Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 21

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders
Number of Pages: 1384

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890 > Part 21

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).

"The following subordinate officers also appear during April, 1865 (latest returns) :-

"James J. Cook, deputy provost-marshal; James B. Phillips, deputy provost-marshal; James P. Kirby, special agent: Albert D. Shaw, special agent; Dr. Charles Goodale, assistant surgeon.

"Enrolling officers were but per diem employees, and constantly being changed during the period of the war, making it impossible to furnish a complete list from the official records at this time.

Very respectfully, .. F. E. AINSWORTH, " Captain and Asst .- Surgeon U. S. Army."

THE JEFFERSON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

A history of the medical profession, with a personal sketch of the physicians who be- longed to it, and who are now members of the Jefferson County Medical Society,

or are in sympathy with its Code of Ethics, in so far as can be ascertained.

BY DR. J. MORTIMER CRAWE.

In February, 1806, the legislature of this state passed a law to incorporate state and county medical societies, and repealing all former acts relating to the practice of medicine and surgery in this state. Three months after its passage, and pursuant to its provisions, some 20 societies were organized, and within two years scarcely a county in the state was without a regularly incor- porated medical society. Under this act a meeting of the physicians of the county was hield at Watertown, December 17, 1806, and the Jefferson County Medical Society was organized. At this meeting there were present, and united with the society, the following physicians :--

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Roster of the founders of the original Jefferson County Medical Society, 1806: Daniel Barney, John Durkee, Eli Eastman, Benjamin Farlie, Hugh Henderson, Jabez Kingsbury, Isaiah Massey, Isaac Magoon, David B. Ripley, Ozias H. Rawson, James D. Seisco, E'ias Skinner, H. Wilcox. The follow- ing officers were elected : John Durkee, president ; Daniel Barney, vice- president ; Hugh Henderson, secretary ; Isaiah Massey, treasurer ; Benjamin Farlie, Eli Eastman, and Hugh Henderson, censors; Hugh Henderson, del- egate to State Society.

In February, 1807, a State Society was formed at Albany, consisting of delegates from the various county societies.

Hugh Henderson, the first representative of the Jefferson County Medical Society to the State Society at Albany, is believed to have been a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of the Western District of New York, situated at Fairfield, Herkimer County. He located at an carly day in Rutland Center. His death, within a very few years, cut short a life tull of promise for the future. He was one of the founders of the old Jefferson County Medical Society in 1806, its first secretary, one of the board of censors, and the first delegate to the State Society, and must have been one of the founders of that society, as its first meet- ing was in 1807, and it was composed of delegates from the various county societies. He probably died soon afterwards, as the records show that, at the meeting of the County Society, in 1808, Dr. Henry H. Sherwood was appointed to fill the vacancy of delegate to the State Society, caused by his death. He was the first person buried in the Rutland cemetery (on the hill opposite the lake), and years afterwards his remains were removed to Brookside Cemetery, of Watertown. Dr. Henderson was supervisor of Rutland in 1808.

John Durkee, another of the founders and the first president of the Jefferson County Medical Society, lived near Champion village, on the road to Great Bend, across the gulf, next lot to the cemetery, and nearly opposite the old Baptist Church. Judge Hubbard credits him with coming to this town in 1800. Here he resided for a number of years, having a large and extensive practice, and was the physician of that country; "and in his day was the oldest and best known in the community." That he was much respected by, and stood well in the opin- ion of, his fellow citizens, and had their full confidence, is evident from the fact that, in 1811, he was appointed, by the governor, judge under the first constitution, and was sent to the Assembly in 1812. In November, 1804, he was chosen one of three delegates to discuss the site for a county seat, and represented Champion as the possible place. That he had also the confidence of his fellow practitioners is apparent from their conferring upon him, at their first meeting as a body politic, the honor of being president of the County Medical Society at its inauguration. Shortly after the War of 1812-15 he was a partner of Dr. G. P. Spencer, who succeeded him. Becoming imbued with the western fever he removed to Terre Haute, Ind., where he died.

Daniel Barney, another founder of the County Society, and its first vice-president, was born in Swansea, Bristol County. Mass .. July 2, 1768. He married Abigail Bucklin, of Kent County, R. I., and with his wife and son Lowrey came to Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1794. He removed to Rutland, this county, in 1802, and from thence moved to Adams vil- lage in March, 1803, and finally settled in Henderson, April 7, 1807. where he died May 19, 1828. He was a prominent man in his day, well remembered and spoken of by the old inhabi- tants, and had a large practice.

