History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 85

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois > Part 85

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stein, of White Hall, and then taught school and studied law at home until 1876, when he removed to Texas, and was there admitted to the bar during the same year. He remained in Texas less than one year, returning to Greene county, where he was admitted to the bar in 1879. In 1877, he was elected county superintendent of schools, which office he held until Dec., 1880, when he resigned. In the fall of the same year he was elected state's attorney for the county, which office he still retains, having been re-elected in 1884. In Sept., 1874, he was married to Nancy, a daughter of Jesse Morrow. She was born in Greene county. By this union there are four boys-Jesse A., John B., Oliver and Frank. Mrs. King is a member of the Campbellite church. Mr. King is a member of the Roodhouse lodge, No. 681, I. O. O. F., and of the Worcester lodge, No. 113, K. of P. He has represented the Odd Fellows lodge in the grand lodge of the state one term, and has been a member of several democratic state conventions, and of all the county conventions since 1876.

James L. Patterson, of the law firm of Patterson & Starkey, Roodhouse, is a native of St. Louis county, Mo., was born Ang. 29, 1846, being a son of Lemuel J. and Ann E. (Hume) Patter- son, both natives of Missouri. Lemuel

D. F. King, the present state's attor- ney, residing in Roodhouse, is a native | J. came to Illinois in 1844, and settled of Texas, born Jan. 9, 1853. He was the at Schutz's Mill, Greene county. For third child of a family of seven chil- many years he was engaged in the mer- chandise business, and was one of the representative men of the county, hav- ing served the people in the capacity of sheriff four years, and justice of the peace several terms, in each of which positions he gave entire satisfaction to dren of Alexander and Mary (Wagoner) King, of whom mention is made in the Representative chapter. David was ed- ucated in Blackburn University, at Carlinville, Ill., after which he taught school and read law under M. Meyer-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

his constituents. He is now a resident Ilall lodge No. 80, A. F. & A. M., of White HIall lodge, I. O.O. F., A. O. U. W., and K. of P., in two of which he has held most of the offices, at different times. He has been superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school ever since the organization of that society in Rood- house, and under his efficient manage- ment, the school has flourished, now having large classes and a fine orchestra. Mr. Patterson was president of the town board at the time of the organiza- tion of Roodhouse as a city, and for five years has been clerk of the district board of education. In politics he is a democrat, and has been chosen as a del- egate to every congressional convention held in the 12th district, and has at var- ious times acted as chairman of the same. Since coming to Roodhouse, Mr. Patterson has done much toward the improvement of the city, being associ- ated with Mr. Roodhouse in the erection of many of the best buildings in the city. They laid out the public square, ! and did much toward bringing trade to the city. Truly, it may be said that he is a representative man. of the city of Roodhouse, and is much respected by his neighbors and friends. James L. Patterson, the subject of this sketch, received his preliminary educa- tion in the district schools of this county, and later attended the Winchester High School. In his 18th year he began reading law, under Judge Hodges, at Carrollton, and five years later, in 1870, was admitted to the bar. He had pre- viously taught school for nine years, was deputy assessor for the same length of ; time, and township treasurer for five years, in T. 12, R. 13, now Patterson township, named so in honor of his father. In Oct., 1877, he came to the city of Roodhouse, and engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, in which he has been eminently successful, now being rated as one of the most suc- cessful attorneys in this part of the state. Mr. Patterson has been attorney for the C. & A. R. R. for the past eight years, and has a very extensive railroad practice, in addition to his general. The firm of which he is the head, was estab- lished Feb. 3, 1882, and has ever since practiced in the various courts of Illinois W. M. Ward, a practicing attorney at Greenfield, is a son of Jesse and Mary Ward, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. The father of W. M. was a farmer by occupation and was among the first settlers of Jer- sey county. W. M. was born Dec. 24, 1838, and attended the common schools until he was IS years of age. He then took a trip to the Rocky mountains, where he spent eight years in various occupations. Ile was first engaged in mining, then was in the attorney-gen- and Missouri, their practice being second to no other firm in this part of the state. In March, 1868, James L. Pat- terson and Mary E. Wilmington were united in marriage. She is a native of St. Louis county, Mo., and a daughter of Edwin Wilmington, a native of Eng- land. By their union, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have been blessed with two children-Buell and Ilarry. Mrs. Pat- terson is a member of the M. E. church, and Mr. Patterson the Baptist, hav- ing united with that organization in eral's office, and was out on an expedi- 1867. He is also a member of White tion after the Red men and followed

