CHAPTER XIII.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

HISTORY OF THE BELMONT COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY—THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS—SOME EMINENT PHYSICIANS OF PIONEER DAYS—NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION CHANGED—PRESENT MEMBERSHIP—SOME OF THE PHYSICIANS OF LATER DAYS.

We are indebted to Dr. A. H. Hewetson of St. Clairsville for the following history of the Belmont County Medical Society—an organization that antedates the national medical society by a number of years and is probably one of the oldest medical associations in the country.

Dr. Hewetson and his daughter, Miss Elizabeth, are associated in the practice of a profession that has been skillfully pursued in Belmont County by father and grandfather for upward of half a century.

Dr. Hewetson is the senior physician. of St. Clairsville today and one of the oldest members of the Belmont County Medical Society. His accomplished daughter is a graduate of the Ohio Medical College and brings to the practice of her profession all that is modern in the science and art of medicine and surgery.

We are led to believe from fragments of history that meet us that, several years before the organization of the Belmont County Medical Society, there existed an effort to perfect a union of the medical profession in the counties of Belmont, Jefferson and Monroe. Possibly other counties were included.

Some leading names were connected with this effort. Dr. Stanton, a relative of the great War Secretary, Edwin M. Stanton, was from Steubenville. There were other names from other counties.

ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY.

The Belmont County Medical Society was organized on the last day of February, 1847. There was the usual call through the public press to meet at the National Hotel, St. Clairsville, Ohio, to which the profession responded.

At the specified time a number met and proceeded to perfect an organization. Dr. C. Schooley of Loydsville was chosen chairman and Dr. Smith Holloway, secretary. The usual committees were appointed. Drs. Joseph Hewetson, Holloway and Walker were chosen a committee to prepare a constitution. Drs. West, Alexander and McConahey were appointed to prepare a code of ethics. Drs. Estep, C. Schooley and L. Schooley were appointed a committee to draw up a fee bill of rates and charges to govern all members of the society.

The association was now reasonably equipped for work.

There was no intention to put their light under a bushel, as the motion of Dr. Alexander was carried, to publish the proceedings of the society in the Gazette and Chronicle.

The roll of names of those attending this meeting is as follows :

Dr. Ephraim Gaston, Morristown. Dr. Joseph Hewetson, St. ClairsviIle. Dr. John Alexander, St. Clairsville. Dr. Josephus Walker, St. Clairsville.

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Dr. Smith Holloway, St. Clairsville. Dr. Henry West, St. Clairsville. Dr. John Campbell, Uniontown. Dr. T. Irwin, Uniontown.

Dr. Wilson, Centerville.

Dr. J. Coleman, Centerville. Dr. T. Harvey, Jacobsburg. Dr. J. Bailey, Flushing. Dr. Chapman, Hendrysburg. Dr. D. Tidball, Hendrysburg. Dr. William Estep, Loydsville. Dr. C. Schooley, Loydsville. Dr. Dallas, Sewellsville.

Dr. Andrews, Bellaire.

THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS.

The roll of the members of the original society has been justly called the "roll of honor." In this list are presented some of the brightest names in the profession of Belmont County.

On the 1st of March at the second meeting, the constitution being completed was adopted and the next step was to establish a correct roll of the members :

The roll when completed was as follows :

SOME EMINENT PHYSICIANS OF PIONEER DAYS.

DR. EPHRAIM GASTON.—We find at the top of this roll of honor, taking it in the order given, the name of Ephraim Gaston of Morristown, Ohio.

He began the practice of medicine in 1825 and ended in 1896.

But few medical men excelled Dr. Gaston in the deep hold he obtained upon the hearts of his patrons. Honest to the core, a gentleman in all his instincts, intelligent far beyond the average of most of his compeers, he held a position in his community that time and circumstances never changed. In the providence of God, in his later years Dr. Gaston was afflicted with cataract on both eyes.

He was unsuccessfully operated on by the great surgeon, Dr. Gross, of Philadelphia. Later, he consulted the celebrated specialist, Dr. Williams, of Cincinnati, who performed a second operation which was eminently successful. From this time on, the Doctor was able to see to read and walk about, but with the exception of occasional consultations he never practiced his profession again.

DR. JOSEPH HEWETSON'S biography, as prepared by the Medical Society at the time of his death, appears in the latter portion of this book devoted to biographies ; a few brief references is all we think necessary.

