History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc., Part 32

Author:
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: [Madison, Wis.] : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 714


USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 32


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DANIEL MORGAN, M. D., for many years a prominent citizen and successful practitioner of Vanderburgh county, was born in Can- terbury, Conn., March 22d, 1813. His paternal grandfather, James Morgan, a Welshman, who settled in Connecticut as early as 1638, served the colony six times in the general courts and occupied a promi- nent position in the colonial debates. His father, Isaac Morgan, was a successful far- distinguishing himself by his sound views


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on all important legislation and making an enviable record. In 1871, he was elected to a chair in the Medical college of Evans- ville, and was one of the most prominent members of the faculty. In his personal appearance he was a man of fine presence; and possessed a large amount of personal magnetism and rare social qualities. His kindness of heart, his genial disposition, and his untarnished Christian character, caused him to be esteemed and respected by all who knew him. At the age of seventeen he united with the Presbyterian church and was a consistent member of that organiza- tion throughout his life. His death, which was generally lamented, occurred January 25th, 1879.


ville, Ky., and graduated in 1871. He at once came to Evansville, and began prac- ticing his profession. In 1876, he visited Eu- rope and pursued a course of study of the eye and ear at the Vienna University, Austria. Returning to Evansville, he resumed the practice which he has continued to the pres- ent, meeting with pronounced success. Dr. Hartloff was united in marriage in 1867 to Emilia Johann, who was born in Prussia in 1848, and died in 1875. To this union one son and one daughter were born, both of whom survive. In 1876 he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Oliver, nee Austin, who was born in Manchester, England, in 1844. Dr. Hartloff served as health officer of Vander- burgh county in IS83; was one of the board of pension examiners from 1882 to 1886; has been for three years a member of the Evansville board of health, of which he is president; and is also the present city physician. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities.


RICHARD HARTLOFF, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Evansville, is a na- tive of Prussia, born in the Rhine Province, August 16, 1845, the second of eight chil- dren born to Frederick William and Fred- erica (Borghoff) Hartloff. The father was born in 1815 and the mother in 1816. They WILLIAM G. RALSTON, M. D., a pioneer citizen of southwestern Indiana, and for many years a prominent member of the medical profession in Evansville, was born in Princeton, Gibson county, Ind., February 13, 1819. During his boyhood the schools in his locality were very imperfect. He succeeded, however, in obtaining a good common school education, and in 1841 be- gan the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Joseph Neely, of Cynthiana, Posey county, Ind. After pursuing his studies three years he began the practice in part- nership with his old preceptor, but one year later established himself at Boonville, the county seat of Warrick county. Here he remained eighteen years, successfully en- gaged in the practice. He soon attained a prominent place among the physicians of that town, which he maintained throughout emigrated to America in the spring of 1853, and settled near Ironton, Ohio, and in the fall of the same year, removing to Indiana, settled near Cannelton, Perry county. Here in 1864 the mother died, and three years later the father removed to a farm in Spencer county, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred in 1886. Of the children four survive. Dr. Hartloff attended school in his native country, advancing in his studies so far as to be versed in reading and writing in the German language, and afterward attended the public schools of In- diana until 1864. He then entered Wallace College in Ohio, near Cleveland, where he attended two years. Returning to Indiana, he taught school for two years in Perry and Vanderburg counties, and during that period read medicine. He next entered the medi- cal department of the University of Louis- | the whole of his residence there. In 1863,


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BIOGRAPHICAL.


