Steuben County, Indiana - The Bar, 1885

The Bar

The pioneer members of the bar of Steuben County were from abroad, mostly from Fort Wayne. From our earliest courts until 1849, the legal business of the county was done chiefly by nonresident attorneys. At the head of this list stands the name of Charles Ewing, who, in his time, was considered the ablest jurist of the West. Among other prominent lawyers from the Summit City, who, during this time, took an active part in the legal matters of the county, may be mentioned the names of Breckenridge, Colerick, Ferry, Dawson, Johnson, Cooper and Coombs. The last named, still at Fort Wayne, is the only one living.

Hon. John B. Howe, of Lima, practiced here during this time. Afterward came Andrew ^Ellison, of Lagrange (now one of the wealthiest men in that county), and Judge Morris, of Auburn (now of Fort Wayne), both able jurists and able men in their profession. The first resident attorney at law of the county was Rubert L. Douglass, who came here from Ohio in 1839. He is said to have been an able, energetic lawyer. He remained here until 1849, when he removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Daniel E. Palmer was the second resident attorney. He was born among the Delaware hills, in Delaware County, K. Y., Jan. 10 1816. He read law with Judge Tiffany, of Lenawee County, Mich. He was the first lawyer admitted to practice in No bie County, this State, and came from there here in the spring of 1840, and at that time was admitted to the bar, but did not commence active practice until 1841; he continued in practice here for about thirtj-five years, when the infirmities of age compelled him to retire from practice. In his day, he was considered good, and his opinions were well respected by the legal profession. At times he had a large though not a paying practice. Mr. Palmer was Auditor of

Hon. Edward R. May graduated at Yale College in 1838, and although one of the youngest members of his class, he had acquired a reputation which gave promise of future distinction. After leaving college, he was for two years engaged in teaching school in the East. Having, at the same time, entered upon the study of the law, he was in due time admitted to the New London County Bar, in the State of Connecticut. Influenced by the hope of benefit to his health, he removed to Angola, this county, and was here admitted to the bar in 1843. By skill in his profession, and by heartily identifying himself with the public interests, sustaining and promoting the cause of education, of temperance, and the institutions of religion, he rapidly acquired position and influence. He was a member of our State Legislature. He was also a member of the State Constitutional Convention. He went from here to California in the year 1852, and returned the same year, when his forecasting mind fixed upon St. Paul, Minn., as a point of commanding importance in tlie future Northwest. He had hardly located there when, Aug. 2, 1852, after only a few hours' sickness, he died of cholera.

Dr. James McConnell, the first County Clerk, resigned his office in 1843 to enter the legal profession, and enjoyed a fi'ir and increasing practice until his early death, in 1844.

Hon. Alanson W. Hendry was an active practitioner from 1843 to 1865, when he engaged in the mercantile business for some years, and is now engaged in extensive agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the State Senate, and has held other offices of trust and responsibility.

Jesse M. Gale commenced the study of law with Mr. Hendry, and soon went into partnership with him. He retired from active practice in 1883, but is still a resident of Angola.

In 1860 William G. Croxton came here from Columbiana County, Ohio, and began practice in partnership with A. S. Blake. Soon afterward, upon the removal of Blake from the county, he formed a partnership with A. A. Chapin. This partnership lasted for about three years, when Mr. Croxton entered into partnersliip with Hon. Joseph A. Woodhull. Mr. Chapin had a very successful practice in Kendallville for a number of years, and in 1883 sought a wider field in Fort Wayne. Mr. Woodhull began the practice of his profession at Fremont in 1859, and removed to Angola in 1860, engaging in partnership with Daniel E. Palmer. He is still an active member of the legal profession.

E. B. Glasgow was for several years an active lawyer, and also dealt extensively in real estate. A few years since he went to Kansas. He was twice elected to the State Legislature. Captain John K. Morrow came here from Lagrange in 1864, and commenced practice here with Daniel E. Palmer, and is still engaged in a good business.

