USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > A History of the Medical Class of '77, University of Pennsylvania > Part 6
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CYRUS RUTHERFORD, M. D., a dashing mem- ber from the Northwestern Territory; born and raised at Oakland, Ill. His preliminary training was begun at Ois't School, and was finished at the University of Illinois. Though attending upon lectures during only two sessions, he had previously been an industrious reader of medical works for eighteen months. Like many of his classmates, he has been a successful candidate for the office of Coroner in the district in which he resides. Whether owing to his comparative proximity to the Black Hills, or to his own energy and skill, is not quite clear but certes 'tis that his career has been a decided success financially. It is equally certain that Dr.
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Rutherford has many personal traits that should commend him to a suffering community. He mar- ried, September 22, 1885, Miss May McIntyre; no issue-great fertility of Illinois soil notwithstanding.
F. STEWART SAVAGE, Ph. G., M. D., an interesting member, who has always been a dweller in Phila- delphia, first came upon the busy stage of life May 1, 1852. Upon the practice of medicine he embarked well laden with a varied stock of useful knowledge, as shown by the fact that he had been graduated first from the old Pine Street Quaker School, next from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and lastly, the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania. Among the pre- paratory studies pursued, his full bent of mind was toward mathematics-a branch in which he attained great proficiency. In 1873 he entered the office of Dr. John W. Jones, of Philadelphia, a graduate of Guy's Hospital, London, and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, with a view to prepar- ing for his life work. On commencement day of the year 1877 he received honorable mention for his thesis on the subject, " Are the Types of Diseases Limited ?" Since becoming full-fledged he has fol- lowed general medical and surgical practice in Philadelphia under his paternal roof. He early became exceedingly popular among his many pa- tients, and this happy relation, owing to his genial manner and generous disposition, can, and we trust will, be maintained readily as long as he may . remain in the ranks of our noble calling. It is a fact worthy of note that his father has three sons
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representing as many leading professions, namely, the legal, medical and ministerial.
CLIFFORD SAYRE, M. D., a grand Canadian member, and one in hearty sympathy with the pres- ent reunion. When at college he evinced great aptitude for imbibing medical knowledge, and now is a physician of repute. He was born at River Philip, Nova Scotia, May 22, 1856, and there lived until he attained his majority, receiving his prelim- inary education at home and in St. John, New Brunswick. At lectures he attended but two ses- sions, though he had been a student of medicine for two years previous. He began the practice of physic in Eliza, New Brunswick; afterwards moving to his present residence in Spencer's Island, N. S. Here he has been pursuing general practice successfully. There can be no question but that the man who can as he has done, amputate a hand without assistance, and deliver a woman with an extroversion of the bladder, and spina bifida, of a child, clearly deserves to rank with our most distinguished physicians. We shall continue to expect great things of Dr. Sayre, more especially since he lives in a land noted for its prophets. November 3, 1886, was the occasion of a hymeneal festivity in which the Doctor and Miss Antionetta A. Williams were the most interested participants.
PHILIP M. SCHIEDT, M. D., a competent member, whose nativity is Philadelphia, which city has also been his life-long home. This Quaker City member was born on a beautiful day in January (20), 1852. His
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culture was chiefly received in West Penn Academy. He had read medicine five months only when he became a student at college, where he was a constant attendant during three sessions. He has also had conferred upon him the title of Doctor of Philoso- phy by the provost of the University of Pennsylva- nia. From the moment he was made a doctor to the present, he has followed the practice of general medicine with success. His contributions to medical literature have not been numerous but valuable. " Physiological Action of Colchicia," was the title of his graduation essay, in which he showed this sub- stance, in small doses, to be an intestinal irritant, and in large quantities, poisonous. " Diabetes Mel- litus," appeared in the Medical and Surgical Repor- ter (1885) ; more recently he has translated Billroth's "Die Krankheiten der Weiblichen Brustdrüsen," (Diseases of the Mammary Glands) which is soon to be printed. . For three years he served as outdoor physician of Northern Dispensary; also has been connected as visiting physician, with the out-patient department of the Pennsylvania Hospital and the Philadelphia Lying-in Charity. He has recently been married, and at present has three children. Dr. Schiedt has no real bad points, while space would ' fail me to enumerate all of his good ones. There are two additional facts which should be placed on record, to wit, that his course thus far has been an honorable one, and that he is a zealous member of our fraternity.
