History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 47

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060

USA > Ohio > Stark County > History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 47

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Thomas S. was very unlike his brother John. He was a tidy, dapper young man, fluent talker. quick in his movements, and prompt to respond to calls. He was a fast rider, stood in his stir- rups, projecting his body forward, apparently

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

going faster than his horse. He was popular as a physician, and had an extensive practice. He died in 1855, leaving a large landed estate, now very valuable.

Thomas Hartford came from Connecticut, and settled in Canton in 1818. He was a kind hearted man, and generous to the poor, as the following rerbatim notice in a Repository of 1820 would indicate :

" Dr. Thomas Hartford hereby informs such as are in indigent circumstances, in the county of Stark, that in cases of sickness, adrice and medicine will be given to them gratis."

That he was not prompted to make this offer from ulterior motives, is evident from the be- quest in his will, giving a large proportion of his real estate to the poor of Canton. After some ten years of general practice, Dr. Hartford engaged in the mercantile business : and. about 1833, removed to Pittsburgh. Penn.

James Jerow came to Canton in 1820. lle was from one of the New England States, and was reputed a man of more than ordinary intel- ligence, and well educated in his profession. In managing a case, he was very decided and exacting. and would tolerate no interference. If there was any hesitaney about carrying out his instructions, any distrust manifested as to his skill or judgment, or a disposition to try a remedy recommended by another, straightway would he give the parties to understand that unless he had the exclusive and uninterrupted control of the case he would retire. He would take the whole responsibility or none. He died in 1825 of a malignant fever. John Coulter, the first medical student in Stark County, studied with Dr. Jerow.

Justin Scott. a surgeon in the war of 1812, located in Kendall about the year 1815. From what can be learned of him. he was regarded by the community a well qualified physician and a skillful surgeon. He remained in Kendall several years, then removed to Burton, Geauga County, Ohio.

town with two deer on his horse that he had shot. He died in 1844. One of his sons. Augustus L., was a Surgeon in the confederate army, and Medical Director of Hardee's Corps.

Joseph Simmons was one of the early phy- sicians of Canton. He came from Pennsylvania in 1820 ; was a man of fine personal appearance. serupulously neat in dress, and bore himself with an aristocratic air. He did not succeed in securing a satisfactory run of business, not because of any question as to his qualifica- tions, but by reason of this seeming hauteur in his manner. The same has driven many a well-qualified young man from the ranks, while a bloviating ignoramus has succeeded in mak- ing money. Dr. Simmons remained in Canton about ten years, when he removed to Cincinnati. There he continued several years, then changed his location to St. Louis, where he died about two years ago.

Joseph Watson was of Quaker descent. born in 1798. near Philadelphia. Penn. His ele- mentary education was such as the scant oppor- tunities of the time and place afforded. He commenced the study of medicine in 1821. with Dr. Wood, of Lycoming County, remain ing with him a year. In the fall of 1822, he came West. stopping in Wrightstown. Belmont Co., Ohio. Here he resumed. the study with Dr. Hartley. and continued with him until he decided to look up a location to practice. He visited Cadiz, New Philadelphia. Wooster and Dover (now called Dalton), and when he made known at the latter place the object of his visit. he was so strongly urged to settle among them that he decided to do so. The town was with- ont a physician, and he had several calls before he could hang ont a shingle. He soon bad all he wanted to do. llis work was laborious. Disturbed at all hours of the night, long rides over rough roads. exposed to all kinds of weather, will eventually dampen the zeal of most men. so after a residence of ten years in Dover, Dr. Watson concluded to change the field of his operations, and, in the fall of 1833. came to Massillon, which at that time was the rising town of this part of the State. While in practice at Massillon, he had several partners. including Dr. Michener and Dr. Bowen. both men of well-known professional reputation. Dr. Watson withdrew from active practice about 1843 and engaged in the drug business, in

George Breysacher was born and educated in Germany. and settled in Canton in 1819. It was said he had been a Surgeon under Bona- parte. which gave him considerable reputation. Ile did an extensive practice, particularly among the German people, native and foreign. He was a fine horseman and a great hunter, always rode at break-neck speed with several dogs fol- lowing him. He was once seen coming into , which he built up a large wholesale and retail

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

trade. In this he continued until 1877, when ad- monished by advancing years and failing vigor, that it was time for him to retire from active work. Dr. Watson was married in 1821 to Mary Ann Walton, of Columbiana Co., Ohio. The couple are enjoying life's peaceful evening together the only remaining link in the county connecting the old-time practitioners with the present.

