Cadwallader, Isaac H.
Time gives the perspective that places each individual and each event in its proper relation to the history of the world. The memory of some men passes into oblivion while that of others becomes brighter as the years go by owing to their valuable contribution to the world's work. Such is the record of Dr. Isaac H. Cadwallader who for many years was in charge of the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium of St. Louis and who was a specialist on gynecology and displayed expert knowledge and skill in the field of professional duty. The story of his life contains much that is of exceptional value and sets an example that may well be followed by younger representatives of the profession.

Dr. Isaac H. Cadwallader was born in Warren county, August 29, I860, and was the son of Dr. John T. and Rachel (Farquhar) Cadwallader who moved with their family to Illinois. The son Isaac, therefore, became a pupil in the public schools of Lincoln, Illinois, and later continued his education in the Lincoln University from which he was graduated in 1868. In the choice of his profession he followed a course pursued by several of his ancestors including his father, and was, as it were, to the manner born. At an early age he became interested in the practice of medicine in which some of the representatives of his family had won fame and prominence and he determined to enter the medical profession with the hope of himself making valuable contribution to the world's work through that avenue. A contemporary writer has said of him, "From his early years all his aspirations were in that direction, a predisposition he may be said to have Inherited from his father; while from his mother—a woman of rare force of character, yet withal gentle, unassuming, self-sacrificing, ever seeking the welfare of others rather than her own—he received as a precious heritage those ideals which have characterised and dominated his life and which should be the peculiar endowment of all who aspire to that noblest of professions, whose guerdon is humanity and whose watchwords are loyalty, service and sacrifice.”
Dr. Cadwallader pursued a course in pharmacy as well as a thorough course in the Rush Medical College, Chicago, in preparation for his professional duties and won his M.»D. degree upon graduation with the class of 1875. In the same year, he opened an office in St. Louis and won success and prominence in the general practice of medicine, his business assuming large proportions as the years passed by. To his scientific knowledge and training he added broad human sympathy which contributed much to the understanding of his patients and his consequent success. In 1891 he was made a member of the medical staff of the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium and his valuable hospital work lead to his appointment in 1900 as physician in charge of that institution. He became the director of one of the large and fine hospitals of St. Louis. The brick buildings are commodious and stand in the midst of a three acre tract of land made beautiful with fine shade trees and flowers. Dr. Cadwallader surrounded himself with an able staff of physicians and surgeons and more than that he had the assistance and wise council of his wife, who was made superintendent of the institution. In fact Dr. Cadwallader always attributed much of the success of the sanitarium to Mrs. Cadwallader, whose kindly nature, whose tact and sagacity were continuously manifest in her work. The activities of the hospital were thoroughly systematized and a New York health report called attention to the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium an "an institution second to none of its kind in the country, where high quality in such institutions is readily conceded by the medical profession of the entire civilized world. From whatsoever viewpoint we consider it, the establishment in question is entitled to foremost rank, and a consideration of its essential features will demonstrate good reason for singling it out from among similar establishments in St. Louis.
"Primarily, the selection of a location for this institution indicates noteworthy Judgment, for while wisely situated sufficiently near leading car lines to be readily accessible, it is located far enough away from the hurly-burly of downtown to escape the dust, noise and confusion accompanying the daily traffic and business turmoil naturally incident to a large city. Moreover, its environment is of healthful character, and this fact, in connection with most excellent advantages of drainage and readability to ventilation, gives the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium decided sanitary features not often found.
"In point of equipment this sanitarium deserves unqualified praise, for few of the magnificently endowed hospitals found in the eastern states are as thoroughly prepared in this respect, and we know of none in our own city of New York that has more promptly availed itself of modern hospital equipment or demonstrates greater zeal in securing for its use the auxiliaries for treatment offered in the steady progress of advanced surgical knowledge and evolution in the field of medicine. Every authentic appliance recognized by the leaders of the mastermarch of curative science is made use of; every commendable feature is utilized, and keeping, as it does, in close touch with the advancement of the science of medicine, nothing for the benefit or the convenience of its clientele is overlooked; and herein is found one of the salient reasons for the popularity of the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium both with the laity and with the recognized leaders in the medical profession throughout the state and even adjacent states.
"Dr. Pancoast once declared that the physician offered one-third and the nurse offered two-thirds toward the recovery of the patient, and conceding the truth of this statement, there is but small cause for wonder at the remarkable successful record of this sanitarium, the nursing afforded is such as to exact praise from every physician familiar with the routine work of the corps of trained and intelligent nurses connected with this institution. With neither space nor inclination for persona) eulogium, we cannot but mention the recognized skill and high personal worth of the physician in charge and the earnest, conscientious efforts of the superintendent that have aided so materially in placing this establishment in the high position this institution occupies. These are some of the essential features that help make, it a leader among its kind and entitle it to the unreserved editorial endorsement of the New York Health Reports."
In his profession, Dr. Cadwallader long specialized on gynecology and obstetrics and became a recognized authority on that branch of professional service. He carried his researches far and wide and learned many scientific principles which he generously shared with his professional brethren. He belonged to the St. Louis Medical Society, Missouri State Medical and American Medical Associations, and through their proceedings kept in touch with the advanced thought of the profession.
It was in 1896 that Dr. Cadwallader was united in marriage in St. Louis to Miss Ella C. Brown, a sister of George Warren Brown, chairman of the board of the Brown Shoe Company, and of the late A. D. Brown of the Hamilton and Brown Shoe Company, a most noted philanthropist, both brothers being pioneer shoe manufacturers of St. Louis, their efforts being a most potent force in making this one of the great shoe manufacturing centers of the country. Dr. Cadwallader was appointed head of the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium and Mrs. Cadwallader was made superintendent, and throughout her connection with the institution manifested marked executive ability and administrative force. She studied every phase of the hospital life and her ideas were at once practical and progressive. Dr. Cadwallader was continually giving her credit for the successful development of the Institution. However, their aims and interests were one and their labors were most harmoniously carried on to the benefit of the sanitarium which they represented. Both Dr. and Mrs. Cadwallader had membership in the Third Baptist Church and the doctor attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite Masonry. He belonged also to the Missouri Athletic Club, the Amateur Athletic Association and the Ohio Society. His associates in professional and in private life ever spoke of him in terms of the warmest regard. His philanthropy ever constituted an even balance to his scientific knowledge and professional skill. He passed away July 22, 1919, but it wi^l be long ere his influence ceases to be a factor for good in his profession and in the lives of those with whom he came in contact.
(Source: Centennial History of Missouri, One Hundred Years in the Union, 1820-1921, Vol. V, Published 1921)