Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 50, 1912

Chapter 50

As far back as history takes us we find that as soon as men began to thvell together in tlie primitive tribe, tliei-e was one of this number who was known as the "i\Iedieine ^lan." In Biblical times people lived to be nuu-h older than now, and were evidently not as nuu-h subject to sickness and disease, so our medicine man could serve many, but sooner or later sickness lias overtaken all and then they seek the aid of one who knows something of the healing art. In those primitive times the healers sought to cure people by charms and by driving away the evil spirit through noises, and thus they beat on drums and sang song's. This primitive idea has not altogether disappeared to the present day, as witnessed by Dowieism and other cults, who maintain that disease is the work of the devil, wlio must first be drivei: out bei'ore the person can get well.

Following Ihc iib-a of charming away disease came the diat(4ic idea, in which hcallh was to lie maintained only through the eating of certain foods and a\('iding others. This was exemplified by llic .Icwish race.

Next we come to the physiologic period, when the functions of the various organs were paranioutit. and the symptoms tli(\v produced were the sole thing to be regarded in treating disease. To a certain exteTit this is used to the jiresent day. but we have add(Ml 1o il ihe eliologic jx'riod ol' medicine, in wliicli we endeax'or to discoxcr the cause of the disordered function of any organ. This has lieeii made jiossible only through the vast laboratory researches Hiat have been carried diit (bii-iiig the past fifty years, by the (lisc()\-ei-\' of ])acteria and by animal experiments to (h'tei-miiie llie part the bacteria jibiy in man's anatomy. Also in the discovery of the cell or unit of which our body is composed and observing tln^ changes that occur in these cells as tli(^ result of disease. Thus it is that medicine has changed from an act to a science. It has not reached the jiinacle of an exact scienc(\ Imt it is aj^proaching that goal. AVh(>n we con- sider how we have conquered many of thu dread diseases, as diphtheria, typhoid fever, malaria, etc., and robbed them of their terror through the knowledge of their cause and the application of the one and the onh' thing that will destroy that particular cause, then we begin to realize what is being accomplished in modern medicine.

The Panama Canal stands not only as a monument to the skill and energy of American engineers, but even more to the glory of American physicians. DeLessep's failure was not due to a lack of skill or courage on his part, l)ut to yelloAV fever and malaria. The medical profession has paved the way for this great undertaking l)y discovering and proving that certain mosquitos are responsible for the spread of both these dread diseases, but not until two loyal and unselfish physicians, Carroll and Lazear, had given their lives to prove this. Todaj^ we know that if "we destroy the mosquito we can stamp out yellow fever and malaria. As a result of the energies of the American physician the Canal Zone, with its heterogeneous population, has lieen made more healthy than New York City.

AVhen ]\Ionroe county was first organized and began to be settled the etiologic phase of medicine was unknown. All tlie diseases we now know were known then and were perfectly described except for their cause, and armed Avith this knowdedge the pioneer doctors came into this wilderness and worked hard and faithfully in the endeavor to relieve the suffering of their fellow men. At first it was necessary to send to La Crosse as the nearest jilace to obtain a doctor. Consequently, the mother of the family applied "home remedies" as long as she could before sending for a doctor, who often came too late. There was. therefore, great rejoicing when the first doctor came into the county and cast his lot with those early pioneers. The people were scattered and drives were long and hard, especially in the winter. In those days there were not the fine roads we have now, but one had to pick his way around stumps, over logs and through creeks. ]\Iany times the doctor had to go a foot or on horseback because the roads would not permit the use of a buggy. Without the telephone a man had to drive for the doctor, and if he lived twenty or thirty miles away the doctor could not get there until the next day. jNIany trips were so long that it required two days to -make the trip and return. The people were very poor and were unable to pay more than a very meager compensation or nothing at all for the services rendered. However, those early men cared not for that, they went and did all they could to i-dicve the suffering. Thoy often had to act as nurse as well as physician. They sat by the sick bed for long weary hours to see whether the spark of life was going to be siuiffed out or Avould take on added vigor and begin to l)urn anew. They were the recipients of family secrets and their advice was sought in times of trouble. They healed and soothed the troubled mind, soul, and body, with their cheerful words, kindly advice, or some simple decoction. Is it any wonder that they gained a place in the hearts of the people that could not be supplanted, and as long as they were able to drag one foot were sought, and no one else would do l)ut the old family doctor?

As preachers and lawyers were equally scarce, the doctor was called upon to perform the services of both, and was held to be thoroughly competent. In those days there were no specialists, so the family doctor administered to all ailments. Today certain men specialize on different parts of the body, and become more expert in dealing with that part. They are thus enabled to give the people better service. ])nt in order to do this they have sacrificed much in tlie love and esteem in Avhich they were held in tlie lunirts of the people. AVho would think of going to an eye specialist or an abdominal surgeon witli his family troubles and expect sympathy and advice? The days of the old-time family physician are past. To be sure, we still have the general practitioner who looks after the general sickness in the family, and is ready to call the aid of someone especially skilled when needed. Indeed, this must be so, Avhen we consider what is being done all around us. Some wealthy men, as John D. Rockefeller and ]\IcCormick, have given large sums of money to establish research laboratories, to equip them, and to pay men to devoti' their whole lives to the study of one disease, as infantile paralysis, etc.