Beriah Brooks, John Shaw and Josiah Gale were physicians who located in Kendall be- tween 1820 and 1825. Brooks moved over to Massillon as soon as it was started. and died there in 1831. Gale abandoned practice for a contract on the canal, and Shaw, after remain- ing several years, left for parts unknown.

Thomas and John Townsend. brothers, re- moved from Wooster to Massillon about the vear 1828, and set up in practice together. They remained a few years, when Thomas went to Wheeling. Va., where he died. The last known of John he had drifted to California.

Robert Estep was born in Fayette Co .. Penn., in 1793 : served an apprenticeship at the trade of silversmith ; pursued that calling several years, when he concluded to study medicine. After reading eighteen months, he commeneed practice in Paris. Stark Co .. in 1824. He soon acquired a wide-spread reputation. not only as a skilful practitioner, but as a surgeon of more than ordinary ability. Twice he performed the Cesarean section, the only physician of the county that ever attempted it. He several times operated for cataract and eut for stone In 1834. he removed to C'anton, where he on- joyed an extensive practice until his death in 1852. at the age of fifty nine. The honorary degree of M. D. was conferred upon him by the Ohio Medical College, in 1835.

Joseph 11. Estep. son of Robert Estep, was born in 1819. Ile followed painting until twenty-three, when he took up the study of medicine. lle read with his father, and grad- nated at the Cleveland Medical College in 1847. He commenced practice at Waynes- burg, and soon succeeded in obtaining a profit- able run of custom. When the California gold excitement overspread the land, he yieldled to the temptation and went there. He remained there several years, during which time he was elected a member of the first Legislature. On his return in 1852. he settled in Canton. Here he continued in practice until failing health in-

duced him to return to California in 1873. Ile died in 1876. Dr. Estep was twice married. His first wife was Miss Polloy, by whom he had three children. His second wife was Miss Rank : by her he had no issue. He was a man of considerable natural talent. an original genius, a ready, foreible writer. not much of a student. but extravagantly fond of light litera- ture, and inclined to take the world casy.

Perkins Wallace was born in Trumbull Conn- ty. Ohio, in 1808. Studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Bonfiekl. Canton, and graduated at the Ohio Medical College. Cincinnati. in 1533. lle commenced the practice of medicine at Bran- dywine Mills. Summit Co .: from thence he removed to Akron, where he remained about two years, when he again changed his location to Massillon. Here he continued until 1850. do- ing an extensive practice. Considerations out- side of professional. influenced him to remove to Canton, where he remained until his death in 1868, aged sixty. Dr. Wallace was married in 1835 to Rebecca Raynolds, by whom he had six children.

Lorenzo M. Whiting was born in Litchfield County, Conn .. in 1811. Received his medical degree at Williams College in 1835. and located in Canton in 1836. Dr. Whiting has continued longer in practice at the one place than any physician who has ever lived in Stark County. He has always been held in high esteem. not only as a practitioner of medicine, but as a gen- eral scholar, versed in literature and the sei- ences. His consultation calls have exceeded those of any other practitioner, a proof of his standing with the community. He was ap- pointed a Trustee of the Northern Ohio Lu- natie Asylum, by Gov. Chase. in 1856. During the rebellion, he was appointed by Gov. Den- ison one of the Board of Examiners of Sur- geons to Ohio regiments. also Examining sur- geon for Stark County and for the Board of Enrolment for the Seventeenth Congressional District of Ohio, which position he held until the close of the war. He was Pension Surgeon from 1862 until October. 1880, when. by reason of ill health, he resigned. He was likewise Censor of Cleveland Medical College. In all these varied positions he discharged the duties devolving upon him with entire satisfaction to all parties concerned. The Doctor was struck with paralysis in the summer of 1580, since which time. he has been unable to practice.

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

Auren W. Whiting was born in Connecticut in 1826. Educated in the High School of West- field, Mass. Read medicine with Dr. W. B. De Forest, Colebrook. Conn., and in 1846 matrieu- lated at the Medical Department of Yale Col- lege. After one course of lectures, he came to Canton, and engaged with his brother L. M., continuing the study, and gradually taking up practice. He attended a second course of lect- ures at Cleveland, graduating in 1850. He lo- cated first in Massillon. where he remained until 1858: then spent about eighteen months in Europe, visiting the hospitals of Paris and other large cities. Soon after his return from Europe, he was elected Assistant Physician of the Northern Ohio Lunatic Asylum, which position he held several years. During the rebellion, he was a contract surgeon, doing duty in the field hospitals near Georgetown. At the close of the war, he settled in Canton, where he has since remained, making a specialty of chronic diseases.

