Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 38

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 38

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In June, 1866, some of the editors and publishers met for the purpose of organizing a press association. The meeting was held at the capitol in Jackson, and J. M. Partridge, of the Vicksburg Herald, presided. The following was the membership roll at this first meeting :

Jackson Clarion and Standard-J. J. Shannon, Jones S. Hamilton, B. F. Jones, J. L. Power. Jackson Mississippian-E. W. Yerger; Christian Watchman, A. N. Kimball, H. M. Aikin. Brandon Republican-A. J. Frantz. Meridian Tropic-Jere Gibson. Vicksburg Herald-J. M. Partridge, J. M. Swords. Vicksburg Journal-T. B. Manlove. Handsboro Democrat-P. K. Mayers. Lexington Advertiser- J. D. Houston. Canton Mail-Singleton Garrett. Brookhaven Journal-S. W. Dale. Panola Star-M. S. Ward. Natchez Demo- crat- J. F. Mead. Mississippi Conservative-J. L. McCullum, F. T. Cooper.

Journalism had assumed its proper business proportions and its proper attitude when the 1870 decade was ushered in. Almost every county in the state had its newspaper journal or journals, and its well-known editor or editors, and the Mississippi was marching on in the faithful discharge of its duty. There was the Jackson Clarion, with Power & Barksdale; the Natchez Democrat, with Thomas Grafton; the Goodman Star, with McCullum & Wal- pole; the Brookhaven Citizen, with Cassidy; the Hazlehurst Copiahan, with Vance; the Port Gibson Reveille, with J. S Mason; the Handsboro Democrat, with Mayers; the Winona Democrat, with Boothe; the Oxford Falcon, with Thompson; the Vicksburg Herald, with Spears & Jewel; the Crystal Springs Herald, with Stackhouse; the Canton Herald, with Garrette; the Water Valley Central, with Brown; the Charleston News, with Hall; the Brandon Republican, with Frantz; the Raymond Gazette, with George W. Harper; the Holly Springs Reporter, with Falconer; the Panola Star, with Randolph; the Senatobia Times, with Shands; the Summit Times, with Cooper; the Iuka Gazette, with Davis; the Scooba Spectator, with Woods, etc. It is true that at this period the Federal government was holding Mississippi by the throat, but the newspapers, with but here and there an exception, were outspoken, bold and defiant. Indeed, as shown by the press, there was fire in the air, and they were but awaiting a favorable opportunity to restore the proud state of Mississippi to the custodianship of the Anglo-Saxon people within its borders.

The Press association organized in 1866, was revived in 1874, and on its rolls were, entered not only the business and practical men of the press, but the editors, publishers and reporters. In 1875 it was in its prime, and its ranks contained the following heroic list: Jackson Clarion, E. Barksdale, J. L. Powers; Jackson Sunburst, S. R. Jones; Jackson Vin- dicator, E. G. Wall, D. Denneit, E. Elliott; Jackson Banner, Rev. C. B. Galloway; Vicks- burg Herald, W. H. McCardle; Brandon Republican, A. J. Frantz; Yazoo Herald, J. L.

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McCullum; Summit Sentinel, H. S. Bonney, N. P. Bonney; Mississippi Democrat, J. D. Burke; Crystal Springs Monitor, J. S. Harris, C. N. Harris; Raymond Gazette, George W. Harper, Samuel D. Harper; Southern Homestead, J. J. Shannon; Enterprise Courier, W. J. Adams; Forest Register, S. Davis; Calhoun Democrat, I. T. Blount; Columbus Index, G. C. Tucker; West Point Citizen, D. L. Love; Winona Advance, H. D. Money, B. F. Jones; Canton Mail, E. L. Ross; Holly Springs Reporter, W. J. L. Holland: Holly Springs South, H. C. Myers; Oxford Falcon, I. M. Howry; Rural Gentleman, J. M. Davis; Durant Advertiser, J. S. Hoskins; Central Star, R. Walpole: Newton Ledger, R. H. Henry; Hernando Press, Ira D. Oglesby; Handsboro Democrat, P. K. Mayers; Talla- hatchie News, L. G. Polk; Yazoo Democrat, Frank Campbell; Aberdeen Examiner, H. R. Dixon; Carthagenian, L. W. Garrett; Panola Star, J. A. Pope; Winona Pioneer, C. M. Erwin; Water Valley Courier, F. M. Merrin; Senatobia Times, G. D. Shands.