He was one of the charter members of the society. Having had the long and thorough medical training that was required in the Edinburgh University, Scotland, he was an opponent of the short, and what appeared to him superficial. course of education in this country. He more than once presented his opinions on this subject to the association. It was his firm belief that time and the necessities of the profession would overcome these objections.

The Doctor left a family of six sons and one daughter. Four sons, three grandsons, and one granddaughter are in the practice of the profession.

DR. JOHN ALEXANDER was born at Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent. At the age of 19 he left his native land and came to the United States, landing at Baltimore. He first became a teacher of country schools and after a time came to St. Clairsville, Ohio. Here he became acquainted with Dr. Carroll, who became interested in the young man, and directed his efforts to the study of medicine. He was

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a student of the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and in 1832 embarked in the practice of medicine at Flushing, Ohio, and in the autumn of 1839 he removed to St. Clairsville, where he continued in practice until his death.

The Doctor had a positive Scotch-Irish nature. It was thus natural to him to be strong in his friendships and equally strong in his antipathies. He was a good physician. In his practice of over half a century he had a large and, part of the time, lucrative practice. During the latter part of his life he lived in the enjoyment of the kindliest feelings of all who knew him. The Master's call came as all faithful servants desire—while at the work of his life.

He was stricken down as he entered the door of a patient in the night season. This occurred after a drive of three miles into the country. There was a deep manifestation of feeling at his funeral. He was followed to his grave with the tears of many friends.

DR. HENRY WEST was born on the 8th day of April, 1800, and died June 30, 1887. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and to that sturdy race he no doubt owed his strong and rugged nature.

He was a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He began the practice of his profession in 1835 in Bridgeport, Ohio, and soon commanded a good business. He was sent to represent the county in the Legislature on the Democratic ticket in 1838-39 and was re-elected to the same position the following winter.

After the close of the Rebellion, he represented the Republican party of this district in the State Senate in 1865-66.

In those days it was the rule to mix politics with almost all business. The Doctor was an active Democrat before the war. It so happened that St. Clairsville was left without any competent Democratic doctor. Under the pressure of some leading Democratic men of the county, he consented to remove to St. Clairsville. This removal occurred at the close of his second term in the Legislature. The Doctor always regretted this move, often speaking of the advantage it would have been to his boys had he remained in Bridgeport.

Dr. West was married three times and became the head of a large family.

His first wife was Adeline Kirkwood, by whom he had eight children. The second wife was Agnes Parker, five children being the fruits of this marriage. His third wife was Mary Jane Douglass, who, with five children, survives him, making 18 children as a result of the three marriages. Four sons, John E., of Jersey City, New Jersey; J. Park, of Bellaire; Samuel L., of St. Clairsville, and Homer, of McMechen, are all physicians standing high in the profession.

In no way is his rugged and patriotic nature better shown than at the breaking out of the war. Dr. West had been a life-long Democrat and had received recognition at the hands of his party. He voted for Breckenridge, never doubting that come what would the Union and the government would be sacred. When the word came that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, the Doctor was a changed man in a moment of time. From that day to the close of his life he was a firm supporter of the government.

We can well recall how greatly Dr. West suffered, when feeling his services were needed in the army, but that the duty of coming to the bedside of his dying wife was even greater.

The time that inevitably comes to all came upon Dr. West. Full of honor and years, conscious of coming weakness, of advancing age, he lived in daily expectation of the end. The call came as he would have chosen, suddenly, no extended time of suffering. At work today—tomorrow forever at rest.

DR. JOHN CAMPBELL was the eldest son of James Campbell, who migrated from Washington County, Pennsylvania, to Ohio about 1803 and located in Wheeling township, Belmont County, on section 26, range four, township eight, which land had been entered several years previous by the Doctor's grandfather, a Revolutionary soldier.

Here Dr. Campbell was born November 21, 1804. At the age of 15 he left home and at-

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tended school at New Athens for five years. After this he went to St. Clairsville and studied medicine under Dr. John McCracken for two and one-half years. He was licensed to practice medicine in November, 1827, at Barnesville, Ohio.

He began the practice of medicine in Uniontown. Ohio, March 5, 1828, and continued to practice at the same place until his death, September 17, 1882.

He was a member of the Crab Apple Presbyterian Church from 1833 and a ruling elder in the same congregation since 1840.

He was elected twice to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church,—Philadelphia in 1843 and Chicago in 1877. The Doctor was nominated on the Democratic ticket in 1840 for the Legislature in opposition to Judge Cowen, but was defeated.