George B. AdamSy attorney at law, Angola, Ind., was born in Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., April 18, 1844, a son of Charles H. and Sophia A. (Clark) Adams, his father a native of Massachusetts, and his mother of Connecticut. His father was by trade a millwright, but subsequently embarked in land speculation, and acquired a large property. He was an old-line Whig, and a great admirer and personal friend of Henry Clay. In 1858 he moved to Coldwater, Mich., where the mother died in 1867. He afterward went to New Jersev, and died there in 1874. George B. Adams received a good common-school education, and after going to Michigan attended the High School at Coldwater. He served in the late war. He then returned to Coldwater, and in 1866 began the study of law, and so continued for four years at intervals, working in the meantime to support himself and two sisters. In 1870 he came to Angola, and for a time thought of abandoning his profession, but changed his mind, and in 1873 was admitted to the bar, and has built up a good practice. He is a strong pleader, an eloquent speaker, and his arguments are convincing and have weight with the jury. He was appointed Prosecuting Attorney for Steuben, DeKaib and Noble counties by Governor Williams in 1878, to fill a vacancy, and in 1878 was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to the same position. In 1880 he represented his county in the State Democratic Convention, at Indianapolis. Mr. Adams was married in 1876 to Helen Darrah, daughter of Peter Darrah, of Ohio, and to them were born two children. Mrs. Adams died Nov. 18, 1883. She was a lady of rare intelligence, and had hosts of friends to mourn her loss.

EiiiTnet A. Bratton^ attorney at law and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of Steuben County, was born in Williams Count}', Ohio, July 16, 1855, a son of Ira and Deborah (Thomas) Bratton, his lather a native of Mifflin County, Pa., born March 12, 1829, and his mother of Bucks County, Pa. His parents moved to Ohio when young, and were there married in 1851, His father died July 18, 1882, and his mother is still living. When eighteen years of age he attended the fall term of the High School in Angola, and taught the next winter. He prepared for college by his own efforts, and in 1876 entered the freshman class of Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich., and attended two years. He then came to Angola, and entered the office of WoodhuU & Croxton, remaining with them till 1880, when he went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and attended the law department of the University, graduating March 23, 1881. After his admission to the bar lie formed a partnership with Stephen A. Powers, under the firm-name of Powers & Bratton, which was dissolved by mutual consent Aug. 8, 1884, and since then he has practiced with the Hon. D. H. Best, under the firm-name Best & Bratton. He is a young man of ability, and is gaining a good reputation in business and social circles. He is Secretary of the Steuben County Agricultural Association, and in 1884 was appointed Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. He has served his city as Clerk and Treasurer four years in a very acceptable manner. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order (lodge and encampment), and in 1884 represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State. Mr. Bratton was married in 1888 to Delia Rice, daughter of Dr. C. D. Rice. They have one daughter.

Gyrus Cline^ attorney at law, a member of the firm of Cline & Dawson, Angola, Ind., was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 12, 1851, a son of Michael and Barbara (Orewiler) Cline. In 1853 his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on section 16, Scott Township. Eight acres of the land were cleared and there was a good house and barn on it. In 1872 the family moved to Angola that the children might have better educational advan- tages, and here the father died Feb. 28, 1878. He was in early life a "Whig, and afterward affiliated with the Republican party. From 1868 till 1874 he was a County Commissioner, and always discharged his duties in a satisfactory manner. He also held various local offices of trust, and at the time of his death was Trustee of Pleasant Township. His family consisted of eight children, two sons and six daughters, all of whom are living. Cyrus Cline was reared on the farm, and in early life attended the district schools. After his parents moved to Angola he attended the Academy one winter, and in 1873 entered the freshman class at Hillsdale College. Being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to procure his college education by his own efforts. He therefore taught school in the winter, still pursuing his studies at home, and in the spring entered his class in the college. He graduated in 1876. The following September he was elected County Superintendent of Schools of Steuben County, a position he held till June, 1883. In the spring of 1880 he entered the office of WoodhuU & Oroxton, and began the study of law, remaining with them till February, 1882, when he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with Joseph Butler, which continued till July, 1884, when he became associated with Mr. Dawson, Mr. Cline is a young man of fine natural ability, which, added to his close study and determination to succeed, will make him one of the best and most influential lawyers in the county. He was married Oct. 6, 1880, to Jennie E., daughter of Dr. Bush and Susan S. Gibson. Dr. Gibson died in Vermont, and in 1869 Mrs. Gibson came with her three daughters to Steuben County. Mr. Cline is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge and chapter.

