USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 45
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Along professional lines, the society continued to discuss particular cases that came within the experience of its members very similar to those that have been heretofore cited. AAssignments also continued to be made to indi- vidual members upon which reports were made either in writing or orally. A few other instances are taken from the minutes of the society :
July, 1886: "Dr. Ryan presented himself as a clinic : expectoration of blood. Upon motion and vote of society. Dr. J. M. Ely was appointed to examine and report the Doctor's condition, which was disease of the heart and larangitis bronchitis and pharangitis."
February, 1887: "A clinic was presented by Doctor King: abdomina! dropsy. Upon motion, Dr. J. M. Ely conducted the examination of the case, after which a discussion followed. There was not a unanimous agree- ment by all the members as to the cause of the effusion."
March, 1887: "Upon motion of Dr. N. P. Howard, Sr .. the regular order of business was suspended for the purpose of performing a surgical operation upon a clinic presented by Howard and Howard : Talapis equinas.
483
THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
"The operation was performed by Howard and Howard, assisted by Fly and King, in the presence of the society."
June 1, 1887: "Doctor Yancy reported an autopsy he had witnessed when a child six years ofl had died from congestion of the stomach and liver. A stone the size of one-half walnut was found in the bladder from which it had suffered for four years, the attending physicians supposing other causes had produced the troubles.
"Doctor Pierson reported the case of phthisis under treatment with gas that he had reported during the last meeting and that it was still favorable; also a case of ulceration of the stomach of probable malignant type, which was thoroughly discussed by the society."
April 3. 1888: "Bright's disease was made a special subject for consid- eration at the next meeting."
September. 1890: "Doctor Hervey presented a specimen of an injured spinal cord that was of much interest to all present. The substance of the cord having been entirely severed and held in contact by the membranes only. the result of an injury, when environment of the cord showed no evidence of injury."
April 4, 1892: "The regular order of business being called. Dr. B. H. Cook proceeded to read a paper upon 'Influenza or La Grippe.". The discus- sion was opened by Doctor Howard. Sr .. who thought the paper a good one. Doctor Ely did not regard the disease within itself fatal, but it leaves few healthy ones in the country and we should look carefully as to its complica- tions. Doctor King approved of the paper and regards it as being more fatal than cholera and more formidable. Dr. J. H. Justice approved of the paper and said he regarded the disease as no trivial disease and thought the epidemic of 1801 more formidable than the epidemic of 1890. Doctor Cook in his closing remarks thanked the society for their remarks and thinks he gained considerable information as to its treatment."
November 1, 1892: "Doctor Troy presented a boy of fifteen years (Arnet Kellar). The members of the society made an examination of the boy and proceeded to discuss the case and suggested a general line of treatment.
"A question was asked about the propriety of a member of this society dressing a cancerous breast that was being treated by an 'irregular.' It was discussed. No opinion agreed upon, and the suggestion was made to decide upon it at next meeting.'
December 6, 1892: "Doctor Troy made an oral report of a boy pre- sented at last meeting, that by bandaging and a general tonic treatment that lie was better and promised to present him to the society in the future.
484
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
"Doctor King made a statement about a patient of his own that was being treated by an 'irregular' ( the one spoken of at last meeitng), that he dressed the breast, cut out the tissne destroyed by the escharotic. Doctors Pratt and Ely so expressed their opinion that he (King) did right in treating her. Doc- tor Ely also gave us quite a talk on cancers and 'cancer doctors.' During this talk Dr. W. A. Justice 'put in his appearance.' "
The foregoing notes taken from the minutes of the society indicate in a general way the nature of the discussions engaged in at various times and the lines of work followed. Such in the main has been the plan of the society to the present. Specific cases coming within the practice of the members have been presented from time to time and general topics have been assigned for re- ports. During the past fifteen or twenty years more time has probably been given to general discussions, and less to special cases, than formerly. The programs of the latter years have usually been limited to one or two papers upon general subjects followed by general discussions. Of this, the follow- ing schedule of subjects prepared for the summer of 1896 is a fair illustration :
Tuesday, March 3.
