Nodaway County, Missouri - Chapter 14: The Medical Profession of the County, 1910

Chapter 14: The Medical Profession of the County

The surgeon and family doctor hold a position of great responsibility in any given community, having, as they do, the lives and health of men, women and children in their hands. As much as the medicine prescribed by them is disliked and with all the hard things said of the medical profession at large, and as little as the physicians are appreciated when one is in the happy possession of good health, yet when the fevered brow and quickened pulse is felt, when life looks dark and all seems full of doubt and gloom, it is then that the good physician is called and duly appreciated, for he understands just what is needed to place the sick man in possession of good health and happiness again. The followers of Galen have ever been in the vanguard of civilization, to visit the sick chamber and restore life and strength to those languishing on beds of sickness. They have braved the storms of mid-winter and the torrid heat of the long summer months, in the settlement of all new countries, when, on horseback, they have made their long, tedious journeys over hill and dale, through angry streams and over desolate wastes, in order to reach and relieve the suffering sick.

The science of medicine in the last half century has made rapid advance¬ ment, and in surgery the last twenty-five years has almost revolutionized the science. The great colleges, hospitals and universities have educated a vast army of capable men who have progressed to a point where the diseases once thought almost incurable have come to be looked upon as simple in treatment. The per cent, of cases lost now is comparatively small to what it was in pio¬ neer days. Every county owes much to the good, faithful physician, who often goes unpaid for his services, but never refuses to administer to the needs of those in distress.

Coming down to the physicians of Nodaway county, Missouri, let it be said that they have ranked well among the fraternity with all the sister counties in Missouri. There are still living and practicing within the county several of the old pioneer physicians and surgeons, at least two who have prac¬ ticed for forty years - -Doctors Dean and Wallis. These older physicians well recall the days when modern anaesthetics were unknown to the world. Pain had to be endured by the sick and wounded person, for the science of medicine had not yet discovered a remedy, at once easy to administer and safe. The doctor found much difficulty in administering many medicines, because of their bad taste and crude preparation. But now most all remedies are given in fluid extracts, syrups and tablets that even an infant does not revolt at. The present specifics and serums for diphtheria and other contagious disorders were then not known and the result was that a larger per centum of cases proved fatal than now. In surgery, still greater has been the progress. The early surgeons had to put up with the simple appliances, such as wood splints in the setting of a fracture. The pioneer doctors, however, declare that even with no competent person to assist them, and but little with which to work, yet they % succeeded in doing quite satisfactory surgical work, but it usually taxed their utmost patience and ingenuity. The best class of physicians today (even the oldest in the practice) look forward to greater discoveries in the science of medicine, and believe that another generation may find as much advancement as has the present over the past decades.

Early Physicians

Without regard to the location in which they have practiced medicine in Nodaway county, but with some special reference as to their alphabetical ar¬ rangement, the following is supposed to be a list of the majority of those who have practiced in the county. From the earliest settlement down to about 1880, the following may be mentioned. It is not now positively known who was the first physician, but doubtless Dr. David M. Irwin, of the Hughes township pioneer settlement, was among if not the first to practice. He came in 1843. Dr. Josiah Coleman, of Pickering vicinity, was also very early, and of him later mention is made. Doctor Bishop, of Sweet Home, also ranked early. Those who have practiced longest in the county are Drs. J. W. Dean and William M. Wallis now of Maryville (see sketches elsewhere).

Dr. E. W. Bishop located at Sweet Home and enjoyed an active practice in that section of the county. He had served as a soldier in the Confederate army.

Rev. Thomas Bennett. M. D., who located on section 31, with Bradyville, Iowa, as his postoffice, was a native of England, born near London, in April,

1808. He was educated in his native land and when fifteen years of age chose the profession of medicine. In 1827 he embarked for this country and was appointed surgeon to the vessel on which he took passage. He landed at Philadelphia and settled at Pottsville, where he remained about three years. He later moved to Clinton county. Illinois, and in 1862 moved to Montgomery county, where he resided until the spring of 1880, then removed to Nodaway county- He practiced medicine always after coming to America and met with much professional success. Besides the medical profession, he was also a minister of the gospel, being of the Christian denomination. He married and became the father of nine children. He was still practicing in this county in 1882.

Dr. Charles D. Black was the son of a minister in Virginia. In 1851 young Black removed to Hancock county, Illinois, where he passed his youth, receiving his education in Knox county. He chose the medical profession for his life work and entered into the homeopathic school of medicine, locating' in 1868 at Bloomfield, Iowa. About 1870, on account of failing health, he practically abandoned the practice of medicine and became a resident of Mis¬ souri, owning a half section of land in Nodaway county, besides two hundred acres in Iowa. He engaged extensively in fancy stock farming and kept many fine premium animals, including fine grades of Durham cattle. He was a member of the Christian church and politically voted with the Republican party.

