History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 106

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

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JOHN STEPHEN was born in Waynesburg, Chester County, Pa., in 1823 ; studied medicine with Dr. William Moore at Womelsdorf, and was graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1849. He practiced his profession since his graduation in Womelsdorf and Reading.

WALKER R. STEPHEN, son of Dr. John Stephen, of Reading, was born in Womelsdorf March 9, 1851; attended the schools of his native town and the Lewisburgh University ; read medicine under the instruction of his father, and was gradnated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania with the class of 1872. He is now practicing in Reading.

D. Z. BOWMAN was born December 10, 1854, in Earl township, Berks County ; ob- tained his education at the Mount Pleasant Seminary, Boyertown. He is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Balti- more, Md., in the class of 1880 ; came to Read- ing same year and began the practice of his profession.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

FRANK H. GOOD was born September 26, 1855, at Union Forge, Lebanon County ; ac- quired a preparatory education in the schools of his native place and in the Palatinate College at Myerstown, Pa .; read medicine with Dr. J. C. Cooper, of Lebanon County ; was graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1878, and has since prac- ticed in Reading.

W. F. MUHLENBERG is a native of Gettys- burg, Pa., and is a son of F. A. Muhlenberg,

ALBERT J. CRESSMAN is a native of Read- ing, born in 1856 ; completed the High School course in 1874 ; graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1877 ; has since practiced in his native place.

GEORGE H. BICKEL is of German descent, his grandfather, Joseph Bickel, having settled as a farmer in Heidelberg township, Berks County. Among his children is Josiah, the father of Dr. George H. Bickel. His mother is Louisa, daughter of George Hartman, of Bern

Dr. George H. Bickel

formerly connected with Pennsylvania College township. Dr. Bickel was born in the latter township February 21, 1855, and passed much of his youth in that and Spring township, at- tending the public schools until his fifteenth year, when he removed to Schuylkill County and found employment in the mines during the summer months, pursuing his studies meanwhile in winter. He remained at that point for three years, subsequently spending one year at Hazle- ton, Luzerne County. He next spent two years and now professor of Greek in the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. Dr. Mnhlen- berg attended Pennsylvania College for a time, and afterward entered Muhlenberg College, at Allentown, and was graduated from that insti- tution in 1868. He attended medical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated therefrom in 1872. Since 1873 he has practiced his profession in Reading. He is surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. at the Bloomsburg Normal School and then en-

621

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

tered the office of Dr. James Y. Shearer, of Sinking Springs, as a student of medicine, re- maining two years, and was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1878. The same year he located in Rehrers- burg, Berks County, where he has since been actively engaged in professional labor. He soon won the confidence of the community and estab- lished a large and growing practice. He is a member of the Berks County Medical Society, participates in the discussions before that body and occasionally contributes to the medical jour- nals of the day. Dr. Bickel numbers among his most successful cases an operation resulting in the removal of an ovarian tumor in 1883, with distinguished physicians as his assistants. He has also met with much success in the treat- ment of diphtheria. Politically he is a Demo- crat. He and his wife are members of the Re- formed Church of Rehrersburg. Dr. Bickel was married, on the 10th of April, 1880, to Lizzie, daughter of William Shaffner, of Tulpe- hocken township. Their children are Minnie May, born May 17, 1881, and George Allen, June 12, 1885.

BERNARD R. LEE was born December 25, 1857, at Reading ; acquired a preparatory edu- cation in the public schools of his native city ; attended the Keystone State Normal School and St. John's College, at Fordham, N. Y .; completed the course at Jefferson Medical Col- lege, in Philadelphia, and was graduated there- from with the class of 1879. He has since prac- ticed in Reading.

CHARLES W. BACHMAN was born in 1856 in the city of Reading; attended the public schools ; completed the High School course with the class of 1873 and was graduated from the Northwestern College, Ill., in 1876. He stud- ied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. W. Murray Weidman; was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in 1880. He has since practiced in Reading. He served several years as secretary of the Reading Medical Asso- ciation and of the Medical Society of the County of Berks. He has been lately engaged in labo- ratory work, and is making careful preparations for the special treatment of nervous diseases.