Neuralgia Dr. A. C. Barnes.
Consumption Dr. O. C. Neier.
Tuesday, April 7.
Pathogenic Bacteria with demonstration, Dr. S. W. Hervey. Diseases of the Kidneys Dr. C. K. Bruner.
Tuesday, May 5.
Synthetical Remedies Dr. J. A. Comstock.
Paralysis Agitans J. W. Selman.
Tuesday, June 2.
Diagnosis of Presentation Dr. J. E. Lummis.
Pneumonic Fever Dr. J. H. Justice.
Tuesday, July 7.
Neurasthenia Dr. Mary L. Bruner. Nervous Diseases Incident to the Rebellion, Dr. W. R. King.
Among the papers that have been presented during the last few years. the following may be mentioned : "Local Anaesthesia." by Doctor Cregor, No- vember, 1909: "Serum Therapy," by Doctor Ferrell. November. 1909: "Ca-
185
THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
tharrhal Jaundice," by Doctor Ferrell, January, 1911. On October 5 the sub- ject of "Tonsils" was treated from four viewpoints: "Anatomy and Func- tion of Tonsils," Dr. C. W. McGaughey; "Pathology of Tonsils," Dr. C. A. Barnes; "Therapy of Tonsils," Dr. E. R. Sisson; "Surgery of Tonsils," Dr. C. K. Bruner.
In December, 1911, the subject of "Diphtheria" was discussed by Doctors Justice and Slocum.
DISTRICT MEETINGS, ETC.
The Hancock County Medical Society has on several occasions enter- tained visiting physicians. On January 20, 1910, the seventh annual meeting of the doctors of the sixth councilor district of the Indiana Medical Associa- tion was held at Greenfield. Physicians were present from Rushville, More- land, Carthage, Millville, Knightstown, Shelbyville, Indianapolis, Richmond, Middletown, Bloomington, Lewisville, Spiceland, Newcastle, Dublin and Straughn. A general program along professional lines was given, a ban- quet served, etc., and a general good time enjoyed with the visiting physicians.
On January 8, 1914, just forty years after the organization of the Han- cock County Medical Society, the anniversary of that event was celebrated in an elaborate and appropriate manner. Following are a few paragraphs from the report of the anniversary meeting :
"At the first meeting of the year of the Hancock County Medical Society, held Thursday night at the Columbia Hotel. Dr. Joseph L. Allen, the secretary, produced the old record containing the minutes of the organization meeting of the society, held January 6, 1874. or forty years ago, almost to the day. He read the minutes of that meeting to the physicians present Thursday night, showing that fourteen physicians were present at the organization meeting and not one of them is living now. Dr. M. M. Adams was the last to succumb.
"At that first meeting Dr. J. B. Sparks read an essay on 'Purulent Pneu- monia' and the coincidence was that at the meeting Thursday night this same subject was discussed by Doctor Emerson. His talk was of great interest to the physicians present, who included the new officers of the county associa- tion, Dr. P. E. Trees, of Maxwell, president ; Dr. E. R. Sisson, of Greenfield, vice-president ; Dr. J. L. Allen, of Greenfield. secretary-treasurer ; Dr. J. E. Ferrell, of Eden: Dr. Milo Gibbs and Dr. C. K. Bruner, censors : Dr. II' .A. Justice and Carl MeGaughey, of Greenfield; Dr. C. E. McCord, Dr. S. W Hervey and Dr. Stuart Slocum, of Fortville; Dr. Edgar AA. Hawk, of Finly : Dr. E. E. Mace, of New Palestine : Dr. E. M. Bennett, of McCordsville, mem-
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
bers, and Doctor Emerson, dean of the medical department of Indiana Univer- sity: Doctor Bosworth, of Birmingham, Alabama, and Dr. Max Barrett. Knightstown, visitors.
