Chapter XIII.
(O.J. Page)
Page 90-94
When the county was formed, the laws governing the medical profession were liberal, one simply "turned doctor," and proceeded to offer his services. Although "quacks" thrived many pursued a systematic, scientific and thorough course of study, who became men of mark in the profession, and gave it character. Others possessed a bold spirit of investigation and made peers of themselves in new fields of discovery and research.
Drs. Padgett of Metropolis, and Hanna and Rodgers of the country, were the pioneers. Dr. Becker, later of Paducah, was a pioneer who attained eminence. These were so-called "regulars." The "Electric," or "Thomsonians" were represented by Drs. Samuel Boicourt, Metropolis, and Samuel Peter, of the country.
Doctor Alnez McLean McBane, a graduate of the Philadelphia Medical College, who visited the clinics of some of the most noted European physicians and surgeons, came to Metropolis soon after the organization of the county and was highly successful. He excelled throughout Southern Illinois, in morality and professional skills; the member of no church, he was Presbyterian in sympathies. His mother was an ardent member of that church and donated the lot on which the church and parsonage stands. His son Joseph followed his father's professional tastes, graduated in medicine in New Orleans, and returned home broken in health. He started on a sea voyage around the Cape to San Francisco, and died. A.M.L. McBane, the oldest child, is a lawyer at Shawneetown; Marietta, his daughter, is Mrs. William Ward, resident of Chicago; and William A. McBane, the youngest, lives in Metropolis. Dr. McBane died July 3rd, 1860, three months after his wife's death.
About 1860 Dr. Jacob Gebhardt of Ohio came to Metropolis. He was successful. Julius C. and David L., his two sons, became practitioners. His daughter, Helen, became the wife of Major E.P. Curtis. She was a remarkable woman of exceptional traits of character. September 9, 1899, she died.
Dr. Charles S. Rush, yet living in Metropolis, was a most successful practitioner in Washington precinct for years. He is a native of New Jersey, a graduate of the Eclectic of Philadelphia, April 28th, 1867. Dr. J.A. Williams graduated from Rush Medical College, 1863, served in the army, was an excellent physician and died some years ago.
Drs. J.E. Bronson and S.G. Merrill came in 1868, the later soon leaving. Both were "Homeopathic." Dr. Bronson, yet practicing successfully, graduated at the Homeopathic of St. Louis, Aug. 15th, 1877. His son, Scott, will also graduate soon in the same profession.
The legislature in 1878 passed a law placing certain requirements for practice with a view to weed out the "quacks," and elevate the profession. Practitioners of ten years' experience were required to register if they continued and all others stood an examination for license to practice.
Up to this date appear the names of Doctor Charles Greenwood, William P. Courtney, father of Attorney J.C. Courtney, Eli M. Melton, father of Dr. D.O. Melton, veterinary surgeon; Alexander Cheek, brother of Mrs. H. Quante.
Dr. S.H. Bundy, a graduate of the Medical Department of Vanderbilt University, Tennessee, March 1, 1878, was the only active church worker up to that time. He was pastor several years of the Christian church in Metropolis, and died in 1899 in Marion, Illinois.
Dr. F.A. Holliday, St. Louis Medical College, 1872, was twice a successful physician in Metropolis. He entered the government service and was last heard from in the Indian Territory.
Dr. J.H. Scott obtained his certificate by registration, but never practiced extensively afterward.
Dr. J.H. Norris graduated from the Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons, February, 1870. He came to Massac county soon afterward and took front rank, which he maintained until his death a few years ago.
Dr. J.W. Burnett graduated from the Ohio Medical College, 1872, practiced at Metropolis for a few years, removed to Alto Pass and died a few years ago.
James E. Gowan, M.D. came to the county, 1864, and entered upon a long and successful practice. He died, 1899.
Dr. Joseph Brown passed the medical examination of the Illinois Army Medical Board and entered the service. Later he graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Tennessee and practiced in Massac county until his death.
Of the physicians yet living and actively engaged in their profession may be mentioned the following:
Dr. H.C. Fisher, graduated, 1868, Medical College of Ohio, moved to Metropolis, 1882, and enjoys a good practice.
A.B. Agnew, M.D., Samoth, Ill., Ohio Medical College, 1862, entered the Union Surgical services, made a good record and yet does office practice.
Dr. R.W. Hutchinson, an undergraduate, who made his license by hard self-application and examination, still practices extensively at Joppa, Ill.
Dr. S.J. Rhoads, St. Louis Medical College, 1861, practiced in Kentucky until 1883, when he came to Metropolis.
J.D. Young, M.D., Brooklyn, graduated from St. Louis Medical College of Missouri, 1874, served in the Legislature and has excelled in his profession.
Z. Cummins, M.D., Metropolis, graduate University of Kentucky, and still practices.
Dr. James A. Crow, Washington precinct, graduate Physicians & Surgeons, St. Louis, 1892. Followed school teaching.
Dr. Jesse A. Orr, Metropolis, graduate Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, 1878, came from Washington precinct to Metropolis, 1892, and enjoys an active practice.
Dr. M.M. Glass, Brooklyn, graduate Rush Medical College, Chicago, 1886. Active practitioner; also a druggist.
Dr. A.T. Mobley, New Columbia, physician and druggist, graduate Kentucky School of Medicine, 1880.
Dr. J.N. Shemwell, Metropolis, active practitioner, graduate Kentucky School of Medicine, 1889.
Dr. J.T. Willis, Metropolis, active practitioner and druggist, graduate Evansville Medical College, 1872.
Dr. O.M. Willis, son of Dr. J.T. Willis, active practitioner, graduate College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis, 1898.
Dr. A.C. Ragsdale, Metropolis; active practitioner, graduate College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis, 1889.
Dr. Finis Purdue, graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1897, associated with Dr. J.E. Gowan, but soon left the county.
Dr. Charles A. Mozely, active practitioner, Brooklyn, and graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1892.
Dr. George W. Walbright, Round Knob, active practitioner, graduate Louisville Medical College, 1890.
Dr. J.A. Helm, Metropolis, active practitioner, graduate University of Tennessee, 1885, and Baltimore Medical College, 1892.
Dr. Chenault Webb, Unionville, active practitioner, graduate St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1892.
Dr. George A. Stewart, active practitioner, Metropolis, graduate Louisville Medical College, 1889.
Dr. C.E. Trovillion, active practitioner, Metropolis, graduate St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1891, and Barnes Medical College, 1890.
Dr. Andrew Miller, Metropolis, active practitioner, graduate Medical College of Ohio, 1900.
Dr. C.E. Tucker, Joppa, active, practitioner, graduate St. Louis College of Physicians, 1891.
Dr. Thomas Roberts, Joppa, active practitioner, graduate St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1898.
Dr. M.H. Trovillion, active practitioner graduate College oh Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis, Round Knob, Ill.
Dr. Johnson, Brooklyn, Dr. Trigg, Unionville, and Dr. Alvin Smith of Logan precinct, are also active members of the profession.
Dr. J.W. Wymore, active practitioner, Samoth, Ill. graduated Marion Sims Medical College, St. Louis, 1891.
Dr. R.H. Pollard, active practitioner, Samoth, Ill., graduate University of Tennessee.
The Massac County Medical Society is one of the oldest county organizations in the State, having been organized three years before the passage of the first act governing the practice of medicine in the state. It was organized March 31, 1875, for mutual imporvement, wilder and deeper social intercourse, the elevation of their chosen profession to a higher standard and to promote the general welfare of the community. All active physicians belong to the society.
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