he came to Evansville, where he has since been engaged in the general practice. He was surgeon of the Eighty-first Indiana In- fantry Volunteers, and while in that position was appointed by President Lincoln surgeon of the board of enrollment for the First congressional district of Indiana, in which capacity he served two years. In 1869, he was appointed surgeon of the U. S. Marine Hospital at this place, and held the position four years. Since that time his efforts have been devoted entirely to the general prac- tice. Although his extensive practice and long period of study, shaped by the sugges- tions of his varied experiences as a prac- titioner, had familiarized him with the dis- eases prevailing in this locality and the ap- proved methods of their treatment, yet when the Evansville Medical College was estab- lished, he was matriculated in the institu- tion and graduated therefrom in 1872. In his practice Dr. Ralston has been eminently successful, while his social relations have been of the most gratifying character. He has not sought by questionable methods to attain a popularity not wholly merited. But performing every duty without osten- tation, and carrying into his professional work the suggestions of a gentle disposition and a kind heart, he has endeared himself to all with whom he has come in contact. Dr. Ralston was married in April, 1850, to Miss Isabella Matthewson, daughter of Dr. R. C. Matthewson, of Boonville, Ind. Mrs. Ralston was born September 20, 1830, and died in 1882. Of this union three sons were born: William M., Charles N., and Andrew G. The eldest of these died in Texas, in 1885.


Dr. Ralston is a member of Crescent Lodge No. 122, I. O. O. F., and belongs to the First Cumberland Presbyterian church. Politically he was originally a whig, and has been a republican since the organiza- tion of that party.


MATTHIAS MUHLHAUSEN, M. D., promi- nent as a physician and a public spirited citizen, has worked out his career from his youth in this city. His father, Dr. Francis Muhlhausen, an erudite and distinguished physician, for many years occupied an hon- orable place in Evansville, both in profes- sional and social circles. He was a native of Germany, and there married Mary Ann Jageman. Their son, Matthias, was born at Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, January 19, 1833. Emigrating to America in the fall of 1838, they located in Baltimore, where they remained a short time. They moved thence to Taylorsville, Ohio, where for about one year Dr. Muhlhausen was engaged in the practice of his profession. At the end of this time he was induced to locate in Evans- ville, and came here in the fall of 1839. From that time until his death in 1862 he resided here, and practiced medicine and surgery. He was a scholarly and skillful physician, a graduate of Heidelberg Uni- versity, and had one of the largest practices known to the profession in southern Indiana, during his day, extending as it did from Owensburg, Ky., to Mt. Vernon, Ind. Per- haps no physician who ever practiced here left a fairer name professionally and socially, and to-day he is remembered as one of the prominent men of southern Indiana during the period of its most rapid development. His wife survived him sixteen years and died in this city. They were the parents of two children, Matthias, and a younger brother who died in 1852.


Dr. M. Muhlhausen received his early mental training in the public schools of this city, but when quite young was sent to St. Gabriel college at Vincennes, Ind., where for a time he pursued his studies. At an early age he began the study of medicine under the sup- ervision of his father, and later attended the Evansville Medical college, graduating there-


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from in February, 1854. He began practic- of Virginia, his native state, and a successful ing his profession in Evansville at once and has continued uninterruptedly to the present, being now recognized as one of the leading physicians of the city. While the demands of his profession have, to a great extent, engrossed his attention, he has not neglected his duties as a citizen. He has filled various official positions during his active life, and has served with credit to himself and profit to the public in every such relation. He has represented his ward in the city council, has been a member of the board of health, and a member of the board of Metropolitan police commissoners, where he was associa- ted with Capt. J. A. Lemcke, now treasurer of state, and Mr. Ed. Law. For four years, from 1872 to 1876, he had charge of St. Mary's hospital. His public spirit has caused him to be identified with many efforts to advance the general welfare of the city. He was one of the chief instruments in se- curing the State Insane Asylum at this point, and in various ways, especially as an active member of the Business Men's association, has contributed largely to the city's pros- perity. He has been a director and is now president of the People's Savings bank, one of the safest and most prosperous institu- tions of its kind in Indiana. Dr Muhlhausen was married, November 8, 1859, to Josephine Reitz, daughter of Clement Reitz, sr., a citizen of this city. Mrs. Muhlhausen was a native of Germany and died in this city December 28, 1881, leaving two sons and one daughter. In pol- itics Dr. Muhlhausen has affiliated with the democratic party; he is a member of the Roman Catholic church. practitioner. On account of his hatred for the " peculiar institution," he liberated his slaves and removed to Kentucky, thence to Mt. Vernon, Indiana, where he practiced his profession for several years. From Mt. Vernon he went to Cynthiana, Ind., where he died in 1874. He was a thorough gen- tleman of the old school, kind, courteous, and the personification of liberality. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him. The boyhood and early manhood of William S. was passed under the paternal roof. He received an academical education, and in 1860 commenced the study of medicine in his father's office. The following year, however, he joined the Federal army as a member of an Illinois Infantry regiment, with which organization he remained but a short time. Returning to Indiana, he aided in the formation of the Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, Col. Hovey commanding. On the muster-in of the regiment he was commissioned second lieutenant and as- signed to Company K. By regular grada- tions he rose to the rank of lieutenant- colonel, aided only by his ability as an officer and his splendid record as a soldier. He participated in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged, notably among the number the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Shiloh, Champion Hills, the siege of Corinth, the battles of Blakely and Mobile, Ala., and other minor engagements. The close of the war found the regiment at Gal- veston, Texas, whence they were ordered home for muster-out. Returning to civil life, he first engaged in merchandizing; but this vocation not proving congenial, he resolved to make the practice of medicine his life's work. In 1869 he entered the Miami Medical college, from which institu- tion he graduated with honor in the class of 1871. In the same year he came to Evans-