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

them into their mountain fastnesses, and had some practical experience in Indian fighting. During his stay in the west he had a varied and cheekered exper- ience. In the winter of 1867, he re- turned to Brighton, and soon after en- tered the office of Asa Potter and en- gaged in the study of law, in which he continued about three years. On July 26, 1870, he was united in marriage with Louisa Prosser. By this union they have had three children, of whom two are now living-Louisa M. and Jessie W. He left the office of Asa Potter in

1872, and went into the employ of the R. & R. I. R. R. Co., as a machinist, where he remained one year. He then moved his family to Greene county and engaged in the milling business, which he followed until 1875, at which time he sold out his interest and located at Greenfield. On May 10, 1875. he re- ceived an appointment as postmaster, and June 5, got his commission. In 1876, he received the appointment of notary public, was admitted to the bar in Jan., 1877, and has since been en- gaged in the practice of law.

CHAPTER XII.

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF GREENE COUNTY.

From time immemorial the medical ' ing for the ray of sustaining hope. profession has been held in highest re- The medical fraternity of Greene county, have, with but very few exceptions, been an honor to this honorable pro- fession. Ever ready to respond to the call of duty, they have defied the cold of winter's chilling breath, the summer's heat, or rain and darkness of all times. They have been compelled to thread the mazes of the primeval for- ests, or to cross the trackless prairie, facing the fierce snow storm from the north, at risk of life or limb, often with no hope of fee or reward, but only the consciousness of having performed a good action, in listening to the cry of anguish of those in distress. All this has been done by the physicians of Greene county, without complaint. If pute by all men, civilized or barbarous. Whether he is the learned disciple of Galen or Hippocrates, who has made a professional study of the healing art in all its branches, or the medicine man of the untutored savages, who, from the experience gathered from years of ob- servation, uses the healing properties of the herbs and roots about him, honor awaits him on every hand, while the power of life and death, so far as it can be commanded by finite man, is placed in his keeping. The weary, suffering patient, lying upon his bed of pain, and the no less weary, anxious watcher, await the coming of the doctor with eagerness, and upon his arrival note every movement and expression, seek- the good deeds done by these noble,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

self-sacrificing members of the pro- fession are not now remembered by those whom they have rescued from pain and suffering, the time is coming when they will be. When the names of the pioneer doctors are called to mind, it is hoped that the hearts of the old settlers will be touched, and none fail to respond, " May God bless them."

The pioneer physician in the county of Greene is believed is have been Dr. Potts, who lived about one and a half miles west of Carrollton. He came here about 1821. In about 1823 or 24, he re- moved to near the site of White Hall, where he died.

Dr. Joseph Piggott came to what is now Greene county in 1818,and was con- sequently one of the first settlers. He first settled near what is now called Old Kane, where he bought and im- proved a farm. In 1831, he removed to a place called Eminence, a small vil- lage in Elsah township, Jersey county, on the Mississippi river, which was so named from the fact that it was situated on one of the highest bluffs in the Mis- sissippi valley. He here built and ran a hand ferry, which plied between Eminence and Portage des Sioux, on the Missouri side, continuing in that busi- ness some three years, when his wife died, leaving him with a family of five small children, when he became dissat- isfied and went to farming near by, and also opened a small store of general merchandise. He remained here about two years, when he removed to Gill- ham's Mound, in Mississippi township, where he followed farming and the prac- tice of medicine, as he had been a prac- ticing physician since 1830, a fact that

should have been previously mentioned. He lived there until his death, which occurred Oct. 17, 1850.

Dr. Throckmorton eame to the county of Greene in 1823, and shortly after- ward located in the village of Carrollton where he soon had an extensive prac- tice. At a later date he moved to Texas, of which state his son was the governor.

Among some of the physicians who have practiced in Carrollton in the past, not mentioned as yet, have been the following disciples of Galen : Drs. Pegram, Dulaney, DePew, Sharon, Johnson, Lashure, Coward, Bostwick, Gladwell, Hardtner, Thompson, Lind- sey and Kingsley.

Dr. DePew was here but a short time, dying while a resident of Carrollton, at an early age, in the full promise of manhood.

Dr. Johnson, also an allopathic phy- sician, remained here but a few years, removing from here to northern Mich- igan.