"Following the business session of the association, a five-course banquet was served to the doctors. The Hancock County Association now has twenty members.".
The Sixth District Medical Society met in annual session at Greenfield. May 14. 1914, with President Paul E. Trees, of the Hancock Society, presid- ing. \ program was given, after which the society adjourned to the Colum- bia Hotel at six o'clock, where members of the Hancock County Society had prepared an elegant dinner. Councilor O. G. Gronendyke presided as toast- master, and Rev. Joshua Stansfield, of Indianapolis, delivered a splendid ad- dress, his subject being. "The Doctor."
The meeting was reported as a very fine one from every point of view. Good work was presented, the attendance was good, and so was the dinner.
FEE BILL.
Among the last actions that have been taken by the society as a whole has been the adoption of a fee bill. A meeting for the consideration of this mat- ter was held at the Columbia Hotel on Thursday evening. November 12. 1914. A buffet luncheon was served, and good will and unity of action prevailed. As a result of this meeting, a schedule of fees covering all fees of office practice as well as on fees of general practice, including surgery, operations, etc., was agreed upon and the following contract entered into by the undersigned physicians :
"CERTIFICATE OF AGREEMENT
"THIS IS TO CERTIFY, that we. the undersigned physicians, who practice in Hancock county, Indiana, do hereby enter into and agree to the following contract, binding ourselves as men, and pledging our word of honor to not violate the provisions of this agreement in any event or in any manner.
"ist. We agree to upholdl the dignity of our profession, and will en- (leavor to follow the revised code of ethics.
"2nd. We will adhere strictly to the rates and prices of the fee bill. as herewith appended.
"3rd. We will furnish to each physician who signs this agreement. re- siding within a radius of seven miles of each of us, a list of all persons whom we find to be unworthy of credit, and also another list of those whom we find worthy, but slow pay.
487
THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
"This list to be compiled from our books and sent to the physicians as above indicated, on January 1. 1915, and revised and sent every three months thereafter.
"We further agree, that we shall render no aid to a person whose name is on any of the above stated lists, except in an emergency or on the payment of cash for said service.
"We further agree to furnish information to any other physician signing this agreement as to the standing of any person of whom he may inquire.
"4th. We agree to enter into no contract with any person or persons, official or officials, company, corporation, lodge or other organization to do any practice for any stated contract price or period of time, for any sum other than at least the minimum price, as per the fee bill.
"5th. We agree that this agreement and fee bill shall be effective Decem- ber 1, 1914.
"6th. We agree that the secretary of the Hancock County Medical So- ciety shall cause to be printed copies of this contract and the fee bill, together with a printed card for our officers, stating the most important facts of the fee bill, and that we each pay the pro rata of said expense.
"Joseph L. Allen Greenfield
Stuart Slocum Fortville
Ernest R. Sisson
Greenfield J. B. Ellingwood Fortville
Tyner E. Lowe Greenfield
C. E. McCord Fortville
C. W. McGaughey Greenfield
Charles A. Roark McCordsville
O. S. Heller Greenfield
C. J. Kneer Oaklandon
Rolla B. Ramsey Greenfield
T. M. Larimore Greenfield
1 .. 11. Ratliff Lawrence
John P. Black Greenfield
Paul W. Trees Maxwell
Oliver AA. Collins
Mohawk
E. A. llawk Finly
C. K. Bruner Greenfield
Elmer E. Mace New Palestine
Mary L. Bruner Greenfield
W. H. Larrabee New Palestine
I. W. Trees Greenfield
Earl R. Gibbs
Wilkinson
A. M. Calvert Lawrence
Charles Titus
Wilkinson
J. P. Julian Wilkinson
John W. Cook Pendleton (). W. Brownbact Pendleton
Ralph Wilson
Shirley
L. E. Alexander Pendleton
J. W. Shrout
Shirley
W. R. Sparks Pendleton
J. E. Ferrell
Fortville. F. L. Stone Pendleton
S. W. Hervey
Fortville 11. C. Martindale Pendleton
R. S. Records Lawrence
W. R. Johnston Charlottesville
W. . A. Justice Greenfield
Milo Gibbs Greenfield
488
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
Lundy Fussell Markleville HI. B. Cox Morristown
O. H. Cook
Fortville
F. C. Bass Morristown
C. B. Pendleton Markleville
R. S. McCray Morristown
D. N. Conner Markleville
W. M. Pierson Morristown
J. B. Young Cumberland
V. C. Patten Morristown
U. C. Ambrose
Cumberland
R. S. Wiltshire Gwynneville
H. E. Nave
Fountaintown
J. A. Sipe Carthage
E. B. Miller
Fountaintown F. E. Ilypes Carthage"
FRATERNALISMI.