In 1875 occurred the grand overthrow of carpetbag and negro rule in the state, which had prevailed for five or six years, and the reestablishment of white supremacy, and it may be justly said that the battle was fought, on the part of the white race, by the journals and journalists enumerated above. Great credit was awarded them at the time and the recollec- tion of their efforts in behalf of the white people and their rights under the Federal constitu- tion are not yet forgotten.

The press of Mississippi to-day is infinitely stronger and more commanding in its influence than ever before, and its number is greater. The papers are, in the main, larger, better printed, better edited and better arranged than ever before, and it is reasonable to conclude that they are better supported, that is to say, have a better paying and more com- manding patronage than at any former period. Besides, the association and other causes, have brought about a better understanding among the business managers and editors, and to-day a better feeling exists among the newspaper journals and journalists, than ever before. And hence it is, that the newspaper press now commands a respect from the educated and patriotic people, and has a pecuniary support, in and out of the state, never before enjoyed. A half century ago there were two magnificent newspaper journals at Washington city, whose political utterances controlled the newspapers of the country, and in turn the newspapers out- side of Washington formed the political sentiments of the two grand parties of the country of those years. One was the National Intelligencer, the national organ of the old whig party ; the other, the Globe, the organ of the old democratic party. The two old parties received their orders through the two magnificent papers named, and there were none to object-none to rebel. Now, however, Washington city and its newspapers do not inspire the people of distant states-have really no influence whatever in molding public opinion or controlling public sentiment-certainly not in Mississippi. The public men and newspapers of the state now mold and control public sentiment here; and hence it is that more care is observed in the conduct of the state press, and that more patronage is bestowed. It is safe to say that the seventy-four counties of the state have to-day more than one hundred daily, weekly and monthly journals, and that all are well conducted and apparently prosperous. It is true, that now, Claiborne, Marschalk, McCardle, Price, Adams, Prewitt, Mason, Johnston, Hillyer, Botto, Grafton, Jenkins, Cooper, Barksdale, Watson and a host of others, who were magniti- cent editors in past years, are gone from the press-gone, as to the most of them, to that land whence no traveler returns, yet the press of the state to-day stands out in all its grand- eur, purity and strength, challenging the admiration of all intelligent and patriotic men of every race and nationality.

Mississippi, a rural state, without other publishing houses than those controlled by the

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county newspaper press, has offered few temptations and little encouragement to bookmakers, and yet if time was afforded-and considerable time would be needed-to assemble the facts the commonwealth would make quite a presentable showing.

In the matter of history, Col. J. H. F. Claiborne, of Natchez, in his story of the settle- ment and progress of the commonwealth, has left to chroniclers an amount of data that is invaluable.

Hon. Jefferson Davis, of Beauvoir, has given the world in his memoirs,-completed by his wife-a work that is destined to hold a lasting place in literature.

Gen. Reuben Davis, of Aberdeen, in his recollection of Mississippians written in his old age, has given the world a book of generally conceded power and merit.

Ex-Governor Lowry and Col. William H. McCardle, of Jackson, have just issued from the Clarion-Ledger press, of that city, a history of Mississippi that in addition to being exhaust- ive in its reach and scope is a work exhibiting literary excellence, and is soon to be followed by a school history from the same pens and press.

Miss Duval, of Sardis, has published a school history of Mississippi that possesses great merit and has been adopted as a text book in several counties.

Chancellor Edward Mayes, of the state university, has just completed-to be published under the auspices of the United States Bureau of Education-a history of education and educational institutions in the territory and state of Mississippi that will take rank as among the ablest books of the kind ever given to the American press.

Capt. John R. Lynch, of West Point, published, a few years ago, a book on the bar and bench of Mississippi that had an extensive sale and possessed great merit. He also pub- lished in book form a history of the thrilling events that occurred in Kemper county during the days of military reconstruction, that has been regarded as an important addition to the literature of that stormy period.

In general history, the rector of St. James (Protestant Episcopal) church of Port Gibson, Rev. Arthur Howard Noll, has written a small work of original research, bearing the title, A Short History of Mexico. Mr. Noll is also a magazine writer.

Several books of poems have been published by ladies of West Point since the war, chiefly meeting local demand.

