History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418

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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

ment of the condition of prisoners. He spent many hours with prisoners, in conversation and in interesting them in self-improvement, sup- plying them with books and other means to this end.

While at the prison, so far as his engage- ments permitted, and for two years after his retirement, Dr. Tyson continued to practice medicine iu Reading ; but, at the end of this time, a very serious illness shattered his health and he removed to a farm in Exeter township, a few iniles below Reading. He enjoyed couu- try life, having been always much interested in agriculture. The last seven years of his life were spent pleasantly in the improvement of his farm and in a restricted practice of his profession. He died at his home April 29, 1872, of a tubercular consumption, of which the seeds were sown in the illness above referred to. He was not quite fifty-seven years old. He survived his wife less than two years.

Dr. Tyson was literary in his tastes, and furnished numerous contributions to agricul- tural, secular, and occasionally to religious journals of the Society of Friends, of which he was for many years a member. He was a quiet but earnest supporter of the principles of Friends, and established the first First-day or Sunday-school in the so-called Hicksite branch of Friends, in the old meeting-house, in Wash- ington Street, Reading.

Dr. Tyson left two sons, of whom the elder, James Tyson, is also a physician, having been graduated, in 1863, from the Medical Depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, in which school he is now professor of general pathology and morbid anatomy and secretary of the faculty of medicine.

The second son, Henry, who became a farm- er, died in October, 1882.

CHARLES A. GERASCH, one of the earliest and best-known physicians of Kutztown, Pa., was born at Frankfort-on-the-Oder, in Prussia. After receiving a good classical and medical education in the schools of Leipsic and Berlin, he entered the Prussian army as a surgeon. About the year 1828 he emigrated to the United States, bearing with him the most favorable recommendations from his superior

officers, both professional and military. He first settled in Bucks County, Pa., and from thence removed to Longswamp, Berks County, and engaged in practice. He subsequently settled in Millerstown, Lehigh County, and finally, choosing Kutztown as a promising field for his professional labor, remained there until his death, on the 22d of July, 1876. He soon secured a good practice, which grew rapidly until it probably exceeded that of any country physician in Berks County. While successful in the treatment of disease, he was especially skillful in surgery, in which branch of his pro- fession he had an enviable reputation. His services were much in demand throughout the county and his presence was often desired in con- sultation. His time and energies were entirely absorbed in his profession, having little leisure for participation in public affairs, for which he had little taste. A strong Republican in his political opinions, he never aspired to office. Dr. Gerasch was an earnest friend to the cause of education. He was one of the school direct- ors of the borough and the chief projector of the public-school buildings, and he was also treasurer of the Keystone Normal School, which he aided materially in building. He was, by early edn- cation, a Lutheran in his religious faith, though a supporter of all religious denominations.

Dr. Gerasch possessed a sympathetic and kindly nature, and was ever ready, by word and deed, to encourage youthful ambition and industry. He loved children, and made many a heart beat with pleasure when the recipient of his annual holiday offerings to them.

CHARLES BAUM and WILLIAM J. C. BAUM were each prominent physicians in this county as early as 1820. They assisted in the organiza- tion of the first medical society in Berks County in the year 1824, and were active mem- bers of that society for many years. They both were regular graduates of medical institutions, and were engaged in an extensive practice. Dr. John Baum, a son of one of the above-named physicians, was born at Baumstown. He had a large practice in Amity township a half- century ago. He resided at the homestead, one- half mile below the " Yellow Honse," and was a highly-esteemed citizen of that vicinity.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON WITMAN, for many years an active practitioner of Reading, was a student under Dr. John B. Otto, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He was born in 1800 and followed his profes- sion in Reading until the time of the Civil War, when he became surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Pennsylvania Regi- ment of one year's men, and was assigned to field hospital work in the Army of the Potomac. After returning home he resumed his practice, continuing until his death, in 1869. He was married in 1817 to Elizabeth Old. Dr. Wit- man was a man who had many friends, and was admired for his jovial disposition, and is well remembered as a humorist. He served as prothonotary of Berks County from 1836 to 1838. His son, Dr. Harrison T. Witman, was born December, 1837, and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1861. He entered the service at the beginning of war as a surgeon of the Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment of three months' men and afterward became surgeon of the Fifth Penn- sylvania Reserves. He had an extensive prac- tice iu hospital work, and while attending to the wounded on the field was himself twice wounded in the battle at Bethesda Church, May 30, 1864, on the last day of his term of service. He was afterwards surgcon of the One Hun- dred and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Regimeut. For eleven months during the war he was as- sistant surgeon of the government hospital at Reading. Soon after the war he moved to Indianapolis, spent fourteen years there, and returned to Reading in 1880, where he now lives.