Dr. J. P. Barron, physician and surgeon, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1844. He began the study of medicine when young and in 1864 enlisted in the Second Kentucky Regiment, and was with General Sherman on his G famous "March to the Sea." He acted as one of the General's escort at the surrender of the Confederate forces. From 1867 to 1869 he was engaged in the mercantile business. During two years after he quit that business, he I bought and shipped horses and mules. In 1871 he came to Missouri, settling I at Graham, Nodaway county, and devoting his spare moments, when not en- < gaged at work for the firm of McQuary Brothers, to the study of medicine. In 1877 he entered the Keokuk (Iowa) Medical College, from which insti¬ tution he graduated in June, 1878. He returned to Graham and commenced his active medical practice. In 1882 he was still practicing and had built up a lucrative practice in his section of Nodaway county. In church connection he was of the Christian denomination. He was married and the father of three sons.

Dr. W. E. Burtch was born in Oxford county, Canada, in 1842 and com¬ pleted his education at the University of Toronto, from which he graduated in 1859. He studied medicine in Woodstock, Canada, with Dr. Fred Scott, who later became a surgeon in the United States army. After two thorough courses at the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, he graduated in 1866, and settled in Fillmore, Andrew county, Missouri, in 1866. He lived there six years, locating in Nodaway county in the autumn of 1881, or rather at Mait¬ land, Holt county, but practiced in Nodaway and Holt counties.

Dr. H. M. Carver, of Guilford, this county, was here in 1866 and had already built up a good practice. He was elected treasurer of Nodaway county, moved to Maryville and died there some years later.

Dr. S. V. Campbell was a physician of Maryville in the eighties and for a number of years enjoyed a good practice. He is long since deceased.

Dr. Josiah Coleman, of Pickering present town site, owned at an early day the land on which the town now stands. His spacious farm house was within the limits of the newly-laid-out village and was converted into a hotel. He was married thrice and was the father of about twenty children. He came at an early time and in 1874 moved to St. Toseph, where he practiced and there died. He was captain of a military company here and drew a pension of seventy-five dollars a month. He served this county as its repre¬ sentative in the State Legislature in the seventies. He was not a regular medical graduate, but had considerable common case practice and was fairly successful.

Dr. Spencer Codings, who practiced at the village of Elmo, this county, war a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, born in 1828. and when four years of age accompanied his parents to Putnam county. Indiana, where he was reared" and educated. He attended the excellent public schools of Greencastle (now the seat of old Asbury University) and when about nineteen years of age entered the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa. In the fall of 1848 he began the practice of medicine in Mercer county, Missouri, where he con¬ tinued until 1862, after which he practiced medicine at various places until 1873, when he came to Nodaway county, locating at Lamar Station, where he remained until 1878. when he took a trip overland to California. He also visited the British Isles. He returned and resumed his practice at Lamar Sta¬ tion. continued until 1880, when he located in Lincoln township. In church affiliations the Doctor was of the Church of God, as was also his wife.

reared in Pennsylvania and Ohio. At the age of nineteen, he began the study of medicine at Magadore, Ohio, where he remained two years and better, when he attended lectures at the Cleveland (Ohio) Medical College, and sub¬ sequently graduated from St. Joseph's College of Physicians and Surgeons. When twenty-three years old he emigrated to Iowa and commenced the med¬ ical practice at Doniphan, that state. From there he moved to Taylor county, Iowa, practiced three years, and in 1881 went to Gaynor City, Nodaway county, Missouri, where he was still practicing in the early eighties. He also conducted and owned a fine drug store at his home town (Gaynor City) and in this role was also very successful. He is now deceased.

Dr. F. M. Davis practiced at Quitman into the eighties, at least. He was of the regular school of practice and stood high among his fellow physicians. He died many years since.

Dr. S. M. Dunn, of Maryville, was born in Jasper county, Indiana, in 1830, a son of quite a noted physician. The family moved to Illinois, where young Dunn spent his youthful days on a farm. Early in life, however, he commenced the study of medicine with his father as a tutor. In 1852 he re¬ moved to Polk county, Iowa, settling at Carlisle. After about one year he moved to Decatur county, Iowa, where he held the office of county clerk for four years. He attended medical lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduating in 1862. In 1863 he came to Maryville, Missouri, where he was accounted an honorable and successful physician for many years. ^ He wg& elected to the faculty of the Northwestern Medical College, in St. Joseph. Missouri. V