Col. Holt, of Natchez, deceased, was the author of several works of fiction of rare excellence.

Prof. E. W. Hilgard, while a member of the faculty of the state university, wrote and pub- lished a work upon the geology of Mississippi that has ever since been regarded as an authority upon the subject. He was followed in the same line by Prof. Harper, with a valua- ble publication.

Miss Ellen Martin, of Vicksburg, has written a novel of considerable power, and has written much in other lines.

Miss Poitevant, of Pearlington, Miss., Johnnie Hunt, of Vicksburg, and many others whose names I can not hastily recall, have published charming collections of poems, and from the earliest days of Mississippi her local journals and those of Mobile, New Orleans and Memphis, have contained poems from the pens of Mississippi's sons and daughters that would be regarded as gems wherever published or read, and you can seldom open an issue of New Orleans Sunday paper, without finding in some poem or other writing of merit over a Mississippi name and date.

Magazine writing has largely engaged the attention of our people, and as we have no such publications within our bounds, the little waifs have generally found auditors among strangers,

FEDERALS.

CONFEDERATES.

May 25 to July 4, 1863.

SIEGE OF VICKSBURG,

SHREVEPORT

VICKSBURG

TUTTLE

MISSISSIPPI

VAUGHN

STEELE

BALDWIN

E M

BARTON

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CUMMINGS

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ER F

BRYANT

HALL

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HOVEY

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ORD

Mc CLERNAND

A. ZEESE & CO., ENGRS , CNS.

RIVER

VICKSBURG

SMITH

SHOUPE

0 RESERVE

FORNEY

SMITH HEBERT

LOGAN

LEE

RAILWAY

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Grant's

QUINBY

SMITH

CARR

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MC ARTHUR

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Headquarters

SHERMAN

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JACKSON

BOWEN'S

the map.

the country is not shown on

The very hilly condition of

ONE MILE

W. T.

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MEMOIRS OF MISSISSIPPI.

and the authors have been content to accept pecuniary compensation in lieu of local fame and neighborhood praise.

It is the vicinity of the factory and machine shop that prompts mechanical research and encourages inventing or at least patenting. It is the vicinage of publishing houses and mag- azine offices that encourages literary production and stimulates ambition to appear as authors or bookmakers. A few years ago, Maj. R. M. Bradford, of Aberdeen, wrote a most charming and beautiful fairy tale. Had a publishing house been convenient, he would probably have sought an audience, but being very poor and forced to work hard for a livelihood, he delayed sending forward his production, and it is probably now moldering among other hoarded papers.

Prof. G. M. Lovejoy, of Aberdeen, has recently written an epic poem that will make a book of several hundred pages, and probably create a decided sensation when given to the world. Men and women in various parts of this state are taking out a livelihood by receipts from prominent publications for stories, essays and poems. In dialect stories and poems-Negro dialect-many of our people have obtained entry to leading journals and magazines, and many a " prose poem " has come from pens, the world ought to know-in the way of news- paper communications-that were of very high and rare literary excellence.

In the lecture field and in the matter of contributions to medical journals and associa- tions, we have heard and read many wonderful Mississippi productions. Among the authors at this writing the following names occur: Dr. Hill, of Macon; Dr. Ward, of Winona; Drs. J. M. Greene, E. P. Sale, John T. Lowe and W. G. Evans, Jr., of Aberdeen; A. H. Whitfield and Edward Mayes, of Oxford; F. G. Barry, of West Point; E. H. Bristow, of Aberdeen; Major Magruder, of Vicksburg; Robert McIntosh, of Meridian; E. L. Russell, of Tupelo; Gen. S. D. Lee, of Starkville.

Among the writers who have published books in Mississippi upon practical or progres- sive themes, one may recall Dr. D. L. Phares, of Woodville, whose work upon the grasses and herbage plants of the gulf states is exhaustive upon those subjects and regarded in all quarters as standard authority. Dr. Phares has also published a work of great merit upon the diseases of domestic animals.

In the progressive line Mr. A. B. Hurst, of Winona, under commission from the agri- cultural department, a few years ago compiled and published a very valuable book in regard to the resources and productions of Mississippi.

In the field of statistics we have had many able writers, while finance and tariff have supplied texts that have given Mississippians great audiences through the magazines and metropolitan press. Among these writers in olden times was Robert J. Walker, whose pen won him the Federal treasury portfolio.