The minutes of the medical society show that a close relationship exists among the professional brethren. Only once within the past forty years were charges preferred by one member against another before the society. Once also has the society refused consultation with a practicing physician because of his unprofessional conduct. Resolutions of appreciation of the ability and services of brethren, as well as of condolence with bereaved families, ap- pear frequently on the record. The society now has twenty members.
ANSWERING CALLS.
The carly physician depended on his faithful horse to carry him through the forest, over streams, and whithersoever he was called.
With the construction of better roads following the Civil War, he pur- chased a cart or buggy in which he made his calls. Within the last decade, however, he has indulged in the greater comfort, and has given his patients the more careful attention, afforded by automobile service.
PRESENT PHYSICIANS.
The following are the physicians now residing within Hancock county, who are engaged in the practice of medicine :
Joseph Allen Greenfield
C. K. Bruner Greenfield
Ernest R. Sisson Greenfield
Mary L. Bruner Greenfield Tyner E. Lowe Greenfield *I. W. Trees Greenfield C. W. McGaughey Greenfield *J. M. Larimore Greenfield O. S. Heller Greenfield
C. Herbert Bruner Greenfield
John P. Black Greenfield W. R. Johnston Charlottesville WV. A. Justice Greenfield
Oliver A. Collins Mohawk
Milo Gibbs
Greenfield
E. A. Hawk Finly
489
THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
Lucian C. Elv New Palestine W. H. Larrabee New Palestine
*Samuel S. Boots Greenfield
J. E. Ferrell Fortville
*James R. Trees Greenfield
S. W. Hervey Fortville
S. L. Witham
Fortville Stuart Slocum Fortville
S. D. Clayton Maxwell
J. B. Ellingwood Fortville
Earl R. Gibbs
Wilkinson
O. H. Cook Fortville
Charles Titus Wilkinson
. J. P. Julian
Wilkinson
O. C. Adkins McCordsville
J. W. Shrout
Shirley
*Retired
Elmer E. Mace New Palestine
THE INDEPENDENT MEDICAL INVESTIGATOR.
In the fall of 1879 Drs. S. S. Boots and John L. Marsh, brother of Ephi- raim Marsh, commenced the publication of The Independent Medical Investi- gator. It was at first the intention of the publishers to conduct the paper so that it might be of interest to the laity as well as to the medical profession. Just one issue appeared on this plan. With the second number it was made a strictly professional magazine. It was published for several years at Green- field by Doctors Boots and Marsh. Later it was transferred to Indianapolis and was published for a number of years as the organ of the eclectic school of medicine. Its publication has since been suspended.
THE CHANGE.
Writing in 1882, Doctor Hervey said, "The entire diathesis of the dis- eases of the country has changed since forty years ago. The plan of treatment has changed with the change in type and character of disease. The forests have fallen : the sunshine has been let in upon the earth. for centuries covered with thick undergrowth and magnificent forest trees ; the ground, then covered in many places with water, has been ditched; the land, so long idle, has been cultivated ; obstructions from streams have been removed ; old rotting logs and decaying matter have been cleared away. It is, therefore, not strange that malaria should be less, and that the whole character of morbific causa- tives should undergo a change.