Dr. J. W. Dean, of Maryville, one of the pioneers in medicine in Nod¬ away county, is still in active practice, in company with his son. The Doctor has been practicing longer than any man now living within this county. He is a native of Gosport, Owen county, Indiana, born February 20, 1842. His parents were both natives of Kentucky. The Doctor was reared to manhood in the land of his birth, receiving his education at old Asbury (now DePamv) University of Greencastle, Indiana, and when eighteen years of age com¬ menced the study of medicine at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which institution he graduated in January, 1863. He then was appointed assistant surgeon in the Sixty-seventh Indiana Regiment and went to Vicksburg, Miss¬ issippi. While on duty there, he was taken ill and returned home. In the fall of 1863 he took a course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, grad¬ uating in March, 1864. He commenced practice then in Gosport, Indiana, continuing until September 7, ]868, when he emigrated West, arriving at Maryville, Missouri, September 9th of that year, having to travel by stage coach from Savannah, Missouri. He built up a fine practice and continued in the same until 1879, when he was again taken sick and obliged to quit his medical practice. For many years he gave special attention and personal supervision over a large stock farm, where he raised thoroughbred cattle. His farm was near the city limits and he was for a number of years quite successful and enjoyed the work of caring for the many fine animals his farm was stocked with. Later, however, the business was not so profitable and, having somewhat regained his health, he resumed the practice of his chosen profession at Maryville, where he has regained his former large practice and been highly successful, having at this date his son for his partner in practice. The weight of years, his failing health and the many long years of professional exposure, in all kinds of weather, over all kinds of bad roads, have pressed heavily on him and at this date his practice is limited to his office work largely, assisted by his son. Many of the doctors of this county look up to him as a father. He has seen many come and go, with the passing of his more than forty years in Nodaway county. The Doctor is an exemplary citizen, a worthy' 'members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Maryville and also connected with the various fraternal societies of his day and generation. 1 'e has ,k>ng been an important factor in the Nodaway Medical Society. c 1 Dr. Janies Evans was a successful practitioner at Burlington Junction m tlie-ejghties, possibly in that community a little earlier.

Dr. Thomas C. Ellis, who was known both as a doctor and extensive agri¬ culturist in this section of Missouri, retired early in the eighties. He was born in Kentucky in 1821, and in 1843 went to Buchanan county, Missouri. He received his education at the best schools in old Kentucky. He took up medicine in Buchanan county, this state, and practiced at St. Joseph very suc¬ cessfully for a number of years. He attended the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating with high honors in the winter of 1853. He followed his profession in Andrew county, at Amazonia, for five years and in Savannah one year. In March, 1855, he came to White Cloud township, this county, and purchased a large farm, on which he lived many years. He prac¬ ticed very successfully for more than thirty years. But few, if indeed any.

had a better local reputation than did Doctor Ellis. In 1872 he was nomi¬ nated for the State Legislature of Missouri and was defeated by but a few votes. In 1878 he was nominated by acclamation for the same position, and was elected bv a large majority. He served as a lawmaker with faithfulness to his constituents. During the long period of his practice in Missouri, he wove about him a web of true friendship, seldom the lot of any man, in or outside of his profession.

Dr. Bourne G. Ford, who located in Maryville in 1853, was born in 1824. in Pulaski county, Kentucky, near Somerset. His father, at one time very wealthy, was a leading man of the county. The subject of this memoir spent his youthful days on his father's farm or plantation. After securing a good common school training and higher branches, he studied medicine with Dr. William Stone, a celebrated physician of his native town. After finishing his studies he commenced the medical practice in his home neighborhood. In the spring of 1850 he crossed the plains to California, where he remained eight months. While there he was afflicted with inflammatory rheumatism, so that he was unable to follow his practice as a physician. He then retraced his steps to his native state and resumed his practice there, continuing until 1 853, when he came to Nodaway county. After three years in the medical practice at Maryville, he removed to the present site of Barnard, where he bought a mill property, which he superintended two or more years. He then returned to Maryville, continuing the practice of his profession until i860, when he was elected county clerk of Nodaway county, holding such position seven years, virtually resigning it during Civil war times, Joseph Jacksc 3 succeeding him in that office. Having accumulated considerable property, he retired and went into business, including the manufacture of brick, and erected many buildings. In 1875 he was elected a justice of the peace and was re-elected in 1877, holding the position at the time of his death, Septem¬ ber 1, 1878. From the many local paper notices at the time of the Doctor's death, the following may here fittingly be inserted : "It can truthfully be said that B. G. Ford was a man respected by all who knew him. Honest himself, he believed all others to be so, and hence could be easily imposed upon. He had large benevolence, and any object of charity, if in his opinion worthy, could command the last farthing in his pocket. His was a tender, generous heart, always open and susceptible to appeals for sympathy."

Doctor Gaines came to the county in the time of the Civil war and prac¬ ticed until about 1866; but little can be learned of him as a doctor.

Dr. Marcus A. Gaugh, who practiced at Clearmont, this county, was a / native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born in 1850. When he was six years of age his parents removed to Iowa, settling at Sioux City, where he was reared to man's estate. When eighteen years old he began the study of medicine under Doctor Long, of St. Joseph. Missouri, with whom he re¬ mained nine years. He graduated from the Hospital Medical College of that city, and later began the practice of his profession at St. Joseph, continuing four years, after which he removed to Clearmont, this county, where he lived to build up a large practice and became a well-trained and widely known physician.