Carl F. Brackebush was born and educated in Germany. He came to this country in 1835, and first settled in Osnaburg, but remained there but a short time, when he removed to Canton. He was considered well educated in his profession, and had an extensive practice. He died in 1849. of neuralgia of the heart, caused by exposure in professional labor.

F. D. H. Dallwick was born in Cassel, Ger- many, in 1814, and received his medical educa- tion in that country. He came to Stark County in 1833, first settling in Greentown. From there be removed to Canton, where he remained some years. He was the first physician ap- pointed to the County Infirmary. From Can- ton he removed to Canal Fulton, where he died in 1849. His wife was Louisa, daughter of Christian Palmer, a pioneer settler.

Joseph H. Mathews was born in England. He studied medicine with Dr. Robert Estep, and received his degree from the Cleveland Medical College. He commenced practiee as a partner of his preceptor, and on his decease was associated for some years with Dr. Wallace. On their dissolution. Dr. Mathews continued practice until within a year, accumulating con- siderable property. He is now connected with - now deceased, was Mary A. Shorb, daughter of John Shorb.

the Diebold Safe & Lock Company. His wife. in 1835, where he continued practice until ap-

Barak Michener was born 1779, in Chester County, Penn. His grandparents came over

with William Penn. His educational oppor- tunities in his youth were extremely meager, but he was a young man of good natural abil- ity and indomitable energy, by reason of which, he became a man of very considerable learn- ing. While yet a boy, his father removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, and when about eight- een years of age, he started out for himself, coming to Lawrence Township, Stark County, where he had relatives living. Working here a short time, he engaged in teaching near Ken- dall. About 1825. he commenced teaching in Canton, and it was while engaged in this pur- suit, that he conceived the idea of studying medieine. Hle read with Dr. Gardner, and com- menced practice with him, never having at- tended lectures. He removed to Massillon in 1834, and for several years was associated in practice with Dr. Watson. It was about this time that Asiatie cholera made its appearance as an epidemie in the neighborhood, carrying off more people than has any epidemic in the same length of time, before or since. In the treatment of this disease. Dr. Michener had an extensive experience, and his success was above the average. He was an original thinker, and not a routine prescriber. In 1839, he removed on to a farm near West Brookfield, continuing to practice until 1849. when he went west to Freeport, Ill., where he remained until 1853. when he again emigrated west, purchasing land near Adel, Dallas Co .. Iowa. He had re- linquished practice, and was living upon and improving this land when he died March 10. 1878 A son of the Doctor is a physician, was engaged in practice in Adel, but removed to Dallas. Tex., and is now a planter.

John Schertzer was born 1799. in Franklin County, Penn. The education of the Doctor, owing to the limited facilities of the time and his place of residence, was not very extended. He began the study of medicine when about eigliteen years of age, with Dr. Jacob Grubb. of Lebanon County, Penn., and obtained his de- gree of Doctor of Medicine from Jefferson Med- ical College. Philadelphia. After practicing at several places in the counties of Lebanon and Franklin, he removed to Massillon, Stark Co., pointed Postmaster by President Lincoln, which office he held nine years. lle was elected State Senator in 1850, serving one term. He died in 1880.

HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

Jeremiah V. Schertzer was born in Pennsyl- vania, 1821, had a common-school education, and read medicine with his father. He at- tended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and began practice with his father in 1814. Hle is still a resident of Massillon, and engaged in medical practice. Dr. Schertzer was married in 1848 to Mary Ellen Ogden, daughter of Hugh Ogden, of Massillon.

Daniel L. Gans was born in Fayette County, Poun .. 1819. At an early age, he manifested a taste for reading, and a preference for the study and practice of medicine. At eighteen, he engaged with an older brother. a practicing physician of Moundville, Va .. and with him, he remained as a student two years, complet- ing his medical course in the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati. He commenced practice in Smithfield, Penn., three miles from his birth- place. and continued there about eighteen months. then removed to Magnolia, Tuscarawas County. Ohio. Ile lived here eight years, and during this time. puschased a large farm in Pike Township, near Sparta. Upon this he re- moved in 1850, and has lived here ever since, devoting his leisure from practice to overseeing his farm, and giving attention to breeding fine stock. partienlarly sheep and cattle. Dr. Gans was married in 1845, to Margaret Hanna, of Steubenville. They have four children-two sons and two daughters.

