USA > Michigan > Branch County > History of Branch county, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 35
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Judge David Thompson, also a pioneer boy, commenced the study of the law in Coldwater, at an early day. ITis studious and thoughtful habits soon gave him a good knowl- edge of the profession, and in due time he had a fine prac- tice. Pleasant and agreeable in his intercourse with those around him, he was held in esteem by all. Some years ago he was elected justice of the peace, but resigned, because its duties interfered with his professional pursuits. He was elected judge of probate in 1864, and served with satisfac- tion. Ile was afterwards appointed circuit judge, by Gov- ernor Croswell.
Judge Thomas N. Cooly, for many years past upon the Supreme bench of this State, stopped in Coldwater a short time at an early day ; but clients were too poor and scarce for men of his genius and ability. He left the field to others, much to the regret of those best acquainted with his eminent learning and ability.
General J. G. Parkhurst, came from Central New York about 1850, and entered into partnership with the late Lieutenant-Governor Coe. He was elected prosecuting attorney in 1852, and served with credit to himself. Early in the Rebellion he was appointed a lieutenant-colonel of one
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of the Michigan regiments, and served till the end of the war. He was brevetted brigadier-general for gallant services in the army. Since the war he has given but little time to the practice of law, having other business to take his entire time.
Justus Goodwin, Esq., practiced in the county carly, though he lived on a large farm just outside the county.
Union City, in an early day, was called after him, " Good- winville." In later years he moved to Coldwater, but never obtained a great practice, as he preferred out-door exercise to a sedentary life. Ilis death occurred some years ago. Hle was considered an able lawyer and a genial gentleman.
Cephas B. Dresser came here many years ago, a young man, but remained only a short time. He was called a well-read lawyer. We understand he now resides in Hills- dale.
-- Harris, a good, sound lawyer, came carly. His stay was short. Cause, doubtless, the want of well-to-do clients,-a very good reason.
Caleb D. Randall, also a pioneer boy, came previous to 1840, with his father's family, Dr. Alvah Randall, and settled in Bronson. After he was admitted to the bar he came to Coldwater, and entered upon a good practice. He was elected State senator in 1870, and drafted the bill es- tablishing the "State Public School." Although a sound lawyer, his practice of late years has been limited. Being president of the Michigan Southern National Bank, his time is occupied with its affairs.
Edward J. Hard, an industrious lawyer, settled here in an early day. His career was short, however, for death soon claimed him as its own.
E. G. Parsous, one of the early lawyers, was prosecuting attorney for several terms. Ile was a shrewd lawyer and a social gentleman, we believe. Ilis present residence, as far as known, is in the State of Missouri.
In 1841 or 1842, Daniel Gilbert, Esq., moved here from Western New York with two sons, H. C. and J. W. Gil- bert. The father, through age and infirmities, practiced but little, but was a good counselor, and may truly have been called
" A fine old English gentleman, All of the olden time."
Ile died many years ago.
H. C. Gilbert, the elder son, was a man of untiring perseverance, and an able and eloquent lawyer. Ile was Indian agent for the State under President Pierce's admin- istration. After the expiration of his term of office he purchased a large farm in the town of Coldwater, and planted an extensive nursery. IFis farming, however, was no more profitable than that of the distinguished Horace Greeley. In other words, he enriched his coffers the wrong way. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he was appointed colonel of one of the Michigan regiments, serving with great gallantry and giving up his life for the Union he loved so well. His remains were brought home and interred in Oak Grove Cemetery.
James W., the younger of the two sons, was also an ex- cellent lawyer, but possessed of a less robust constitution than his brother. Hard study brought on disease, and in the prime and beauty of manhood his life was cut short.
Justin Lawyer, Esq., was an early attorney in the county. Many years ago he was elected county judge, but the Legis- lature, we believe, dispensed with his services by repealing the law under which he was elected. Having been engaged in other business a large portion of the time since, his practice has been limited. He is a gentleman of fine social qualities and a sound attorney.
E. S. Jennings, Esq., came here many years ago, and, though able and eloquent, his stay was short.
Egbert KS. Nichols, Esq., was an attorney in the county years ago. Ile was elected county prosecuting attorney, but his stay was not sufficiently long to form any idea as to his abilities. We understand he went East from this State.