Dr. Jesse N. Goodson, physician and surgeon of more than passing note at Clearmont, this county, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1846. He began the study of medicine in Tolona, Missouri, and entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, from which well-known in¬ stitution he graduated. He went to Clearmont in 1875. He became a promi¬ nent doctor in his section and was honored by many offices in the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities. He served in the One Hundred and Eightyeighth Ohio Regiment during the Civil conflict. He is now supposed to be practicing at Kansas City.

Dr. B. F. Goodson, who conducted a drug store and practiced medicine at Gaynor Citv, this county, was born in Clinton countv, Ohio, in i8si. He came' to Lewis county, Missouri, when sixteen years of age. He spent his youth on a farm and obtained a good common school education and then en¬ tered the State Normal School at Kirksville. and commenced the study of medicine in 1873. Later he entered and graduated from the Keokuk Medical ^College in Iowa, leaving there in 1877. That fall he came to Nodaway county, stopped a short time at Pickering, then located in Gaynor City, prac¬ ticing until 1881, then moved to Hopkins and purchased the residence prop¬ erty of Doctor Dawes. He enjoyed a good practice at Hopkins. He is de¬ ceased.

Dr. J. T. Glaze practiced at the village of Wilcox several years. He was a native of Washington county, Iowa, born July 14, 1855, being a son of James Glaze. Young Glaze spent his youth in Washington county and there took advantage of the most excellent public schools. In 1874 he entered Howe's Academy at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he remained until 1876, then entered Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at Burlington. Iowa.

In the autumn of the year last mentioned he began the study of medicine under Dr. C. Brown, of Keokuk, and Dr. J. Hull, of Bellevue Hospital, New York. He also attended lectures at the Iowa State University Medical School and in the spring of 1880 attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago. He commenced practice at Ely, Iowa, continuing until the fall of 1880, when he again attended the Iowa State Medical College, graduating from the same on March 4, 1881. He then located at Wilcox, Missouri, en¬ tering into partnership with G. H. Booth in the drug trade at that point. In January, 1882, the Doctor was appointed postmaster of his town and con¬ tinued in practice in that community.

Dr. H. M. Hutt, of Skidmore, was another of the doctors of this county who was still in active practice in 1883 and met with excellent success and was popular among a large circle of people in his locality.

Dr. M. R. Hackedorn, of Maryville, was a native of Ohio, born in 1848. the son of Dr. N. E. Hackedorn, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in his young manhood. The young doctor was reared in Crawford county, Ohio, obtaining a good common school education, after which he en¬ tered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. Ohio. He commenced to study medicine under his father and later entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, in New York, from which he graduated in 1870. He was in company with his father three years, after which he practiced in Cleveland. Ohio, coming to Maryville, Missouri, in 1874. He possessed great professional pride and courtesy and was well liked by the fraternity. From 1875 011 f°r several years, he was United States examining surgeon for Nodaway county. He was a Mason; was married and had several interesting children. He is deceased.

Dr. T. J. Hunt was another one of the physicians of Nodaway county who practiced with much skill and success in the eighties. He was located at Maryville, beginning in 1877 to practice there. He was a native of New York state, born in Orange county, in 1823; was educated in the Empire state and attended school until almost a full grown man. He took up medicine when but seventeen years of age. He attended the Medical Institute of New Jersey, and in 1847 moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he remained one year, then located in Madison, that state. He was of the homeopathic school. He practiced in Madison until 1861, then moved to Worth county, Iowa, where he introduced this system of medical treatment. He remained there until 1877, then came to Maryville, Missouri, practiced one year and, on account of failing health, retired from his profession. In 1880 he moved to Burling¬ ton Junction, where he engaged in the grocery trade for a number of years. He was a Methodist and formed the first Sabbath school in Northwood, Iowa. He took much interest in educational matters and was many years on various school boards. In lodge affairs he was a Mason and Good Templar.

Dr. W. C. Hughes, of Hopkins, was another one of the physicians who was still in active practice in Nodaway county in the early eighties, but is now deceased.

Dr. Charles Impey, physician and druggist at Skidmore in the eighties, was a native of Andrew county, Missouri, born January 6, 1853, being the second son of Dr. Francis Impey. The father was a native of Ireland, born in 1821, coming to America in 1840. He was a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College in 1844, and settled in Ray county, Missouri, in the same year, and came to Andrew county in 1846. The son, Dr. Charles Impey, moved with his parents in 1862 to St. Joseph, where he attended school some two or more years, the family removing to Ray county in 1864. He then went to St. Louis, in which city he remained until 1867, then returned to his father's home, his mother having died in 1865. The father was then in Netv Market, Platte county. There he attended the Monroe high school one year, going back to his native county in 1868 and in 1872 graduated at Bryant's Commercial College, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Charles read medi¬ cine with his father in Fillmore and Andrew counties until the autumn of 1872, then entered the St. Louis Medical College. He graduated from the Louisville Medical College, of Kentucky, in the spring of 1874, then com¬ menced practice in this county, at Graham, removing in the fall of 1880 to Skidmore, where he opened a drug store in connection with his medical prac¬ tice. In his newly chosen field, both in the practice of his chosen profession and as a druggist, he did an excellent business and became well and favorably known as a man of learning and upright business principles. He is now de¬ ceased.