Ho7i. A. W. Hendry, attorney at law, Angola, Ind., was one of the early settlers of Steuben County. He was born near Buffiilo, Erie Co., N. Y., March 22, 1820, a son of Samuel and Eunice (Foote) Hendry, his father of Massachusetts and his mother of Connecticut. His parents were married in Delaware County, N. Y., Feb. 16, 1803, and before the war of 1812 removed to Erie County. Samuel Hendry was a minute-man in the war of 1812. He was an old-line Whig, and a strong anti-slavery man. In 1827 or 1828 he moved to Ashtabula County, Ohio, and in 1832 to Wellington, Lorain County. Mrs. Hendry died in Sandusky, Ohio, Sept. 3, 1853, and Mr. Hendry in Angola, Ind., April 12, 1861. They had a family of nine children, eight of whom are living. A. W. Hendry learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, but not liking it, he and his twin brother determined to take up the profession of law. They procured a Blackstone and Kent and studied evenings and when not otherwise employed until they were familiar with the main points of common law. In 1842 our subject came to Indiana, and taught school in Orland, Steuben County, the following winter, and in the spring of 1843 went to Lima, Lagrange County, where he was admitted to the bar. He then located in Angola, and practiced here till 1866, when he embarked in the mercantile business, which he continued till 1872. In 1852 Mr. Hendry was elected to the State Senate and served eight years, although he has never sought official honors. He takes especial interest in the up-building of local interests and is President of the Old Settlers' Association and Steuben County Agricultural Society. In politics he is a strong Republican. Mr. and Mrs, Hendry were at Baltimore at the time Abraham Lincoln received the second nomination for President of the United States, and at Philadelphia when General Grant was nominated for the same office. Mr. Hendry was married June 15, 1847, to Louisa Gale, daughter of Judge Thomas and Sarah (Goldsmith) Gale. They have had four children; but three are living - Thomas P., Victor, and Mattie E., wife of G. W. McBride, an attorney of Grand Haven, Mich. Judge Gale was. a native of Orange County, N. Y., and when a young man went to Ohio and located near Columbus. In 1831 he came to Indiana, and founded the town of Lima, Lagrange County. In 1836 he came to Steuben County and bought the land where Angola is now located, and in company with Cornelius Gilmore laid out the town. He also laid out the town of Augusta, ]Noble County. He was a member of the Legislature in 1836 and 1837. He was an old-line Whig and one of tlie first to advocate the antislaver}' movement.

Joseph B. Langworthy, attorney at law, Fremont, was born in Bainbridge, Geauga Co., Ohio, Jan. 10, 1858, a son of Joseph B. and Soplironia (Merry) Langworthy, early settlers of Ohio. His mother died Nov. 10, 1863, and in 1869 his father moved to Steuben County, where he died June 21, 1882. They had a family of eleven children, nine of whom lived till maturity, Joseph B. Langworthy, Sr., was in early life a Whig, but affiliated with the Republican party from the date of its organization. Our subject came to Steuben County with his father. He attended district school till he was seventeen, going winters only; then attended the graded schools of Fremont for two terms; then the Valparaiso Normal and Business

Institute three years; was a member of the scientific class of 1877, but was taken ill and was compelled to leave a few weeks before graduating. In the spring of 1880 he began reading law in the office of Gale & Best, of Angola, and June 5, 1881, was admitted to the bar. In 1882 he attended the law department of Ann Arbor University. Immediately after his return from Ann Arbor the firm of Gale, Best & Langworthy was formed, which continued till spring of 1884, when Mr. Gale withdrew, and the firm was dissolved, Mr. Langworthy is a talented young man, of fine address, pleasing manners, and has many friends in business and social circles. He has a promising future, being one of the rising young men of the county. He was married Jan. 7, 1881, to Carrie M. Caswell, daughter of A. M. Caswell, of Fremont.