JOHN W. HOFFMAN, now practicing at Jack-

sonwald, was born September 27, 1858 ; attend- ed Boyertown Academy, Washington Hall Institute, at Trappe, Montgomery County, and then entered npon the study of medicine; after graduating from the Jefferson Medical College, in 1880, began practicing at Huff's Church, where he remained two years ; removed to Gil- bertsville, remained one year and then took charge of the practice of Dr. M. L. Bertolett, deceased, at Jacksonwald. He was appointed physician to the Berks County Prison Decem- ber 10, 1884.

JOHN MILTON MYERS was born March 11, 1859, in Shenandoah Alum Springs, Virginia, and was educated in the schools of his native State. In 1875 he began to teach school in Lancaster County, continuing in that profession four years, when he began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. J. P. Roebuck, of Lititz, and in 1882 was graduated from Jeffer- son Medical College. He has since that date practiced his profession in the town of Werners- ville. Dr. Myers, at the last election, was chosen president of the Medical Society of the County of Berks.

JOHN N. BECKER was born October 16, 1858, in Maiden-creek township, Berks County ; came to Reading with his father in 1864; was educated in the common schools and Brunner's Scientific Academy of Reading; studied medi- cine with Dr. Adam B. Dundor and was grad- uated in medicine from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia with the class of 1882; returned to Reading the same year and com- menced to practice.

J. ELLIS KURTZ, son of Dr. Samuel L. Kurtz, of Reading, was born in 1858, in Ju- niata County, Pa. ; received a preliminary education in the schools of Reading ; entered Trinity College, Connecticut, and there com- pleted the full academical course, receiving the degrees of A.B. and A.M. from that institu- tion. He was graduated from Jefferson Medi- cal College with the class of 1880 and has since practiced in Reading.

CALVIN K. YOUNG was born in Oley town- ship; attended the public schools, the Oley Academy and Millersville State Normal School ; studied medicine under the direction of Dr. J.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

S. Ammon, of Reading, and was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore in 1880. He then entered the pharmacy of his former preceptor, Dr. J. S. Ammon, in Reading, where he remained until 1885, when he removed to the mining region in Pennsylvania to establish a drug-store.

JAMES W. KEISER was born at Reading September 24, 1860; attended the public schools, and, at the age of sixteen years, began

same county, were born the following-named children : Thomas, Benjamin, Peter, John, Daniel L., Elizabeth (married to George Wal- born), Catherine (married to G. Walborn) and Mrs. Peter Etris.

Benjamin Batdorff was a native of Lebanon County, where his life was spent in the occupa- tion of a farmer. He married Esther, daugh- ter of Leonard Walborn. Their children were William, Peter, John, Aaron, Percival, Daniel,

m.D. m. Baldorf

the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. William N. Davis. In 1882 he was grad- uated from the University of Pennsylvania, and immediately began to practice in Reading. He is secretary of the Pathological Society of Berks County.

Milton D. M., George, Lepentina (married to Daniel Dierwechter) and Elizabeth (married to John Jones).

Milton D. M., of this number, and the subject of this biographical sketch, was born January 10, 1844, in Marion township, Berks County, and removed when a child to Myerstown, where he remained until twelve years of age, when Millersburg became his home. His father having died when his son was but a lad, he entered the family of his uncle, Dr. D. L. Batdorff, and

MILTON D. M. BATDORFF is the grandson of John Batdorff, who resided in Myerstown, Lebanon County, Pa., where he was a citizen of much influence, and, at one time, filled the office of associate judge of the Lebanon County Court. By his marriage to Miss Lauer, of the ' after attending the public schools, learned the

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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

printer's trade, which he followed for seven years and then began the study of medicine, and spent five years in preparing himself for his profession. He attended the sessions of 1866- 67 at the Medical Department of the Universi- ty of Pennsylvania, and was graduated from that institution in 1867. He remained one year in practice with his uncle,and then located in Friedensburg, Schuylkill County, remaining there four years. Returning to Millersburg, he was associated as a partner with Dr. D. L. Bat- dorff, and continued this relation nntil the death of the latter, in 1872. His son, Henry Bat- dorff, pursued his medical studies with the sub- ject of this biography, and shared his practice for two years, since which period he has con- tinued alone. Dr. Batdorff's field of practice is extensive, requiring long and tedious rides through his own and other townships. His practice, which is general, has been a growing and successful one. The doctor is a member of Bethel Lodge, No. 820, Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, of Millersburg. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rehrers- burg. Dr. Batdorff was, December 25, 1868, married to Miss Emma, daughter of David B. Lerch, of Millersburg. Their children are William D., Minnie, Henry, Lizzie, Charlotte, Eva, Lillie and George. Mrs. Batdorff is a member of the Reformed Church of Millers- burg.

