USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Medical Society of Franklin County : its history and sketches of early practitioners of the county > Part 3
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It is seldom that one comes in contact with a man of as striking and pleasing a presence as that of Dr. Richards. He possessed not only a fine physique, but a handsome face and most winning
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manner. Although modest and unobtrusive, he had rare conversational powers. With a vast store of anecdote and personal experience, he was a charm- ing companion. Upright and manly, and faithful to the last degree in all his obligations, he certainly was a brother of superior mould. He died June, 1874.
There was a Dr. William M. Awl who practiced in Strasburg about 1825. He was a member of the first Society, 1825 to 1830, but after that we know but little about him.
Dr. John Hunter, a native of Ireland, and a stu- dent of the University of Glasgow, emigrated to this country and located in Upper Strasburg about 1820, where he pursued his labors assiduously for nearly half a century. He was a member of the first Med- ical Society, and the leading physician of that locality, where his services were justly appreciated. His son, William A. Hunter, succeeded him, having begun his labors about 1849. He was constant in his devotion to the exactions of a large and labori- ous field; he was a practical man, a successful prac- titioner, a kind friend. He pursued his arduous duties until his death, which occurred but recently. 7
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Dr. S. B. Crawford, also member of first Society, practiced, prior to 1815 and for many years after, at Concord ; was succeeded by his son.
Dr. Thomas Greer practiced at Fannettsburg at an early date; was also a member of first county Society.
Dr. Jacob L. Suesserott was born in Chambers- burg, in 1829, and graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1851. He established himself in Cham- bersburg and began practice of medicine and den- tistry, until 1857, when he accepted the chair of pathology and therapeutics in Pennsylvania Dental College, of Philadelphia, which he continued to fill until 1864. Returning to this place he resumed the practice of medicine, which he pursued unremit- tingly until the time of his death. He always en- joyed a large business. He was a positive man, public spirited, leading in many of the enterprises intended for the public good. For twenty years he filled acceptably the position of United States Ex- amining Surgeon. He died in 1886, and is suc- ceeded by his son, Dr. L. F. Suesserott.
Dr. John Oelig, a German, engaged in the prac- tice of medicine in Waynesboro, about 1790, and was
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the first physician to locate in that town. He was held in high esteem by all, and stood well as a good cit- izen and able physician. He enjoyed the confidence of Dr. McClellan. He practiced until the time of his death-1838. Drs. James Brotherton, Thomas Walker and Dr. Ligit were students of Dr. Oelig, and all able and successful practitioners of Waynesboro.
Dr. Michael Marcus Gerry, who died in Sylvan, Franklin county, in 1887, at the age of 64 years, was a native of Baltimore, and was a graduate of the Uni- versity of Maryland, in the class of 1846. Having pursued his profession in his native State and in Vir- ginia, he located at Sylvan in 1860, and in that beau- tiful valley, among a frugal and industrious people, whom he served faithfully and well for nearly three decades. In this remote locality every variety of in- jury and disease he met alone, no other physician being nearer than ten or twelve miles. He was a man of good attainments, kind, amiable and unselfishı, and courteous in his dealings with his professional brothers. The outpost he filled so long and well, with a true missionary spirit, still remains vacant.
A Dr. Quarters was probably the first physician
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locating in Greencastle. Little of him is now known, he having lived there a century ago.
Dr. Andrew Heatherington was one of the organ- izers of the parent Society and one of its enthusi- astic members; located in Greencastle in 1810. He was regarded as a good physician, and continued in practice until quite aged.
Dr. William Grubb began his career in Green- castle, his native place, in 1822, where he did an extensive practice until the debility of age compelled him to desist. He was a student of Dr. Mcclellan, and regarded as an able physician. He died in 1865, at an old age. Dr. Charles Michaels, also a na- tive, began his professional labors in 1823, contin- uing in active practice until the time of his death. He was much esteemed by all.
Dr. John Boggs was born in 1787. He was adopted by his uncle, Dr. Robert Johnston, who gave him a fine classical education. He studied medicine with Dr. McClellan, attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, but received his degree from the University of Maryland. Forming a partnership with his preceptor, he became a volunteer
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in the war of 1812, and went to Baltimore, where he was appointed assistant surgeon of the regiment, Dr. McClellan being surgeon. After his discharge he re- sumed practice in Greencastle. He was an eminent and successful practitioner, and had a strong hold on the confidence and affection of those to whom he ministered. He died in 1847, at the age of 60 years.