"Forty years ago, blood letting. blistering, calomel and jalap. together with a prolific profusion of emetics, nausaunts and antiphlogistics, were the sheet and anchor. Now the aim of the physician is to save and vitalize the blood, energize and build up the wasting strength, and save all the power of the system to battle disease and perform life's essential functions."
C. E. McCord Fortville
CHAPTER XIII.
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
Blue River township was organized on April 7. 1828, as one of the three original townships. At first it included the entire eastern portion of the county, but at the May term. 1831. it was cut down to its present dimensions. One change has been made since then. AAt the January term. 1836. Center township was enlarged and took two sections, 2 and 11, out of the northwest corner of the township. It then kept those dimensions until March 11, 1853. when all the townships were given their present boundary lines.
Blue River civil township is located in two congressional townships. . 1 strip two miles wide off of the west side of the civil township lies in congres- sional township 15 north, range 7 cast ; the remaining portion of the township. consisting of eighteen square miles, lies in congressional township 15 north. range & cast. The township is five miles east and west by six miles north and south.
The surface of the township is probably a little more rolling than the surface of some of the other townships. This is occasioned by the streams. Blue river, its largest stream, and into which practically the entire county drains, crosses the southeast corner of the township. Six Mile creek enters Blue River township at about the middle of the east line of section 16 and. except for the distance of one-half mile or a little more, remains in the castern part of the township until it reaches Blue river. Nameless creek, formerly known as Straight creek, enters the township about the middle of its north line and pursues a course almost due south until it reaches Blue river at a point about a mile above the south line of the township. Three or four large open ditches have also been constructed through different parts of the township leading to the larger creeks. The creeks, together with the large open ditches and their blind arms, complete a perfect system of drainage for the township.
Blue River township received the first settlers who made their homes within Hancock county. Andrew Evans is said to have built a log cabin in the township in 1818. Other settlers followed. In 1822 Thomas Phillips be- gan operating a blacksmith shop, and in 1833 Elijah Tyner built the first store. This store was located in the southeast quarter of section 35. township 15. range 7. on the east side of the road running north and south parallel with the east line of section 35. The store building stood in the angle made by the turn of this road to the southeast.
490
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
A large number of family names that are still familiar may also be found on the entry docket, showing by whom the land in Blue River township was entered. Among them are Henry Wilson, John Justice. Joshua King, William New. Elisha Butler, Hugh Sparks, Samuel Parker, John Foster, William Tyner, Joseph Fort, Homer Brooks, John Smith, Elizabeth Wood. Abraham Smith, Jacob Smith, Arthur Lewis, Nathan Hill, Isaac Davis, Josiah Bundy. Charlotte AA. Butler, Reuben Bentley, George Kiser, Meredith Gosney, John Ogg, Isaac King, Daniel New, Elias Marsh, William Hamilton, Samuel Hend- ricks, Richard Tyner, Silas Porter, James Sample, Festus Hall, Basil Meek, James Tyner, Jr., John Haskit, Robert Wilson, Abraham Miller, Benjamin Lineback, Benajah Binford, Joseph Cox, Robert White, Samuel B. Binford. Abraham Cook, James L. Loehr, John C. Wilson, Thomas C. Chapple, Silas Moore, Zachariah Coffin, Joseph Myers, John Hill, Elijah Ballenger, Daniel Smith, Benjamin Miller, Fielding Willis, Jacob Wolf, Harmon Warrum, Wil- liam A. Crider, Adam Allen, Samuel Hill, Abraham Lineback, Phineas White, James L. Binford, Mathew Simmons, George Bundy and Joseph Andrews.
STORES, MILLS, FACTORIES, ETC.
The store of Elijah Tyner, above mentioned, became one of the best known stores during the early history of the county. Mr. Tyner continued to do business at this place until 1872. The old store buildings are still standing. People came to trade there from the entire southeastern part of the county, as well as from Shelby and Rush counties.
