A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 28

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 28

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Before Dr. Pratt left Hume a Dr. Randall was a while in practice, and a Dr. Morse came from somewhere east and removed to Bath. Dr. Emerson early in the forties was here for a short time, perhaps identical with Isaac B. Emerson early in Franklinville.

About 1847 or 8 Dr. Isaac Minard left Pike, where he had settled in 1831, and located in Hume village. He was for a while at Fillmore. He was appointed postmaster while at Hume. He was a graduate of Castleton Med- ical College, Vermont. He soon returned to Pike, where he died in 1875. He was a successful physician and had an extensive practice. He was a mem- ber of the first County Medical Society. Dr. Morse was in Hume for a while, removing to Bath. Dr. L. B. Johnson was in Hume as late as 1850, after- ward went west. Dr. Baker also for a short time early in the fifties after- wards in Bradford. Dr. E. A. Finn was located at Fillmore for a short time about 1850.

Dr. H. H. Lyman of Puritan ancestry, was born in Hume Feb. 17, 1827. His grandfather was a physician in Wilbraham, Mass., whence his father, Henry D. Lyman, came in 1820 to Rochester, and worked on the first Erie canal acqueduct over the Genesee river which was built of brick. In 1824 he came to Portage, then Nunda, where he married in 1825 Sophia, daughter of Capt. Ira Buckman, a Revolutionary soldier. Children: Phebe A., Henry H., Charles P., Ira, Edwin, George and Martin Van Buren. Henry H. attended Alfred Academy from 1845 to 1848, and attended lectures in the medical department of the University of New York in 1850 and 1851. (His work in New York was interrupted by the death of a brother.) That institu- tion gave him a license to practice. He settled at once in Hume, and in 1860

received his M. D. at Buffalo University. Now, in his 45th year of profess- ional work, no other physician in the county has so long a record. He mar- ried, in 1852, Cornelia C., daughter of Warren Cowing of Hume. Children: Jennie M. (Mrs. George W. Harding of Hume), Almon H., Valentine Mott, a commercial traveler, and Mary E., a teacher in Illinois. Dr. Lyman belongs to the County Medical Society, and is surgeon for the W. N. Y. & P. railroad. He was master of Pike Lodge F. & A. M. 11 years, and High Priest of Wyoming Chapter 12 years.

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When Dr. Lyman settled in Hume he found there Dr. A. B. Stewart. then a young man possessed of many qualifications necessary to a success- ful physician, but who had received no diploma. His natural adaptation and tact however in the minds of many more than made up for lack of certificate from medical school, and he had for twenty-five or thirty years quite an extensive practice. and some years before his death. which occurred early in the eighties, obtained the degree of M. D. "Blanche Stewart." as he was familiarly called, will long be remembered. He and Dr. Lyman if not associated in business practiced together for many years.

Dr. Nathan Haskins was located at Fillmore about 1850. and practiced for a few years. He was a kind of botanical physician, not a "regular."

About 1859 or 60 Dr. David L. Barrows located at Fillmore coming directly from Rochester. He was a well-read and well-qualified physician and remained ten or twelve years.

Charles M. Stewart. M. D .. son of Dr. A. B. Stewart. was born in Hume April 19, 1850. He read medicine with Dr. H. H. Lyman and with his father. and was graduated from the medical department of the Univer- sity of Buffalo. in the spring of 1871. With the exception of two years at Belfast, and a year or two in Buffalo. in a " Keeley sanitarium. " he has prac- ticed in Hume.

Charles J. Tucker, M. D., born in Caneadea in 1859. graduated at Buffalo in 1883. soon settled in Fillmore. In a short time removed to Batavia. and a year or two later returned to Fillmore. He is now in Topeka. Kan.

Arthur B. Harding, M. D .. was born at Hume June 7. 1859. educated in the village school and at the medical department of the University of Buffalo. from which he graduated Feb. 26. 1884. After practicing a while in Hume he removed to Castile, where he now has an extensive ride. His brother, Dr. John Harding. the writer thinks practiced a short time in Hume before removing to Perry where he is now.

