CHAPTER XXII
PHYSICIANS OF VAN WERT
Dr. P. J. Hines was the first physician to settle in Van Wert. He studied with Dr. Thomas Miller, of Washington, D. C., and received his degree from the Baltimore Medical College in 1837. He came from Frederick County, Maryland to Van Wert, November 30, 1838. In 1849 he went to California and remained two years. He was elected county auditor and to the Legislature and was at one time postmaster.
Dr. John W. Lenox came to Van Wert in the early '40's. He had a large practice throughout the country, often traveling 20 miles to see a patient. He rode day and night and at a gait that no one could keep up with. In November, 1849, he married Susan Short, now Mrs. Davis Johnson.
Dr. James Burson came here about 1842 and was elected county treasurer in 1845. He died the same year.
Dr. John Q. Adams was one of the early physicians, coming here about 1850. He had a large practice but finally sold his practice and moved West.
Dr. C. W. Bowland came about 1853 and bought Dr. J. Q. Adam's practice but only stayed a few years and moved to Columbus. Dr. B. A. Welch was one of the early practitioners.
Dr. R. A. N. Bee was a homeopathic physician, but he was here when chills and fevers were prevalent, which required more heroic treatment than his system provided for.
Dr. D. K. Galliher practiced here for a number of years.
Dr. Hugh C. McGavren practiced many years here and at Shanes Crossing (now Rockford).
Dr. William Osborn came here from Jennings Prairie and practiced a number of years. He was also the first physician at Delphos.
Dr. Kyle was one of the early physicians.
Dr. J. H. Finefrock practiced here a few years.
Dr. John Blecker practiced at Van Wert for a number of years. He volunteered and was promoted from the ranks to 2nd lieutenant .and was badly wounded at the battle of Stone River, Georgia.
Dr. C. B. Stemen care here in 1866 and in 1867 was appointed the first superintendent of the County Infirmary, which position he held for three years and then returned to Van Wert and took up the practice again. A few years later he moved to Fort Wayne and has now a worldwide reputation as a physician and surgeon and also as an author of textbooks.
Dr. George Stemen practiced here a short time.
Dr. Sherrick practiced here a short time. Dr. Chapin came here about 1856 and practiced until in the '60's.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 293
Dr. Reid was a practitioner here for many years.
Dr. William Smith was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1822, In 1846 he volunteered at the first call for troops and was elected 2nd lieutenant and served during the war with Mexico. On his return, he took up the study of medicine and practiced in Richland County until 1856, when he came to Van Wert. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, he enlisted as 2nd lieutenant and rose through all the grades to lieutenant-colonel of the 46th Ohio Infantry. Returning to Van Wert, he again took up the practice of medicine.
Dr. J. W. Underhill, a homeopathist, came here in the '60's and practiced for a number of years.
Dr. Charles Emerson came here and practiced a few years and then turned his attention to banking.
Dr. W. N. Longsworth came to Van Wert in 1852 and practiced for 20 years or more.
Dr. Webster was a practitioner here.
Dr. Adam N. Krout was a practitioner here for many years.
Dr. W. H. Christopher practiced here for a number of years and then moved to Indiana.
Dr. Timothy Hawkins came here from Mercer County, and remained several years.
Dr. John K. Woods came here from Mendon shortly after the close of the war, where he had served as surgeon, and practiced for many years.
Dr. B. F. Cessna practiced here for a number of years and then moved to Kenton, in Hardin County.
Dr. Georgiana C. Glenn practiced here for about 10 years and was very successful, especially with women and children.
Dr. George W. McGavren has been one of our most successful physicians and surgeons and would not be allowed to quit if he wanted to.
Dr. W. C. Hastings practiced for a number of years and then moved to Seattle, Washington.
Dr. G. J. Eblin practiced here for quite a number of years and then organized the Home Guards of America. Since then he has devoted his time to that organization.
Dr. H. G. Davis was a practicing physician for many years until his death a short time ago.
Dr. Miss Emma Pearson had a large practice here, but gave it up for a man and moved to Michigan.
We have yet with us the following physicians : L. A. Ellis, T. Jax Cole, C. A. Files, F. P. Kreider, R. J. Morgan, F. E. Reed, J. Ward Wilson, Mrs. J. Ward Wilson, S. S. Tuttle, W. H. Perry, A. B. Gilliland, Calvin Pollock, C. B. Church, Robert Flemming, Charles B. Reid, D. L. Corbin, R. P. Richison, J. A. Hines and J. C. Haller.
Dr. William McHenry, of Lima, was frequently called to Van Wert before there was a resident physician here and also in the absence of our home physician. Thirty miles on horseback and over bad roads was something of a task, but he never refused to come.