HISTORY: Warner Beers, 1886, Part 2, Chapter 9, Cumberland County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/ ______________________________________________________________________ History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc. Illustrated. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm ______________________________________________________________________ PART II. HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. CHAPTER IX. MEDICAL - BIOGRAPHICAL - PHYSICIANS IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY SINCE 1879 - PHYSICIANS IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTERED IN OFFICE OF PROTHONOTARY AT CARLISLE - CUMBERLAND COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. THE genesis of medical science, like that of chemistry, astronomy or government, is necessarily slow, and attended with much of empiricism. Observations, even if correctly made, are either imperfectly recorded or not recorded at all. The common people are destitute of scientific methods of investigation. Even if they were so disposed, they lack both the opportunity and the ability to note, scientifically, the nature and symptoms of disease together with their proper remedial agents. It is not strange, therefore, that mothers and grandmothers of the olden time should insist, on applying, externally, skunk oil or goose fat for the curing of internal derangements. The day of herbs and salves as panaceas was not far removed from the period when special luck was supposed to attach to first seeing the moon over the right shoulder; when potatoes planted or shingles laid in the dark of the moon would fail to serve their purposes; when water-witches were deemed necessary to locate wells properly; and when bleeding the arm for the ailments of humanity was considered absolutely essential to health. The superstition which sought cures in miraculous interferences in these various tricks of sleight-of-hand performances, and meaningless signs and tokens, would readily believe that the hair of the dog will cure his own bite; that the carrying, around the neck, of a spider imprisoned in a thimble will cause whooping-cough to disappear; that washing the face in water formed from the first snow of the season will remove freckles; that the weather of the first three days of December will presage the weather of the three following months; that the washing of the hands in stump water will cure warts; and that if the ground hog sees his shadow on the 2d day of February, he will retire to his den to endure a six weeks' cold siege. The transition from these simple superstitions of the olden times to the patent medicine cure-all remedies of the present day was an easy one. He who imagined that warts could be removed or pain alleviated by the sorcerer's pow-wow, or that skunk fat would cure pleurisy or consumption, would not be slow to believe in the curative properties of some thoroughly advertised patent nos- 171 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. trum. The statements in patent medicine circulars would receive full credence by those suffering the ills to which humanity is subject, and unknown and perhaps absolutely worthless remedies would be used assiduously until the system was thoroughly deranged. From the ravages of these patent nostrums, as well as from the ignorance of the human system prevailing among the masses, the medical profession had to save their patients. Everywhere people were perishing from a lack of knowledge of the physical organization which they were expected to preserve, and suffering humanity, racked with the pains of real or imaginary ill, was ready to seek relief in any direction. Hence the difficulty of placing medical science on a substantial basis in which its advocates could practice intelligently and conscientiously, and yet receive a proper reward for their labors. No class of pioneer citizens made greater sacrifices for humanity or deserve stronger marks of recognition, than the genuine medical practitioners of a country. With the impetus given to the oesculapian art by their labors and sacrifices, it is safe to predict that the introduction of rudimentary science into the public schools, and especially the teaching of anatomy, physiology and hygiene, will finally usher in a period when the people shall obey the laws of their being, and physicians, instead of being migratory drug stores, shall be, as the term "doctor" literally implies, teachers of health principles. In this chapter brief sketches of most of the medical practitioners of Cumberland County, more or less noted in their fields of labor, are given. CARLISLE. Among the early physicians who