USA > Maine > York County > Parsonsfield > A history of the first century of the town of Parsonsfield, Maine > Part 17
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The following, though not a complete list, composes all now recollected by the writer, of the gentlemen who commenced and pursued to a greater or less extent their medical studies with him: Moses Sweat, Burleigh Smart, Eleazer Burbank, Jesse Mighel, Alvah Moulton, Nathaniel Pease, Levi Hanneford, Gilman L. Bennett, Samuel M. Bradbury, Sumner Gilman, Tristram Redman, Charles G. Parsons, Levi Moore and Thomas Drown.
Of these several acquired distinction. Dr. Sweat having remained in Parsons- field acquired great distinction as a surgeon. Dr. Smart settled in Kennebunk and was eminent in his profession. Dr. Mighel gained a high reputation in Minot and Portland, Me., and subsequently removed to Ohio, where he became con- nected with a medical institution. Dr. Moulton settled in Ossipee, N. H., in 1821, and after a career of honorable and successful practice of forty-eight years, died there September 11, 1868. He was son of Mrs. Bradbury by her first hus- band. Dr. Pease settled in Bridgton, and repeatedly served in the Senate of the State. Dr. Parsons became a prominent physician in Windham. Dr. Redman was also a State Senator from the county of Washington. All are deceased save Dr. S. M. Bradbury, who resides in Limington.
Dr. Bradbury was married in 1800 to Mrs. Ann Moulton, daughter of Dea. Samuel Moulton, and widow of Samuel Moulton, a nephew of her father. He died in 1835. Dr. Bradbury had by her three children, James W., who settled in Augusta in 1830, in the profession of the law, and was a member of the United States Senate from 1847 to 1853; Samuel M., who is a physician in Limington, and Clarisa A., who married Dr. Parsons, and died at Windham, Dec. 5, 1850.
REV. AND DR, WILLIAM TAYLOR
moved into Parsonsfield in the year 1800, making a purchase of land at the west- ern part, which yet remains in the Taylor family. He was born in Hampton in 1761. Studied medicine with Dr. Levi Dearborn of North Hampton, and moved to Leavittstown, now Effingham, N. H., about 1785, where he resided until he removed to Parsonsfield. He soon after sold his practice to
DR. DAVID WELD CLARK,
who settled in town near the home of Thomas Parsons, the original proprietor. He was born in Sturbridge, Mass., March 20, 1779, and came to Parsonsfield and established himself in practice in 1803, remaining until 1819, when he removed to Effingham, N. H., continuing in practice until near his death, which occurred October 24, 1846. He had an extensive practice, was a very skillful physician, going long distances, exposed to the summer suns and winter colds and storms, most of his life traveling on horseback, visiting the poor as readily as the rich,
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
the fatigue and expenditure in many cases far outweighing the recompense. But his memory is sweet, and his many acts of kindness and generosity are remem- bered by grateful hearts.
He was a sharp, wiry man, perceptions keen, judgment sound, a ready wit, and quick at repartee. Some years since an old friend of his related to me the fol- lowing anecdote as illustrating the man. He commenced practice, as did many of his time, without graduating in medicine, and on one occasion, being called as a medical expert in a case on trial, the opposing counsel found his testimony very damaging, and determined upon a course to break its force. Therefore upon cross-examination, after asking a few preliminary questions, he demanded of him to state from what medical college he received his diploma. The doctor answered: " From no medical college, sir." The attorney then in a very dignified and com- manding tone said: "Tell me, then, by what authority you practice medicine?" Quick as thought Dr. Clark, turning his eyes and pointing upward, replied: "By the authority of the God of Heaven, sir." The answer greatly amused the court, the attorney was discomfited, and the jury favorably impressed. He reared a family of six children, only one of whom is now living, R. E. Clark, Esq., of Dover, N. H. I will not attempt to follow further the order in which others have followed, but write briefly of
MOSES SWEAT, M. D.,
whose career was one of marked prominence as a physician, and especially as a surgeon, for a full half century. He was the eldest son of Jonathan and Sarah (Ayer) Sweat, and was born in Portland, Me., March 18, 1788. His occupation in early life was that of a mechanic, but he soon determined to study medicine. He was well educated, was blessed with a large stock of good, sound common sense, a pleasing address, was generous, kind and affectionate, with a modest, latent boldness that brooked no obstacle nor shrunk from the performance of any known duty. He studied medicine under the instruction of Dr. James Bradbury, and later was the student and intimate friend of Prof. Ramsey, being his demon- strator of anatomy at Dartmouth and Bowdoin colleges. Possessed of those requisites, " the eagle's eye, the lion's heart and the woman's hand," added to the qualities of mind and traits of character already alluded to, he soon won and retained the richly deserved name and fame of being one of the best surgeons in the State. He attended several courses of lectures from 1807 to 1810, when he commenced practice. He became a member of the Massachusetts Medical Soci- ety and received a diploma therefrom in 1817- one from Bowdoin in 1823, one from Castleton, Vt., in 1840. To perform surgical operations at that period when anesthesia was unknown, required fortitude which never failed him. In fractures and dislocations he was an adept. ' In capital operations he had no superior. He rode long distances, and his life was one of incessant toil. In politics he was a Democrat of the old school, never aspiring greatly to political honors, yet he
Sau.n. Walker & Co.Lith. Boston.
