USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > A History of the Medical Class of '77, University of Pennsylvania > Part 2
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
JAMES L. A. BURRELL, M. D., a "most super- ior " member, was made president of the class of
--
19
1877, and as chief officer, his efforts elicited special praise. He was born at Salona, Clinton Co., Pa., and brought up on a farm, at which place he was given an enduring constitution. During his boyhood he was a pupil in the common schools of his native district; his preliminary training was, however, completed at Pennsylvania College, from which he was graduated, receiving M. A. While engaged in farming he also taught school in the winter season. His medical studies continued during a period of three and one-half years, having devoted himself to preliminary readings for one and a half years; while the remaining two were spent at the university. After completing his thorough medical education he returned to Salona for general practice, but soon tiring of this field of labor, more especially since labor had occurred frequently at night and far from his domicile, he removed to Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pa., his present abode. Although not yet ten years in this city, he is enjoying the sup- port and confidence of a large and influential follow- ing. He has paid especial attention to obstetrics, and in this attractive line of work, has been very successful. It has been authentically stated that he has met with all of the different presentations as well as accidents likely to occur in the practice of a lifetime. He now occupies such public positions of the first rank, as councilman, member of the Wil- liamsport Board of Health, trustee of the Williams- port Hospital, and is one of the attending physicians to the latter. He is married, has had three children, one of whom is deceased. Dr. Burrell is to-day as he was in our college days, clearly entitled to a dis-
1
20
tinguished place among the greater lights of the " Class of '77." Owing to the fact that he was pre- siding officer of our class, his commanding personal appearance will be remembered doubtless by every- one present, and whilst it is true that he is bodily vigorous, it is equally true that his character is both resolute and as sturdy as the oak. He has many of the elements essential to a leader.
JAMES IRVING CAWLEY, M. D., is a representa- tive member, born at Lower Saucon, Northampton County, Pa., and bred at Allentown, Pa. His earlier culture was received at public schools, at Freeburg Academy and Muhlenburg College, Allentown, Pa. For some years he was a schoolmaster, teaching in the schools at Allentown ; and it is quite probable that through his efforts while tutor to the youth of Allentown he did much to implant the esteem in which the inhabitants of that city are known to hold the arachis hypogoa (peanut) as a luxury of the table. Having read medical literature for nearly three years, he entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania at the beginning of the session of 1875-76, and after he was graduated he continued his studies in post-graduate courses during the greater part of the session commencing October 10, 1877. In 1878 he practiced with his preceptor at Schnecksville, Pa., from whence he removed to Allentown for one year, and at the end of this period, from the latter place to Spring- town, where he has since resided. As a practi- tioner in general medicine he has been quite prosper- ous. He is married, but his table does not afford any
21
young Cawley-flowers as yet. He is a member of the Bucks County Medical Society and Lehigh Valley Medical Society. Dr. Cawley has been extremely fortunate in having had the oppor- tunity of seeing a case of abscess of the thyroid gland. While at college he always showed a lively interest, not only in his studies, but also in the com- fort and well-being of his classmates, by whom he was much beloved. He possessed not a few charm- ing personal qualities, to which was due, doubtless, in great measure, the success of his proud career to date.
WILLIAM B. CHRISTINE, M. D., a healthy mem- ber from one of our popular seaside resorts, was born at Farmersville, Hunterdon County, New Jer- sey, July 9, 1854. His bringing up, of which he is justly inclined to complain, was quite cosmopolitan, a circumstance due to the fact that his father was a Methodist preacher, hence, not allowed to remain in any one locality for more than three years. His antecedent education was received chiefly at Pen- nington Seminary, Pennington, N. J. Prior to matriculating in the University he had perused medi- cal works for one year. After matriculation he attended at college for three seasons. For a short period after he was graduated Dr. Christine practiced in Philadelphia, thence he removed to Williams- town, N. J., from the latter place to Trenton, N. J., from Trenton to Ocean Grove, and then once more he departed from here going to Asbury Park. Hav- ing lived in five different communities within the last decade, he has even outdone the habit formed
A
-
22
earlier in life, of " rotating once in three years." For more than three years he practiced general medicine with good success. Subsequently he became a phar- macist, and at present is conducting a drug business in Asbury Park, N. J. Whilst he is living in an anti-license community, it is difficult to find there some one who does not indulge in the cup that cheers, and it is to be hoped that he is not one of those dis- pensers of soda water who gratifies the wink of his customers. Dr. Christine was formerly assistant physician to the Nervous Dispensary, University Hos- pital, and was a member of several medical societies. He is now a member of New Jersey State Pharma- ceutical Society. During his college days he was observed to have a disposition which was amiable and strongly attractive ; besides he was a clever stu- dent. Further, two things should be stated in his favor, viz. : that he is a conscientious man, and that after getting his diploma he went straightway and formed a copartnership for life with Miss M. Ella Willis, of Philadelphia. They have had four children, of whom three are still living.
