USA > California > Contra Costa County > The history of Contra Costa County, California > Part 25
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The eastern half, as it dips into the San Joaquin Valley from which the winds are shifted by the great Mount Diablo, has a temperature of fifteen to twenty degrees higher, which, while giving health to the frail and anemic, is somewhat endemic to typhoid and malaria infections.
The mountains of mineral deposits, with the winter rainfall perco- lating through their crevices, send forth many and various mineral springs. Throughout the county there are many springs of good clear,
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
healthful water, and others with various degrees of saturation with the compounds of sodium, calcium, magnesia, and iron.
The Grand Cañon Springs, near Richmond, under the management of I. N. Gates ; the Alhambra Springs, under the management of L. M. Lasell; and the Ferndale Springs, in the valleys back of Martinez, are exceptionally good table waters. They are being bottled and shipped by the thousands of gallons and serve to advertise in many homes one of the wonders of Contra Costa County.
September 7, 1847, in Saline, Mich., Lewis Risdon Mead was born. He came to California in 1863, by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, and became identified with his uncle, Orange Risdon, the founder of the Risdon Iron Works, of San Francisco. Orange Risdon located and bought from the Government two hundred acres of land in what is now eastern Contra Costa County, believing that the mineral springs that were located upon the same were of considerable financial value. Under his direction, his nephew, Lewis Risdon Mead, with a party of survey- ors, surveyed the tract to ascertain definitely whether or not these springs were located upon the property. Mr. Risdon intended the erec- tion of a large salt-evaporating plant, and had the iron pans made at his works in San Francisco, to be sent to what is now Byron, for the pur- pose of evaporating this water and collecting the salt. Mr. Mead, on go- ing to the place for his survey, found many campers that told him sto- ries of people who had been cured of rheumatism and allied conditions by bathing and drinking these natural waters. In 1868 Mr. Mead built a bath-tub and a small house on what was known as "the sulphur spring," and it received a liberal patronage. In 1872 its popularity had grown so that a ten-room house was built to accommodate the bathers. In 1877 it was rented by H. C. Gallagher, now of Denver, Colorado, who built sev- eral bath-houses at the different springs and established a stage-line thence to Byron. In 1880 Mr. Mead again took possession of the springs, and their wonderful development and popularity throughout California, the United States, and abroad were due entirely to his personal man- agement. He caused the salt-beds to be filled with ten or twelve feet of good earth, in order to grow the beautiful trees and shrubbery which now surround the hotel. In 1901 the first hotel, erected at a cost of $50,- 000, was destroyed by fire. In 1902 this was supplanted by a $150,000 Moorish building, built by Reid Brothers, of San Francisco, after which
Labball
25I
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
Byron Hot Springs became one of the best-known resorts in Califor- nia. Unfortunately, this hotel was burned in 1912. It was, however, re- placed in 1914 by another fire-proof building, costing $100,000. A few days after Mr. Mead furnished the writer this data he died from acute bronchial pneumonia, June 13, 1916. There has been no man who has been more active and helpful in the development and the growth and welfare of Contra Costa County than Lewis Risdon Mead. He has left his handiwork written as an enduring monument in the large industry which he developed, in the cordial friendship with the men of affairs of central California, and in the health and affection portrayed in the coun- tenances of thousands of people who were relieved of suffering to be- come useful and happy men and women, owing to his organization and work. He was an active Mason, one of the founders of Brooklyn Lodge No. 225, of Oakland, and a member of the Knights Templars and of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a regent of the University of California and president of the Mechanics Institute of San Francisco for many years. He was an active Republican, and at all times a constructive builder.
The early history of Contra Costa County is largely a record of the work of physicians who were lured to the Golden West by the spirit of adventure. In each section of the county is the name of some physician who was a determining factor in its material development.
The most striking character in the early drama of Contra Costa County is that of Doctor John Marsh, who was born in Danvers, Massa- chusetts, June 5, 1799. His academic work was taken at Harvard Uni- versity, from which he graduated. His medical course was taken at Fort Snelling (now St. Paul), Minnesota, after which his love of ad- venture started him on his course. He traveled through practically the whole United States, engaging in the Indian wars of the West from 1828 to 1835. He drifted through the southern portions of the United States and northern Mexico, reaching what is now Los Angeles, and coming north to the base of the great Mount Diablo about 1836 or 1837. Doctor Marsh's personal appearance was commanding, his adroit- ness as a manager great. He had seen much of life, was a keen observer of men and things, was a thorough French and Spanish scholar, and had a very versatile mind. Many articles from his pen, descriptive of the country and dealing with the romance of the early Spanish-Indian days
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
of California, appeared in Eastern publications. He obtained a grant of several thousand acres of land from the Mexican Government on the east base of Mount Diablo, which title was later confirmed by the United States. This he stocked with cattle. When the gold excitement came his land and cattle greatly advanced in value, until he became a very wealthy man. Doctor Marsh was not actively engaged in his pro- fessional calling, practicing only among the many people he employed, and who were settled upon his large estate, and those of his neighbors and friends. On September 24, 1856, he was foully murdered by three discharged employees near Concord, while on his way to Martinez.