Hon. Charles Upson, when a young man, came from the land of wooden nutmegs, and settled in the county of St. Joseph. He was there elected State senator, but later he settled in Coldwater. As his fame had preceded him, he at once entered upon a large and lucrative practice. In 1862, 1864, and 1866 he was elected to Congress from the district of which Branch formed a part, and served with great acceptance to his constituency. He also served as circuit judge, but resigned on account, we believe, of inade- quate salary.
Ilon. J. W. Turner came to Coldwater from the castern part of the State many years ago. He had served in the Legislature of the State with much ability, and his services had been appreciated by the people of this county. lle entered at onee upon a good practice. When the Repub- lican party was organized at Jackson he was present, and entered heartily into the work. Being a fine speaker, his services as a "stumper" were in brisk demand. Hle was several times elected prosecuting attorney of the county, and it is not too much to say that no man ever filled the office more acceptably to the people or with greater credit to himself.
- Howell, Esq., an earnest and thorough attorney, stopped in Coldwater at an early day. Clients too poor and scarce, doubtless, influenced his removal.
Joseph B. Clarke, Exg., one of the best-read lawyers in the county, remained a few years in Coldwater. Ile was a brother of " Grace Greenwood," and possessed many traits of character in common with that distinguished lady. He left twenty years or more ago.
Willard J. Bowen, Esq., an carly pioneer boy of this county, settled in Coldwater years ago. He was considered a good lawyer, but his time being too much occupied in other pursuits, his practice was neglected in consequence.
Moses S. Bowen, Esq., a lawyer of fair ability, great tact, and perseverance, practiced in the county several years. Ile left many years ago. He was regarded as a social, pleasant gentleman.
Hon. F. E. Morgan was a thorough student, well versed in the law. He was elected State senator in 1876, and served with ability. He was a quiet gentleman and an ·able counselor.
llon. J. Il. MeGowen eame to Coldwater in 1859 or 1860. After superintending our city schools for a time. he enlisted in the army as a captain of cavalry, and was in the celebrated chase after the great rebel John Morgan,
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
through Indiana and Ohio, and very nearly lost his life in the " Morgan raid." After peace was restored he was elected prosecuting attorney, and served four years. In 1872 he was elected State senator, served one term; in 1876 was elected to Congress, and re-elected in 1878. He is a fine speaker and courteons gentleman.
Noah P. Loveridge, Esq., came to Coldwater from Cen- tral New York some fifteen years ago. Ile soon entered upon a successful practice, and by strict attention to busi- ness soon merited the estcem of the people. He is a thorough student, genial and affable in manner, and enjoys the confidence of the community.
David B. Dennis, Esq., came to Coldwater some twenty- five years ago. Although a good attorney, he has given but little time to professional pursuits. 1Ie has served as supervisor and justice of the peace, but his private affairs elaim his elosest attention.
Judge John B. Shipman came to Coldwater nearly twenty years ago, from St. Joseph County, where he studied in the office of IIon. H. H. Riley. His pleasant and agreeable manners soon brought him hosts of friends as well as a lucrative practice. We think it safe to say that there is no more thorough student of the law to be found, and none more highly respected. In the fall of 1878 he was elected circuit judge for the district composed of St. Joseph and Branch Counties, and is now clothed with a judicial garb.
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Timothy G. Turner, Esq., who came about twenty years ago, was lawyer and editor, and finally enlisted during the war. Ile is now residing in the West.
Wallace W. Barrett, Esq., studied in Coldwater years ago. Was elected prosecuting attorney in the fall of 1860, but on the breaking out of the war he resigned his office and went to the front as a captain of infantry. His gal- lant services in the army won for him a commission in the regular army, a position few obtained who were not given a military education at West Point. We think he now ranks as major.
Levi Sprague, Esq., an attorney of untiring energy and perseverance, practiced in Coldwater years ago, but went from here to Chicago, and now, as we understand, makes a speciality of police-courts practice of that city.
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Frank D. Skeels, Esq., studied law in Coldwater, and soon after his admission to the bar was elected prosecuting attorney for the county, and was re-elected in 1874, serving four years with ability. He still practices in the city.
Simon B. Kitehel was elected proseenting attorney in 1876, and re-elected in 1878. Ile possesses a considerable knowledge of the law and has a good degree of persever- anee.
John R. Champion, Esq., came to Coldwater at an early day with his father's family, the late Reuben J. Champion, Esq. Ile was in the army several years, and after the swords were returned to their scabbards, in addition to other duties he studied law, and was admitted to the bar. He has twice been elected mayor of Coldwater City, and. is a man of fine social qualities.