GEORGE JOHN CLUNAS, M. D., a cosmopolitan member, natively a Scotchman, belongs to this class. While yet at college his health became impaired and according to information obtained by the writer, he has since graduation, developed chronic phthsis and has traveled extensively in search of a climate to restore him to health, but thus far, received no ben- efit. He is recalled by the writer as being of slight build, as possessing a sanguineo-nervous temper- ment and a genial disposition. His present condi-
.
23
tian (if he be still living), cannot fail to excite the sincere sympathy of his classmates, and while we regret his absence on this commemorative occasion, we regret a thousand-fold his serious illness.
JOHN L. COOPER, M. D., a solid member, was born in Philadelphia, November 18, 1856 ; received his education in the grammar schools of this city, and Pierce's Business College. At the University of Pennsylvania he attended three sessions, though matriculating for only two. After graduation, con- trary to an unwritten, though natural law, he fin- ished his medical instruction by attending on lec- tures for one term at the Jefferson Medical College. At the commencement of his career he was some- what inclined to roam, having lived successively in Philadelphia, in Everitstown, N. J., and Albany, N. Y. In the latter city he still resides and is fol- lowing general medical practice with good success. Like Mrs. Harper, Dr. Cooper has been found mor- alizing on the ins and outs of family life, Thus in 1880, he married the daughter of Matthew Wallace, Esq., of Albany, N. Y,, and the issue has, thus far, proved to be a daughter two years old. He is medi- cal examiner for several insurance companies ; is a member of Henderson County Medical Society and of the Albany County Medical Association.
ALBERT J. CRESSMAN, M. D., an ambitious member, has been during his whole existence, a resi- dent of Reading, Pa., where he was born May 15, 1856. He procured his main discipline in the Read- ing High School, from which he received a diploma.
24
He had given four months to the reading of medical topics when he matriculated in the Medical Depart- ment of our University, and here, with other good fellows, completed his preparation for the work of life, at the end of his third session. Immediately on receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine he found his way back to Reading, where he entered the field of general practice, and although settling at home he has met with excellent success. He is a prominent member of the Pathological Society of Berks County, and is one of the visiting physicians to St. Joseph's Hospital, Reading. According to the rather common usage of his class, he has been mar- ried, and is the proud father of a worthy offshoot. Dr. Cressman is called to mind as having a sanguine. temperament, a philosophical turn of mind and as being preeminently desirous of distinguishing him- self in any plans which he may project. He has not appeared as an author but resides in a district whose inhabitants taken as a whole, are famous for intel- lectual endowments and genuine Jacksonian-Democ- racy.
