A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 26

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102

USA > New York > Allegany County > A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York > Part 26

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).

Halsey E. Cooley, M. D., was born in East Fayette, Seneca county, June 3, 1867. He took an academic course and read medicine at Geneva, and with Dr. F. D. Pierce at Union Springs, and graduated from the med- ical department of the University of Buffalo, March 24, 1891. He began practice in Belfast and settled in Angelica in 1894.

ANDOVER .- It is said that Rev. Jabez Spicer who was also a physician, was the first to practice medicine here. The exact date of his settlement is not known, but it must have been very early. This is related of him: Receiving an urgent call to visit a patient, just as he was beginning his usual Sunday sermon he announced that the meeting would stand adjourned for two hours, and " straddling" his horse he went several miles, visited his patient, returned and resumed the services where they had been dropped. Succeeding Dr. Spicer came Dr. Joel French, and Thaddeus Baker, M. D., was the third.

Thaddeus Baker, M. D. (son of Thaddeus Baker,) was born in Poultney, Rutland Co., Vt., 1806, and came with his father to Andover in 1807. Mr. Baker, Sen., located 400 acres of land where the village of Andover now stands, and resided till his death, in 1845, where Dr. Baker always lived. Dr. Baker was justice of the peace sixteen years and several years school inspector and town clerk. In 1835 he married Miss Sarah Spicer, of Ando- ver. He was a physician for 50 years.

Dr. John J. Harmon was the next. John J. Harmon, M. D., was born May 6, 1817, in Almond. He attended Alfred University and studied medi. cine with Drs. Hartshorn and Rider. He was graduated from the Geneva Medical College in 1844, and located in Andover. He married Eliza A. Clark of Geneseo. He practised fifteen years and then relinquished practice. He was supervisor of Andover for several terms. He died June 18, 1884. Of their 7 children, all but 2, Alice (Mrs. C. N. Dolson of Hornellsville) and Miles of Andover, died in infancy. Mrs. Harmon died in the spring of 1895.

Dr. Harmon was succeeded by Dr. W. W. Crandall, who, after a few years of extensive and successful practice, removed to Wellsville. In 1872-3,

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Dr. Daniel Lewis, now of New York, and president of the State Board of Health, was associated with Dr. Crandall.

Next was Edwin M. Stillman, M. D., son of Daniel P., who was born in Almond, Dec. 12, 1841. He attended school at Alfred University, studied medicine with Dr. C. D. Robinson and Dr. W. W. Crandall in Andover and was graduated from the Buffalo Medical College in 1865. He practiced his profession 6 months in his native town, then came to Andover and was with Dr. W. W. Crandall 4 years, then practiced 6 years and a half in Alfred. In the fall of 1874, he returned to Andover where he has been in practice, and since 1879 has been in the drug business. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and is licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy. Dr. Stillman was postmaster of Andover 3 years, and town clerk two terms. He married Eliza, daughter of Menzo Bundy, and has one child, Ada M., the wife of A. B. Richardson.

Albert Durand, M. D., located at Andover in 1855. He was surgeon of 141st N. Y. S. V. He died in 1871.

Norton P. Brainard, M. D., son of Smith Brainard, was born June 14, 1850, attended Richburg Academy, studied medicine with Dr. W. W. Cran- dall, was graduated from the medical department of the University of New York city in 1877, and commenced practice at Andover, where he is now located, in 1877.

Francis E. Comstock, M. D., son of Martin L. Comstock, was born in Andover, Sept. 3, 1860. He studied with Dr. N. P. Brainard and was grad- uated from the University of New York and practiced 3 years in Andover. He passed the year 1886 in the London (Eng.) Hospital, then returned to Andover and in 1891 took a post-graduate course at Philadelphia, and has since practiced in Andover. In 1885, Dr. Comstock received a diploma from the State Pharmaceutical Association. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and Hornellsville Medical and Surgical Association, and of the lodge of F. & A. M., No. 558. Dr. Comstock married in 1883, Olive A., a danghter of Smith Brown of Wirt. Their children were, Rock L. and Mildred. Dr. Comstock married second, Miss Sarah E., daughter of Samuel F. Hanks of Wellsville, Nov. 27, 1895.