Closes Sweet,
HON. MOSES SWEAT M.D.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
served in both branches of the Legislature, and was for three years a member of the board of trustees of the Maine Insane Hospital. In religion he was a Free Baptist, uniting heartily with Rev. John Buzzell in establishing the first denom- inational school at Parsonsfield, and ever a true friend and benefactor of that institution of learning which has done so much for the name and fame of this grand old town.
But at that period of his life, when its duties became burdensome, because of the weight of advancing years, came that crushing and paralyzing stroke which seemed too much to bear, rendering dark and drear the pathway of every mem- ber of the family, and especially so that of the father and mother, the death of his youngest son, Dr. John B. Sweat, who had been in practice with him for six years and from whom he expected support and comfort in his declining years. From this he never fully rallied. His hopes were crushed, his anticipations de- stroyed, and the sweets of remaining life rendered a cruel bitter.
Dr. Sweat was married to Miss Eliza Wedgewood, daughter of Jesse Wedge- wood of Parsonsfield, in 1811. Seven children were the fruits of the union-two daughters and five sons. A son and daughter died in infancy, and a daughter a fifteen years of age, and four sons arrived to manhood and maturer years. Mrs. Sweat died in 1860. He died August 25, 1865, aged 77 years.
DR. JOHN D. BUZZELL,
eldest son of Rev. John Buzzell, was born in Middleton, N. H., January 14, 1798, and came to Parsonsfield with that heroic father about six weeks later. So near was his birth to the date of his father's residence in town, that he may well be called a native of Parsonsfield. In early life he learned the saddler's trade with Mr. Nicholas Dor, and married Deborah, daughter of John Dor, Jr., of Parsons- field, and grand-daughter of John Dor, who with his brother Gideon settled on the western border of the town in 1775. Some years after his marriage, having a natural inclination thereto, he gave his attention to medicine; and by aid of Dr. Moses Sweat and Drs. Briggs, Gilman and Merrill of Portland, he obtained a practical knowledge of the nature and symptoms of disease, and by close appli- cation and practice became quite celebrated in the treatment of chronic diseases. He resided at Cape Elizabeth, and died there in 1876, aged 78 years.
DR. ELEAZER BURBANK,
son of Samuel B. and Esther (Boothby) Burbank, was born in Scarboro, Maine, September 17, 1793, and died at North Yarmouth, March 30, 1867. His father removed to Parsonsfield about 1805, and reared a family of twelve children. Dr. Burbank became a student under Dr. James Bradbury and attended lectures at Dartmouth College, making the journey of over one hundred miles on foot. In 1818, he commenced practice at Poland, Maine, where he remained twenty years. Then in answer to an invitation from a committee of the citizens of North Yar-
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
mouth, he removed thither where he remained until his death. In politics a Re- publican from the formation of the party, and State Senator in 1857-58. In religion a Congregationalist, holding the office of deacon from 1856 till his death. He was ever an open opposer of slavery, and an earnest advocate of temperance.
JESSE MIGHEL, M. D.,
was a native of our town, of whom I can learn but little. He was born as early as 1790 to '95. For some reason he was left so friendless that he became charge- able to the town in his early boyhood, but he was possessed of a good mind, was ambitious to obtain a good education, was a keen scholar, and despite of his early surroundings and the circumstances that opposed his rise and progress, he found friends to assist him, and prominent among them was Dr. Bradbury, with whom he studied medicine; won an enviable reputation in Minot, Maine, where he first settled, thence went to Portland, and later to Ohio, becoming professor in some medical college.
