The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 23

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770

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MITH, MORTIMER W., Lawyer, was born in Montrose, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, April 21st, 1828, his parents having been Dr. Horace Smith and Marilla Meacham. He served, while quite young, an apprenticeship to the print- ing trade, and upon its close entered Hartford University, at Hartford, Pennsylvania, where by close ap- plication he obtained a substantial academic training. 1850 he entered the office of Hon. G. A. Grow, at Mon- trose, as a student of law, but completed his studies in the |has been an untiring worker, and few men have worked so office of Judge A. K. Peckham, in 1852, in which year he nearly up to the extent of their physical and mental en- durance as he. Though a Republican from conviction, and for a long series of years a public servant, he is not to be described as a politician. He is a gentleman of fine social qualities, thoroughly intelligent, by a comprehensive course of reading, on all matters of literary and scientific interest, and possessed with an appreciative taste for music, with which he often beguiles his leisure hours. In his religious ideas he leans to the side of liberality, and is an ardent friend and helper in works of charity and temperance. In 1855 he was married to Harriet A. Patrick, of Barre, Massachusetts, a lady of fine artistic taste and culture. She died in 1865, leaving an only daughter. was admitted to the bar. In 1853 he located in Oregon, Ogle county, Illinois, commencing there an active practice of his profession. The cditorial chair, in the then com- paratively new country, held out to him irresistible induce- ments, and shortly after his arrival at Oregon he purchased the establishment of the Orle County Reporter, the only journal published in that county at the time. For four years he devoted himself zealously to the interests of this paper, the best fruits of his industry and tact being quickly shown in its commanding influence and pecuniary returns. Though a neutral in politics when he assumed its direction, this journal soon carried the banner of the rising political

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AVIS, PROFESSOR NATHAN SMITH, A. M., M. D., was born, January 9th, 1817, in the town of Greene, Chenango county, New York; and is the youngest of a family of seven children, whose parents were Dow and Eleanor (Smith) Davis, respectable agriculturists of that section. Up to his sixteenth year he lived on the farm and labored with his father and brothers, obtaining his preliminary education at the district school during the winter months. He was from childhood of a spare habit, though muscular, and of an active, nervous temperament. His out-door life no doubt assisted in developing into healthful vigor that which, under other circumstances, might have resulted in a feeble if not delicate constitution. His studious habits and thirst for knowledge developed with his years; and, when sixteen years old, he attended a six months' session at the Cazenovia Seminary, in Madison county, New York, where he acquired a fair knowledge of natural philosophy, chemistry, mathematics, and a limited acquaintance with Latin. His studies at this time were pursued with the determination to fit himself for the profession of medicine, which he had selected for his life-work. In April, 1834, he commenced the study of that science in the office of Dr. Daniel Clark, of Smithville Flats, Chenango county, New York, boarding with the doctor, and doing some work for him as an equivalent. In October of the same year, he matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Western District of New York, located at Fairfield, in Herkimer county, and which was administered by a most able faculty. At the close of the first lecture term he entered the office of Dr. Thomas Jackson, then the leading physician of Binghamton, New York. His pupilage was continued under this last-named preceptor until he graduated at the close of his third course of lectures from the college, in January, 1837, and before he had attained his majority. His thesis was on "Animal Tem- perature," in which he combated the then prevailing doc- trine that the heat of the body was generated by the union of oxygen and carbon in the lungs. Its merits caused it to be selected and read before the faculties and trustees, on commencement day, as a part of the public exercises. Im- mediately after leaving college, he was induced to associate himself in practice with Dr. Daniel Chatfield, of Vienna, Oneida county, New York, whose failing health led him to ask the services of an assistant. The place, however, did not offer sufficient attractions to a man of his energy, ability, and ambition; and, at the expiration of four months, he removed to Binghamton, where he opened an office. Hle there speedily won the esteem of the citizens, and acquired a good practice. The studious habits and almost unwearying power of application, that characterized his student days, did not forsake him when he became en- grossed in the practice of his profession. Practical chem istry and medical botany particularly engaged his attention during his early years of practice, but other branches of

