History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 94

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372

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DR. JOHN HOUSTON, a prominent physician in colonial times, was born in Pequea Valley, Lancaster County, in 1743. of Scotch-Irish ancestry. When he reached the age of 20 he was sent, by his father, to obtain his medical education at the Uni- versity of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was graduated in 1766. After his return to America he spent some time in the office of Dr. Shippen, of Philadelphia, who became a prominent surgeon in the American army during the war for Independence. In 1768 he began the practice of his profession at York, in which he was one of the pioneer physicians. In 1773 he married Susannah, daughter of John Wright, who owned the ferry across the Susquehanna between the sites of Wrightsville and Columbia. He was a brother-in-law of General James Ew- ing, who married the second daughter of John Wright and lived on a plantation a short distance west of Wrightsville. Dur- ing the Revolution Dr. Houston served as a surgeon in a brigade of the Flying Camp, commanded by General Ewing. Through

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ville. For many years he resided on a farm practiced the profession of medicine with at this place, where he died about 1810. success. By diligent and faithful efforts, he accumulated considerable property, and late in life built a two and a half story brick house, now standing at 41 South George Street, adjoining Christ Lutheran Church. Here he spent the remainder of his days, and died July 1I, 1788. His wife died in 1829. They had eight children, among whom was Samuel Nelson Houston, the father of Henry H. Houston, who became one of the leading citizens of Philadelphia, a director in the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company, the International Navigation Company and many other lead- ing corporations of this country. Several of the descendants of Dr. Houston have be- come prominent physicians.

DR. JOHN GOTTLIEB MORRIS, one of the early physicians of York, who ac- quired a good reputation in the practice of medicine, was a native of Prussia. During the Revolution he was surgeon for Ar- mand's Legion. A biography of Dr. Mor- ris will be found in connection with the history of that military organization on page 223.

LUCAS RAUS (ROUSE), who came to York in 1758, to become pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, was a pioneer physician among the German settlers of York County. He was born at Hermanstaedt, Germany, in 1723, and acquired a classical education at a college at Presburg, Hungary, and the University of Leipsic, Germany. He studied theology at Leipsic and then went to the University of Jena, where he took a course in medicine. He came to America

DR. JOHN ROUSE, son of Rev. Lucas Rouse, was born at York, March 11, 1767. He studied medicine under the direction of his father and began to practice his profes- sion about 1790. He continued as one of the leading practitioners in York and vicinity for a period of fifty-one years. At . the death of his father, in 1788, he succeeded to the ownership of the homestead on South George Street, where he resided for the re- mainder of his life. About 1800, he opened a drug store known in those days as an "apothecary shop." For a quarter of a century this was one of the leading stores of its kind in York. He died June 18, 1841. Luke and John, two of his sons, became physicians. Peter Hoke Rouse, a third son, moved to Runnymede, near Win- chester, Virginia, where he became a pros- perous farmer. His son, Charles Broadway Rouse, became a very successful merchant in New York City, where he recently died, leaving an estate of several million dollars.

DR. LUKE ROUSE, son of Dr. John in 1750, and was four years pastor of a Rouse, was born June 23, 1797. He was church in Germantown. From 1758 to 1763 he was pastor of Christ Lutheran Church at York. He organized the Lutheran con- gregation at Dover and the one known as Quickel's, in Conewago Township. He

educated at the York County Academy and received his medical degree from the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania. After the death of his father, in 1841, he inherited the home- stead, where he practiced medicine until the also preached to congregations at Carlisle, time of his death, in 1863. John Rouse, his Bermudian and Kreutz Creek. This gave brother, practiced medicine in New Hol- him a large acquaintance among the Ger- land for several years, then returned to York and purchased a woolen and carding mill, which he operated for many years at Violet Hill, in York Township.

man people of York County, with whom he exercised a strong influence. Having ob- tained a scientific education in his native land, he devoted much of his time during the last twenty-five years of his life to the practice of medicine. He travelled on horseback over a dozen or more townships in York County with his saddlebags, con- taining the few drugs and potions used by physicians in the olden times. After preaching a sermon to his Sunday congre- gation, administering the rite of baptism to house. children, performing the rite of confirma-

Samuel J. Rouse, son of Dr. Luke Rouse, received his medical degree from Pennsyl- vania , Medical College, and engaged in the practice of medicine at York. Dur- ing the Civil War, he served with credit on the surgical staff of the United States Hos- pital at York. He also served for several years as physician for the county alms-

