USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 21
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CHAPTER XIII.
HISTORY OF THE BELMONT COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY-THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS-SOME EMINENT PHYSICIANS OF PIONEER DAYS-NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION CHANGED-PRESENT MEM- BERSHIP-SOME OF THE PHYSICIANS OF LATER DAYS.
We are indebted to Dr. A. H. Hewetson of St. Clairsville for the following history of the Belmont County Medical Society-an organi- zation that antedates the national medical so- ciety by a number of years and is probably one of the oldest medical associations in the country.
Dr. Hewetson and his daughter, Miss Eliza- beth, are associated in the practice of a pro- fession that has been skillfully pursued in Bel- mont County by father and grandfather for upward of half a century.
Dr. Hewetson is the senior physician of St. Clairsville today and one of the oldest mem- bers of the Belmont County Medical Society. llis accomplished daughter is a graduate of the Ohio Medical College and brings to the prac- tice of her profession all that is modern in the science and art of medicine and surgery.
We are led to believe from fragments of liis- tory that meet us that, several years before the organization of the Belmont County Medical Society, there existed an effort to perfect a union of the medical profession in the counties of Belmont, Jefferson and Monroe. Possibly other counties were included.
Some leading names were connected with this effort. Dr. Stanton, a relative of the great War Secretary, Edwin M. Stanton, was from Steubenville. There were other names from other counties.
ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY.
The Belmont County Medical Society was organized on the last day of February, 1847. There was the usual call through the public press to meet at the National Hotel, St. Clairs- ville, Ohio, to which the profession responded.
At the specified time a number met and pro- ceeded to perfect an organization. Dr. C. Schooley of Loydsville was chosen chairman and Dr. Smith Holloway, secretary. The usual committees were appointed. Drs. Jo- seph Hewetson, Holloway and Walker were chosen a committee to prepare a constitution. Drs. West, Alexander and McConahey were appointed to prepare a code of ethics. Drs. Estep. C. Schooley and L. Schooley were ap- pointed a committe to draw up a fee bill of rates and charges to govern all members of the society.
The association was now reasonably equipped for work.
There was no intention to put their light under a bushel, as the motion of Dr. Alexander was carried, to publish the proceedings of the society in the Gaselle and Chronicle.
The roll of names of those attending this meeting is as follows :
Dr. Ephraim Gaston, Morristown.
Dr. Joseph Hewetson, St. Clairsville.
Dr. John Alexander, St. Clairsville. Dr. Josephus Walker, St. Clairsville.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Dr. Smith Holloway, St. Clairsville.
Dr. Henry West, St. Clairsville.
Dr. John Campbell, Uniontown.
Dr. T. Irwin, Uniontown.
Dr. Wilson, Centerville.
Dr. J. Coleman, Centerville.
Dr. T. Harvey, Jacobsburg.
Dr. J. Bailey, Flushing.
Dr. Chapman, Hendrysburg.
Dr. D. Tidball, Hendrysburg.
Dr. William Estep, Loydsville.
Dr. C. Schooley, Loydsville.
Dr. Dallas, Sewellsville.
Dr. Andrews, Bellaire.
THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS.
The roll of the members of the original so- ciety has been justly called the "roll of honor." In this list are presented some of the brightest names in the profession of Belmont County.
On the ist of March at the second meeting, the constitution being completed was adopted and the next step was to establish a correct roll of the members :
The roll when completed was as follows :
Ephraim Gaston B. L. Steele
B. T. Bethel
Lindley Schooley
John T. Mackall I. I. Murphy
Josephus Walker
Leander J. Dallas
P. R. Chapman Theodore L. Harvey John Alexander
Daniel L. Pratt
John A. Weyer William Estep Thomas Irwin
ITiram J. Judkins
Ephraim Williams
Clarkson Schooley
William Milligan
Henry West James D. Coleman
Merwin R. Wright William McMasters Joseplı Gaston Milton W. Junkins
S. B. West David Tidball
E. J. Birdsong
Harrison Wilson
James M. McConahey
P. H. Mulvaney Samnel Livingston Caleb Cope William A. Drake
George Lisle Smith Holloway William Wilson
James D. Wriglit
Joseph Hewetson
Jolın Davis William W. Watters
W. T. Sinelair
J. T. Updegraff
Israel Weirich
Jesse Bailey
Willoughby Doudna
B. S. Cash
Isaae Hoover
SOME EMINENT PITYSICIANS OF PIONEER DAYS.