MATTHEW N. CRYER, M. D., a well-bred mem- ber, born and reared in Manchester, England, where he also was first educated. The place of his nativity has been a good breeder, not only of worthy men, but also of fine live-stock, he himself, until attaining maturity, having been actively engaged in raising thoroughbred stock. And although qualified for the practice of two leading professions later in life, he lost none of his youthful liking for rare breeds, particularly of the canine race. In bench shows he
25
manifests an active interest, and for his efforts, in endeavoring to perfect the best species of the affec- tionate pug-dog, he richly deserves the highest praise. When a young man he sailed from England to America, whither he went, as events subsequently proved, to attach his fortunes to the society and free institutions of the new world. Before commencing his medical training, which latter consisted in appro- priating two sessions of lectures, he was graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College. Since the time when the class of '77 first became a part of the medical profession, his home has been in Philadel- phia, and his chosen calling, dentistry, though simultaneously pursuing oral surgery. In this special line of practice he has been constantly ssso- ciated with Professor J. E. Garretson, M. D., who is a scholarly thinker and the most successful oral surgeon in Philadelphia. Dr. Cryer is connected officially with the Medico-Chirurgical College and the Philadelphia Dental College. Membership in the Odontographic Society of Pennsylvania he has been ambitious to attain. He is the author of several papers, treating principally of subjects in the field of dentistry, one of extreme value being " Development of Enamel," which was read before the Odontographic Society of Pennsylvania in 1884. In this article he contends, contrary to the theory then held by all histologists, that the outer part of the enamel of the teeth is the first to be formed; and on the other hand, the portion next the dentine, last. For the American System of Dentistry, just published, he has written two hundred and ninety (290) pages on the anatomy of the head. He is an honest, capable
26
and self-respecting gentleman, and one who can lay claim to having done much to promote the interests of dentistry.
SIDNEY DAVIS, M. D., a talented member, who, since entering into medical practice, has resided at Petersburg, Pa., but is a native of Milton, Pa., where he was born, November 22, 1852. He was carefully educated at Myer's Academy, West Chester, and Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. Two years were devoted by him to preliminary reading, and two sessions to attendance at lectures. His first practical experience was gained at Blockley Hospital, which he served as resident physician, from May, 1878, to May, 1879. Since he left the latter institution for, general practice, which he has successfully pursued, he has enjoyed excellent health. Obviously, therefore, he has not sported with his own organized being, but has, in so far as it is possible for an active Esculapian to do, allowed all of his organs to perform their functions naturally. Further, he is neither morally nor intellectually unsound. His faculties, particularly the basilar ones, are possessed of natural vigor. This has also been shown in an interesting article from his pen, which article was published in the American Journal of Obstetrics, for November, 1886, under the caption " Case of Induction of Premature Labor." Within the past month he has brought on premature labor on account of the presence of placenta previa. Both of the above cases were conducted to a successful issue.
He has been married for three and a halt years,
27 ^
and has one male child which does great honor to its worthy progenitor.
G. EDGAR DEAN, M. D., a skilled member, was born of a good family, October 27, 1853, near Provi- dence, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, the old- est suburban settlement of Scranton, noted espe- cially for its extensive coal fields, for the richness (?) of its verdure, and the warm hospitality of its inhab- itants. His bringing up, like the implanting of his early culture, was under the most benign influences, hence he arrived at manhood not a man of good education alone, but of good character.as well. At the age of nineteen, needing change of air, he went to Minnesota, and unwilling to remain idle, assisted in promoting popular education, the field of his labors being a log school-house fifteen feet square. His life here was supremely happy, marred only by an occasional dread of the typical Western zephyr, which, however, did not await him. Here it was that the decision to study medicine was made, but before acting upon his determination, he spent a year at a collegiate institute at Fort Edward on the Hudson, especially preparing for his medical studies.
At college he gave himself to the study of medicine for three sessions; and as a student was not distinguished by extraordinary brilliancy, but by his grasp of medical subjects in general, and his faculty to retain lectures. He was a private pupil of Drs. Wood, Tyson, Hunter and associates. For the best record of anomalies found in the dis- secting-rooms he received a prize.
About four months after graduation he entered
1
- 28
the Protestant Episcopal Hospital, of Philadelphia, serving as resident physician during the following year. At the end of this period he-not yet having finished his term of service,-set out for home, thither he went with a view to spending a brief vaca- tion, but scarcely had reached his journey's end when he was stricken down with myelitis, causing para- plegia, from which condition he still suffers,-a sad circumstance indeed and one that cannot fail of ex- citing among his class deep and universal regret. He never returned to his duties at the hospital, but after recovering sufficiently his health and strength so to do, on October 1, 1880, he took up his resi- dence in Scranton, l'a., an unusually progressive city, and there engaged in the practice of medicine; also taking up the study and treatment of diseases of the eye and ear as his specialty. This venture almost immediately proved to be a signal success, our good friend soon occupying first place in the profession of that city, and as soon becoming one of her leading public-spirited citizens. He has held the important office of Coroner, Scranton, Pa., to which he was elected in 1884, and has taken an ac- tive interest in the Lackawanna hospital and medical societies. Reflecting upon the state of his health, we are rather surprised that he should have accom- plished so much, than that he did so little, as he himself modestly claims. He has by his achieve- ments shown what a man never wearied and never afraid of responsibility, could do. As has been be- fore intimated, he could not be termed brilliant, but he has a judgment that is quite reliable, while all of his physiognomical points unite to make up sound
-
1 -
!