to minister to the necessities of the sick of that village and vicinity until a few years before his death, when he removed to Reading. He died in Rehrersburg, at the home of his son-in-law, William Long. Dr. Schoener had a large gen- eral practice, and also spent much time in Berks and Lebanon Counties in the treatment of bron- chitis and pulmonary affections. During his residence in Rehrersburg for a time he had an office in Reading, where he, on certain days, at- tended to the treatment of these specialties. Among the physicians who prepared under his instructions were Drs. John A. Fisher, Edward Brobst, J. J. Katerman and four of his sons, two of whom, Davilla B. and William J., died before their father. Dr. Adam Schoener was a justice of the peace for nearly twenty years, and served his community as a legal adviser and dispenser of justice, as well as a medical practi- tioner. In 1838, during the Anti-Masonic ex- citement, he was elected to the House of Rep- resentatives as a Democrat, and was at Harris- burg during the time of the so-called " Buck- shot War." He served his constituents in the capacity of representative in the Legislature dur- ing the years 1834, 1839 and 1840, and was a member when the bill establishing the common schools of Pennsylvania was passed, and was the only member from the county of Berks who lent this bill encouraging support and voted for its passage. After the election of James Buchanan as President, Dr. Schoener became an ardent Republican, and supported that party until his death. He took an active interest in military affairs during the days when the mil- itia law was in force, drilled a number of local companies and eventually served his county as brigade inspector of militia and volunteer soldiers for a period of fourteen years. In 1827 he joined the order of Masons, and was a mem- ber of Mount Lebanon Lodge, No. 172, A. Y. M. He was married to a Miss Good, of Col- umbia County, by whom he had seven children. The deceased paid his last visit to Reading in November. Owing to his feeble condition, it was with difficulty that his relatives succeeded in getting him to his old home in Rehrersburg, where he wished to end his days among his

ADAM SCHOENER, who lived to the advanced age of eighty-four ycars, was born November 23, 1798, in Womelsdorf, and died January 11, 1882. Early in life he removed with his par- ents to Myerstown, Lebanon County, where he acquired a preliminary education. He then entered the office of Dr. Bower, and during the years 1819 and 1820 attended lectures under Drs. Morton, Mclellan, Rush, Calhoun and Jenness at the University of Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated. He began practicing in Rehrersburg and continued | neighbors and friends. His remains were in-

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terred in the cemetery adjoining Union Church, at Rehrersburg.

GEORGE N. ECKERT, the son of Peter Eckert, of Womelsdorf, was born at that borough in 1802, and educated for the profession of medicine. After practicing for some years in Reading he moved to Schuylkill County, and there became largely interested in the coal and iron trade. He represented that district in Con- gress from 1847 to 1849. In the days of the Whig party he took a great interest in general politics, and during the administration of Presi- dent Fillmore he held the office of director of the United States Mint at Philadelphia from 1851 to 1853, and died in that city June 28, 1865. He was a man of fine business qualifications. He was one of the organizers of the Berks County Medical Society in 1824.

JOHN VAUGHAN SMITH, son of John and Elizabeth B. Smith, was born at Joanna Fur- nace, April 28, 1808. Graduated at Princeton College in 1825 ; received his medical education at the Pennsylvania University ; was commis- sioned in the navy June 27, 1829. He was for several years in control of the United States Naval Hospital, at Port Mahon. During the nineteen years of his service (chiefly in foreign ports,) he rose rapidly, and at the time of his death had but few equals as a medical officer. He was a man of varied accomplishments, and died while in charge of the navy yard at Charlestown, Mass. He was married August 25, 1834, to Mary Marshall, a niece of Judge White, of Kentucky. His second wife was Virginia Parker, daughter of Commodore Fox- hall Parker (United States Navy) and Sarah Jay Bogardus. His death occurred August 25, 1848.