Dr. Charles D. Koch, of Maryville, was born in Clinton, Louisiana, in 1849, son of Gerard and Josephine Koch, natives of Germany. He was reared in his native town until seventeen years of age, receiving an academic educa¬ tion. In 1867 he went to St. Joseph, where he secured a position in a drug store, at the same time commenced reading medicine. Later he attended the St. Louis Medical College, graduating in March, 1873. He then practiced with his preceptor in St. Joseph for about one year. In September, 1874, he came to Maryville and here established a good practice. In the early eighties his practice had come to be large and his skill was known among the people and also his ability was confirmed by the best medical men of Nodaway county. He is a member of White Cloud Lodge of Odd Fellows. He married Sophia Jensen in 1876; she was a native of Copenhagen, Denmark. One son was born of this union, Charles Adolph. Dr. Koch is still in active practice.

Dr. J. M. Larrabee was another quite prominent physician in the city of Maryville - perhaps more so from the fact that he abandoned the "regular" school of medicine and adopted that of homeopathy. He was a native of Mississippi, born May 30, 1824, a son of Judge Aaron Larrabee. His father was also a large planter and well known in Louisiana, having emigrated there from France when a young man. Young Larrabee attended select schools in New Orleans, after which he took up the study of medicine. In due course of time he entered the Louisiana Medical University, from which institution he graduated in the spring of 1846. The same autumn he ac¬ companied Gen. Winfield Scott's army to Mexico as a physician and surgeon, was at the battle of Vera Cruz, and served through the war with Mexico until its close, then returned to his native state. LTpon the opening of the Civil war in this country, his sympathies naturally being with the people of the South, he entered the Confederate army as first regimental surgeon in the army of the Tennessee. Later, he was made division surgeon, serving until the end of the Rebellion. He then located in Adams county, Illinois and practiced his profession for more than seven years, then came to Mis¬ souri. After a short sojourn in different places, in January, 1879, he became a resident of Maryville. For a quarter of a century the Doctor adhered to the practice of allopathic remedies, but after a careful study and full delibera¬ tion, he forsook the regular school of medicine and adopted that of homeop¬ athy. He was a successful practitioner in this part of Missouri, and was con¬ ceded to be one of the most learned scholars and physicians in Maryville. He was an entertaining and pleasing gentleman. He was a member of the West¬ ern Academic University of Homeopathy and the Missouri Institute of Homeopathy. He was a Mason in his lodge connections.

Dr. I. A. Lanning won fame in Nodaway county as an herb doctor. He located at what was later named Lanning's Mills in 1866 and was here possi¬ bly earlier than this, but certainly was here at that date. He was an odd character, but had considerable knowledge of medicine and adhered strictly to the use of roots and herbs in the treatment of all manner of diseases. He is now deceased.

Dr. J. S. McAdow was a physician at Barnard in the late seventies and early eighties. But little can be learned of his practice, but it is known that he is deceased.