1
1
29
intellectual power. His affiliations are and always have been good, as are also his habits.
DARIUS J. DECK, M. D., is a trustworthy mem- ber from the Buckeye State; date of birth August 22, 1855; place, Lebanon Co., Pa., where he spent his boyhood days. His preparatory training was obtained in Palatinate College, Myerstown, Pa., and Swatard Institute, Jamestown, Pa. Previous to entering the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a student during two sessions, he had devoted himself to the study of medicine for two years. Since October, 1877, his post office address has been Carrothus, Ohio. Here he has pursued his profession with marked success, and has been enjoying vigorous health.
Dr. Deck is a member of the Seneca County Medical Society. He has also married, and his children number two; but they are not of equal age.
Our friend is not an aspirant to the class roll of fame, but has been applying himself closely to the practice of general physic, and since he is dis- charging his duties with fidelity, none among us could be deserving of greater praise than he. Though not be-deck-ed with honors, he is yet a true Deck-er of the medical profession.
FRANCIS X. DERCUM, M. D., a distinguished member, was born August 10, 1856, in Philadelphia, where he has resided until the present. He was thoroughly instructed at the Central High School of Philadelphia, taking there the degree of A. B.
30
Previous to matriculating in the University of Penn- sylvania, he had enrolled his name in the register of the Jefferson Medical College, where he held out for five whole days. During his college days he was especially favored by Professor Leidy, who provided him with a key (which he still retains as a much- prized souvenir) to Dr. Chapman's room, in the Medical Hall, where most of the leisure moments of his student life were pleasantly spent. At certain periods really delightful moments were passed here, per example, when, as the result of a fatal endemic among the poor dumb brutes at our Zoological Garden, Dr. Chapman's room received an over- supply of the carcasses of these victims. Under the influence of Chapman, with free access to well- nigh limitless material, young Dercum caught the inspiration which subsequently manifested itself in the progress made by him in the study both of human and comparative anatomy. At times he was forced to avail himself of the practical knowledge of the late famous Mr. Nash, whose suavity of manner none among us can have forgotten. In the spring of 1877 he settled as a physician in Philadelphia, and for a time devoted his energies to family practice in general, but later, to nervous diseases in particular, in which latter department he has already taken a high position. At the beginning of his career, he made an interesting communication to the Academy of Natural Sciences on the morphology of fishes, which contribution has since then been followed by others. From among the many journals in which his articles have appeared in the past, we may mention the following: American Naturalist, Ameri-
31
can Journal of Mental and Nervous Diseases, Medical Times and Therapeutic Gazette. He now holds the tutorship of instructor in nervous diseases, University of Pennsylvania, and is chief of the nervous clinic, University Hospital. But he found the position to which he was best adapted by mental peculiarities, when he was appointed pathologist to the State Hos- pital for the Insane, at Norristown, Pa. Doubtless much of his celebrity is due to his connection with the latter institution. He has become a member of Philadelphia County Medical Society, Fellow of the College of Physicians, Philadelphia Neurological Society, and other scientific associations. Dr. Dercum, it should be stated, has a natural aptitude for studies in general ; has both a logical and analyt- ical mind and keen observation.
