USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > History of Detroit and Wayne County and early Michigan: A Chronological Cyclopedia of the Past and Present, Vol. II > Part 13
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St. John's commendation of Gaius ; "Thou doest faithfully whatever thou doest to the brethren and strangers," applied with truth to Dr. Hastings. The characteristic of his self-centered, well-poised, reticent nature, was faithfulness. To his patients, his steady, discriminating watchfulness, was a source of comfort and confidence. . It was no unusual thing for him, when anxious about a patient, to go dur- ing the time between midnight and morning, when the tide of life runs low in the human frame, to the house, and whatever the weather, to watch outside. If all seemed quiet and the indications favorable, he returned to his house, and the patient was never conscious of the visit. The tenderness and endur- ing patience endeared him in an unusual degree to those that depended upon his skill for themselves or those dear to them.
During his many years of practice in Detroit, many of the families to whom he had ministered continuously had experienced various vicissitudes of fortune ; to those to whom reverses had come he was an unfailing friend-sympathy, counsel, medi- cal service and help were given as freely and cheer- fully as though prompt payment and future reward depended upon it, and he possessed the love and veneration of many of his patients.
Into his inner religious life few were admitted, but it is known that the desire for a higher faith was ever present. The integrity of his life and intense scorn of sham or cant, gave to his manner, at times, an austerity that might have impressed strangers with an idea of harsh judgment and im- patience of opposing opinions, but those that knew him, knew how instantaneously and genially he responded to any truth or goodness in the lives or words of others, and how strongly he held to truth wherever found.
Those who knew how bravely he responded in his early manhood to the urgent call from cholera infected Sandusky, and how unselfishly, without thought of reward, he gave weeks of work and
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nearly gave his life, honor him as his heroism de- serves. It may be said of him that he was faithful to every trust, faithful in every relation of life, faithful to his own clear idea of right, and faithful to the end.
He was married in 1849 to Miss Anna E. Coman, of Luzerne, New York. She died in Detroit in 1859, and in 1861 he was married to Miss Mary L. Kirby, daughter of Geo. Kirby of Detroit. He died May 23, 1886, leaving his widow and four daughters, Mrs. Louis Hayward and Misses Louise M., Lizzie K. and Sarah B. Hastings.
EDWARD W. JENKS, physician and surgeon, was born in Victor, Ontario County, New York, in 1833, and is the son of Nathan and Jane B. Jenks. His father was of Quaker descent and a leading merchant of Victor for many years, and became the purchaser of large tracts of land in Northern Indiana, particularly in LaGrange County, where he laid out the village of Ontario. In 1843 he removed there with his family, and established and endowed the La- Grange Collegiate Institution, which for many years maintained a high reputation in Indiana and adjoin- ing States. At this institute Edward W. Jenks received his earlier school training, which was sup- plemented by instruction under private tutors.
