Clay County, Missouri - Chapter 18: Organized Medicine in Clay County, 1920

FOXINDBD IN 1854 - SECOND OLDEST IN THE STATE - EARLY MEETINGS - QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP - OBJECTS - MEMBERSHIP FEE - FIRST OFFICERS - INVENTION AND DISCOVERY INVITED - CIVIL WAR - INTEREST - IN THE WORLD WAR - "EVERY MAN A VOLUNTEER" - DISTINGUISHED SERVICESERVICE AT HOME - AUXILIARY DEFENSE COMMITTEE - NECROLOGY OF MEMBERS - DOCTOR ALLEN - PRESENT OFFICP^RS.

The Clay County Medical Association was so named, before the less ponderous word "society" was in general use. It is the second oldest medical organization in the state, being founded in 1854, according to the best available data. It is therefore, in its sixty-sixth year of progress, and yields only to the St. Louis Medical Society in point of age.

When we consider the sturdy parentage of this institution, we are not amazed at its long life. It was bom in the pioneer days, when strength of character, and ruggedness of frame were the prime essentials of progress. It was a time when "the going was hard" figuratively and literally. Meetings were to be attended monthly, and comprehended a journey over roads that defied the points of the compass, and often challenged the most persistent depth-soundings. But your pioneer physician was no weakling; he smiled at the idea of fatigue, and the modem essential of rest was not thought of, when the star of duty blazed, far out in the distance.

expressed in the first by-laws, was "A reputable physician of Clay County, Missouri." Reputation was the sole requisite. It embodied graduation from an established institution of medical learning, with a character that knew no accusing finger. To "fall from gi'ace" meant charges preferred, calm deliberation, and certain expulsion, if the charges were sustained. Probation, or the smearing over, or counsel with the unethical malefactor, were unknown and unthinkable.

The objects of the association were comprehensive: "To constitute a representative body of the regular profession of Clay County, which may advance the interests, and encourage the unity and harmonious action of the profession ; to suppress empiricism as much as possible ; to restrict the privilege of practicing the profession of medicine to qualified graduates; to develop talent; to stimulate medical invention and discovery, and to maintain our rights and immunities as medical men."

In the opinion of the writer, it is doubtful, if there is a preamble in the English language that is nearer Blackstonian in diction than this.

The financial requirement assessed by our founders, was one dollar annual dues from each member: A society with an annual revenue of from seven to ten dollars, probably cut no melons in dividends. But those were days when the silver dollar was oftener singular than plural, and gave more distinction, being viewed in the light of a curiosity, or of a family keepsake.

The first official roster is dim and yellow with age ... It tells us that Dr. W. A. Morton was the first president; no vice-president is mentioned ; Dr. Stephen Ritchie was secretary. The charter members were, Drs. J. M. Allen, Joseph Wood, and Drs. Snail, Gorin, Major, Garlichs, and Everett. The monthly meeting-place was Liberty, the county seat. It may be said, that, in this early day, the country was infested with conjurers, "yarb-doctors" and other sajtellites of ignorance and supei'stition, who were "Jest naterally bawn with knowin' how to cure all kinds of misery" - and it was against such importers that educated physicians wielded the scimiter and the lance, - and the battle is not over to this day.

Medical invention and discovery were indeed invited. Many a keen and discerning mind, read the suffering face, and analyzed the doubtful symptom . . . Many an alert finger searched the wavering pulse, and, at the next meeting of the society, the language of suffering was trans- lated into methods of successful procedure. It is to be regretted that the deeds of these noblemen were not chiselled into the imperishable rock, that the record might be a source of perpetual stimulus to their successors.

The period of the Civil War wa.s not a favorable one for undisturbed medical reflection. But the Clay Count}'' Medical Society was not forgotten on the tented field, or within the crude hospitals of the dread conflict. And, when it was over, meetings were resumed, and re-organization perfected. Experiences in war-surgery were adapted to the restoration of civilian accidents, and the progress of "medical invention and discovery halted not, in its trend onward and upward."

Membership and enthusiasm are the chief essentials to the success of any medical organization. There are times, when both are hard to maintain, hence there were intervals when attendance upon, and interest in the meetings languished, - but never died. Speaking of this to one of our older members some months ago, he said:

"There was a time, when I was president, secretary, general manager, and quorum of this thing, and we did business right along." Spirit of that sort will live forever!

The writer has watched the proceedings of this society for over a quarter of a century, which probably accounts for the many words in this article in its behalf. The secretary is considered the man at the throttle, whether justly so or not, I cannot say. Among the secretaries of the society who should go down in history, I may mention Dr. John H. Rothwell, of Liberty, who served for many faithful years. Not only did he bear the shortcomings of the membership, if there were any, but he also bore the expen.ses . . Then came Dr. J. F. Matthews, also of Liberty, who did the same thing for two decades, more or less. Dr. Matthews became honored with the presidency of the State Boai'd of Health, and soon was loaded "to the guards" with war work, which compelled him to practically sun-ender his practice, in the service of his country. The only apparent reason for a change of secretaries, when the writer was elected, some six years ago, was the humane desire to shift the burden to new, if not younger shoulders.

When the serenity of "Old Gloiy" was menaced by the threat of a dangerous foe, the Clay County Medical Society sprang to arms as one man! Sometimes it takes war to show the stuff of which the civilian is made. "Every man a volunteer" became the slogan of the Clay County medical profession. The true M. D. does not need conscription when duty calls. I consider it an honor to name the following participants in the recent unparalleled war. Would that a better historian than I might have this privilege!

