USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Waterville > The centennial history of Waterville, Kennebec County, Maine, including the oration, the historical address and the poem presented at the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the incorporation of the town, June 23d, 1902 > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
Dr. J. F. Noyes was born August 2, 1817, at South Kingston, R. I. He was the son of Robert Fanning and Sarah (Arnold) Noyes. He received his early education at Kingston Academy and Rev. Thomas Vernor's Latin School. In 1842 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Potter of Waterville, graduating
30
466
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1846. In 1849 he commenced the practice of medicine in Waterville. In 1852 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became associated with Dr. Potter, who had previously moved there. In 1854, he sailed for Europe, where he spent two years in study. He then returned to Waterville where he entered upon a large practice. In 1858 he again went to Europe where he spent a year in study, spending most of the time in Paris. While there he was elected a member of the American Medical Society. He returned to Waterville in 1859 where he remained until 1863. During which period he had a large and growing practice. He performed many capital surgical operations and did a large consulting busi- ness. In 1863 he moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he at once entered upon a brilliant career. In 1873 he was appointed pro- fessor of Ophthalmology and Otology in the Detroit Medical College, and later Ophthalmie surgeon to the St. Mary's, Harper and Woman's Hospital. These positions he held for ten years. Dr. Noyes was a member of the following societies: American Medical Association, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ophthalmological and Otological Society, Michigan State Medical Society, Detroit Academy of Medicine, of which he was president in 1873, Detroit Medical and Library Association, Pioneer and Historical Society, Rhode Island His- torical Society, American Laryngological Rhinological and Oto- logical Society. He was also an honorary member of the Ohio, Rhode Island, Maine and Texas Medical Associations. In 1895 he donated a permanent free bed in the Rhode Island Hospital. He also took an active interest in establishing Oak Grove Asy- lum, at Flint, Michigan, a retreat for the insane, and provided funds for the erection of an amusement hall for the inmates, to be known as Noyes' Hall. He was made a Mason in Waterville Lodge in 1857. He died, February 16, 1896, and in accordance with his wish as expressed in his will "for sanitary reasons and as an example in the interest of humanity" his remains were cremated and his ashes now rest in Riverside Cemetery at Paw- tucket, R. I.
Dr. Nathan Goldsmith Howard Pulsifer was born in the town of Eden, Mt. Desert Island, Maine, January 24, 1824, son of Moses R. and Mary (Dunn) Pulsifer. He graduated from the
-
467
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Dartmouth Medical School in 1847, went to California in 1849, returning, studied Homeopathy in Philadelphia, graduating from that school in 1852. He came to Waterville the same year, where he at once built up a large practice. His judgment of financial affairs was of a high order and he was for many years president of the People's National Bank, which office he held at the time of his death. October 24, 1855, he married Ann Cornelia Moor, daughter of Wm. Moor one of the prominent business men of Waterville. To them were born four children, two daughters, Norah, wife of the late Frank L. Thayer, Cornelia, wife of H. L. Kelley, and two sons, Wm. M., and Ralph H., both of whom have been resident physicians in this city. He died December 8, 1893.
Dr. John Benson and Dr. L. P. Babb both practiced medicine in Waterville in the early fifties, for a short time. Dr. Benson was one of the founders of the Maine Medical Association, was a member of Waterville Lodge, F. & A. M., was surgeon in the United States medical service during the Civil War, moved to Newport in about 1853. Dr. Babb moved to Eastport where he died a few years ago.
Dr. Byron Porter was born in Vienna, Me., May II, 1802. He was graduated from the Maine Medical School in 1827. He practiced in Newburg, Dixmont, Hampden and Bangor, moving to Waterville in the latter part of 1857. Dr. Porter was mar- ried, March 21, 1831, to Eliza Jane Morse, to them were born five children. He purchased and lived for some time on the estate now owned and occupied by Geo. Fred Terry. He after- wards resided on the corner of College avenue and Union street, in the house now occupied by Dr. Knox. Because of declining health he went with his family, early in 1870, to southern New Jersey. He died at Worcester, Mass., in February, 1871. His son Parker and daughters Octavia and Evelyn are still living, and it is from Rev. William Churchill Reade, husband of Octavia that the data for this sketch was obtained.