C. W. O'Donnell, M. D., was born in Andover, Nov. 18, 1860. He at- tended Andover Union School, Alfred University, and in 1884 was graduated from the University of New York, and took a post graduate course at the New York Polytechnic Institute in 1890. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and Hornellsville Medical Association. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Dr. W. W. Crandall and was 3 years a student with him, and practiced nearly 3 years as his partner. Dr. O'Donnell is a member of the lodge of F. & A. M., No. 558.

ALFRED .- John Bowen Collins was the third son of Stephen and Edith (Whaley) Collins, and grandson of John and Mehitabel Bowen Collins, Rhode Island Quakers. He was born in Brookfield, Madison county, July 30, 1794. With money earned by teaching, at an early age he entered the near-

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est academy, where he acquired the rudiments of Latin, algebra, natural philosophy, and astromony. He studied medicine with Dr. Eli S. Bailey of Brookfield, married Catharine Burdick in 1816, and removed to Alfred in 1820, settling at Alfred Station. Dr. Collins was the first to acquire a med- ical practice in the town, and as long as he lived he was the leading physi- cian of the section; his practice extending over a large territory. Although his work was done among the earliest settlers, all of whom were poor, he was prompt to respond to every call; the question of remuneration being the last one considered; yet, besides rearing and educating a large family, he acquired a fair competence. Dr. Collins was not only the chief physician but a leader in the affairs of the town and county. A promoter of the first district schools of the town, and, for many years, school inspector. In 1831 he, with Judge Clark Crandall and Joseph Goodrich, represented the town of Alfred in a movement which originated in Allegany county for the build- ing of the Erie Railway. In the years 1832 and 1833 he represented his county in the state legislature. He was one of the organizers of Alfred Academy and a member of its first board of trustees. He was the first to deliver a temperance lecture in Alfred, and organized its first temperance society. A man of large frame, rugged features, stern of mien, yet gentle in spirit, he had a passion for literature and all learning, and wasa good writer not only of prose but also of verse. He died suddenly, August 27, 1851, universally respected and deeply mourned. His sons are Prof. John Collins of Dalton, Ga., Amos B., Esq., and Lorenzo D. of Alfred, and William of Missouri. His eldest daughter, Amorilla, became the wife of Dr. Daniel Babcock, and the youngest, Theresa, married Dr. Henry Oviatt, both of Wisconsin.

Dr. John R. Hartshorn was born in Lebanon, Madison county, in Au- gust, 1813, and was graduated from Fairfield Medical College in 1834. In 1835 he came here and formed a partnership with Dr. John B. Collins. After the death of Dr. Collins he was for many years the leading physician of the town, with an extensive and lucrative practice. He was a member of the legislature in 1852, and supervisor of Alfred in 1855. He was a trustee of Alfred Academy and University from 1841 until 1871. In later life he en- gaged successfully in real estate speculations. He married, first, Sophia, daughter of Samuel White of Whitesville, and second, Mrs. Lura A. Spencer Van Buskirk of Alfred. He died in Alfred June 12, 1871.

William M. Truman, M. D., was born in Preston, Chenango county, May 21, 1813. He began the study of medicine when sixteen, and received his diploma from the Fairfield Medical College on his 21st birthday. In the same year he married Miss Huldah L. Babcock of Scott. He practiced first at Otselic, afterwards at Scott, and in 1840 removed to Richburg, and from there in 1862 to Alfred. Dr. Truman at first was a partner of Dr. Hartshorn, but for many years carried on his practice alone. In his later years he divided the business of the town chiefly with Dr. H. P. Saunders. For nine years he was coroner. He died in 1885.