With a somewhat intimate knowledge of the profession of the county for the last 45 years, I have no hesitancy to declare that Dr. Campbell was not excelled for virtue and honesty. At any time when at all in doubt as to the true nature of his case, it was his habit to ask for counsel and gave the true reason for his asking.

When life's fitful dream for him was over, the welcome came "Well done! good and faithful servant."

DR. WILLIAM ESTEP.—It is appropriate and entirely fitting that Drs. Estep and Campbell should be considered in close connection. Near neighbors through a long life, good medical friends, in character differing essentially, yet agreeing, assisting each other frequently.

Dr. Estep began his medical studies under the supervision of a "Thompsonian." This entrance upon the study of medicine was before he had acquired the most elementary education. While never failing to regret his limited education, he sought to overcome its evil effects by perseverance, energy and close application, so that for years before his death he could write a paper and present it to the society as well arranged as almost any member could have done.

Dr. Estep was naturally well equipped for his work. Possessed of a pleasing manner, commanding presence, he did all that was possible to do, to remove the loss of a thorough education.

When the war broke out, Dr. Estep responded to the call of patriotism. Leaving a large practice, he willingly entered the service of his country. As a consequence of exposure and resulting pneumonia, he almost lost his life. Returning home in 1864, he gradually recovered. health and resumed his practice. Dr. Estep had many good traits of character. His friends had often to lament that at times he manifested traits of character that were not what they would desire. In as much as the Doctor labored to overcome these and lamented his delinquencies, his friends have by mutual consent covered them with a mantle of charity. It is a relief in such lives as Dr. Estep's to he able to put forth so much that is good. He appeared to regard a professional call as sacred. Regardless of time, condition of roads, or state of the weather, you could depend on the Doctor. Send for him to assist you, and in the shortest possible time he responded. For more than half a century he kept in the forefront of his local profession.

He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania. and was the son of John and Sarah Estep. In 1840 he settled at Loydsville and began the practice of medicine, which continued until his death.

DR. B. L. STEELE.—We have very limited knowledge of Dr. B. L. Steele. All that can be learned certainly regarding Dr. Steele is that he located in St. Clairsville perhaps late in the "thirties." His name appears on the roll of the Presbyterian Church. How long he remained in St. Clairsville and what was his professional standing, we have not been able to ascertain.

Evidence shows him to have been a member of the Presbyterian Church and also of the Belmont County Medical Society. This evidence proves him to have been a man of reputation and character.

DR. SIMON B. WEST, one of the pioneers of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, was born in Jefferson

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County, Ohio, in 1812, and was the son of Henry West, one of the early settlers of the county. Dr. West's early years were spent on the farm until 1833, when he began the study of medicine with his older brother, Dr. Henry West, of Bridgeport, Ohio. He was graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1836. Locating in Martins' Ferry the same year, he began a practice which he continued for about 50 years; then he retired and devoted to rest his remaining years, which were terminated by death in 1885. He was one of the most eminent men in his profession in this region and is also remembered as one of the most enterprising citizens of Martin's Ferry.

Dr. West was married in July, 1838, to Mary Zane Martin. Of their eight children there is but one survivor, the wife of Oliver C. Parker.

DR. JAMES M. MCCONAHEY of Bridgeport, Ohio, was one of the charter members of the Society. Dr. McConahey was one of the best. Solid in judgment, clear in mind, he was a good diagnostician and consequently a good physician. I am sorry not to be able to give a history of his life.

DR. JOSEPHUS WALKER was born January 20, 1820, near Uniontown, Ohio, attended the school of the district, then entered the college at New Athens, from which he was graduated in 1841. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Alexander of St. Clairsville, and graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College. He practiced his profession in St. Clairsville, Ohio, until the time of his death, which occurred January 12, 1864. Dr. Walker was not long in entering into a good practice. He was gifted with financial ability, and while comparatively a young man when he died, he had reached a comfortable competency. He had a strong hold upon the affections of his patrons.

DR. EPHRAIM WILLIAMS was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of October, 1810. In 1818 he came west to the neighborhood of Barnesville, Ohio. He located in Guernsey County, Ohio, to practice medicine, in the spring of 1834, and removed to Barnesville in March, 1839, remaining there until his death, April 15, 1887. He continued in active practice until a few years of his death.

Dr. Williams was one of the last of that class of noble men, representing in the earlier days the work of the association.