WILLIAM S. POLLARD, M. D., one of the prominent practitioners of the city of Evans- ville, was born in Carmi, Ill., Nov. 1, 1838. His father, William, was a physician, a graduate of one of the medical universities


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ville and began the practice in company with that eminent physician and citizen, Dr. James P. DeBruler, with whom he re- mained until the death of the latter in 1875, when he succeeded to the larger share of his practice. One singular fact in con- nection with the doctor's professional life, and perhaps a remarkable one, is that he has never changed his location nor his office since he first began the practice in 1871. In the practice of medicine Dr. Pollard has been highly successful, especially in diseases of the chest. He occupies a foremost posi- tion among his medical brethren, and is everywhere recognized not only as an able and successful physician but as a valuable citizen. For three years he was county physician ; and for ten years has been exam- ining surgeon for the United States Pension Bureau. He is also a member of the city hospital association. He affiliates with the republican party, and is a prominent mem- ber of the G. A. R. In the Masonic order he has held a conspicuous place, being now captain-general of Lavallette Commandery, K. T., having occupied in regular succes- sion all the intermediate chairs. In civil, military and political life his record is un- tarnished, and his career affords another example of the well-known fact that ability, industry and honesty, coupled with pluck and energy, always produce success. In 1874 the doctor was united in marriage with Miss Mattie A., daughter of Gideon Sutton, of Centerburg, Ohio. Two children have been born to them; one died in infancy, and the remaining child, Walter S., is a bright boy of four years.


A. M. HAYDEN, M. D., physician and sur- geon, of Evansville, Ind., was born in Hampshire county, Va., (now West Vir- ginia ), May 28, 1852, and is the son of Dr. A. B. and Louisa (Thompson ) Hayden. His father was born in Kentucky, in 1807,


being the son of Virginian parents who emi- grated from their native state to Missouri, in the early part of the century, and re- mained but a short time, returning to Vir- ginia where they lived and died. Dr. A. B. Hayden is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College and now resides in Virginia, having retired from active labor after a long and successful practice of his profession. His wife, Louisa Thompson, a native of Hamp- shire county, Va., born in IS15, and still surviving, is the daughter of honorable Vir- ginians, who, in their day, occupied a prom- inent place in the locality where they re- sided. Dr. A. M. Hayden is the youngest of eight children. His early education was secured in the country schools of his native county. Ilis youth was passed on his father's farm, working at farm labor during the summer, and attending school during the winter months. Later he finished his literary education at Winchester seminary, Winchester, Va. In 1870, he began the study of medicine with his father as a preceptor, and in March 1875, graduated from Sterling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. Coming to the west, he settled at Newburgh, Ind., and there began, at once, the practice of his profession in partnership with Dr. P. S. Thompson, of that place. About two years later he located in Evanville, where he has since resided, obtaining a large practice and recognition as one of the best physicians in the city. In 1878, Dr. Hayden took a course of lectures in the medical department of the University of New York, and in 1855, being prepared by the varied experiences of a ten years' practice for the study of every branch of medical science, pursued a course of in- struction at the New York Polyclinic. Re- turning to Evansville he began to devote especial attention to surgical science, and in that branch of his practice has already at- tained an honorable eminence. The extent