practiced in Carlisle before the Revolution was Dr. William Plunkett, but we know nothing more of him than that he resided in Carlisle and is spoken of as "a practitioner of physic in 1766." The most noted of all the pre-Revolutionary practitioners of medicine in Carlisle was Dr. William Irvine. He was born near Enniskillen, Ireland, in 1740; was educated at the University of Dublin, studied medicine and surgery, and was appointed a surgeon in the British Navy. In 1763, he immigrated to America and settled in Carlisle, where he soon acquired a high reputation and a large practice as a surgeon and physician. In 1774 he took a conspicuous part in the politics of Cumberland County and was appointed as a delegate to the Provincial Convention. He had a strong leaning toward a military life, and was commissioned by Congress colonel of the Sixth Batalion and was ordered to Canada, where he was captured. He was afterward colonel of the Seventh Pennsylvania Batalion. In 1779 he was commissioned a brigadier-general and served under Wayne. In March, 1782, he was ordered to Fort Pitt, to which place he marched with a regiment to protect the northwestern frontier, then threatened with British and Indian invasion. He was engaged in allaying the trouble arising from disputed boundaries between Pennsylvania and Virginia. He was a member of the convention to form a constitution for the State of Pennsylvania, and was appointed commander-in-chief of the Pennsylvania troops to suppress the Whiskey Insurrection, and a commissioner to treat with the insurgents. Dr. Irvine married Anne Callender, the daughter of Robert Callender, of Middlesex, near Carlisle. He removed to Philadelphia in 1801, and died in July, 1804, aged sixty-three years. He was president of the celebrated society of the Cincinnati until his death. Another pioneer physician was Dr. Samuel Allen McCroskry, who settled there in 1774. Others may have entered the valley in 1756, while in connection with the army, but we have no record of their having been engaged in a regular practice. 172 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Dr. McCoskry, born in 1751, where or in what month is not known; practiced medicine in Carlisle until he had achieved eminence in his profession; and died September 4, 1818, and was buried in the old Borough Cemetery in Carlisle. From the inscription on a tombstone, we gather that his first wife, Anna Susannah McCoskry, died November 12, 1792, being thirty-eight years old. Dr. McCoskry was afterward married to Alison Nisbett, daughter of the first president of Dickinson College. Dr. Lemuel Gustine, was born in Saybrook, Conn., in the year 1749, settled in the Wyoming Valley in 1769, or thereabouts; married the daughter of one Dr. Wm. Smith, to whom one daughter, Sarah, was born. In the scenes attendant upon the Indian invasion and massacre in the Wyoming Valley, Dr. Gustine took a prominent part. He remained on the field of that bloody conflict until further resistance became useless, when, on the night following the capitulation of the "Forty Fort" to Maj. Butler, the commander of the Tory and Indian troops, with his daughter and a few friends as companions, he drifted down the Susquehanna to John Harris' Ferry (now Harrisburg), where he landed, and proceeded to Carlisle. Here he commenced the practice of medicine. He married Rebecca Parker soon afterward, and became the father of six children. He continued the practice of his profession to within a short time before his death, which occurred October 7, 1805. He was buried in the old cemetery in Carlisle. Dr. James Gustine, son of preceding, graduated at Dickinson College in 1798; studied medicine with his father, and afterward received the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He commenced practice in Natchez, Miss., returned to Carlisle; and again went South, where he remained until his death. Dr. Samuel Gustine, second son of Lemuel, studied medicine with his father, and went South with his brother James. Dr. George Stevenson, son of Geo. Stevenson, LL.D. born in York, Penn., in 1759; attended classical academy at Carlisle; entered Patriot army in 1778, as first lieutenant of Chambers' regiment; served with distinction at Brandywine, and resigned commission to return to the aid of his family; studied medicine under Dr. McCoskry; re-entered the army as surgeon, and served until close, when he returned to his practice in Carlisle. He was commissioned captain of infantry in 1798; created major in following year; aided in suppression of famous Whiskey Insurrection in 1794, after settlement of which removed to Pittsburgh, where he commenced practice of medicine; commissioned