They were as a class far above all that was low and mean and had the good of the patient always in mind.

It is to be hoped their example may not be without good to the younger members who follow them.

DR. ELIJAH PERRY BIRDSONG was born near Richmond, Virginia, July 4, 1819. He was graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1853-54. He came to Bellaire, Ohio, about 1845 and died at that place March 1, 1858.

The Doctor was a partner with Dr. Milton W. Junkins, one of the Society's brightest members. The firm stood high in the estimation of the people, and Dr. Birdsong was a man highly esteemed both in and out of the Society.

DR. LINDLEY SCHOOLEY is the only living man of the original charter members of the Belmont 'County Medical Society. The Doctor has been an active member of the profession and until latter years was active in the service of the association. He is a most remarkable sample of longevity, and is still doing a large practice.

DR. CALEB COPE, born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, August, 1812, was one of the first or charter members of the Belmont County Medical Society. He died at Farmington, Ohio, October 6, 1875, having practiced medicine in that locality all his life.

In the time of his practice the exposure and hardships incident to a country practice were very great. All his traveling had to be done on horseback. He raised a large family and was highly appreciated in the community. One son was a physician and succeeded to his practice.

NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION CHANGED.

In 1870 the nature of the organization was changed. It was made to include a number of

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other counties and the name changed to the "Medical Chirurgical Society of Eastern Ohio."

This was not found as satisfactory as the former arrangements, and on December 5,1885, a return was had to the old name "Belmont County Medical Society." The desire for this change was universal, as there were so many pleasant associations clustered around the old name.

This organization antedates the American Medical Association.

PRESENT MEMBERSHIP.

Herewith is given a complete list of the present Belmont County Medical Society.

SOME OF THE PHYSICIANS OF LATER DAYS.

DR. A. J. HOGE was born July 29, 1832, near Morristown, Ohio. He read medicine with Dr. Estep of Loydsville, attended the eclectic school of medicine at Cincinnati, Ohio, but practiced as a regular.

He began the practice of medicine in 1855 at Malaga, Ohio. He was married in 1856 to Eliza Harper. After practicing two years at the above place and two years at Bethesda, he removed to Morristown, Ohio, where he remained until death.

When presenting himself for membership in the Belmont County Medical Society, he realized how unlikely it might appear to some of the older members that he would practice the allopathic system of medicine. He came to some of us who were younger, and gave us the most solemn assurance of his honesty. We all promised him our full help and sympathy, having the utmost confidence in his honor. He was received heartily by the association, the investigation showing his honorable intentions. Through a long life none ever regretted his admission. Dr. Hoge was a member of the Disciple's Church and lived a consistent Christian life.

He was a member, much liked, of both the Odd Fellow and Masonic fraternities. He served two years as surgeon in the Civil War.

Dr. Hoge during a long practice in Morristown held a strong, firm grip upon the hearts of the people. The large attendance and sympathetic demonstrations, at both sick bed and funeral, bespoke him a higher tribute of respect than is accorded most men.

He died August 8, 1900, being in active practice until within two years of his death.

DR. W. S. FISHER was born near Baltimore, Maryland, September 3, 1843. When he was but five years old. his family removed to Belmont County, Ohio. Dr. Fisher received an academic course at Barnesville, Ohio, in 1863. In 1867 he read medicine and began the practice of his profession at Malaga, Monroe County, Ohio. In 1870 he removed to Bridgeport. Ohio, and practiced medicine there until his death, October 24, 1895.

Dr. Fisher was in the fullest sense a "family physician." It was largely because of the wonderful hold he possessed upon a patient and family, that made his patrons look up to him. Kind, attentive, and successful, they felt that he was trustworthy to the fullest extent. He also stood well with his medical brethren. Dr. Fisher suffered with an incurable disease of the throat, and when his many friends realized

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that his end was near, they more than ever demonstrated their great affection for him. At last when the highest medical authority in our land proclaimed that there was no hope, that science could do no more, their regard and affection knew no bounds. When the last sad mission was to be performed, never in the knowledge of the oldest citizens of Bridgeport had such a concourse of people followed any of their citizens to the grave.

DR. GEORGE A. CLOSE was a native of Belmont County, born within two miles of St. Clairsville. He studied medicine with his cousin, Dr. John Thompson. When his medical studies were completed, he began practice in partnership with his cousin, Dr. Thompson. Not meeting the success he desired, he removed to Bellaire, where he soon had a good practice. His health began to fail and after long, tedious suffering the end came. Dr. Close was a man of many good qualities.

