A History of Van Buren County, Michigan: A Narrative Account of Its Historical Progress, Its., Part 41

Author: Rowland, O. W. (Oran W.), 1839-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 671


USA > Michigan > Van Buren County > A History of Van Buren County, Michigan: A Narrative Account of Its Historical Progress, Its. > 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).


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Dr. J. F. Failing followed Dr. Bulson in 1878, going from here to Grand Rapids, later to California where he died of con- sumption.


Dr. J. C. Anderson located here in the 'eighties and stayed only a few years.


Dr. J. J. Carpenter located here about 1892 where he practiced until his death about two years ago.


Dr. E. V. N. Hall has been here about twenty years. He is still practicing.


Dr. J. H. Bennett practiced here about a year, ten or twelve years ago, and is now located in Boyne City, Mich.


Dr. Michael Mason was located at Pine Grove for a number of years during the '70s, went from there to Muskegon where he died a few years ago.


Dr. C. L. Bennett came here after graduating from Ann Arbor seven or eight years ago. He has built up a large practice and is doing well.


Dr. Edna Goble located here about 1901. On account of ill health she has not been able to practice for the past two years. She is a daughter of H. E. Goble for whom the village was named.


Dr. Hugh Smith has been here about sixteen months and is doing a large business.


Dr. J. W. Wisely has been here about a year. For a number of years previous he was located four miles north on the Allegan road.


Dr. C. M. Wilkinson has been located in Kendall for a number of years where he has a large practice and is a strong man in his profession.


Dr. G. J. Shand. dentist, located here about 1905, went from here in 1910 to Kalamazoo where he is now located.


Dr. de Goenaga followed Dr. Shand and is doing a good busi- ness.


HARTFORD


Dr. Milton F. Palmer was a native of Bridgewater, Oneida county, New York. When eleven years of age he came to Michigan and settled in Jackson county where he grew to manhood. After completing his professional education he came to Hartford in 1852 where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occur- ring in 1904. He was a man of strong intellect and a lover of nature. A vein of poetry ran through his life and he wrote


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many beautiful and acceptable verses, all of which are unpub- lished. Of the difficulties and privations of the pioneer physician, Doctor Palmer had his full share. Called to visit a patient at South Haven, he would drive as far as the wagon road could be traversed, then saddle his horse for a few miles further ride, finishing the journey by Indian trail on foot.


Dr. W. A. Engle was born in Allegany county, New York, in 1827. His grandfather served in the Revolutionary war and his great-grandfather participated in the noted Germantown battle. Dr. Engle came to Michigan in 1855 and was graduated from the medical department of the University in 1856, locating at IIart- ford the same year, continuing the practice of medicine until 1900. He was very talented as a poet and had several books of poems published which received many commendations. He had the honor of being appointed post-master of Hartford by Presi- dent Lincoln.


Dr. Ezra A. Palmer was a native of Orleans county, New York, coming to Paw Paw with his parents when three years of age. After completing the study of medicine at the University of Michigan in 1876, he located in Hartford where he continued the practice of medicine thirty-three years. In private life Dr. Pal- mer was a man of pronounced opinions and strong convictions. In professional life and in business affairs he was eminently suc- cessful, and hewed strictly to the line of personal integrity. Dr. Palmer with Dr. Rose of Decatur, and Dr. Cronin then of Bangor, now of Mt. Clemens, Mich, constituted the original U. S. Pen- sion Examining Board of this county. Dr. Palmer died Sept. 17, 1909.


Dr. Andrew Robinson located in Hartford in 1905, remaining only five or six months when he moved to Allegan where he con- ducts a hospital and gives considerable attention to surgery.


Those practicing in Hartford at the present time are: Dr. H. C. Maynard. who located in Hartford in 1872; Dr. R. I. Law- rence in 1882; Dr. W. R. Sober in 1900; Dr. John McLean 1902: Dr. J. D. Stewart 1905. The present dentists are: Dr. B. W. Dineous and Dr. F. M. Hinckley.


COVERT


Dr. Logie was the first physician to locate in Covert, coming here about 1874. Dr. Logie was in Covert about two years and sold out to G. D. Carnes of South Haven.


Dr. Carnes moved to South Haven in 1883 and. Dr. O. M. Vaughn came to Covert the same year, where he has since resided. Dr. Osmer Letson moved to Covert from McDonald, Michigan.


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After a few years he discontinued practice and died a few months ago.


Dr. Edwin Low now in Bangor was in Covert a few months.


Dr. M. McCausland, now in Imlay City, Michigan, was in Covert a few years.


