USA > Indiana > Decatur County > History of Decatur County, Indiana: its people, industries and institutions > Part 33
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Dr. Cornelius A. Covert, the son of Samuel Covert, was born in Har- mony, Butler county, on June 1, 1831, and died in Greensburg, Indiana, March 29, 1910. At the solicitation of Dr. John W. Moody, he came to Decatur county during the Civil War, from Williamstown, on the Decatur- Rush county line, where he had been only a few years in practice. He read medicine in his native town of Harmony with Dr. Lusk, took a med- ical course at Cleveland, Ohio, and, in 1869, a post-graduate course in the Chicago Medical College. Doctor Covert was in continuous practice from the time he came to Decatur county, except a few instances when he returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, and when he was absent in Chicago in 1869. Doctor Covert was a safe and conservative physician, always atten- tive to the most minute detail, and never "gave a case up" as long as the patient breathed, and hardly then. He believed in "feeding," had confidence in remedies, was successful in his surgical cases, and had the confidence of his patrons to an unusual degree, because he had confidence in himself and the remedial means he used. If duty called him, he seemed indifferent to pain. In one of many instances he made daily visits to see cases under his care after he had been thrown out of his buggy and two ribs broken and other injuries received. He continued to do so after all effort to prevail on him to desist had failed. Dr. Covert came to Williamstown prior to the fall of 1858, probably in 1857. None of his family resides in Decatur
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county. One son, Samuel, lives in Dayton, Ohio, and another, named for his old friend, Dr. J. W. Moody, resides in Indianapolis.
The late Dr. Francis M. Daily, of Milhousen, was born in Ireland on March 16, 1842, and came to America with his parents in 1847. He was the son of Dr. Michael Daily, who practiced in this county from the time of his arrival in America in 1847 until his death. Dr. Francis M. Daily was mar- ried on April 26, 1865, to Catherine Conwell, of Westport. He began the practice of medicine in 1868 at Milhousen, Dr. John Hicks being in practice there at that time.
Dr. Richard J. Depew was born in 1815. He practiced medicine in St. Omer, and later in St. Paul, Decatur county, for many years. He was a sturdy, robust man, physically able for the hardships of the pioneer phy- sician. For many years his professional trips were made on horseback. He was a bachelor until late in life. He was a stanch Republican and was always ready to defend the principles of the party. Indifferent and neg- lectful in keeping his accounts, if he needed money, which was seldom, he would call on some of his patrons and "jump" accounts, indifferent as to whether his was too much or little. If too much, it was the fault of the patron, who "ought to have been sick more." It was his way of "squaring books." He moved to Indianapolis after marriage, and died there in 1879. He left a large bequest.
Dr. Jesse M. Gillespie was, perhaps, the first physician to locate in Greensburg, as he was here prior to the year 1825. He built a brick resi- dence, the second one in the town, in 1826, on the south side of the square. He died in 1833, and his widow married Mr. Thomson.
Dr. John Y. Hitt was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, on February 9, 1832. He studied medicine and graduated at the University of Kentucky in 1853. He came to Decatur county in 1854, to follow his profession. He was married to Martha Logan, daughter of Samuel Logan, Sr., in 1853. Two sons were born to this union, Dr. Sherman B. and Joel, both deceased. When the Seventeenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, was organized. Dr. J. Y. Hitt was appointed surgeon and served with Wilder's brigade. When the first board of examining surgeons for pensions was organized for Decatur county, Doctor Hitt was appointed as secretary by Commissioner of Pensions John C. Black, on February 11, 1886, serving in that capacity up to May 8, 1889. Doctor Hitt continued in practice in Greensburg up to a few years before his death. He was surgeon for the Big Four Railroad Company for a number of years, and the Grand Army of the Republic, department of Indiana, for two years. Doctor Hitt, with short intervals of absence, prac-
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ticed medicine in Decatur county about fifty-five years. He died in Greens- burg and was buried in South Park cemetery. Mrs. Martha Hitt also is dead.