JESSE SWEAT, M. D.,
was another who rose from comparative obscurity. His privileges being poor for an education in his home, he came to Parsonsfield in 1826 at the age of fourteen years, and was kindly cared for in the family of Dr. Moses Sweat. He attended the district school and Effingham Academy, was an apt scholar and soon became a teacher of common schools in which avocation he was very successful. He applied himself to the study of medicine during his leisure, under that best of instructors, Dr. Moses Sweat, attended lectures at Bowdoin where he was demon- strator of anatomy, and graduated at that college in 1834. He soon after went to Brownfield where he remained in practice forty-seven years. He married Miss Eliza Spring of Hiram, sister of the late lamented Hon. Samuel Spring of Port- land, and they had four children, three of whom survive. Some years since he was thrown from his carriage, receiving injuries from which he never fully recov- ered. Failing health, loss of wife and fortune, induced him to remove a few years since to Minneapolis, where his eldest daughter resides. He died August, 1885. Few practitioners of medicine and surgery have enjoyed the confidence of the populace to a greater extent than has Dr. Jesse Sweat. He was quite eccen- trie, rough in his exterior, never over-courteous toward members of the profes- sion, nor choice in his form of expression; yet to his friends kind, affectionate and generous. For a time he was surgeon in the army, and was absent from his home in the winter of 1850 to attend a course of lectures in New York; also absent a few times on visits to his daughter in the West, during his long career in Brownfield. He has one son, a practitioner of medicine, residing in Minne- apolis.
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Alvah Scruton
ALVAH MOULTON M.D.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
ALVAH MOULTON, M. D.,
son of Samuel and Ann (Moulton) Moulton, and half-brother of Hon. James W. Bradbury of Augusta and Samuel M. Bradbury, M. D., of Limington; was a student of Dr. James Bradbury, his step-father, and Prof. Ramsey to whom reference has been made. He was born in Parsonsfield, October 11, 1798, and died September 11, 1868. In 1821, he married Miss Mary Dalton, daughter of Samuel Dalton of Parsonsfield, and removed to Ossipee, N. H., where he resided until his death. He was a man of high moral character, integrity and upright- ness, commanding the respect of all who knew him; a physician of large practice and a surgeon of fair repute. His wife was a woman, coming from one of the best families of the town, every way worthy the noble husband. They reared a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, all arriving to manhood and womanhood. Eight yet survive-five daughters, all married to men of wealth and influence, and three sons, successful, or retired business men, worthy a noble ancestry.
Dr. Moulton was ever active in all the moral reforms of the age; an energetic promoter of temperance, an ardent supporter of religious institutions, an active member of the church, given to hospitality, generous, and courteous to all. To his profession he gave his best efforts, and to his professional brethren his warmest sympathies, ever treating them with deference and politeness. His presence in the household where sickness and sorrow prevailed was helpful and gave a sense of relief, and his countenance ever beaming with gratitude and affection was a benediction.
BURLEIGH SMART, M. D. -
Among those early to pursue the study of medicine in this town was Burleigh Smart. He was born about 1796, and was educated in the common schools and Effingham Academy. After following the vocation of teaching for a time, he studied medicine with Dr. James Bradbury, and removed to Kennebunk where he became eminent in his profession. .
EMERY SMART, M. D.,
was a brother some ten years younger,-studied with Dr. Burleigh -and settled in the same town and there died.
I am unable to learn more in detail of these physicians.
NATHANIEL PEASE, M. D.,
son of Asa Pease, was born in this town in 1800, and died in Bridgton in 1867. He was twice married, his first wife being Martha Poor Parsons, daughter of Col. Joseph Parsons, and grand-daughter of Thomas, the proprietor of the town. She lived but a few years, dying January 14, 1832, at the age of twenty-seven years. He studied medicine with Dr. James Bradbury, and resided most of his profes-
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
sional life in Bridgton, where his reputation was well established. He was well and widely known as a physician of skill and sagacity. He was also extensively known as a politician, being among the early advocates of freedom for the slave, when to take that position brought forth determined opposition, aroused bitter animosities and subjected its advocates to censure, contumely and abuse. But he always stood firm to his convictions of duty and steadfast the champion of humanity, being among the foremost in the cause of anti-slavery in the northern portion of Cumberland county. He had the satisfaction of living to see the shackles broken, and the curse of slavery blotted from this nation.
DR. MOSES HOBBS
was the son of Col. David and Judith (Jenness) Hobbs of this town. He studied medicine with Dr. Moses Sweat and commenced practice at West Newfield, Me., about 1828, in company with Dr. Marston, who had previously married his sister. Here he remained about one year and then removed to North Hampton, where the remainder of his long life was spent, dying May 23, 1885, at the age of 84 years 10 months and 23 days. He was a good practitioner, an upright citizen and a successful business man.
