USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska > Part 54
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
Numerous changes have occurred in the personnel of the faculty from time to time since the establishment of the college. In 1882,Donald Macrae, M.D., of Council Bluffs, became a member of the faculty as professor of gynecology, and has remained in various capacities to the present time. In 1883, Ewing Brown, M. D., was elected to the po- sition of demonstrator of anatomy, and in the following year was made professor of anatomy, which chair he continues to oc- cupy. In 1884, Dr. L. F. McKenna became a member of the faculty, as professor of clin- ical medicine, which position he held until 1889, when he resigned to be succeeded by Dr. W. O. Bridges. In 1884, also, Dr. W. F. Milroy accepted the position of demonstra- tor of anatomy. He occupied this position during two sessions of the college. after which he was transferred to the professor- ship of histology, general pathology and hygiene. In 1891 he was assigned to a new chair of clinical medicine, retaining the sub- ject of hygiene. General pathology and histology were given in charge of Drs. H. L. Hewetson and W. R. Lavender respectively. Dr. L. D. Abbott, of Fremont, Nebraska, was in 1884 elected professor of theory and practice of medicine, and occupied that posi- tion two years. In 1886, Dr. Joseph Neville was elected professor of clinical surgery. In 1887, Dr. J. E. Summers, Jr., was elected
to, and still occupies, the chair of principles and practice of surgery.
In 1890, a number of changes were made. Dr. W. Il. Christie was elected to the chair of materia medica and therapeutics, made vacant by the resignation of Dr. Carter, Dr. 11. C. Van Gieson was chosen professor of physiology, while Dr. Gibbs was associated with Dr. Macrae in the chair of theory and practice of medicine. Dr. C. M. G. Biart was appointed lecturer on dermatology, and Dr. Harold Gifford, lecturer on bacteriology. Laboratories were established this year, also, for the purpose of affording practical in- struction in histology and pathology.
In 1891, by a mutual agreement between the parties interested, the Omaha Medical College became the medical department of the University of Omaha, the chancellor of the university thereby becoming an officer of the medical college.
This year also witnessed material changes in the faculty of the college. Dr. George Wilkinson succeeded Dr. Van Gieson in the chair of physiology; Dr. F. S. Thomas, of Council Bluffs, having previously assisted Dr. Macrae, was elected professor of diseases of the mind, and Dr. Oscar Hoffman assumed the duties of the chair of dermatology.
In 1892 three of the incorporators of the college who, throughout its history, had been among its most active workers, withdrew from the faculty. These were Dr. R. C. Moore, Dr. P. S. Leisenring and Dr. G. H. Peebles. They were succeeded respectively by Drs. II. M. McClanahan, E. W. Chase and Sherman Van Ness. These changes came about, not through any unfriendly feeling on the part of college or professor, but because of circumstances in each case on account of which each wished to be relieved of his duties to the college.
Further alterations were effected in the assignment of Dr. Wilkinson to the new chair of electro-therapeutics, Dr. C. C. Alli- son assuming that of physiology; Dr. A. F. Jonas succeeded Dr. Neville as professor of
362
HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAIIA.
clinical surgery; Dr. Gifford, in addition to bacteriology, was made clinical professor of ophthalmology and otology, and Drs. D. Y. Graham and C. L. Mullins were made assistants to the demonstrator of anatomy.
It thus appears that by making the numer- ous changes in the faculty that have been enumerated, and adding from time to time those having made a special study of the several departments of medical science, who have made Omaha their home, the college has acquired a corps of instructors who are competent to furnish a medical education broad and deep.
The completion of Immanuel Hospital, an institution most excellent in its manage- ment and equipment, which is under the exclusive medical control of members of the staff of this college; the well known good character of the Clarkson Memorial IIospi- tal, which also derives its medical service from this faculty; the large aggregation of the sick in the Douglas County Hospital; and the Methodist llospital, whose good character is attested by its constant inabili- ty to accommodate the applicants requiring its service-both practically under the above medical management-all combine to give the college every desired clinical advantage.
It thus appears that Omaha, as the me- tropolis of a vast territory, offers the resi- dents thereof facilities for securing a medi- cal education that are unsurpassed.
