Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. II, Part 33

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1166

USA > Georgia > Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. II > Part 33

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"Resolved, By the general assembly, that the name of Crawford W. Long, M. D., the historic discoverer of anaesthesia, he presented to the art gallery at Washington city, established or to be established, to represent the state of Georgia.

"Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolution be transmitted by the governor to his excellency, the president of theUnited States of America, with a request that he submit them to the senate and house of representatives of congress on its next assemblage; and that another copy thereof be sent by the governor to the proper officer in charge of said art gallery.

"Approved, Aug. 23, 1879.

"Alfred H. Colquitt, "Governor."

Mr. Henri L. Stuart, a public-spirited citizen of New York, in appreciation of the genius of Dr. Long, had an oil painting made of him by one of the most celebrated artists in America and presented it to the state of Georgia through United States Senator John B. Gordon. The following is a copy of the letter of Mr. Stuart to Gen. Gordon:

"New York, Aug. 12, 1879.

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"Hon. J. B. Gordon:

"Dear Sir-Will you do me the favor, as a member of the Alumni association of the state university of Georgia, to present in my name the accompanying portrait (painted by F. B. Carpenter) of Dr. Crawford W. Long, a late member of this association, and demonstrated discoverer of surgical anaesthesia by the use of sulphuric ether, March 30, 1842, to be placed in the capitol of the state of Georgia, under their control and supervision.

"I desire to do this in honor of the memory and just fame of this eminent physician and useful citizen, to make his record complete as the discoverer of anaesthesia.

"Providence seems to have intervened to prevent the final settlement of this vexed question, until the claims of this modest, unpretending and gifted man, who really made the discovery, were fully demonstrated by Dr. J. M. Sims, a native of South Carolina, also a discoverer and a benefactor of humanity, scarcely second to Dr. Long himself. His labors in Alabama, which led to the founding of the Woman's hospital of the state of New York, have also resulted in giving him a world-wide fame as a surgeon and investigator.

"It is fitting that these two eminent southern men should be represented as they are in Mr. Carpenter's picture.

"Very respectfully and faithfully, your friend, "Henri L. Stuart."

The legislature being in session, Gen. Gordon transmitted the letter of Mr. Stuart to that body. Hon. B. C. Yancy introduced the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

"Whereas, Mr. H. L. Stuart, a noble-hearted humanitarian of the city of New York, has had painted at his expense a magnificent portrait of the late Dr. Crawford W. Long, a citizen of Georgia, and the discoverer of modern surgical anaesthesia, and offers said portrait in appreciation of the grand discovery and the discoverer, to the alumni of the university of the state of Georgia, with the request that it be received by the house of representatives of the general assembly of the state, and be placed on the walls of the representative chamber.

"Resolved, That the gift of said portrait for the purpose designated be accepted by the house of representatives.

"Resolved, That the hour of 12 o'clock meridian, on Monday next, be ordered as the time for the presentation of said portrait, by the Hon. John B. Gordon.

"Resolved, That a committee of three members of the house by appointment by the speaker to arrange for the ceremonials, and to notify the Hon. John B. Gordon of the adoption of the preamble and resolution, and to invite to a seat on the floor during said ceremonial and his stay in the city, the generous and noble donor, Mr. H. L. Stuart, of the city of New York."

At the appointed hour, Gen. Gordon, in a magnificent speech presented to the general assembly the portrait of Dr. Long. It was feelingly and eloquently received in behalf of the legislature by the Hon. B. C. Yancy of Athens-in which city Dr. Long labored so long and well as a practitioner of medicine. It was a memorable event in Georgia. In addition to the general assembly of the state, there were present his excellency Gov. Colquitt, the supreme court, many dis- tinguished citizens of the commonwealth, Mr. Stuart and the family of Dr. Long. The portrait of the great discoverer of anaesthesia hangs in a conspicuous position in our capitol building at Atlanta. Just here it is proper to recall the following melancholy and touching incident: When the presentation of the portrait of Dr. Long had been made to the state Mr. Stuart went to Athens to visit the grave of Dr. Long. Mr. Stuart was stricken with paralysis a few hours after he reached