Dr. E. M. Manning, who practiced at Ouitman a long time, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1839, the son of a minister of the Lutheran church, moving to Zanesville in 1839, and from there, in 1856, to Van Buren county, Iowa. Young Manning's youth was spent in Ohio, where his educa¬ tion was largely obtained. He first commenced the study of the science of medicine with Dr. J. M. Norris, at Birmingham, Iowa, with whom he re¬ mained two years, then studied at Savannah, Missouri, with Dr. P. Z. Cassel. In July, 1861, he enlisted as a member of the Second Iowa Infantry Regi¬ ment, but was soon appointed hospital steward and received a commission as surgeon of the Missouri State Militia. He resigned in 1864 and began the practice of medicine at Rochester, Andrew county, Missouri. He grad¬ uated from the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati in 1865. In 1868 he moved to Quitman, Nodaway county. He was a man of a family and both he and his estimable wife were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Dr. James Woods Morgan was one of the famous Civil war characters from Missouri and from Nodaway county. He had much to do in connec¬ tion with putting down the Rebellion and for this reason, if for no other, his name must here have more than a passing notice. The Doctor was born in Shelby county, Indiana, in 1834 and in the autumn of 1841 he accompanied his parents to Missouri ; they settled on a farm tract four miles southwest of Maryville. He received a common school education, having to walk most of the time almost three miles to the pioneer country school house. He com¬ menced the study of medicine in the later months of 1854 with Drs. J. V. A. Woods and B. G. Ford. He took up the practice of medicine at Graham, this county, July 3, 1859. He continued there until July 3, 1861. the first year of the great Civil war period. He was then driven off by the Confederate soldiers and went to "Dodely's" and bushwhacked in the Home Guards until the provisional government of Missouri was formed and in September of that year he was mustered into the six-months service under the call of Governor Gamble. He was commissioned first lieutenant in the State Troops. He served later in the Hax-House Hospital; in 1862 enlisted in the Fourth Regular Regiment of Missouri State Volunteers, commanded by Col George H. Hall. He was given permission to raise ten regiments of cavalry for scouting purposes. He saw duty in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Indian Territory. He served as provost on guard duty at St. Joseph and was sent home on sick leave; rejoined his command at Marshfield, Missouri, and in the summer of 1862 was again placed on detached service as assistant provost marshal by Brigadier-General Brown. It became his duty to organize the State Militia into companies, as such officers became staff officers of the commanding general. It was his duty to dispel the rebel sympathizers. All were by him required to take oath of loyalty and give heavy bonds to keep such obligations. His work was so well done that the Confederates looked upon him as a second edition of "Old John Brown," whose soul was then said to be "marching on." His family joined him and remained until he was, on account of illness, compelled to resign. In December, 1862, he was or¬ dered to join the staff of Major-General Scofield and there was placed in charge of the many rebel prisoners and had to do with their keeping and paroles. By his business ability and loyalty to the Union cause, he saved the United States government hundreds of thousands of dollars. He also blasted the last ray of hope of many a rebel sympathizer. He planned to form a freedman's bureau in Missouri and had all but closed the plans when politics got into the scheme and one bright morning he read in the daily Missouri Statesman, in which "Lieutenant Morgan, the head of the free negro bureau of the tribe of Abraham," caught jessy for being too rigid and for giving "other men's niggers" free papers, etc. This killed the Doctor's chances for wearing the star of a brigadier-general, for W. A. Pile received the coveted appointment on political grounds. He then received appointment as surgeon of a colored regiment, but upon meeting his old colonel he wanted him to join his command at Trading Post, Kansas. He was, however, again taken ill and laid some time at St. Joseph and in August, 1863, reported to Gen. Thomas Ewing at Kansas City, and was again placed on detached duty as judge advocate of a military commission. He was stricken again and wasted to a mere living skeleton, offering his resignation in December and moved back to Graham, Missouri. He went to the same house from which he had been driven by the rebels two and a half years before. In April, 1864, he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Forty-third Regiment of colored troops, to report for duty at Camp William Penn, near the city of Philadelphia. His wife, a relative of Gen. Winfield Scott, was taken ill with quick consumption and died in May, 1864, leaving two small girls, aged six years and a babe. This caused him to decline his commission, and ended his military career. He then resumed his medical practice at Graham and continued there many years. He married again at Burlington Junction in 1865, and by this union reared a large family. He was a member of the Methodist church ; belonged to the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders ; had been high up in office in these lodges. From 1873 to 1876 he was engaged in the drug business at Graham; was associate editor of the Nodazvay 1 'alley Spy and Graham Headlight. In 1868, when it was believed that the Demo¬ crats would resist the disfranchising clause of the state constitution, he was commissioned by Governor Fletcher as captain of "Morgan's Nodaway Coun¬ tv Guards." His was indeed an eventful life.

Dr. Thomas L. Martin, who was a physician at Elmo, this county, in 1883 and later, was born in Missouri, in Livingston county, in 1840. In 1851 he moved to Linn county, Missouri, where he attained manhood. He received a literary education, and at the age of nineteen years commenced the study of medicine, having to teach school a part of each year to meet his expenses. In 1865 he began to practice in Putnam county, and in 1870 located in Mercer county, Missouri, where he continued until 1880. He then moved to Elmo. He attended Keokuk Medical College in Iowa, graduating in 1873. He was a member of the Masonic order and was the head of an interesting family.

Dr. D. C. Myers, physician and druggist at Burlington Junction, was among the pioneers in the medical profession in Nodaway county. He was a native of Ohio, born in Hocking county in 1807. He was there reared and chiefly educated. He was at first a farmer, then began the dry goods business in Perry county. Ohio. There he commenced the study of medicine in 1837. and, after preparing himself, he began the practice in Jackson county, where he continued two years. He moved to Ross county and in 1844 came to Missouri, locating in the "Ohio settlement," near present Burlington Junc¬ tion. When that place was incorporated he removed thither. In 1881 he engaged in the drug trade also. He was a good doctor and a careful drug¬ gist and well liked bv all within the radius of his home. He has been dead a number of years.