Almond H. Lyman. M. D .. son of Dr. H. H. and Cornelia (Cowing) Lyman, was born in Hume April 9. 1861. He attended the village school at Hume. and the Geneseo Normal School. He read medicine with his father, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1884. Soon after he was resident physician to the Erie county jail, and was elected by the Erie county board of supervisors physician to the penitentiary in the fall of 1884. He has practiced in Hume. Caneadea and in Fillmore, where he is now located. He passed the fall and winter of 1894 and 5 in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving there the degree of M. D. In 1893 he was elected supervisor of Hume on the Democratic ticket. He was two years master of Lodge 359 F. & A. M. and belongs to Genesee River Chapter No. 152, R. A. M. and DeMolay commandery No. 22 K. T. He mar- ried Miss Josie Whalen of Caneadea.

Perrie C. Soule, M. D., has been in practice in Rossburg since 1880. See extended sketch in town history of Hume.

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Ralph White, son of Alexander, read medicine with Dr. Gish, was grad- uated from the Cleveland Homeopathic College, practiced at Hume a short time, and died there in 1884.

Francis J. Redmond, M. D., of Fillmore, was born in Mt. Morris Jan 1, 1866, son of Peter and Catharine (Van Middlesworth) Redmond, whose chil- dren were: Edney, Harriet, Francis J. and Alida. Francis attended Geneseo Normal School, and was a graduate of the Nunda union graded school. He read medicine with Drs. Preston of Dansville, Hill of Dalton, and Harding of Nunda, and attended lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute, where he received his degree of M. D. in 1891. After a few month's prac- tice at Dalton with Dr. Hill, he settled in Fillmore in 1892. April 25, 1892, he married Mrs. Marian (Lyon) Spring, daughter of P. D. Lyon of Nunda. Mrs. Redmond has one child, Myra Blanch, by her first husband Lee T. Spring of Franklinville.

GRANGER .- With occasional visits from Dr. Parmalee of Hunts Hollow (then called Hog Hollow) and Dr. Charles of Angelica, the pioneers of Granger succeeded in getting along tolerably well. If afflicted with toothache, they usually resorted to Capt. Isaac Van Nostrand, who had a pair of turnkeys and in pulling teeth was considered "expert." He also had a lancet and practiced venesection, many of the people believing in being bled regularly once a year and attended to that as regularly as in taking the customary dose of "picra " on Sunday morning. It is positively asserted that given the age of a person when first bled, one could tell to a year the age of many people by inspecting the arm and counting the scars. Dr. Reuben H. Smith was the first practicing physician. He was a native of Massachusetts and came to Granger about 1830. In connection with his practice he did some surveying. He was a man of a hardy constitution, well fitted for the arduous duties of the pioneer country doctor, and is still pleasantly remembered by the older inhabitants.

Succeeding Dr. Reuben H. Smith came Dr. Gray, who settled on the state road. Dr. Wm. M. Smith was the next. He was a son of Dr. Reuben H. He began practice at Short Tract, about 1826, and later removed to Angelica. Dr. Matthew Burton came about the same time as Dr. W. M. Smith. Opinion is divided as to which settled first. Dr. Wm. H. DeCamp began practice on the state road not far from 1850. Dr. Daniels also settled on the state road. Dr. Wallace Byrns practiced for a while in this town, and then Dr. Wm. Fenno. Dr. Charles G. Anderson was at Short Tract for a while. Dr. Myron Miller practiced for several years at Short Tract, and after him came Drs. E. H. Hungerford, Peck and Hamilton. Andrew W. Smith, a brother of Dr. Wm. M., after practicing at Angelica settled here about 1882-3, and practiced nearly ten years. He died abroad some time in 1884. Dr. Cyrus Haskins at one time practiced in Granger and Dr. C. A. Doolittle, for a short time only, in 1895.