Isaiah Massey was a brother of Hart Massey, who was one of the pioneers that settled Watertown in 1800. He was uncle of Solon Massey, the author of A Link in the Chain, which gives a description of the early settlement of Jefferson County; also granduncle of Drs. Will- iam Penn and Isaiah Massey. He came here from Vermont some time in the fall of 1801. Soon after arriving his services were required to dress the wounds of a man who had been accidently shot; "the first case of surgery and gun-shot wound in his pioneer practice; and he was often heard to say that it was the greatest trial his nerves had ever endured" :- on horse- back and alone, in the night threading his way through the dark and gloomly woods, to see a man, whom, from the description given by the messenger, he expected to find dead. but on his

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THE JEFFERSON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

arrival, to his great relief and joy, he found alive and able to unbolt the door for him, he, like many others of the profession, learning that in many cases the anticipation was worse than the reality. In 1802 he opened an inn, the first one in Watertown. In 1805 he was one of nine persons who deeded to the village land now occupied as a public square. In 1806 he was secretary of Eastern Light Lodge, No. 136. He was one of the founders of the County Society, and its first treasurer. He was born June 2, 1778, and died at Jerseyville, Ill., August 20, 1820.

Benjamin Farlie is reported to have come to this county from Lee, Oneida County, and is credited by Judge Noadiah Hubbard with being in Champion in the year 1800. We learn, also, from Mrs. John A. Sherman, that he came into Rutland about 1803, and was cotemporary with Dr. Abel Sherman. He lived in a house then standing near the present site of the cheese factory, between it and the residence of George Waffel. He is also reported to have practiced in Saekets Harbor previous to the War of 1812-15; afterwards as practicing in Water- town. He joined the County Society in 1806, was censor that year, and was its secretary in 1813. Dr. Farlie was a widower, and had a son, Ichabod, who practiced with him in Watertown; and although his name does not appear on the County Society rolls it is presumed he was a mem- ber during the period he remained in this county. There was also a daughter, Arthesa, who married Dr. John M. Burton. After his death she married Mr. Mattison, father of Governor Mattison, of Illinois. Dr. Farlie and his son were handsome, noble looking men in stature, respectively six feet two inches and six feet. They were always neatly and taxtily dressed, kept fine horses, had a large practice, and were highly respected. When they left Watertown, or where they located, is not known.

Eli Eastman, one of the first board of eensors, was born in Guilford. Conn., October 3. 1777. That he received an academie education was very evident, but where, at this late day, it is impossible to determine, nor when or where he graduated, or with whom he read medi- eine. Mrs. A. P. Sigourney, his daughter, who resides near Watertown, remembers distinctly having seen his diploma. He was married at Wetmore, Oneida County, N. Y., September 16, 1809, and eame directly to Adams, where he practiced until his death, September 16, 1844. It is thought he was the first physician permanently settled in that town. There is a tradition abont a Dr. Green, previous to his time, but how long he stayed, where he came from, or went to, is not known. Dr. Eastman was highly esteemed, had an extensive practice, and so much were his professional services sought after that for the two or three years previous to his death, after he was unable to drive himself, people from the surrounding country having severe cases of sickness in their families came in their carriages and took him to their homes, where they kept him until the result was known. He was at the battle of Sackets Harbor in the ca- pacity of a surgeon. He was again elected censor of the society in 1826.

Of the seven remaining members, founders of the County Society in 1806, no record can be obtained.

In 1807 there is no record of officers of the society, but that there was a meeting is evident from the following, copied from the remnants of the journal and roster of members, preserved from the fire of 1849, and in the possession of the late Dr. William R. Trowbridge, the last secretary of the old society : "Committee appointed to ascertain whether unauthorized per- sons were practicing medicine, and if so to prosecute them." Six persons were admitted to membership. A notice of each will be found as follows :-

William Baker, the first physician who settled in Sackets, went there in 1803. He joined the County Society in 1807.

Joshua Beals, Jr., settled in Adams about 1806, and became a member of the County So- eicty in 1807.

Daniel Brainard, father of O. V. Brainard. came to Watertown from Whitestown, Oneida County, about 1805, and married Miss Lorraine Hungerford, sister of Hon. Orville Hunger- ford, in 1806. He practiced medicine in Watertown, joined the society in 1807, and died the 27th day of January, 1810.