Some men are devoting their lives and energies to performing and perfecting surgical operations, so that today there is not a single organ of the body that is not the subject of operation. And then there is the pathologist and jihysiologist, who works in the laboratory experinuniting with animals to ascertain th(^ cause of disease and its treatment before applying the same to man (yet there are those who would say do not experiment Avith animals in order to learn how to save a human life, but rather let man die). "When we consider these and the many more departments of medicine, with all the accumulating knowledge it is no wonder that one poor man cannot master them all.

About tlie only thing that keeps alive the old spark of gratitude and love for the general practitioner is his obstetrics. He who stands beside a woman during her suffering and comforts her and encourages her in her great and holy, yet tryingmission, of bringing a new soul into the world endears himself to her in a way that it not easily forgotten or cast aside. AVhat a pleasure it is and what gratitude one receives only he who has had the experience knows.

The doctor's life must be an unselfish one, for hoAV often is he aroused from a sound sleep or disturbed while at a meeting, a social gathering, to go and relieve the suffering. If he is fortunate enough to make a discovery or invent some new instrument he does not hurry to the patent office to protect himself and enrich his purse, but gladly gives his knowledge to his brothers for the good of mankind. This has been handed down to him from the days of Hippocrates that he is in honor bound to impart all good knowledge to his worthy brother practitioners. Neither does he go to the newspaper office that his fame may be heralded abroad, but rather spreads the glad tidings only among those who will be able to use them. And many is the doctor, whose epitaph has overtaken him, long before his good works are known. Grant, Sherman and Napoleon are household names, because they have commanded armies and lead many men to death, while Pasteur, Koch, Virchon, Senn, Billings, and hosts of others, are hardly known, and yet for every life the generals have sacrificed these men have saved hundreds. Few people know wdiat a debt they owe to Lord Lister, when he discovered that by the use of antiseptic, surgical operations could be performed without lieing followed by the dread hospital gangrene or suppuration. This, together with the use af anaesthesia, has enabled the surgeon to go fearlessly at his task, and thus Darwin's law of the "survival of the fittest" no longer applies.

As there are no large cities in this county, hospitals were slow to make their appearance, and the doctors were compelled to perform many operations in private houses, which they did Avith the skill and success of their more fortunate brethren at the hospital in the cities.

A doctor not only devotes his time and energies to the study of cause and treatment of disease, but places before himself the higher ideal of preventive medicine. Thus, he goes about telling people how to live to avoid sickness. However, they are very slow to chanijc their liahils tli.it tliey may enjoy better healtli. IF you tell them to eat plainer food and masticate it more thoroughly, so as to avoid dyspepsia, they think they are wasting too much tinu'. If you tell him to live in the sunshine and exercise moi-c they ai-e afraid Ihry will neglect their l)usiness. AVheii you tell them to breathe plenty of fresh air and sleep with their windows open at niglit. they are greatly alarmed lest some dread monster will come in with the "night air," little thinking that after sun down all air is air." People are no more ready to barken to our modern physicians than they were to the (Jreat Physician when lie said. "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you under my wings as a hen gathers her chickens, and ye would not."

(The above excellent article is here supplemented by the lives of physicians of the county, living and dead, as far as we have been able to obtain them. - p]ditor.)

Martin Rockwell Gage, M. D., deceased, who for many years was one of the most ])rominent and well known physicians of western Wisconsin. Avas born in Bellona, Yates county, X. Y., in 182o. His father, Martin Gage, was also a native of the p]mpire state, and by occupation a merchant, which business he successfully followed in the state of New York, wiiere he died at the age of tift.y years. Soon after the death of her husband, i\Irs. Gage removed to P^ast Saginaw, ]\lich., and died there at the age of eighty. The Gage family Avere of English origin, and the ancestors of Dr. Gage were among the eaily jiioneers of New England.

Dr. Gage was one of a family of six children, five brothers and one sister, all of whom lived to a mature age. ]Mary Ann, the sister, married S. ]M. AVhittaker. and died numy years ago. D. AV. C. Gage, eldest brother of Dr. Gage, studied law in the office of Judge Folger, of Geneva. N. Y.. and after being admitted to the bar, located at East Saginaw. .Midi., in isr)(i. and engaged in the i)ra('tici' (»f his profession, and there di'^d in 1880. Erasnnis I), resided at Geneva, and for many years was in the employ of the New York ("cntral TJailway. He entered the army in 18(51, as captain of a company in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment. New York Volunteers. He Avas seriously Avounded in the head Avhich caused him to leave the army for a time, but recovering from liis injury he I'e-entered the army and Avas placed in command of a regiment and Avas killed at the battle of Cold llaihor. Charles Carroll Gage Avas an attorney at law and loi- a time was engaged in the practice Avith ]\I. P. AVing at

La Crosse. After a brief illness he died at Sparta. Daniel Webster Gage, when eighteen years of age, went to California, and afterwards to Arizona, where he died in 1891.