major in Tenth United States Regiment, during the troubles with France; returned to practice in Pittsburgh, where he became distinguished for connection with many civil and political enterprises, in which he served in the following capacities: Trustee of Dickinson College; member first board of trustees of the Western University of Pennsylvania, member first board of directors of Branch Bank of Pennsylvania; president of United States Bank, at Pittsburgh; first director of United States Bank, at Cincinnati; and for a long time president of the city council of Pittsburgh. Dr. S. declined the presidency of the United States Bank at Cincinnati, and in 1825 removed to Wilmington, Del., where he died in 1829. Dr. Samuel Fahnestock, a physician, practiced his profession in Carlisle, from 1800 to 1820, when he removed to Pittsburgh. Dr. George Delap Foulke, born near Carlisle, November 12, 1780; graduated at Dickinson College in 1800; studied medicine under Dr. Potter, medical professor in the University of Maryland; married Mary Steel, daughter of Ephraim Steel, of Carlisle; practiced in Bedford, Penn., and afterward is 173 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Portrait of A. W. Plank 174 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Blank Page 175 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Carlisle, where he died August 14, 1849, and was buried in the old cemetery. Dr. George Willis Foulke, son of preceding, born in Carlisle, October 8, 1822; graduated at Dickinson College in 1845; returned to commence practice in Carlisle, but died suddenly on March 5, 1850, in the springtime of his life. Dr. Lewis W. Foulke, brother of preceding, born at Carlisle August 6, 1809; graduated at Dickinson College in 1829; studied medicine with his father, afterward receiving degree of M. D. from University of Maryland; commenced practice with his father at Carlisle, but afterward removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he continued in his profession. Dr. James Armstrong, born at Carlisle in 1749; completed academic course at Nassau Hall, N. J.; studied medicine with Dr. John Morgan, of Philadelphia, afterward receiving the degree of M. D. from University of Pennsylvania; commenced practice in Winchester, Va., but becoming discouraged, went to Europe, where he prosecuted the study of his profession in London; returned to Carlisle, where he married Mary Stevenson, daughter of a prominent settler; removed to Kishacoquillas Valley, from which place he was elected congressman of the Third District of Pennsylvania; held the offices of trustee of Dickinson College, trustee of the old Presbyterian Church at Carlisle, associate judge of Cumberland County, and others of trust, which he filled with credit. He returned to Carlisle to reside in the old family mansion, in which he had been born, and from which he was called to rest in the year 1828. He was buried in the old cemetery at Carlisle. Dr. John Armstrong, son of preceding, born in 1799; educated in Dickinson College and University of Pennsylvania; completed a medical course under his father's tuition; married in 1825; practiced in Dillsburg, Penn., and later returned to Cumberland; thence removed to Princeton, N. J., where he died in 1871. Dr. Ephraim M. Blaine, grandson of Col. Ephraim Blaine, of Revolutionary renown, was born in Carlisle, September 24, 1796; graduated at Dickinson College in the class of 1814; received the degree of M. D. from University of Pennsylvania in 1827; practiced in Carlisle for a number of years, and finally entered the army as assistant surgeon, in which service he died March 13, 1835. Dr. Adam Hays, born in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1792; educated at Dickinson College; studied medicine with Dr. McCoskry and in the University of Pennsylvania, where he took the degree of M. D.; practiced as surgeon in the army, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and at Carlisle; removed to Pittsburgh in 1829, where he died in 1857. Dr. William Chestnut Chambers, born near Harrisburg in 1790; educated at Dickinson college; prepared for his profession in the University of Pennsylvania; practiced in Carlisle for a number of years, when he engaged in the iron and flour business; removed to Philadelphia in 1838, and died in 1857. Dr. Alfred Foster, born in Carlisle in 1790; graduated at Dickinson College; prepared for the practice of medicine in the office of Dr. McCoskry; entered army, where he engaged in hospital work until the close of the war of 1812; returned to Carlisle, and commenced the duties of practitioner, in which labor he continued until his death in 1847. He was buried in the old