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Athens, and died Sept. 16, 1879. His remains were, at the request of Dr. Long's family, interred in the cemetery at Athens in their family burying ground. He was a guest in Mrs. Long's home during his stay in Athens, and during his illness was nursed with tenderest care by her household. The city of Athens paid a fitting honor to Mr. Stuart's memory by a public funeral. The venerable A. A. Lipscomb, D. D., LL. D., in his funeral oration over Dr. Long, forcibly, truthfully and tenderly delineated his character as follows: "No one can value his profession who does not value his manhood. Dr. Long regarded his profession as a channel through which his inner and outer life might flow in blessing to the world. And, in that channel, it did flow; a stream tranquil, but strong, deepening and widening as it went onward; a water from the fount of the old Bethesda that bore healing to so many. Dr. Long looked on his profession as a providential vocation. To him, it was not a mere work of humanity; it was this because it was more than this; and he accepted its tasks as a divine ordination, for which he was set apart by the touch of a hand unseen. Occasionaly his profound sensibility on this subject would break through his reserve, and then, words touching his supreme. concern, would drop from the conscience of his soul. What those words were his confidential friends know. But you all know that no man can do such work as Dr. Long did, 'except God be with him.' Nay, more; no man can do any true, noble, enduring work 'except God be with him.' First and last, whoever the workman, he is nothing, 'except God be with him.' The solemn feeling, fervent no less than reverential, that God has given us a special work to do-that our eternal life hangs suspended on the issues thereof-that God's glory is not possible of promotion by us save by and through that single work well and bravely done, this feeling must possess and occupy our very hearts, must lift us high above the allurements of the world's gain and the charms of the world's renown, must aid consecration to devotion, and inspiration to consecration, or, verily, all our work here antedates the final verdict of Almighty God, consigning it to the burning as 'wood, hay, stubble.' 'I believe,' said Dr. Long, 'my profession is a ministry from God to me;' and, again, speaking of his discovery of anaesthesia by means of sulphuric ether, 'My only wish about it is to be known as a benefactor to my race.' Can you wonder that a man who acted out these sentiments was a man of prayer? The need of prayer is always felt when our work is felt. No one could be much with Dr. Long under the pressure of anxiety in the sick chamber and not see prayer in the meditative stillness of his eyes. The event of his career was the discovery to which I have alluded. Fortunately for the truth of history, Dr. Marion J. Sims, a distinguished physician of New York, undertook last year to settle the claims of rivals to the first use of anaesthetic agents for surgical operations. The task could not have fallen into better hands. With that disin- terested energy and manlv devotion to the interests of medical science for which Dr. Sims is so justly and so widely celebrated, he collected the facts bearing on the point at issue. The result of the inquiry leaves no doubt as to the first discovery, and Dr. Long is now regarded in this country and Europe as entitled to this honor. But he has gone from us now, and the honor can be only a part of his memory. Standing here in the presence of his remains, I am this day but the voice of the church, of his professional brethren and of this whole community, when I say that in Dr. Long's death, we have lost an excellent man. He assumed nothing, pretended to nothing he was not, was thoroughly truthful in look, tone, manner and action, lived simply, treated everyone considerately, and walked humbly before God. Modest even to the verge of timidity when nothing serious was at stake, he was stern and bold and utterly self-forgetting if responsibility had to be met or danger confronted. A large fund of intensity lay

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hidden in the depths of his quiet nature, which answered with instant and eager force if duty summoned him to action. Reticent as to his own merits, reticent too of his troubles lest he should disturb the happiness of others, he had none of that morbidness which retires into its capacious self and inflicts the pain of a chilling reserve on all who have the misfortune to come within its reach. Gentle, forbear- ing, faithful to every wise instinct, he kept the covenant of a heart's true life till his days were numbered. He had strength of will and much power of endurance. The minor heroisms which make so large a share of a physician's experience, and of which the world knows so little, wrote many a paragraph in the annals of his life. Emphatically applicable to him were the words of Wordsworth, that --

" 'The facts of human existence Did take a sober coloring from an eye That had kept watch o'er man's mortality.'

And appropriate to him these other words, also, which tell how some enjoy

" 'That best portion of a good man's life, His little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.'