On May 30, 1892, was founded the Jobn A. Creighton Medical College, being the medical department of The Creighton Uni- versity. The following physicians constitute the faculty of this institution:
A. W. Riley, Paul Grossman, W. J. Gal- braith, B. F. Crummer, P. S. Keogh, H. P. Jensen, J. P. Lord, J. H. Peabody, D. C. Bryant, H. L. Burrell, S. K. Spaulding, W. R. Martin, C. Rosewater, F. E. Coulter, W. M. Barritt, J. D. Peabody, A. Johnson, G. H. Brash, together with Mr. W. S. Robinson.
As yet this faculty has not had the oppor- tunity to demonstrate its right to exist. It
surely is not, however, too much to expect that a body of men of such eminent ability, laboring together under the anspices of so important an institution of learning, will do much to advance the interests of medical science, and to establish the importance of Omaha as a centre of medical education, of the most thorough character.
It is to the periodical literature that we must look for the general diffusion of knowl- edge in medicine, as well as in other depart- ments of thought. With competent ob- servers the experience of all is equally valuable and it is the record of this experi- ence that, taken together, comprises the sum of knowledge.
In March, 1887, Mr. II. J. Penfold estab- lished the Omaha Clinic, a monthly periodi- cal designed to further the interests of med- icine in this portion of the west. Through the difficulties of its early struggle for ex- istence the Clinic was successfully lead by Dr. J. C. Denise, as editor. The Clinic is now edited by Dr. George Wilkinson, under whose management it has made steady ad- vancement in excellence.
In April, 1892, the Omaha Microscopic Society was formed. Its membership con- sisted almost entirely of physicians, and its object was the perfecting of its members in the use of the microscope in the study of normal and diseased structures in connection with the practice of medicine. Its member- ship has reached about thirty, and it gives every evidence of enjoying a long and use- ful life.
Prior to 1891 all efforts to secure the leg- islation necessary to protect the people of Nebraska from being a prey to medical quacks had been of little avail. The con- sequence was that Nebraska occupied a posi- tion in the rear of the states in their pro- gress in this direction.
In the spring of 1890, agitation was com- menced with renewed energy to secure the much needed legislation. While notable service was rendered in this work by a num-
Wood Fr.2.
363
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
ber of physicians, not residents of the city, Omaha may fairly lay claim to the credit of the splendid results which were achieved. The funds needed for pushing the work were contributed mainly, though not entirely, by Omaha physicians, and a great amount of effort was given by them. Attorneys were employed to draft a bill. Candidates for the legislature were interviewed and pledged to the support of adequate medical legislation. in case of their election. Physicians were present continuously, during the session of the legislature, to resist the efforts, thor- oughly organized, to defeat the measure. In short, it was only by the most untiring vigi- lance and earnestness of effort that the law of March, 1891, was secured.
This much having been accomplished, in order that the law might not join the throng of "dead letters" upon the statute books, the Douglas County Medico-Legal Associa- tion was organized in Omaha on July 31,1891. The officers of the association were: Dr. Jo- weph Neville, president; Dr. E. E. Womersley, vice-president; Dr. George Wilkinson, secre- tary, and Dr. C. G. Sprague, treasurer.
This association was not intended to take the place of the authorities established by the new law for its enforcement, but only to second their efforts. Shortly before the enactment of the new law, a strong effort had been made by the Omaha Medical Society to enforce the then existing law of 1881 and 1883. It was the special design to ascertain, by its practical application, wherein this law was defective. The result of this effort was that many of the quacks were driven from the State; and yet many points were discovered at which there was great . room for improvement in the laws. After the organization of the medico-legal associa- tion, the work of the Omaha Medical Society in this direction received the attention of the former organization. It was through its agency that proofs were furnished and pros- ecutions carried to successful issue in Omaha, and the army of quacks completely routed.
Mere show of force was in many cases enough, others fought it out and were defeated.
No effort was made in this bill to create a sanitary board in the state board of health, as a concentration of effort upon the one question-the regulation of the practice of medicine-was thought to promise better results. It is true that. in most of the states, sanitary measures have preceded the medical practice act, but the course adopted liere was so successful that the law which now governs the practice of medicine in Nebraska is superior to that of any state in the Union.
It is frequently remarked that large cities are a detriment to the State in which they are found, but in this instance at least, Ne- braska owes to Omaha her heart-felt thanks.
It should be added that the work of the medical profession above described was earnestly seconded by the homeopathic and eclectic schools in the State.