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Dr. Elisha C. Green was born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1817. His parents removed to Friendship in 1832. He received his education in the common schools, and passed four years in the study of medicine with Dr. Jonas Wellman, and in 1838 attended the Berkshire Medical Institution. He re- ceived a diploma from the Allegany County Medical Association in 1839, and then practiced with Dr. Wellman a short time. After about 12 years prac- tice out of the state, he located at Alfred Station in 1851 and has been in successful practice since. During the 44 years in Alfred he has not lost a day by reason of ill health, or failed to respond to a professional call.

Henry P. Saunders, M. D., son of Clark Saunders, was born in Wester- ly, R. I., November 24, 1821. He was educated at the common schools, then studied medicine with Dr. W. H. Wilbur, of North Providence, and was graduated from the University of New York City in 1852. In 1853 he locat- ed at Little Genesee, and after a residence there of 3 years he settled at Al- fred Centre, where he has since practiced his profession. He married Mary A. Crandall, and has 4 children.

Mark Sheppard, M. D., the son of William T. and Abigail Davis Shep- pard, was born at Shiloh, N. J., March 14, 1838. He was educated at Shiloh, DeRuyter, and Alfred Academy. He went to Kansas in 1856 to engage in the struggle against the "Border Ruffians," and later returned to Alfred. In 1861 he enlisted in the 23d Regiment, and served one year. Resuming his studies in the University, he was graduated in 1863. He then taught some years, and engaged in the book and stationary business at Alfred. In 1878 he graduated from the Medical Department of the University of the City of New York, and has since practiced medicine in Alfred. During several years he was a trustee of Alfred University, and part of the time secretary of the board. He married, first, Mary E. Coon, second, Edna L. Crandall.

Henry Clark Coon, A. M., M. D., (see Alfred University.)

Dr. Irving Truman, nephew of W. M. Truman, was in practice for a while. He is now located at Hornellsville.

George E. Burdick, M. D., son of Rev. Stephen Burdick, was born Nov. 23, 1863, in Leonardsville. He was educated at Alfred University, where he was graduated, Ph. B. and C. E., in 1886. He studied medicine with Dr. Sheppard of Alfred and Dr. S. Carr Maxson of Utica, and was graduated from the University of New York in 1887, and in 1888 he located at Lawn Ridge, Ill. In 1892 he came to Alfred Station. Dr. Burdick carries the honor of president of the County Medical Society. He was elected coroner in 1895. He married Nora J. Brown.

ALMA was one of the last towns to be settled, and its proximity to Wells- ville, which has always been well supplied with physicians, has evidently discouraged the settlement of resident physicians. A. W. Kahle, M. D., now of Lima, Ohio, was located here about six years.

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Frank N. Smith, M. D., son of Orlin Smith, was born in Belmont, April 23, 1829. He attended school at Alfred University and in 1852 went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he read medicine, and in 1856 was graduated from the Iowa Medical College and commenced practice at Fort Madison, where he received the appointment of physician to the Iowa Penitentiary. He served in the Civil War as surgeon in the 148th Illinois regiment with rank of major, and was honorably mustered out at the close of the war. He was then located for a short time at Peoria, then returned to Belmont where he prac- ticed several years, and established himself in Allentown about 1884. In 1856 he married Lucy W. Peck of Lowell, Mass. Of their 6 children, 4 sur- vive. Dr. Smith is a member of the Allegany County Medical Society and has been a contributor to medical publications. He is a Free Mason, an Odd Fellow, belongs to the A. O. U. W .. has been twice a representative of its Grand Lodge, and is a member of the Knights of Labor.