the natural sciences were by no means neglected. In order to perfect himself in anatomy, and to instruct his students, he attached an upper room to his office, where, during each winter, he dissected one or two subjects, which he generally procured himself. At this period he occasionally, and by special request, delivered lectures in the Binghamton Academy, on Physiology and Chemistry. He has been from the commencement of his professional studies a most diligent scholar, taking an active, if not a leading part in all measures that had for their object the increase of medical knowledge and the hygienic improve- ment of the community in which he resided. He was an active member of the Lyceum or Debating Society of Binghamton, both while a student, and during his resi- dence there as a practitioner. To this training he owes much of his readiness in debate. He wrote for the medi- cal journals almost from the date of his entrance into the profession, and some of his early contributions were copied into European journals. Notably this was true of an article on the "Physiology of the Brain," which appeared in Vol. I. of the " American Journal of Insanity," 1844, p. 235. Soon after his arrival at Binghamton, he joined the Broome County Medical Society, and in 1838 was one of the Censors. In 1840 he won the prizc offered by the New York State Medical Society (in 1838) for the best essay on " Diseases of the Spinal Column, their causes, diagnosis, history, and best mode of treatment." In 1841 he contributed an article to the " American Journal of Medical Sciences," describing a case of " Double IIare-lip," both fissures extending through the roof of the mouth and palate. The same year he again received the prize offered by the New York State Medical Society for the best essay on the " Discoveries in the Physiology of the Nervous Sys- tem, from the time of Sir Charles Bell to that date." In 1842 he contributed a paper to the same society, entitled " A brief view of Dr. Marshall Hall's views in the Excito- motor System of Nerves," for which the thanks of the society were unanimously voted. The following year he contributed a very suggestive paper on the " Epidemic In- fluenza " (la Grippe), as it prevailed at Binghamton, in the spring of 1843. He also, about the same time, communi- cated an interesting paper, entitled " Medical and Topo- graphical Sketches of Binghamton and the surrounding country." He was Secretary of the County Medical Society in 1841, 1842, and 1843, and also Librarian; in the last- named year he was appointed delegate to the New York State Medical Society from Broome county. In 1844 he communicated to that body " The Medico-legal testimony on the trial of Mrs. Turpenning for the murder of her hus- band, with observations on the same," He also served on several of the leading committees of that society, one of these being a particularly important one relative " To what alterations, if any, are required in the existing laws regu- lating the practice of Physic and Surgery in the State." During this same year he was appointed Chairman of the

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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

Committee on Correspondence relative " to Medical Educa- | tion and Examination," and made an able report in 1845, with recommendations for legislation, and these were really the antecedent measures which led to a call for the National Convention. He also issued a circular to medical colleges and societies, for an expression of their judgment as to the " expediency of separating entirely the business of teaching from that of licensing to practice in the medi- cal profession." In 1845, at the meeting of the New York State Medical Society, he offered a resolution which eventuated the holding of a National Convention of Dele- gates from Medical Societies and Colleges in the United States. In November of the same year, he published an article outlining the purpose and scope it was deemcd im- portant that the National Convention (called for May, 1846) should recognize in its organization. He also furnished information on the subject to other medical journals that noticed the eall, and conducted an extensive correspond- ence with influential medical gentlemen in almost every State in the Union. In the spring of 1846 he published two articles, entitled " National Medical Convention ; " and also contributed an article entitled " Observations on an obscure point in Pathology." According to usage he became, by virtue of attendance, a permanent member of the State Medical Society in 1846, a position he yet re- tains. The activity of his mind, as well as his interest in the profession, is shown by his numerous and valuable con- tributions to medical journals and to the transactions of the State Medical Society. But the conception of, and the measures he suggested that led to the organization of the American Medical Association, justly entitle him to the gratitude of the medical profession of the United States. Since its eminent usefulness and national character have become established facts, he has been, by his contem- poraries, accorded the honor of originating it through the New York State Medical Society, of which he was so prom- inent a member. It is true, however, that the desirable- ness of some such organization had occurred to other minds, and had been discussed in medical faculties and societies, but had never been given a practical direction until this movement was inaugurated. The convention which had met at Washington, D. C., in 1820, and framed the United States Pharmacopoeia, arranged to hold mcetings for its revision, every ten years, which proved to be such a success that it furnished a suggestion to the profession to hold con- ventions for other desirable purposes. The Medical Society of Vermont had called a convention of the New England States, as early as 1827; while the Medical College of Georgia, in 1835, suggested a convention of all the col- leges. Both the Medical Societies of New Hampshire and Ohio, in 1838, recommended such a convention to be held ; but the earliest distinct and practical suggestion that a permanent National Medical Society, to meet yearly, should be formed, is to be found in a letter, written by Dr. Davis, at Binghamton, and dated September 22d,