Dr. Lashure resided in Carrollton about two years, but his health not be- ing very robust, he emigated to Los Angelos, Cal., where he now lives.

Dr. J. Coward, was an Englishman by birth and education, who lived near the town of Carrollton for several years. He was quite successful in his practice. He afterward removed to Deseret or Salt Lake City, where he died about 1855 or 1856.

Dr. Thompson, was the first physi- cian of the homeopathic school to locate in Carrollton. He did not make this his home for very long.

Dr. Bowman, now of White Hall, also practiced in the town of Carrollton.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Dr. John Hardtner, was a follower of what is called the eclectic school. He located here, where he practiced for a time, when he turned dentist. He in- vested his money in land, which, by the rise in value, made him wealthy. Ile removed to Springfield, where he now resides.

Dr.O. B. Heaton was a native of Ver- mont, and came to Carrollton about the year 1830. He remained in practice here for a number of years. He re- moved to Virden, Macoupin county, in about 1850, and from there to Chicage, and died wealthy.

Dr. Chester Gaylord was quite a well known physician in Carrollton, and in the surrounding country. He remained here in practice for many years, and died at Cincinnati, O., whither he had gone on the 4th of June, 1847, at the ad- vanced age of 75. He was a strong be- liever in the temperance movement, and a prominent member of the S. of T. order in the town.

Dr. Jesse Chorn, a talented physician, settled at Carrollton, in 1830, where he practiced his profession for many years. He was formerly a resident of Clark county, Ky., and an excellent doctor.

Dr. M. F. Kelly, long a resident phy- sician of Woodville, was a native of Washington county, Va., born in 1814. Ile studied medicine with Dr. Snead in Virginia, but subsequently attended lectures at Transylvania University, Ky. Hethen came to Carrollton, where he practiced medicine about a year, in the mean time being united in marriage with Jane E. Vigus. He removed to Madison county, but after a two years residence there returned to Greene county, locating at Woodville, where he

lived for many years. He afterward moved to Roodhouse, but is now a resi- dent of Kansas.

Among the practicing physicians of Greene county was Dr. Buel Culver. Ile was born in this county in 1831, and was reared in White Hall, where he re- ceived his early schooling. He attended the Rush Medical College, at Chicago, and commenced the practice of medicine at Kane. He then removed to White Hall. After a time he quit the practice of medicine, and entered that of mer- chandise, and later moved to Humbolt, Kan., where he is now practicing.

The pioneer physician of Greenfield was Dr. Martin A. Cooper, who made his appearance in that town in the win- ter of 1835-6. He was then a young, unmarried man, who came here from Tennessee. He received sufficient en- couragement to stay, so built him a cabin 12x14, and returning to Tennes- see, was married, and returned and in- stalled his bride in the mansion pre- pared for her. He was an able practi- tioner, well read, but a poor business manager, and as a financier, a decided failure. Much of his large practice was done gratuitously, much of it charged, and no attempt made to collect it. His rides took him to Rockbridge, Witt's Mill, Hickory Grove, Athensville, Fay- ette, Scottsville and Rivesville, an ex- tent of country of great magnitude. Kind in his disposition, and amiable to a fault, he had many friends. He en- joyed a monopoly of the medical prac- tice at this point, scarcely disturbed by the successive advent of Drs. Metcalf, Mayfield and Rice, who came here, staid a short time, gave it up, and left for other climes, until 1850.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Dr. James B. Samuel came to Carroll- ton early in Feb., 1848, and commenced the practice of medicine. He was a na- tive of Caroline county, Va., born June 2, 1798. He removed, when about 20 years old, with his parents, Richard and Margaret Samuel, to Cynthiana, Ky., where, in Dec., 1823, he was united in marriage with Agnes Piekett. In 1826, he began the practice of medicine, and in 1831 removed to Meredosia, Ill., and in 1828, to Carrollton. In the meantime his father had died, in 1831, of cholera, and his mother came with him to Car- rollton, where she died in 1857. His wife had also died prior to his eoming here, in 1837, and June 4, 1839, he was united in marriage with Luey Ann Clark, of Carrollton, who survived him. Dr. Samuel was a most excellent, as well as popular physician; was a member of the Masonie order for 53 years, and a char- ter member of Fletcher lodge, of Car- rollton, and for many years the master of the same.

Among the physicians of the past, who have proved eminent, Dr. Cyrus Davis must not be forgotten. A full biographical sketch of him is given in this work, in the chapter entitled, "Na- tional, State and County Representa- tion."