Doctor S. J. Tennent was born in Liverpool, England, January 5, 1818, and graduated in medicine from London University. Being en- thused with a spirit of romance and adventure, he shipped on board a whaling vessel for the Sandwich Islands, where for a few years he practiced medicine, becoming physician to the king of the islands. His roving disposition caused him to drift to San Francisco, where he land- ed a short time prior to the period of the discovery of gold in Califor- nia. On September 8, 1849, he married Rafaela Martinez, daughter of the commandant of the Presidio of San Francisco. On account of this marriage he inherited a large tract of land between Pinole and Mar- tinez, and gave his attention principally to farming and stock-raising. On April II, 1854, he was appointed county physician, which position he held until February 8, 1872. He established the first drug-store in Martinez, in 1858.
Doctor E. F. Hough was born in New York October 23, 1823, grad- uating from Berea College, Ohio, in 1839, and studying medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He came to California with the first rush for gold. After spending a short time at various parts of the State, he came to Contra Costa County in October, 1853, and settled in the Ygnacio Val- ley, where he was one of the earliest settlers. There being very few white citizens, and the practice of medicine not being at all lucrative, he opened a store, which he abandoned in 1855 and came to Martinez, where he established the Hough Hotel, which he conducted for a quar- ter of a century. It is said he was the first discoverer of mineral paints in California. While a man of affairs and influence in the social devel- opment of the county, he was never actively engaged in the practice of medicine.
1
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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
The grand old patriarch of Contra Costa County was without ques- tion Doctor James H. Carothers. He was born in Beaver County, Penn- sylvania, September 5, 1823. His academic work was taken at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, and he graduated in medicine from Miami Medical University. He came to California in 1852, visit- ed many different sections of the State, and finally decided upon Contra Costa County as his home. He went back to Ohio to bring his family to his new home, and in 1854 returned to California for permanent resi- dence in Contra Costa County, where he actively established himself in the practice of medicine. About 1860 he bought sixty acres of land from Don Salvador Pacheco and laid out the town of Pacheco. Here he built stores, houses, and his own residence, and this town was for a long time the active business center of central Contra Costa County. In 1869 he was elected to the State legislature upon the Republican ticket. On August 5, 1874, he was appointed county physician, which position he held for many years. In 1874 he moved back to Martinez, and this place remained his home until his death. His practice extended the full length of Contra Costa County, and he will always stand out as the most noted man in the medical history of Contra Costa County. He as- sisted in organizing the California State Medical Society, and in June, 1877, organized and became president of the first Contra Costa Medical Society, and in this society he always maintained an active membership. Among those who had the good fortune to know Doctor Carothers he will be remembered as one of the brightest and most successful char- acters it was ever their lot to meet.
ANTIOCH .- In Antioch it appears that the first physician was Doctor Samuel Adams, who located about 1853, and confined his work to the treating of ulcers and tumors, which he invariably diagnosed as can- cers. He died in 1880. About 1860 Doctor John R. Howard located in Antioch, and actively practiced medicine until 1874, when he moved to Oakland. About 1864 Doctor Van Black and Doctor Mayberry located. Doctor Ruggles came in 1866. Doctor Emmett L. Wemple located in Nortonville in 1873, and in a short time moved to Antioch, from which place he extensively practiced medicine in eastern Contra Costa County until 1888, when he moved to San Francisco. Doctor M. C. Parkison lo- cated in Antioch in 1875, where he continued to practice medicine until
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
his death in 1910. Doctor Frank Rattan bought the practice of Doctor E. L. Wemple in 1888, and continued to practice in Antioch until 1901, when he moved to Martinez. Doctor T. B. De Witt came in 1891, and practiced a short time, and then moved to San Francisco. Doctor W. S. George came to Antioch a few months after Doctor Rattan, and has been in continuous practice since that time. Besides being a very busy physician, he has always been very active in the social and political af- fairs of his town and county. Doctor J. W. De Witt located in Antioch in 1894, after his uncle moved to San Francisco. He has been in con- tinuous active practice throughout eastern Contra Costa County since that time. He is one of the most active men in this county at the pres- ent time. Doctor Chas. B. Fisher located in Antioch in 1906, and re- mained about one year. Doctor Edward A. Diggins came to Antioch in 19II from San Francisco, since which time he has continued to prac- tice in Antioch. Shortly after his arrival in Antioch he established a private hospital, which he conducted for a short time. Doctor Carlotta R. Deckelman located in Antioch in 1915, and has built up a good prac- tice.