Dr. Sherman B. Hitt was born in Sullivan, Illinois, January 10, 1854, and died in Greensburg. He was the son of Dr. John Y. and Martha (Logan) Hitt. Except a very few years, he always resided in Greensburg. He graduated in the Greensburg public schools, later attended Notre Dame Institution two years. He attended the Jefferson Medical College at Phila- delphia, and graduated in the Ohio Medical College in 1886. Doctor Hitt was a member of the city council for about twenty years. He was also sec- retary of the Greensburg board of health for several years. He belonged to the Greensburg Lodge. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. Sher- man Hitt married Mrs. Mary Cline, of Greensburg, May 9, 1893, and one daughter was born to them.
Dr. Sherman B. Hitt, who spent more than fifty years of his life in Greensburg, was known by almost everybody. He was neat in his dress, always tidy and was large, portly and stylish. As a citizen, he was popular. as shown by his frequent election to city offices. As a physician, he was up to the times in his profession. His death, on September 25, 1911, was sud- den and a great shock to those who knew him and greatly regretted by his friends and patrons. A daughter, Gladys MI., was married to Louis S. Linville on May 13, 1915.
Dr. Silas Cooke was born in Montville, New Jersey, in 1809. He grad- uated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City in 1832. He was married the same year to Hannah Maria Mills, of Morris- town, New Jersey, and commenced the practice of medicine in Boonton, in the same state. In 1844, he removed to Rahway, New Jersey, and in 1866 to Greensburg, Indiana, where he died in 1882. Doctor. Cooke was a cour- teous gentleman : in his practice he was ethical, conforming to the rules and usages of the profession, and was highly respected by his associates in the profession for his qualifications and polished manners. The doctor's family consisted of wife, two daughters and one son. All are deceased except Mrs. Marshall Grover, of Greensburg.
Dr. J. Mills Cooke was born in Boonton, New Jersey, in 1835, graduated from Princeton College in 1855, and later from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City. He began the practice of medicine in Toledo, Ohio. He was surgeon in the Twenty-fourth Ohio Regiment from 1862, and was taken prisoner at Chickamauga with all the medical corps and sent to Libby prison. Upon his release he rejoined his regiment and was
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with Sherman on his march to the sea. At the close of the war he returned to Toledo and in 1876 he came to Adams, Decatur county, where he died in 1884. He was a son of Dr. Silas Cooke and brother of Mrs. Marshall Grover, of Greensburg.
Dr. Thomas Johnson was born in Oswego county, New York, on January 14, 1827, and came west with his parents in 1838. Ile was a sopho- more when he quit the now DePauw University to begin the study of medi- cine, which he did under Dr. I. P. Kilcher. of Laurel. He graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in 1865. He had, however, practiced before this and had located at Clarksburg, where he remained until 1882. At this time lie removed to Greensburg and practiced his profession successfully. After the election of President Harrison, he was, in May, 1889, appointed by Commissioner of Pensions James Tanner on the board of pension examin- ing surgeons for Decatur county, on which he served four and a half years. He was a Mason, having belonged to Decatur Lodge No. 36 and Chapter No. 8. He was a member of the Methodist church in Greensburg. He was married on January 1, 1854, in Fayette county, and two married daughters survive. The mother died in October, 1870. On May 28, 1871, he married Sarah F. Gest, who survives her husband, who died in Clarksburg.
Dr. Elliott W. Leech came to Milford from Cincinnati, Ohio, about the year 1856, and entered in partnership with Dr. James O'Byrne, which asso- ciation continued until he removed to St. Paul in 1862. From there he was commissioned assistant surgeon in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regi- ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Resigning his commission, he returned to St. Paul, and later, in 1865, returned to Milford to resume the practice at that place. In 1876, he removed to Shelbyville and followed his pro- fession. While at that place he was appointed a member of the board of examining surgeons for pensions, which he filled with credit until the reor- ganization of the board. Doctor Leech was a very successful physician, made many friends and had the utmost confidence of his patrons. He died in Shelbyville, leaving a wife, one daughter and two sons.
Dr. Lewis McAllister and brother, Lucius, also a physician, came from New Jersey and located at Milford as early as 1840. The latter moved to Crawford county, Illinois, married a widow, Mrs. Alfred Lagow, and died there. Dr. Lewis McAllister, when he came to Milford, was apparently but a boy. He remained there until the spring of 1865, when he removed to Windfall, Howard county, Indiana, where he engaged in practice of medi- cine up to his death, in 1890, being in active practice more than fifty years. (23)
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Doctor McAllister believed in calomel, antimony and bleeding, a heroic practitioner, even in his day. He was a man of strong convictions and a Republican in polities. Dr. John L. Wooden was a student of Dr. MeAllister. The latter was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society, attending the meeting of January 25. 1847, the first in the county of which any record is found. He married Rachel Fugit about 1850. There were no children. She was an active and working member of the Methodist church.