DR. JOHN KIMMEL was born in War- tion, he rode among his countrymen, and rington Township, York County, October

6.1821

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15, 1760. He obtained his early education DR. ROBERT NEBINGER, son of Dr. George Nebinger, was a man of remarkable mental endowments. Early in life he read medicine with his father and obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced medicine at Lewisberry, and throughout Newberry and Fairview townships for nearly half a cen- tury, and was widely known for his learning at the school connected with the Warring- ton Quaker Meeting house. At the age of eighteen he came to York and read medi- cine under the direction of Dr. John Mor- ris, from whom he received a certificate of qualification which entitled him to practice the art and science of medicine. He fol- lowed his profession for a few years in his native town and in 1790, soon after his mar- and for his skill in the treatment of diseases. riage with Elizabeth Urich, he removed to He was married to a daughter of Captain the present site of Berlin, Somerset County, William Prowell, of the Revolution. Two of his sons became physicians. His eldest son, Dr. William P. Nebinger, a graduate

Pennsylvania. Dr. Kimmel was one of the pioneer physicians west of the Allegheny Mountains. He was a man of ability and of Jefferson Medical College, during the was influential in the public affairs of Somerset and Bedford Counties.

Civil War was assistant surgeon to the Fifty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- DR. JOHN SPANGLER, a descendant of Baltzer Spangler, one of the earliest set- tlers in York, was a physician of prominence and influence in York, during the early part teers. The regiment in which he served opened the battle of Gettysburg, July I, 1863. He died in Lewisberry in 1878, after a successful career in his profession. His of last century. He was born July 3, 1770, brother, Augustus R. Nebinger, also a and was the son of Baltzer Spangler, Jr. He graduate of Jefferson Medical College, served as assistant surgeon to the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Civil War. From the end of the war until the time of his death, he practiced at Rossville, Altoona and Steelton, Pennsylvania.

began the practice of his profession about 1795, and continued it with success until his death, July 22, 1831. In 1807, Dr. Spangler was surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, was chief burgess of York during the War Andrew Nebinger, son of Dr. George Nebinger, early in life moved to Philadel- George, became noted physicians. of 1812, and was a director in the York Bank. He was married to Margaret, a phia, where two of his sons, Andrew and daughter of Conrad Leatherman, a leading merchant and owner of a large amount of DR. HORATIO GATES' JAMESON, a property in York. At her death, in 1859, celebrated physician of his day, was born at Mrs. Spangler bequeathed $500 to found a

York in the year 1778. He was the son of scholarship in Franklin and Marshall Col- Dr. David Jameson, who served as a captain lege, $5,000 for the erection of Trinity Re- formed Church, 25 shares each of York Bank stock to Franklin and Marshall Col- lege and the Home Missionary Society.

DR. GEORGE NEBINGER, a pioneer physician in the northern part of York County, was a son of Andrew Nebinger, who settled in York about 1750, and died just before the Revolution. He married Ann, daughter of James Rankin. After reading medicine at York, he settled in the

in the French and Indian War and also as a military officer and surgeon in the Revolu- tion. Horatio Gates Jameson was born during the time that General Horatio Gates filled the office of the president of the Board of War when Congress was in session at York, and was named in honor of this dis- tinguished soldier.

Dr. Jameson obtained his early education in the schools of York and was graduated in medicine from the University of Maryland, practice of his profession at the present site in 1813. He was consulting surgeon of the of Lewisberry. He served as a surgeon during the Revolution and died at Lewis- berry in 1796. He was a man of strong mental vigor and prominent in the affairs of York County. His children were James, Baltimore City Hospital from 1819-1835; physician to the Board of Health, Balti- more, 1822-35; Professor of Surgery and Surgical Anatomy in the Washington University Medical School, 1827-35, and Mary, Andrew, Rebecca, Ann, George, one of the incorporators of it, 1827; member Catherine and Robert.

of the American Medical Association, 1856;

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Professor of Surgery in Cincinnati Medical College, 1835; member of Philosophical So- cieties of Berlin, Moscow, etc .; editor Maryland Medical Recorder, 1829-32.

In 1830, Dr. Jameson, accompanied by his wife and daughter, Elizabeth Gibson, made a tour of the principal cities of Europe. On this trip he sojourned longest at Copen- hagen, Denmark, where he conveyed special dispatches from the American government to the King of Denmark. Dr. Jameson spent the later years of his life as one of the leading physicians in the city of Baltimore. In 1855, at the age of 77, he retired from his practice and returned to spend the re- mainder of his life at York, his native town. He died while on a visit to New York, in July, 1855.