Dr. Gage received his education in Geneva, N. Y. lie began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. E. S. Smith, of Bellona, Yates county, and began his collegiate medical course at the Geneva college. He later attended the Buffalo Medical College, but returned to Geneva, and graduated from the medical department of that college with the class of June 26, 1852. He began practice with his preceptor at Bellona, N. Y., but later went to Coudersport, Pa., where he remained until 1854, when he came to AA'isconsin and first located at Beloit, and there resided until he came to Sparta. In August, 1862. he entered the army as surgeon of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, AVisconsin Volunteers, remaining with this regiment until the Atlanta campaign, being then ordered on detail duty, and so continued to the close of the war. While in the army he was for a time, in 1863, acting medical director of the military district of Columbus, Ky. ; was brigade surgeon in Gen. Nathan Kimball's division on the forced march from Satartia to Snyder's Bluff, Miss., about June 1, 1863, and was present at the seige of Vicksburg, and acting division surgeon of General Vietch's division of Sherman's army during its march from Vicksburg to ^Meridian, Miss., in 1864. At the close of the war he returned to Sparta and resumed the practice of his profession, in which he engaged for fifty-one years. He was a close student and devoted himself assiduously to his profession, attaining to a position of prominence as one of the most learned and skillful physicians in Wisconsin. lie was possessed of a cheerful disposition, was broad minded and liljeral in his views, and those traits endeared him to those with Avhom he came in contact. In 1877 he became associated with Dr. D. C. Beebe, another well known physician of Sparta, under the firm name of Gage and Beebe. Later Dr. W. T. Sarles became connected with the firm, Avhich arrangement continued until 1888, when Dr. Gage withdrew, and was ever after in practice alone.

Before coming to AVisconsin he served as county superintendent of schools in Potter county, Pennsylvania, and was the first county superintendent of schools in Monroe county, under the act of the legislature creating that office, resigning the position when commissioned surgeon of the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Regiment. He was a member of the AVisconsin State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association, and was

Politieally a Democrat, he was candidate for the state legislature iu 1865, and though he ran far ahead of his ticket, lie was defeated. In 187G he Avas chosen by his party as a candidate for congress for the Seventh Congressional district, but as his district was overwhelmingly Republican, he again suffered defeat with the others of his party. Sociality, he was a member of the Kniglits of Pythias, and prominently identified with the ^Masonic Order, being a member of Valley Lodge, No. 60, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Sparta Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch ]\lasons, and Sparta Commandery, No. 16, Knights Templar.

Dr. Gage was twice married. His first wife, whom he married at the "Ladies' Seminary," Ebnira, N. Y.. where she was a teacher, died two years after their marriage. On May 27, 1858, the doctor was united in marriage with Miss Maria Louise ]Martin, daughter of Nathaniel and Octaria AY. ]Martin, of Beloit, AVis. After forty-five years of happy married life. Dr. Gage was called to his great reward ; his death occurred February 25, 1903, and was mourned by his many friends and the citizens generally as a great public loss. His widow, who still survives, is a descendant of an old and prominent New England family. She was born at AYestfield, N. Y., and came with her parents to "Wisconsin at the age of eight years, receiving her education at the academy at Southport, noAV Kenosha. She is a lady of rare mental attainments, kindhearted and generous, and contributes liberally of her means to the support of all worthy causes, never forgetting to bestow kindly tokens of respect upon her many and dear friends.

DeWitt C. Beebe, M. D., was born at Rupert, Vt., February 19, 1838, passing his early life in his native state. He received his medical education at Belleone Hospital ^Medical College, New York City, and at Albany (N. Y.) Medical College, from which institution he graduated. Early in the "War of the Rebellion he entered the army as surgeon in the Fourth New York Cavalry, in which he served until the close of the war. Soon after the declaration of peace the doctor came west, locating in Sparta, and later became associated with Dr. IM. R. Gage, under the firm name of Gage & Beebe, which continued for a great many years, later Dr. AV. T. Sarles was taken into the firm, which was styled, Gage, Beebe & Sarles.

Order of United Workmen during the prosperous days of the order. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Medical Society and the Central Wisconsin Medical Society, and served for many years as a member of the local board of United States Pension Examiners.

Dr. Beebe was a man of strong religious tendencies, and was connected with the Congregational Church for more than a quarter of a century; was prominent in its affairs and devoted much time to the work, especially in connection with the Sunday school, of w^hicli he w^as superintendent for a long period. At this church, every year, for more than twenty years, he conducted the memorial service on the Sunday preceding Decoration Day. Strong in his patriotism, he was prominent in G. A. R. circles, and it was principally through his untiring efforts that the Soldiers' Monument, now standing in North Park, was finally completed and presented to the city of Sparta. His good citizenship was further exemplified by his long service as a member of the board of education, and accomplished inueh for the Sparta schools by his broad minded policies; served the city as mayor, and at the time of his death had served two years as postmaster; under his administration the free delivery system was inaugurated. Dr. Beebe was a strong man and noted for having the courage of his convictions, a man of ideals who held to them steadfastly, once he was convinced of their righteousness; one of those men who in a way dominate in a community, but always in the interest of progress and good government. He was a stanch Republican, and high in the councils of his party. At all times a deep student, his professional career was marked by great success and in the latter years of his life his advice and counsel was much sought by other physicians. He died at his home in Sparta, July 4, 1908, leaving surviving him his widow and four children.

He w^as married in the town of his birth to Mary C. Sheldon on the 31st day of May, 1863 ; five children came to them, Carl M. and Spencer D., both practicing physicians, now located in Sparta ; July i\I., now^ deceased ; IMamie, the wife of P. H. Bertrand, now living at Jefferson City, Kan., and Alice ]\I., who lives with her mother in the Sparta home.