J. HOWARD SMITH, son of Thomas B. Smith, was born at Joanna Furnace, Berks County, July 28, 1817 ; graduated at Kenyou College, Gambier, Ohio; received his medical education at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadel- phia, and at once entered the United States Navy. He was rapidly promoted, and had made several cruises as surgeon ; had written a monograph on Yellow Fever, and having obtained leave of absence from duty, was on his way to Philadelphia, intending to have it

published, when the vessel in which he was returning, stopped for supplies at Vera Cruz, Mexico, intelligence was received of great sick- ness and distress at the hospital near Salmadina, and of the death, from yellow fever, of several of the attending physicians. Dr. Smith volun- teered his services, which were accepted, and he at once entered upon his duties there, only to fall a victim to the disease, from which he died September 25, 1847.

SOLOMON G. BIRCH was born in Reading in 1803, and died in his native city April 11, 1845, at the early age of forty-one years. When but a lad he entered the employ of Dr. Isaac Hies- ter, who, taking an interest in the boy, and observing his mental qualifications, induced hin to read medicine. After leaving the office of his preceptor he entered the Jefferson Medical College, where he remained one year, after which he began the practice of medicine, first in Oley township, then in Pricetown and finally, for sev- eral years before his death, in Reading, where he formed an intimate acquaintance with Dr. Hunter. He completed the medical course and received a diploma, some years after he began practicing. He was married to Elizabeth Har- vey, of Reading. His son, now deceased, was a druggist of Reading.

WILLIAM HERBST was born on February 3, 1804, at Altenberg, Mueselwitz, in Saxony, and emigrated to Pennsylvania when sixteen years old, landing at the port of Philadelphia. He had selected medicine as his profession and pur- sued his studies under a physician in that city till he was graduated from Jefferson Medical College. After practicing there several years, he removed to the uper section of Oley (now Pike) township. Here he continued in active and successful practice for a period of forty years. During this time he became interested in politics as a Democrat, and in 1861 he was elected to the office of county treasurer for one term of two years. He lived in retirement till his death, and left to survive him three children -Dr. William Herbst, Mrs. G. A. Hinterleit- ner and Mrs. Edmund W. Gilbert,-and a grandson, Dr. Edwin Herbst (the son of Cap- tain George Herbst).

CHARLES EDWARD HOFFMAN was born in

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Northampton County, October, 1807, and died in Reading July 6, 1862. He obtained a pre- paratory training in the schools of his native county, began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Philip Walter, of Nazareth, Pa., and was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1831. He began practicing in Nazareth; moved to Millerstown, Lehigh Coun- ty, where he remained until 1854, when he came to Reading and continued to practice his

hospitals during the time of the Franco-Prus- sian War. This gave him an extensive practice in surgery. After the war closed he returned | home and soon afterwards died of a fever.

PENROSE WILY is a grandson of Penrose Wily, a farmer of Maiden Creek township, who, on May 10, 1780, married Sarah Wily, by whom he had two children,-John and Sarah. John was born November 19, 1782, and was married, on the 15th day of November, 1804, to

Pennen Wings

profession in this city until his death. Dr. Hoffman was skillful as a surgeon. His great- grandfather was a chemist in one of the German universities, and gained considerable fame as the originator of the "Hoffman Anodyne," yet known to the profession.

A second cousin of the late Dr. Hoffman is professor of chemistry in the University of Berlin, Prussia. James M. Hoffman, a son of Dr. C. E. Hoffman, also became a physician. Soon after his graduation he went to Europe, in 1870, and became a surgeon in the German

Mary, daughter of Abraham Deisher, who was born June 7, 1785. Their son, Penrose Wily, was born in Maiden Creek township, Septem- ber 21, 1805, and in youth had such educational advantages as were afforded in the schools of the vicinity. He studied medicine, and after his graduation from Jefferson Medical College, Phil- adelphia, began to practice in Lehigh County. He later removed to Albany township, in Berks County, then to Chester County, and in 1850 settled in Leesport, this county, where he soon won an excellent reputation as a skillful

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and successful physician. While attending to the increasing demands of a general practice, he made a special study of fevers, in the treat- ment of which he had few equals. Obstetrical practice also absorbed much of his attention. Dr. Wily was twice married,-first, on the 22d of February, 1829, to Sarah Reagan. Their children were Melvina, married to Daniel Price; Mary, married to Henry Moore; and Sarah, married to M. Addis. His second mar-

of Reading. Dr. Wily was trained in the faith of the Society of Friends, of which his parents were members, but he did not belong to any church, giving a cordial support to all denomi- nations. His death occurred April 19, 1875.

