Sketch of Dr. John A. Talley, St. Charles County, Missouri

>From "A History of the Pioneer Families of Missouri, with numerous
sketches, anecdotes, adventures, etc., relating to Early Days in 
Missouri" by William S. Bryan and Robert Rose, Published by Bryan,
Brand & Co., St. Louis Missouri, 1876.
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Dr. John A. Talley, although not one of the pioneers of Missouri, he
is so well known, and has been engaged for so many years in the prac-
tice of medicine and surgery in St. Charles County, that a sketch of
his life will not be out of place in this connection.  He was born in
Cumberland County, VA., June 5, 1813.  At an early age he became well
versed in the English classics and the principal Greek and Latin 
authors, having been thoroughly instructed in them by a private tutor
at home; and at the age of seventeen he was sent to Randolph Macon
College, were, after a rigid examination, he was at once placed in 
the advanced classes.  He reamined at this institution two years,
when he entered the University of Virginia, and graduated in medicine
and surgery in 1840.  Soon after receiving his diploma, he was appoint-
ed assistant surgeon at the alms house in Richmond, VA., where he 
learned the practical application of the theories which he had studied
in college.  He subsequently practiced a year and a half with his bro-
ther, Dr. Z. Talley, and in the fall of 1840 he started, on horseback,
for Missouri, followed by his favorite pointer dog.  He located in St.
Charles County, and boarded at the house of Col. C. F. Woodson, who 
resided a few miles south of the present site of Wentzville.  He soon
gained a large and remunerative practice, and during the sickly season
of 1844 he was kept so constantly in the saddle that he could not pro-
cure the requisite amount of rest, and came near sacrificing his own
life in his efforts to save others.  In 1845 he married Paulina C.
Preston, a daughter of Col. W. R. Preston, of Botetourt County, VA.
The Preston family is one of the most distinguished and extensive in
the United States, and from it have sprung stateesmen, soldiers and
scholars of the highest renown.  Two sons resulted from this marriage,
William P. and Edwin.  The former graduated in medicine at the Univer-
sity of Virginia, and is now practicing his profession at Wentzville.
Dr. Talley is advanced in years, but retains his mental and physical
vigor unimpaired, and faithfully attends to his extensive and labor-
ious practice.	

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