Lacking other fields, the tendency of Mississippi writers has been toward the newspaper press, and to-day one finds them mainly filling the Memphis " sanctuaries," and upon lead- ing journals in all large American cities, while in our state there are many obscure country journals whose columns in each succeeding issue contain as able editorials as the American press can anywhere exhibit. These people if invited into a broader field would win fame and fortune, but literature is timid as a general rule, and its true devotees are wofully lack- ing in all of the aggressive attributes of the pioneer. They do not know their own power, as a general rule, and where knowing it doubt their ability to obtain acknowledgment from others.

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CHAPTER X.

PHYSICIANS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS.

HE repeated references to the old physicians of Mississippi, made in other chapters of this work, leaves little to be written here. In all the principal American settle- ments of the state the physician was then found, but the sparse population and com- parative freedom from dangerous diseases, afforded him but little opportunity to exhibit those high qualities of mind and body which are manifested daily by his brother of modern times. There is scarcely a necessity for him to think; for he felt that

"God takes the good, too good on earth to stay, And leaves the bad, too bad to take away."

In 1828 some exception was taken to their views. Dr. Reuben Davis disagreed with their method of treatment pursued by Drs. Gray and Holland during the pneumonia epi- demic of that year. Their patients dying daily, even Dr. Davis confessed to a man named Harall that he killed one of his negro boys by the same treatment that Gray and Holland observed. Davis' bold confession and his advocacy of whisky and Peruvian bark, attached the people to him, and he was very successful. In 1838 he moved to Aberdeen from Athens. The rebellion against old methods has been carried on from that time down to 1870, when the whole system appears to have been revolutionized, and new ideas of cause, effect and remedy installed. Dr. Wirt Johnston, in his address to the medical association, in April, 1883, reviewed the profession in Mississippi as it stands to-day. He pointed to the progress made by the professon, and credited the association of physicians with that progress. He said:

"The association together of the members of a learned and liberal profession is not purposeless. The advancement of medical knowledge, the elevation of the character and standing of the profession and the enlargement of its sphere of usefulness to the public, and, incidentally, the enjoyment of social pleasures, are amoug the definite and practical objects in view. I dare say there is not one among us who does not return to his home after these annual meetings with a consciousness that something has been learned, with a more elevated opinion of his profession, and with freshly-aroused interest in the work before him. It is true that by individual effort one may acquire distinction and wealth, but it is to be expected that well-directed organized work alone will result in general and permanent good to the whole profession. I am proud to-day to be able to congratulate you upon the success and standing of this association. It is strong in numbers and intelligence, and upon its roll of members are the names of many of the most learned and eminent of the medical profession in the state. It can be said to be on a sure and permanent foundation, and it

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is safe to predict for it a future of great usefulness. Its scientific papers will compare favorably with those of kindred organizations, and have received favorable comment from the medical press of the country. This, while gratifying, should only serve to stimulate us to greater improvement.

"Scientific contributions, original in character, while being those most desired, receive the largest share of attention, and are calculated to reflect the greatest amount of credit upon their authors. But to originate, it is evident that the most patient research and investigation and careful observation are necessary. There are, however, broad, unculti- vated fields before us into which all earnest workers would be welcomed and which give promise of a rich harvest. The profession to-day seeks eagerly for every original contribu- tion and is ready to honor the author of every new discovery. We constantly encounter diseases whose etiology and pathology are imperfectly understood and whose treatment is not based upon sound principles. The list is long, and some time would be required to even enumerate them.

"There is one cause of disease especially, however, whose influence is so widespread and whose manifestations in their protean forms are so often encountered that it deserves and should receive a large share of our attention. To ascertain what malaria is would immortalize any one. To ascertain the exact pathology of and proper treatment for hæma- turic and other forms of hemorrhagic malarial fever, and malarial continued fever, would surely bring distinction. I venture to suggest to the association, as a means of encour- aging original investigation and research among our members, that prize essays be invited. A commendable spirit of competition might thus be aroused, which would, no doubt, result in the production of papers that would add to the reputation of their authors and reflect credit upon the association. The essays should be original in character and upon some practical subject. At each annual meeting a sum of money could be appropriated out of the treasury for the procurement of a suitable prize, a subject selected and a com- mittee appointed to decide between the competitors and award the prize. The prize essay and such of the others as may be deemed worthy and of sufficient interest could be read before the association. A number of interesting and valuable contributions to the literature of the profession might by this means be obtained.