Dr. Joseph B. Morrison, well known in Nodaway county, and especially in the vicinity of Maryville, as a physician of more than ordinary skill and success as a lifelong practitioner, was born in 1835 Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He received his education at the private schools and at Unionville Academy, Chester county, Pennsylvania, Newark Academy, Dela¬ ware, and Coats ville Academy, Chester county, Pennsylvania. He began to study medicine in Lancaster county, and attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in March, 1861. He com¬ menced to practice medicine in his native county and in 1862 was appointed acting surgeon in the United States army, being stationed at Columbian Col¬ lege Hospital at Washington. He was afterwards commissioned assistant surgeon of United States Volunteers, and in June, 1863, was promoted by President Lincoln and sent to Charleston and made surgeon-in-chief of Vogdes' division. Later he served in the Army of the James until the close of the Civil war. He was in many engagements and was at the time of his discharge medical director of the Twenty-fourth Corps. He was then ap¬ pointed surgeon-in-chief of the district of Southwest Virginia, where he re¬ mained until February, 1866, when he was honorably discharged. At the close of the war he located in New York city, and in 1873 came to Mary¬ ville, where he practiced his profession until in recent years, since which time he has retired to quiet rest after a well-spent professional and military career. He is a writer of more than ordinary worth. He is connected with various fraternal societies, including the Masonic, Loyal Legion, etc. He married, in 1876, Belle Pankey, and they are the parents of two children, Grace L and Paul.

Dr. David Mulholland was a striking character in the medical profession at Maryville and well known throughout Nodaway county in his life time, which was devoted largely to his chosen profession. He was still in active practice in the early eighties. His widow still resides in Maryville.

Dr. George Nash, as long ago as in the eighties, was one of the fore¬ most physicians and surgeons in northwestern Missouri. He was born in Hancock county, Indiana, in 1849. Lle accompanied his parents to Prairie City, Illinois, in 1856 and there he received his primary education. In 1867 he emigrated to St. Joseph, Missouri, and settled there, engaging in the drug business for about three years, there also studying medicine. In 1877 he en¬ tered the Hospital Medical College of St. Joseph, and attended his first course of lectures. He graduated from this institution in February, 1879. During the last two years at St. Joseph he filled the position of resident phy¬ sician. In the spring of 1879 he came to Maryville, where he soon grew into a lucrative medical practice. He made quite a specialty of surgery. Later, he took further medical courses and learned all of the more modern methods of treatment. His wife frequently assisted him in difficult surgical operations, and that with much courage and skill. The Doctor is still engaged in his practice at Maryville.

Dr. Benjamin Parker was counted among the earlier doctors of the county. He located in Lincoln township and followed farming in connection with his practice, the latter not being sufficient to keep his family.

Dr. S. N. Pike, who came to Maryville in 1878, was a native of New York state, born in 1817. He resided in Schuyler county until he was eleven years of age. At that time his father was afflicted with chronic disease and was being treated by Doctor Wodroth, an Indian physician of the Digger tribe, the medicine chief of the LTnited States. At that time young Pike was chosen to assist the Indians in selecting herbs, roots, etc., for medicine, after which he traveled for sixteen years in the wilderness with the noted chief, thereby becoming acquainted with the uses of and the modes of ad¬ ministering Indian remedies. He traveled all over the Southern states and territories and in far-away California. He then located in Chemung county, New York, near the town of Elmira. He traveled in various states and cured many chronic cases after the Indian modes of treatment. He resided in Maryville after 1878 for a number of years, and was the direct cause of many cures. He was usually styled the "Cancer Doctor."

Dr. Henry H. Ross, a physician and druggist at Clyde, this county, was born in Lee county, Iowa, in 1843, and when six years of age his parents re¬ moved to Hancock county, Illinois, where he was reared and educated. In 1861 he entered the Union army and was at the famous battle of Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh). After his service in the Civil war he returned and took up the drug trade, which was ever after his chief business, though he prac¬ ticed medicine some at the same time. His father was a prominent doctor. Young Ross came to Missouri in 1873, locating in Livingston county, and in 1875 moved to Daviess county, where he lived until August, 1881, when he located in the drug business at Clyde.

Dr. D. A. Sergeant practiced at Hopkins in the eighties, possibly before that date and is still located there. Amos D. Sergeant also practiced there about the same time, but is now deceased.

Dr. W. M. Sammis practiced about twenty -five years ago at Arkoe and had been there several years then, and it is said was a good physician of the old school.

Dr. Perry H. Talbott, who was shot and killed September 18, 1880, by his sons, who paid the death penalty by hanging, lived about seven miles south of Maryville. He was once a very successful physician of Nodaway county, and his death caused great excitement and was the cause of one of the most prolonged and hotly contested criminal cases ever marking a page in the history of the county. The Doctor was born in Fairfield (now- Hocking) county, Ohio, February 5, 1827. He received a good education, as he grew to manhood, and was graduated with high honors at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. He started out at once for the seeking out of his fortune in the West. In 1852 he joined a company of gold seekers, then crowding West for California. After one year in the far-away Pacific coast country he came back as far as Missouri and in April, 1854, married, in Page county, Iowa, Belle McFarland. He was a typical type of Western manhood - a genuine, but intelligent frontiersman. He was fond of cards and knew all the tricks of the game in his day. As a physician his name went far and wide for his ability and wonderful skill. His practice extended far and near. Doctor Talbott and his gray mule were historic figures in the early and later days in Nodaway county. He accumulated much prop¬ erty and became prominent in local political circles. He represented his dis¬ trict in the Missouri Legislature in 1856-57. During Civil war days he espoused the Union cause and was surgeon in the Twenty-fifth Missouri Regiment of Volunteers. After the war he espoused politics and had a hankering for a seat in the halls of Congress. He was a candidate before several conventions, but failed of nomination. In 1876 he became prominent among the leaders of the Greenback movement. He possessed an iron will and more than ordinary mental ability. In person, he was tall and rather commanding in his appearance; his hair and beard were black as the wing of a raven. As a friend and neighbor, the Doctor stood high among all who came in close touch with him. As a husband and father, he seemed to lack affection, and his home was one of discord. His children grew up neglected as to moral training. His house was an arsenal for small firearms and the children were familiar with their use. The crime of his own flesh and blood is written of elsewhere in this work.