1845. In his history of the American Medical Association, Dr. Davis concedes the first distinct suggestion of such an organization as belonging to Dr. Ticknor, whose letter on the subject is dated October 3d, 1845; but the date of Dr. Davis' letter, as given in the same number of the New York Journal of Medicine, and which also contains Dr. Ticknor's letter, leaves the priority of the suggestion with the former. These facts are so well known by the pro- fession, that Dr. Davis is constantly alluded to, throughout the United States, as the Father of the American Medical Association ; and at the meeting of that body, at Detroit, a medal was ordered by the association, bcaring his likeness on one side, and on the reverse the name and date of the organization, which has been admirably executed at the United States Mint. During the twenty-nine years of the society's existence, it has held twenty-seven mcetings, at all of which, save three, he has been present and partici- pated in the proceedings, being constantly a member of one or more of the important committees of that body, and has made more reports than any other member of the associa- tion. His labors in this direction have not prevented him from presenting valuable papers on a variety of subjects. The deep and intelligent interest he has ever taken in the success of the association has been apparent to all of the profession. No member has ever had so clear a perception of the purpose, scope, and power of the association, or that could so quickly comprehend the probable effect of a proposed measure as he. Therefore, whenever perplexing questions arose in the meeting, none were so able to make plain the duty of the hour, and to suggest the best mcans of disposing of them. Ile has been honored, by election, to almost every position within its gift, and has served twice as its President, in 1864 and 1865. He is an ex- ceedingly good debater, a close and logical reasoner, always self-possessed, with animation of voice and manner, that is particularly magnetic and convincing, and he pos- sesses a familiarity and knowledge of the medical institu- tions, and the views of the leading medical men of our country, that is unequalled, certainly not excelled by any eminent physicians who have attended the meetings or taken part in the discussions. From the very first meeting, he has kept steadily in view the elevation of the standard of medical education, and has finally convinced the pro- fession and the faculties of some influential colleges that the lecture term ought to be increased, and the classcs graded according to their period of study and advance- ment. In 1859 he was largely instrumental in organizing the Chicago Medical College, now the Medical Depart- ment of the Northwestern University, on the principle of graded classes, with a six months lecture term, and a three years eourse, prior to graduation. He aided it largely with his private means, and secured for it a valuable library. The same principle was adopted, in 1872, by Ilarvard University, and its general acceptance is but a question of time: In 1847 he read before the New York State Medical

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Society " A few observations on some of the most common diseases of the Digestive Organs." Ile also published "An essay on the Philosophy of Medicine, and the spirit in which it should be studicd and practised." " Medical Education and Reform." In the same year he removed to the city of New York and engaged in general practice. The following winter, at the solicitation of the Demon- strator of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, he took charge of the dissecting rooms, and gave instructions in prac- tical anatomy; and at the desire of the faculty, delivered a spring course of lectures on " Medical Jurisprudence," which gave great satisfaction to the faculty and class. Ile also published, in the medical journals, "An essay on the Nature and Curability of Heterologous Tumors." " Reform in Medical Education." " Remedial value and proper use of Alcoholic Drinks." " Are Alcoholic Drinks capable of affording nourishment, etc." "Does the use of Alcoholic Drinks increase man's capability for resist- ing cold ?" " Essay on Scarlet Fever." In 1848 he commenced cditing the Annalist, then in its third vol- ume, in which he continued until his removal to Chicago. IIc had been steadily gaining a good practice in New York city, and by his writings had attracted the atten- tion of the leading medical men of the country. In

July, 1849, he was elected to the Chair of Physiology and Pathology in Rush Medical College of Chicago, which he accepted, and reached that city in the following Septem- ber, where he at once entered upon his duties as a teacher.