DR. EPHRAIM GASTON .- We find at the top of this roll of honor, taking it in the order given, the name of Ephraim Gaston of Morris- town, Ohio,
He began the practice of medicine in 1825 and ended in 1896.
But few medical men excelled Dr. Gaston in the deep hold he obtained upon the hearts of his patrons. Honest to the core, a gentleman in all his instincts, intelligent far beyond the average of most of liis compeers, he held a position in his community that time and cir- cuinstances never changed. In the providence of God, in his later years Dr. Gaston was afflicted with cataract on both eyes.
He was unsuccessfully operated on by the great surgeon, Dr. Gross, of Philadelphia. Later, he consulted the celebrated specialist, Dr. Williams, of Cincinnati, who performed a second operation which was eminently suc- cessful. From this time on, the Doctor was able to see to read and walk about, but with the exception of occasional consultations he never practiced his profession again.
DR. JOSEPH HEWETSON'S biography, as pre- pared by the Medical Society at the time of his death, appears in the latter portion of this book devoted to biographies ; a few brief refer- ences is all we think necessary.
He was one of the charter members of the society. Having had the long and thorough medical training that was required in the Ed- inburgh University, Scotland, he was an op- ponent of the short, and what appeared to him superficial, course of education in this country. He more than once presented his opinions on this subject to the association. It was his firm belief that time and the necessities of tlie pro- fession would overcome these objections.
The Doctor left a family of six sons and one daughter. Four sons, three grandsons, and one granddanghter are in the practice of the profession.
DR. JOHN ALEXANDER was born at Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent. At the age of 19 he left his native land and came to the United States, landing at Baltimore. He first became a teacher of country schools and after a time came to St. Clairsville, Ohio. Ilere lie became acquainted with Dr. Carroll, who be- came interested in the young man, and directed his efforts to the study of medicine. He was
-
John G. Affleek
Thomas N. Flanner I. G. Stenlacr
S. L. Ramage
J. W. Warfield
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a student of the Ohio Medical College, Cincin- nati, and in 1832 embarked in the practice of medicine at Flushing, Ohio, and in the autumn of 1839 he removed to St. Clairsville, where he continued in practice until his death.
The Doctor had a positive Scotch-Irish na- ture. It was thus natural to him to be strong in his friendships and equally strong in his antipathies. He was a good physician. In his practice of over half a century he had a large and, part of the time, lucrative practice. Dur- ing the latter part of his life he lived in the enjoyment of the kindliest feelings of all who knew him. The Master's call came as all faith- ful servants desire-while at the work of his life
He was stricken down as he entered the door of a patient in the night scason. This occurred after a drive of three miles into the country. There was a deep manifestation of feeling at his funeral. He was followed to his grave with the tears of many friends.
DR. HENRY WEST was born on the 8th day of April, 1800, and died June 30, 1887. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and to that sturdy race he no doubt owed his strong and rugged nature.
He was a graduate of the Ohio Medical Col- lege, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He began the prac- tice of his profession in 1835 in Bridgeport, Ohio, and soon commanded a good business. He was sent to represent the county in the Leg- islature on the Democratic ticket in 1838-39 and was re-elected to the same position the following winter.
After the close of the Rebellion, he repre- sented the Republican party of this district in the State Senate in 1865-66.
In those days it was the rule to mix poli- tics with almost all business. The Doctor was an active Democrat before the war. It so hap- pened that St. Clairsville was left without any competent Democratic doctor. Under the pressure of some leading Democratic men of the county, he consented to remove to St. Clairs- ville. This removal occurred at the close of his second term in the Legislature. The Doctor always regretted this move, often speaking of
the advantage it would have been to his boys had he remained in Bridgeport.
Dr. West was married three times and be- came the head of a large family.
His first wife was Adeline Kirkwood, by whom he had eight children. The second wife was Agnes Parker, five children being the fruits of this marriage. His third wife was Mary Jane Douglass, who, with five children, survives him, making 18 children as a result of the three marriages. Four sons, John E., of Jersey City, New Jersey ; J. Park, of Bellaire; Samuel L., of St. Clairsville, and Homer, of McMechen, are all physicians standing high in the profession.
In no way is his rugged and patriotic nature better shown than at the breaking out of the war. Dr. West had been a life-long Democrat and had received recognition at the hands of his party. He voted for Breckenridge, never doubting that come what would the Union and the government would be sacred. When the word came that Fort Sumter had been fired . upon, the Doctor was a changed man in a mo- ment of time. From that day to the close of his life he was a firm supporter of the gov- ernment.