DR. THEOPILUS DOE,
one of the natives of Parsonsfield, of whom I can learn but little, was born about 1795; studied medicine with Dr. Colby of Ossipee, N. H., practiced medicine for a time at Quebec, and later was settled at Deer Isle. He was very successful as a financier, and said to have been as a physician. He has one daughter now living, a resident of Augusta, Maine.
LEVI A. HANNEFORD, M. D.,
was the son of Josiah and Nancy Doe Hanneford, born March 25, 1803, and died March, 1879. He was the student of Dr. James Bradbury, and Dr. Little of New Gloucester, and graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in September, 1825. He commenced practice in Hiram, Maine, and remained there till 1836, being elected to the Legislature from that town in 1834. Leaving there he removed to Alfred where he tarried one year, thence to Trivoli, Illinois, where he remained until his death. In 1829 he married Miss Caroline W. Collins of Windham, Maine, who, with a son and daughter, still survives. In 1843 and again in 1845 he represented his town in the Legislature. Failing health caused him to retire from active practice in 1857, save as consulting physician. He was keenly sympathetic, given to benevolence and hospitality, and beloved and hon- ored as a citizen and friend.
DR. DANIEL WADLEIGH,
who was the son of Elisha and Sally (Smith) Wadleigh, was a native of this town, born November 11, 1799, studied medicine with Dr. Moses Sweat, and
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HON. G.L. BENNETT. M.D.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
commenced practice at East Parsonsfield about 1824. A few years later he removed to Penobscot county, where he was located in several of the towns of said county, dying at Brewer in 1868. He was a good student, quite successful as a practitioner, a man of generous impulses, and a ready wit. Of a family of six children but one remains, Mrs. Helen Brackett of Cambridgeport.
GILMAN LOUGEE BENNETT, M. D.,
was born in Parsonsfield December 13, 1805. Studied medicine with Dr. James Bradbury, and later with Dr. Little of Portland, graduated at Bowdoin in 1827 and commenced practice in Middleton, N. H., where he remained until 1833, when he returned to his native town and continued a resident thereof until his death. He was a man of rare ability, high mental and moral culture, a close student, a keen observer, a discreet counsellor, an excellent physician, a success- ful financier, a ready writer, an easy speaker, a true friend, an honored towns- man, and a worthy and beloved husband and father. In his intercourse with physicians he was always dignified, yet courteous, decided, yet magnanimous, determined, yet tolerant. He wisely discriminated between what should be con- cealed and what revealed, and therefore his counsel was often sought in the ad- justment of such difficulties as arise in families and communities. His well- known carefulness and circumspection in the management of his own business affairs, rendered him the recipient of the trusts of many others, and through a long and eventful public and professional life he enjoyed what is vouchsafed to the few, an unsullied reputation,- not a breath of suspicion ever marring his integrity, or the faintest shadow falling upon the purity of his character.
In politics a Democrat, and an acknowledged leader, being elected to the Leg- islature as early as 1838, where he served for three sessions; afterwards he was State Senator for two years, then for several years County Treasurer, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Maine Insane Hospital for nine years. He was one who always honored the place and the position. In religious faith he was a Universalist, adopting as his own the beautiful words of the beloved Whittier.
" All souls are Thine; the wings of morning bear None from that Presence which is everywhere, Nor hell itself can hide, for Thou art there.
Through sins of sense, perversities of will, Through doubt and pain, through guilt and shame and ill, Thy pitying eye is on Thy children still."
He was married soon after graduating in medicine to Miss Hannah Merrill of Parsonsfield, and died December 10, 1872. Mrs. Bennett survived him but a few years. Their only child, an estimable and accomplished lady, Mrs. Susan M. Oakes, resides at South Berwick, Maine.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
CYRUS BLAISDELL, M. D.,
a graduate of Dartmouth College in the class of 1835, was the son of Simeon Blaisdell of Parsonsfield, and a student of Dr. Moses Sweat. He practiced med- icine in Wolfboro, N. H., from 1838 to 1844, then he went to Newfield, Maine, where he resided some two years, then returned to Wolfboro where he died about 1850, aged 46 years. He was a very thorough student and his memory was re- markably retentive, being able to repeat verbatim much of the contents of the text books. He has a son.