JOSEPH B. SHAW, M. D., a senior member of the class of '77, resides at Delaware Water Gap; his
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birthplace, Cape May City; date, September 10, 1845. Then, as now, he had a great fondness for places of resort. He was bred in Philadelphia, at which place he was educated in the common schools. Inasmuch as he had previously given eight years to the study of medicine, the wonder is that he matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania, in which medical school he continued as a pupil for two additional years. Prior to his student days he was the pro- prietor of a drug store, and in 1868 he received the degree of Ph. G. To prove his partiality for summer resorts, it is only necessary to point out that at the end of his college days he located at Darby for one year only; from thence to his present abode at Delaware Water Gap. Here he has been quite successful as a medical practitioner, and for there years he has given special attention to nasal catarrh. In the Philadelphia Medical Times for September 5, 1885, appeared an article from his pen on "Snake Bites." It is thought he will follow this up by another on " A Snake in the Grass." Unlike most of his classmates, he is an active and influential member of a religious sect, being both treasurer and deacon in a Presbyterian Church. In 1867, Dr. Shaw married Miss Collins, of Dover, Delaware. His children number four.
PENN G. SKILLERN, M. D., a handsome mem- ber, was born at Columbia, S. C., but was bred in Philadelphia, and implanted much useful knowledge in Rugby Academy. Before going to the University of Pennsylvania, where he afterwards became a three-session student, he read medical treatises for
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one year. After graduation he first located in Chi- cago, but later returned to Philadelphia. As a practicing physician he has achieved excellent suc- cess, while as an obstetrician he has really excelled. For this latter specialty he is well adapted by his patience, by his kindly disposition and his inspiring and cheering countenance; but chiefly by his superior skill. His inventive genius is quite noteworthy, having brought out an æsthetic pile-clamp, as well as an admirable phimosis forceps. With his calm and amiable temper aceords his bodily health, which is and has been of the best.
Dr. Skillern married Miss Dorsey, granddaughter of John Sivy Dorsey, who in 1817 held a tutorship in the University of Pennsylvania. Our friend has two small children, by whom he has been nobly en- tertained.
FRANCIS L. SPRINGER, M. D., a prosperous mem- ber, from the smallest State in the Union, save one, though famous among other things, not only for her flour mills and Dupont Gunpowder Works, but also since he settled within her borders, for the eminence of her medical practitioners. Our text was born March 20, 1854, at Newcastle County, Millbreck Hundred, near Hockessin, Del., at which place he was also raised under the most healthful influences. His academic course was received at Newark, Del., his collegiate at Delaware College, quitting the latter one year before graduation on account of ill health. Until he arrived at manhood his entire attention was consecrated to improvement of the mind. Hence to point out the fact that he is a man of culture, and
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one who is honoring his class, need occasion no sur- prise. At the University of Pennsylvania he was an attentive listener during two courses, though he had given all of three years to learning from medical books before matriculating. Ever since he became a member of our profession, Christiana, Del., has been his home, and general practice he has followed with marked success. He is vaccine physician of his town, and one of the trustees for the poor of New- castle, Del. ; also has the honor of being an elder in the Presbyterian Church. As if to make matters still more complicated, he married November 17, 1885, a Churchman whose given name is Willie Ree, and the twain have been blessed with one child, a girl, who has just entered upon the difficult process of dentition.
L. DOUGLAS TOMPKINS, M. D., a happy member from the New Spain, came into this life April 6, 1856, at Orange, N. J. His culture, preliminary to the study of medicine, was received at Pennington Seminary, N. J. His training at the University consisted in attendance upon two full courses of lec- tures, though for two years previously he had been reading medical books. Since the time of taking his degree, he has been residing at Pennington, N. J., following general practice with admirable suc- cess. Meanwhile he has been enjoying excellent health with cheering spirits. He is president of Mercer County Medical Society, but he also holds a position even more important than this, to wit, that of master of a family, having married Miss Emma A. Slack, February 5, 1883. They have one child.