He married a daughter of Robert Wilkins, who was his faithful nurse through all his long, tedious illness.

DR. DUDLEY WOODBRIDGE came to Belmont County from Marietta, Ohio. He located at Bellaire, Ohio, and against many predictions that he was too young, too backward, he rapidly gained a large practice.

The Doctor married a daughter of Judge Anderson, of Bellaire. It is claimed he over-worked himself and brought on the sickness of which he died.

Be this as it may, his bright prospects were ended by the ruthless hand of Death.

DR. WILLIAM MCMASTERS was a native of Belmont County. After completing his medical studies, he practiced for a time in Centreville, Ohio. He subsequently removed to Bellaire, purchased a drug store, and continued in that business the rest of his years. He was an honest man.

DR. JOHN A. HOBSON was born July 2, 1849. He graduated from the Miami Medical College in 1872, and also took a post-graduate course in the Polyclinic, New York, in 1895, and again in 1896.

Dr. Hobson in the commencement of his medical career had nothing beyond the ordinary to advance his progress. Early in his practice he began to seek to advance his work. He concluded to elect the medical and surgical diseases of women as a specialty.

It was not long until one important operation after another occurred, and it became a necessity to have better arrangements for work. He concluded to erect a hospital, that he might secure better facilities for properly treating his cases. This he did in 1890, and since the equipment of his hospital his business has greatly increased.

The Doctor does honest work and seeks to build his reputation upon the solid basis of honest and fair dealing with his patients. Dr. Hobson's reputation does not rest alone on his specialty. He does a large amount of general surgery ; beyond this, his experience in general practice, his well-established character for general knowledge, gives him a wide consulting practice.

There is no one dealing with Dr. Hobson professionally or otherwise that does not entertain for him the highest sentiment of respect and friendship. It is more than likely Dr. J. A. Hobson stands at the top of the profession in our county.

DR. WILLIAM ESTEP THOMPSON was born January 2, 1855. He graduated at Cleveland, Ohio, from the medical department of the University of Wooster in 1887. For four years after his graduation, he practiced medicine at Loydsville, Ohio. He then took a course at the New York Polyclinic, and removed to St. Clairsville, where he practiced until 1900. Dr. Thompson is a conscientious and faithful practitioner. He seeks to do the best he can for those under his care. He is a great lover of farm life, and, having capital invested in farm lands, he devotes much time to agricultural affairs.

DR. HOMER WEST was born February 18, 1874, at St. Clairsville, Ohio. He received a collegiate education at Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio, from which institution he was

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graduated in 1894. He was a graduate in medicine of the University of New York, receiving the Doctor's degree in 1897.

After returning from the medical school, he located at Benwood and McMechen. Dr. Homer comes from a family of physicians. His father was for years a leading physician and citizen of Belmont County. Of his older brothers, three are physicians of high character: Dr. John E., of Jersey City, New York; J. Park, of Bellaire; and S. L., of St. Clairsville. Thus connected, as well as equipped by thorough training, his success is not problematical.

DR. D. V. MARSH, born January 14, 1876, graduated at Mount Union College with the degree of Ph. D. He was graduated in medicine (New York Bellevue) in 1899, and at Cleveland in 1900.

Dr. Marsh not only received a good education at Mount Union, but he here became acquainted with Miss Hobson, daughter of Dr. John A. Hobson, whom he married soon after his graduation.

This relationship gave the Doctor a position with one of the best physicians and surgeons in this part of the State. Those that know Dr. Marsh best believe that he will make the most of every opportunity, and reach an advanced standing in the medical profession.

DR. A. B. HOBSON, born in 1872, was graduated from the medical department of the University of Cleveland in 1895. After remaining with his uncle, Dr. John A. Hobson of Flushing, Ohio, during his student days, and completing his college course, he entered into partnership with Dr. J. A. Hobson. Later, Dr. Marsh became an additional member of the firm.

Dr. Hobson's natural abilities, developed and brightened by his continued experience in the Flushing Sanitarium, has made him one of our brightest and most solid young men. All that know him predict for him a bright future.

DR. JAMES O. HOWELLS was born February 17, 1863, in Wales. He was graduated first in pharmacy at the University of Pennsylvania in 1885. Deciding later to study medicine, he returned to Philadelphia, and was graduated in 1894 from the medical department of the same university. He later took a post-graduate course in the same city.