J. P. Barrick was born in 1818. in Morgantown, Rockingham Co., Va. His father was a farmer, and before this son was grown, he removed to Columbiana Co., Ohio. His opportunities for acquiring an education in early life were quite limited. He married young, and at the time of his marriage was in the employ of JJames Far- mer. merchant, of Salineville. Soon after. he went to Cleveland and engaged with Dr. Henry Everett. with whom he studied medicine. lle | located in the practice at Massillon in 18.12. and continued in the profession until his death in 1579. He received the honorary degree of M. D. from the Cleveland Medical College in 1566. Dr. Barrick was married the second time to Mrs. Clarissa A. Baldwin, of Massillon. He served a number of years in the City Coun- cil. and in the Board of Education, of which he was a member at the time of his death. lle was of a social disposition and popular with the people.

Frederick T. Hurxthal was born in Balti-

more, Md., in 1814. His father was a mer- chant. Ilis early education was such as the local schools afforded opportunity to acquire. He read medicine under Dr. Willard Parker, of New York City, and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. New York. in 1815. Ile began practice in Magnolia. Tusca- rawas Co., and continued in that place until 1817, when he removed to Massillon. Dr. Hurxthal served in the army during the late war as Surgeon of the Nineteenth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry. His death, which occurred under specially sad circumstances, was the result of an injury received by a fall on the platform at the railroad station in Canton, Feb. 3. 1-65. Dr. H. was a live member of the profession - a eloso student, always abreast of the improve- ments of the day, and a frequent contributor to the journals.

Abraham Metz was born in Stark County in 1828. His father was a pioneer settler of 1807. Ile was educated in the common schools. in which he taught when a mere lad. He began the study of medicine with Dr. Kahlor, in Co- lumbiana County, and attended a course of lectures at Willoughby Medical College. The summer following, he enlisted in the Mexican war, Third Ohio Regiment, and was appointed Hospital Steward, much of the time doing the work of an Assistant Surgeon. After his re- turn from Mexico, he resumed his medical studies, and graduated at Cleveland Medical College in 1848. Ile commenced practice at North Georgetown, Columbiana County. ro- maining there about a year, then went West. settling at Big Lick, Hancock Co., Ohio. From here he went into Seneca County, where he continued until 1854, when he changed his loen- tion to Massillon. He soon after made a spo- cialty of diseases of the eye. and became widely known as a successful practitioner in that line. Ife also gave attention to general surgery, and was recognized as a skillful ope- rator. Under the disadvantages of a country location. he kept abreast of the rapid growth of his specialty. He was one of the founders of Charity Hospital Medical College (now the Medical Department of Wooster University) at Cleveland, of which institution he was one of the original Faculty, occupying the chair of Ophthalmology, which place he filled at the time of his death, February 1. 1876. He was Surgeon of the Pittsburgh. Fort Wayne &

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Chicago Railway, and was frequently sent be- vond his district when accidents occurred in- volving serious or important surgical opera- tions. Dr. Metz was emphatically a self-made man. With very limited educational advan- tages, he made himself master not only of om own language. but acquired such a knowledge of the German and French as enabled him to read without difficulty their publications. By his indomitable energy he overcame obstacles presented in his researches, that would have appalled most young men. lle is the author of a work entitled " Histology of the Eye," now used as a text-book in many of our medical colleges : has also contributed many articles to the journals of the day. Dr. Metz was a genial companion. inclined to make the most of what this life afforded. and long will be remembered for his many excellent traits of character. He was married in 1849 to Elizabeth Patterson. of Columbiana County. by whom he had one child. a daughter both still living.

Hermann ... Thl. was born in Saxony. 1823. Read medicine with his father and obtained his degree at a medical school in Dresden, 1846. He was associated in practice with his father until 1848. when he came to America and lo- cated in Bethlehem. Stark County. Here he remained until 1853. when he removed to Boli- var, where he continued about three years. dur- ing which time he was physician to the " Zoar Community." From 1856 to 1858. he was a resident of Dunleith. Ill .. from there he re- turned and settled in Massillon : here he re- mained about seven years, when the desire for change prompted him to locate in Navarre. In the spring of 1877, he made a trip to Europe. and while at the home of his youth was taken sick and died December 20. of the same year. Though somewhat eccentric and subject to fit- ful moods, the doctor was always considered a good physician.