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Joel Dresser practiced in Ellis village about 1805, and was made a member of the society in 1807.

Joseph Green joined the society in 1807; has no other record.

Isaac Weston was the first physician to permanently locate in Lorraine, about the year 1806. He joined the County Society in 1807, and was its vice-president in 1825.

Abel Sherman, born in Brimfield, Mass., came to Clinton, Oneida County, N. Y., where he remained a few years, when he moved to Rutland, Jefferson County, in 1803. He was the- grandfather of John A. Sherman. Mrs. J. A. Sherman has in her possession a dictionary with his name and a date-1782-and a Bible. An entry, on the page for family record, reads as fol- lows: " Abel Sherman and Orinda Bicknal was married June 14, 1784, by Rev. John Willard, of Stafford, Connecticut." He settled in Rutland on the north side of the South road, next farm to where John A. Sherman lived, about three-fourths of a mile above Burrville. He built. a frame house, which was considered a grand affair at that time, and it still stands there. He bought and cleared 220 acres of timbered land, and was the first sheriff of Jefferson County. An active, energetic man, the duties devolving upon him in his official capacity, combined with the fatigue and hardships of hus professional life, broke down a naturally strong consti- tution, compelling him, for many years previous to his death. to relinquish active practice. He was admitted to membership in the County Society in 1807, and died in the summer of 1835. aged 72 years.

Eli West, born in Hampton, Washington County, N. Y., July 26, 1792, came into Car- thage, May 15, 1816, and was successful in building up a large practice. He was a man greatly respected and had a large influence in the community. A volunteer in the War of 1812- 15, he did good service, and was present at the battle of Plattsburgh. He was member of Assembly in 1834 and 1844, and supervisor in 1823-27, 1830-32, and 1840-41. He held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years. being appointed to the first term of office. by Governor De Witt Clinton. He was school commissioner and town superintendent of com- mon schools; was also brigade surgeon in the militia, was a member of the board of village trustees eight years, six of these being its president. and was made chairman of the first meet- ing held to promote the construction of the Black River Canal, and was one of its incorpora- tors, April 17, 1832. In 1822 and '24 he was master of Masonic Lodge, No. 146. At the break- ing out of the war of the Rebellion he was made president of the first war meeting held in Carthage. May 4, 1861, and took a very decided stand for the government, giving of his own means and successfully nrging others to subscribe money to aid in the prosecution of the war, by supporting the families of volunteers. He greatly rejoiced that he lived to see the close of the war and the government's authority sustained. He died June 28, 1866, after a period of compulsory retirement from his labors, made necessary through age and infirmities. His- funeral was among the largest ever occurring in Carthage, and bore evidence of the high re- gard in which he was held in the community. Rev. Mr. Stewart preached the funeral sermon, and the Masonic fraternity performed the last service. He joined the society in 1807.

Horatio Orvis was the first practicing physician who located in Le Ray, abont 1807. In 1816 he was one of the two composing the first graduating class of Fairfield Medical College. From 1819 to 1825 he was supervisor of his town, member of Assembly in 1818, and was. elected delegate to the State Society in 1823, and was pres.dent of the society in 1829.

1808 .- There are no records for this year of the proceedings of the so- ciety, except the following : " New members admitted, Henry H. Sher- wood and Elisha Matthews. Henry H. Sherwood was elected delegate to State Society, to fill vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Hugh Henderson."

Henry H. Sherwood lived in Rutland, and was, as I am informed by Mrs. Isaac Munson, in partnership in mercantile business with her father, Amos Stebbins, and his family physi- cian. He was appointed loan commissioner in 1810 and served to 1829: was associate justice in 1818; and was appointed, by the governor, county clerk March 5, 1821. He had, no doubt, practiced in Rutland previous to 1808, as the first mention of him is in the records of the County Society as being elected delegate to the State Medical Society to fill vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Henderson. It is believed that he moved to Watertown about the date of his appointment as county clerk, as he served two terms, or six years, in that office. He built.

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THE JEFFERSON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

the brick house, on Washington street, now occupied by Frank Munson. He is reported to have been the original inventor of the electric battery now in use by physicians. Moving to New York he made a specialty of it. He died in that city. He was president of the society in 1825, and censor in 1826, '27, and '28. The honorary degree of M. D. was conferred upon him in 1829 by the Regents of the University.

Elisha Matthews .- There has been no history of Dr. Matthews obtained.