Dr. W. H. Woodward practiced at Graham, this county, away back in the eighties. But little can be learned at this date concerning his practice.

Dr. J. H. Woodward, who practiced at the town of Dawson, this county, ranked, in his day, among the best physicians in Nodaway county. He was born in Lee county, Virginia, in 1848. When a small boy his parents re¬ moved to Daviess county, Missouri, later locating in Harrison county, where he was reared. He then began the study of medicine in the autumn of 1870, graduating in 1875 from the Cincinnati Medical College. He immediately took up the practice of his profession in Bourbon county, Kentucky, continu¬ ing there until the fall of 1879, when he returned to Missouri. He located in Dawson, this county, in 1881.

Drs. D. C. and M. H. Wilson were among the physicians in Maryville, commencing their practice here in 1879. Dr. D. C. Wilson was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1839 and attended school at Mt. Carroll. He also attended a commercial school at Chicago and St. Louis. In 1855 his parents moved to Chatfield, Minnesota, and when eighteen years of age he commenced his career as a civil engineer, continuing until 1861. and in the spring of that year he enlisted as a member of a Minnesota volunteer com¬ pany, remaining in service for three years. After his war career he went to California and entered a medical college at San Francisco, from which he graduated in 1873, then moved to Indiana. He practiced medicine in various states in the Union, including Indiana. Illinois, Tennessee and in Salt Lake, Utah, making a specialty of the eye, in which line he was really an adept. In 1878 he was in Memphis, during the yellow fever rage, rendering valuable medical assistance. He located in Maryville, Missouri, in 1879. His brother, M. H. Wilson, also served in the Union cause and graduated in medicine and became his brother's partner at Maryville.

Dr. William M. Wallis, who, aside from Dr. J. W. Dean, has prac¬ ticed medicine in Nodaway county longer than any other physician and today stands at the head of the profession in many ways, is, indeed, an honor to the medical profession of Missouri. He was born in New York state in 1848, his birthplace being in Genesee county. He having completed his liter¬ ary education, chose medicine as his profession and in the fall of 1867, tak¬ ing three courses of lectures at the University of Buffalo. New York, during the winters of 1868-69 and 1870, receiving his diploma in February, 1871. He began his practice in Alabama, in his native county. He soon after came West and located in Nodaway county, settling at old Nenia in September, 1871. In June, 1872, he changed location and went to the new town site of Pickering and became a pioneer of the place. He practiced in a large domain and at first went on horseback ami met with many privations such as all early country accommodations afford. He went many miles, and never stopped for the roads or inclement weather. He performed many difficult surgical operations, far away from other doctors, who, had they been near enough, he would have gladly called in to assist him. He has helped usher into the world two generations of children in this county. He frequently meets men and women whose parents he knew in their infancy. In 1901 he removed to Maryville where he still practices in company with his sons. (See biographical volume for sketch.)

Others whose names should not be forgotten or omitted here are : Doctor Rose, of Pickering; Doctor Charles, deceased, of Maryville; Doctor Reed, deceased, of Pickering; Doctor Humphry, of Parnell; Doctor McKinley, now of St. Joseph, Missouri. There may have been several others who prac¬ ticed the healing art within this county, in days gone by, but by reason of no record having been kept, may have been forgotten with the rush of years, but who are not intentionally omitted.

Present-Day Physicians Of The County

The following is supposed to be a complete list of all the practicing physicians in Nodaway county at the commencement of 1910. Where not otherwise noted, all are of the regular allopathic school. Sketches of manv of these physicians will be found in the biographical volume of this work:

County Medical Society

A county medical society was formed here about 1870 and held several meetings, but for lack of harmony - "the fee bill" hindering a more legiti¬ mate work - it went the way of all the earth ! Then the society was reorgan¬ ized in 1878. and is still in existence, but not what it might be made. At present it is holding "open meetings" and the public are invited to attend their sessions. If thus continued, much mutual good will be derived from their deliberations. Doctor Fisher, the present secretary, is an avowed ad¬ vocate of this theory - of having both closed and open meetings. The pres¬ ent society has about forty members, but not nearly so many are regular artendants.