Following are some of the carlier industries of the township :
Grist and saw-mill, erected in 1824 by Joshua Wilson along Blue river, near where the range line crosses it. Wilson operated the mill for about two years, when Henry Watts purchased it and attached a bolt to run by hand. The mill was probably moved about this time to a point on Blue river below the Hancock county line, though a large portion of the mill race was constructed in Hancock county. - It was purchased in 1840 by John Wolf, who also at- tached a carding and spinning machine for weaving. This mill, like Tyner's store, was patronized by people from the southeastern part of Hancock county as well as from the adjoining counties of Shelby and Rush. It was later owned by a man named Bacon and was familiarly known for many years as Bacon's mill During the seventies Jacob Wolf, a son of John Wolf, the former proprietor, bought the mill and operated it until in the nineties, when it burned.
Saw-mill, erected about 1830 by James P. New. Abraham Miller and Silas Moore, on Nameless creek, just east of Westland, and operated until about 1855.
492
HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.
In the early fifties Isaac Beeson established a pottery at the southeast corner of section 12, township 15, range 7. on the site now occupied by the Western Grove church. He made jars, jugs, etc., from clay which, after being burned in a kiln, were dipped in a solution and then burned again until glazed. The potter's wheel was in operation for about nine years. Some of the first tile in the county were also made by Mr. Beeson. He began making round tile in 1858, just before Jacob Schramm began making the "horseshoe tile" in Sugar Creek township. Some of Mr. Beeson's tile are now in the museum at the state house.
Cooper's shop, maintained by Solomon Catt from a very early day, on the north half of the northeast quarter of section 14, township 15, range 7. Barrels were made in great numbers at this shop and shipped by wagon loads to distant points.
Shingle factory, operated by Elihu Coffin during the forties and fifties on the west half of the southeast quarter of section 12, township 15. range 7. Shingles were made by a machine operated by horse power. Walnut and poplar timber was used. It was cut into lengths of eighteen inches, boiled for several hours and then made into shingles eighteen inches long and from one-half to three-quarters of an inch thick at the butt. The machine could cut about five thousand shingles per day.
Saw-mill, erected by John Hunnicutt on Nameless creek, near the line dividing sections 19 and 30, township 15. range 8.
Grist and saw-mill, erected by Jesse Hunt, on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 7. township 15. range 8, sometime during the latter forties.
Saw-mill, erected by Lewis Rule at the southeast corner of section I, township 15, range 7.
Wiley's saw-mill stood for many years on the northwest corner of section 24, township 15. range 7.
Saw-mill, erected by Caleb Pusey at the northeast corner of section I, township 15. range 7.
Saw-mill, erected by Charles Bash on the southwest quarter of section 5. township 15. range 8.
Tile factory, erected by Elias Marsh on the south half of section 13, township 15, range 7, just about a mile west of the Westland postoffice.
Saw-mill, established by King Lewis on the west side of the southwest quarter of section 17. township 15. range 8. during the sixties and operated until during the seventies.
493
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
Tile factory, erected by Walter Luse on the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 8, township 15, range 8.
Saw-mill, erected immediately south of Cleveland during the early sev- enties, in the northern part of section 4, township 15. range 8; moved from Leamon's corner in Jackson township and operated by Walton & Rule: later by Thomas L. Marsh and another. Moved from here to Eden in 1881 and operated by C. Mingle.
RAILROADS.
The first railroad constructed through any portion of Hancock county was built across the southeast corner of Blue River township. It followed the south valley of Blue river and was known as the Knightstown-Shelbyville Railway. Work began on it about 1846 and trains began running in 18.48. The railroad was operated until about 1855. The old grades may still be followed without difficulty. The road was constructed of what were known as flat bar rails. Cross ties were put down, on which four by four wooden stringers, twelve or sixteen feet long, were laid. Iron bars, about one and one-half inches thick and two inches wide, were then placed on the stringers and both spiked to the cross ties with spikes eight or ten inches long.
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