George W. Milligan, M. D., is the oldest physician in Sparta, Wis., having located in that city in 1852, since which time he has been in continuous practice. He was born March 11, 1826, in Cairo, Green county, N. Y., a son of James A. and Eleanor Millegan, the former of whom was a native of Green county. James

Dr. Millefian attended a eommon seliool (if liis neigh])orhood and was (jnite young when lie cDiiiiiieiieed the study of inedicine, meanwhih' engaged in various pursuits. In 1S49 lie graduated from the Pittstield College and afterward continued his studies until 18r)2, when, alter a short t'xperiene<' in the East, he came to Sparta, Avhere he has made his home to the present day. AVhen Dr. ]\lillegan first came to Sparta it was a village of about two or three hundred inhabitants, and as he was the first physician to settle in the county, it is related that great enthusiasm was manifested Avhen he arrived, and the people turned out and gave him a grand reception. He has from tlie very fii'st 1)een successful in his professional career, and in his long experience he has gained the confidence of the community in which he has so long lived. During the Civil War. Dr. .Millegan was examining surgeon for the district, aud has served as county physician for ]\Ionroe county, but. owing to his advanced age, he has retired from the active practice of medicine, occasionally giving his \aluiil)le advice and consultations, hoAvevei-.

For a great many years he Avas associated Avith Dr. H. 11. Williams under the firm name of ]Millegan c^ AVilliams: but for a number of years, owing to his advanced years, he has retired from active practice and is living a quiet life in his old home in Sparta. Genial, kindly, strong in his profession. Dr. ]\Iillegan is surely one of the history makers in this part of the state, a man who has placed the mark of his personality upon the community in which he has so long and honorably resided.

Fred P. Stiles, M. D., up until very recently, when he removed to Racine. AVis., Avas one of the most lu-ominent residents of Sparta, Wis., both as a successful physician iiid a public-s])irted citizen ; he is from sturdy Ncav England stock, his first American ancestor. Robert Stiles, having landed on the ^lassachusetts coast in ^(^'.V.). Th(» doctor traces his decent through an uid)roken line and in the i-ecords of the seventh generation he finds that a Stiles nuirried a sister of the famous Rebecca I\Iorac, who was hang"d as a Avitch during the witchcraft excitement at Salem.

Luther Stiles, grandfather of Dr. Stiles. Avas a native of Massachusetts, and removing thus to New Amsterdam. X. Y.. engaged in the manufacture of scythes in partnership with his brothers; lia\ing decided to move west, lu' migrated to Aliehigan, being a pioneer of Coldwater, in that state, where he erected the first saw mill in the locality. He died in Elgin, 111. His son, Cornelius C. Stiles, was born in Rome, N. Y., and wh<-n a boy, came with his parents to Michigan, later removing to £]lgin. 111., where he engaged in contracting and building for n number of years. He has now retired at Sandwich, 111. In Elgin he married ]\Iiss Cornelia Phelps, a native of Greenwood, N. Y.. and a descendant of one of the old Puritan families.

Fred P. Stiles was born at Elgin, 111., March 22, 1855. He received a good literary training at the Kankakee (Illinois) high school and the Romeo (^lichigan) Union School. In 1880 he graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, and immediately thereafter came to Sparta and entered upon the general jiractice in which he was very successful. The demands upon his services being so pressing, he took into partnership his brother, V. Stiles, of River Side, Cal., who had been engaged in practice for eleven years. The doctor is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy ; the AVisconsin State Homeopathic Society, of which he was at one time president ; the American Climatological Association, and the United States Board of Pension p]xaminers. He is also associate editor of the ]\Iinneapolis Homeopathic JMagazine. Fraternally, he is a JMason and a Knight Templar, and served for ten years as eminent commander of Sparta Commandery, No. 16. The doctor is a stanch Republican in politics, and though no office seeker, took a lively interest in local affairs. He has served and held the office of president of the school board and mayor of the city of Sparta, and in other positions, to the satisfaction of his constituents.

Dr. Stiles was married at Sparta to Miss Nellie Root, daughter of George AV. and Jane Root, the former lived with Dr. Stiles for some years prior to his death, which occurred in January, 1889, and he bad the distinction of being the only son of a Revolutionary soldier living in that part of the state. Dr. Stiles is a member of the Congregational Church, and has been prominent in its affairs for a great many years. Owing to an attack which rendered an operation necessary, the doctor was in failing health during the summer of 1910, and upon his partial recovery, decided to abandon country riding and an opportunity opening for an office as a city caller in Racine, he moved there in the spring of 1911, where he now resides.

Wilbur T. Sarles, M. D., has for a great many years been prominent in Sparta and vicinity, where he has engaged successfully in the practice of medicine, though he has always found time to

Dr. Sarles comes from honored Aiiici-icaii aiiccsti-y. Ids grandfather, Jesse 1). Sailcs, was born in Westchester county, New York. He removed with his fannly when a boy to Dutchess county, in the same state, where he grew to manhood and married. He came to AVisconsin when in middle lif(\ and was a pioneer settler of Racine county, and there died.