Dr. George St. John is the only resident physician at this time. He was born in Middletown, N. Y., in 1841. He read medicine in 1863 with Dr. C.

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G. Anderson and was graduated at the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1866. He first settled in Yorkshire. Cattaraugus Co., practiced in Canasaraga from 1871 to 1890, and since then in Granger.

INDEPENDENCE .- The writer has discovered no record of the settlement of any physician prior to Dr. Anthony Barney who was born in Bristol Co., Mass., in 1801. He studied medicine at Fairfield Medical College, and, in. March, 1825, located at Green's Corners, where for over fifty yearshe was a successful practitioner. He was two years supervisor of his town and was brigade surgeon under the old state militia laws.

John H. Clark, M.D., son of Peleg, was born March 30, 1827, and in 1856 became a student of Dr. O. Barnes of Wellsville and was also with Dr. Purple. He attended Buffalo Medical College, and in 1859 commenced medical prac- tice at Westfield, Pa., and in Dec., 1860, located at Hallsport. In 1862 he en- listed in Co. I. 160th New York Vols., and was discharged in 1864 for disa- bility. He was graduated from Buffalo Medical College in 1875. From 1871 to 1876 he was at Canaseraga, Allegany Co., and Wyoming, Wyoming Co., as a practicing physician. Since then he has been in practice in Fulmer Valley. August 14, 1853, he married Zeruviah Fulmer. Children, Manfred, Herbert G., Clarence E. Is a member of Rolph Post, G. A. R.

J. G. Horton, M. D., was born in Herkimer county in 1837; came to Whitesville in 1843; in 1846 graduated from the Castleton, Vt., Medical Col- lege and began practice at his home in Whitesville. From 1854 to 1862 he was in California. He served one year as surgeon in the 189th N. Y., and has acted as pension examiner for several years.

Dr. George H. Bennett, born in Bath in 1818, began practice at Whites- ville in 1860.

Asher J. Remington, M. D., born Nov. 27, 1853, at Ashford, Cattaraugus Co., studied with Dr. J. L. Cutler of Bolivar, in 1882 was graduated from the Buffalo University of Medicine, commenced practice at Shingle House, Pa., and in 1886 located at Whitesville.

Eugene B. Burdick, M. D., was born in Wirt Aug. 30, 1856, graduated at Friendship Academy June 17, 1880, and received his diploma from the Medical Department of the University of New York. March 8, 1886, and be- gan practice at Whitesville. In July, 1887, he removed to Olean.

Milton B. Titus, M. D., son of Dr. Lewis F. and Lois R. (Smith) Titus, was born April 9, 1858, in Croton, Delaware Co. He graduated at Corning Free Academy in 1876, studied medicine with Dr. John Mitchell at Addison, was graduated from the University of the City of New York in 1881, and lo- cated for practice at Allentown. In 1888 he removed to Whitesville, where he is in practice. He married in 1882, Jessie, daughter of George and Han- nah Palmer Weed Sheffield, has one son George B. Dr. Titus was coroner in 1884 and 1885, and in 1885 president of the Allegany Co. Medical Society.

RUSHFORD .- In all probability Dr. Dyer Strong, who was elected super- visor upon the organization of the town in 1816, was the first practicing physician in town. That he was there some years before 1816, follows from

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his election. Nothing more is learned of him. In succession, as near as the oldest inhabitants can remember and place them, came Drs. Horatio Smith, Wm. M. Smith about 1840, whose practice in Caneadea was quite extensive. Wm. McCall, H. H. Smith, Dr. Stewart, Wm. J. Burr, L. B. Johnson, John Pitts and James M. Ward, Jesse P. Bixby came in 1853. He was born in Mt. Holly Vt., in 1822, graduated at Castleton Medical College, Vt., in 1852 and the next year settled in Rushford where he is still in practice. Dr. Wm. A. Stacy settled in Rushford in 1856 or 7.