"Over three score years were mercifully granted to him, and through him to us, to Georgia and the world. Day by day strengthened his hold on our families and the community. All his recent growth which was so manifest to the nearer circle of friends was upward into clearer light and purer air. It was noticeable, that the ideal of that profession, to which God has delegated the most solemn and pathetic trusts of our earthly being, steadily rose before his eye into loftier grandeur. Noticeable, too, was the fact, that his sympathies deepened for the sufferings of womanhood, and with keener enlistment of studious thought and warm affection he worked and toiled and sorrowed in the tragic hours of her agony. Nor did those nearest to him fail to observe how his old habits of reading the Bible and attending to private devotion waxed stronger and dearer as his professional engagements multiplied. It became him thus to live. It became him thus to die, while discharging the tenderest and holiest duty of his profession, by the bedside of a lady whose life was threatened. And if we have this afternoon to commit his mortal remains to the grave and say of him, friend, brother, physician, benefactor, in the language of grief's litany, 'Dust to dust!' we shall give the manly virtues and Christian integrity of Crawford W. Long a dwelling-place where so many of the elect of our life and love are already gathered

" 'Beneath the umbrage deep, That shades the silent world of memory.'"

CURTIS BELL NOTTINGHAM, M. D. Born in Northampton county, Va., May 21, 1818; died in Macon, Ga., March 14, 1876. His literary edu- cation was acquired at Carlyle college, Pennsylvania. He graduated M. D. from Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1840. He began the practice of medicine in Perry, Houston Co., Ga., in 1840, remaining there for nine years, having attained marked prominence as a skillful practitioner. Encouraged by his success, and desiring a larger field, he, in 1849, located in Macon. In his new home he rapidly attained professional eminence, and soon stood in the front rank of the medical profession of Macon and of the state. Being of a weak constitution the tax of his large and arduous professional work began to make serious inroads upon his health, and finally failing strength decided him to abandon the practice of medicine for a time. This he did in 1860, moving to Louisiana and engaging

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in the pursuit of agriculture. Upon the outbreak of the Confederate war he promptly volunteered his services to his country and was assigned to duty as surgeon of an important military post in Louisiana. He continued his services in the medical department of the Confederate army during the entire period of the war. In military, as in civil life, he ranked among the ablest of his confreres, both as a physician and surgeon. His fidelity to duty, and his fearlessness of danger to self, made him conspicuous as a military surgeon. The confiscation of his property, as the result of the war, left him wholly dependent upon his profession. He therefore decided to return to Macon to again take up professional work. Jan. I, 1866, he resumed the practice of medicine in Macon. His former patrons rejoiced at his return, and soon he was again in a large and arduous practice. For several years his feeble health markedly interfered with his wonted faithful dis- charge of professional duties-occasionally being confined to a sick bed for sev- eral months at a time. But with an indomitable will and energy he continued his professional duties, oftentimes being himself more in need of a physician than his patients, among whom he labored so tenderly and faithfully. This is true heroism. A life of self-denial, self-sacrifice, great heartedness, which causes one to forget self and bravely battle for others, yet scarcely able physically to do for self. Dr. Nottingham was one of God's noblemen, full of courage, self-sacrifice, gentleness and humility. He evoked the love of his fellows because he loved them, labored for their welfare wholly unmindful of self. He was one of the most elegant of men. Courtly in manners, gentle of speech and action, full of the milk of human kindness, he was an ideal physician. His public addresses as well as his contributions to medical literature evidenced a highly cultivated mind. Many of them are gems of English composition and medical philosophy. Dr. Notting- ham was not only a highly accomplished, general practitioner of medicine, but he was a surgeon of conspicuous ability. When ovariotomy was rarely done in the south he was one of the surgeons to successfully and repeatedly do this opera- tion. He possessed the qualities of a great surgeon, thorough knowledge of anatomy, dexterity in the use of instruments, calmness and extraordinary judg- inent; he had few peers in surgery among his associates and no superiors. In all departments of medicine he was highly skilled. Not content with the mere cure of disease he, with the mind of the philosopher, regarded hygiene-the pre- vention of disease-as the royal path of medicine. He was an enthusiast upon the subject of sanitation. A properly organized and equipped public health service in Georgia was the one object nearest his heart and he persistently labored to this end. He exerted himself for the establishment of a state board of health in Georgia. When it was established he was made a member of that board and rendered valuable service therein. He was one of its most prominent, active and useful members. He was a member of the State Medical society from its organi- zation in 1849 to the time of his death. He was one of the founders of this society, and in 1869 its president. He was repeatedly elected a delegate to represent the State Medical society in the sessions of the American Medical association, and in this body of distinguished physicians he was assigned positions of prominence reserved for its most renowned members. He was one of the most benevolent of men When called to a patient he never stopped to consider the question as to whether or not he would be paid for his services. Good Samaritan that he was, he discharged his high calling in serving any and everyone who needed his services, and when money was not his reward he found the richer reward of conscientious discharge of the sacred duties of his Christ-like vocation. Not only were his eminent professional services cheerfully given to the poor, but he generously con- tributed financially to their relief. As a consequence of his benevolence he died