']. D. Sarles, father of the subject of this sketch, was l)orn in Dutchess county, New York, and when a young man migrated west, settling in AVisconsin, where he has since made his home. He is a minister of the Alethodist Ilpiscopal Church, but owing to advanced age has retired from active work of the ministry, and is living quietly in retirement in the city of Sparta. Rev. J. D. Sarles married .Miss Alargarete Thoinpson, of Cayuga county. New York, who died at the age of sixty-two years. AVilbur Sarles was born November 14, 1856, in Armenia, Juneau county, AVis. He completed a high school course at Prescot, AVis., and received more advanced training in an academy at River Falls, Wis., at Galesville University, and tiien attended Rush Medical College, at Chicago, from which he graduated in February, 1882. The month following he conunenced practice at Sparta, where he has continued to make his home, having met with success which his al)ilities and talents deserve. He is a surgeon for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company at this place ; is a mend)er of the AVisconsin State Aledical Society, of which he is ex-president ; of the Central AVisconsin ]\Iedical Society, of which he is also an ex-president ; of the La Crosse Valley Medical Society; the National Association of Railway Surgeons, and of the American Aledical Association, of Avhich he is now a trustee.

Fraternally he is united with the Alasonic Order, is a member of Sparta Commandery, No. IB, K. T. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has for years been an active worker in the ranks of the party, being one of the influential leaders of this section of the state; he was a delegate from the Seventh Congressional District to the Chicago convention Avhich nominated Roosevelt in 1904. and was elected as a Taft elector from the Seventh District in 1908. He served three consecutive terms as mayor of Sparta, during Avhich time he inaugurated the water works, the electric lighting and the street paving; his re-election testifying of his capal)ility in this responsible position. For twentyfive vears he has Ixmmi a nu^nbcr of the United Statics Doard of

The Medical Frateknity 493

On March 23, 1882, he was married to Miss Nina Schaller and they have two daughters by adoption, Grace and Francis. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the doctor is a member of the board of trustees.

Dr. Sarles is a companionable man, gifted with an analytical and inquiring mind and has won an enviable reputation in his profession, being a surgeon of rare skill, his services are sought far beyond the large local practice which he enjoys in connection with his firm, and he is withal a mighty good citizen.

Charles E. Quigg, M. D., who has been engaged in practice at Tomah, AVis., since 1883, has attained more than local fame in his profession, and he is also well known in political circles in that section. Dr. Quigg Avas born September 30, 1852, in Ticonderoga, N. Y.. and received every advantage for thorough training, both in literature and in his profession, having attended various standard institutions during his boyJiood and youth. He completed his medical studies at Bennett Medical College, Chicago, from Avhich he was graduated in 1880, and he began practice immediately at Fox Lake and Grand Rapids, AA-'is., in 1883 coming to Tomah, where he has since remained. He has, by skill and efficiency, built up a wide and lucrative practice, and many admirable personal qualities have won him the esteem and praise of the entire community. His felloAV citizens have shown their appreciation of his genuine worth by calling him to various offices of responsibility and importance, and he has served seven years as health officer of Tomah, four terms as mayor of that city, and one term (1893-94) as member of the state assembly from his district, although it is a Republican stronghold and he s stanch Democrat.

In 1897 he was appointed a member of the Wisconsin Board of Medical Examiners, and in 1899 received a reappointment to the same for a term of four years. Dr. Quigg 's brother physicians, also, have honored him in various ways. In 1883 he was elected president of the AA^isconsin State Eclectic Medical Society ; he is an honorary member of the Illinois State Medical Society; and in 1893 he Avas a delegate to the AVorld's C*ongress of ]\Iedico-Climatology. He is also a member of the National Eclectic Medical Association. Dr. Quigg was licensed to practice in four states - AA^isconsin, Illinois, Colorado and California. Fraternally he is a Mason, and a member of various other orders, Avas a memlier of Sparta Commandery, No. 16, Knight?

Templar. A valued nieinbei- n\' his i)rot"essioii and of the eoniuiuuity ill whieh he lived, he passed away at his home iu Tomah oil the day of - - .

Dr. George R. Vincent was one of Tomah s pioneer physieians and luul a lonjj^ and honorahle eareer iu the i)raetiee of medieiue in that city; he was born in New York state, reeeived a eominon sehool and niedieal college edneation and moved to the state of Wisconsin in 1866, settling al the then thriving village of Tomah and entered upon the practice of his profession. He was one of the best i)hysieiaus in this jiart of the state, having lniill up a large practice in the earlier days which extended throughout this and the neighboring counties; he had a large circde of friends who at different times induced him to accept political honors and he took a prominent part in tlie affairs of his home city; served one term in the AVisconsin legislature as a member of the assembly from this district in 1878; he was a member of the State jMedical Society and also of the American ^Medical Association.

In the year 1866, just before coming to Toiuali. Dr. Vincent was married at Stratford, X. Y.. to ]Miss Elizabeth Kibbe; she died in this city in 1889, and two years later he was married to Miss J\Iary Tyler, Binghampton, X. Y. Dr. Vincent was very successful iu his practice and retired from activ(^ Avork about ten years before his death, which occurred in the city of Tomah on the 18th day of September. 1910. The doctor was truly one of the pioneers in this county in the practice of medicine, and endured the hardships which were incident to that work in the earlier days, when ])hysicians did not have the advantages of rai)id transportation with automobiles, and were obliged to make long drives in all kinds of weather, often taking two days to make a trip to see a patient and n^turn. IL^ is remembered by the present citizens of Tomah, who had the pleasure of his friendsliii> and acquaintance, as a man who placed loyalty to his home city above everything else, and did not hesitate to devote his time and some money to l)uilding iij) the interests of the community.

Dr. Horace Palmer was born in .Motitix'licr. Vt.. on October 28, 1823; graduated at the Vermont Medical College at Woodstock, January 18, 1851, and commenced tlie practice of medicine in the same year at Manstield, ]Mass.