Dr. Orrin T. Stacy is next on the list. He was a son of Dr. Wm. A. and was born in Centerville in 1835. He was a student at Rushford Academy, taught school, read medicine, receiving his diploma from the Buffalo Medi- cal College in 1860 and settled in Rushford, where he was a physician until 1885, when he removed to Rochester. He represented Allegany in the As- sembly for two terms. (See sketch in Rushford.)

Dr. John P. Colegrove practiced in Rushford along in the sixties for four or five years. He was born in Hornellsville, April 19, 1833, and educated at Alfred University. He pursued his medical studies under his uncle, Dr. James Pitts, and at the College of Medicine and Surgery at Cincinnati and practiced in Ohio. In 1866 removed to Clearwater, Minn. In 1874 he took lectures at Buffalo, graduating there Feb. 23, 1875. He has since practiced at Salamanca. Dr. James Pitts, was in Rushford for a while. Dr. Wm. B. Alley was settled in Rushford about 1847. He was afterward county clerk, practiced in Angelica and later at Nunda, where he died a few years ago. Dr. Robert Y. Charles practiced in Rushford for a few years. Dr. Burt Grover was here also for a time.

Wm. Fletcher Wells came to Rushford about 1880-81; read medicine with Dr. O. T, Stacy and was graduated from the medical department of the Un !- versity of Buffalo in 1883, and immediately commenced practice in Rush- ford where he is now. (See sketch in Rushford.)

Charles Oakley Sayres, the youngest physician and last to locate in town, was born in New Hudson in 1869. He was brought up on a farm, edu. cated at the common schools, and Geneseo Normal School, read medicine with Dr. E. B. Burdick of Olean and graduated at Buffalo in 1892, and soon after settled in Rushford his present residence.

NEW HUDSON .- This town was especially favored in having had for many years as one of its residents the able and distinguished physician Calvin L. Allen, M. D., who, except a few years residence in Hume during the forties, made his home here from an early date until his death sometime in the seventies. He stood high in medical circles and societies, had many stu- dents who became leading physicians, among them his sons, Seneca and Otis of Cuba. Dr. Allen had an extensive practice and was of prominence in civil as well as in medical affairs. No one has since filled his place as an "all around " man, physician and legislator. Was the first physician locating at Black Creek Corners, it is thought early in the thirties. He was born in Surrey, Mass., and was graduated from the Casteleton Medical College, Vt.,

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but information as to the date of either events, is wanting. Practicing a few years in New Hudson, he went to Hume where he remained 5 years, and then returned to New Hudson, resuming his practice there and continu- ing until his death in June, 1875. He held the office of supervisor of New Hudson. He married Minerva Rogers, and had two children, Dr. Otis Allen of Cuba and Dr. Seneca Allen, deceased, of same place. He had an extensive practice, which covered a large territory, and is well, and favor- ably remembered by all the older long resident people of that part of the county.

Dr. Austin Taylor, on the authority of Mr. H. P. Ricker, was the next, but particulars as to him are lacking, as also of Dr. Harry Taylor. Dr. Ens- worth is another of whom also no sketch has been received, and Dr. Thomas, who practiced at Black Creek a short time, will be found under head of Cuba, where he is associated in business and practice with Dr. Otis Allen.

SCIO .- The early settlers resorted to roots and herbs for the relief of diseases common to all households, sometimes seeking aid of a wandering Indian or squaw, in more severe or surgical cases trusting to Angelica and Belmont physicians. In 1850 Dr. Ebenezer E. Hyde located here (see Amity) and in 1854 Dr. J. A. Stephenson.

James A. Stephenson, M. D., was born in London, England, in 1828. His father, Dr. John Stephenson, was surgeon in the British army. James studied with his father, passed 4 years at the Madras Medical College and was graduated therefrom in 1850. He then went board ship as a surgeon and remained 4 years. In 1854 he settled at Scio where he has since prac- ticed his profession. He is a member of the County Medical Society, an Original Fellow of the State Medical Association, and has held the office of supervisor. He married Emma L. Luther in 1860, and has 3 children, Mrs. Fred Howe, Mrs. Bert Wilkins and James A.