Dr. Thomas Albert Foster was born in Montville, Me., Febru- ary 20, 1827. He was the son of Thomas D. and Joanna (Carter) Foster. He was educated in the common schools of his native town, studied medicine at Albany Medical College, receiv- ing the degree of M. D. from the Pennsylvania Medical School
468
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
in 1856. He came to Waterville the same year, practicing his profession until 1859, when he moved to Portland where he became very prominent. He died November 27, 1896.
Dr. Henry Hancock Campbell was born at Farmington, Me., in 1820. Son of Moses and Abigail (Hancock) Campbell. He received his early education at Bloomfield Academy and the famous "Little Blue" school of Farmington. He graduated at the Dartmouth Medical school in 1848, taking a supplementary degree at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1849. Beginning practice at Fairfield Center immediately, where he remained until 1857, when he spent a year in the hospitals of Europe, after which he settled in Waterville where he built up a large general practice. He was a member of the State and County medical societies, also a member of the Congregational church at Waterville. Dr. Campbell was largely interested in real estate, having large holdings at the time of his death. He was one of the members of the committee who called the first Republican convention ever held in Somerset County. In 1852 he married Julia A. Tobey, and to them were born five children, two of whom are now living, Annie J., wife of Rev. C. D. Crane, of Yarmouth, Me., and Dr. Geo. R. Campbell, who is a practic- ing physician in Augusta, Me. Dr. Campbell died in January, 1895.
Dr. Atwood Crosby was born in Albion, Me., November I, 1838. He was the son of Luther and Ethelinda (Getchell) Crosby. He entered Waterville College in 1859, remaining until 1861, when he enlisted as a private in the 3rd Maine Regi- ment, U. S. V. He was captured at the first Battle of Bull Run, anl for eleven months was in Libby Prison. He was paroled in June 1862. He at once began the study of medicine with Dr. Boutelle, attending lectures at Harvard and the Maine Medi- cal School where he received the degree of M. D. in 1864. He entered the United States Navy immediately upon his graduation, as a surgeon and served until the end of the war. He practiced at China and Buckfield. In 1866 he came to Waterville and associated himself with his former preceptor, Dr. N. R. Boutelle. He was married August 13, 1864, to Elizabeth Hanscom, by whom he had one child, Mary S. His wife died about 1867. In February, 1870, he married Samantha (Perkins) Wilson. To
469
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
them were born four children, Carroll, Katherine, Margaret H., and Atwood H. In every relation of life and under most adverse circumstances Dr. Atwood Crosby was always the true man. He died January 25, 1883.