II<' married Susan (". Hall, at ^Mansfield, March 22. ISoT, and removed to Wisconsin the following May, settling in West Salem. where he continued practicing his profession, and July 13. 1875.

mo\(.'(l to Sparta and i)ur('hased the pioneer drug store oi' the ])lace, at that time owned by Ira A. Hill, placing George E. Marriner, now of La Crosse, in charge of same while he continued the practice of his profession. Dr. Palmer's fatal illness began vritli a cold which developed into pneumoni;i, and the fatal end came on December 25, 1880. Dr. Palmer occupied a prominent place in social and business circles, and was universally esteemed, lie left a wife, two daughters and one son, Lissie H. (deceased), wife of Henry S. Howell, and Fannie A., wife of ]\l. Fillmore Howell, and Fred E.

Crawford. E. Phillips, M. D., one of the leading representatives of the medical profession of ]\Ionroe county, was born near Meadville. Crawford county, Pa.. October 31, 1853, a son of David J. Phillips, a native of Ohio, but of New England ancestry. He was reared in his native state, and married Huldah Winans, also born in Ohio, and, like her husband, descended from a New England family. Di-. Phillips was a farmer by occupation, and a few years after his marriage he moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where he lived until his death, which occurred in February, 1872, at the age of about fifty years.

C. E. Phillips, M. D., received his education at the common schools, and also took a scientific course of study at the Meadville Commercial College. Pearly in life he decided to engage in the medical profession as his life w^ork, and at the age of seventeen years he began the study at jNIeadville, and graduated at the Eclectic ^ledical College at Cincinnati in the spring of 1874. Believing that superior opportunities for rising in his profession might be found in the West, Dr. Phillips decided to locate in Nebraska, and accordingly removed to Arapahoe. But the devastations of the grasshoppers in that state rendered his selection of a location an undesirable one, and after spending a year tliere recruiting his health as well as practicing his profession, he decided to seek another place of residence. Wilton at that time promised favorably, and consequcjitly in the fall of 1875 he located in this city, where he enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. In order to inform himself in the later discoveries of the science of medicine, the doctor took a course at the Bennett ^ledical College in 1886, and received the degree of M. D. at that institution.

Dr Phillips was married October 17, 1877. to Eva Winans, a daughter of Dr. J. C. AYinans, a prominent physician at ]\Iadison, Ohio. j\Irs. Phillips is a lady of culture and a fine artist. To this union has been born one son, Vernil, born October 4, 1887.

The doctor was both an excellent physician and a popular and l)rogressive citizen. He was a prominent ^lason, being a member of the Blue Lodge, chapter and Commandery of Sparta. He removed to California in 1909 and died there September 17, 1910, his remaii.s b('in«i- tal\cii to ]\Iadison, Ohio, for burial.

John F. Richards, M. D. Among the earlier physicians on the eastern side of the county was Jolni F. Richards, who came to Tomah in 1862, and resided there continuously until the time of his death.

Dr. Richards was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1818; his father, John R. Richards, and hiy mother were both natives of ]\Iaryland. AVhile a boy, Mr. Richards lived in the same village as the Grant family, and was well acquainted with the father and with U. S. Grant, afterwards the celebrated general, Avho went to AVest Point from Clermont county, Ohio. Dr. Richards studied medicine in his native county and attended the Ohio ]\Iedical College, from which he graduated in 1848, and began the practice of his profession in Highland count}' later, where he remained until 1802, when he removed to the city of ^Milwaukee and there engaged in the drug business and practiced his profession.

Tn the spring of 1866 he removed with his family to Tomah, where he remained continuously until September 3, 1903, the date of his death. He served one term in the legislature, being that of 1872, and was a Democrat in politics. He was a quiet unassuming man, a deep student in his profession, and during the later years of his life, after he had retired from active practice, he was frequently called into consultation with other physicians, who availed themselves of his vast experience in the general practice of medicine. The last fifteen years of his life he retired from active work and lived in his old homestead in the city of Tomah, visiting among liis three children: his daughter, ]\Irs. D. C. Cheney, who lived at ^Milwaukee, AVis.. at that time; Randolph A., tlie editor of this work, at Sparta. AVis., and John F., living at Kansas City, Mo.

He died at the home of his daughter in ^lilwaukee on the date stated above, and his remains were brought to Tonmh and interred beside those of his wife, whose death had taken place several years before.

Carl M. Beebe. M. D. Among the young men in this profession who have made rapid strides to the front is Carl 'SI. Reebe, of Sparta, one of the firm of Sarles, Beebe & Beebe.

The Medical Frateenity 497

De Witt C. Beebe. He received a high school education, graduating from the Sparta high school with the class of 1884, after which he attended the state university for two years and then took a course at Rush Medical College, in Chicago, from which institution he graduated in 1889, and pursuing his medical study farther he went to New York and took a course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and graduated from that institution in 1891. He was for some time the assistant physician at the Wisconsin Hospital for the Insane, at Oshkosh, and from there he removed to Zumbrota, in the state of Minnesota, where he continued the practice of his profession until 1896, when he returned to Sparta and went into partnership with his father and Dr. Sarles. This firm continued until the time of the death of Dr. D. C. Beebe, and upon its reorganization, S. D. Beebe, the younger brother, was taken into the partnership under the firm name of Sarles, Beebe & Beebe.