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of his achievements and the result of his life's work ought not to be reckoned at this time, for even the prime of his activity is not yet passed. His usefulness as a citizen and physician has long been recognized, and his career thus far, has been eminently suc- cessful. He is a member of the Vander- burgh Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Med- ical Association. To the journal of the American Medical Association he has con- tributed some valuable papers. He has obtained popularity in social circles. For many years he has been an earnest member of Orion Lodge No. 35, K. of P. He is now chancellor commander and is said to be one of the best officers the lodge ever had. He is a good parliamentarian, loyal to the order and untiring in his efforts to advance its prosperity. He wields a large influence and has done much to place Pythianism on a firm basis in this city and in a high place in popular esteem. He was married October I, IS79, to Malinda A. Van Dusen, a native of Vanderburgh county, born September '26, 1861, who is the daughter of Martin A. and Abbie (Olmstead) Van Dusen. Her maternal grandfather was Judge William Olmstead, a distinguished pioneer of this county. Two daughters have been born of this union.


JOHN B. WEEVER, M. D., did not begin his practice in Evansville until 1886, but very soon thereafter his abilities were recognized and already his worth has attracted to him an extensive and lucrative business. For many years, though not a resident of this city, he was by no means a stranger in it. His boyhood was spent here, his father being for a long time a citizen of the place, and the greater portion of his life has been passed in the neighboring town of Mount Vernon, in Posey county. He was born in the town of Hollowell, Kennebec county,


Maine, September 25, 1836. His father, Dr. Charles S. Weever, was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1809. He came to Evansville in 1837, and first engaged in mer- chandising, but the business was not congen- ial to him, and failing to meet with the degree of success which he had anticipated and de- sired, he began the study of medicine in the office of that distinguished pioneer physician, Dr. William Trafton. Later he attended the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, Pa., where he graduated in 1844. Return- ing to Evansville he formed a copartnership with his late preceptor, with whom he was associated until Dr. Trafton's death. In 1850 he removed to Mt. Vernon, Ind., where he was engaged in general practice until his death, which occurred in 1861. He was successful in the practice, and was the first professor of anatomy in the Evansville med- ical college. He is still remembered by the older citizens of this city as an upright man and a skilful physician.


Dr. John B. Weever received an academ- ical education and in 1855 began the study of medicine in his father's office. Subse- quently he continued his studies under the direction of Dr. S. D. Gross, of Philadelphia, and entering the Jefferson Medical College in that city, graduated therefrom in 1858. He then returned to Mt. Vernon and engaged in the practice with his father until the latter's decease, in 1861. Thereafter he continued his professional work alone, remaining in Mt. Vernon until ISS6, when he came to Evansville. He did a successful business and was recognized as a most able and skill- ful physician. Upon coming to Evansville he at once took a high rank among the phy- sicians of the place and by reason of his worth as a citizen and physician has estab- lished himself in public favor. He has been a member of the Vanderburg County Med- ical Society since 1886, and is at this time its


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president. For many years he has been a member of the Indiana state medical society and the American Medical Association. In his religious and political affiliations he is a Presbyterian and a republican. In 1862, Dr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Slocum, Carmi, Ill. Of this union seven children have been born, only three of whom survive, as follows: Walter R., George S., and Paul S.


EDWIN WALKER, M. D., Ph. D., a prom- inent physician and surgeon of Evansville, was born in this city May 6, 1853, and is the son of James T. and Charlotte (Burtis) Walker, distinguished pioneers, mentioned more at length elsewhere in these pages .* He was educated in the public schools of this city, graduating from the high school in 1869. Later he spent two years at Ilanover College, Hanover, Ind., pursuing a course of classical study. While there lie was a member of the Union Literary Society and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. G. B. Walker, of this city, in 1871, and at the same time attended three courses of lectures in the Evansville Medical College, graduat- ing therefrom in 1874. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession and in the same year was appointed professor of anat- omy in the college where recently he had been a student. In 1877 he attended a . course of lectures in New York city, and two years later again entered the university, in that city, where he graduated with honors, taking the prize for the greatest proficiency in diseases of the nervous system. During this winter he was a private student of Prof. E. C. Seguin, whose scientific methods did much to shape his subsequent studies. Re- turning to Evansville, he was made professor of diseases of women and diseases of the