1809 .- " Committee of six appointed to report the number of quacks and unlicensed physicians in the county ; admitted Paul Hutchinson."

Dr. Hutchinson lived on Court street, Watertown, on the site now occupied by the Kirby House. In 1813 he represented, as delegate, the County Society at the State Society. In 1815 he is mentioned in connection with the Whittlesy affair.

Amasa Trowbridge was born in Pomfret, Windham County. Conn., May 17, 1779. He worked on his father's farm in the summer, attending the common schools in the winter season, until 14 years old. After that he acquired an academic education. At the age of 17 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Avery Downer, of Preston City, New London County, Coun. When 20 years old he was admitted to practice, receiving a diploma from the State Medical Society of Connecticut. He then spent a year with Dr. Thomas Hubbard; then moved to Lanesboro, Mass., and practiced in company with Dr. Jarvis. He came into this state and settled in Trenton, Oneida County, in 1805, entering into company with Dr. Luther Guiteau. In 1809 he came to Watertown and was a partner of Dr. Paul Hutchinson. War breaking out in 1812 he was commissioned surgeon in the militia of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Under orders from Gen. Brown he organized hospitals at Sackets Harbor, Cape Vincent, and Ogdensburg. and was stationed at Sackets Harbor during the winters of 1812 and '13. On returning to civil life he was appointed assistant justice, under the first constitu- tion, serving from 1815 to 1818, in which last year he was appointed judge. In 1819 he was made sheriff. In 1834 he was appointed professor of surgery and medical jurisprudence in the Willoughby University, Ohio, where he gave annual lectures of eight weeks. In 1838, giving up his practice to his son Amasa, he moved to Painesville, Ohio. In 1841 he returned to and again settled in Watertown, where he remained until his death, April 11, 1859. He had a large and extensive practice, and was known as a bold and skillful surgeon.

1810 .- " Committee reported 19 names of unlicensed physicians; admitted as members Isaac S. Wood, Nathan Cheever, Russell Steele, Joshua Barrett, Jr., and John M. Henderson."

Dr. Wood was born in Wilbraham, Mass., January 15, 1779. He is supposed to have graduated from Williams College, Mass. He came to Rodman in 1805, where he remained until his death in the summer of 1849. No record can be found of the others who joined in this year.

1811 .- " New members admitted, Noah Tubbs, Joseph Clary, John Spaf- ford, and John Cowen.'

Noah Tubbs practiced in the town of Henderson, residing in the village of Henderson. He was a genial man, successful in his practice, and very popular with the community. Many stories are related as having their origin with him, both humorous and pithy.

John Spafford was born at Weathersfield, Vt., February 22, 1786, married February 7, 1813, at Adams, Jefferson County, N. Y., read medicine at Woodstock, Vt., and is thought to have attended lectures there. He came to Adams and commenced practice about 1810. He joined the society in 1811, was its president in 1813, and was elected delegate to the State Society in 1819 and censor in 1820. He died June 20, 1828.

John Cowen lived, practiced, and died at Rice's Corners, N. Y.

Of Joseph Clary we have no record.

1812 .- Isaac Olney, of Brownville, joined the society.

William Robinson, born at Bennington, Vt., within one and one-half miles of the battle- field, October 23, 1785, studied with Dr. Swift, of Bennington. Of his early education little is known. He came to Brownville in 1810, and practiced there until his death, December 1,

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1826, aged 41 years. He was a surgeon in the War of 1812-15, was associate judge, and justice of the peace. He joined the society in 1812, was its president in 1820, and censor in 1826, and was the first physician who permanently settled in Brownville. Gen. Jacob Brown gave him a deed of three acres of land, on the corner above the Episcopal Church, as an indneement for him to settle there. Dr. Robinson built a house, at present standing on the lot, in which he lived at the date of his death. He had one older brother and three nephews who were physicians.

1813 -" John Spafford, president ; Benjamin Farlie, secretary ; and Paul Hutchinson, delegate ; admitted, Reuben Goodale."