Emory Q. Melendy, attorney at law, Fremont, Ind., was born in Chenango County, N. Y., Oct. 29, 1841, a son of Norman and jSophia (Welch) Melendy, his father a native of Vermont, and his mother of Connecticut. In 1845 his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind., and soon after to Branch County, Mich., where the father died in 1855. He was a prominent man of his day, taking an active interest in the growth and development of the county. Mrs. Melendy is living in Branch County. To them were born eleven children, seven in New York - Lois B., now Mrs. Devine. Richmond "W. enlisted in Company A, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was appointed First Lieutenant, and afterward promoted to Captain. After the war he studied law, and was admitted to the bar. In 1872 he was elected Circuit Judge of his district. He died at Eaton Rapids in September, 1883. Daniel W. is a farmer in Nebraska. Squire "VV. enlisted in the First Micligan Infantry, and participated in the battle of Bull Run; he died in the fall of 1864. Sally S. is the wife of James Hughes, of Branch County. E. G., our subject. Edward N. enlisted in August, 1862, in the Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. He was captured at Spring Hill, Tenn., and was incarcerated in Libby Prison; died from the effects of cruelty and exposure soon after leaving the prison. Mary E. is the wife of James M. Lindsley, of Detroit, Mich, Abbie M., now Mrs. M. B. Wakeman, of Branch County. John M., of Eureka, Cal., is a prominent attorney. Horace died in infancy. E. G. Melendy was but fourteen years of age when his father died, and from that time his maintenance and education were the result of his own efibrts. When twenty years of age, Aug. 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-nintli Indiana Infantry. He par- ticipated in the battles of Shiloli and Stone River, serving till August, 1863, when he was discharged, and the following fall enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was appointed Orderly Sergeant. He was at the battle of Resaca, Decatur, through the Atlanta campaign, at Franklin and Nashville. In February, 1865, he was promoted to Adjutant of the regiment. They were sent to North Carolina via Washington, and were with General Sherman at Kingston, and from there were sent to Charlotte, N. C, where they were mustered out Sept. 13. Soon after the war he began the study of law, and was admitted to practice in all the courts. He has a fair law practice, and also gives some attention to collecting and insurance. May 5, 1868, Mr. Melendy was married to Alma Follett, a daughter of John W. and Angeline Follett, early settlers of Steuben County. They have one child - Maud. Mr. Melendy is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Northeastern Lodge, No. 210, chapter, council, and Apollo Commandery. He is Master of his lodge, and has represented it in the Grand Lodge of the State. He is also a member of Steuben Lodge, No. 231, I. O. O. F., and Kilpatrick Post, No. 45, G. A. R. He has passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge, and has been a representative to the Grand Lodge of I. O. O. F. of Indiana. In politics Mr. Melendy is a Republican and has served as a delegate to the State convention.