During the year following he was transferred to the Chair of the Practice of Medicine, retaining, however, that of Pathology. Ilis connection with that college continued about ten years. He has from time to time received valu- able testimonials of the regards of the various classes, once

by a present of a valuable microscope.

When he first

arrived in Chicago, there was no medical society, either in

that city or the State. The State Medical Society was formed in 1850, and the Chicago Medical Society during the following year ; to the organization of both of which he contributed largely. These societies still exist, and arc active, useful institutions. He served the State Society for twelve years as Secretary, and was its President in 1855; and has contributed one or more papers to its Transactions almost every year. To the Medical Society of the city he has contributed miny papers, and been one of the most

constant attendants on its meetings. Hygiene and pre-

ventive medicine have always received great attention from him. From the time of his removal to Chicago he has been an almost constant contributor to the medical journals, and for more than twenty years has been the editor of a monthly medical journal, which has been able and indc-

attention to the defective water supply, furnished at that time from pumps and wells. The funds accruing from these lectures were used in furnishing a part of the old " Lake House," which was for a time used as a hospital. In the spring of 1851 the domestic management of the institution was transferred to the Sisters of Mercy, and has since be- come one of the largest and most important hospitals in the county, and of which he is still the senior attending physi- cian. The medical department of the Northwestern Uni- versity holds its clinics at the Mercy Hospital, which is furnished with an excellent amphitheatre, and located on the same square as the college; both institutions are in a prosperous condition. Ile is a ready and excellent clinical lecturer. In his teaching he early gains, and, throughout the course, retains the attention of the students. Nothing seems to escape him in the description of a case, and its treatment. He is punctual in keeping his engagements, and has wonderful powers of endurance, often giving ten or twelve lectures each week. He is regular in his habits and strictly temperate, and all his examples are on the side of industry, virtue, and strict morality. He has been a member of the Methodist Church since the age of sixteen. Hle received the honorary degree of A. M. from the North- western University in 1871. He is a rapid reader and has a most retentive memory; is eminently a self-educated man, and, like all such, has great individuality of character. IIc was one of the carly members of the Chicago Historical Society, and aided in the founding of the Northwestern University, the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and of the Washingtonian Home for the Reform of Inebriates, of which he is still President ; and he is withal a most ardent advocate of temperance. He is also a member of a number of societies of a literary and scientific character. He has had a full and remunerative practice ever since he settled in Chicago; indeed, his office every forenoon is crowded to excess with patients to such an extent that he is often unable to see and prescribe for all that are in attendance when the hour arrives for his out-door practice. He is a systematic and methodical worker, else he could never accomplish the labor he has performed for so many years. The correspondence, which from his position as a teacher, editor, and an extensive acquaintance, almost necessitates him to conduct with the profession at a distance, is very exacting and consumes much time. By the great fire of 1871, all his property, the accumulation of a laborious life, was destroyed in a few hours. This loss, with the almost general ruin which this terrible calamity entailed on the vast majority of his patients and friends, was a severe trial. But he has kept steadily on, with full employment, now limited to an office and consulting practice, and is rapidly retrieving his heavy losses. He resides now at Evans- ton, a few miles from the city, to which he goes every evening, returning to his office early in the morning. He still continues the editing of the medical journal

pendent, and of great practical use to the general practitioner. In 1850 he took an active part in developing a public senti- ment in favor of opening the first public hospital in the city of Chicago. He delivered a course of six lectures upon the sanitary condition of the city, and particularly called to which he has been so long faithful, and has furnished