We can well recall how greatly Dr. West suffered, when feeling his services were needed in the army, but that the duty of coming to the bedside of his dying wife was even greater.
The time that inevitably comes to all caine upon Dr. West. Full of honor and years, con- scious of coming weakness, of advancing age, he lived in daily expectation of the end. The call came as he would have chosen, suddenly, no extended time of suffering. At work to- day-tomorrow forever at rest.
DR. JOHN CAMPBELL was the eldest son of James Campbell, who migrated from Washing- ton County, Pennsylvania, to Ohio about 1803 and located in Wheeling township. Belmont County, on section 26, range four, township cight, which land had been entered several years previous by the Doctor's grandfather. a Revolutionary soldier.
Ilere Dr. Campbell was born November 21, 180.4. At the age of 15 he left home and at-
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tended school at New Athens for five years. After this he went to St. Clairsville and stud- ied medicine under Dr. John McCracken for two and one-half years. He was licensed to practice medicine in November, 1827, at Barnesville, Ohio.
He began the practice of medicine in Union- town, Ohio, March 5, 1828, and continued to practice at the same place until his death, Sep- tember 17, 1882.
He was a member of the Crab Apple Presby- terian Church from 1833 and a ruling elder in the same congregation since 1840.
He was elected twice to the General Assem- bly of the Presbyterian Church,-Philadel- phia in 1843 and Chicago in 1877. The Doc- tor was nominated on the Democratic ticket in 18.40 for the Legislature in opposition to Judge Cowen, but was defeated.
With a somewhat intimate knowledge of the profession of the county for the last 45 years, I have no liesitancy to declare that Dr. Campbell was not excelled for virtue and lion- esty. At any time when at all in doubt as to the true nature of his case, it was his habit to ask for counsel and gave the true reason for his asking.
When life's fitful dream for him was over, the welcome came "Well done! good and faith- ful servant."
DR. WILLIAM ESTEP .- It is appropriate and entirely fitting that Drs. Estep and Campbell should be considered in close connection. Near neighbors through a long life, good medical friends, in character differing essentially, yet agreeing, assisting each other frequently.
Dr. Estep began his medical studies under the supervision of a "Thompsonian." This entrance upon the study of medicine was be- fore he had acquired the most elementary edu- cation. While never failing to regret his lim- ited education, he sought to overcome its evil effects by perseverance, energy and close ap- plication, so that for years before his death lie could write a paper and present it to the society as well arranged as almost any member could have done.
Dr. Estep was naturally well equipped for
his work. Possessed of a pleasing manner, commanding presence, he did all that was pos- sible to do, to remove the loss of a thorough education.
When the war broke out, Dr. Estep respond- ed to the call of patriotism. Leaving a large practice, he willingly entered the service of his country. As a consequence of exposure and resulting pneumonia, he almost lost his life. Returning home in 1864, he gradually recov- ered health and resumed his practice. Dr. Estep had many good traits of character. His friends had often to lament that at times he manifested traits of character that were not what they would desire. In as much as the Doctor labored to overcome these and lamented his delinquencies, his friends have by mutual consent covered them with a mantle of char- ity. It is a relief in such lives as Dr. Estep's to be able to put forth so much that is good. He appeared to regard a professional call as sacred. Regardless of time, condition of roads, or state of the weather, you could depend on the Doctor. Send for him to assist you, and in the shortest possible time he responded. For more than half a century he kept in the fore- front of his local profession.
He was born in Washington County, Penn- sylvania, and was the son of John and Sarah Estep. In 1840 he settled at Loydsville and began the practice of medicine, which con- tinued until his death.
DR. B. L. STEELE .- We have very limited knowledge of Dr. B. L. Steele. All that can be learned certainly regarding Dr. Steele is that he located in St. Clairsville perhaps late in the "thirties." His name appears on the roll of the Presbyterian Church. How long he remained- in St. Clairsville and what was his professional standing, we have not been able to ascertain.
Evidence shows him to have been a member of the Presbyterian Church and also of the Belmont County Medical Society. This evi- dence proves him to have been a man of repu- tation and character.
DR. SIMON B. WEST, one of the pioneers of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, was born in Jefferson
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County, Ohio, in 1812, and was the son of Henry West, one of the early settlers of the county. Dr. West's early years were spent on the farm until 1833, when he began the study of medicine with his older brother, Dr. Henry West, of Bridgeport, Ohio. He was graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1836. Locating in Martins' Ferry the same year, he began a practice which he continued for about 50 years ; then he retired and devoted to rest his remaining years, which were ter- minated by death in 1885. He was one of the most eminent men in his profession in this region and is also remembered as one of the most enterprising citizens of Martin's Ferry.