nervous system in the medical college of this city, and again resumed the duties of his profession, achieving through his merit a large measure of success. In 1883 he at- tended a course of lectures at the New York city Polyclinic and pursued a special course of study on diseases of women and diseases of the throat, under direction of Prof. Bos- worth. Two years later he spent two months attending hospital clinics, and in the fall of the same year went to Europe, where he remained until August, 1886, spending his time in study especially on diseases of women and of the nervous system, receiving private instruction from and examining the work of the leading teachers in Berlin, Vienna, London, and Edinburgh. Again in IS88 he spent such time as he could take from his practice in New York city instruct- ing himself in the medical science. Few men have entered with greater zeal upon the study of any branch of science and have attained greater success in qualifying them- selves for the practical application of theories and principles than has Dr. Walker. Ilis life has been particularly active. He has explored carefully and thoroughly many avenues of learning, and by the systematic methods of a perfect student has made his mind a veritable storehouse of useful infor- mation. In 1876 and 1878 he was county physician; with others he was instrumental in establishing the city hospital, and he is now a member of the Vanderburgh County Medical Society, the State of Indiana Medi- cal Society, the Mississippi Valley Medical Society, and the American Medical Associa- tion. Few men have more thoroughly fitted themselves for a successful life's work in any chosen profession than has Dr. Walker. Recognizing this fact, the faculty of Hanover College, one of the leading educational in- stitutions in the state, conferred upon him, in ISSS, the degree of Ph. D. In ISSo, Dr.


* See personal mention of James T. Walker in " Bench and Bar."


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Walker was united in marriage to Miss Capitola Hudspeth, a native of Boonville, Ind., born in 1859, and daughter of George and Margaret (Smith) Hudspeth, for many years well known residents of this city.


GEORGE P. HODSON, M. D., physician and surgeon of Evansville, is a native of this city, born April 11, 1853. He is the son of John M. and Jane (Vaughn) Hodson. Dur- ing his boyhood he attended the public schools of this city, and at the age of seven- teen years entered Asbury University (now DePauw University) at Greencastle, Ind. Here he spent three years, passing through the junior year, but was unable to complete the course. In 1873, he began the study of medicine in the office of that eminent physi- cian, so long and so favorably known in Evansville, Dr. George B. Walker. He entered the Evansville Medical College, and graduated in February, 1876. Immediately thereafter he commenced the practice of his profession, achieving success, not, however, without meeting many discouragements. In 1883-4 he attended a course of lectures at the New York Polyclinic, and there added greatly to his store of information. Returning to Evansville, he was appointed professor of obstetrics in the Evansville Medical College, and filled that chair until the college closed, in 1885. For this position he was well qualified, having made the study of obstetrics a specialty, and his discharge of its duties was eminently satisfactory. For three years from 1884 he was secretary of the board of health of Evansville, and in that capacity rendered valuable service to the city. He was instrumental in founding the Evansville city hospital. He is now a mem- ber of the Vanderburgh County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the Mississippi Valley Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Dr. Hodson was married on the 12th day


of October, 1875, to Miss Mary Smith, of Richland county, Ill., who is a native of Posey connty, Ind., born March 27, 1856. The varied experience of a ten years' prac- tice, attended by a constant and thorough reading, prepared Dr. Hodson for the skill- ful treatment of many forms of disease. His ability had been recognized, and his practice had constantly extended itself until his time was fully occupied by the proper discharge of his professional duties. But desiring to enjoy every advantage and be abreast of the times, he again, in 1887, visited New York city, and there spent much time in the hospitals and in the study of the medical science under the direction of the best instructors. Dr. Hodson is a young man, with the greater and more important portion of his life's work before him. What he may yet achieve cannot be stated with certainty, but his attainments and his past successes justify the most favorable pre- dictions.




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