ALMOND .- A. L. Dawson was said to be the first physician who lived in Almond, although Dr. Pease, who lived between Almond and Karr Valley, was one of the first. He afterwards moved to Friendship. Asa Lee David- son was one of the next physicians, and was a very prominent man. He was elected the seventh supervisor of the town and he was also member of assembly for Allegany county. Dr. Davidson sold out to Dr. Charles and also moved to Friendship. Dr. Charles moved to Angelica and died there eminent in his profession. Dr. Reed succeeded Dr. Charles and then came Dr. A. L. Cady, a graduate of Yale College and a most prominent physician. He built the house now occupied by Sylvanus Young, was nominated for Congress in 1844, on the Whig (Burney) ticket, ran against Martin Grover and was defeated by a small majority. He was an eminent advocate of tem- perance at an early day and a strong anti-slavery man. He died in 1846. Dr. Charles D. Robinson came from the eastern part of the state, settled in Angelica first, moved to Burns, and on the death of Dr. Cady, came to Al- mond in 1847, and in 1849 was elected state senator from Allegany and Wyoming counties. Dr. Robinson moved to Hornellsville and died about 1874. Dr. William B. Alley lived and practiced here about the same time with Dr. Robinson. Dr. J. W. Black next practiced in Almond. He was supervisor several terms, moved to Bath and died a few years ago. Dr. Hagadorn married the daughter of J. M. Wetherby, practiced medicine here a few years and now is practicing near Buffalo. Dr. Zachariah Dildine was born at Hornellsville and came to Almond about 1878. About 1883 he sold to Dr. Bowen, moved West and died a few years ago. He was a surgeon in the army. Dr. T. H. Lamonte was here for a number of years. He sold his practice to Dr. William C. Benjamin and now lives near Dansville. Dr. L. D. Farnum, born in West Almond about 1831, graduated at the Castleton, Vermont Medical College. He practiced medicine in West Almond and Bel- mont, and has lived and practiced medicine in Almond for the last twenty years. Dr. William C. Benjamin, born in Almond in 1859, graduated from the University Medical College of New York city, March 8, 1887, has prac-

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ticed medicine in Almond about eight years. He has been supervisor of the town two terms.

Chauncey R. Bowen. M. D., son of Thomas Bowen, was born in South Dansville, Steuben Co., March 4, 1858. He was educated at the common schools and Rogersville Union Seminary. He studied medicine with Dr. C. M. Ackley, attended the University of Buffalo, and was graduated from the medical department in 1882, when he established himself as a physician at Fremont Centre. He settled at Almond in 1884, and has since been in prac- tice there. Dr. Bowen is a member of the Medical and Surgical Association at Hornellsville, was president of the society in 1893 and 1894, and is a mem- ber of the Board of Pension Examiners which meets at Wellsville. In 1884 he married Ella, daughter of Darius White of Hornellsville, and has three children, Cecil, Byron W. and Lucile M.

BELFAST .- Early physicians here were Drs. Davis and James D. Norton. Dr. E. E. Hyde was at Belfast for a time. In 1848 Dr. John H. Saunders, who had been two years at Burrville in Caneadea located in Belfast, and was in practice there the rest of his life. Since his settlement in town the sub- ject will be completely covered by the following sketches:

Dr. John Hanford Saunders was born in Norwalk, Conn., Nov. 6, 1820. His father removed to Franklinville, N. Y., in 1821. John H. attended Springville Academy, read medicine there with Dr. Emmons, and later with his uncle Dr. William Smith of Rushford, attended Geneva Medical College, later graduating from the Medical Department of the University of New York. Soon after receiving his degree he located in Burrville in 1846. In 1848 he removed to Belfast and made there his permanent home. About 1865 he married Miss Annie Westbrook of Caneadea, who died in April, 1873, leaving two daughters, Mrs. Edwin E. Grady of Elmira, and Mrs. Charles A. Ackerly of Cuba. He married, second, Mrs Robert Smith of Cuba, a daughter of William W. Windsor. Dr. John H. Saunders was skillful, intel- ligent, exercised a sound judgment and was full of care for his patients. He was in touch with all improvements in practice, in remedies, and methods. If in fact he was not "the first by whom the new was tried," he certainly " was not the last to throw the old aside." He was greatly interested in the State Medical Society, and it was while in Albany as a Allegany delegate to the annual meeting of that society that he contracted the cold which ended fatally in typhoid pneumonia, Feb. 24, 1883.