The following is an early fee schedule from the office of Doctor M. C. Parkison, adopted by the physicians of Contra Costa County early in 1870:
The following rates of charges have been agreed upon by the un- dersigned physicians of Contra Costa County :
For each prescription or advice at office $2.00
For special office examination . 5.00
For each visit in town during day time 2.50
For each visit in town during night time, 10 P. M. to 7 A. M. 5.00
For visits one mile from residence and under five miles $3.00 to 5.00
For visits over five miles from residence, per mile 1.00
For visits in consultation with usual mileage fee . 5.00
For ordinary midwifery with usual mileage fee 20.00
For midwifery when instruments are required . $40.00 to 100.00
M. C. Parkison, M. D. O. B. Adams, M. D.
E. L. Wemple, M. D. G. E. Alexander, M. D.
John Leffler, M.D. D. Walker, M. D.
J. H. Carothers, M. D. H. V. Mott, M. D.
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EXTRACT FROM CODE OF ETHICS
"A physician ought not to take charge of, or prescribe for, a patient who has recently been under the care of another member of the faculty in the same illness, except in cases of sudden emergen- cy, or in consultation with the physician previously in attendance, or when the latter has relinquished the case, or been regularly not- ified that his services are no longer desired."
BAY POINT .- At the time of the establishment of the C. A. Smith Lum- ber Company at Bay Point in 1911, Doctor George Mckenzie, of Con- cord, established an emergency hospital for the care of the sick and in- jured of the company. He has been continuously in charge of it since that time. In 1911 Doctor Orlando Pearson located in Bay Point, where he remained six months.
BRENTWOOD .- A great deal can be written concerning the early doc- tors of the vicinity of Brentwood and Byron. The earliest and most con- spicuous is that of Doctor John Marsh, whose history has been briefly given. Doctor Patterson located near Bethany in the eastern end of the county in the late '60s. His practice reached as far as the neighborhood of Antioch. He remained a good many years. Doctor C. A. E. Hertell practiced in the district about 1869 or 1870. He was a Methodist min- ister, and located at what was known as Point of Timber. He was of the old school and believed that calomel was the Hercules of Materia Medica. Doctor Meyers located in the vicinity in the '70s, and was known as the French doctor who performed miracles. Doctor Charles Connors came to Brentwood in 1886 or 1887 from Los Angeles, and remained about two years. Doctor H. V. Mott located in Marsh Creek about 1880, later removing to Brentwood, where he practiced until he died. Doctor J. E. Marsh came to Brentwood about 1898, practicing a short time. Doctor William B. Marsh located in Brentwood in 1893 and practiced a short time. He was followed by his brother-in-law, Doctor C. A. Bell, who remained two years. Doctor J. W. Ellis located on a farm near Oakley in 1896 and practiced until 1904. At present he is re- tired from active work. Doctor H. Rozsas located in Brentwood in 1900 and practiced one year. He was followed by Doctor J. T. Gardner, who practiced for a short time. Doctor A. C. Bowerman then located in
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Brentwood, where he remained one year. Doctor George F. Wise fol- lowed Doctor Gardner. After remaining eighteen months, he was compelled to leave on account of poor health. Doctor Frank S. Cook came to Brentwood immediately following the earthquake and fire in San Francisco, and he is still actively practicing his profession. He is widely known, particularly on account of his genial personality, in east- ern Contra Costa County, and is a prominent factor in its present de- velopment. Doctor L. B. Weatherbee located in Oakley in 1914, and has a very good practice.
BYRON .- The first man to locate in Byron was Doctor W. K. Doher- ty. His custom was to scatter handbills in the street, drifting them from the porches and windows, announcing himself as "the great venereal doctor." Doctor J. W. Hammond was next to locate in Byron, about 1898, where he has been continuously in active practice. He has de- servedly enjoyed the utmost confidence of the people of this vicinity. Doctor Louis Mead, whose father was the founder and able manager of the Byron Hot Springs for many years, was resident physician at the springs about 1906. After remaining there for a few years, he moved to San Francisco.