Dr. Samuel Maguire was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. November 25, 1818. His father, James Maguire, moved with his family, consisting of the wife and eight children, to Mason county, Kentucky, in 1831. He was the contractor who built the old Maysville and Lexington turnpike, which is said to be the best in the world. In 1832 they moved to Fleming, an adjoining county, and lived near the one-time popular old Blue Lick Springs. Doctor Maguire's education was obtained at the famous Maysville Academy. conducted by Rand and Richardson. This academy claimed the distinction of having for its pupils Gen. William H. Nelson. Gen. U. S. Grant, Hon. H. Watterson and many others of historie fame. Samuel Maguire graduated in medicine at Transylvania University and began the practice in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, in 1840. In 1842 he married Eliza R. Fleming, the granddaughter of John D. Fleming, after whom the county and town were named. To this union three sons and one daughter were born, John J., William F .. Samnel and Ida Louise. The daughter survives and is now the wife of Judge James K. Ewing, of Greensburg.
In 1854. Doctor Maguire moved to Missouri, where he remained six years, and while there he served two terms in the Missouri Senate. In 1860. he returned to Flemingsburg, just when the South was on the brink of war. He at once took a bold stand for the National Union. Being gifted as a public speaker, he endeavored to persuade the people to stand by the flag. His position was one of great personal danger. He was denounced, threat- ened and persecuted, but his fealty to the government was never lessened, and lie remained steadfast in his loyalty to what he believed a just cause. He enlisted in the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, and was commissioned assistant surgeon. Afterwards he served as surgeon in the Forty-fifth Kentucky Mounted Infantry with the rank of major. The war over, he returned to his old Kentucky home, to find that many who had once delighted to call him their friend and family physician were now bitter enemies. His wife died soon afterward and he decided to turn his back on the scenes that had once been dear to him and seek a new home in Greensburg, Indiana, taking with him his youngest son, Samuel, and his daughter, Ida Louise.
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In 1872 he married Mrs. Bella Willett, of Louisville, Kentucky. To this union two sons were born, Herbert Cortez and Neil Gillespie. In 1891, he moved, with his wife and two younger sons, to Louisville, Kentucky, where he died from paralysis on August 10, 1892. He was laid to rest in beautiful Crown Hill cemetery.
During Dr. Maguire's long residence in Greensburg he made many warm friends. He stood high in his chosen profession ; was a high Mason; a leading elder in the Christian church and a prominent Grand Army man. His activities were ceaseless, but in whatever circle one found him, he was always the same courteous, fair-minded Christian gentleman, with a sterling integrity and advocacy for the right.
Dr. John W. Moody, a pioneer physician, became a resident of Greens- burg in 1839. He was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1816. He was one of the four delegates to the convention from Decatur county who were present at the formation of the present State Medical Society (now association), June 6, 1849, at Indianapolis.
Among some papers found in 1865, left by Dr. Lewis McAllister, for- merly of Milford, Indiana, was an article by Dr. J. W. Moody, read before the state medical society on "Epidemic Dysentery." There was no date to the paper, but it must have been written as early as 1851 or 1852, as a very fatal epidemic prevailed in this county about that time, and the doctor was in the midst of it. He was a regular attendant at the meetings of the State Medical Society up to his death, and discussed, with great ability, any and all subjects coming before the society. As a practitioner he was careful, skillful, discreet and successful. For a number of years he was a member of the board of trustees of the state hospital for the insane. Among the doc- tor's duties, he was often called on to examine applicants for certificates to teach in the public schools. An applicant got a certificate that read: "This woman can read a little and write a little." It is not known if she taught.
Doctor Moody was a Republican. A safe and discreet adviser, he was often consulted by Governor Morton and others in his position in his party.
Doctor Moody was married to Martha Howland, daughter of Dr. John M. Howland, who died in Brookville, Indiana, January 1I, 1858. There were two sons. After the doctor's death, on August 27. 1867, Mrs. Moody and one son removed to New York city. She was an authoress of note, au entertaining conversationalist and a dignified and beautiful woman.