OWEN H. WILY is the second son of John and Mary Deisher Wily, whose children were Dr. Penrose, Owen H., G. Washington, Sarah M., Abraham D. and Mary, of whom three were successful physicians. Owen H. Wily was

riage was with Martha Reagan, sister to his first | born January 11, 1809, at the homestead now wife, on the 15th of February, 1842. Their occupied by his widow. His father having died, he removed at the age of nine years to the home of his grandfather, in Maiden-creek town- ship, and until he was eighteen years of age assisted in the labor of the farm. He then went to Reading for the purpose of learning the printer's trade, at which he continued for two years, when he began the study of medi- cine, and was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, March 17, 1831. children are Martha B., George R., John C. and Emma D. The last four children were born in Chester County. Dr. Wily resided in Leesport until his death, and continued the practice of his profession until a few years before that event. He was connected with the Berks County Medical Society, and was a mem- ber of Lodge No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and of De Molay Commandery, No. 9,

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

He began his professional career at the Half- Way House, in his native township, soon secured a large and profitable practice, and was known throughout the county as a skill- ful and ready surgeon. In 1852 he aban- doned his profession, removed to the old homestead and embarked in the milling busi- ness in the mill built by his father adjacent to the family mansion, where he remained until his death, January 22, 1884. Dr. Wily was in politics an ardent Republican, but cared little for public office. He was deeply interested in the canse of education, and for many years was a school director of his township. He was educated in the faith of his parents, that of the Society of Friends. His widow is a mem- ber of the Reformed Church. Dr. Wily was married, on the 24th of November, 1832, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Joseph and Mary Wright. Their children are John, born No- vember 9, 1833 ; Ellen, September 20, 1844; Edwin, September 13, 1846. John was first married to Mary, daughter of John and Phebe Wright, by whom he had one child, a daugh- ter, Sarah. His second marriage was with Mary, daughter of Philip Brown, by whom he had one danghter, Mary. Dr. Wily was again married, August 10, 1850, to Kate, daughter of John and Sarah Huy. Their children are Owen, born August 11, 1851 ; Frank, June 8, 1863; Sally, December 11, 1865 ; Rose, Feb- ruary 27, 1868; Kate, March 10, 1871, and five who are deceased. Owen married Mary, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Freeman, of Leesport. They have children,-J. Freeman and C. May. Frank married Anne, daughter of Jacob and Amelia Huy.

WILLIAM MOORE was born in the city of Reading July 28, 1810, and died of apoplexy at his home in Womelsdorf May 23, 1872. After obtaining a good preparatory education he read medicine with Dr. J. W. Gloninger, of Lebanon, and was graduated from the Medical Department of the University of New York March 29, 1836. He practiced medicine two years in Jackson, Miss., and in 1840 located in Womelsdorf, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in the ardnous duties of his chosen profession. Dr. Moore was a man of thought,

learning, integrity and ability. He won the popular heart by his amiable manners and strict adherence to duty and right. He was a con- scientious Christian gentleman and filled re- sponsible positions in church and Sunday- schools. His remains were interred in the Womelsdorf Cemetery and the funeral was attended by representatives from the Medical Societies of Berks and Lebanon Counties, to which he belonged, and by about two thousand persons of the town and vicinity. A special meeting of the Berks County Medical Society was held and a series of resolutions, commenda- tory of his life and character, were passed.

In politics Dr. Moore was first a Whig and afterwards an ardent and consistent Republican. He occupied various positions of honor and trust as a director in the Farmers National Bank of Reading, member of the board of managers of the Berks and Dauphin Turnpike Company, and treasurer of the borough of Womelsdorf. He took a great interest in agri- cultural affairs, in the rearing of fine live-stock and the cultivation of choice fruits. One of the crowning acts of his life was his efforts to establish a public library in the town of Womelsdorf, which was done shortly before his death.