Charles M. Crandall, M. D., was son of Benjamin G. Crandall and grand- son of Samuel Van Campen of Amity. He was reared by the latter, and by his own exertions acquired a medical education and was graduated from Castleton (Vt.) Medical College in 1850. He began practice at once in Bel- fast, and in 1854 married a daughter of Alvah Wood of Independence. He soon attained prominence as a physician, and, after being treasurer and president of the County Medical Society, he was frequently a delegate to the State Medical Society, and in 1859 was elected a permanent member of that body. He was chosen supervisor of Belfast in 1859 and 1860, and was

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ardently in favor of the cause of the Union, giving his services as a surgeon for some months in the Army of the Potomac. In October, 1862, he was made examining surgeon for Allegany county. Through resolutions of his introduced to the State Medical Society the state legislature passed special laws and made liberal appropriations for the care of sick and wounded sol- diers "at the front." In 1864 he was for some time in attendance in Louis- ville and Nashville hospitals, and was "unanimously " chosen surgeon of the 141st N. Y., but as he was then representing the First District of his county in the assembly, and had been re-nominated, he declined this honor. He was re-elected to the assembly in 1865, and in 1866 chosen to represent the whole county of Allegany. He was an influential legislator and import- ant enactments owed existence to him. In 1865 he was "military agent " of the state and " visiting agent of military hospitals." Among other offices filled by him were trustee of the Binghamton Inebriate Asylum, and State Commissioner of Public Charities. His death, which occurred Oct. 4, 1867, was felt as a public calamity. His son, Floyd M., is a physician of New York city.

Charles W. Saunders, M. D., son of Harvey and Sallie (Hanford) Saun- ders, was born in Franklinville, N. Y., June 27, 1833. He was educated at Rushford Academy and Chamberlain Institute, Randolph, his medical edu- cation being at the University of New York, where he graduated in 1857, the "honor man " of his class. He located at Belfast, acquired a large and lucrative practice, was a life-long member of the County Medical Society, a leading physician of Western New York, and a member of the board of curators of the University of Buffalo for many years. He was one of the promoters of the Genesee Valley Seminary and for years an active member of the board of trustees. With his brother he was owner of a large mercan- tile establishment, and a stockholder and vice president of the Bank of Bel- fast. Republican in politics he was 14 years supervisor of Belfast. He was one of the first appointed pension examiners, which post he filled with credit from the close of the Rebellion until his death, Jan. 7, 1891. He married, first, Nettie, daughter of Col. John Renwick, of Warsaw, who died in 1865; second, in October, 1870, Eliza Armstrong of Oramel. Their children are: Catharine, preceptress of Park Place School, Elmira, and Frederic Charles.

William S. Todd, M. D., son of Dr. W. S. Todd, was born April 12. 1851, in Angelica, studied medicine with his father, in 1876 was graduated from the Cleveland, Ohio, Homeopathic Hospital College and located in Belfast, where he is now in practice. He married Julia. daughter of James and Polly Hooker, of Angelica. Children, Nellie A. and George H.

Joseph H. Chamberlain, M. D., son of Calvin Tibbetts Chamberlain, 2d, was born in 1858. He was graduated from the New York Homeopathic Col- lege in 1878, and from the University of New York in 1879. He has prac- ticed in Belfast since 1884, and in 1893 was made pension examiner.

Eugene E. Caswell, M. D., son of Charles Caswell, was born Aug. 6,

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1870, in Ischua. His father was a farmer and Eugene lived on a farm until he was 17 years of age. In 1890 he was graduated from Cuba Union School and taught school one year. In 1894 he was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo and established himself as a physi- cian here. He is a member of Cuba Lodge, No. 306, F. & A. M., of K. O. T. M. Tent, No. 47. of Belfast, is its medical examiner, also medical examiner for the New York Life Insurance Co., and for the Massachusetts Mutual, is health officer of the village of Belfast, and a member of the Allegany County Medical Society.