Dr. Howells has been in the practice of medicine in Bridgeport for over eight years. The Doctor has received the encouragement of a liberal patronage by his fellow citizens. He is well up in his profession, and there are few better posted in all the modern means of treating disease.

DR. A. J. HEINLEIN was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, on the 19th of February, 1862. After his graduation from the Bridgeport High School in 1879, he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he attended the. Ohio State University for three years. Graduating from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1886, he returned to his native State, and for one and one-half years was physician to the hospital at the State Penitentiary, Columbus, Ohio. After resigning there, he returned to Bridgeport, and has ever since practiced medicine in this locality.

Without ostentation, quietly and strictly attending to his practice, the Doctor commands the confidence of his patrons.

Dr. Heinlein's reputation rests on a firm basis and will be lasting.

DR. J. S. MCCLELLAN, born at Gallipolis, Ohio, June 8, 1855, was graduated from the Ohio Medical College in 1880. Soon after graduating, the Doctor came to Bellaire, Ohio. From his earliest commencement up through all the stages of his medical life, he has escaped all unmanly criticism. He is the equal of any of his brethren in general practice, while by several post-graduate courses he has qualified himself as a specialist in electricty, X-ray, etc. At one time his friends and patrons feared his life would be prematurely cut off. God ordered otherwise, and now it is hoped his life will be at least the "three score years and ten."

DR. A. C. BEETHAM was born at Windom, Ohio, February 17, 1872. He received a collegiate education at Scio, being graduated from there in 1892 and from Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1896.

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Dr. Beetham began practice in St. Clairsville, Remaining there but three years, he removed in 1898 to Bellaire, Ohio. In each place he stood high as a man of character and intelligence.

Since his location in Bellaire, the Doctor has taken a post-graduate course, and equipped himself for treating the eye, nose and throat.

Dr. Beetham does his work well, and allows the character of what he does to prove its merit. He is surely advancing; with such men success is only a question of time.

DR. J. W. COOPER was born December 19, 1861. He attended the University of Michigan for two years, later going to Jefferson, from which college he was graduated in 1884. He began the practice of medicine in Bellaire in 1885.

The Doctor stands well both with the people and physicians. He has a good practice, has been an active member of the Society and for a long time its secretary.

ALBERT R. ONG, A. M., M. D., was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 9, 1847. He was graduated at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 1872. He attended the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Columbus Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, being graduated from the latter school in 1877. Dr. Ong was well and favorably known in Martin's Ferry before he ever entered upon practice. Being a man of good reputation, he made a rapid advance.

DR. J. C. WORKMAN was born the 20th of September, 1855. in Smith township, Belmont County, Ohio. He was graduated from Columbus Medical College in 1879. He began the practice of medicine the same year in Uniontown, Ohio, and still continues to hold the fort.

By close attention to the duties of his profession, Dr. Workman has developed into one of the substantial members of the Belmont County Medical Society.

DR. JOHN ARCHER, born at Vallonia, Ohio, December 24, 1871, taught school four years, was graduated in medicine at the Ohio Medical University, Columbus, Ohio, 1898, and in the Chicago Polyclinic in 1901. He was married in 1900 to Isa D. McKelvey, of Key, Ohio, and is now practicing medicine at Neffs, Ohio.

Dr. Archer bids fair to become one of our substantial physicians. His habits are good, and he applies himself to his books and his practice.

DR. WILLIAM ROSS CARLE was born at Businessburg, Ohio, April 15, 1874. He is a self-made young man. By teaching school and working at the carpenter's trade he put himself through college, graduating April, 1891, from the Ohio Medical University, of Columbus, Ohio. He began practice at Neffs, Ohio, and has continued there ever since.

Dr. Carle was married in 1902 to Doris Wells, of Washington, Pennsylvania.

DR. J. C. MCALISTER was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on the 3rd day of February, 1869. He was graduated from the Ohio Medical University, Columbus, Ohio, on the 15th of March, 1894, and located at Harrisville, Ohio, on the 16th of August, 1894.

Dr. McAlister is one of the most remotely situated as regards the Society. Although quite a distance to come, he shows himself a faithful member by attending when possible.

DR. J. PARK WEST was born June 27, 1858. His medical education was in the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, being graduated therefrom in the class of 1882. He located in Bellaire, Ohio, the same year, and has continued in the one location.