Thomas F. Major, M. D., was born in Hornellsville in 1851. He attended school at Almond Academy and Alfred University, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1874. After 1 year's practice in Hornellsville with Dr. N. Sweet, he located in Scio in 1875, and has continued there as a physician with the exception of 4 years in Michi- gan. The doctor makes a specialty of surgery and was pension examiner for 2 years. He married Ina White, who died May 19, 1893. He has one son, Charlie. Dec. 12, 1894, Dr. Major married Miss Laura J. Barnard of Buffalo. A Democrat he was elected supervisor in Scio in 1885, overcoming a normal Republican majority of 90.

WEST ALMOND .- Sandwiched in between Angelica and old Almond, which places have been well supplied with physicians, this town has not held out many inducements for physicians to settle. Dr. Orange Sabin came here a good many years ago, and still remains, though an aged man. He was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer county, in 1808. He began the study of medicine in Pittstown, N. Y., with Dr. L. H. T. Maxson. After

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graduating he attended lectures at Pittsfield, Mass., and then came to West Almond.

GROVE .- Grove has not been much of a town for doctors, the medical business being done principally by Nunda and Short Tract physicians. W. D. Clark, M. D., settled at Swains in 1878. He came from Castile, his native place being Leicester, Livingston county. He was engaged in mercantile business in Grove and had a good practice.

Clarksville is so located that the physicians of Cuba and Olean have attended to the need of its people. I cannot learn of any physician ever being a resident of Allen or Birdsall.

WELLSVILLE .- Dr. George B. Jones is said to be the first to practice medicine in this town, locating in 1832. He was followed by Doctors Bab- cock, Purple, Whitney (first homeopathist), M. Macken, Pelton, Merriam, Allen, Doty, Truman, Gena, Randall Reed, Arvis A. Elliott, L. A. Penny, Gish, H. H. Nye, Van Antwerp, Witter, Hanks, Coller, Crandall and Koyle, in the order named as near as those who are acquainted with the succession can give it.

Horace H. Nye, M. D., born in 1820, came with his father, Benjamin B. Nye, to Genesee in 1830. In 1840 he attended Alfred University where he was graduated in 1844. He there first met Elizabeth, daughter of George King, Esq., of Bath, whom he married in 1856. Commencing the study of medicine with Dr. Hartshorn of Alfred, he was graduated as M. D. at the Cleveland Medical College, Ohio, in 1849. He practiced in Alfred and Al- mond until 1855, when he located in Wellsville, and until his death, Aug. 28, 1892, was a leading practitioner and successful business man. He was prominent in medical councils and societies, in local matters and in his (Republican) political party. He was at one time president of Wellsville village. "Under a cold exterior he carried a warm heart for his patients and friends, and a sympathizing nature for those deserving sympathy." He was an active, bold and indefatigable worker in all the fields he entered. He had an adopted son, George Marion Nye, now a practicing physician of Buffalo.

Hon. William Wells Crandall, M. D., youngest son of Ezekiel was born in Genesee, March 23, 1828, educated at Alfred and Brown Uni- versities and was a teacher in the public schools of Rhode Island for several years. He read medicine with Dr. H. P. Saunders of Alfred, and was grad- uated from the University of New York in 1858, and also from the New York Opthalmic Hospital. He practiced 28 years in Andover and came to Wellsville in 1886. He has been member of the Elmira and the Hornells- ville Academies of Medicine, is member of Allegany County Medical Society, and of the New York State Medical Society, of which he was made a perma- nent member in 1881, and vice president in 1891. He was elected member of assembly in 1872 and 1873. Dr. Crandall married Euphemia Potter, daughter of Elisha. Their only child Susie M. is married to Stetson A. Sherman of Eau Claire, Wis. Dr. Crandall's father, Major Ezekiel Crandall,

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was a native of Rhode Island, who held the office of major in the war of 1812, and in 1825 came to Genesee, bought 150 acres of wild land where he built a log house, cleared a farm and was also a lumberman. His wife was Susan Wells. They had 7 children.