Captain John K. Morroiv^ a native of Richland County, Ohio, was born in Mansfield, March 5, 1827, a son of James Morrow, a native of Dublin, Ireland, and Mary (Turk) Morrow, a native of Scotland. James Morrow came to America in his early manhood. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane. He subsequently returned to his native country, and was married in Scotland to Mary Turk. In 1816 they came to the United States, and lived a year in Allegheny County, Pa., and in 1827 moved to Mansfield, Richland Co , Ohio, where he died in 1848. He was a sculptor and builder, and a very fine artisan. After the father's death John K. moved to Williams County, Ohio, with his mother, where she died in 1854. He received a liberal education, and at the time of his father's death was attending Oberlin (Ohio) College. He was then obliged to leave school, and began teaching to support his mother and sister. In the meantime he began the study of law in the office of Case & Foster, and in 1853 was admitted to the bar at Perrysburg, Wood County. He soon after began the practice of his profession at Bryan, Ohio, and in 1856 went to Lagrange Centre, Lagrange Co., Ind. In January, 1857, he established the Lagrange Standard, the first paper of the county. The motto of his paper was, "Eternal Hostility to the Extension of Slavery." In 1863 he enlisted in the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, raising Company C, of which he was commissioned First Lieutenant. He was at the battle of Yicksburg at the time of Sherman's defeat, Jackson, Miss., the siege and capture of Vicksburg, second battle of Jackson, Mission Ridge. March 4, 1864, he resigned on account of failing health. He was commissioned Captain of his company June 3, 1863. When he left the regiment the ofiicers gave him the following letter, expressive of their esteem and fraternal friendship:

" Bellefonte Station, Ala., March 4, 1864. " Capt. J. K. Morrow, Coiri'pany C, One Hundredth Indiana: " Dear Sir: We have just learned of the acceptance of your resignation, which reminds us that we are to be separated from a brave soldier and true friend, and one who has shared for a long time with us the hardships and privations of a soldier's life. Your soldierly bearing and your generous heart has won for you the confidence and esteem of the officers and men of the entire regiment, and it is with much reluctance that we part with you. You will leave the field of strife, and when you retire to a quiet home, surrounded by family and friends, we trust that we will not be forgotten; that your influence will ever be on the side of right and support of our brave old flag.

lived. He has established a good record as an attorney, and has served on the bench as Jndgepro tern. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace two terms. He was married May 5, 1853, to Mary A. Coblentz, a native of Ohio, of German descent. To them have been born three children; but two are living - James H. and John M. Captain Morrow is a member of the Knights of Honor and Grand Army of the Republic.

Frank M.. Powers^ attorney at law, Angola, Ind., was born in York Township, Steuben Co., Ind., April 2, 1860, a son of Calvin and Luc}'' A. (Gilbert) Powers, his father a native of Allegany County, N. Y., and his mother of Ohio, and early settlers of Steuben County, locating in York Township in 1836. Frank M. Powers received a good education, attending the district schools of York Township, and the graded school of Angola. In 1878 he came to Angola, and while attending school began the study of law, and subsequently entered the office of WoodhuU & Croxton. He was admitted to the bar in 1881, and has since practiced in Angola. Mr. Powers is a youug man of good address and fine ability, and is building up a good practice. His courteous manners and affability make him a general favorite in society, and his close attention to business and strict integrity have won him the esteem of business circles.

Leland H. Stocher^ retired attorney, and one of the early and prominent settlers of Steuben County, was born in Windham County, Vt., May 21, 1817, a son of John and Betsey (Howard) Stocker. His mother was a sister of Rev. Leland Howard, an eminent Baptist clergyman, for whom our subject was named. Of a family of nine children eight lived till maturity. In 1833 Chester Stocker, the eldest son of the family, came to Steuben County, and entered land in Mill Grove Township, and in the spring of 1834 the father followed him and built a cabin, and the first of October the rest of the family came. His was the third cabin built in the county, and the first in Mill Grove Township. John Stocker was politically in early life a Democrat, but subsequently gave his support to the Abolition party. He and his wife were active members of the Baptist church. They both died in 1849. Leland 11. Stocker was educated in his native State, and attended the Baptist Literary and Scientific College at Brandon, founded by Rev. Hadley Proctor. He was in his junior year when he left Vermont for the West. After reaching Indiana his time was spent in clearing the land and splitting rails. The first five years he was in the county he cut and split 100,000 rails, lie then for a time ran a breaking team with his brotlier, and in 1810 abandoned the farm and began preaching for the Baptist denomination, traveling in Southern Michigan. He formed the acquaintance and became a close friend of Hon. Schuyler Colfax, who once said of him, when asked where he got his force as a speaker, ''I learned it of a little Baptist preacher in Steuben Count}'." Mr. Stocker continued preaching seven years, when, on account of hemorrhage of the lungs, he was obliged to abandon the pulpit. He took up the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in Auburn, DeKalb Coounty, in 1848. In 1856 he formed a partnership with W. I. Howard, and subsequently was a member of the firm of Stocker & Morrow three years. In 1866 he became associated with J. M. Gale, and afterward the firm was changed to Gale, Stocker & Best. He continued his law practice till 1883, when he retired to a more quiet life. Soon after his admission to the bar he was appointed Deputy Recorder and Clerk, and afterward served six years as County Auditor. Mr. Stocker was married in April, 1837, to Lucy Mallory, a native of Castleton, Yt., born in 1818. She came with her parents to Steuben County in 1836. Mr. Stocker has passed all the chairs of the Odd Fellows' order, and is a member of the Good Templars.