Dr. Frederick Charles Thayer was born in Waterville, Sep- tember 30, 1844. He was the only child of Charles H. and Susan E. (Tobey) Thayer, and the grandson of Dr. Stephen Thayer. He attended the common schools, Waterville Academy and Franklin Family School for boys at Topsham, Me. Entered Waterville College in 1861, went to Union College in 1863. Studied medicine with Dr. James E. Pomfret of Albany, N. Y. Attended the medical lectures of Albany Medical College, 1865-66. He graduated from the Maine Medical School in 1867. December 2, 1871, he married Leonora L. Snell, daughter of Judge Wm. B. Snell of Washington, D. C. He was president of Kennebec County Medical Association in 1878, was president of Alumni Association of the Medical department of Bowdoin College, which he was intrumental in founding, in 1885-6. In 1884 the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by Colby Uni- versity. In 1885-6 was a member of the Legislature, and in the latter year delivered the annual oration before the Maine Medical Association. Was president of the Maine Medical Association in 1887-8. Was alderman of Waterville in 1889. He has been master of Waterville Lodge, F. & A. M. Commander of St. Omer Commandery, K. T., and is now deputy grand commander of the Grand Commandery of Maine. He has served in the State militia as assistant surgeon and surgeon of the 2d Regi- ment, medical director of the Ist Brigade and surgeon-general on the staff of Governor Henry B. Cleaves. He was the first presi- dent of the Waterville Trust Company and is now one of its directors. He is president of the Sawyer Publishing Company and the Riverview Worsted Mills and a director of the W. W. & F. R. R. Co. He founded and has been president of the Waterville Clinical Society. He is now president of the Board of U. S. Pension Examining Surgeons at Augusta, consulting surgeon to the Maine Central General Hospital at Lewiston, and to the City Hospital at Augusta. By his skill and success in capital surgical cases Dr. Thayer early gained an eminent position in his profession, which position he has ever
470
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
since maintained. In addition to the care of his large business interests he has been prominently identified with all movements for the development and progress of the city for many years. He was president of the centennial committee of one hundred and of the executive committee, and the success of the celebra- tion is due in no small degree to his faithful attention and to his efficient generalship. Dr. Thayer lives in the house where he was born, No. 214 Main street.
Dr. David P. Stowell was born in Townsend, Mass., September 22, 1838. He was the son of Rev. David and Emily C. (Stanett) Stowell. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1857. Was in Amherst College one year, studied medicine at Dart- mouth Medical School, taking the degree of M. D. from the Uni- versity of New York in 1862. He served one year in the regu- lar army as an assistant surgeon. November, 1863 he was com- missioned as assistant surgeon of the 8th New Hampshire Regi- ment, U. S. V., and served until June, 1864. He practiced medi- cine in Masonsville, N. H., and Mercer, Me., moving to Water- ville in 1878. In 1863, May 21st, he was married to Sarah E. Batchelder of Mt. Vernon. He has been in the city government as a member of the common council and has also been on the board of education. He is a Mason and a member of W. S. Heath Post, G. A. R. Dr. Stowell resides at No. 232 Main street.
Dr. Frederick Morse Wilson was born at Hebron, December 8, 1850. He was the son of Rev. Adam and Sarah (Ricker) Wilson. He graduated from Colby College in 1871, received the degree of M. D. from Harvard Medical School in 1875. He practiced medicine in Waterville but a few years, when he moved to Bridgeport, Conn., where he has a large special prac- tice in eve and ear work. He is Ophthalmic surgeon to several hospitals and is a member of many medical societies. He mar- ried Carrie A. Scommers, November 13, 1883. They have two children and he resides at Bridgeport, Conn.
Dr. George Bassett Howard was born in Winslow, Maine, in 1850. He was the son of Cyrus and Cornelia Abiah (Bassett) Howard. He graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1871, from Colby College in 1875, taking the degree of M. D.
Note. The sketch of Dr. Thayer was prepared by the editor.
-- ----
47I
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
from the medical department of New York University. In 1880 he began the practice of medicine in Waterville. The same year in June, he married Hattie Hoar of Lowell, Mass. He died, November 13, 1893, after a long and trying illness, which he bore with great fortitude and resignation.
Dr. Francis Alton Roberts was born in Jackson, Me., August 9, 1838. He was the son of Hamlin and Mary Ann (Rich) Roberts. He was educated in the common schools and took his degree of M. D. from Dartmouth College in 1859. He prac- ticed in China and North Vassalborough, coming to Waterville in 1883, where he remained until his death, which occurred May 26, 1892. He married Mary Frances Hussey, December 29, 1862. To them was born one child. Emily. He was a Mason. Dr. Roberts had a large and lucrative homeopathic practice.