Dr. E. F. Partello came to Covert in 1907 and left in 1910.


Dr. Marvin now of Coloma practiced in Covert while residing on his farm two miles from here.


LAWRENCE


We think no better history of the physicians of Lawrence can be given than is summed up in a letter written in response to our inquiry by Mrs. A. Rice, who is eighty-seven years of age. We print the letter verbatim. "For some twelve or fourteen years after the first settlement in the town there was no resident doc- tor. The pioneers when ill used such home remedies as were at hand and in critical cases sent to Paw Paw for a doctor. The pastor of the Congregational church, Rev. John L. Marvin, had studied medicine before he became a preacher and in extreme cases he ministered to the bodies of the people as well as the souls.


"On one occasion Mrs. Barnes, my mother, fell and broke her arm. Mr. Marvin dressed the injured arm, but fearing that it might not be right he the next day drove to Paw Paw and brought Dr. Andrews to inspect the injured arm who pronounced it all right. The first resident physician in Lawrence was Dr. Prindle. who came in 1849, or there about from the state of New York. After about a year he returned to New York and brought home a bride. A year or two later he removed to Dowagiac where he remained until his death a good many years later. At his death there was universal mourning as he had endeared himself to the people especially the poor by his kindness. He was a doctor of the old school his chief remedies were calomel and quinine, blisters and bleeding.


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"The next doctor to settle in Lawrence was Dr. Nelson Rowe whose son Rufus Rowe still lives in Lawrence. Doctor Rowe came to Lawrence about 1859 or 1860 and remained until his death some years later, Dr. Rowe was a man much respected and trusted by his patients. His system was Allopathy. About the time Doctor Rowe came to Lawrence Doctor Camp came from Bangor to Lawrence; he only remained a year or two and returned to Bangor where he spent the remainder of his life. His death oc- curred several years ago. Not far from the time Doctor Rowe


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came to Lawrence, Doctor Jackson came to live in Lawrence but only stayed about a year and then removed to Paw Paw.


"Doctor Sylvanus Rowe came to Lawrence sometime in 1854 from the state of Iowa and remained until his death, several years ago. Doctor Rowe was a man greatly beloved and respected for his unvarying kindness, while his patients had great confi- dence in his skill. His system was Eclectic. Doctor W. E. Rowe, his son, was born in Lawrence, studied with his father and grad- uated at the University of Michigan, began practice with his father in Lawrence, is at present or was when last I heard living and practicing in Grand Rapids.


"In 1867, or thereabout, Doctor Edward Cleveland came to Lawrence. He was the son of Rev. Edward Cleveland, pastor of the Congregational Church. I think they came from state of New York. Doctor Cleveland practiced a part of the time in partnership with Doctor Rowe. Doctor Cleveland remained five or six years then removed with his father's family to Coffeyville, Kansas.


"Doctor O. B. Wiggins came to Lawrence before Doctor Cleve- land but I cannot give date. Doctor Wiggins came from state of New York, he was for a time in practice with Doctor Sylvanus Rowe but not long. Doctor Wiggins died in Lawrence a few years ago. Doctor A. S. Haskin came to Lawrence when a young man 1857, and quietly made his way and acquired many warm friends. He still lives in town though now out of practice by reason of age and ill health. He was one of the leading physi- cians of the county and had an extensive practice. Doctor A. W. Hendricks came to Lawrence from White Pigeon, Mich., and re- mained two or three years then removed to Paw Paw where re- mained a few years and then removed to other parts. Doctor Zell L. Baldwin came to Lawrence from Manchester, Mich., in 1888, and entered into partnership with Doctor Rowe. After residing in Lawrence several years he removed to Niles, Michi- gan. Doctor Baldwin is at present head of a tuberculosis sani- tarium at Kalamazoo.


"Doctor A. G. Six and Doctor W. P. Bope had been chums in Columbus, Ohio and came to Lawrence at or about the same time, 1897. Three or four years later, Doctor Bope removed to Decatur and went into practice there. Doctor Six still practices in Law- rence. Doctor Donaldson came to Lawrence, in 1902 and remained two years, from same place in Kent county. Doctor F. A. Butter- came to Lawrence in 1900 from Illinois. Doctor F. B. Crowell came to Lawrence in 1897 where he is now doing a general prac- tice."


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LAWTON


In the early 'fifties a Dr. Gregg came to Lawton, where he practiced two or three years.


In 1855 Dr. Shankland came and practiced a number of years.


Dr. Hazen came also in 1855 and stayed three years.