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Dr. Tompkins, whom the writer conceives you all remember, is somewhat given to flattering, but he also has other striking mental characteristics, thus he is proficient and has a subtle, piercing intel- lect.
It should be noted that he can boast of having had at least one case of rare interest, which was, however, diagnosticated for him by a neighboring physician. Here is the diagnosis : "Indigestion of the Brain and Formication of the Bowels," which at first embarrassed Dr. Tompkins not a little, but after a corroborative examination on his own part, found it to be a case of lapsus lingue, or in other words, congestion and inflammation.
EUGENE TOWNSEND, M. D., an intrepid mem- ber, a natural Philadelphian, born February 6, 1850. Reared under gracious home influences, he was educated at private schools in the same city. His medical education was imbibed at the University of Pennsylvania, where he attended not less than four sessions. Succeeding his graduation, he prac- ticed for four years, when he left his profession, en- gaging in business as a stock-broker. Among the reasons for this change of occupation, the one which has suggested itself to us, is that with the instincts of a real " bear," sweeter results were anticipated. Formerly he was elected to the office of Select Councilman, now is Deputy Naval Officer, a position of great public prominence and importance. A few years ago he was one of the visiting surgeons to the Philadelphia Dispensary ; at present is Surgeon to Second Regiment, N. G. P. In 1878, by mutual
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consent and the kind approbation of the pater familias of each, the doctor and Miss Brisbane were united in wedlock. 'Twixt the twain one child was born.
FRANK H. WADE, M. D., a prosy member, is descended from high lineage and old Puritanic stock, while some of his ancestors were distinguished for having achieved military honor. Indeed, the gene- alogical tree of the house of Wade, as worked out by a descendant, who unfortunately knows but little of our former classmate, is as interesting as it is extensive. One branch of the family early went from New England to Ohio, to which branch Dr. Wade himself belongs. He came to College from Pitts- burg, Pa., and not long after graduation he took up his residence in Philadelphia, where his sign was last seen about two years ago. Since then all traces of him have seemingly been lost, his name not appearing in the most recent medical directories. Unfortunately, he has left no diary of his life in Philadelphia, and since the writer has never mixed with poets, this historical paragraph must remain incomplete. One thing is definitely known, how- ever, that he had great respect for rhyming poets, was inspired with their genius, and wrote prose that impressed the ordinary mind as a really new phe- nomenon in American literature.
MYRON H. C. WEAVER, M. D., an excellent member, born near Mt. Union, Huntingdon Co., Pa., June 3, 1855. The boyhood of Weaver was spent in absorbing education, which process was finished
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at Huntingdon Academy. After arriving at matu- rity he was employed off and on for three years as carpenter, time-keeper and foreman, as the necessity required. This was but a natural tendency on his part, since he was the son of a carpenter, who was also superintendent of the Elk River Navigation Co., and in whose employ young Weaver was. Before going to the University, where he was a student for two sessions, he had read medicine about eighteen months. Soon after graduation he located at Burnt Cabins, Pa., but shortly afterwards he was found " to be on the move," going in August, 1877, to Ells- . worth, Kan .; in 1879, from the latter place to McPherson Co. in the same state, and in June, 1881, thence to Kansas City, at which place he has since resided. His success, from a purely medical stand- point, has been excellent ; viewed financially, truly "abominable." History records the rather un- welcome fact that since removing with his family to Kansas City, he has been engaged to a certain ex- tent in commercial pursuits, though still giving considerable attention to his profession. In connec- tion with chemical printing, sun-types, zincography, lithography, etc., he has consecrated a good deal of study to the chemistry of color and effects of light. He is a writer of interest and force, on account of which fact we would suggest that he give to the world the benefit of this labor, by publishing some of his practical results. He has always been a member of local and county societies of the various districts in which he lived. In 1879, he was elected Coroner of McPherson Co., but owing to the extreme courtesy of the 'Squires in the several townships of the county,
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who attended to what was naturally expected of the Coroner himself, the latter was not permitted to take charge of a single case. Though the story has never before been published, this biographical note would be incomplete if we were to fail to record the addi- tional fact, namely, that Weavor served two writs of replevin on the Sheriff, thus superseding him for a few days on two different occasions. This remi- niscence of Kansas justice is submitted without com- ment. On March 20, 1879, a marriage took place between Dr. Weaver and Miss Alice M. Kelley, of . Burnt Cabins, Pa. Thus this Esculapian son crossed the line one day before the solar sun.