cemetery of Carlisle. Dr. John Creigh, born in Carlisle September 13, 1773; studied medicine under Dr. McCoskry and in the University of Pennsylvania, being also a graduate of Dickinson College; located as physician at Pittsburgh, but after changing his residence a number of times, finally settled at Carlisle, where he continued in 176 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. his profession until his death, which occurred November 7, 1848. Dr. C. was a prominent citizen, and took great interest in the affairs of his county. He was buried in the old cemetery. Dr. John Steel Given, born in Carlisle January 3, 1796; educated and took degree of M. D. in the University of Pennsylvania; settled at Carlisle, and was killed by the bursting of a cannon on July 4, 1825. Dr. Theodore Myers, born in Baltimore, Md., May 27, 1802; took degree of M. D. at University of Maryland in 1823; settled in Carlisle and engaged in the practice of his profession; married Sarah A. Irwin, a lady of distinction. Dr. M. died February 20, 1839, being in the prime of life. He was buried in the old cemetery. Dr. John Myers, brother of preceding, born in Baltimore January 23, 1806; graduated and received degree of M. D. in the University of Maryland; settled at Carlisle as druggist and physician; entered the army hospital service, and died in Winchester, Va. Dr. John Elliot, born in Carlisle in 1797; educated at Dickinson College; studied medicine under Dr. McCoskry and in the University of Pennsylvania, taking the degree of M. D. from the latter; settled at Newville; returned to Carlisle, where, after practicing a few years, was called by death June 12, 1829. Dr. David Nelson Mahon, born in Pittsburgh, Penn.; graduated at Dickinson College; studied medicine under Dr. Gustine, of Carlisle, and afterward was created an M. D. by the University of Pennsylvania; entered the navy service as assistant surgeon in 1821; took leave of the sea after three years' experience, and engaged in the practice of his profession at Carlisle, where he died and was buried in the Ashland Cemetery in 1876. Dr. Jacob Johnston commenced to practice in Carlisle in 1825, and continued until his death in 1831. Dr. John Paxton, born in 1796; received degree of M. D. from University of Pennsylvania, after which he practiced in Carlisle until shortly before his death, which took place in 1840, while he was visiting in Adams County, Penn. Dr. William Boyd, a physician, settled in Carlisle in 1833, but removed after several years' residence. Dr. Charles Cooper practiced in Carlisle a number of years, but afterward went West. Dr. William Irvin, born in Centre County, Penn.; graduated in the University of Pennsylvania with degree of M. D.; practiced in Carlisle until 1846, when he left for China. Dr. Stephen B. Kieffer, born in Franklin County, Penn.; graduated at Marshall College in 1848; entered the office of Dr. R. Parker Little, and in 1851 received the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania; received the degree of M. A. at the same time from his alma mater, Marshall College; married Kate E., daughter of George Keller, Esq., of Carlisle, where Dr. K. began the practice of his profession. He is a member of the County Medical Society; was at one time president of the State Medical Society, and in the centennial year was a member of the International Medical Congress which met at Philadelphia. Dr. Kieffer was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Medicine in 1877. He still resides at Carlisle, where he has established a large and remunerative practice. Dr. R. Lowry Sibbet, now living and practicing medicine in Carlisle, was born near Shippensburg, Cumberland County, in the early half of the present century. His ancestry are of Scotch-Irish extraction. His grandfather, Samuel Sibbet, of Presbyterian and Republican proclivities, was deemed an unsafe man in his native country, Ireland, and hence a reward of 50 guineas was 177 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. placed upon his head. Advised by Masonic friends of this movement, he set sail secretly for the United States, landing in Baltimore in May, 1800. After the lapse of a few months he was joined by his faithful wife and their children, James, Robert and Thomas. The Cumberland Valley, with its Scotch-Irish settlements, having been heard of, the family proceeded at once to the head of Big Spring, where they were heartily welcomed by warm friends who had preceded them. To the family were added Samuel, Margaret, Lowry and Hugh Montgomery. Thomas, the third child, was born October 5, 1797. In due time he married Catherine Ryan, from which union sprang seven children, five of whom