Dr. George M. Dagg, of North Kansas City, sen'ed during the entire war, was decorated with the Croix de Guerre and medals for distinguished service. Dr. Burton Maltby, of Liberty, participated in the surgery of the awful conflict, and won medals for bravery in America's cause. Dr. H. O. Leinhardt, of North Kansas City, one of the first to enlist, rendered efiicient sei-vice. Dr. John F. Grace, after intensive training, embarked, and did not come back "till it was over, over there." Excelsior Springs is proud of Dr. Grace. Di-. Roy H. Milligan, of Kearney, was one of the brave young men, who locked his office, without a word, and risked his life for America, in the American Expeditionary Forces, now famous.

None the less patriotic, and none the less desen'^ing of our country's gratitude, were the boys who were ready to sail when the armistice was flashed over the wires:

With the rank of captain, Dr. J. E. Musgi-ave trained in Fort Riley and Camp Pike; Dr. Young D. Craven, at Lea\enworth and Camp Dix; Dr O. C. O'kell at Leavenworth and Camp Zachary Taylor; Dr. J. Ed. Baird, at Camp Oglethorpe; Dr. E. L. Parker, at Fort Riley; Lieutenant Dr. Andrew Grace trained at Fort Riley, and served regular at Salt Lake University; Dr. Roy W. Prather at Fort Riley - all the above from Excelsior Springs.

From Smithville, Dr. E. C. Hill took intensive training at Camp Kearney; Dr. Howard Calvert, ready at his country's call, trained at Fort Riley; Dr. S. R. McCracken, then a senior medical student, joined the medical resei-ve corps, and was transferred to an army medical training school ; was on duty when the armistice was signed. Dr. George A. McCulloch trained at Fort Riley, from Excelsior Springs. And last but not least. Dr. G. P. Alton, of Gashland, served in the medical corps, with honors, until the close of the war.

As may be imagined, the drain upon medical service in the wellpopulated areas was heavy, and the men, women, and children at home, were faced with a shortage of physicians. And the healthful clijnate of Clay County became saturated with the deadly gemis of influenza.

The entire population was in danger. Thousands were stricken. It was then that the true physician battled, even beyond his strength. Gray heads and pudgy forms were traversing the country roads day and night, because duty demanded. These men were patriots as well:

At Liberty - Dr. E. H. Miller, in addition to his practice, was president of the Medical Advisory Board ; Dr. J. H. Rothwell, Dr. R. E. Sevier, members of Advisory Board ; Dr. W. H. Goodson, Dr. W. L. Wysong, and Dr. W. N. Cuthbertson, who ser*ved continuously on the "Local Board" during the entire war period.

At Holt - Dr. H. L. Tadlock ; at Nashua, Dr. E. E. Peterson ; at Smithville. Dr. J. F. Rupe, Dr. Wicker and Dr. R. J. Woods; at North Kansas City, Dr. H. M. Dagg, and I must acknowledge here, that if I have omitted any name, it has been solely because of my limited capacity, in obtaining data.

It remains to fuithei' illustrate the completeness of the Clay County Medical Society's war organization, for me to give the personnel of the Auxuliary Medical Defense Committee:

In Excelsior Spi'ings - Drs. H. J. Clark, E. C. Robichaux, Dr. J. E. Baird, J. T. Rice, J. J. Gaines, C. H. Suddarth. In Liberty - Drs. E. H. Miller, J. H. Rothwell, R. E. Sevier, W. H. Goodson, and W. N. Cuthbertson ; F. H. Matthews. In Kearney - Drs. Rowell and J. W. Epler.

Many of the above quota of Medical Defense men and members of the Volunteer Medical Service Corps, held from one to four positions on the various war boards, without a single slacker or drafted man.

The necrology of the Clay County Medical Society must not be omitted in a history of this character. These men still live in the memories of their successors: Drs. J. M. Allen, M. A. Ashley, A. C. Major, R. E. Montgomeiy, A. C. Donovan, and J. T. Rice - these in the more recent years. May we open the door on the more remote past? Dr. W. J. Yates, Kearney ; Dr. S. N. Denham, Kearney ; Dr. W. Porterfield, Kearney ; Dr. Y. Pinkston, Missouri City; Dr. J. L. Mizener, Smithville, Dr. Jones, Barry ; Dr. Marsh, Liberty ; Dr. Samuel Sheetz, of Greenville, and Drs. Posey, Chapman and Harrison, of Missouri City, must not be omitted

Doctor J. M. Allen. For seventy-seven years, an active, pulsating figure in the profession of medicine. Courageous to the last, handsome of face, splendid of figure, towering in character, would that this poor pen could add one scintilla to the memory of his excellence! How many owe their lives to his dauntless energy and skill ! How many of his students owe their successful lives to inspiration of contact with him! The wi'iter acknowledges both . . . And it is on personal responsibility that we assert that Dr. J. M. Allen did more to elevate the profession of medicine, and more for the Clay County Medical Society than any man of his time! He sought positions of high character, lived up to them to the letter . . . And his memory will never die - those who knew and loved him number many thousands ... I cannot say more.

The present membei-ship of the Clay County Medical Association is made up of thirty-nine participating physicians. The official roster for 1920 is, president, Dr. R. H. Milligan; vice-president. Dr. W. H. Goodson; secretary-treasurer. Dr. J. J. Gaines ; censors, Drs. Burton Maltby, W. J. James, and W. H. Goodson. The meetings are held monthly, alternating between Liberty and Excelsior Springs, the last Monday evening in each month.

All of the illustrious founders of the society, have imssed into that peaceful realm, where the foes of human happiness no longer defy them . . . But, sometimes, when the lights burn low in the council chamber, fi-om out of the shadows and the silence, beloved faces, and strangelyfamiliar voices seem to emanate, and to add an indescribable sweetness to the hour.