Dr. Jameson was first married to Cath- erine Shevell, who died in Baltimore in 1837, leaving seven children. In 1852, Dr. University of Maryland. Jameson married Hannah Ely, widow of Judah Ely, an attorney of Baltimore. Mrs. Jameson survived her husband thirty years and died in Baltimore in 1884, at the age of eighty years.

FREDERICK VALENTINE MEL- SHEIMER was pastor of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church at Hanover from 1789 to 1814, and also practiced medicine in that town and vicinity. He was born at Regen- born, Brunswick, September 25, 1749, and obtained his education at the University of Helmstaedt, where he studied theology and medicine. In 1776, he decided to come to America, and was appointed chaplain of the Brunswick Dragoons, a regiment of cavalry which landed at Quebec in December of that year. He joined the British army under Burgoyne and was captured with his whole regiment at the battle of Bennington. After reaching Boston, he took the oath of allegiance to the American government and came to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was married. Soon afterward he became pastor of five congregations in Lancaster County, and in 1787, was chosen professor of German language and literature at Franklin College, founded that year. In 1789, he removed to Hanover, where he spent the remainder of his life following Dr. Melsheimer was a member of several learned societies, including the American Entomological Society, of which he was president in 1853. He was also interested two professions among the German settlers of Hanover and for many miles surround- ing. Melsheimer was a man of trained in- tellect and considerable learning, covering a in the science of astronomy, having a

wide field of knowledge. He devoted spe- cial attention to the study of American in- sects, and in 1806, published at Hanover "A Catalogue of Insects of Pennsylvania," the first work on entomology issued from the press in America. He is also the author of several works relating to theology. At the time of his death, he owned a large library. Many of the volumes related to the principles and practice of medicine. He died at Hanover, June 30, 1814. Theodore Say, one of the founders of the Academy of Natural Sciences, in a published work, designated Melsheimer as the "Father of American Entomology."

DR. FREDERICK ERNST MEL- SHEIMER, son of Frederick Valentine Melsheimer, was born in 1782, and obtained his education at Hanover. He read medi- cine with his father, and graduated from the After receiving his medical degree, he began the practice of his profession at Hanover, and about 1810, removed to Dover Township, residing at Davidsburg, where he practiced medicine for a period of 63 years. Following the footsteps of his father, Dr. Melsheimer made a diligent study of entomology. He enlarged and classified the collection of in- sects made by his father and his brother, Rev. John F. Melsheimer. He was visited in 1834 by Dr. Carl Zimmerman, the dis- tinguished scientist, who afterward pub- lished an account of the remarkable collec- tion of insects in the possession of Dr. Mel- sheimer, at Davidsburg. The attention of Louis Agassiz, the greatest American nat- uralist, was attracted to the work of Mel- sheimer in 1860, and in 1864, he bought the entire collection and placed it in the mu- seum connected with Harvard University. This collection contained 5,302 species with 14,774 specimens. Of this number 2,200 species belonged to the United States ; 1,894 species from Europe; 422 from Brazil; 8 from Mexico; 9 from West Indies; 4 from Siberia; China, 74; Java, 8; Africa, 39; Australia, 14. The other insects were Hymenoptera, 148 species ; Hemniptera, 28; European Diptera, 90; Lepidoptera, none.

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mounted telescope in front of his house with derrick. He died as a result of the accident, which he entertained visitors, looking January 21. 1862. He was the father of through it at the sun, moon and stars. He Mrs. Maria Dritt Lochman, widow of Dr. made important observations relating to the Luther M. Lochman; Mrs. Jane F. Kell. famous comet which appeared in the heavens in 1859. He died at Davidsburg, widow of James Kell; and William C. Fischer, deceased. March 10, 1873. He was succeeded at that place by his son, Dr. Edward Melsheimer, a graduate of the University of Maryland, and a successful physician for a period of thirty years. Dr. John A. Melsheimer, physician at Hanover in 1906, son of L. F. Mel- sheimer, is a great-grandson of Rev. Fred- erick Valentine Melsheimer.

DR. PETER MUELLER, who, for a period of thirty years, was postmaster at Hanover, was born in Coblentz, Germany, May 17, 1765. He received a classical and medical education in France. He immi- grated to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1802. Dur- ing the following year he came to Hanover, and began the practice of medicine there, which he continued until his death, October 14, 1842.