still remain, viz.: Rachel A., Robert L., Henry W., William R. and Anna M. The parents and the two children are buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery of Shippensburg. The subject of this sketch graduated in 1856 from Pennsylvania College with the degree of A. B., and three years subsequent, obtained from his alma mater the degree of A. M. After several years teaching in a classical school, he studied medicine with Dr. Stewart and Holland, of Shippensburg. He attended the usual course of medical lectures, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1866. Having practiced for a time at Harrisburg and New Kingston, he visited Europe in 1870, spending some two years in its universities and hospitals, distributed as follows: Seven months in Paris during the siege; two in Berlin; ten in Vienna; two in London, and the remainder in Spain, Italy and Switzerland. After his return, the Doctor located at Carlisle, and began a series of correspondence, which resulted in the organization of the "American Academy of Medicine," - an associated corps of men who have been regularly graduated from reputable institutions of learning. As a member of this association, together with the county and State medical societies, his labors have been given for the advancement of reforms in his profession, notably the registration of all practitioners and the necessity of medical men having both literary and professional diplomas. He is one of those persons who never practically accepted the doctrine that it is not good for man to be alone. Dr. Alfred J. Herman, born in Montgomery County, Penn., studied medicine under Dr. Rutter, of Pottstown, Penn., and also received the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1846. Dr. Herman settled in the Cumberland Valley soon afterward, and eventually removed to Carlisle, where he continued the practice of his chosen profession. Dr. William W. Dale was born in Lancaster, Penn.; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1838; moved to Carlisle in 1847. Dr. Wm. H. Longsdorf was born in this county in 1834; graduated in 1856 from Jefferson Medical College, and, in 1857, from the Pennsylvania Dental School; first commenced practice in this county in 1857. Dr. William H. Cooke, born near York Sulphur Springs, Penn.; educated in Chester County, Penn.; entered the office of Dr. Hiram Metcalfe, and afterward took the degree of M. D. from the Jefferson Medical College; engaged in public speaking in the Western country; returned in 1859 to Pennsylvania, and after marrying Elizabeth Richmond, settled at Carlisle, and commenced practicing his profession. Dr. Eugene A. Grove, born in Cumberland County, Penn., was a descendant of Hans Graf, a noted Switzer. Dr. Grove received an education in the public schools of Carlisle; studied medicine under Dr. S. B. Kieffer, and took the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1870. He is engaged in the practice of his profession in Carlisle. 178 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Dr. George Hemminger, born in Cumberland County, Penn.; educated in the county schools, a select school at Plainfield, and was a sophomore in Pennsylvania College when the war broke out, and he abandoned his studies to defend the Union. In 1862 he entered the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers; served with distinction in many severe engagements; was captured and confined in Libby prison in 1865; was exchanged and rejoined his regiment, in which he served until the close of the war. Dr. Hemminger, after his return, entered the office of Dr. J. J. Gitzer, of Carlisle, and after studying some time, entered the Detroit Medical College, and graduated there in 1869, with the degree of M. D. He located first at Newville, Penn., but afterward returned to Carlisle, where he is engaged in a large practice. Dr. Jacob S. Bender was born in Bendersville, this county, in 1834; graduated from Pennsylvania Homoeopathic College of Medicine in 1862; commenced the practice of medicine, after close of the war, between Omaha and the Rocky Mountains, and there continued for four years; then came to Carlisle. Dr. Wm. F. Reily, a native of Carlisle, born in 1851, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in 1875; then located in Carlisle, where he has practiced ever since. Dr. J. Simpson Musgrave was born in Ireland; attended lectures at the Toland Medical College, in San Francisco, Cal.; entered the University of Maryland, and finally graduated in the University Pennsylvania, with the degree M. D. Dr. Musgrave located in Carlisle in 1877, but remained only a short time. MECHANICSBURG. Dr. Asa Herring, born in New Jersey