The medical profession of Omaha needs no apologist. Contentions and cut-throat methods and misunderstandings there may have been in years gone by, but, like the city itself, the profession liaving come to maturity, has put away such childish things as these. It is pervaded, to a marked de- gree, by a spirit of harmony and of earnest work for the advancement of medical science and the honor of the profession. The stand- ard of attainment of its representatives is an elevated one, and Omaha may well take pride in her medical sons and daughters, as also may any man or woman feel honored in being known as an Omaha physician.
[Dr. W. Il. Hanchett contributes the fol- lowing sketch of the homeopathie prac- titioners of Omaha.]
Homeopathy in Nebraska has had a happy growth. This school of medicine, born with the immortal Hahnemann, in 1755, may be likened unto this beautiful State-though in existence for past ages, yet unknown to man and only a waste; but, when discovered, at
364
HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAHA.
once blooming into beauty and usefulness. The soil in this young State seemed fertile for the thrifty plant of the new school, and it has grown commensurate with Nebraska's wealth and population.
HIomcopathy was very fortunate in hav- ing for its first representative here Dr. A. S. Wright, now of Santa Rosa, California. Dr. Wright came to Omaha when it was the capital of the territory, in 1862. lle was a bright, ambitious young physician of more than ordinary ability, a graduate of the Pulte Medical College of Cincinnati. After practicing a short time in Indiana, he came to the then young and prosperous City of ()maha to cast his lot and fortune with those sturdy young men who had the eye of faith to see that the little city of 2,000 or 2,500 souls would be multiplied by hundreds in the near future and that the "star of em- pire" would surely "westward take its way." The homes that were visited by the doctor were among the comfortable ones of the city and the names enrolled on his ledgers have played prominent parts in the history, not only of the city, but of the State. Dr. Wright was among those who bought property in these early times, and we are glad to know that a man who has borne his burden so successfully, so man- fully, can rest in a competency in his de- elining years.
Homeopathy then, even in those early days, had a strong exponent in Dr. A. S. Wright, and he laid a firm foundation for the wonderful popularity which has ever characterized the school in Omaha and Ne- braska. From 1862 to 1868 he was the only homeopath in the State, and the only homeo- path in Omaha till 1868. In that year came Dr. W. II. II. Sisson from New Bedford. Massachusetts, a man of fine presence and genial nature, bringing with him the attain- ments of a first-class surgeon. He died in Omaha in 1873.
Following Dr. Sisson, in 1868, came Dr. O. S. Wood, who is with us yet. To Dr.
Wood the school of homeopathy owes much. He has " borne the burden and heat of the day" in advancing the interests of its work in the State, and is still in active practice. Drs. Earhart and Manden came in the fol- lowing year from Philadelphia. They formed a partnership and built up a lucra- tive practice. However, Dr. Earhart, through the influence of friends, moved to Fremont, in this State, where he after- wards gained a fine practice. Dr. F. Saxen - berger came to Omaha in 1871, where he lived four years, afterwards leaving on ac- count of his health. In the next year Dr. E. F. Hoyt came from Grand Rapids, Mich- igan, remaining in the city a short time in partnership with Dr. Wood. In 1874, Dr. J. M. Borglum, a student with Dr. Sisson, after graduating at the St. Louis Homeo- pathic Medical College, began practice in Omaha. He afterwards removed to Fre- mont; but, feeling that Omaha was to be the western commercial center, came back to the city and is in practice here at the present time. In 1875 came Dr. Il. C. Jes- son, from Chicago, and Dr. II. A. Worley, from Davenport. Dr. Worley came from a partnership with his father-who had done pioneer work for the school in lowa-re- mained till 1879, when he returned to Daven- port and staid there till the death of his father, when he again came to Omaha and entered partnership with Dr. C. M. Dinsmore. In 1878 Dr. C. M. Dinsmore, who died Decem- ber 8, 1890, came to Omaha from Missouri. To no physician in the State is more credit due for earnest, effective work in furthering homeopathic interests in the matter of medi- cal legislation.