HENRY M. WETHERILL, JR., M. D., a courtly member, is a native of Germantown, Philadelphia; there he was also affectionately reared and gener, ously educated. When he first went as a student to the Medical Department of the University, in which he was an attendant at two courses of lec- tures, his taking the degree of Ph. G. had been a previous event (1871). While a student at college he first appeared-though not in print-as an epic poet. A portion of his early composition has been religously preserved by a fellow-student, who has kindly furnished us with a few verses of his maiden effort, which we do not feel at liberty to reproduce, but after a thoughtful perusal of the same, would wish in all reverence to give him Tennyson's advice to young aspirants to poetic honors, to wit: " Write verses in your leisure hours, when you can find nothing else to do." Shortly after receiving his medical diploma he served for a time as apothecary
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in the Protestant Episcopal Hospital of Philadel- phia. From that institution he went to the Phila- delphia Hospital as interne, serving one year. Later he was so fortunate as to be elected resident physician at the Pennsylvania Hospital, where he subsequently made for himself an excellent record. After leaving here he was called to the post of assistant resident physician at the Pennsylvania Asylum for the Insane (Kirkbride's), one of the foremost institutions of its kind in our land. Here he has remained up to the present, and it is quite probable that he purposes making the care and treatment of the insane his life work. Early in his service in the male department of this Hospital (for he was transferred three years ago, to the female department), he married, but whether his household has been supplied with any young Wetherills is not known to the writer. He is a member of several medical societies, and is the author of a number of exceedingly valuable papers, most of which are on surgical topics, and have been published in the Philadelphia Medical Times and other medicals. He is co-author with Dr. Thomas G. Morton, whose medical student he also was, of the article " Diseases of the Rectum and Anus," in Pepper's System of Medicine by American authors. He is a man of liberal culture, of charming disposition, of quick perception and keen sensibilities. Dr. Wetherill also has gift for things facetious, and is not infre- quently overflowing with humor.
ELIAS H. WITMER, M. D., an able member, from the county of Lancaster, where the chief crop
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however, is the weed; was born March 24, 1853, near Mt. Joy, Pa., but grew to man's estate in Lan- caster city. He was given a good education at the State Normal School, Millersville, Pa. In early life he embarked in the popular calling of school-teach- ing for a season. Before he registered his name in the University, he had read medical treatises for two years, and was subsequently an attendant at lectures
for two sessions. He was graduated and afterwards established himself at Neffsville, Lancaster County, Pa., where he still holds forth, and is now one of the hard-run professional men of his county, having been unusually successful. He is a school director and is a member of the Lancaster County Medical Society. Among the numerous engagements he has made during the period corresponding to his busy life as a physician, that of chiefest importance has been one with Miss Ella L. Sutton, whom he afterwards married. Now these parents have two most beautiful and interesting children.
Dr. Witmer was as ardent a student of medicine as he was handsome; while both his mind and demeanor were conspicuous for that most desirable property, refinement.
It is with many regrets that we are compelled to note the names of the following members, concerning whose records we have no personal knowledge, nor could we learn anything trust- worthy, though the history of their lives, if they were obtainable, would doubtless prove to be not less interesting than that of those above narrated. They are,-Drs. Chas. C. Bower, James M. Boyd,
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Edward De Lancey Bradin, Abram S. Brubaker, Benj. F. Buzby, John D. M. Cardeza, William Chamberlain, Jr., John T. Chambers, George Calvin Dean, John M. Frace, David L. Gifford, G. Beall Hedges, Wm. S. Hereford, James Kleckner, Simon Y. Kludgian, Harry Z. Landis, James W. Madara, Wm. B. Madden, Pedro de Soute Maior, Antonio A. de S. Moraes, Ethelbert C. Morgan, James W. McCoy, Bernard F. McElroy, Eugene McLoon, James R. Nelan, Ornelas Plutarco, Joseph Scroggs, Nehemiah Sherrick, Bernard W. Slagle, Albert C. Snyder, Woods Sterrett, Henderson Suter, Jr., James Walsh and D. A. Trexler.