Dr. Theophilus E. F. Miller was born in Buffalo, New York, February 4, 1852, and died in Westport on May 26, 1908. He came to Milford, Deca- tur county, Indiana, early in 1884, direct from the Hahnemann Medical Col-
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lege, of Chicago, Illinois. His predecessor, an eclectic and homeopathic. Dr. James O'Byrne, after more than twenty-two years' practice, had made an opening for a physician of the school. from which Doctor Miller had recently graduated. Doctor Miller was of German parentage (Lutherans) and came to Chicago with his parents about 1855. He attended the schools of that city and lived there up to his coming to Milford, where he remained in the practice of medicine for about two years. Doctor Miller was a firm believer in the similia similibus curantur theory of his brother physicians of that order and practiced it without deviation or concession. While in Milford, he made many friends and patrons, was a bachelor, wore a Prince Albert coat, neat and always well dressed, gentlemanly and respected by everyone who knew him. In 1886 he moved to Westport. in this county, where he had a lucrative practice up to his death, which was regretted by his many friends and patrons. Doctor Miller was married to Mrs. Nannie Cann in January, 1895. She died on June 10, 1915.
Dr. George W. New was a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, in the class of 1839-40. He located in Greensburg and was engaged in practice until 1859. He was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society on January 25, 1847, and was a delegate from Decatur county to the convention at Indianapolis, June 12, 1849, that formed the present state medical association. In 1859 he removed to Indianapolis to enlarge his field for surgical work, as he was specially qualified as a surgeon. This was recognized by Governor Morton, who commissioned him surgeon of the Seventh Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry in 1861, he serving three years. In 1864 Governor Morton, having confidence in his integrity and qualifications, sent him to New Orleans as military agent for Indiana.
After the war he was for two years examiner of drugs in the New Orleans custom house, showing his standing with the federal government. Doctor New was a man of fine presence and general accomplishments. He died in Indianapolis in 1891, aged seventy-two years. Mrs. New accom- panied her husband and rendered very efficient service as a nurse, endear- ing herself by her kindness and interest in many ways. She was a daughter of Dr. Abram Carter, one of the early physicians of Greensburg.
Dr. James O'Byrne, eclectic and homeopath, was born in Ireland in 1820. He came with his parents to America, locating near Brookville, Frank- lin county, Indiana, in 1832. He married Ann D. Moore in the year 1840. He moved to Milford, Decatur county, in 1851, where he practiced medicine up to 1873. when he and his family and the families of two of his sons removed to Carroll county, Missouri. He practiced medicine at that place
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up to his death, in 1896. Doctor O'Bryne was a successful physician, made many friends, and had a large practice up to the time of his removal.
Dr. Uriah G. Reeves was born in Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1820, and died in Milford in 1882. He was educated at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, after which he taught school at Shelbyville and Liberty, Indiana. He was married to Jane Craig on February 28, 1846. He read medicine with Dr. William Armington. He began practice at St. Onier, remaining there five years, and then followed his profession at Greensburg from 1860 to 1863, when he removed to Milford, continuing in practice there up to his death, in 1882, from cerebro-spinal meningitis, which pre- vailed at that time. Doctor Reeves was a local preacher in the Methodist church and was always ready and willing to serve in that capacity. He was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society, a good debater and con- tributed several papers of merit on medical subjects. He was also an Odd Fellow, in which order he passed all the chairs and was elected a representa- tive to the grand lodge from Centenary Lodge No. 535. As a member of the investigating and other committees, he was fair, unbiased and just. His family consisted of a wife, four daughters and one son. The latter died in 1866, aged about eight years. Doctor Reeves was successful in his practice and was always willing to serve the needy, regardless of compensation. He could do more practice on a small quantity of medicine than almost any other doctor. His remains rest in Milford cemetery.