Porter Hanks, M. D., was born in Centerville, in 1834, studied medicine at Rushford. He was graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1860. He has practiced in Centerville, and various places, and is now located in Wellsville.

Merritt H. Macken, M. D., born in Ontario county in 1840, came to Wells- ville in 1853. In 1858 he entered the drug store of E. B. Hall as a clerk and studied medicine with Dr. H. H. Nye. He attended lectures at Bellevue New York City, and was graduatedt here in March, 1865, and soon began practice in Wellsville where he is now located.

George H. Witter, M. D., is a son of Daniel P. and Betsey (Foster) Witter, and was born at Willing. He acquired his medical education at the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Baltimore, Md., and received his degree of M. D. in 1885, when he established himself at Wellsville, where he has a success- ful practice. He is a member of the Allegany County Medical Society of which he is an ex-president, of Hornellsville Medical and Surgical Associa- tion, and of the New York State Medical Society. Dr. Witter married Maud Bingham in July, 1889, and has a daughter Grace. He has represented Wellsville for several years on the board of supervisors.

Jasper W. Coller, M. D., was born in Cuba Sept. 24, 1852. He descends from Reuben Coller, an Englishman, whose son John was born in 1775 in New Jersey. John came to Cuba in June, 1829, with wife Hannah Rynearson, born in 1780 in New Jersey, articled 150 acres in the s. w. corner of lot 9 Holland Purchase, made a permanent home, and died February, 1860, aged 85, on the two acre lot first cleared by him where he built his log house. His wife died about 1850. They were Free-will Baptists. Their children were Isaac R .. Rachel (Mrs. John Belcher), Hannah (Mrs. U. McKinster), James Van N. and William. The latter, born in Susquehanna county, Pa., Oct. 25, 1816, died in Cuba in 1888. married Angeline German, born at Ovid, N. Y., May 16, 1821, died in Cuba in January, 1881. Their children were George W. (deceased) and Jasper W. Jasper W. Coller graduated at the head of his class at Friendship academy in June, 1875, married Aug. 26, 1875, Ardo Ette, daughter of William and Almira Gardiner of Nile. passed some years teach- ing schools in Wirt, Belvidere, Richburg and Angelica. In 1877 he began to study medicine with C. C. Deming, M. D., of Friendship and was graduated from Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, June 23, 1880, and located as a physician in Wellsville, Sept. 6, 1880. He bought a house and lot on Mill St. in 1888 which has since been his residence and office. Mrs. Coller was educated at Alfred University and Milton, Wis., College and was a success- ful teacher.

Frederick T. Koyle, M. D., was born in Athens, Ont., Jan. 12, 1860. He received his medical degree at Kingston, Ont., in 1882, and practiced 13

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years in Minnesota. He established himself at Wellsville in May, 1895. He belongs to the State Medical Association of Minnesota, and the Allegany County Medical Association.

Charles E. Wilcox, M. D., son of Clark Wilcox, read medicine with Dr. C. L. Gish. He was graduated from the New York Homeopathic College in 1889 and located at Scottsville where he practiced for a year and died.

Dr. John M. Gena, botanic physician, was born in Germany Sept. 29, 1808, studied and practiced medicine in the German schools before he came to this country in 1839. In 1866 he located in Wellsville.

Charles L. Gish, M. D., born in Pennsylvania in 1852, was graduated in 1874 from the Bennett Medical College of Chicago. Practiced 4 years in Wis- consin, located in Wellsville in 1878. He is a homeopathist.

WIRT .-- Wedged in between Friendship on the north, and Bolivar on the south, with Wellsville on the east, this town has not been sought by young physicians in quest of places to locate. It has managed to get along very well however. We give a sketch of the physician most identified with the town.

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A Centennial Memorial History of Allegany county, New York, Part 28

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