James M. Davis, M. D., a son of Dr. Cyrus A. and Anna R. (Montague) Davis, was born in Boyle county, Ky., Oct. 7, 1828. He was in his fourth year when his parents settled in Greene county, III., at which time Carrollton was a village composed of a few rough stores and dwellings. Here James re- ceived the rudiments of education, and when only 17 years of age enlisted in Co. H, 2d Reg., of Ky. Inft., and served

in the Mexican war until honorably discharged on account of general disa- bility. Returning home he commenced the study of medicine, with his father as preceptor. At the end of one year of unremitting study, he proceeded to St. Louis and attended the medical de- partment of the Missouri State Univer- sity, from which he graduated in March, 1852. He at once entered upon the duties of his profession, and until his death was the medical advisor for a large number of people of Carrollton and surrounding country. In 1857, Dr. Davis was united in marriage with Sarah A. Vedder, a daughter of F. P. Vedder. By this union five children were born-Franeis A., Edgar L., Net- tie, Belle and Nelia. Dr. Davis was a republican in politics, and at one time was that party's candidate for state sen- ator, but was defeated, as was the re- mainder of the ticket. He held numer- ous responsible positions in local mat- ters, and at the time of his death was one of the trustees of the blind asylum, at Jacksonville. He was a kind father and a publie spirited citizen. His death took place June 8, 1885. The funeral services were conducted by the Masonic fraternity, of which the deceased was an honored member. He was also a member of the K. of II.

Dr. Ledbrook located in the town of Greenfield, in 1850, and remained there for many years, in the practice of his profession.

Dr. Finch came to Greenfield in 1852, and practiced medicine in that town and vicinity for many years, being very suc- cessful.

Dr. Augustus Knapp located in Kane in 1836 or 37, and remained there until

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

1845. He was a regular practitioner of the old school, and was quite successful. He removed to Jerseyville, and became quite prominent.

Among the honored physicians of the county, perhaps there were none better known than Dr. Luther Cory, of Kane. He was a native of New Jersey, born Feb. 18, 1789. When he was but a few months old his parents moved to Addi- son county, Vt., where they spent the balance of their lives. The doctor was reared there among the rugged hills of this his adopted home, receiving his literary education at the Castleton Academy, Vermont. When about 21 years of age he commenced the study of medicine, and attended lectures at Cas- tleton, securing a diploma. He com- menced the practice of medicine at Bridgeport, Vt., in 1813. Sept. 3, 1815, he was married to Hannah Miner. He served two terms in the Vermont legis- lature. He practiced his profession at the above place over thirty years, when, in Oct., 1844, he came to Greene county, locating at Kane, carrying on a farm and practicing medicine. He died here July 20, 1850.

Dr. John C. Miller, one of the early physicians and surgeons of Carrollton, practiced in that town and vicinity for many years. About 1855 he removed to Cairo, this state, where he died at a ripe old age, March 4, 1870. He was much respected, a zealous christian and a member of the M. E. church.

Dr. Manning F. DeWitt came to White Hall in 1858, where he practiced medicine successfully until his sudden and untimely death, April 21, 1870. He was born in Sussex county, N. J., July 9, 1835. His parents subsequently re-

moved to Luzerne county, Penn., and afterward to South Eaton, Wyoming county, in the same state. It was at the latter place that the doctor received his early education. While yet in his teens, he entered Jefferson Medical Col- lege, Philadelphia, as a student and graduated thence, with honor, in 1857. He commenced the practice of his pro- fession in White Hall soon afterward, and during some twelve years built up a very large practice, and won a reputa- tion second to none in this portion of the state at that time, not only as a doctor but also in surgical duties.

Dr. John I. Jones was born in one of the southern states, but grew to man- hood in Kentucky. He was regularly educated for the medical profession, and practiced both in that state and Louisi- ana, prior to his coming here. He made his appearance at an early day. He married Bethunia Bostwick, daugh- ter of Hon. Manoah Bostwick, who rep- resented this district in the senate of the 11th general assembly.