There are several young attorneys in Coldwater in addi- tion to the above. Among them we may name Henry C. Clark, Esq., or, as they call him, Alderman Clark ; Charles
N. Legg, Esq., Charles D. Wright, Esq., - Barlow, Esq., N. A. Reynolds, Esq., A. T. Lamphere, Esq., Andrew J. McGowan, Esq., and Harry C. Safford, Esq. These are all young men of fair abilities, and have a promising future before them.
PHYSICIANS.
" Doctor, forgive me, if I dare prescribo A rule for thee thyself, and all thy tribe, Inserting a few serious words by stealth : Above all price of wealth The Body's jewel,-not for minds profane, Or hands, to tamper with in practice rain- Like to a woman's Virtue is Man's Health, A heavenly gift within a holy shrine ! To be approached and touch'd with serious fear By hands made pure, and hearts of fuith severe. E'en us the Priesthood of the ONE dirine !"
HOOD.
The physicians who settled in Coldwater previous to 1840 were men of very good ability, and some of them of quite marked character,-leaving an impress upon the community which has long outlived them. Their practice extended far over the sparsely-settled country ; and many are the tales of hardship and suffering they related among the early pioneers of this county. Many times they had to be physician, nurse, and adviser ; and by their sympathy and cheerfulness, and by their advice in business and family matters, they gave comfort and hope to the home-sick and desponding whose health and vivacity had been taken from them by the enervating influence of the malaria, which, with searcely an exception, more or less affected all. The physician, better than any one else, knows the trials and hardships of the pioneers who had to battle with disease, and sometimes almost famine.
The first physician who settled in Coldwater was Dr. William Henry, from Seipio, Caynga Co., N. Y., in the summer of 1830. He was about seventy years of age, well educated, and a man of acknowledged ability. Ile prae- ticed medicine here about two years, and then removed to Sturgis, Mich., where he died.
Dr. Hill, of Indiana, aged about fifty-five years, in 1830 settled at Pocahontas, now " Mills," above Branch. He was a practical business man, and built the first " grist-mill" in the county, at the place where he lived. Ile left in 1832, and went to Lagrange, Ind.
Dr. Enoch Chace came to Coldwater from Vermont in the fall of 1831, and practiced medicine until 1834, when he removed to Milwaukee, Wis., where he has been engaged in farming and making the celebrated Milwaukee white brick, an extensive bed of the clay for which he found on his farm. He is still living there, and has become wealthy.
Dr. Chace was the only physician of this place, so far as is known, who went before the Board of Censors of " The Medical Society of the Territory of Michigan," and ob- tained a license to practice medicine and surgery in the Territory. This society was established and the license given according to statute " made and provided ;" and this legal supervision of medical matters in those early times may explain why all the pioneer physicians of Coldwater were mien of fair ability.
A copy of the license of Dr. Chace is inserted as an in- teresting relie of the early times.
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
" TERRITORY OF MICHIGAN.
" To all to whom these presents shall come, or may in any way concern, the President, Secretary, and Censors of the Medical Society of the territory of Michigan :
" Whereas, Enuch Chase hath exhibited unto us satisfactory testi- mony that be hath studied Physie and Surgery for the time and in the manner directed by law.
" Now, know ye, that by virtue of the power vested in us by law, WE DO GRANT unto the said Enoch Chase the privilege of practicing Physie and Surgery in this Territory, together with all the rights and immunities which may pertain to Physie an I Surgery.
"R. S. RICE, " WILLIAM CHAPIN, l'ensors.
" Joux &. WHITNEY,
" In testimony of which we have caused the seal of Society to be affixed at the city of Detroit, this 7th day of July, A.D. 1831.
" STEPHEN C. HENRY, " President.
"R. S. RICE,
" Recretary.
" The above is a true copy of said license.
" JOHN MORSE, " Clerk of the town of Green.
" COLDWATER, Aug. 1, 1831."
Dr. Wm. H. Hanchett came from Summit Co., O., in the fall of' 1832, just after the close of the Black Hawk war. Ile was a most energetic, indefatigable worker for the advancement of the interests of Coldwater, and estab- lished a reputation and character that made him, for many years, the largest and most successful practitioner of medi- eine in the county. From 1816 to 1850 he was in part- nership with Dr. S. S. Cutter, now of this city. In 1851 he emigrated to California, and after a residence of several years in that State he removed to Eugene City, Oregon, where he died.