There are few, if any, medical men in our county that can claim a larger need of success in the practice of medicine. His practice is large and his income good, above the average. The Doctor has taken a number of post-graduate courses, and now stands high in his profession.

DR. D. O. SHEPPARD was born February 21, 1867, in Kirkwood township, Belmont County, Ohio. He was schooled at the Ohio Wesleyan at Delaware, Ohio. Was graduated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1897. Since his graduation he has practiced in Barnesville, Ohio. Dr. Sheppard has always had a good reputation and a character free from reproach.

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While not as frequently seen in the work of the Society as some of his brethren, it is hoped the Doctor may long be spared to assist in the work of the association and general work of the profession.

DR. J. N. DRENNEN, born in Belmont County, near Morristown, Ohio, February 8, 1863, studied medicine under Drs. Estep and Thompson. He graduated in Cleveland July 30, 1890, from the medical department of the University' of Wooster, now called the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Early in 1890 he located at Fairview, Guernsey County, Ohio. He remained in Fairview until the following September, when he returned to Loydsville and entered in a co-partnership with the late Dr. Estep, and continued with him until his death October 6, 1896. Since Dr. Estep's death, he has practiced alone in Loydsville. He was married March 16, 1898, to Mrs. Louisa L. Griffith.

For a number of years the Doctor has been physician to the Belmont County Infirmary. To use the Doctor's own expression, "there is nothing else except what is the daily experience of a country physician's life." Such a life we all know means a life devoted to noble purposes.

DR. JOSEPH PIERSOL was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on the 25th day of September, 1857: He was graduated at West Penn Medical College in 1850. The Doctor began practice in Bellaire, Ohio. He is estimated by his brethren of the city as an excellent physician. He has a large and paying practice.

DR. A. W. DIVEN was born at West Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He was graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1895, and also took a course in the University of the South, Swanee, Tennessee, the same year. Since his graduation, he has practiced medicine at Martin's Ferry, Ohio. Dr. Diven is one of the brightest of the young men of the Society. His reputation is good, he stands on solid ground, and a bright future is predicted for him.

DR. D. W. BOONE, born in Roane County, West Virginia, November 8, 1859, was graduated from the Columbus Medical College in 1883. He began practice at Sardis, Ohio, and remained there three years. In 1886 the Doctor entered upon practice in his present location at Bellaire, Ohio. Since he has lived in Bellaire, he has taken a post-graduate course in New York, and is local surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

Dr. Boone is blessed with a good supply of common sense, has a strong body, plenty of vitality. With these elements of strength all united, his brethren may expect a bright future for him.

DR. J. A. CLARK was born March 31, 1857, near Demos, Ohio. He was graduated from Columbus Medical College in 1881. He has taken two post-graduate courses at Chicago and one at Philadelphia. He began practice in Glencoe with Dr. William Piper. The partnership lasted only one year. In 1901 the Doctor removed from Glencoe to Bellaire.

Dr. Clark is a self-made man. He carried himself through his preparatory studies by teaching school. He has already reached a comfortable competency and bids fair to be one of that small class of medical men that may be called rich.

DR. BRADY O. WILLIAMS, born November 13, 1847, was educated at Mount Union College and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, March, 1873. He has taken a post-graduate course at the Clinical School of Medicine. He has practiced all his life at Martin's Ferry, Ohio. Dr. Williams is one of the leading physicians of that city. He is an active, live member of the society, always willing to perform his share. The Doctor fills the character of a good and faithful family physician and there can be no greater honor.

DR. JOHN W. MOFFAT was born in Obion County, Tennessee, on the 19th day of May, 1865. His father removed from Belmont County, when J. W. was 16 years of age, to Johnson County, Missouri. From there the family went to Southern California. Dr. Moffatt returned from there and entered Jefferson Medical College in 1889, graduating from the

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Hamilton Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in 1891. He located at Williamsport, Morrow County, Ohio, where he practiced medicine for about seven years. The Doctor returned to Belmont County in 1897, and has been engaged in the practice of medicine until the present time at Neffs, Businessburg and Glencoe. He united at once with the Medical Society and has been a faithful member.

There are a number of whom we can only give the name. Sketches of other members of the Medical Society and of other physicians and surgeons of Belmont County may be found in the latter portion of this volume, more particularly devoted to biographies. We have made every effort to secure data. In a number of cases it seemed impossible, as there was no response to repeated inquiries. With others, who are dead, we were unable to find friends who could give the knowledge desired.