WILLIAM B. DEWEES, M. D., a clever member, was born at Fleetwood, Berks Co., Pa., date left open for conjecture, receiving his chief education prior to the study of medicine at the following institutions : Keystone State Normal School, at Kutztown, Pa., Ursinus College, at Collegeville, Pa., and Eastman's National Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. The degree of Master of Accounts was conferred upon him by the authorities of the latter school. Before commencing the study of medicine he had also followed by turns such various vocations as school-teaching, clerking, book-keeping and tele- graphing. Dr. Dewees is recollected as one possess- ing a vital temperament, marked affability and as being somewhat of a jovialist. He pleads guilty to the charge of having sent a new penny with the
I
32
following query; "It is the unaminous desire of this class to learn the best preventative of conception," to the table of Prof. Penrose on one occasion, when the latter was unavoidably delayed. Some of the members may remember the language of Prof. Penrose as he held the new one-cent between thumb and forefinger with outstretched arms, to wit : "Gentlemen, I am the one sent (one-cent) for instruc- tions." This virtuous fellow-member has performed the unequaled feat of relieving ( delivering) eight hundred women, without losing a single case, not having any of the usual complications to occur. In the face of such phenomenal results as these it is deemed unnecessary to stop to inquire whether in every instance the "old man" was saved. Dr. Dewees has established himself in not less than four places within ten years, and yet, wherever he has lodged, has enjoyed more than an average share of the patronage. Nor has any one been heard to repeat,
" 'Tis more by fortune than by merit."
He has invented the " natural body brace" which has been advertised through a public pamphlet contain- ing some strong testimonials from lay patients, and while this course may have resulted in pecuniary gain it is not calculated to elevate the standard of Western medical ethics. He has been twice married, and with his second wife has one child.
ALBERT HENRY DODGE, M. D., is a noble mem- ber of this class, who sends from the far-off Pacific coast best wishes to all of his classmates on the present occasion, thus showing that while remote from
33
us as to distance, he is not remote from our affections. He was born at St. Louis, Mo., March 5, 1850, and at two years of age, being a precocious child, he was struck by an account of the charming climate of California, and at once moved to San Francisco, remaining there up to 1874, when he came East for the purpose of pursuing his medical studies. His training prior to the latter period was commenced at City College, San Francisco, and completed at Santa Clara College, Santa Clara, Cal. Having read medi- cine for four years, he was an attendant at lectures during three full sessions. An episode in his college days should be briefly narrated.
He had always been " well-fixed," till he arose one morning while rooming on Spruce Street, and found himself destitute-three thousand miles away from even friends, but this misfortune did not cause him to abandon his work of pleasure. He entered a clothing firm as clerk, besides doing night duty in the Philadelphia Hospital, Insane Department, and trading in horses, thus realizing sufficient for the needs of graduation. Than this incident in his student days, nothing better could exhibit his abund- ant mettle which was not always found at the nega- tive pole, however. From the University he went to the Insane Department of the Blockley Hospital, serving as resident physician. Thence he pro- ceeded across this so-called continent to Napa County, Cal., where he flung his shingle to the balmy breezes of the genial climate of that glorious country. He practiced successfully, but owing to the dampness of the place he passed on to the city of Monticello, Napa County, where he has also been a great suc
34
cess, financially, professionally and socially, giving special attention to surgery and obstetrics. For three years he has been county physician for Napa County. The writer's recollections of Dr. Dodge, whom he has not seen for ten years, are briefly as follows: he was tall of stature, of charming disposi- tion, and showed great susceptibility to the seven well-known (perhaps better known then than now) branches of the medical sciences. In 1880, he mar- ried Miss Annie M. Franklin, of Philadelphia. They have two children. If space didn't forbid we might profitably inquire into the question how court- ing could be most successfully accomplished at the average distance of three thousand miles.
RUFUS A. DUMARS, M. D., a twice-graduated member, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., and when yet a small child he moved to Peoria, Peoria County, Ill. His training was received at Wesleyan University, at Bloomington, Ill. At the University of Pennsylvania he completed his medical education in three though not successive years. During the session of 1875-76, he was a student at the Louisville Medical College, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1876, returning in the autumn of the same year to our Alma Mater, and taking his second degree with the present class. From the beginning of his professional walk to the present day he has been a resident of Peoria, Ill., following the practice of general medicine, success attending his efforts. He has connected himself as a member with the Illinois State Medical Society, and the Peoria City Medical Society. To show to
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.