Dr. West was married in July, 1838, to Mary Zane Martin. Of their eight children there is but one survivor, the wife of Oliver C. Parker.
DR. JAMES M. MCCONAHEY of Bridge- port, Ohio, was one of the charter members of the Society. Dr. McConahey was one of the best. Solid in judgment, clear in mind, he was a good diagnostician and consequently a good physician. I am sorry not to be able to give a history of his life.
DR. JOSEPHUS WALKER was born Jan- mary 20, 1820, near Uniontown, Ohio, at- tended the school of the district, then entered the college at New Athens, from which he was graduated in 1841. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Alexander of St. Clairs- ville, and graduated from the Cincinnati Medi- cal College. He practiced his profession in St. Clairsville, Ohio, until the time of his death, which occurred January 12, 1864. Dr. Walker was not long in entering into a good practice. Ile was gifted with financial ability, and while comparatively a young man when he died, he had reached a comfortable competency. Hle had a strong hold upon the affections of his patrons.
DR. EPHRAIM WILLIAMS was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of October, 1810. In 1818 he came west to the neighbor- hood of Barnesville, Ohio. He located in Guernsey County, Ohio, to practice medicine, in the spring of 1834, and removed to Barnes-
ville in March, 1839, remaining there until his death, April 15, 1887. He continued in active practice until a few years of his death.
Dr. Williams was one of the last of that class of noble men, representing in the earlier days the work of the association.
They were as a class far above all that was low and mean and had the good of the patient always in mind.
It is to be hoped their example may not be without good to the younger members who fol- low them.
DR. ELIJAH PERRY BIRDSONG was born near Richmond, Virginia, July 4, 1819. He was graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cin- cinnati, Ohio, 1853-54. Ile came to Bellaire, Ohio, about 1845 and died at that place March 1, 1858.
The Doctor was a partner with Dr. Milton W. Junkins, one of the Society's brightest members. The firm stood high in the estima- tion of the people, and Dr. Birdsong was a man highly esteemed both in and out of the Society.
DR. LINDLEY SCHOOLEY is the only living man of the original charter members of the Belmont County Medical Society. The Doctor has been an active member of the profession and until latter years was active in the service of the association. He is a most remarkable sample of longevity, and is still doing a large practice.
DR. CALEB COPE, born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, August, 1812, was one of the first or charter members of the Belmont County Med- ical Society. Ile died at Farmington, Ohio, October 6, 1875, having practiced medicine in that locality all his life.
In the time of his practice the exposure and hardships incident to a country practice were very great. All his traveling had to be done on horseback. He raised a large family and was highly appreciated in the community. One son was a physician and succeeded to his prac- tice.
NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION CHANGED.
In 1870 the nature of the organization was changed. It was made to inchide a number of
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
other counties and the name changed to the "Medical Chirurgical Society of Eastern Ohio."
This was not found as satisfactory as the former arrangements, and on December 5, 1885, a return was had to the old name "Belmont County Medical Society." The desire for this change was universal, as there were so many pleasant associations clustered around the old name.
This organization antedates the American Medical Association.
PRESENT MEMBERSHIP.
Herewith is given a complete list of the present Belmont County Medical Society.
J. M. Blackford
A. B. Hobson
D. W. Boone
D. T. Phillips
G. E. Calhoun J. C. McAlister
J. A. Clark
A. R. Ong
C. C. Cole
J. S. McClellan
E. C. Cope
J. R. Parry
Joseph Piersol
A. W. Diven
J. W. Moffat J. W. Piper
J. S. Ely
M. D. Murphy
S. T. Gregg
F. W. Lane
A. J. Heinlein
D. O. Sheppard
A. H. Hewetson
J. G. Wilson
J. A. Hobson
I. N. MeMasters
J. O. Howell
E. L. Hawthorne
W. E. Thompson
W. O. S. Piper
J. V. Webster S. L. West
H. B. Eddy V. N. Marsh
II. S. West
O. M. Kesor
J. P. West
W. P. Harris
B. O. Williams
J. M. S. Heath
J. C. Workinan
C. D. Leggett
A. H. Korner
William Warren
F. A. Korrell
Paul Morrison
A. C. Beetham
Jacob E. Berry
WV. L. Judkins
J. C. Archer
SOME OF THE PHYSICIANS OF LATER DAYS.