Dr. James Frederick Hill was born in Waterville, June 15, 1854. He is the son of James P., and Emeline ( Simpson) Hill. He prepared for college at Coburn Classical Institute, entered Colby in 1878, began the study of medicine with Dr. F. C. Thayer in 1881. Attended medical lectures at Dartmouth, graduating from the Maine Medical School in 1885. Was assistant to Dr. Thayer from 1885-8 when they became partners. In 1895, 1896 and 1897 he did post graduate work in New York and has since devoted himself to special work of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He is a member of the staff and consulting surgeon of the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary, lecturer and examiner at Colby College. Member of the Maine Academy of Medicine, Maine Medical Association, Waterville Clinical Society, American Laryngologi- cal, Rhinological and Otological Society, American Medical Association, Kennebec Medical Association of which he has been president. He is a Mason, also past commander of St. Omer Commandery, an Odd Fellow, also Knight of Pythias. At present president of the Waterville Board of Trade. He was married, July 31, 1885, to Angie L. Foster. To them have been born three children, Marguerite, Frederick and Howard. He resides at No. 225 Main street, and his office is at III Main street.
Dr. John L. Fortier was born in 1853 at St. Sylvester, P. Q. Son of Frederick and Esther (Wright) Fortier. He received his preparatory education at Christian Brother's School at St. Mary,
472
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
P. Q., and his classical education at Sherbrook and Three Rivers. He began the study of medicine in 1879 with Dr. H. H. Campbell of this city. He graduated from the Maine Medical School in 1883. He is a member of the Maine Medical Associa- tion, Waterville Clinical Society of which he is now president, French Historical Society of Massachusetts, and of numerous Catholic orders. He married Louisa Martel, October 21, 1886. They have had one child, Lora C. Dr. Fortier resides at No. 86 Silver street.
Dr. Alden E. Bessey was born at Hebron, Me., January I, 1838. He was the son of Erastus and Sally (Smith) Bessey. He prepared for college at Hebron Academy and Maine Wes- leyan Seminary. He entered Amherst College with the class of 1869. He graduated from the Maine Medical School in 1870. He practiced medicine at Wayne, Sidney, moving to Waterville in 1890. He is a member of the Maine Medical Association, Kennebec Medical Association and the Waterville Clinical Society, of the last two he has been president. He is a member of the Congregational church. Dr. Bessey has been twice mar- ried, first, to Helen J. Morton in 1863, by whom he had two sons, Merton W., and Earl E., both of whom are physicians. He was married in 1874 to Clara A. Forbes, they have one daughter, Lenora, a graduate of Colby in the class of '99. Dr. Bessey resides at No. 72 Elm street.
Dr. Matthew S. Goodrich was born at Palmyra, Me., January 24, 1860. He was a son of Rev. Jos. B., and Amanda J. (Gower) Goodrich. He received his early education in the com- mon schools and at the Maine Central Institute. Received the degree of M. D. from the medical department of New York University in 1882. Practiced medicine in Fairfield until 1890, when he moved to Waterville, after having done some post graduate work in New York. He was a U. S. pension examiner in Somerset County in 1885-0. He is a member of the Maine Medical Association, also Kennebec County Association. He is a member of Waterville Lodge, F. & A. M., of St. Omer Com- mandery, K. T., and Portland Consistory. He has been alder- man of the city of Waterville and now represents his ward in the common council. He married Miss Etta Warren, April 5, 1901. He resides at No. 224 Main street.
473
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Dr. Ralph H. Pulsifer, the son of Dr. N. G. H. and Ann (Moor) Pulsifer, was born in Waterville, August 19, 1865. Graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1882, Colby Col- lege in 1886. Received the degree of M. D. from the medical department of Boston University in 1889, and from the Hahne- mann Medical College of Philadelphia, in 1890. He practiced medicine in Waterville for two years when he moved to Skow- hegan, remaining until 1897, when he returned to Waterville. February 23, 1893 he married Miss Grace Yeaton. They have one son. He now resides at Vassalborough.