Dr. Beebe has taken an active interest in municipal affairs in the city ; has served as alderman on the city council ; is now a member of the board of education and is a supervisor representing the First Ward of the city upon the county board; he has been closely connected with several movements for the betterment of conditions in the city generally and is one of the progressive citizens of the community. He married Miss Minnie Blakesley September 1, 1891.

William B. Ford, M. D., was born at Sparta, Wis., August 27, 1874, received his early education in the schools of the city, graduating from the high school with the class of 1893 ; he entered the University of Wisconsin soon after, graduating from that institution in 1898. After spending one year in Philadelphia, Pa., he entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, from which institution he graduated in 1903.

The doctor is a Mason and a Knight Templar, being a member of Sparta Masonic lodges and Commandery; is a member of the Kappa Sigma college fraternity; served as secretary of the Monroe County Medical Society for three years. He has, since his graduation, practiced continually in Monroe county, a portion of the time in Sparta ; is now located at Norwalk. where he enjoys a lucrative practice in the village and the farming country in the vicinity.

Lewis S. Graves, M. D., was born at Jordan, New York state, December 24, 1873. His early education was received at Jordan high school and the Jordan free academy. He entered Bennett Medical College, at Chicago, from which he graduated with the class of 1901 ; he has practiced his profession at Couneaut, Ohio, and Chicago, 111. ; and is at present located at AVilton, "Wis., enjoying a lucrative practice, lie is a meniber of tlie ]\Ionroe County ^Medical Society ; the AVisconsin State Medical Society, the Wisconsin Eclectic ]\Iedical Society and the American ]\Iedical Association.

George Oliver Murray, M. D., was born iji Hawick, Scotland, October 4, 1857. where lie received an academic education. lie elnig^ated to Canada in 1882 and engaged in mercantile business until 1893, when he went to Keokuk, Iowa, entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he graduated in 1896. Ill that year he located at AVindsor, Dane county, Wis., where he practiced for three years; then removed to Tunnel City, ]\Ionroe county, where he remained for seven years. In 1906 he moved to Tomah, where he has since resided. In 1908 he was appointed health officer of the city, which position he still holds.

He married Sarah Jolmsoii, of Ilighgate, Canada, in 1894, two children being born to them, Robert Oliver, in 1895, and Agnes Oriska in 1897.

Spencer D. Beebe, M. D., was born at Sparta, Wis., in 1869, is the youngest son of Dr. 1). C. Beebe, now deceased. His early education was received in the schools of Sparta, graduating from tlie liigli school with the class of 1889 ; afterwards attended the university, from which institution he graduated and entered Rush ]\Iedical College, graduating in 1896. He commenced the practice of his profession at Aurora, 111., moving from there to p]lroy, Wis., where he remained for a few years, afterwards coming to Sparta and entering the firm of Sarles, Beebe & Beebe. Dr. Beebe is a fine musician, having a tenor voice, highly trained, and for some years has directed the large chorus choir of the Congregational Church.

A. R. Bell, M. D., was born at Tomah, July 26, 1872; he received his early education in country schools, entering the Tomali higli school, from which he graduated with the class of 1894. Clioosing the medical profession for his life work he entered the AVisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he graduated April f), 1900, came back to Tomah and entered upon the practice of his ])rofession April 7. 1900. lie was at one time connected with Dr. Simonson of the Tomah Hospital, but is at ]n-esent ])racticing alone. He is now serving as secretary of the Alonroe County IMedical Society.

graduated from the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, 111., and in the intervening years, has by his skill and prepossessing manner, built up a flourishing practice. He was born in "Wales on August 20, 1869, the sou of AVilliam and Elizabeth (Williams) Williams, who both spent their lives in their native country and where both died in 1873.

Hugh II. attended the common schools of Wales, and after the death of his parents, accompanied by his uncle, Peter Williams, he came to the United States in 1879 and located at Pipersville. Wis. Ilis Uncle Peter was afterward killed by a horse in Coles Valley, Monroe countj^ Coming to Sparta, Mr. Williams entered the Sparta high school, graduating therefrom Avith the (.'lass of 1891 ; he then began the study of medicine in the office of G. W. ]\Iilligau, of Sparta, and later entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, graduating with the class of 1896. He immediately began the practice of medicine in the city of his adoption. Upon the breaking out of the Spanish-American War he enlisted in the Third Regiment, Wisconsin National Guards, and as assistant surgeon, participated with his regiment through the Porto Rican campaign, and after his discharge from the regiment, continued for one year to act as assistant surgeon with the United States regulars in Porto Rico.

Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order and a Knight Templar. On March 4, 1901, he was married to Miss Tillie Olson, daughter of Ole Olson, of Sparta. ]\Irs. William died on September 6, 1906, leaving besides her husband, one son, Hugh H. Williams, Jr.

E. J. Riordon, M. D., of Wilton, Monroe county, w^as born in Massachusetts, June 1, 1856, and is the son of Janos and Mary (Richards) Riordon, natives of Ireland and Massachusetts, respectively. In 1867 the father came west with his family and located at ^Milwaukee, Wis. He was a shoemaker by trade and obtained employment with Bradley and Metcalf, manufacturers of shoes, with whom he remained some years. He died in 1903, honored and respected by his fellowmen. He was the father of five childrei:. only two of whom are living. In religious affiliations he was a member of the Catholic church, and in politics a Democrat.