Dr. Lindsey H. English was a native of Greene county, having been born on a farm now owned by A. M. Cunning- ham, near the southeastern limits of the corporation of Carrollton. He was the son of Lindsey H. and Arabell (Turney) English, and his natal day was the 12th of March, 1854. Whenhe was about 16 years old his father moved with the whole family to Springfield, where the doctor made his home until coming back. In 1870, he entered Shurtleff College, and followed his studies at that institution until 1877. He then entered the Louisville Medical College, from which he graduated with the highest honors, in a class of 100, in

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

1879. In August of the same year he was united in marriage with Alice Roberts. The young couple moved to Woodville, this county, where he en- tered upon the practice of his profes- sion. In 1883 he removed to Carrollton, where he died, Friday, June 26, 1885.

Dr. William O. Langdon eame to Car- rollton about 1878, and built up quite a practice. He was born in Kentucky, in 1848, but while a boy, his father, Dr. William S. Langdon, removed to Nashville, Tenn. The elder Langdon was in the Confederate service until the close of the war, when he removed to St. Louis. William O. graduated from the Missouri Medical College, in 1870, and shortly after established himself at Delhi, Jersey county. There he was married to Caroline Early, but in Dec., 1876, this estimable lady died, leaving two children-Sarah A. and Susan V. The doctor came to Carrollton, as above, but in 1881, left this part of the country.

Dr. A. C. McFall, another represent- ative of the homoeopathic school of medicine, came to Carrollton in 1876, and built up a fine practice, and gained many friends. He was a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, but moved with his parents to Wisconsin when he was about 10 years old. He grew to man- hood in the "Badger State," going to the Plattville Academy to receive his education. He went from there to New York and became a graduate of Fowler & Wells' Phrenological Institute, and a successful lecturer on that subject, and accumulated some wealth. He then commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. George M. Guernsey, and subsequently attended lectures at Cleveland, Ohio and at Chicago. He

was a scholarly gentleman, well read in his profession, and quite successful withall. He remained here until about 1880 or 1881,

Dr. S. H. Culver was for many years connected with the medical fraternity of this county. He was a native of Rhode Island, born Sept. 26, 1803. He was married to Polly Madison in 1821, and shortly after removed to Rochester, New York, where he began the study of med- icine under Dr. Smith. In 1823 he joined the Methodist church and was licensed to preach. In 1831 he came to Greene county, locating near White Hall, where he spent over half a cen- tury in his double capacity of minister and physician.

Dr. I. S. Hughes, practiced medicine at Kane. He was a native of this state, born in 1844. Began the study of med- icine in 1860, in St. Louis, with Dr. J. D. Hodgen, but in 1862, he enlisted in Co. I, 17th Ill. Inf., but served in the medieal department. At the close of the war he completed his studies, grad- uating from the St. Louis Medical Col- lege in 1852, practicing in the mean- time. He moved to Kane in 1872.

To be classed with the medical pro- fession are the professors of obstetrics, known as mid-wives, some of whom have proved quite celebrated in the annals of Greene county.

Eliza Link, one of the earliest mid- wives in the county, came here about 1821, with her husband, Christian Link, who was a blacksmith. They settled, at first, about a mile and a half from Carrollton, but afterwards removed into town. Mrs. Link practiced over a large section of territory, and always rode horseback when on her errands of hu-

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manity. She attended many of the wives of the old settlers and prominent people, and indeed the wives of the phy- sicians themselves. Her daughter who married a man by the name of Hudson, and who lived on Apple creek, was a worthy disciple of her mother, and practiced the same profession for years. Mrs. Link died about the year 1854.

PHYSICIANS OF THE PRESENT.

Among the prominent physicians of Greene county who are now engaged in the healing of the people, are the fol- lowing named gentlemen, sketches of the most of whom will follow:

Drs. Clinton Armstrong, George W. Ross, James T. Crow, J. F. Simpson, C. W. Clemmons, W. D. Turner, C. H. Rew, C. P. Clemmons and Eberle Wil- son, of Carrollton; Peter Fenity, B. J. Hall, O. K. Reynold and W. L. Burnett, of Kane; E. K. Shirley, W. J. Redwine, A. Bowman, G. W. Burns and Chapman, Potts and Brewster, of White Hall; F. L. Lightfoot of Rood- house; J. L. Rollins, Thomas Finch, Abram Tompkins, Frank A. Stubble- field, of Greenfield; E. Fenity, Adam E. Miller and J. N. Miller, of Rock- bridge; J. B. Hayes, of Barrow; and J. E. Waters, of Athensville and L. II. Clampit, Thomas McEnen, C. M. Brown, B. B. Lang and C. E. Allen, of Rood- house.

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History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 85

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150