EDWARD HOTTENSTEIN.1 -- David Hottenstein, the grandfather of Dr. Hottenstein, studied medi-

1 The Hottenstein family is recorded in the Vienna collection of names as belonging to the Frankish Knight- hood. Their origin is traced back to the Forest of the Spessard, in Germany, where, A.D. 380, Count Riedbold Von Hottenstein lived. The name signifies "a holy stone." This origin of the name is attributed to the fact that Riedbold annually held the great, solemn court upon a rock, under a large oak-tree. His wife was Ilsseboda, a daughter of a Westphalian count. Riedbold died A.D. 415. About a hundred years thereafter Alfrid Von Hottenstein is stated to have been then the only representative of that family. His wife was Anna Von Herboldsecke, from Alsace. Alfrid was killed in a battle with Frisian warriors, A.D. 538. He had two sons, Sueno and Percival. Percival died in the monastery at Fulda. Sueno was a warrior. Upon the hill where his ancestors resided he erected a strong castle, which he called Hottenstein. He was married to Hirlanda Von Brem- horst. Two brothers, Theobald and Ansgar Von Hotten-

cine with Dr. Joseph Hirsch, and attended lect- ures at the Medical Institute, Philadelphia. After obtaining his diploma, he practiced in Berks Connty, and resided on the homestead in Max- atawny. He was married to Elizabeth Kline, a daughter of Richard Kline, of Montgomery County. He died in 1848, aged eighty-two years, four months and twenty-five days, leaving six sons and two daughters, viz. : David, Jacob, Daniel, William, Isaac, Henry, Catharine and Sarah.

William had eight children, viz. : David H., Charles A., Robert, Henry, Edward, Caroline, Sallie A. and Matilda.

Edward was born October 1, 1831, at the old homestead. He first attended the district schools, then went to the seminary nnder Prof. J. Warren Sunderland, at Collegeville, after which he studied medicine under Dr. Henry Geiger, of Harleysville, Montgomery County.

stein, resided in the castle. Ansgar was married to Wal- dine Von Elmfurt, and died A.D. 887, leaving a son, Filbert Von Hottenstein, who at his death left only one representative of this family, Giselbert, who lived in the castle of his ancestors, and was married to Kunnigunde Von Velleres, of the French province of Poitou. He died A.D. 1317, leaving three sons. At the death of his two brothers he became sole heir to the family possessions, and married Lea Von Dannenburg. In 1524 the ancestral castle was destroyed by the peasants. Only Kuno Von Hottenstein, who was in the German army, survived. He married Louisa Von Berg and died in 1563. His two sons were Nicholas and Ernst. Ernst, who was mayor of Esslingin, married and left three sons, who emigrated to America. One died at Philadelphia ; another moved to Lancaster, where his descendants now live .; the third, Jacob Hottenstein, settled in Oley township, Berks County, and is the ancestor of the large family of Hottensteins in this part of the State. He removed to Maxatawny in 1729, leased one hundred and sixteen acres of Caspar Wistar for one year, and on November 18, 1729, pur- chased the tract for forty pounds. He was married to Dorothea Reber ; had four sons-Jacob, William, David and Henry-and two daughters-Dorothea aud Maria. The original farm of one hundred and sixteen acres, together with three hundred and twenty-seven additional acres which Jacob acquired afterwards, are still in the posses- sion of his descendants. David Hottenstein, the son of Jacob and the great-grandfather of Dr. Edward Ilotten- stein, resided on the farm of his father, which was trans- ferred by Jacob Hottenstein to his sons David and Henry. Afterwards David bought his brother's share. He had three sons and two daughters,-Jacob, David, Daniel, Catharine and Dorothea. Catharine was married to Jacob Grim ; Dorothea died young.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

He was graduated from Jefferson Medical Col- lege, 1853, and began practice in Maxatawny, where he remained until 1870, when he re- moved to Kutztown. He has since been en- gaged in his profession in that village. From tlie time he began to practice his professiou he has met with success, and his business gradually in- creased until it was shared by his eldest son. He has made gynecology a specialty, and has devoted much study to cases of a chronic na-

but Sarah Ann are now living. Dr. Hottenstein is a Democrat in politics. He has been a mem- ber of the Borough Council of Kutztown, and for a number of years, president of the Board of School Directors. He is a member of the Medical Society of the county and a member of the Reformed Church of Kutztown.