He began the study of medicine in the medical department of New York University, but before completing the course his health failed and he was obliged to return home. In July, 1855, he left home, expecting, after spending a vacation in New England, to resume his studies in New York University, but was induced by friends to attend the Castleton Medical College, which he did in the latter part of the summer and autumn of 1855, graduating in November, 1855, and immediately proceeding to New York to carry out his long cherished purpose ; but after remaining at the Uni- versity about a month he found himself so much enfeebled by long confinement and study that he followed the advice of friends and returned home, and was soon employed in a country practice, which greatly improved his health. From 1853 to 1864 he was engaged in the practice of medi- cine in LaGrange County, Indiana, in the ad- joining county of St. Joseph, Michigan, and in Warsaw, New York, then the home of some of his family. After the establishment of Bellevue Hos- pital College in New York, chiefly owing to the fact that his former preceptor, the distinguished surgeon Dr. James R. Wood, was one of the professors in its faculty, he entered this institution instead of return- ing to the New York University. In 1864 he received the Ad Eundem degree from Bellevue Hospital Col- lege, and during the same year removed to Detroit. Here he rapidly secured a large practice and re-
ceived the recognition genuine ability is sure to command. He was one of the founders and for four years one of the editors of the Detroit Review of Medicine, the predecessor of the present Ameri- can Lancet, and in 1868 was elected Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women, and President of the Faculty of the Detroit Medical College, of which institution he was the projector and one of the founders. He held the chair of surgical diseases of women in Bowdoin College, Maine, lec- turing in that institution each year in the spring months after the close of the college session in Detroit. He resigned in 1875, owing solely to the labor it involved. He was for many years surgeon in the department for diseases of women in St. Luke's and St. Mary's Hospital and consulting sur- geon of the Woman's Hospital of Detroit. From its organization till his resignation in 1872 he was one of the physicians of Harper Hospital. For sev- eral years he was Surgeon-in-Chief of the Michigan Central Railroad and President of the Michigan State Medical Society in 1873, and after his removal to Chicago was elected an honorary member thereof. He has also been President of the Detroit Academy of Medicine, is an honorary member of the Maine Medical Association, of the Ohio State Medical Society, of the Toledo Medical Associa- tion, the Cincinnati Obstetrical Society, the North- western Medical Society of Ohio and of several minor medical organizations. He is corresponding mem- ber of the Gynecological Society of Boston, a Fellow of the Obstetrical Society of London, England, an active member and one of the founders of the American Gynecological Society, and of the Detroit Medical and Library Association. In 1878 he was chairman of the obstetrical section of the American Medical Association.
In 1879 Albion College conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D, and in the same year he was selected to fill the chair of medical and surgical diseases of women and clinical gynecology in the Chicago Medical College, which the distinguished surgeon, Dr. W. H. Byford had resigned, to accept a similar position in another medical college. The selection of Dr. Jenks was warmly endorsed by medical journals all over the country. The Michi- gan Medical News said : "During the past year a similar position has been offered him in no fewer than three of the leading medical colleges in the country, and his conclusion to go to Chicago is the result of mature deliberation. While congratulat- ing Dr. Jenks on his advancement, we cannot but regret the removal from our midst which his appointment will necessitate. During his residence of fifteen years in this city Dr. Jenks, besides estab- lishing a national reputation in his specialty, has not been 'without honor in his own country,' but
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has by his uniformly courteous demeanor and his scholarly attainments won the respect and admira- tion of the profession of this city. In leaving for his new and enlarged field of labor he will carry with him the kindest regards and the best wishes of all with whom he has had either professional or social relations. Few men remove from a place and leave so few enemies behind." Dr. Jenks re- moved to Chicago and entered upon his new field of labor in October, 1879, and in addition to his college duties, opened an office and soon estab- lished a lucrative private practice .. His health now became impaired, and in 1882 he was obliged to resign his position in the medical college. During the same year he established a private hospital for the treatment of the diseases of women at Geneva, Illinois, but continued to reside in Chicago. Suc- cess followed his labors, but his health was not equal to the strain, while the climate of Chicago did not agree with him or with his family, and in 1884 he returned to Detroit, where he has since resided. In 1888 he was nominated by the Medical Faculty of Michigan University to fill the chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
While Dr. Jenks has been successful as a general practitioner, it is to the departments of obstetrics and gynecology that he has devoted special atten- tion, and in these departments he has gained a national reputation as a skillful operator, teacher, and author. His numerous articles on these sub- jects have been widely circulated, and are consid- ered valuable additions to medical literature. Among the most important of these contributions may be named : "The use of Viburnum Pruni- folium in Diseases of Women," a paper read before the American Gynecological Society, and reprinted by nearly all American and very many European medical journals ; "The Cause of Sudden Death of Puerperal Women," a paper read before the Ameri- can Medical Association ; " Perineorrhaphy, with Special Reference to its Benefits in Slight Laceration and a Description of a New Mode of Operating," "On the Postural Treatment of Tympanites Intestinalis following Ovariotomy," " The Relation of Goitre to the Generative Organs of Women," "Atresia," a paper read before the Chicago Medical Society in 1880; " The Treatment of Puerperal Septicemia by Intra-Uterine Injections, " The Practice of Gyne- 'cology in Ancient Times," translated and published in the Deutsche Archiv für Geschichte der Medi- cin und Med. Geographie, by Dr. Kleinwächter, to which an extended introduction is given, warmly commending the research and investigation of Dr. Jenks; "On Coccygodynia," a lecture before the Chicago Medical Society in 1880 ; " New Mode of Operating in Fistula in Ano," "Report of a Suc- cessful Case of Cesarean Section after Seven Days'. Labor," "Contribution to Surgical Gynecology,"
read before the Illinois State Medical Society in 1882. He is also one of the contributors to l'ep- per's System of Practical Medicine, one of the largest treatises by American authors. During the last year he has written two articles for the System of American Gynecology, a work of two volumes just prepared by well known specialists in this branch of medical science. He is also a contributor to the Physician's Leisure Library Series on the " Disorders of Menstruation."