Dr. Charles Porter Small was born in Bangor, November 16, 1863. He was the son of Rev. A. K. P. and Thankful L. ( Wood- bury) Small. Graduated from the Fall River, Mass., high school in 1882, Colby College in 1886. Received the degree of M. D. in the Maine Medical School in 1889. He was an interne at the Maine General Hospital 1889-90. Assistant surgeon at National Soldiers' Home, Togus, 1890-91. Practiced medicine in Waterville one year when he moved to Chicago, where he now resides.
Dr. Joseph Knor, the son of Isaac and Amanda (Orbeton) Knox, was born in Clinton, February 1, 1845. He attended school at Corinna Union Academy. He enlisted August 18, 1862 and served in the IIth Maine Regiment until discharged because of ill health. He graduated from the Hahnemann Medi- cal College of Philadelphia in 1877. He practiced in Orono from 1877-92, when he moved to this city. He is a member of Waterville Lodge, F. & A. M., is a Knight Templar, also an Odd Fellow. He resides at No. II College avenue.
Dr. William Moor Pulsifer, son of Dr. N. G. H. and Ann (Moor) Pulsifer, was born in Waterville, August 18, 1863. Graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1878, from Colby College in 1882. Received the degree of M. D. from Harvard Medical School in 1887, and from the Hahnemann Medical Col- lege in 1888. He at once began the practice of medicine in Skowhegan. Moved to Waterville in 1892, returning to Skow- hegan in 1900, where he now resides. October 2, 1896 he mar- ried Helen G. Libby, daughter of the late I. C. Libby. They have one child, Libby Pulsifer.
474
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
Dr. Carroll White Abbott, son of Henry and Charlotte A. (White) Abbott was born at Rumford, Me., August 29, 1855. He received his early education at Oxford Normal Institute and Hebron Academy, graduating from the Maine Medical School in 1881. He immediately began the practice of medicine in Albion, where he remained until 1893, at which time he came to Waterville. He is a member of the Maine Medical Associa- tion, Kennebec Medical Society and the Waterville Clinical Society, in the last two of which he has served as president. He is a Mason, Knight Templar, Odd Fellow, and a member of the Christian church of Albion. He was mayor of Waterville in 1898, and is at present a member of the board of education. October 4, 1882, he married Georgia A. Wilson, daughter of Dr. Wilson of Albion. They have two children, Henry W. and Mary C. Dr. Abbott resides at No. 1 Spring street.
Dr. Maurice K. Dwinell, son of Louis G. and Louisa W. Dwinell, was born at East Calais, Vt., in 1860. He received the degree of M. D. from the medical department of Boston University in 1883. Located in North Vassalborough the same year, coming to Waterville in 1892. He is a Mason. He resides at 131 Main street.
Dr. Charles Godeon Rancourt, son of Jerome and Ludivine (Roy) Rancourt, was born at St. George, P. Q., October 9, 1865. He graduated from Levis College in 1889, taking the degree of M. D. at Laval University in 1893. He immediately settled in Waterville, where he still resides at No. 82 Temple street. He is a member of the Maine Academy of Medicine, Kennebec Medi- cal Association and Waterville Clinical Society. He has been twice married, first to Georgiana Vezina on June 22, 1894, to them were born two children, Mary Blanche and a son who died in infancy. His second wife is Fabiola Bellefeinlle, to whom he was married, April 21, 1898. They have had two children, Florence, and one son who died in infancy.
Dr. Luther G. Bunker, son of John E. and Mary A. (Alley) Bunker, was born at West Trenton, Me., March 19, 1868. He attended Blue Hill Academy and in 1892 took the degree of M. D. from the Bowdoin Medical School. He immediately began practice at North Berwick and Sanford, Me., moving to Water- ville in 1895. Was city physician from 1898 to 1901, and is at
475
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
present secretary of the Board of Health. He is a member of the Maine Medical Association, Kennebec County Medical Society and Waterville Clinical Society. He is a Mason and Knight of Pythias. His office is at No. 50 Main street.