His son, Elmer K., studied with his father, was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in 1883, and is now associated with his

Em Hollenstein M&

ture. In this field, as well as in his obstetrical practice, he has been exceptionally successful. Dr. Hottenstein was married, September 18, 1855, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Jacob Knabb, of Oley, born September 10, 1835. Their children are Ida C., born September 4, 1856 ; H. Alice E., February 13, 1859; Elmer K., Dec. 3, 1861; Edward L., August 12, 1864; Sarah Ann, Aug. 5, 1866 ; William J., Aug. 28, 1868; Charles A., October 1, 1871 ; Peter D., July 20, 1874 ; Deborah C., January 14, 1877, of whom all | Faculty of Berks County."

father in practice. Edward L. also rcad medi- cine in his father's office.

Sketches of many of the physicians of this County will be found in the township and borough histories.

THE MEDICAL FACULTY OF BERKS COUNTY. -The first medical society of the county was incorporated, then subsequently organized at Reading, in the State-House, on Saturday, Au- gust 7, 1824, under the name of the "Medical

625

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

The following-named officers were elected for the ensuing year : President, Isaac Hiester ; Vice-Presidents, C. L. Schlemm and John B. Otto; Treasurer, George Eckert; Recording Secretary, Charles Baum ; Corresponding Sec- retaries, William J. C. Baum and Edward Hay- dock ; Curators, Bernard McNeil and Gerhard Bishop.

According to one of the resolutions then passed, it would appear that small-pox was then in the borough ; and the society having un- doubted confidence in vaccination, recommended strongly " this mild and safe preventative in all cases deemed liable to the infection of that loathsome and too often fatal disease." Dr. Hiester, upon assuming the duties of the office to which he was unanimously chosen, delivered an admirable address to the faculty. Among other things, he said that this organization was the first of the kind in Pennsylvania, excepting the College of Physicians and Medical Society of Philadelphia.

This society continned to exist, hold regular meetings and annually send representatives to the State Medical Society for a period of twenty years. On February 23, 1850, the society was reorganized and the name changed to the " Medical Society of the City of Reading and the County of Berks," with the object of cultivating the science of medicine in all its collateral branches, to elevate and sustain medi- cal character, to encourage a system of profes- sional etiquette and to promote mutual improve- ment, social intercourse and good feeling among the members of the medical profession. No person could become a member of this society unless he were a graduate of some recognized medical college. In 1856 William Herbst was president ; Martin Luther, secretary ; and Edward Wallace, treasurer. This society con- tinued to exist until its disbandment, in 1870.

THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE COUNTY OF BERKS .- The society with the above name was formed by members of the allopathic school of practice on November 22, 1870, on the same day that the old Berks County Medical Society was disbanded. The organization was effected in the office of Dr. J. B. Brooke, 44 North Fourth Street, Reading. The physicians present at

the first meeting were J. S. Ammon, J. Brobst, Edward Brobst, J. B. Brooke, George W. Byerle, Joseph Coblentz, A. B. Dundor, J. S. Hunsberger, S. L. Kurtz, De B. Kuhn, C. Kreye, J. M. Matthews, William Moore, J. M. Newpher, J. Y. Shearer, J. K. Seaman, J. B. Sterley, C. Turner, D. A. Ulrich, Edward Wallace, Charles Weber and W. Murray Weid- man. After a temporary organization a resolu- tion was passed to the effect that the new society be formed for mutual improvement in connec- tion with the Pennsylvania State Medical Soci- ety and the American Medical Association.

The following resolution was then passed and signed by all members present :

" Resolved, That members of the Berks County Medical Society, and others members of the medical profession in good standing in this county and gradu- ates of medicine, do hereby associate themselves for the purposes set forth in a preamble and constitution of the organization, under the name and title of the Berks County Medical Association."