Stephen Powers^ attornej' at law, An<rola, Ind., was born in York Township, Steuben Co., Ind., Dec. 28, 1851, a son of Clark and Hannah (Ketchum) Powers. He received a good literary education, attending the Angola High School and the Hillsdale (Mich.) College. In 1865 he began the study of law with Woodhull & Croxton. In the winter of 186S and 1869 he taught school in the Town Hall in York Township. In 1870 he was appointed a cadet in the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, but resigned in 1871, an act he has always regretted. He then taught three years in the graded school of Fremont, and in January, 1874, went to Chicago and attended the Northwestern Law School one term. He was admitted to the bar of the Steuben Circuit Court at the September term of 1874, and Oct. 1 began his practice in Fremont, Ind. May 1, 1875, he came to Angola, and was admitted to the firm of WoodhuU & Croxton, changing the name to WoodhuU, Croxton & Powers. In the fall of 1876 Mr. WoodhuU was appointed Circuit Judge, and withdrew from the firm. A short time afterward the firm of Croxton & Powers was dissolved, and Mr. Powers practiced alone until March 17, 1877, when he formed a partnership with A. T. Bratton, which continued till September, 1878. April 1, 1883, he forined a partnership with Emmet A. Bratton, which was dissolved Aug. 8, 1884, and he is now practicing alone. He is ambitious, and bends all his energies to succeed in his profession. Oti May 20, 1885, he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Indiana. He is one of the most popular attorneys in Angola, and is regarded as a rising man by his brother practitioners. His practice has been a lucrative one, and he has a large landed estate in the county, besides considerable city property. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held several offices in the town of Angola, but does not aspire to official honors. He is an honored member of the Odd Fellows' order. Mr. Powers was married Oct. 9, 1876, to Dora Ferrier, daughter of William and Olive Ferrier, old settlers of Angola. They have one child - Clela.

Chaptek Yii Medical

Pioneer Physicians. - Union Medical Society, - Steuben County Medical Society. - Organization. - Requirements. - First Officers. - Changes in Membership. - Present Officers. - The Steuben County Medical and Surgical Society. - Organization. - First Officers. - Membership. - Sketches of Prominent Physicians of the County.

With the advaucement of civilization in*everj country, the physician has always been found in the front rank, encouraging and assisting in the education of the masses, and in the propagation of every measure intended to better and elevate the community among whom he practiced. Dr. James McConnell will ever be remembered as the pioneer physician of Steuben County. He settled in Lima, Lagrange Co., Ind., in May, 1835, and in]S"ovember 1836, came to the "Vermont settlement, "where he practiced until April, 1837, when he was elected as the first Clerk and Eecorder of the county, and located his office in the log cabin of John Stayner, on Jackson Prairie, and in the fall of the same year moved to Angola, where he continued his practice as much as the duties of his office would allow until his death in 1844. After him came his brother, Geo. W. McConnell, who is now a resident of Angola. Besides these, we find among the early physicians of the county the following well-known names: Peter "W. Ladue Madison Marsh, M. F. Morse, Alonzo P. Clark, John Moore, Love Moore, D. B. Griffin, Joyce, Pink, Stewart, Patterson, Sloss Fitzgerald, Hoopengarner, Reynolds, Hendricks, Robinson, William Southard, L. E. Carver, Drake and Carpenter, besides the two Drs. Weicht, father and son, who were homeopathists. An Union Medical Society of Steuben and De Kalb County physicians was organized about 1859 or 1860, which did not exist very long and some of the early physicians whose names we have mentioned were connected with a medical society in Lagrange County. No record exists, however, of these.