Dr. Adam Carl came to Greencastle from York county, where he was educated. In 1825 he studied medicine with Professor Miller, of Baltimore, gradu- ating from Washington College, of Baltimore, 1829, locating at once in Greencastle, and continued to do a large and successful practice over a wide scope of country. He remained in continuous service for a period of sixty years; indeed, continuing to prescribe for some of his old clients until near the period of his death. He died a few weeks ago at the age of 90 years, retaining his mental activity to the last.
In these sketches I have only spoken of those who have passed from the busy stage. But I can- not refrain from mention of one who is still living, but I regret is not present on this occasion, and who is the only living member of the second Med-
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ical Society to which I have adverted. I refer to Dr. James K. Davidson, of Greencastle, who, although at the advanced age of 82, retains his mental fac- ulties, and has only in recent years declined an- swering professional calls.
He was a student of Dr. John McClellan, and grad- uated from Jefferson Medical College in 1833. Lo- cating in his native town, he acquired a large prac- tice, which he held through his professional career. He is now president of the local National Bank and is closely identified with the social and public enter- prises of the place.
I am frank to admit that these brief allusions to the memories of the men who preceded us in the paths we are treading, are inadequate to their merits, and it is more than probable that I have overlooked the names of others who adorned the profession in other years, but I find it impossible, on an occasion like this, to do little more than recite the list of these worthies, much less to dwell upon their achievements. I cannot speak of such deceased members of this Society as Richards, S. G. Lane, Senseney and Suesserott, with whom I was
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OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
intimately associated for many years, without emo- tion. The departure to the spirit world of such masters as these in our profession, stricken down as they were in the prime of their usefulness, teaches us that however successful members of our calling may be, in relieving the afflicted and prolonging life, we ourselves cannot escape the inevitable decree. When we consider that in the early settlement of this county, medicine had barely emerged from the hands of the alchemists and astrologers, and the few truths which the experience of past ages had gathered lay buried beneath depths of fanciful jar- gon and quackery, we cannot but be impressed with the substantial progress the science of medicine has made. That many of our predecessors within the limits of Franklin county contributed their due share in developing the true principles of Medical Art, and proved themselves benefactors of the race, is well attested. "Many and mighty, but all hushed." May we emulate their virtues until we too shall be summoned from toil and the presence of suffering, beyond the dominion of death.
APPENDIX.
The following letters from the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Rush, (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the foremost physicians in his day and generation) to Dr. John McClelland, of Greencastle, has been kindly fur- nished by Mrs. William McLellan, of Chambersburg, who has had them in her possession for many years. They have never before been printed and cannot fail to interest the members of the Medical Society of Franklin County, not only in regard to the treatment of disease, but the affectionate regard the em- inent man cherished for one of his pupils. The last of the series was written within a year of Dr. Rush's death, which occurred April 19th, 1813:
Dr. John McClelland, Franklin County, Penna.
DEAR SIR :
I have been desired to prescribe for a patient of yours, a Mrs. Burns, who, it is said, has the pulmonary con- sumption. I have nothing to add upon that disorder to what
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I have published in the second volume of my inquiries and observations, but that I continue to use small and frequent bleedings in it with great success. Blisters should be kept constantly running from her sides, breast or limbs. Exercise on horseback, in good weather, should be used after the reduc- tion of the pulse and the cessation of inflammatory symptoms. Even the cold bath has been used by me with advantage after the inflammatory stage of the disorder has passed away. It will be most proper and beneficial in warm weather. Begin with water of a moderate temperature.
From yours sincerely,
PHILADELPHIA, April 2d, 1797.
BENJ. RUSH.
Dr. John McClelland, Physician, Greencastle, Franklin County, Penna. DEAR SIR :
Accept my thanks for your long and very interesting letter. I rejoice to find that you did not leave the study when you began the practice of medicine. It is by constantly adding to the knowledge we acquire at school that we improve our profession. It is moreover by observation and comparing what we see that we get rid of prejudices. Our science was op- pressed with them. Happily for mankind they decline rapidly in America. Go on as you have began. Read, observe and think; think, observe and read, and you cannot fail of attain- ing to eminence and usefulness in your profession. I have lately published a 5th volume of inquiries. It contains an ac-
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count of our late epidemic, and a new theory and mode of cure of the gout and hydrophobia; I suppose the latter disease to be a malignant fever, and recommend for the cure of it co- pious bleeding, and all other remedies for a highly malignant state of fever.