Some of the most distinguished members of the medical profession have expressed in high terms their appreciation of his professional excellence. Said Dr. Thaddeus A. Reamy, of Cincinnati : "His reputation as a writer is so thoroughly interna- tional that we need not speak of it, for I could add nothing to it. His articles show great re- search, especially in classic history along the line of obstetrics and gynecological art and literature. He has long since proved himself an able teacher. He is a skillful operator in gynecological and ob- stetric surgery." " I have known Dr. Jenks," says Dr. W. H. Byford. " for many years as a writer, teacher and gynecologist. His reputation in all these is national in extent."
In 1887 Dr. Jenks established a private home for the medical and surgical treatment of diseases of women, at 626 Fort Street West, known as "Willow Lawn," putting into execution a plan which he has long entertained. He has given himself to his profession with undeviating atten- tion, and has not allowed the allurements of public or political life to come between him and his work. His chief relaxation from professional duties is found in study and investigation, ranging through a wide range of literary subjects. His extensive medical library is the result of patient, careful work of years, and his varied collection of books reflects a cultivated literary taste rarely found in one who has gained distinction as a specialist. Naturally a student, a lover of books, a great reader, and pos- sessed of a fluent command of language, he is a graceful writer, an entertaining lecturer, and an in- structive conversationalist.
He is a strong, positive character, arrives at a con- clusion after careful deliberation, but has the moral courage to readily change a line of action when convinced he is in the wrong. The social element in his character is strong and conspicuous. Not that he cares for what is generally termed society, but in the little coterie where friend is knit to friend by sincere affection, his light is always brilliant. He is charitable, but with judicious selection and from a sense of duty, and never with vulgar and ostenta- tious parade. His home. his family, and all the quiet comforts of the domestic circle are dear to him. Here all the reserve of his nature among strangers vanishes and he reveals the genial, social
Ede. the Bank
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side of his nature and that kindness of heart which endears him to those who know him best.
He was first married in 1857 to a daughter of J. H. Darling, of Warsaw, New York, who died soon after his removal to Detroit. In 1867 he mar- ried Sarah R. Joy, eldest daughter of James F. Joy. They have two children, a son and a daughter.
HERMAN KIEFER, M. D., was born Novem- ber 19, 1825, at Sulzburg, Grand Dukedom of Baden, Germany, and is the only son of Dr. Conrad and Frederica Schweyckert Kiefer. His academic and professional studies were thorough and liberal. He first attended the high school of Freiburg, beginning at his ninth year, and afterwards in turn those at Mannheim and Carlsruhe, completing his preparatory course at the age of eighteen years. He then began the study of medicine at the Uni- versity of Freiburg, continued the following year at Heidelberg, and later attended the medical institu- tions at Prague and Vienna. At various times he was under the instruction of such distinguished masters of medical science as Arnold, Henle, Opp- holzer, Stromeyer, Pitha, and Scanzoni, and in May, 1849, was graduated with the highest honors upon his examination before the State Board of Examiners at Carlsruhe. Such a degree received from such a source implies a prolonged and assidu- ous study, which America is but now beginning to appreciate, and, in a modified degree, to imitate in its requirements. The venerable institutions at which Dr. Kiefer spent fifteen years of his boyhood and young manhood, stand before the educated world as favorable examples of the vast and perfect machinery, by the agency of which, Germany has so well earned the name of being a nation of scholars.