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in almost every number an article or resume of the improve- | reading entered the Geneva Medical College, from which ments and advanced views of the leading practitioners in he graduated with honor in 1844. After his graduation he removed to Ilomer, Michigan, where he entered upon the active duties of his profession, practising with great success in this place for eighteen months. He changed his Europe and America. His association with the North- western Journal began in 1855. The Medical Examiner was started by him in 1860, which he still continues. Of the products of his pen, not already cited, may be men- | residence to Union City, Michigan, where he practised for tioned, "A Text-Book on Agriculture, designed for study nine years, and in 1855 moved to Galesburg, Illinois, where he has resided ever since. His skill and attention, which he has always shown in his practice, has not on'y established a reputation for him as one of the ablest of physicians, but it has secured to him a patronage which has brought most lucrative returns. He is an active and lead- ing member of the State and American Medical Societies, and has long been identified with the Military Tract Medical Society, of which he was lately elected President. He has prepared a number of treatises on diseases, which have received the warm indorsement of the profession and which have been extensively published. In 1848 he was married to Ellen Hammond, who still lives. in Schools." New York, 1840. "Address on Free Medical Schools," before Rush Medical College, Chicago, IS49-50. " History of Medical Education and Institutions in the United States," Chicago, 1851. "An Experimental Inquiry concerning some points in the Functions of Assimilation, Nutrition, and Animal Heat ; also Analysis of the Blood of the Renal Artery and Vein, and that of the Iliac Artery and Vein of the same Animal," which he read to the American Medical Association, in May, I851. " Valedic- tory Address to the Graduating Class of Rush Medical College," Chicago, 1853. "A Lecture on the Effects of Alcoholic Drinks on the Human System, etc.," Chicago, 1855. " Ilistory of the American Medical Association," Philadelphia, 1855. " Clinical Lectures," Chicago, 1873. This work has already passed through a second edition. Ile was married, March 5th, 1838, to Ann Maria, daughter of the late Hon. John Parker, of Vienna, Oneida county, New York. Three children, a daughter and two sons, all now living, have resulted from this union. His eldest son, Frank H., is a physician in good practice in Chicago.

IGBEE, HON. CHAUNCY L., Lawyer and Judge, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, on September 7th, 1821. Ile emigrated to Illinois at an early day, and settled in Pikc county in 1844. Taking an active part in public affairs, he was elected to the Legislature in 1854, and to the State Senate in IS5S. In 1861 he was elected Judge of the Circuit Court in the Fifth Judicial Circuit-now the Eleventh; was re-elected in 1867, and again in 1873, and still remains on the bench. Ile is regarded as one of the ablest men on the bench in the State, and is widely known and as widely respected.

URD, HENRY S., M. D., was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 1815, being the son of Thomas and Bessie (Canfield) Hurd. His early education was received at home. Subsequently he passed through a comprehensive academical course, which was most thoroughly conducted, in an institution in western New York. He early com- menced the study of medicine, for the practice of which he developed an early inclination, and after some months of

ANGLEY, COLONEL JAMES W., Lawyer, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, January 17th, 1837. His earlier education was acquired in the neighboring school of his native place, and subsequently he attended for two terms the Waterford Academy, in Erie county, Pennsyl- vania. Upon the termination of his allotted course of studies in that institution, he removed to Illinois, in 1854, and engaged in teaching school for a period of two years. Ile then, deciding to embrace the legal profession, began the study of law at Carlinville, reading diligently under the supervision and able guidance of ex-Governor Palmer, and, January 8th, 1859, was admitted to the bar at Spring- field. In the following March he moved to Champaign, and there practiscd successfully until 1862. The country at this date being convulsed by civil war, he abandoned his professional calling and entered the service of the United States as Captain in the 125th Illinois Infantry, commanding Company H ; subsequently, at the time of his retirement from service, he was Colonel of the same regiment. In 1865 he returned to his legal practice in Champaign, and there rapidly secured an extensive clientage. In 1870 he was nominated on the Republican ticket as Senator to the Illinois Legislature-the district then comprising the counties of Iroquois, Champaign, Ford, Vermilion, Douglas and Coles-and secured an election, serving in that body during one term with energy and marked ability. While acting in the latter capacity, he was appointed to serve on the Committees of Judiciary, Municipal Corporations and Military Affairs, filling in the latter the position of chairman. In all matters relating to the social and political status of his State and county he takes a warm and active interest, and has been effectively

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The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 23

Author: Robson, Charles, ed Publication date: 1875 Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy Number of Pages: 770

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770