Reuben Goodale was born in the town of Temple, N. H., April 9, 1783. He attended Ap- pleton's School, in his native place, and Oneida Academy, Clinton, N. Y., and commenced the study of medicine in 1807 with Dr. White, of Cherry Valley, N. Y. He practiced over 50 years in Watertown. In 1819 he was treasurer of the society, secretary and censor in 1820, and was elected delegate to the State Society to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dr. Spať- ford. In 1825 and '26, and from 1840 to 1844, he served again as treasurer, in 1834, '36, '37, '39, and '40 he was elected again censor, and in 1840 he was again elected delegate. One of his sons, Charles, was a physician. In connection with his practice he, for a time, carried on a farm situated on the State road, and was in partnership with Dr. Henry H. Sherwood in the drug business. He published the Constellation from December 13, 1830, about nine months. This paper, before coming into his possession, was known as the Anti-Masonic Sun. In physique Dr. Goodale was tall and spare, active and energetic, pronounced in his opinions, and always ready to defend them. He was public spirited, and a friend of education, the standard of which he aimed to advance. He died in Watertown, January 26, 1871, 73 years of age. He was made a permanent member of the State Society in 1845.

1814 .- Frederick P. Markham (no record) and Crafts P. Kimball ad- mitted.

Crafts P. Kimball, born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., February 14, 1788, attended school at the Fairfield Academy, and began the study of medicine in 1802 with Dr. Joseph White. He at- tended lectures at Fairfield. He held a license from the Otsego County Medical Society, signed by Joseph White, M. D., president, and bearing date January 9, 1810. He came to Rutland in 1808, and settled on a farm situated on the South road, half a mile above Burr's Mills. He built the stone house now ocenpied by his son, Henry Kimball, where he lived until his death, November 7, 1872, aged 84. He was surgeon in Col. Tuttle's regiment and participated in the battle of Sackets Harbor. He was president of the society in 1819 and again in 1838. Dr. Kimball was of medium height, broad shouldered and portly, high, broad forehead, and deter- mination marked his features. He was a good physician, having a sound judgment as evinced by his success as a farmer and physician. He was held in high respect and looked up to by the community, and had a large and extensive practice until within about 10 years of his death, when, by reason of taking a severe cold, resulting in chronic bronchitis, he retired from active Į ractice.

1815 .- " Admitted E. Dunton."

Dr. Dunton lived at Plessis, where he practiced for a number of years. He went from there to Oswego. He was a very smart and well posted physician and surgeon, and joined the society in 1815, and was censor in 1819.

1816 .- " Admitted J. Marsh and Sydney Houghton ; Dr. Amasa Trow- bridge elected delegate." There can be found no record of T. Marsh.

Sidney Houghton moved into Belleville from Marlborough, Vt .. in 1812. He practiced in that locality until his death, which occurred in 1840, being about 74 years old. He had a large practice, and was greatly respected by those who knew him.

1817 .- " Admitted Samuel Randall and Alpheus S. Green."

Samuel Randall, the first physician in the town and village of Antwerp, came there in 1808. In 1809 he received the appointment as the first postmaster, which position he held for a number of years.

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Alphens S. Green was a native of Rhode Island, and moved into Perchi River in 1812, where he practiced 18 years. During this time. in 1826 and '28, he was a member of the As- sembly, and in 1823 he was county judge. In 1829 he was appointed postmaster of Watertown, and held that office 11 years. He was chosen a delegate to the constitutional convention in 1846. Dr. Green was elected censor in 1820, '27, and '29, in 1835. '36, '38, and '39, and in 1840, and was a delegate to the State Society in 1827 and '36, treasurer in 1829 and '30, and president in 1839. He died at Utica in 1851, aged 64. In 1832 the Regents of the University conferred upon him the honorary degree of M. D.

1818 .- There were admitted John M. Burton, Alpheus Morse, W. H. Bu- chanan, Alfred Ely, Jonathan Sherwood, and Benjamin Cushman. Alpheus Morse and Alfred Ely have no record.

W. H. Buchanan was surgeon in the U. S. navy during the War of 1812-15, and was sta- tioned during this period at the naval station at Sackets Harbor. He remained there after the close of the war. practicing his profession, and was largely identified in the improvements being made in that village.

J. B. Burton practiced in Watertown at an early day. There is no data as to when he came here, or where he received his education. He married the daughter of Dr. Benjamin Farlie. He built and lived in, until his death, the stone house No. 134 Main street. Dr. Bur- ton was considered a bright man, a goo l practitioner, was full of fun, and an inveterate prac- tical joker. He was vice-president of the society in 1819. and treasurer in 1820.

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Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 21

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders Number of Pages: 1384

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- [from old catalog] comp; Horton, William H., [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers and binders
Number of Pages: 1384