Dr. Barnum came and practiced in Lawton a short time then went to Grand Rapids.


Dr. Griffin came to Lawton from Edwardsburg, 1862; after practicing here about ten years he returned to Edwardsburg.


Dr. Taylor came to Lawton and stayed but a few months.


Dr. Lee came to Lawton shortly after the war, he was a fleshy man and in summer time rested during the day and worked at night.


Dr. Eugene Bitely although a residence of Paw Paw for many years practiced extensively in Lawton.


Dr. M. V. B. McKinney came from Florida, Ohio in 1867, when he practiced until 1884 when he went to Hastings, Nebr. He re- turned to Lawton in 1892 for a year, then went to Kalamazoo where he resided until his death in 1901.


Dr. O. F. Thomas came to Lawton 1869, practiced here for twelve years and removed to Lakeland, Minn., where he died in 1910.


Dr. West came to Lawton in 1870 and died in 1886.


Dr. Megan came from Pine Grove to Lawton in 1880, stayed a few years and went west.


Dr. Long practiced in Lawton two or three years and removed to Mendon.


Dr. Hipp came from Chicago to Lawton in 1881 and returned to Chicago in 1884.


Dr. Iddings came to Lawton from Lansing but stayed only a few months.


Dr. Moffitt came from Indiana to Lawton in 1885 and in 1888 went west where he died.


Dr. I. E. Hamilton came to Lawton in 1887 and is still prac- ticing here.


Dr. F. A. Phillips came to Lawton in 1891, after a two or three years stay he went to Chicago to specialize in diseases of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat. After practicing in Chicago a few years, on account of ill health, he removed to California.


Dr. G. W. Cornish followed Dr. Phillips and is still practicing here.


Dr. Storrs came from Detroit to Lawton in 1895, remained about five years when he went to Minneapolis to engage in lit- erary work.


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Dr. Irwin came to Lawton about 1905 remaining about a year when he removed to Paw Paw, and is at present practicing in Volinia, Cass Co.


Dr. Perry, dentist, practiced in Lawton from about 1894 till 1897.


Dr. Johnson, dentist, located in Lawton and enjoys a large remunerative practice. He has been secretary of the South West Michigan Dental Association for several years.


THE PROFESSION IN SOUTH HAVEN


The first doctor to practice in this vicinity was Dr. Goodrich who must have kept up his work in the late 'forties and early 'fifties. He covered a wide range of country traveling often thirty and forty miles to visit his patients. People in those days did not call a physician unless there was urgent need. Dr. Good- rich was the grandfather of the present Dr. Goodrich. Dr. E. B. Moon came in the early 'fifties and practiced for some years. Dr. A. N. Moulton practiced here in the late 'fifties, and until about 1866. He was a man of much ability. Dr. Dunn came in about 1866 and stayed a few years. Dr. Anderson practiced here in 1888 and later.


Dr. W. B. Hathaway was one of the early physicians who prac- ticed for many years in Bloomingdale and Gobleville. In 1876 the physicians were Dr. L. C. Woodman who came here soon after the war and bought some land now known as the Dyckman & Woodman addition. He was a remarkable man of very superior ability as a physician and surgeon and enjoyed the unlimited confidence of the community. Dr. Hewson who was also the pastor of the Baptist church was here a few years. He was a man of very pleasing personality and had many warm friends. Dr. Gunsaulus was here a few years but moved in 1877 to the Black Hills where he died, the result of an accident. Dr. Seeley was also here a few years, dying about 1877.


Dr. Geo. V. Hilton. a nephew of Dr. Woodman, graduated in 1876 and located here, remaining till 1883 when he went to Paw Paw, leaving there in 1887, and locating in Chicago where he established himself and has a high reputation as physician and surgeon. Dr. Bishop located here in the fall in 1876, coming from New York. He spent the remainder of his life in South Haven and died in 1910. a kindly, respected man.


Dr. Triece came in 1879 and enjoyed a very active and lucra- tive practice, dying at his home here in 1910. Dr. Ransom came in 1880 and remained till 1894 when he organized and equipped a boat to sail around the world. Dr. Springer came in 1895 re-


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maining till 1910. Dr. Lucy Hemenway practiced here for about three years, 1900 to 1903. She subsequently married W. D. Cook and moved to the state of Washington where she enjoys a lucra- tive practice. Dr. Marian Law, another lady physician, came in 1896 and has since practiced here enjoying a good clientage. Dr. Geo. D. Carnes came here in 1883 having located in Covert in 1876. He has been here since actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. L. G. Rhodes came here in 1896 and has since been a very active and successful practitioner. Dr. E. L. Mater came here in 1897 and immediately planned a very active practice which he retained until he left on account of ill health in about 1902. Dr. Geo. F. Young, born in Paw Paw, a graduate of the Michigan University, came about 1901 and went into partnership with Dr. Mater. He has a good practice and is a highly respected physician. Dr. Pennoyar came in 1903 and soon attained a good practice and has been for the past 8 years a most active hard working and successful physician.