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poor in worldly possessions, but left his family and state the legacy of an honor- able, useful life singularly devoted to God and his fellow-men.

ROBERT MARK SMITH, M. D., born in Paterson, N. J., Jan. 13, 1826; died Feb. 1, 1879. His father was Terrance Smith, of Paterson, N. J., his mother was Margaret (Inglis) Smith. When the subject of this sketch was twelve years old he moved with his parents to Athens, Ga. After receiving an academic edu- cation he found employment in a drug store in that city. While engaged in the drug business he made himself proficient in practical pharmacy, and subsequently entered upon the study of medicine. He graduated from Jefferson Medical col- lege, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1846, having taken both courses in that celebrated institution. After graduating in medicine he, after a creditable examination, won a position as assistant surgeon in the United States navy. In consequence of fail- ing health he resigned from the navy and in 1847 entered upon the practice of medicine in Athens, Ga. Dr. Smith was a highly accomplished general practi- tioner of medicine, and was the peer of any physician of Georgia. He had a decided preference for surgery, and was one of the most skillful surgeons in the south. Among the most important surgical operations done by him may be men- tioned: First, Laparotomy for case of extra uterine pregnancy. Second, A case of ligation of the primitive carotid artery. The nature of the wound, for which the operation was done, was such as to prevent tying the artery at the place known as "the point of selection," and it was found necessary to ligate the vessel one inch above the clavicle. The operation was successful. Dr. Smith patriotically responded to the call of his country and served as surgeon of the Sixteenth Georgia regiment, Confederate States army. He remained in the field throughout the war. After the cessation of hostilities he returned to Athens and continued a highly useful and honorable practitioner until stricken with disease just prior to his death. For four years Dr. Smith was mayor of Athens, discharging the duties of his office with zeal and ability. He was a member of the American Medical associa- tion, and of the medical association of Georgia. In both of these bodies he occupied prominent positions. He was also a member of the board of health of Athens. For some years he was professor of medical jurisprudence in the law department of the university of Georgia, and filled this chair with conspicuous ability. He was ever the friend of education, and for years a member of the board of trustees of the Southern Masonic Female college, situated in Covington in this state. As a Mason he was master of his lodge for ten years and held official position in the grand lodge of Georgia. He was a bright member of the Ancient Scottish rite, and at the time of his death enjoyed the distinction of being a thirty- third degree Mason. This high honor was conferred upon him in 1876. In his profession, in private life, in official position he was ever the true gentleman- faithful, honorable, considerate, unselfish and loyal in all the duties of life. As citizen, physician and officer he possessed, as he richly merited, the love and con- fidence of his fellows.

DR. H. H. STEINER, M. D., Augusta. Henry Hegner Steiner was born in Frederick City, Md., on Jan. 8, 1816. His father, Capt. Henry Steiner, who served in the war of 1812, was a close friend of Gen. Andrew Jackson, and com- manded Steiner's battery of artillery at the battle of North Point, near Baltimore. His great-grandfather was John Conrad Steiner, a clergyman of the Lutheran church, who was distinguished for his piety and his learning. He was the son of a Swiss senator, and came to this country from Winteture, in Switzerland. An imposing monument stands to his memory to this day in Franklin square, Phila- delphia. Dr. Steiner's mother was Rachel Murray, daughter of Maj. Josephus