There is very slight probability that Dr. Kiefer would ever have become an American but for one agency-the same which has given to the United States much of the best blood and best brains of Germany -that of revolution. He had scarcely received his doctorate when the revolution of 1849 occurred. In common with thousands of his fel- lows among the educated youth of his country, he embraced the side of the people with all the ardor and enthusiasm of his years, flinging his future carelessly aside to espouse the cause of a down- trodden race, against the almost invincible power of organized authority. He joined the volunteer regiment of Emmendingen, and was at once ap- pointed its surgeon. With that regiment he was present at the battle of Phillipsburg, on June 20, 1849, and at that of Upstadt, on the twenty-third of the same month. It was at the former engage- ment that Prince Carl, afterwards Field-Marshal of Germany, was wounded and narrowly escaped cap-
ture by the regiment to which Dr. Kiefer was attached.
When the revolution was suppressed, Dr. Kiefer, in common with thousands of others, was com- pelled to flee the consequences of his patriotic ser- vice. He took refuge in the city of Strasburg, then under the dominion of the French Republic, of which Louis Napoleon was President. Even there he did not find a safe asylum, for the Republic de- clined to shelter the refugees from Baden. . The spies of Napoleon-a tyrant under the cloak of popular leadership- discovered his place of con- cealment, arrested him, and he was again compelled to fly. Making his way to the sea-board he took passage upon a sailing vessel for the United States, leaving port August 18, and arriving in New York on the nineteenth day of September, 1849.
America was then far less cosmopolitan than now, and lacked much of having attained its pres- ent advanced standard of professional and general scientific attainment. It did not present a promis- ing field to a highly educated German, and we can imagine that the necessity for leaving behind him the possibilities of success and distinction in his own country must have been a bitter one to an ambitious young man, fresh from the scholastic atmosphere of Heidelberg and the gaiety of Vienna. Still, there was no question of the necessity, and he made the best of it. After a brief sojourn in New York, he turned his face westward, intending to establish himself permanently in St. Louis. On the way, however, he met a countryman who had lived for several years at Detroit, and was led to change his intention and turn aside to that place.
The population of Detroit in the autumn of 1849 was little more than twenty thousand. Michigan was still provincial, and neither social nor business methods had outgrown the crudity of its earlier days. Less than five months before, Dr. Kiefer had stood before the state examiners at Carlsruhe, and received his diploma, with no other thought than that he should live, work, and die in Father- land. Since then he had been a soldier, a fugitive, and now found himself, by force of circumstances, an alien in tongue and blood, facing fortune in a very American western city.
He opened an office for the practice of his pro- fession on October 19, 1849, and, in spite of all his disadvantages, soon won a pronounced success. His practice, almost from the first, was sufficient for his needs, and grew year by year, until it came to be exceedingly absorbing and lucrative.
Dr. Kiefer has always held very dear, and given every effort to preserve the spirit and the literature of the Teutonic race. That he is also a thorough and loyal American is only an apparent anomaly. His devotion to the country which gave him shelter in
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his exile, is not at all impeached by his desire to see the language, the grand literature, and the social and historical traditions of Germany, perpetuated among his compatriots.
He has always taken a deep interest in educa- tional matters. He was one of the founders of the German-American seminary, a school incorporated by the State for finished instruction in all depart- ments of learning, to be given equally in the Ger- man and English language, so far as practicable or desirable. Of this institution he was President and Treasurer from the time of its foundation, in 1861, until 1872, when he resigned, and severed all con- nection with it, because of a disagreement with other members upon what he regarded as a vital matter of educational ethics. It has always been his belief that no teaching of religious doctrine or creed should be introduced into school instruction. His associates proposed to make the seminary a sectarian institution, and his withdrawal was the consequence.