"For the elevation of the character and standing of the medical profession and to enlarge its sphere of usefulness, this association, while it has already done much, is capable of doing more. Through it the physicians of the state are brought together annually for interchange of views, to place upon record such information of value as they may have acquired, and for the discussion of matters of interest to the profession with a view to the advancement of its interests. By it also the public are made aware that the physicians of the state are not behind in the march of progress, but are active in their efforts to advance science and are desirous, as citizens, of discharging the duty to the state for which they are peculiarly fitted by virtue of their calling.

"It was through your efforts that a law was enacted by the last legislature to regulate the practice of medicine in this state. A law which, if it should continue in operation, and is wisely administered, is sure, in the course of time, to elevate the character of the profes- sion. It will not only accomplish this, but will also result in even more good to the people of the state, as by it they will be protected in life from the ignorance of the incompetent, and in purse from the cupidity of quacks. Section seventeen of the law is liberal in its spirit, and was so construed by the attorney-general, and under its provisions some obtained , license, it is true, who fall short of the standard erected by this association for the admission

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of its members and who are not physicians in accordance with a strictly technical definition of the term. This section became inoperative after June 30, 1882, at which time the pros- pective operation of the law commenced. Now only two kinds of licenses are provided for, one of which serves a temporary purpose only, as it becomes void at the time of the first meeting of the censors succeeding its issuance, and which, under the rules of the board of health, can only be issued to graduates; the other can only be procured after passing a sat- isfactory examination before the censors. It seems to me that the standard thus erected is high enough, and that the only point in the law as it now stands upon which there could be any difference of opinion among the members of the regular profession, is the requirement that those holding diplomas from medical colleges of good standing shall also undergo an examination. It was doubtless thought by the authors of the law that it would be proper in urging its passage to give to the legislature the assurance that regular graduates were willing to be subjected to the same test as to competency as it was asked should be applied to those who hold no diplomas.

"As it may be of some interest to those present to learn something of the number and char- acter of the licentiates, as well as the result of the examinations by the censors, the follow- ing statement is made:, Number of licenses issued under the provisions of section seventeen of the law, 1,785; number issued after examination by the censors, 55; making a total of 1,840 licentiates. This, it is fair to presume, approximates closely to the number of practi- tioners of medicine in this state. Taking the last census of the state it shows that there is one licentiate to about every 615 of population. There are, as shown by the applications, 1,180 graduates, 149 non-graduates, and 511 who fail to state whether or not they are grad- uates, and whom it is fair to suppose are not graduates, or they would have so stated in their applications. The licentiates belong to the different schools of practice as follows: Regular and allopathic, 158; eclectic, 84; homeopathic, 11; botanic, 7; botanic and eclectic, 4; allo - pathic and mineral, 5; eclectic and allopathic, 8; mineral, 11; allopathic and botanic, 2; Eclectic or reformed, 1; hydropathic, 1; eclectic, allopathic and homeopathic, 1; dosimetric, 1; physio-medical, 1; idiopathic, 1; herb doctor 1; root doctor, 1; and 119 who either state no school or use obscure expressions. The censors have examined 60 applicants, of which 55 received a favorable endorsement and 5 were refused license.

"In another particular, gentlemen, you are not only up with the times, but occupy a posi- tion in the front of the army of progress. It was with you that the idea of a state board of health originated, and through your efforts that it came into existence. At first, it is true, it was created without power and pecuniary means, but by your assistance it is now clothed with ample power, has abundant resources at its command, and is in a position to render efficient service to the state.

"Preventive medicine, yet in its infancy, has made wonderful progress in late years, and has already been of incalculable benefit to mankind, but it is reasonable to assume that future investigations, conducted with the same precision that has characterized them in the past, will elucidate much that is now obscure in the etiology of disease, and as a consequence lead on to accurate methods of prevention. Let me suggest that this subject presents an inviting field for investigation and is worthy of the attention of every one who is desirous of contributing to science or who has the good of mankind at heart. That the public are not fully informed of the great protection that proper sanitation offers to their health and lives is but too evident. It is a subject which does not receive the share of attention it deserves, and upon us especially it devolves to inform the people of its importance."

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 38

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314