Dr. George Russell Campbell, son of Dr. Henry H. and Julia A. (Tobey) Campbell, was born in Waterville, April 20, 1867. Fitted for college at the Coburn Classical Institute, graduated from Colby College in 1891. Took his medical degrec at the Medical School of Maine in 1895. Practiced medicine in Waterville one year, moved to Sidney and in 1901 moved to Augusta, where he now resides. He is a member of the Ameri- can Medical Association, Maine Medical Association, and the Kennebec County Medical Society. He is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. September 25, 1895, he married Lillian H. Hallock. They have one child, Mildred.
Dr. Merton W. Bessey, son of Dr. A. E. and Helen ( Morton) Bessey, was born in Buckfield, Me., October 30, 1868. Edu- cated at Coburn Classical Institute, Colby College and Farm- ington State Normal School. Took his medical degree at the Medical School of Maine in 1895. He immediately began the practice of medicine in Waterville, being associated with his father, Dr. A. E. Bessey. He has been an instructor in biology in Colby College since 1898. He is a member of the Maine Academy of Medicine, Kennebec County Medical Society, and Waterville Clinical Society. He is a Mason, and a Knight of Pythias. July 30, 1901, he married Hattie B. Vigue. Dr. Bessey resides at No. 182 Main street.
Dr. Austin Thomas, son of Stephen and Eunice Miriam (Bragg) Thomas, was born at Waterville, September 6, 1844. He graduated from Colby in 1866, and from the Maine Medical School in 1870. He has spent the most of his professional life at Unity, moved to Waterville in 1898, returning to Unity after a few years, where he now resides. He has been twice mar- ried, first to Mary Ella Norton on September 17, 1873. There were born to them two children. His second wife was Mrs. Mary S. M. Foote, whom he married November 17, 1897.
Dr. Edward Wheeler Boyer, son of Edward and Harriett (Harnett) Boyer, was born at Florenceville, N. B., November 3,
476
HISTORY OF WATERVILLE.
1865. He took his medical degree at the Vermont University in 1887. He practiced in Monticello and Fairfield, moving to Waterville in 1899. He is a member of the Maine Medical Asso- ciation, Maine Academy of Medicine and the Waterville Clinical Society. He is a Mason and a Knight Templar. October 6, 1895 he married Caroline Gould Rice. They have one child, Wendell Edward. Dr. Boyer resides at No. 84 Elm street.
Dr. Edson Everett Goodrich, son of Joseph B. and Amanda J. (Gower) Goodrich, was born in Palmyra, Me., September 16, 1877. He graduated at Coburn Classical Institute and took his medical degree from the Baltimore University School of Medi- cine. He at once began the practice of his profession in Water- ville, being associated with his brother, Dr. M. S. Goodrich. June 26, 1901, he married Eva M. Towne. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Maine Medical Association, and the Maine Academy of Medicine. Dr. Goodrich resides at No. 37 Elm street.
Dr. John Gerald Towne, the son of Edwin and Lydia Ann (Gerald) Towne was born in Waterville, May 26, 1877. He graduated from the Baltimore University School of Medicine in 1900. He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. Dr. Towne resides at No. 37 Elm street.
Albert Colby Getchell, M. D. Dr. Getchell is a son of Water- ville who has attained high rank in his profession. He was born in Waterville, July 9, 1857, the son of Walter and Antoinette Colby Getchell. He was educated at the Institute and at Colby, where he was graduated in the class of '78. He afterward studied at the Harvard Medical School, the Jefferson Medical College and the Philadelphia Polyclinic. On graduation from the Jef- ferson Medical College he took the surgical prize. Dr. Getchell has had experience in teaching, as principal of the Adams, Mass., high school and as principal of a grammar school in Worcester, Mass. Since 1885 he has been a physician in Worcester, Mass. For several years he was visiting physician to the Wash- burn Memorial Hospital and the Worcester City Hospital. In 1883 he was elected librarian of the Worcester District Medical Library, a library of about 8,000 volumes, which position he still holds. Dr. Getchell has been a trustee of several of the State medical institutions and is now Laryngologist to the Worcester
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.