Clark M. Ford, M. D., was born in Belfast in 1862, studied medicine with Dr. Willis E. Hunt of Utica, in 1888 was graduated from the University of New York City, and has since been in practice in thatcity

BOLIVAR .- Dr. William Thomas, the first physician of Bolivar, early located at Richburg when that place was in Bolivar. He moved to Mt. Morris, and by an accidental discharge of his gun while hunting lost the sight of both eyes, but kept up his practice when totally blind. The first physician of the present town of Bolivar was a Dr. Lyman who came about 1831 and practiced some years. Dr. Warren Wellman came about 1836, was here some years. Dr. E. C. Poole was here in the thirties. In 1840 he built a house on Main St. A Dr. Burdick was here for a year. Dr. Samuel Sturges was here in practice for several years.

Joseph L. Cutler, M. D., was born February 15, 1829, at Moravia, N. Y. He studied medicine with Dr. Cyrus Powers and was graduated from the University of New York City in 1850, and located in Bolivar the same year, where he has since practiced. In March, 1863, he was commissioned assist- ant surgeon of the 134th Regiment, was with the regiment 10 months, and acted as surgeon most of the time. He was pension examiner 8 years, resigning in 1894. He has made a specialty of surgery, and was in the drug business for 8 years. Dr. Cutler has been thrice elected supervisor of Boli- var, and twice town superintendent of schools. In 1849, he married Janet, daughter of Jeremiah Mellen of Moravia. Their children were Mary A. (Mrs. George Parker) and Fannie (Mrs. J. E. Partridge) The doctor married for his second wife, Harriet Cleveland, of Borodino. They had a daughter, Janet, who died in very early life. Dr. Cutler is a member of Macedonia Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 258.

Dr. Dorr Cutler was born at Moravia, Aug. 29, 1836. He studied medi- cine with his brother Joseph L., was graduated from the University of New York in 1869. In 1870 he located at Ceres where he practiced four years and a half when he returned to Bolivar where he has since practiced.

Ora N. Latham, M. D., son of Rev. Joseph Latham, was born Aug. 6, 1855, at Porter. He attended school at Ten Broeck Academy of Franklin- ville, studied medicine with Dr. H. D. Walker, and March, 1882, was grad- uated from the Maryland University and School of Medicine, and located at Bolivar, where he has pursued his profession. In 1887 he married Lizzie Weiler of Bolivar. They have 2 children, Joseph and Karl Henry. Dr.

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Latham has been appointed health officer several times, is a member of Allegany County Medical Society, of Franklinville Lodge, No. 626 F. & A. M., also of Bolivar Chapter, and St. Johns Commandery of Olean.

Charles F. Hoffman, M. D. James Hoffman was born in Peterboro in 1826. He was a second cousin of Gerritt Smith. He married Mary Curtis of Cazenovia. About 1850 he settled in Belmont and engaged in farming. Of his 4 children, 2 are living, Carrie A. and Charles F. James Hoffman died Feb. 8, 1888, his wife, March 15, 1891. Charles F. Hoffman, M. D., son of James and Mary (Curtis) Hoffman, was born in Belmont, July 31, 1860. He was educated at Alfred University, and was graduated from the Univer- sity of New York in 1884, and in 1885 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. He then passed 4 years professionally at the New York City Insane Asylum and 9 months at the Charity Hospital. In 1891 he located at Bolivar, where he has since practised. In 1891 he married Mira Green of Wellsville. They have two sons, Charles Curtis and James Percy.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 26

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co. Number of Pages: 1102

Author: Minard, John Stearns, 1834-1920; Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y., W. A. Fergusson & co.
Number of Pages: 1102