JOHN S. EAGLESON, M. D., formerly one of the worthies of his class, met his end calmly and philo- sophically October 25, 1882, at Meadville, Pa., death having been caused by leucoscythemia. He was born in Jefferson County, O., August 21, 1841 ; was a resident of that State until 1872, when he came to Meadville, Pa. His boyhood until he entered Ver- million Institute, Hayesville, O., where he was in- structed, was spent on his father's farm. During the rebellion he left college to enlist in the Union army, and at the close of that great campaign he engaged in mercantile business, up to 1875, when he joined our class at the University of Pennsyl- vania. When he was graduated he at once went to Meadville, Pa., at which place he practiced general medicine with signal success up to the time of his decease. During thisperiod he wasfor several years city health officer. At the time of his death he was married-a widow and two sons surviving him.
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Though ill for more than a year, he continued the practice of his profession until six weeks prior to his demise. And while he had been for some time fully conscious of his serious condition, like a true and noble man he kept the unpleasant fact to himself, quietly continuing his labors, believing as he after- wards told his family, that they would learn the sad truth soon enough.
We have positive assurance that he was one of the kindest and truest of men, and as husband, father, citizen and physician, did well his part, and died respected by all. As showing how very regard- ful of the future welfare of his beloved companion, we note with especial pleasure the fact that during his last days on earth he expressed the wish that Mrs. Eagleson take up his work where he was obliged to leave it. Doubtless it will prove interest- ing to the members of his class to state that this re- quest has been complied with, Mrs. Eagleson, one year after he was called from his labors, entering the Women's Medical College of Philadelphia, and graduating from the same in March, 1886.
JOHN E. GILBERT, M. D., deceased, was a native of Gettysburg, Pa., and while at college many of his fellow students were richly rewarded for cultivating his close friendship by his warmth of heart, enno- bling example and unvarying kind treatment received at his hands. His zeal as a student of medicine, coupled with a subsequent course of practical train- ing as resident physician in the Pennsylvania Hos- pital, afforded good ground for believing that his professional career, had his life been spared long
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enough, would have been a most fruitful one. Be- fore his demise, which occurred April 20, 1882, at his home at Gettysburg, he himself expressed the opinion that the origin of his dread destroyer, con- sumption of the lungs, was attributable to his close confinement while serving at the Blockley Hospital. Dr. Gilbert had a kind, genial disposition and a pleasant word for all. Of him it has been well and truly said by a fellow member, " a better hearted man or truer friend never lived."
To the memory of this beloved member of our class, the following lines of Byron may be aptly ded- icated :
Brief, brave and glorious Was his young career.
SEPTIMUS D. JAY, M. D., was a son of a promi- nent citizen of the city of Baltimore, where he also received his first instruction. While yet young he removed to Aberdeen, Md., and it was from the lat- · ter place that he went to the University of Pennsyl- vania, becoming a medical student in our class. He came of one of the oldest as well as most noted families of Baltimore, to which city he found his way after he was graduated, settling there as a physician under the most propitious surroundings. The progress of his early career, though ; rather un- eventful, had been attended with first-rate success, until about three years ago when, in a shocking railroad accident he was killed. Dr. Jay was a clever student, whose manner, though dignified and very pleasing, was retiring, and in closing this brief notice of his death and excellent character, it re-
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mains to make a special mention of our deep regret at his sudden and untimely departure from this life.