CONCORD .- In 1853 Doctor E. F. Hough located in the Ygnacio Val- ley, conducting a store and practicing medicine. He moved to Martinez in 1855. There was no physician located in this vicinity until Doctor J. H. Carothers located the town of Pacheco, where he resided until 1876. When Doctor Carothers moved to Martinez to assume the position of county health officer, Doctor Leffler moved to Pacheco, and practiced in Pacheco and Concord until 1891, when he returned to Martinez. About 1880 Doctor Edmund Bragdon moved from Martinez to Con- cord, and remained until about 1888, when he returned to Martinez. Doctor F. Bass practiced for a short time in 1886. Doctor Hayward G. Thomas came to Concord in 1887, when, after three years in general practice, he removed to Oakland, where he now lives, and limits his practice to eye, ear, nose, and throat work. In 1890 Doctor F. F. Neff, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, located in Concord. He is one of the very finest types of men, has been continuously closely connected with the development of Concord, has an exceptionally large practice,
Frank &bok ma.
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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
and possesses a host of loyal friends. The people of Concord have been particularly fortunate in their medical care. As a colleague of Doctor Neff's, Doctor George Mckenzie, of Toronto University, located here in 1891. He is a very efficient, attentive, and busy physician, has con- tinuously been in charge of the emergency hospital at Bay Point, and has taken a particular interest in the development of the Concord school system. Doctor Mckenzie is a brother of Superior Judge A. B. McKen- zie. Doctor Hamlin was located in Concord for a short time in the early '90s. During the smallpox epidemic of 1900 and 1901, Doctor E. A. Ormsby, brother of Assistant District Attorney A. S. Ormsby, was lo- cated in Concord. Doctor W. N. Finney located in Concord in 1912, and has a very good practice. Doctor E. E. Johnson came in 1914. He is a man of ability, and will build up a very good practice.
COWELL .- Doctor W. E. Bixby was the first physician for the Cow- ell-Portland Cement Company. He practiced from 1909 to 1913, and in 1913 Doctor F. B. Cone succeeded him. Doctor C. C. Fitzgibbon suc- ceeded Doctor Cone in 1914, and is now resident physician. Besides the company work he has a very good general practice.
CROCKETT .- Doctor J. S. Riley moved from Port Costa to Crockett in 1893 and established a very extensive practice. He always had a great interest in all civic affairs, and during his long practice in this vicinity aided greatly in its development. After a very useful life, he died from cancer of the tongue in 1909. Doctor H. N. Yates located in Valona in 1897, established a very extensive practice, and remained about six years. Doctor F. S. Cook came to Crockett in 1898 and remained about eighteen months. Doctor William C. Yates became associated with his brother, Doctor H. N. Yates, about 1901, and remained in Crockett about two years. Doctor Otto M. Schultz came to Crockett in 1901, but only remained a short time. Doctor J. W. Key moved from Pinole to Crockett in 1902, remained there several years, and built up an exten- sive practice. Doctor A. H. White located in Crockett in 1906 and re- mained about eighteen months. He established a hospital in Valona, which he conducted for a short time. Doctor George W. Sweetser came to Crockett in 1907 and remained until 1914. Doctor William F. Booth and his brother, Edwin F. Booth, after conducting a general merchan-
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
dise store in Valona for several years, studied naturopathy, and regis- tered to practice in Valona in 1907 and 1909 respectively. Doctor F. A. McManus located in Crockett in 1912, and after a few months of busy practice, while returning from making a call upon a patient, was acci- dentally killed by a Southern Pacific train at Vallejo Junction. Doctor J. G. Harrington located for a few months in 1914. Doctor J. H. Adams came to Crockett in 1914, and has built up a very extensive practice along this section of the water-front. Doctor G. M. O'Malley came in 1915, and has made many friends during the short time he has been here.
DANVILLE .- The first physician to locate in Danville was Doctor J. S. Labaree, who came in 1854 and remained until his death, in 1860. Doctor George E. Alexander located here in 1870 and remained several years. Doctor E. R. Layne practiced for a short time in 1894. Doctor George W. Desrosier located in 1896 and remained a short time. Doc- tor H. C. Reamer located in 1901 and built up an extensive practice. He retired in 1915 on account of poor health. In 1916 Doctor Love came from Pasadena to Danville, and has a good practice.