In this same year came Dr. John Ahman- son, who, though he took up the study of' medicine in later life, thoroughly mas- tered his profession. He was a member of the State Legislature in 1871, and enjoyed a lucrative practice till his death in August, 1891. In 1880 Miles B. Gifford came from New York and entered into a partner-
ANHauchett
Cuchia Burroughs
365
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
ship with Dr. Dinsmore, where he remained one year, returning to New York. The same year Dr. C. L. Hart came to our city. During the brief existence of the medical department of the State University of Ne- braska, Dr. IIart occupied the chair of mate- ria medica. In the succeeding years came Drs. G. II. Parsell, Francis M. Jackson, E. Stillman, B. Spencer, Amelia Burroughs, W. II. Hanchett, R. W. Connell, Mary J. Breck- inridge, II. S. Knowles, C. G. Sprague, E. T. Allen, W. II. Parsons, Emma J. Davies, G. W. Williams, W. B. Willard, C. W. Hayes, E. L. Alexander, C. M. Campbell, J. W. Barnsdall, Mrs. H. B. Davies, Freda M. Lankton, W. A. Ilumphrey, D. A. Foote and II. P. Holmes. Among these are men and women who are ambitious, hard-working physicians, bearing in their hands diplomas earned by years of hard and patient work in the best colleges of our country; men and women who are abreast with the times; men and women who are not only practitioners, but standards; men and women who are to- day entering the households of the intelli- gence and wealth of this beautiful city.
The organization of a flourishing State medical society is largely due to Omaha physicians. In 1873 Dr. A. S. Wright gath- ered together eight physicians who met at Lincoln on the 2d day of September. Dr. E. M. Hurlbut was elected president and Dr. A. S. Wright first vice-president. Among Omaha physicians who have been president of the State society, and have done efficient work in furthering the interests in the State, are A. S. Wright, O. S. Wood, C. M. Dins- more, C. L. Ilart. The present officers of the society are: president, W. II. IIanchett, of Omaha; vice-president, W. A. IIumphrey, of Plattsmouth; secretary, Willis Bnck, of Minden; treasurer, O. S. Wood, of Omaha. Omaha has a successful local society, whose officers are: president, C. G. Sprague; vice-
president, G. II. Parsell; secretary, Freda M. Lankton; treasurer, D. A. Foote.
Homeopathy has nothing to fear for the future. It is no longer a question whether it is a success or not. Hospital wards and sick rooms speak with no uncertain sound. It is known by its fruits, and demands at least the tolerance of all fair minded men and women. As to its future in Omaha, we may, at least, predict a continuance of the wonderful growth of the last few years. Men of scholarship and ripe learning are coming into its ranks every day, and find enough, and more than enough, for all to do.
Since writing the foregoing many changes have taken place in the local societies of Omaha and Nebraska, but the period has been one of prosperity and continued growth. A law was passed by the Nebraska State Legislature in 1891 with a view to the regulation of the practice of medicine in the State of Nebraska. One of the requirements of the law was that there should be four members of the State Medi- cal Board of Health, two of which were to be appointed from the allopathic school, one from the homeopathic and one from the eclectic. Dr. E. T. Allen, of Omaha, was honored by the Governor of the State with the appointment of the secretaryship for the homeopathic school and he has done much towards the advancement of the inter- ests of the homeopathic school. It may be remarked with a feeling of pride that this medical board recognize the diplomas of every homeopathic medical college in the United States, thus showing that our schools of medicine are thorough in the require- ments of their graduates.
It may also be said that recently several members of the homeopathic school have been appointed to important positions on the staff of the Douglas County Hospital, which is supported by public tax.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
DENTISTRY IN OMAHA -THE PIONEERS IN TIIAT LINE - IMPROVEMENTS OF LATER YEARS.