DR. JOHN FISCHER, an early phy- sician of prominence, was born at York, May 10, 1771. His father, John Fischer, DR. HENRY C. WAMPLER was one of the early physicians in the borough of born in Pfeffing, Swabia, Germany, in 1736, came to America in 1749, and Hanover. He was born of German parent- in 1756 settled in York, where he age about six miles southeast of Hanover, became the first clockmaker in the town. in the year 1781. He read medicine for a John Fischer studied medicine with Dr. time under the direction of Dr. Jameson, of Fahnestock, of Lancaster, from whom he York, and after attending medical lectures obtained a certificate of qualification as a in Philadelphia settled in the practice of his profession at Hanover in 1805. He was a successful physician and the range of his professional duties extended a distance of ten miles in every direction from Hanover. He resided on the north side of Frederick Street, near the Square, and died in 1836. His remains were buried in St. Matthew's Lutheran Churchyard. physician. About 1800, he opened an office in the practice of his profession on North George Street, York. He was active as a physician for the remainder of his life. For a period of twenty years or more he con- ducted a drug store at his residence and sup- plied his fellow physicians with drugs and medicines. Dr. Fischer was a man of edu- cation and intelligence and turned consid- erable attention to the study of scientific subjects of a kindred nature to that of medicine. He died at York, February 14, 1832.

DR. JOHN FREY FISCHER, son of Dr. John Fischer, was born at York, April 24, 1808. After obtaining a good preparatory education, he entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and in 1830 was graduated from that institution, four years after it was founded. Immediately after leaving college, he entered upon his profes- sion at York, and at the death of his father, in 1832, succeeded the latter in the conduct of a large practice. He was a successful physician and a man of influence and attain- ments. At the opening of the Civil War, he became an ardent adherent of the Union cause. On April 29, 1861, while assisting in the erection of a large flag pole in Centre Square, York, Pennsylvania, Dr. Fischer was seriously injured by the falling of a

DR. WILLIAM MCILVAINE, for a period of forty-one years prominent and in- fluential as a physician in York, was born in Adams County, in 1783. He was a de- scendant of one of the early Scotch-Irish settlers in the vicinity of Gettysburg. Cap- tain John McIlvaine, his father, com- manded a company in the Third Battalion, York County Militia. His company was called into service in 1776, when the British army, under command of General Howe, at- tacked and captured New York City. His company marched to join . Washington's army before the battle of Brandywine. Dr. McIlvaine was educated at Dickinson Col- lege and University of Pennsylvania. In 1813. he settled in the practice of medicine at York and soon attained prominence in his profession. He is reported to have had exceptional ability as a surgeon. Dr. Mc- Ilvaine was one of the early leaders of the Whig party in southern Pennsylvania. In 1818, he was elected coroner, and in 1823,

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was chosen by the Whigs to represent York New Cumberland, where he died May 28, County in the State Senate, and was twice 1832.

His four sons became physicians. re-elected to the same office, and gained Eli practiced medicine at Evansville, Indi- considerable prominence as a legislator. He ana; Andrew at Princeton, Illinois, and was a member of the reception committee James removed to Kentucky where he fol- when General William Henry Harrison lowed the same profession. visited York, in 1836, and was a presi- dential elector during the campaign when that distinguished soldier was chosen the first Whig President of the United States. In 1848, he was a presidential elector when General Zachary Taylor was elected presi- dent by the Whig party and was also on the reception committee when General Taylor visited York, in 1849. Dr. McIlvaine was surgeon to the Ninety-fourth Pennsylvania, a regiment from York County which drilled under the militia laws of the state. He was a man of many accomplishments and was a representative citizen as well as a skillful physician. Early in life he was married to Juliana, daughter of John Spangler, of York. Maria Jane, one of his daughters, married Dr. James W. Kerr. Caroline, another daughter, married Dr. T. N. Haller, of

DR. THEODORE N. HALLER, one of the leading physicians in York, for a period of forty years, was born in the village of Bottstown, later the western part of York, about 1800. During his boyhood, he was a diligent student at the York County Acad- emy, and at the age of 18, began the study of medicine with Dr. William McIlvaine. He obtained his medical degree at the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania in 1826. He settled in the practice of his profession in the bor- ough of York, where he became one of the most prominent citizens. He was active and influential in the affairs of York and had a large general practice in medicine and surgery. Dr. Haller married Caroline, daughter of Dr. McIlvaine, his preceptor. For nearly thirty years he had his office on the east side of South George Street, near York. Julia married Colonel Benjamin S. Centre Square. He died at York,

Ewell, one of the civil engineers when the Northern Central Railroad was built to York, and later assistant adjutant general on the staff of General Joseph E. Johnston, of the Confederate army. Dr. McIlvaine died at York, December 15, 1854.