Dr. Neal Goodrich came in the Spring of 1911, and has secured a good foothold and bids fair to make a very able and substantial physician.


Dr. Ben Webster was here for a time some three or four years ago, also Dr. Kesler about the same time. The Osteopathic physi- cians are : Dr. G. F. Lathrop and wife, and preceding them in the same profession. Dr. Classen and wife.


SOUTH HAVEN CITY HOSPITAL


The City Hospital at South Haven is a public institution for the care of the sick and the injured. The new building was erected by public subscription at a cost of $6,500, and formally opened January 1, 1909. It is maintained partly by money re- ceived for care of patients, and partly by charitable contribu- tions. It has no endowment or financial aid from the county or state; the city has very kindly donated the electric light and water service. It is a two story building with full basement, built to accommodate fourteen patients, and in case of emergency, four or five more. Though small, it is well equipped with modern hos- pital conveniences. The operating room is up to date in its con- struction and furnishings for aseptic surgery.


The building is so planned that all patients' rooms have a south exposure. It is furnished with steam heat, up to date plumbing with sewer connection and a special ventilation system. An elec- tric annunciator enables the patients to eall a nurse by pressing a button. The building also has gas as well as electricity.


Any reputable physician may take his patients there and feel


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assured that they will have the efficient care of trained nurses, and know that his instructions will be faithfully carried out. Any patient coming to the hospital may have the services of his family physician. Patients suffering from contagious diseases are not admitted. The rates for admission depend upon the room and nature of the case, and includes room, board, laundry and general care by competent nurses.


The hospital is not, and is not expected ever to be self-support- ing; if it were. the rates would be so high as to defeat the pur- pose for which it was built viz., to furnish good hospital ac- commodations for people of moderate means.


The Woman's Auxiliary Board was organized for the purpose of meeting the annual deficit, and much praise is due the ladies for


CITY HOSPITAL, SOUTH HAVEN


the untiring real in raising funds for this purpose. They have instituted two annual methods of raising funds; one, a hospital Sunday, when an offering is taken the first Sunday in October in all of the city churches, and the other, a tag day in August. Material aid has come from many sources in supplies, furnishings and maintainance. Rooms have been completely furnished by in- dividuals, churches. and lodges. The County Federation of Woman's Clubs furnished one room, and aided in other ways.


Any person paying one dollar or more may become a member of the South Haven Hospital Association. This Association holds its annual meeting the first Tuesday in October, at which time are elected the trustees, nine in number, of whom three are elected each year. The first regular meeting of .the Association was held Oct. 1, 1907. when the following board of trustees were elected :


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President, W. S. Bradley; Vice President, Mrs. H. M. Avery ; Secretary, Mrs. R. T. Pierce; Treasurer, S. H. Wilson; Trustees, A. C. Runyan, George Myhan, George C. Monroe, and Mrs. C. II. Van Ostrand; Mrs. M. Porter, Superintendent.


No member except the superintendent, who devotes her entire time to the work, receives any pay for services rendered. While the local physicians have rendered all possible aid to the Board, it was not deemed advisable that they should be officially connected with the hospital. As many charity patients have been admitted as the financial condition would justify, the Trustees having rigidly adhered to their determination not to go into debt.


It has more than justified the belief of those who took an early interest in the project that it was a much needed institution and the large number of patients cared for, testify to its efficiency and the appreciation of the public which has so generously con- tributed to its support.


A separate fund is kept for charity patients, for which contribu- tions may at any time be sent to the superintendent or secretary and they will be duly accredited and acknowledged.


DECATUR


In 1848 in a small office on Railroad street, there located a Dr. Bartholomew, Decatur's first physician. After remaining but a short time, he joined the "forty niners" and went to California to seek his fortune. Later he returned to Keeler where he died a few years ago.


The next physician to practice in Decatur was Dr. Wells, who resided on Little Prairie Ronde. He devoted more time to teach- ing singing-school than to the practice of medicine.


Dr. J. T. Keables located in Decatur in 1851 and for many years was the leading physician in this village. He was a pen- sion examiner before the County Board System was adopted. He died in 1891. In 1855 Dr. Foster located in Decatur but soon moved elsewhere.