Dr. William F. Reiley was born on April 21, 1828. He received a com- mon-school education and taught school several years. He read medicine with Dr. William Armington, beginning practice in 1854. On February 8, 1859, he was married to Sarah E. Hood, daughter of William Hood, a sol- dier of the War of 1812 and an early settler in Decatur county. To this union two children were born, Anne H., who married Sanford Darrah, now living at San Diego, California, and one, the youngest, who died in infancy. Doctor Reiley had an extensive practice in all directions from Sardina before. during and after the Civil War. He was president of the first board of examining surgeons for pensions, under President Cleveland, with Dr. J. Y. Hitt and J. H. Alexander. In his association with men of the profession he was found always polite, patient, sympathetic and considerate in the interest of the soldier, never being able to do as much for them as he desired. He never desired office, as his time was engaged pro- fessionally, but he was prevailed upon and elected joint senator from Deca- tur, Jennings and Scott counties in the state senate for one or more terms. He was a Democrat and highly respected by all parties. He died at Sardina,
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this county, November 21, 1895. The list of graduates of the Medical College of Ohio shows that W. F. Reiley, of Indiana, graduated in 1858.
Dr. A. S. Remy was born near Brookville, Indiana. October 16, 1819. After passing his boyhood on a farm and receiving a common-school edu- cation. he entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, from which he was a graduate. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Almirah Scoby, and moved to Zenas, Jennings county, where he engaged in the practice of medi- cine. To this union were born three sons and one daughter. In 1856 he bought a farm near Greensburg, Decatur county, and engaged in farming. together with the practice of medicine. His wife died in 1862, and the fol- lowing year he was married to Annie Kluge. To this union two children were born, one son and one daughter, the daughter dying in infancy. Doc- tor Remy was a member of the Presbyterian church and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He died March 31, 1890.
Dr. Alfred Scoby Remy was born on January 29, 1847, at Zenas, Jen- nings county, and died at Zenas on June 20, 1882, being buried at South Park cemetery, Greensburg. He graduated at the Ohio Medical College in 1869. He was married to Anna DeBolt on February 14, 1869. There were four children born to this union: Harry; Nellie, who died in Kansas in 1873: Mrs. Ella Carter, living, and Carl, who died in Greensburg in 1893. Doctor Remy practiced medicine in Jennings and Decatur counties.
Dr. William H. Remy was born on October 30, 1850. at Zenas, Jen- nings county, Indiana. He was educated at Butlerville College, Butlerville, Indiana, after which he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. He began the practice of medicine in 1875 at Millhousen, Decatur county. In 1878 he was married to Della Carper. He continued in the practice of his chosen profession until 1886, when he moved to Kansas and engaged in farming.
Dr. John Ritchie removed from Greensburg to Milford, Decatur county, at an early day and was one of the first physicians to locate at that village in the forties. One of his daughters married a Methodist minister, Rev. Landy Haven. Another daughter, Sallie, married Lieut. A. J. Hungate, and with her husband moved to Topeka, Kansas, in 1866. Doctor Ritchie was most probably a member of the medical society organized on January 25, 1847.
Doctor Edmund Swem was born near Camden, New Jersey, on August 12, 1810, and died in Greensburg on March 4, 1898. He received his medi- cal education at Cincinnati and began the practice of medicine at Peru, Indiana, later practicing at Mooresville. He came to Greensburg about
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1846. He married Martha Gibson, daughter of Israel Gibson, an early resi- dent of Greensburg and a soldier of the War of 1812. His remains rest in South Park cemetery. A plain marble slab marks the Gibson grave. He was a Mason, which was noted on the headstone. Doctor Swem and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary several years before his death, in 1898. Mrs. Swem survived her husband. Rev. Edmund Hez Swem, pastor of the Second Baptist church, Washington, D. C., and Mrs. Ale Howard, of Greensburg, are the only children surviving. Doctor Swem was president of the Decatur County Medical Society in 1869, and was re-elected in 1871. He was a regular attendant at the meetings and filled other offices up to the time he was unable to attend owing to the infirmities of age. He was a delegate to the State Medical Association several times. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and his pew was seldom vacant at its meetings. Doctor Swem was a conservative and cautious physician ; he advocated small doses ; he had faith in the recuperative powers of nature ; he was not very favorable to calomel, as he had seen the ill effects of its abuse. He was very neat in his dress, quiet in demeanor, always polite, unassuming and gentlemanly.
There was also a Doctor Teal, who lived in Greensburg and who died in 1833.
Dr. J. L. Underwood came to Milford about 1856. He married a Miss Avery, who lived on a farm on Flat Rock, Shelby county. There were two daughters. He removed from Milford to St. Paul early in the Civil War period. He died from cancer of the stomach and was buried at Ogden ceme- tery, near Waldron. He was a popular and successful physician and had many friends at both Milford and St. Paul.
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