Hancock County IL Archives Biographies.....Judd, Homer March 29, 1820 - May 20, 1890 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Morrey sandymorrey@yahoo.com November 9, 2009, 7:15 pm Source: Hancock, McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois Author: Unknown HOMER JUDD, M. D., D. D. S., won great prominence as a dentist, and occupied a leading place in the ranks of his profession. He engaged for a time in practice in Warsaw, but the last eight years of his life were spent in Upper Alton. He was born in Otis, Berkshire County, Mass., March 29, 1820, and was a son of Asa and Adah Judd. His father was a farmer and an influential citizen of the community in which he lived. He several times represented his district in the State Legislature of Massachusetts. The son in the common schools acquired his early education, which was supplemented by study in the Lee and Worthington Academies. Wish- ing to fit himself for the medical profession, he entered Berkshire Medical College of Pittsfield, Mass., and was graduated therefrom in 1847. Subsequently, he studied dentistry with Dr. Cone. He displayed special aptitude in his studies and was a thorough student, whose deep researches along the line of knowledge in which he was in- terested made him a more than well-informed man. Not only did he confine his study to sub- jects connected with his profession, but later he reviewed his Greek and Latin, and acquired a knowledge of the French, German, Spanish and Italian languages, also became somewhat ac- quainted with the Sanscrit. Dr. Judd commenced the practice of medicine and dentistry in Ravenna, Ohio, and three years later removed to Santa Fe, N. M. He was the first educated dentist to fill a tooth in that Terri- tory. After a short time, however, he returned to the Buckeye State, and subsequently came to Warsaw, where he practiced his dual profession for twelve years. While here residing, he served for several years on the School Board, and for one year was Superintendent. He was always inter- ested in the cause of education, and in every en- terprise calculated to prove of public benefit. In 1847 he became a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge of Ravenna, Ohio, and filled all the offices in the lodge in Warsaw. He was chosen as its representative to the Grand Lodge, which met in Chicago in 1859. In Pittsfield, Ill., in March, 1853, Dr. Judd was united in marriage with Miss Emily F. Hodgen, of that city. Three children were born to them, a son and two daughters, but the son died at the age of six years. The daughters, Adah May and Mary Emily, are still living, and reside with their mother. In 1861 the Doctor went to St. Louis, and en- tered the United States service as Assistant Sur- geon on a hospital steamer running to Vicksburg. After the battle of Shiloh, he offered his services, and was employed as one of the four surgeons charged with the care of four hundred Union soldiers. His labors were so arduous that his health became impaired, and he was compelled to visit Minnesota for rest and recuperation. He was subsequently made Surgeon of the Fortieth Missouri Regiment, and with it served in the bat- tles of Franklin, Nashville and Spanish Fort. For some months after the close of the war, he re- mained in the service, being stationed at Hunts- ville, Ala. In August, 1865, he was honorably discharged and returned to St. Louis, where he engaged in dental practice. He was prominent in his profession, and was untiring in his efforts for its advancement. His zeal in the cause led him to enter heartily into the movement for the establish- ment of a dental college founded on the basis of a medical education, and in 1866 the Missouri Dental College was organized, in connection with the St. Louis Medical College. Dr. Judd was appointed to the Chair of Institutes of Dental Sci- ence, and was made Dean of the college, which position he filled for several years. His fondness for literary pursuits, and belief in the need of a good dental journal, led him to establish one in St. Louis, and in 1869 he became the editor-in- chief of the Missouri Dental Journal, now the Archives of Dentistry. His connection therewith made him well known in professional circles throughout the country, and his magazine filled a long-felt want and aided in the advancement of his beloved science. As a journalist and teacher, he has never been excelled, and his skill, merit and ability won for him promotion, step by step, until he occupied a place at the head of the pro- fession. He was honored with its highest posi- tion, being unanimously elected President of the American Dental Association in 1869. His love for scientific investigation led him to take an active part in the work of the Academy of Science in St. Louis, of which he was an active member. In later years Dr. Judd was extensively inter- ested in silver mining in Colorado, and became the head of the Judd Mining Company, which owns valuable property near Ouray. His health failing in later years, he was compelled to aban- don to a great extent his literary and professional work, and in outdoor pursuits among the moun- tains of Colorado the summer seasons were passed. In 1882 he removed to Upper Alton, where he established a dental office, and practiced his pro- fession until his death, which occurred May 20, 1890, at the age of seventy years. He possessed those sterling qualities of head and heart which win the respect of all, and although he never had many intimate friends, he was held in high es- teem by every one with whom he was brought in contact. His life was a noble one, well and worthily passed, and he left behind a hallowed memory. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/hancock/bios/judd1546gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 6.1 Kb