IRVAN BLAISDELL, M. D.,
who studied medicine with Dr. Moses Sweat, graduated at Bellivue Medical Col- lege, New York, and now resides at Millmore, Penn. He has an extensive prac- tice and is very successful.
SAMUEL BRADBURY, M. D.,
second son of Dr. James Bradbury, was born August 22, 1805. Studied medicine with his father, graduated at Bowdoin in 1831, and commenced practice in Lim- ington where he yet (1887) resides and attends to the active duties of the profes- sion. After the lapse of more than half a century of active practice his mental and physical powers remain good. He has ever been a conservative and success- ful practitioner, honored by his townsmen and respected by his associates.
DR. LEVI C. MOORE
was the second son of Harvey Moore, Esq., of Parsonsfield, and pursued the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Bradbury, and Drs. Wilkinson and Clark of Effingham, N. H., and in 1830 went into practice in Patten, Canada. He soon after moved to North Troy, Vt., close to the Canada line, and there remained in active practice until his death (with the exception of two years spent in California), which occurred October 17, 1882. He was a quiet, pleasant, hos- pitable, busy man, who enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the community in which he was known. He had two brothers who followed the same profession, John and James Otis.
JOHN MOORE, M. D.,
was the fifth son of Harvey, and was born September 5, 1814. From a sketch prepared for publication by her who was his estimable wife I take the following facts and expressions relative to his career: " In boyhood he had the advantages of the common school and the New England Academy. In early manhood he engaged in various occupations, teaching, surveying, farming, etc. An enthusi- astic lover of music, he took a course of lessons under Dr. Lowell Mason of Boston, and for several winters taught vocal classes in Parsonsfield and vicinity, doing much to elevate the standard and taste of music. He removed in 1866 to La Salle county, Illinois, and later entered Hahneman Medical College in Chicago,
Geo.H. Walker & Co Lithi. Boston 1.0. Une
JAMES OTIS MOORE. M.D.
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HISTORY OF PARSONSFIELD.
receiving his diploma in 1861. He removed to Kankakee, Illinois, in 1866, and in 1871 to Quincy. He was introduced and recommended to the people of Quincy and Adams county by a leading medical journal as 'one of the best prescribers in the State of Illinois.' He achieved the most gratifying success in practice, having the full confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was married December 14, 1852, to Mrs. Elizabeth W. Bourne, widow of A. J. Bourne of Boston, and daughter of Capt. Luther Emerson of Parsonsfield, who bore him four children, William L., Hattie H., John H. and Harvey E. Only two survive him,-John dying in infancy, and Hattie on January 20, 1880, aged 23 years. His step-daughter, Emma F. Bourne, is the wife of Rev. A. E. Arnold of Stillman Valley, Illinois. Dr. Moore died in Quincy, March 22, 1880, in the 66th year of his age."
JAMES OTIS MOORE, M. D.,
was the youngest member of the family of Capt. Harvey Moore, being born April 20, 1822. He studied medicine with Dr. G. L. Bennett, and graduated at Castleton, Vt., in the autumn of 1848. His attention having been turned to homœopathy, he studied that system under the instruction of Dr. Levi C. Moore of North Troy, Vt., and in 1849 established himself in Saco, Maine, where he had an extensive practice. In 1863 he was appointed assistant-surgeon of the Twenty-Second Regiment of United States colored troops, and was ordered to Fortress Monroe under General Butler. Later he was appointed to take charge of the First Regiment United States colored troops, with which he was in battle before Richmond and at the storming of Fort Fisher. Being ordered back to his old regiment they repaired to Washington to represent the colored troops in the procession at the funeral of President Lincoln, and then assisted in the pursuit of Booth. They were then ordered to Texas, and in October, 1863 were discharged, when Dr. Moore returned home. One year later he removed to Haverhill, Mass., where he continued a successful practitioner of medicine and surgery until his death, in the autumn of 1886. He served the city in various capacities, and was for a term of time City Physician. He was a good student and an earnest, honest, genial man, enjoying the confidence and respect of all his associates. In 1852 he married Miss Mary Elizabeth Ross of Gilmanton, N. H., by whom he had four children, three daughters and a son, the latter a physician now residing in Brook- line, Mass.
SILAS B. WEDGEWOOD, M. D.,
son of Capt. Jesse and Catharine (Paine) Wedgewood, was a student under Dr. Moses Sweat, and a graduate from Bowdoin in 1839. Commenced practice in Springvale, Maine, then removed to Great Falls, N. H., where he practiced until failing health obliged him to abandon business, when he returned to his native town and died in 1842, aged 28 years. He was ambitious and successful.
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