The first dentist locating in Omaha, was Rev. William Leach, who organized the first Baptist church; but he followed the business only to the extent of eking out his salary, somewhat, as a minister. Mr. Leach came here in 1855, remaining only a short time. Dr. Benjamin Stickles, the first fire warden in Omaha, located in this city in 1858, and had an office and residence on Harney Street just west of Twelfth; and, until 1866, he and a Dr. L. G. Canfield were the only dentists in the town. In 1866, Dr. Stickles, a strong, robust man, sold out his business to Dr. J. S. Charles, and went to New York State for the benefit of his wife's health, as she was an in- valid. For several years he was employed as conductor on the Schenectady Railroad, and then died, his invalid wife surviving him. In the latter part of 1866. a Dr. Smith opened a dental office in a frame building on lower Farnam Street, used by Dewey & Stone as a furniture store, which building had been moved down from Florence. But he remained only a few months, and alf of the dentistry business of Omaha was at- tended to by Dr. Charles and Dr. Canfield for two years, the former having his office in the Visscher Block, and the latter in the second story of what was then known as the Commercial Block, on the southwest corner of Douglas and Fourteenth, and later on, in the Cahn building, northeast corner of Far- nam and Fourteenth, Then Dr. C. II. Paul and Dr. J. P. Porter came to divide the pat- ronage, and Charles and Paul formed a part- nership which continued for several years. In 1869, Dr. Bond, a son of Rev. Bond, the Unitarian clergyman, located here and had
an office in the Commercial Block, but left the city in 1871. Dr. F. W. Thompson came to Omaha from Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1869, and in 1871 removed to Chicago. Dr. Thomas M. Barton established himself in business, in 1871, in an office in the Visscher Block, but did not remain long; and in the same year Dr. Robert II. Bohn opened an office at 181 (old number) Farnam Strect. This number was on the north side of Far- nam, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth, in which block several dental establishments were located, during a long period, and the name " Dentist Row," was given that local- ity. Dr. A. S. Billings came in 1873, and Dr. A. W. Nason the following year; and in 1875 the two formed a partnership under the name of Billings & Nason, which continued for half a dozen years or so. In 1874, Dr. Edward Neve, who had been a watchmaker with John Baumer, on lower Farnam Street, hung out his sign as a dentist at 171 Farnam (between Thirteenth and Fourteenth), after having qualified himself for that pursuit by a course of study. In 1879, Dr. A. P. John- son, a student in the office of Charles & Paul, established himself in business on his own account, in " Dentist Row," where he has since remained. In April of that year Dr. G. W. Wertz located in Omaha, in a frame building standing where Mr. Samuel Burns' crockery store is now located. In December, 1881, he came near losing his life by a fire which destroyed a clothing store adjoining his office on the east. The stock in this store had been heavily insured a short time before, and an investigation made by the authorities resulted in one of the most noted criminal
366
367
DENTISTRY.
trials ever witnessed in this country. The insurance companies interested employed John M. Thurston, Esq., to assist District Attorny N. J. Burnham in prosecuting the case, the result being that two men served a term in the penitentiary for the erime of arson. Frank Currier, a well-known and popular photographer, occupied the upper floor of the building fired, and was asleep at the time in a room opening into his pieture gallery. It was by the barest chance that he escaped with his life, losing all of his furni- ture, material and personal effects. Ile was never able to recover from this disaster, as he had no insurance; and, after a few years of struggles and disappointments, death eame to his relief under circumstances which led to the belief on the part of his friends that it had not come unsought.
Omaha has now twenty-two dentists, the majority of them quartered in elegant offiees, provided with all of the latest appliances and inventions in the dental line, and in this direction the inventive genius of the eoun- try has not been idle. Henee, though the extracting of molars has not yet become a luxury to be eagerly sought after, the opera- tion is shorn of many of its old-time terrors; and the filling of dental cavities is now much more quickly and substantially done than in the days of Dr. Benjamin Stiekles, the pio- neer dentist and fireman of Omaha. The State boasts a dental association which holds
annual meetings, and the Omaha members do their share in making those meetings profitable and interesting. It is the out- growth of the Missouri Valley Association, organized some fifteen years ago, of which Dr. A. S. Billings was secretary several terms. The Nebraska Dental Association was organized in 1879.
Among the improvements in the dental business which have come into use in this city during the past few years, may be men- tioned the dental engine patented by S. S. White, by means of which cavities are bored out in much less time than for- merly. It is said that this invention was first applied to shearing sheep by an Ohio man, who was discouraged when he found that it elipped off the hide of the sheep as well as the wool, and that he then threw the machine aside as worthless. The idea was then elaborated by Mr. White, who seeured a patent, and has made fame and fortune thereby. Gold erowns and enamel faeings, now so common, were not known in Omaha dentistry of the early period, and the labor- atory work of those days received no aid from the electrical apparatus now used. The eleetrie mallet, by which two thousand strokes per minute may be given in driving the filling into a cavity, has supplanted the tedious process of former years, and in every particular the dentists of this eity have kept pace with their brethren of the eastern eities.
CHAPTER XL.
POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS-GREAT RESULTS FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS - THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.