During the years 1866 and 1867 Dr. Kiefer was a member of the Detroit Board of Education, and used his utmost influence to induce that body to introduce the teaching of German into the public schools of the city. He made repeated efforts in this direction, urging his point upon the grounds of the practical utility of the language, and also as a right which German citizens were justified in de- manding. In spite, however, of his utmost efforts, he failed to secure the desired legislation.
In 1882 Dr. Kiefer was elected a member of the Public Library Commission, to fill a vacancy for a period of one year; in 1883 he was re-elected for the full term of six years. When he assumed this office there were very few German books in the . Detroit on the first day of May.
library, and the fine and thoroughly representative collection of works in that language now upon the shelves, was almost entirely selected and purchased under his personal supervision. Considering the number of volumes and the sum expended, it would be difficult to find a library which better illustrates the thought and literary methods of Ger- many, in science, history, and the belles lettres, and Dr. Kiefer deserves the thanks, not only of Germans, but of all scholars and investigators, for the import- ant service thus rendered.
Dr. Kiefer is a member of the Wayne County and the State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. He is recognized at home and by physicians throughout the country as a skill- ful, successful, and scientific physician. Until recently he has been devoted to his practice with the greatest assiduity, finding time only for the public services mentioned. This close attention to his professional duties has prevented his making any elaborate contributions to medical literature,
but his papers in various periodicals devoted to the interests of his profession, have been many, and have done no little to spread his reputation in other cities and States.
For many years Dr. Kiefer has held a repre- sentative position among the German citizens of Detroit and Michigan, and has, upon all occasions, been their champion. In all his public life he has endeavored, by tongue and pen, to convince the public that the German born population of the United States should be respected as fully equal to the native born people. He claims nothing for his countrymen as Germans, but as citizens of the United States defends their rights to the fullest political and social recognition. Among the claims which he makes for them are recognition of their language and social customs, and the right to pur- sue their happiness in any way which shall not infringe upon the equally sacred rights and liberties of others. In his own family Dr. Kiefer has paid a tribute to Germany by insisting upon the exclusive use of its language, and this influence he has sup- plemented by educating several of his children in the schools of his native land.
He has been an active member of many of the German societies of Detroit, and has represented his countrymen upon various important occasions. He took a prominent place at the Singers' Festival held at Detroit in 1857 ; at the festival commemo- rative of Schiller's centennial in the year 1859; at the festival of Humboldt in 1869; and in 1871, when all German America was wild with joy at the successful ending of the Franco-German war, he acted as President and orator of the day at the peace celebration held by the German citizens of
In politics Dr. Kiefer has been a steadfast and consistent Republican since the organization of that party in 1854. There is nothing in his character that would render " trimming" or vacillation pos- sible to him, no matter how dearly his political allegiance might cost him. During the futile cam- paign made by the Republicans in 1854, he was chairman of the German Republican executive committee of the State of Michigan. In 1872 he was one of the Presidential electors of the State, and in 1876 was a delegate to the Republican Na- tional Convention held at Cincinnati. At that convention, when after four ineffective ballots the delegates were seeking to unite upon a compromise candidate, he was influential in inducing the Michi- gan delegation to give their united support to Ruth- erford B. Hayes. In every Presidential campaign from 1854 until 1880, he worked actively for the success of the Republican party, going upon the stump and exerting his influence very effectively among the German citizens of the State. He is an
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eloquent speaker, recognized by all as holding his opinions with as much honesty as tenacity, and his leading position among his compatriots gives him an influence which has been invaluable to the Re- publican party.
In spite of his long and arduous service, Dr. Kiefer has held but one federal office, and that very recently. During the month of July, 1883, he was appointed by President Arthur Consul to Stettin. Once before, in 1873, he had revisited his native land, spending six months in travel, but his return as an official representative of the United States to the Fatherland, which he left as a political fugitive less than twenty-five years before, was an especial gratification to him.
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