commenced his practice proper in ^lemphis, Indiana. In 1836 he moved to Henryville and built up an extensive practice. In 1880 he opened a drug store to be conducted in connection with his practice.

Dr. S. Z. Adair, Jr., graduated from the Kentucky School uf IMedicine in 1868, and later received a diploma from the Hospital School of Medicine. He shortly after located al Xew \\'ashington. where he practiced for many years.

Although X'ew Providence was one of the early settlements in Clark county it seems to have gotten along without a physician for a large part of its history. Dr \\'. W. Britan, who had attended lectures at Cincinnati, began to practice medicine here in 1842. He remained but one year when he removed to ]Martinsburg. The ^'illage practically remained without a doctor until i860.

About that time came Drs. Francis and AI. ^Mitchell, both of Xew Albany. Prior to that time the people when sick were compelled to send to Greenville, in Floyd county, or to Martinsburg or Salem, in Washington county, the distance to the former being eight miles, to ]\Iartinsburg five miles, to Salem twelve. ]\Iitchell having remained about four years, returned to New Albany, and Dr. \Mlliam Bright, of ]\Iartinsburg, tool: his place. Doctor Bright remained a short time, returned to ]\Iartinsburg. and in 1866 was succeeded by Dr. Christopher C. Clark, of Washington county. Clark, having remained several years, became desirous to go west. He sold out to Dr. Benjamin F. Stalker, of \\'ashington county, who in company with Dr. Cadwallader Jones, of Washington county, opened a drug store in Xew Providence.

Dr. T. V Xoaks, a son of Dr. T. J. Xoaks. a noted physician of Breckinridge county, Kentucky, entered the office of Doctor Wisner and remained with him for about two years. He attended lectures in the Cincinnati hc^spital and was connected with the School of Medicine and Surgery there. He graduated at the Louisville University in 1874 and immediatelv began his practice at Otisco. Here he met with great success, but at the end of a year removed to LaPrairie, Illinois.

Dr. J. Bruner was born in Greene county, Tennessee, December 6, 1811. When five years of age he moved to Floyd county with his father, Jacob Bruner, who made that countv his home three vears, when he moved to Law- rence county, Indiana. His son accompanied him and remained at home until he was thirteen years of age, when he went to Brownstown, Jackson county, Indiana, and entered upon the study of medicine under Dr. Samuel P. Wirt, remaining two years, at the expiration of which time he engaged in the practice of medicine with great success. After a few years' practice he became a minister of the Methodist church and traveled on the circuit ten years, the town of XJtica being his last appointment, in 1849. -'^^ this date he again resumed the practice of medicine and continued it nineteen years, when he gave up his practice on account of ill health. The closing of Doctor Bruner's practice was a matter of much regret to this community. His success in restoring to health the severely afflicted was remarkable. His competitors acknowledged Iiis ability, and his practice was the largest in the county. He maintained the love and confidence of his patrons that only a faithful physician can possess.

Dr. James Madison Reynolds is a descendant of one of the earh settlers of Union township, Clark county. His grandfather, Richard Reynolds, moved with his wife, Sarah, from Kentucky. Dr. Reynolds was born in 1851, nearly six months after his father died. He graduated from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, in 1873, and began the practice of medicine at Memphis. Indiana.

Francis M. Carr, M. D., was born January 3. 1831, in Charlestown township, and has ever since resided in the county, with the exception of three or four years in Washington county. His father, Absalom, was a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. He came to Clark county in 1806 and was one of the early pioneers of Indiana. He was a brother of General Carr, and was a Tippecanoe soldier. He died in 1876. Doctor Carr graduated at the University of Louisville in 1855, and has ever since practiced in Clark county. He was married, in 1854. to Miss Martha E. Coctores. daughter of Daniel Coctores, of Oregon township.

David H. Combs. M. D.. was born in Clark county. Lidiana. He was a son of Jesse Combs, one of the pioneers, who died in 1857. Doctor Combs remained at home till seventeen years of age. when he entered Charlestown Academy, where he attended six sessions. From the time of his leaving this institution until his twenty-first year he spent in teaching and going to school. At that age he entered the office of Dr. James S. Athon, of Charlestown, with whom he remained three years as a student. He was one year in Louisville ^ledical L'niversity, and graduated at Jefiferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in the spring of 1850. His first year he practiced in Salem. Indiana, after which, until 1876. he lived in Charlestown, where he enjoyed an extensive practice, more especially in the line of surgery. In 1876 he moved to his wife's farm, in Utica, and practiced liis profession.