G. Kersey Thomas was born in York County, Penn .. 1818. of Quaker parents. He came to Salem. Ohio, when quite young, and at the age of eighteen began the study of medicine with Dr. Benjamin Stanton. At the age of twenty- two, he married Rebecca Shaw and settled in Marlboro and commeneed practice. His wife died in 1849, and in 1852 he married Eliza L. Smyth. a teacher in the Marlboro Union School. In 1856, he went to Philadelphia where he spent over a year pursuing his medical studies,

and in 1857 he settled in Alliance. In 1862, he was appointed Surgeon of the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but his health soon failed, and in December of the same year, he was prostrated with paralysis. resigned his commission and was brought home on a lounge. In 1864, his second wife died, and in 1868 he married Mrs. Rosanna Milner. He died March 10, 1869, of congestion of the brain. Dr. Thomas was considered a man of more than ordinary ability. In practice, his taste was in favor of surgery. At the time of his death, he was Surgeon of the two railroads passing through Alliance.

Levi Haldeman, born in Columbiana County ; read medicine with Drs. Robertson & Carey, of Hanoverton, same county, attended lectures at Louisville, Ky., and commenced practice in Minerva, Stark County, in 1839. He did an extensive business up to 1860. when he left the profession to engage in oil speculation, in which he has accumulated several large for- tunes. He is the only physician of the coun- ty, who has ever had a case of well-marked. unmistakable hydrophobia. The case was that of Andrew Shultz. bit by a small dog. who in three weeks after, manifested symptoms of hy- drophobia. terminating fatally in three days.

Francis Joseph Wernet, born in Baden, Ger- many. 1812 : studied medicine in Basle, and graduated at Freyburg; came to America in 1842 ; settled first in Pittsburgh, but the health of his wife becoming impaired as was supposed from local causes, he removed to Canton the next year, and there remained in practice until his death in 1862. He had five children. Mrs. Wernet died in 1881.

William J. Parker was born in Jefferson County. Ohio. 1812; his parents came from North Carolina. He commenced the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Parker. of Bel- mont County. Ohio, at twenty years of age, and set up in practice when twenty-five, at Saline- ville in company with Dr. Farmer lle re- mained here four years. and then after having resided and practiced in Fairfield. Columbiana and New Lisbon, all in the same county until 1866, he removed to Alliance where he re- mained until his death in 1880.

J. L .. Leeper was born in Norfolk. Va .. 1818 : educated at Cannonsburg, Penn .. and studied medicine in Brooke County, West Va. Ile came to Navarre in 1847. and continued there in

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active practice until 1867, when he removed on to his farm in Perry Township where he still resides. Dr. Leeper is a elever, social gentle- man and popular with his neighbors.

William Neely was born in Jefferson County, 1819. He studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Wood (late of t'incinnati), and was associated with him in practice for a time. In 1843. he settled in New Franklin, Paris Township, since which time. he has continued in practice in different localities in the eastern portion of the county, Alliance and Mount Union.

Charles Kay was born in New Jersey ; read medicine in Warren County, Ohio ; settled in East Fairfield, where he practiced over thirty years. In 1549, he received the honorary de- gree of medicine, and in 1869, removed to Alli- ance, where he has since resided, engaged in active practice.

David A. Arter was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1820. Ilis early education was what the common and select schools of that day afforded. He read medicine with Drs. Robertson and Cary. of Hanoverton, who had in their day a wide-spread reputation and did an extensive practice. lle graduated at the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati. in 1845, and soon after located in East Fairfield, Colum- biana Co. From thence he removed to Carroll- ton, where he remained a number of years, and in 1865, he removed to Canton. He has been in active practice some thirty-six years. He was married in 1844 to Almyra Ferral, by whom he had four children. She died in 1859, and he married Sarah M. MeCall, of Harrison County. Dr. Arter was commissioned by Gov. Tod. Captain of Cavalry, during the rebellion, and for two years served as Deputy Revenne Collector. The Doctor has been more success- ful than most of the brethren in collecting and saving his earnings, as he is now in very com- fortable circumstances.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 47

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1060

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060