Dr. Hiram Alden came from Westfield, N. Y., in 1834. Ile was a well-educated and energetic man ; an active Democrat ; entered into politics ; was elected to the Legis- lature of Michigan, on a local issue, in 1837, and to the office of Commissioner of Internal Improvement in 1838, which office he held until his death in 1839. He was the father of Mrs. A. Waterman, Mrs. R. Root, Mrs. H. Ilaynes, Mrs. II. C. Lewis, of Coldwater, and of Mrs. John Lewis, of Jonesville, Mich. ; and of four sons, Rath- burn, Isaac, Philander, and Willis, nearly all of whom have been prominently identified with the society of Coldwater from its carliest times.
Dr. Bigshee, botanic physician, a kind-hearted, hard- working man, did what he could to cure disease here from 1833 to 1845, when he had to succumb to the Destroyer, and died in the west part of the township of Quincy, where he had gone to live some years previous.
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Dr. Darwin Littlefiekl, of Vermont, after graduating from the medical college at Castleton, came here from Penfield, N. Y., in 1835, and engaged in the practice of medicine, in which he continued until a few years previous to his death, when he had to abandon it almost entirely on ae- count of failing health. He died in 1870, aged sixty-five, Dr. Littlefield's wife, who survives him, is sister of the late L. D. Crippen and Philo Crippen, now resident here, who, with their families, have been largely identified with the growth and prosperity of this city from early times. Dr. Littlefield was always lively, social, and kind-hearted, and
took great delight in being a prominent leader of the choir in the Methodist church.
Dr. Wm. B. Sprague, graduate from Albany Medical College, New York, settled on the farm where he now lives, in the cast part of this city, in 1835. He engaged to some extent in the practice of medicine for a few years, when, on account of poor health, he changed his occupation to farming ; but his counsel and advice have often been sought by other physicians in consultation for many years since he ceased active practice.
Dr. Corwin, from Lyons, N. Y., practiced medicine here in 1838. Hle was an old man, well educated, and died in a short time after coming here, at Mansonville, on the river, in the west part of the city.
Dr. D. Clark, from Rochester, N. Y., practiced here a short time in 1837, when he left for St. Louis, Mo., where he died. Ile was the father of Mrs. Sampson, who now lives with her cousin, Wm. Scovill, in the township of Coldwater.
Dr. Calkins, from Albion, N. Y., was a partner of Dr. Win. II. Hanchett in this eity for a short time in 1838, when they dissolved, and he, Dr. Calkins, edited the Cold- water Observer for a year or so, and then left the place.
Dr. HI. B. Stillman resided in early life at Cherry Val- ley, N. Y., where he studied medicine and surgery with the celebrated Dr. White of that place. After finishing his studies,-graduating from Castleton Medical College, New York,-he commenced the practice of his profession in Toledo, O., where he lived two years, and removed to Branch, which was then the county-seat of this county, in 1838, and in 1844 he permanently settled in Coldwater, which place had then been for several years the principal town, and had been established the county-seat against its rival, the village of Branch. Dr. Stillman was elected county clerk while living at Branch, which office he held for several years after removing to Coldwater. He was a Democrat until the breaking out of the war of the Rebel- hon, when he united with the Republicans. He was an active politician, particularly well read in all political mat- ters pertaining to this country, and gave his attention more to such subjects than to medicine, but in all matters his judgment was good.
Dr. Bacon, from Ithaca, N. Y., in 1841 commeneed the practice of medicine here. Ile was a finely-educated man, of fine personal appearance and cultivated manners. He left in about a year and a half afterwards for Illinois.
Dr. Matthew Gill came here from Albany, N. Y., in 1840, where he graduated, and in about two years left for Battle Creek, where he has since resided and practiced medicine until two or three years ago, since when he has been in the role of " traveling physician," treating hemor- rhoidal diseases. Ile married while here Miss Susan Fiske, daughter of James Fiske, a very worthy pioneer, and father of Rev. Luther R. Fiske, president of Albion College, Michigan, and of D. W. J. Fiske and Mrs. I. G. Miles, of this place.
Dr. Peter Sprague, elder brother of Dr. Wm. B. Sprague, of this place, and father of Philander Sprague, Esq., of Batavia, in this county, came here from Broadalbin, N. Y., in 1844; and after following his profession here
18
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HISTORY OF BRANCH COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
for a few years he went to live on his farm in Batavia, Michigan, where he died in 1860. He married while here Mrs. R. Hull, owner of Hull's addition to the city of Coldwater; but she, preferring to live in Coldwater, did not go with her husband to Batavia.