Dr. Gilbert L. Rose was born at Laporte, Indiana, in 1853, in which city he received his early education. He studied at the University of Michigan and at Cincinnati. He began the prac- tice of medicine in Marcellus in 1874, where he stayed but a short time, then came to Decatur where he followed his profes- sion for more then thirty-two years. When he first came to Deca- tur he entered into partnership with Dr. Dillon, the partnership lasting two years. In 1888 Dr. Rose formed a partnership with Dr. George W. Mahoney, which lasted four years, Dr. Mahoney removing to Chicago, where he practices his specialty : diseases


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of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Dr. Rose died January 5, 1907; "but he still lives in the hearts of all who knew him as the most noble, the most generous, the most charitable, the most beloved of all men," are the words of a fellow practitioner.


Dr. C. T. Baker was born in 1829 in Steuben county, N. Y. He graduated from University of Michigan in 1854 and located in Decatur the same year, where he has since practiced with the ex- ception of the time spent in the army where he served as con- tract surgeon, and was on duty at City Point, Virginia. General Grant's headquarters, when General Lee surrendered his army to General Grant and returned to Washington on the memorable 14th of April, 1865-the day of President Lincoln's assassination. He still resides in Decatur, although not in active practice.


Doctors II. D. Dillon, H. M. Brodrick and J. W. Rogers were also formerly among the prominent leading physicians of Decatur.


Those practicing in Decatur at present are : Dr. J. E. Maxwell. who located in 1892; Dr. J. M. Easton. in 1898, and Dr. W. P. Bope, in 1907.


The present dentists of Decatur are: Dr. N. E. Hooper, the oldest practicing dentist in the county, and Dr. W. Huyck, who is in partnership with Dr. Hooper.


WILL CARLETON 'S "THE COUNTRY DOCTOR "


There's a gathering in the village that has never been outdone Since the soldiers took their muskets to the war of 'sixty-one; And a lot of lumber-wagons near the church upon the hill,


And a crowd of country people, Sunday-dressed and very still. Now each window is preempted by a dozen heads or more, Now the spacious pews are crowded from the pulpit to the door; For the coverlet of blackness on his portly figure spread, .


Lies the grim old country doctor, in a massive oaken bed.


Lies the fierce old country doctor,


Lies the kind old country doctor,


Whom the populace considered with a mingled love and dread.


Maybe half the congregation, now of great or little worth,


Found this watcher waiting for them when they came upon the earth;


This undecorated soldier, of a hard, unequal strife,


Fought in many stubborn battles with the foes that sought their life. In the night-time or the day-time, he would rally brave and well,


Though the summer lark was fifing, or the frozen lances fell;


Knowing if he won the battle, they would praise their Maker's name, Knowing if he lost the battle, then the doctor was to blame. 'Twas the brave old virtuous doctor,


'Twas the good old faulty doctor, 'Twas the faithful country doctor-fighting stoutly all the same.


When so many pined in sickness, he had stood so strongly by, Half the people felt a notion that the doctor couldn't die;


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They must slowly learn the lesson how to live from day to day, And have somehow lost their bearings-now this landmark is away. But perhaps it still is better that his busy life is done: He has seen old views and patients disappearing, one by one; He has learned that Death is master both of Science and of Art; He has done his duty fairly, and has acted out his part. And the strong old country doctor,


And the weak old country doctor,


Is entitled to a furlough for his brain and for his heart.


THE VETERINARY SCHOOL


We would hardly feel justified in closing this chapter without giving the Veterinary school the recognition it deserves in the field of medicine. In the early history of this county this branch of the healing art received little or no scientific attention. most of the doctoring being done by some neighborhood "hoss doctor" who possessed more conceit than knowledge, and was more for- tunate than skillful in saving his patients, for he knew practically nothing of disease, medicine or anatomy, but the rapid advance- ment in veterinary surgery in the past few years has elevated it to a parallel with the other schools of medicine. Today the study of preventable, communicable diseases among animals is receiv- ing as much or more attention than similar diseases of man. Being an article of commerce, our legislative bodies are more lib- eral in their appropriations for scientific research and prevention of disease in animals than in man. Too much credit can not be given in the Veterinary School of Medicine for the benefit to man- kind in the study of tuberculosis in animals. The recent ad- vancement in the treatment of hog cholera, of foot and mouth dis- ease, and of the oxygen treatment of milk fever in cows, are some of the valuable results of veterinarian research.




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