Dr. Riordon received his education in the common school which he attended until his fifteenth year. In early life he gained some renown as a violinist and dancer, and for three years was one of the attractions of Dan Rice's show. In 1876 he enlisted in Company B, Fourth United States Cavalry. He was sent to Jefferson Barracks. ^Missouri, and later to Fort KUiott. He Avas discharged in 1879 and returned to his home in ^Milwaukee, where for eight years he was employed by Bradley and ]\Ietcalf in the manufacture of shoes. At the end of that time he commenced the study of medicine, which he pursued for three years in ]\Iilwaukee, then entered the Keokuk IMedical College (now the Drake University, of Iowa), and graduated with the degree of ]\I. D., and in 1900 eame to Monroe county and commenced the practice of his profession. He is a member of the ]Monroe County Medical Society, a member of the "Wisconsin State ]\Iedical Association. He is president of the village of "Wilton, member of the village board of health, and in politics a Democrat.

L. G. Scheurich, M. D., of Tomah, is a native of Germany, and ranks among the younger class of wide-awt'ke and progressive professional men of ]\Ionroe county. He was born in December, 1882, and is a son of August and Barbara Kathryn (Maurer) Scheurich. In 1886 he came to America with his parents, who located in Baltimore, Md., his father here finding employment in a tobacco factory. He had a family of seven boys, all of whom are now (1912) living, the doctor being the oldest of the family.

Dr. L. G. had good educational advantages during his boyhood, attending the public schools of Baltimore, and after completing his common school work he entered the Loyola college at Baltimore in 1896, where he received a thorough course of training and graduated with the class of 1903 with the degree of A. B. In 1904 he entered the University of Maryland, and after a four-year course graduated from the medical department with the class of 1908 with the degree of M. D.. and immediately thereafter went into the Bay VieAv hospital at Baltimore as assistant physician. After spending one year in this capacity he became chief resident physician, which position he hold until June 15, 1910. October 11, 1910, he moved to Tomah and commenced an active practice here, his experience and efficiency acquired from his hospital service placing him at the head of a large and lucrative business, and during his last year in tlie liospital at Baltimore he made a specialty of the use and administration of tuberculin in the treatment of tuberculosis, which has been effective in much of his practice. In this specialty he was associated with Dr. Gordon "Wilson, one of the leading tuberculosis specialists in the world.

Dr. Scheurich is a man of fine personality, courteous, affable and pleasing in manner, with the ability botli to make and hold friends, of whom he has a wide circle. In love with his profes-

Vernon W. Stiles, M. D., who has attained to a position of prominence in the line of his chosen profession, is the youngest of a family of five sons and two daughters born to Cornelius C. and Cornelia (Phelps) Stiles, both of wdiom were natives of central New York. Besides our subject, the others are : Emma G., widow of J. C. Taylor, Oceanside, Cal. ; Luther II. Stiles, of Minneapolis; William II., of San Bernardino, Cal.; Dr. Fred P. Stiles, a practicing physician of Racine, "Wis. ; Susie C, widow of E. AV. Hills, Redlands. Cal., and Henry A., who is a druggist at Sturgeon Bay, Wis. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Luther Stiles and Clarissa Pierce, natives of Massaclmsetts; the grandfather on the maternal side was also a native of Massachusetts. Cornelius Stiles, father of Dr. Stiles, went from New York, his native state, to Coldwater, Mich., when fourteen years of age. Remaining there for six years he then removed to Elgin, 111., where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner and also engaged in farming. It was while living at Elgin that he met and married Cornelia Phelps, and where the family was born. In about the year 186-1 he moved his family to Kankakee, and ten years later to Sandwich, 111., where he died in 1907 at the age of eighty-three years, having been born in 1824. His wife, mother of our subject, was born in 1827 and died in 1905, aged seventy-eight years. They were successful, liberal, broad-minded, public-spirited and influential citizens and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew them.

Dr. Vernon W. Stiles was born at Elgin, 111., January 31, 1861, receiving his education in the public schools of Kankakee and the Sandwich high school. Completing his studies he went to Chicago when seventeen years of age and secured a position as clerk in a drug store. At the end of three years he entered the drug store of his brother in the same capacity, and later opened a drug store on his own account at Manteno, 111., which he sold one year later and came to Sparta, where he was employed for two years in the drug store of Fred Newton. He was offered and accepted a position with Hemphill & Woy and established a drug store at the Cheyenne Indian agency in the Indian Territory, and two years later began the study of medicine. He matriculated with the Hannemann Medical College, in Chicago, where he was graduated with the class of 1888, receiving his degree of M. D. He spent one year as house physician in the Hannemann hospital in Chicago, and located in 1889 at Riverside, Cal., where lie eontinut'd a successful practice for ten years. In 1S{)9 he came to Sparta and entered into ;i co-partnership with his l)rother, Dr. Fred P. Stiles, in the practice of medicine, and has since continued his professional work with jrratifying results.

Dr. Stiles is a man of intense energy and activity and devotes nuich time to atfairs outside of his professional duties. lie is a member of the California State ^Medical Society, the Southern California INIedical Society, the AVisconsin Homeopathic ]\Iedical Society, and the American Medical Association, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias order.

In 1905 Dr. Stiles was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Helen Frances Dodge, daughter of the late Rufus S. Dodge, of Sparta. They have one daughter, Frances Stiles.