I shall mention your name to Mr. McHenry in strong terms for a medical appointment in the military hospitals, but so many applications are now before him from reputable medical gentlemen that I cannot encourage you to hope my application in your favor will be successful. I thank you for your kind remembrance of my dear Mrs. Rush. We continue to be happy in each other, and have great reason to thank God for innumerable family blessings. Our children (eight in number) are healthy and promising. Our eldest son is now a surgeon on board a sloop of war. He has been on a cruise near three months; we expect to see him in a few days. Adieu.
From your affectionate friend and preceptor,
BENJ. RUSH.
PHILADELPHIA, August 3d, 1798.
Dr. McClelland, Physician, Greencastle, Penna.
(Introducing Dr. Walmsley.)
DEAR SIR:
The bearer, Dr. Walmsley, who has been encouraged to settle at Chambersburg, wishes for the pleasure of your ac- quaintance. He is a graduate of our University, and was a favorite pupil of Dr. Barton's, our learned and ingenious
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APPENDIX.
Professor of Botany and Materia Medica. You will find him amiable and intelligent upon all subjects connected with med- icine. I beg your attention to him. May you long live and flourish in harmony with each other. It has often given nie great pleasure to hear of your reputable character and useful- ness in Franklin county.
Health and friendship.
From your affectionate old preceptor,
BENJ. RUSH. PHILADELPHIA, September 28th, 1803.
Dr. John McClelland, Greencastle, Pa.
DEAR SIR:
You have left me nothing to advise in the case of Col. Agnew, but his coming immediately to Philadelphia, and first consulting Dr. Physick, who is at the head of the surgery of our city. If he should decline performing an operation on his tongue, I shall advise his applying to Dr. Tate. I am not acquainted with his medicines but I know them to be safe, and I have witnessed many cures being made by them. You are now using the medicine in Miss Henderson's case which I have employed with success in similar cases. The mercury must be given till it excites a gentle salivation. Vomits some- times give relief in cases of obstinate hoarseness. A patient of mine who was averse to taking medicines for that indisposi- tion, was lately cured of it by accidentally taking a bad cold. The cold (as it is called) induced the same excitement in the
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organs of speech, which is brought on by a salivation. It gives me great pleasure to hear, from time to time, of your increas- ing reputation and usefulness in your profession. I rejoice, likewise to hear that you have lately divided the happiness resulting from them with an amiable young lady. May you be as happy in your new connection as I have been in mine, and (if your lady will not be offended at it,) I will add further, may you in due time be as blessed as I am with six sons and three daughters! With a head covered with gray hairs I en- joy uncommon good health. I am no judge of the state of my mind, but one thing I am safe in asserting, that I enjoy my books and professional pursuits without the least diminution of pleasure.
From, my dear sir, your sincere old friend and preceptor,
BENJ. RUSH. PHILADELPHIA, July 11th, 1804.
Dr. McClelland.
MY DEAR OLD FRIEND :
There are so many more applications for medical appointments in the army than can be satisfied, that I believe it will be no purpose to add Dr. Magaw to the num- ber. I have sent him a recommendation; he may send or withhold it, just as he pleases. I thank you for your account of your late epidemic fever, and for your kind wishes for my health and happiness. I am now publishing a fifth volume of " Medical Inquiries and Observations" upon madness and other
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diseases of the mind. It will contain the experience of my life upon these interesting subjects.
It gives me great pleasure to hear, from time to time, of your health and increasing usefulness and reputation in your profession. My lengthening shadow suggests to me daily that I must soon sleep with my fathers, but I enjoy, notwithstand- ing, uninterrupted health, and the same pleasure in business and study that I did thirty years ago.
From, dear sir, your old friend and preceptor,
PHILADELPHIA, June 24th, 1812.
BENJ. RUSH.
WB 1 AP4 F8M4M 1892
31710120R
NLM 05148886 1
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
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