ADRIAN LOEWEN was born in Neiheim, Prussia, in 1810, and emigrated to America in 1835, after graduating as a physician in one of the universities of his native country. He soon after located in Reading to practice his profession. In 1836 he removed to Friedens- burg, where he continued to practice until his death. Dr. Loewen was a man of fine scholas- tic attainments and excellent professional ability. In 1837 he was married to Cordelia, daughter of Andrew Snyder, at Oley Furnace .. He died in 1848, leaving four children-Orlando, Albert, Adrian and Ellen.

CHARLES H. HUNTER was born iu Rockland township, Berks County, September 29, 1817, and died in Reading June 3, 1870. He was graduated from Princeton College, New Jersey, in 1837, after which he pursued the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Isaac Hiester and was graduated in 1841 from the University of Pennsylvania. He located in

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Reading. He was a close student and an ardent lover of his chosen profession, in which he early in life gained prominence and distinction. In 1851 he was elected prothonotary of Berks County and served one full term, but declined re-election. During President Buchanan's ad- ministration Dr. Hunter was appointed coal agent for the government, which position he filled with marked ability. In 1862, during the first Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, he proved his devotion to his country by raising a company of militia which was joined to the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, under com- mand of Colonel Knoderer. At the time of the second invasion, in 1863, he raised a com- pany in the Forty-second Regiment of Pennsyl- vania Volunteers. He was chosen colonel of this regiment, marched with it into Maryland and remained in the service several months. He was a dignified officer and very popular with his subordinates.

Resuming his practice upon his return home, he pursued it with untiring zeal and devotion. As a citizen of Reading, Dr. Hunter was enter- prising and progressive. He devoted a portion of his time to the development of the iron in- dustries of Berks County.

DANIEL A. ULRICH was born at Stouchs- burg, Lebanon County, Pa., April 10, 1819; acquired a preliminary education in the schools of that county ; attended Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, for three years and College of New Jersey, at Princeton four years, graduating from that institution with the class of 1841. He then entered the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and was graduated therefrom in 1844; practiced medicine in Reading for more than twenty years ; his health failing him, he was, in 1876, appointed government store- keeper under Collector Tutton, of Philadelphia, a position which he held at the time of his death, January 6, 1879. Dr. Ulrich was possessed of fine intellectual endowments, was exceptionally popular with the people of Read- ing and was a successful practitioner.

HENRY W. JOHNSON was a native of Mont- gomery County, Pa .; was graduated in medicine from Jefferson Medical College in 1841, and soon afterward located in Boyertown. He built

up an extensive practice in his profession, which he continued uninterruptedly at Boyertown until his death, June 17, 1863, aged forty-three years.

For a number of years, in association with a partner, he owned and controlled a coach-line on Fifth Street, Philadelphia, which brought him a handsome revenue.

EDWARD WALLACE, a native of Lancaster County, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, practiced medicine in Reading for nearly a quarter of a century with great success. He was frequently called in consultation with critical cases by his fellow-physicians and was known as a skillful surgeon. He was president of the Berks County Medical Society for several years. About 1872 he was appointed naval surgeon, and was located at Philadelphia. He died suddenly of heart-disease while residing in that city. For a time he was physician to the Presbyterian Hospital of Philadelphia.

PETER G. BERTOLET was born in Oley township in 1822. He studied medicine under Dr. Joseph Pancoast, and after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, located in Oley township, near the Oley Churches, and began there the practice of his profession, in which he was very successful up to the time of his death, March 8, 1865. He was a surgeon in the pro- vost marshal's office at Reading during the time of the drafts, to examine applicants for ex- emption.

Dr. Bertolet, during his practice, in visiting his numerous patients, interested himself in the local history of Oley township, and had gathered considerable material, which he de- signed to publish in book-form, with the title of "Oley and Vicinity." His premature death prevented its accomplishment, and the manu- script is now in the Pennsylvania Historical Society, at Philadelphia.

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History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards Number of Pages: 1418

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts, Peck & Richards
Number of Pages: 1418