MARTINEZ .- In 1849 Doctor William B. Bolton located in what is now Martinez. In the list of names of voters of 1850 appears the name of Doctor George Lawrence. Doctor John Strentzel came in 1853, and was one of the most active of the early men of central Contra Costa County. He helped organize and was the first master of the Alhambra Grange, and was active in the building and management of the Gran- gers' warehouse. Doctor J. H. Carothers came to Martinez in 1852, but only remained a short time, and moved to Pacheco. He later relocated in Martinez in 1874. Doctor E. F. Hough moved from the Ygnacio Val- ley to Martinez in 1855. He spent most of his time conducting a hotel, although he did some active practice. Doctor C. A. Ruggles located in 1858. Doctor Charles E. Holbrook located late in the '6os, and succeed- ing in 1872 Doctor S. J. Tennent, of Pinole Valley, as county physician. Doctor Edmund Bragdon located in 1872, remained a few years, and then moved to Concord. He later returned to Martinez, where he died. Doctor John Leffler located in 1874, moved to Pacheco in 1876, and re- turned to Martinez again in 1891, where he died. About 1875 Doctor
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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
J. R. Howard located in Martinez. He was a man of considerable liter- ary ability. Several of his articles appeared in the early periodicals, be- ing mostly descriptive of central California. Doctor H. V. Bernett located in Martinez in 1877. Doctor E. E. Brown, who was a resident of Martinez, and whose family were to a great extent the molders of the early political and social affairs of central Contra Costa County, grad- uated at the Kentucky School of Medicine in 1882, and immediately lo- cated in Martinez. He built up a very extensive practice and held many positions of honor and trust in the community, being county physician for many years. He died in Martinez in 1913. The first woman physi- cian, Mrs. M. A. Howard, located in 1885, remaining only a few months. Doctor Charles G. Merrell came to Martinez in 1886, remained two years, and moved to San Francisco in 1888. Doctor John B. Ten- nent, the son of Doctor S. J. Tennent, one of the first settlers of Con- tra Costa County, was the first county physician-from 1895 to 1897. He graduated at the Cooper Medical College in 1888 and returned to the county of his birth, soon becoming one of the busiest and best- known men in Contra Costa County. After a few short years of active work, he died in October, 1897. Doctor Joseph T. Breneman located in Martinez in 1892 and soon established a very large practice. He served as county health officer for many years, having charge during the small- pox epidemic in the years 1900 to 1901, and at one time had one hun- dred and fifty-three cases in quarantine. It is stated that no case gave a history of previous vaccination. In 1908 he established a private hos- pital in Martinez, which he conducted for some time. He moved to Rust in 1911. Doctor Mary Leonard Murphy located in 1897 and remained until 1901. In 1899, at the time of the building of the San Joaquin Val- ley Railroad, now part of the Santa Fe system, Doctor A. P. Mulligan was the railroad company's surgeon, and remained in Martinez and vi- cinity during the period of construction. Doctor John E. Fleming located in Martinez in 1893 and remained only a short time. Doctor Frank Rattan moved from Antioch to Martinez in 1901 and built up an ex- tensive practice. He established a drug-store, which he personally con- ducted. After a few years of very hard work, Doctor Rattan was com- pelled to retire on account of ill-health. He has been practically con- fined to his home for several years, but in defiance of his painful mal- ady he has at all times preserved his cheerful and cordial friendships.
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HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
His retirement from active practice has been deeply regretted, both by his colleagues and his many loyal friends. Doctor George W. Sweetser first came to Martinez in 1903. He remained four years, then moved to Crockett, returning again to Martinez in 1914. Doctor Sweetser has a legion of friends and has a very extensive practice. Doctor George P. Wintermute came to Martinez in 1897 and remained one year. In 1905 Doctor Edwin Merrithew moved from Geyserville to Martinez. His cheerful personality and attention to his work has made him one of the busiest men of Contra Costa County. He has been county physician since 1910. Doctor William S. Lavy came to Martinez in 1910 and re- mained for eighteen months. Doctor E. B. Fitzpatrick became associ- ated with Doctor Frank Rattan in 1911, and two years later, when Doc- tor Rattan was forced to retire on account of ill-health, succeeded him. He has been secretary of the County Medical Society for many years and is a very busy man. He was married in September, 1916. Doctor J. H. Hawkins located in Martinez in 1915 and for the short time which he has been here, is building up a very good practice.
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