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Murray, who achieved distinction in the war of the revolution, and whose home was at Riesterstown, Md. Dr. Steiner pursued his classical studies at Kenyon college, Ohio, but did not remain to be graduated. Having decided to study medicine, he entered the university of Pennsylvania, and was graduated in March, 1838. He began the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, but entered the United States army as assistant surgon in June, 1839, and was ordered to Fort Gibson, a frontier post in Arkansas, where he was attached to the Eighth regiment of infantry. It was with this regiment that he went to Florida in 1841, and served in the Seminole war under Gen. William Worth, remaining there until the close of that war in 1842. In 1843 he was transferred to the United States arsenal at Summerville, near Augusta, Ga., assigned to duty as post surgeon, which position he held for several years. While filling this position he was frequently called upon to render professional services to the wealthy and aristocratic citizens of Summerville. His professional acumen was seen and appreciated, and numerous members of his civilian clientele urged him to resign from the army and locate in Augusta. Before he had decided upon this step, the United States becoming involved in the war with Mexico, Dr. Steiner went to the front with his com- mand, serving as surgeon of the First regiment of artillery, and later as surgeon on the staff of Gen. Zachary Taylor. He was present at the battle of Monterey, Churubusco and Chapultepec, and also at the capture of the City of Mexico. The fame of his services during the memorable years of that war extended through the whole army. Even to-day, whenever a venerable surgeon of the old army is found the name of Dr. Steiner is remembered with affection and admiration. He won reputation at once by his wonderful success in the treatment of disease, and by his unsurpassed skill in the most difficult operations known to surgery. He also won the hearts of all men by his simplicity, his sympathy, his tenderness. Gen. Taylor never forgot his kindness, and when he became president, in 1849, he invited Dr. Steiner to the White House, and they spent a whole day alone together reviving the memories of their Mexican campaigns.

The spirit of Christianity seemed to be ever the spirit in which he did his work. In the long weary hours after the battle was over he would take no rest until the last wound had been dressed and the last suffering had been alle- viated. He administered to the wounded of both armies alike. He would not leave even the humblest of his enemies to suffer or to die if his ministrations could give relief. He was always generous to an enemy. He especially insisted that all due honor should be paid to a fallen foe. When the brave Mexican general, Velasquez, was killed in the storming of the City of Mexico, and his dead body was about to be left unburied, Dr. Steiner refused to leave the field until the body of his foe was given proper sepulture. He even declared he would dig the grave with his own hands, until at last the American officer was shamed into compliance and Velasquez was buried with the honors of war. His kindness in the midst of all the cruel experiences that follow in the track of war won for him the life-long love and friendship of many a soldier in that eventful time. The brother of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston died in Dr. Steiner's arms, and the doctor himself helped to make the rude grave in which he was laid to rest. Gen. Johnston always remembered this with affectionate gratitude. Years afterward he said that Dr. Steiner "was linked to him by the tenderest associations of his life." When the United States army captured Vera Cruz yellow fever appeared among the troops. Such was the proportions and malignancy that it seemed to threaten to annihilate the American army. Dr. Steiner was placed in charge of the hospitals and labored day and night in relief of his fever-stricken com- rades. Finally he contracted the disease and narrowly escaped death. He re-

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mained in the medical department of the United States army until 1851, when he resigned his commission, and in August of the same year located in Augusta as a practitioner of medicine. Being known to the citizens of Augusta as an elegant gentleman and a highly skilled physician, he entered at once upon a large and lucrative practice, and up to 1889, when he was prostrated upon a sick bed from which he never rose, he was regarded as the most skillful physician in the state of Georgia, indeed in this section of the Union. Dr. Steiner's expe- rience in the yellow fever epidemic in Vera Cruz was of great service to the city of Augusta when that disease attacked the city in 1854. He being called to a case, promptly pronounced it yellow fever, and so announced it to the authorities. The merchants ridiculed the diagnosis, and denounced him for thus damaging the city. In a short time, however, the disease was pronounced epi- demic, when his former detractors warmly commended his professional acumen. During the entire epidemic he most skillfully and unweariedly ministered to the diseased.

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Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. II, Part 33

Author: Publication date: 1859 Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association Number of Pages: 1166

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1166