WM. AUGUSTUS NEWELL, JR., A. M., M. D., who died on the 24th day of July, 1886, at Centralia, W. T., was the only remaining son of Ex-Governor Wm. A. Newell. Born in Monmouth Co., N. J., June 24, 1855, his preliminary training was received at the Phillips Academy, Andower, Mass., and at Rut- gers College Grammar School ; \ was graduated with high distinction from the latter institution at the age of eighteen years. He entered the office of Prof. Francis G. Smith as a student of medici. ve, and after attending three full sessions of lectures, received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately after sident he served at the Philadelphia Hospital as re d an physician during one term. Later he opene office for practice in Trenton, N. J., and almost & in- kim- ultaneously was appointed physician and surgeon- chief to the New Jersey State Prison, to which po!
st f. he was elected for a second term. On account failing health, caused by an injury to his head which was received in a horse-car accident, he resigned, after five years of service, retiring at the same time from an extensive private practice. He then moved to Wyoming Territory, thither he went to be with his family. Here he hoped to recover from the con- sequences of his serious injury, but the change of clime was not attended with gratifying results, our former friend and classmate finally dying without warning, peacefully, of congestion of the brain. During his residence at Centralia, he was physician at the Territorial Penitentiary. In 1879, he mar-
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ried Anna, daughter of John Black, Esq., of Bur- lington Co., N. J. In 1881, Mrs. Newell died, leav- ing an infant son, now in his seventh year, who bears the name of his lamented father. Dr. Newell's fine personal appearance will be recollected by every one in our class, his keen intellect and cour- teous disposition by those who enjoyed his friendship. Though seemingly unconscious of the fact, he was ever sowing the seed of affection and reverence in the hearts of his associates. He possessed a thorough knowledge of the classics, was regarded as a clear, exhaustive writer, was eloquent as an orator, and profoundly learned in all that per- tained to his profession. During the last years of his life he was the constant companion and trusted adviser of his distinguished father. The fact that he had developed a remarkably good character, and by his pre-eminent qualifications had shed glory upon our class as well as the medical profession, has served, we trust, to lessen the affliction of his dear father and other loved ones.
WARREN B. SHORT, A. M., M. D., lately of Wil- mington, North Carolina, came to his death during the summer of 1877, a few months only after he left college. In his premature death, which was due to inflammation of the bowels, we have sustained a severe loss, since he was not only one of the most brilliant of men, but also a blood-warm friend. By one of his fellow students who knew him intimately while at college, we are also assured that he was " an excellent man in every particular, and one who would have reflected honor on the class." His
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earlier culture was quite thorough, having been graduated from Princeton College, and admirably fitted him for the high calling which he afterwards selected. Thus perfectly equipped for professional service with his many splendid attributes, the fact that he was cut off at the very outset of his course, is most distressing.
The death roll also includes the following : Elijah F. Calland, M. D., formerly of Warren, R. I., and Charles S. Johnson, M. D., late of Sergeant- ville, N. J., but pertaining to their lives and deaths no facts are obtainable.
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SUMMARY
It is seen that the class of '77 numbered one hundred and twenty-four (124) men, seven of whom are now deceased. Of those now living the present class history contains the records, more or less com- plete, of eighty-three (83) members; but, five of these being very imperfect, they will be excluded in the following deductions. Taking the remainder, or seventy-eight (78) members as a basis for a few statistical inquiries, the results will be as follows :
First, quite successful, 58; fairly successful, 17; unsuccessful, 3.
Secondly, general medical practitioners, 53; specialists, 18; gone into other pursuits, 7.
Thirdly, three-session students, 47; two-session students, 31.
Fourthly, previous graduates, 25.
Fifthly, hospital residents, 20.
Sixthly, married, 52; unmarried, 22; undeter- mined, 4.
Seventhly, members of church, 43; non-mem- bers of church, 31; unspecified, 4.
Eighthly, now in good health, 67; in ill health, 9; indefinite, 2.
Ninthly, present State representation : Cali- fornia, 3; Canada, 3; Connecticut, 1; District of Columbia, 1; Delaware, 1; Illinois, 2; Iowa, 4; Kansas, 2; Maine, 1; Minnesota, 1; New Jersey, 6; New York, 2; Ohio, 2; Pennsylvania, 47; Vir- ginia, 1; Wyoming Territory, 1.
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