DR. A. J. HOGE was born July 29, 1832, near Morristown, Ohio. He read medicine with Dr. Estep of Loydsville, attended the eclectic school of medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, but practiced as a regular.
He began the practice of medicine in 1855 at Malaga, Ohio. Ile was married in 1856 to Eliza Harper. After practicing two years at
the above place and two years at Bethesda, he removed to Morristown, Ohio, where he re- mained until death.
When presenting himself for membership in the Belmont County Medical Society, he real- ized how unlikely it might appear to some of the older members that he would practice the allopathic system of medicine. He came to some of us who were younger, and gave us the most solemn assurance of his honesty. We all promised him our full help and sympathy, having the utmost confidence in his honor. He was received heartily by the association, the investigation showing his honorable intentions. Through a long life none ever regretted his admission. Dr. Hoge was a member of the Disciple's Church and lived a consistent Chris- tian life.
He was a member, much liked, of both the Odd Fellow and Masonic fraternities. He served two years as surgeon in the Civil War. Dr. Hoge during a long practice in Morris- town held a strong, firm grip upon the hearts of the people. The large attendance and sym- pathetic demonstrations, at both sick bed and funeral, bespoke him a higher tribute of re- spect than is accorded most men.
He died August 8, 1900, being in active practice until within two years of his death.
DR. W. S. FISHER was born near Baltimore, Maryland, September 3, 1843. When he was but five years old, his family removed to Bel- mont County, Ohio. Dr. Fisher received an academic course at Barnesville, Ohio, in 1863. In 1867 he read medicine and began the prac- tice of his profession at Malaga, Monroe County, Ohio. In 1870 he removed to Bridge- port, Ohio, and practiced medicine there until his death, October 24, 1895.
Dr. Fisher was in the fullest sense a "fant- ily physician." It was largely because of the wonderful hold he possessed upon a patient and family, that made his patrons look up to himn. Kind, attentive, and successful, they felt that he was trustworthy to the fullest extent. He also stood well with his medical brethren. Dr. Fisher suffered with an incurable disease of the throat, and when his many friends realized
J. W. Cooper
J. N. Drennen
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that his end was near, they more than ever demonstrated their great affection for him. At last when the highest medical authority in our land proclaimed that there was no hope, that science could do no more, their regard and affection knew no bounds. When the last sad mission was to be performed, never in the knowledge of the oldest citizens of Bridgeport had such a concourse of people followed any of their citizens to the grave.
DR. GEORGE A. CLOSE was a native of Bel- mont County, born within two miles of St. Clairsville. He studied medicine with his cousin, Dr. John Thompson. When his medi- cal studies were completed, he began practice in partnership with his cousin, Dr. Thompson. Not meeting the success he desired, he removed to Bellaire, where he soon liad a good practice. His health began to fail and after long, tedious suffering the end came. Dr. Close was a man of many good qualities.
He married a daughter of Robert Wilkins, who was his faithful nurse through all his long, tedious illness.
DR. DUDLEY WOODBRIDGE came to Belmont County from Marietta, Ohio. He located at Bellaire, Ohio, and against many predictions that he was too young, too backward, he rapid- ly gained a large practice.
The Doctor married a daughter of Judge Anderson, of Bellaire. It is claimed he over- worked himself and brought on the sickness of which he died.
Be this as it may, his bright prospects were ended by the ruthless hand of Deatlı.
DR. WILLIAM MCMASTERS was a native of Belmont County. After completing his medi- cal studies, he practiced for a time in Centre- ville, Ohio. He subsequently removed to Bel- laire, purchased a drug store, and continued in that business the rest of his years. He was an honest man.
DR. JOHN A. HOBSON was born July 2, 1849. He graduated from the Miami Medical College in 1872, and also took a post-graduate course in the Polyclinic, NewYork, in 1895, and again in 1896.
Dr. Hobson in the commencement of his medical career had nothing beyond the ordi- nary to advance his progress. Early in his prac- tice he began to seek to advance his work. Hle concluded to elect the medical and surgical dis- eases of women as a specialty.
It was not long until one important opera- tion after another occurred, and it became a necessity to have better arrangements for work. Ile concluded to erect a hospital, that he might secure better facilities for properly treating his cases. This hie did in 1890, and since the equipment of his hospital his business has greatly increased.
The Doctor does honest work and seeks to build his reputation upon the solid basis of honest and fair dealing with his patients. Dr. Hobson's reputation does not rest alone on his specialty. He does a large amount of general surgery ; beyond this, his experience in general practice, his well-established character for gen- eral knowledge, gives him a wide consulting practice.
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