This society owes its existence to a few physicians who, imbued with a spirit of progress, published a call in the Steuben Republican of July 18, 1863, to the physicians of Steuben County, Ind., to meet at the court-house at Angola, for the purpose of organizing a medical society. This call was signed by W. Alphonso Wood, C. D. Rice, H. L. Smith and Hugh D. Wood. Pursuant to this call, a meeting was held in the court-house July 30, 1863, and the society organized by the following physicians: W. Alphonso Wood, C. D. Eice, H. L. Smith, Hugh D. Wood, J. J. Hoopengarner and J. W. Badger. The society was to be auxiliary to and under the control of the Indiana State Medical Society, and its object the advancement of medical knowledge, the elevation of professional character, the protection of the interests of its members, the extension of *the bounds of medical science, and the promotion of all measures adopted for the relief of the suffering. To become a member, it was necessary to be a graduate in medicine of a respectable medical school, a licentiate of any regularly organized medical societ}'^, or to have a certificate of qualification to practice medicine from the Board of Censors, as well as to be in good moral and professional standing. The first ofiicers of the Steuben County Medical Society were: W. Alphonso Wood, President; Hugh D. Wood, Vice-President; Cornelius Dalford Eice, Secretary; and J. J. Hoopengarner, Treasurer.

Believing that the best interests of the medical profession in Steuben County demanded the organization of a society in which the free expression of thought on the various topics in medicine and surgery would not only be tolerated but encouraged, and that by the exchange and encouragement of a true friendship they could aid one another, the following-named phj^sicians assembled at Granger's Hall, Angola, Ind., April 4, 1876. for the purpose of forming such an organization: Drs. J. L. Hagerty, of Fremont; T. B. Williams and W. H. Waller, of Angola; T. C. Frary, of Pleasant Lake; H. Petree, of Hamilton; S. H. Fuller, of Fremont, and E. A. Swan, of Eay. The society was organized by adopting a constitution auxiliary to that of the Indiana State Medical Society, and elected the following ofiicers: President, J. L. Hagerty; y ice-President, T. C. Frary; Secretary, W. H. Waller;

Treasurer, T. B. Williams; Censors, A, E. Swan, H. Petree and S. H. Fuller. Since the organization of this society the following have become members: 1^. B. McNabb, S. Scofield, T. M. Sullivan, Welker, J. Merry, D. C. Mitchell, D. N. E. Brown, McIIenry, G. J. Wilder, Woodcox, Ayers and M. R. Ransburg. The society has not met for a year or more, and its future is uncertain.

The society has lost the following: Drs. J. H. Beach (died), T. B. Williams, Theodore Mc Nabb, J. L. Hagerty, W. H. Waller, J. B. Blue (died), J. H. Stough (in Nebraska), R. F. Lipes (in Allen County), Charles Bates (died), John Brown (in Michigan), Frank Willett (in Michigan), Frank M. Crain (in Dakota), M. F. Crain (in Dakota), C. C. Cutter (died), S. L. Dart (died), and Dr. Snooks (died).

The present officers are: Lyman Abbott, President; M. Y. Ransburg, Yice-President; Hugh D. Wood, Sec; E. B. Simmons, Treas. ; T. F. Wood, S. H. Fuller and D. B. Griffin, Censors.