Dr. N. B. Welper practiced the " healing art" here from 1846 to 1856, when he removed to Hillsdale, Mich., where he subsequently edited a Democratic paper. Ile died at Hillsdale.
Dr. William L. Clarke, graduate from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, emigrated from Rochester, N. Y., to this place in 1848, and followed his profession here until 1852, when he went to Chicago, where he now lives and has a very fine practice in medicine and surgery. Dr. Clarke was an unusually well-educated physician when he came here, and was considered one of the best surgeons who had ever resided here. His father was a noted physi- eian, and he is brother of Mrs. Sarah E. Lippincott, of Philadelphia, whose nom de plume is " Grace Greenwood."
From 1845 to 1848, Coldwater could boast of having what the regular educated doctors called a noted quack in Dr. Fasey, who did quite a large business, part in respect- able families, for which he charged enormous fees, and gen- erally managed to collect them. He kept a fine establish- ment, dressed well, and made a fine personal appearance. Ile was an Englishman. He was ruined in his practice here by the discovery of a medicine he was using largely for a patient, who soon died.
Dr. Stocking, facetiously called " Socks," held forth here as a " Thompsonian doctor" from 1845 to 1850. He had only the simplest rudiments of any kind of education, and yet there were people here in those days, some of them " well to do" and reasonably well informed, who were so attached to red pepper, lobelia, and " No. 6," that they would trust their health and their lives in the hands of an ignoramus, if he were only ealled a Thompsonian. Dr. Stocking, on being asked if he had ever studied anatomy, physiology, or chemistry, replied, " No; I am not the kind of doctor that has to study them things. It is the other fellers-the regulars-that have to do that. I know Thompson's book. Didn't he say in that that he learnt his anatomy on himself and his botany in the hayfield? And that book I know is all right, because there was a patent issued on it by the Patent Office of the United States of America, which is authority enough for me. By that book I will be tried for malpractice if I am accused." Said his interrog- ator, " Do you feel the pulse and examine your patients to ascertain the nature of their complaints ?" " Well, I do, just for the looks of the thing. But it makes no difference, for I give them a " regular course" any way. "What is that ?" said his questioner. " Why," said the doctor, " a regular course of medicine, according to Thompson, is to commence at No. 1 and go right through to No. 6." " Sup- pose that fails ?" " I'll give him another course ; and so on, over and over, until my patient gets well or dies, if he will let me ; and that's all I profess ; and that's all there is in Thompsonianism." The doctor was very plain in per- sonal appearance-almost ragged sometimes; but he was quick and shrewd, and had a ready fund of native wit, and afforded a large amount of amusement by his cecentricities.
He let all the light that was in him shine ; and lived up to his profession honestly,-which was to give his patients from No. 1 to No. 6, according to Thompson, and repeat, if they would let him or if they did not die! Says Crabbe, all such quacks are --
" Void of all honor, avaricious, rash, The daring tribe compound their boasted trash-
Tiucture or syrup, lotion, drop, or pill:
All tempt the sick to trust the lying bill.
There are among them those who cannot read, And yet they'll buy a patent and succeed ; Will dare to promise dying sufferers aid. For who, when dead, can threaten or upbraid ?
With cruel avarice still they recommend More draughts, more syrups to the journey's end.
' I feel it not.' 'Then take it every hour.'
' It makes me worse.' 'Why then it shows its power.'
' I fear to die.' ' Let not your spirits sink, -
' You're 'always safe while you believe and drink ! "
Dr. S. S. Cutter studied medicine in this place, com- mencing in the fall of 1842. His preceptor was Dr. Wiu. H. Hanchett, with whom he commenced practice after graduating from Geneva, N. Y., Medical College in 1846. He was a partner of Dr. Hanchett's until 1850, since which time he has continued in the pursuit of his profes- sion here alone, except in 1851 and a part of 1852 he was in partnership with Dr. S. H. Estabrook, his brother-in-law, and has sustained a high reputation professionally as well as a social position.
He was a member of the board of trustees, when this place was under a village charter, and member of the common council, since it became a city, several times. He was president of the village corporation from March 1, 1859, to April 1, 1860, when this place was organized as a eity, since which time he has had the office of mayor one year. From 1858 to 1864 he was a member of the board of education, during which time the Central school-build- ing was erected, and the schools thoroughly reorganized. As moderator for two years and director for three years, he gave a large portion of his time to the work of elevating the standard of the public schools, and in making their work more thorough and efficient.
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