DR. WEBSTER LEWIS, a prominent physician in the upper end of York County. was born in the Redland Valley, October 18, 1780. He was a descendant of Ellis Lewis, one of the original Quakers in this region, and a son of Major Eli Lewis, the founder of Lewisberry. He obtained his early edu- cation at a school taught under the direc- tion of the Society of Friends and studied medicine with Dr. George Nebinger, one of the earliest physicians of Newberry Town- ship. After spending some time in Phila- delphia in pursuit of his medical education, he returned to Lewisberry, where he en- gaged in the practice of medicine. Dr. Lewis was a man of varied accomplishments and strong intellectual capacity. At the age of forty, in connection with his duties as a physician, he studied law and was admit- ted to the bar of York County, in 1820, but never practiced. He was also identified with some manufacturing enterprises at Lewisberry. Later in life, he moved to

DR. ROBERT NEBINGER LEWIS, son of Dr. Webster and Ann (Nebinger) Lewis, was born in Lewisberry, July 30, 1799. He attended the village school and, after reading medicine with his father, went to Philadelphia, where he completed his medical education. He practiced medicine for a time at Strinestown and Lewisberry, and then located permanently in his profes- sion in the borough of Dover. Here he became a prominent and influential citizen, as well as a successful physician. Dr. Lewis was an ardent abolitionist and during the days of slavery, his home at Dover was one of the stations of the Underground Rail- road. He died March 16, 1846. Clay E. Lewis, his eldest son, became a prominent citizen of York and was cashier of the West- ern National Bank. He was the father of Ellis Lewis, treasurer of the York Trust Company.

DR. JAMES GERRY, who practiced medicine at Shrewsbury for a period of forty-six years, was born in Cecil County, Maryland, August, 1796. After completing his medical education at the University of Maryland, he settled in the practice of his profession at Shrewsbury in 1824. He re- mained in active practice in this borough

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gist, was born in York, July 28, 1801, a lin- eal descendant of Colonel John Hay of the Revolution. In May, 1816, he entered Princeton College, New Jersey, from whence he graduated with honors in 1819. After graduating he returned to York and commenced the study of law, which he soon abandoned, and took up the study of medi- cine. He attended the University of Penn- sylvania at Philadelphia and took one course of lectures. Later he attended two courses of lectures at the University of Maryland, from which he graduated in 1823. Dr. Hay was a successful prac- ticing physician for fifty-one years. In August, 1867, he became President of the York National Bank, which position he held at the time of his death, April, 1875. Two of his sons, John and Jacob, became promi- nent physicians in York. Dr. John Hay died early in life after twelve years of suc- cessful practice. .

DR. HENRY MILLER MCCLELLAN, three years as associate judge of York

grandson of Captain McClellan, who commanded a

company from York County in the Revolution, was born October 12, 1809, at York. His father served as an officre in the War of 1812, and was killed, September 12, 1814, at the battle of North Point. Some years later his mother married Dr. William Jame- son, with whom he pursued his medical studies. He graduated from a medical col- lege in Baltimore, and then began his pro- fessional career at York. He built up a large practice and had a good reputation as a physician. He died August 7, 1869.

DR. JAMES WARREN, of Newberry Township, was a prominent physician in

until 1870 when he retired. Dr. Gerry took an interest in public affairs and was active in local politics. In 1838 he was elected to that section of the county from 1835 to 1870. represent York County in Congress. He The last twenty years of his life were spent in the vicinity of Gettysburg, where he died at the age of 91 years. Three of his sons entered the medical profession. Everett P. has practiced medicine at Goldsboro for more than thirty years. Lucius M. has been a physician at Lancaster for an equal period of time. John has followed the same profession near Gettysburg since his grad- uation from college. was re-elected in 1840, serving until 1842. He was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention in 1852 and at first voted in favor of James Buchanan for the presiden- tial nomination. This convention, how- ever, selected Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, who was elected. Dr. Gerry's intimate acquaintance with James Buchanan caused the latter to tender him a govern- ment position when he became president in DR. HENRY NES, son of William Nes, was born at York, May 20, 1802. He was educated at Princeton College, was gradu- ated from Jefferson Medical College and 1856, but he declined any appointment and remained at Shrewsbury where he died July 19, 1873.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 94

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1372

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1372