The constitution and by-laws were adopted at a meeting held January 3, 1871. At the same time a permanent organization was effected by electing William Moore, president ; J. S. Am- mon and James M. Matthews, vice-presidents ; W. Murray Weidman, recording secretary ; J. B. Brooke, corresponding secretary ; D. A. Ulrich, treasurer ; Edward Wallace, J. A. Brobst, De B. Knhn, censors ; and Joseph Coh- lentz, curator. At this meeting the name was changed from the Berks County Medical Asso- ciation to the Medical Society of the County of Berks. It was also decided by resolution at the same time that the meetings be held bi- monthly and that a business meeting shall reg- ularly alternate with a meeting for the discus- sion of topics relating to the profession. The same regulation and order of exercises remain in force.

At the meeting of the society held in Stauf- fer's Hall, March 7, 1871, Drs. S. L. Kurtz, D. A. Ulrich and Edward Wallace, a committee appointed to represent this society at the annual meeting of the State Medical Society, in Phila- delphia, reported that they had gained recogni- tion from that body, were admitted as mem- bers to its sessions, and that the board of censors

626

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

of the State Medieal Society had given their approval to the constitution and the by-laws of the Medical Society of the County of Berks.

The county society was then in excellent working condition and gradually increased in membership and influence. It is now an active agent in promoting the welfare of the profession in the city and county. The meetings are largely attended, and interesting and valuable discussions of important topics take place.

The first delegate election of this society to send representatives to the American Medical Association took place March 7, 1871. The delegates were Drs. Kuhn, Wily and Moore.

On May 2d of the same year the following- named members were elected delegates to the State Medical Society, viz. : Drs. Wallace, Weidman, Kuhn, Brooke, Conrad and J. A. Brobst. The society made its first annual visit to the County Almshouse in March, 1871.

On September 5, 1871, Dr. Brooke offered the following, which was passed unanimously :

" Resolved, That this day and annually hereafter, at the meeting in June, five members shall be elected as a Sanitary Committee, to whom shall be referred all papers read before this Society, for the purpose of making selections therefrom to accompany the sani- tary report to be made to the State Medical Society."

· The subject of vaccination received the of- ficial indorsement of the society during the year 1872, and the officers elected to serve for the ensuing year were Dr. Jos. Coblentz, president, and Dr. W. M. Weidman, recording secretary.

A committee was appointed to solicit contri- butions among the members of the society toward the Chicago Relief Fund for medical men, resulting in the collection of seventy- three dollars, which was duly forwarded.

During the year 1875 the place of meeting was changed to Dr. Brooke's office, and the officers elected for the year 1876 were : Presi- dent, Dr. De B. Kuhn, and Recording Secretary, Dr. Israel Cleaver, the latter serving in the capacity of secretary for a subsequent period of eight years.

At a meeting held March 12, 1878, a resolu- tion was passed favoring the signing of petitions to the State Legislature, praying the enactment of a law concerning "privileged communica-

tions" to physicians, whereby the profession will be placed on an equality with other pro- fessions as witnesses in courts of justice. The society unanimously decided to co-operate with other societies to secure the necessary legisla- tion.

Dr. Muhlenberg presented the following resolution at a meeting held May 14, 1878, which the delegates were instructed to intro- duce at the next meeting of the State Society :

" Resolved, That no member of any county society in connection with the State Medical Society shall admit into his office a student of medicine until he present a certificate from an examining committee of said society, testifying that he has been duly examined, has a good English education, and a sufficient knowl- edge of Latin and scientific acquirements to enable him to pursue his studies with advantage."

This rule is now in force throughout the entire State. At the next meeting, held July 9th of the same year, the following was presented referring to the registration act :

" Resolved, That the corresponding secretary be authorized to seek full information relative to the steps to be taken to secure the registration of prac- titioners of medicine in the county of Berks, and inform the members of this Society of their duty in this respect, and otherwise do whatever may be neces- sary to the execution of the Act of Assembly requir- ing the registration of all practitioners of medicine in the State of Pennsylvania."

At a meeting held March 9, 1880, Dr. Cleaver introduced the subject of " Physical Culture" he- fore the society, whereupon the following pre- amble and resolution were adopted :

" Whereas, Dr. Israel Cleaver, a member of this Association, has recently introduced the instruction of children in calisthenics and is now engaged in organ- ing a class of adults for the same purpose, therefore ;

" Resolved, That this Society hereby endorse this effort to improve the health of the youth of our city by offering them a mode of exercise which is at once light, healthful and absolutely free from danger, and that the course thus inaugurated is worthy the fullest confidence and encouragement of parents and all others having an interest in the fullest physical development of their wards and children of both sexes."

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History of Berks county in Pennsylvania, Part 106

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