in 1792; moved to Mechanicsburg in 1815, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1828, when he removed to Elizabethtown, Penn. Dr. James B. Herring, son of preceding; born at Hamilton, Penn., March 4, 1829; graduated from University of Pennsylvania, in 1851, receiving the degree of M. D.; commenced practice in Mechanicsburg; married Elizabeth Riegel; continued to practice, in partnership with Dr. Ira Day until his death, November 9, 1871. He was buried in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, near Mechanicsburg. Dr. Jacob Weaver, practiced in Mechanicsburg between the years 1825 and 1840. Dr. James G. Oliver, born in Cumberland County, December 6, 1801; educated at Dickinson College; graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1828 with degree of M. D.; practiced first at Oyster's Point, afterward at Mechanicsburg, where he also owned a drug store; married Jane Carothers, and became father of three children; continued his practice until his death, May 31, 1836. He was buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery. Dr. Ira Day, born in Royalton, Vt., in 1799; educated in Royalton Academy; taught select school in Harrisburg, at the same time studying medicine under Dr. Luther; graduated as M. D. from University of Vermont, in 1823; continued practicing medicine in Mechanicsburg; engaged in State and County Medical Associations; was elected trustee of Dickinson College in 1833; continued his practice until his death, in November, 1868. He is buried in the cemetery near Mechanicsburg. Dr. George Fulmer, born in 1829, the oldest practicing physician in Mechanicsburg, and one of the oldest in the county, is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. 179 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Drs. A. H. Van Hoff, W. A. Steigleman and Philip H. Long were practitioners of medicine in Mechanicsburg some forty years ago. Dr. E. B. Brandt, born in Cumberland; educated in county schools; graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1855; practiced in New Cumberland, Shiremanstown and Mechanicsburg; married Margaret Mateer in 1856; and is still engaged in his profession at Mechanicsburg. Dr. Robert Graham Young was born in Louther Manor, Penn., December 6, 1809, and educated at Dickinson College. He studied medicine with Dr. John Paxton, and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania with the degree of M. D. He practiced in Louther Manor, Shiremanstown and Mechanicsburg. He married Annetta Culbertson and became father of five children. Dr. Young was one of the public-spirited and exemplary citizens of the community. Dr. Martin B. Mosser was born in Upper Paxton, Dauphin Co., Penn. He studied medicine in the office of Dr. E. H. Coover, in New Cumberland. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1862, and entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Fourth United States Artillery; was assigned to duty in the United States general hospital at Philadelphia. He resigned in 1865, and commenced civil practice at Shiremanstown. He married Rebecca Rupp, and became the father of two children; removed to Mechanicsburg, where he practices his profession. Dr. Robert N. Short was born in Kentucky in 1831; graduated from the Southern Medical College in 1853, and from Miami Medical College in 1871; moved to Centerville, this county, in 1861, and there practiced medicine and surgery till 1865, when he came to Mechanicsburg, where he has ever since been in active practice. Dr. L. P. O'Neale was born in Virginia in 1838; came to Mechanicsburg from York County, Penn., in 1870, and has here since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Levi H. Lenher, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born in 1822; graduated at Pennsylvania College, Philadelphia, in 1843; came to Churchtown, this county, in 1847, and there remained till 1872; then moved to Mechanicsburg; thence to Iowa; thence to Harrisburg, Penn., and finally again to Mechanicsburg. Dr. Jacob H. Deardorff, born in Washington Township, York Co., Penn., in 1846; graduated from Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1876; located in Middletown, Penn., for two years and a half; then came to Mechanicsburg, where he has practiced medicine ever since. CHURCHTOWN. Dr. Charles Harrison Gibson, born in Perry County, Penn., graduated from the Miami Medical College, with the usual degree of M. D.; entered a Cincinnati hospital as resident physician; removed to Churchtown in 1875, and engaged in the duties of his profession. HOGESTOWN. Dr. Isaac Wayne Snowden, born in Harrisburg, Penn., on the 5th of March, 1794, being descended from an illustrious ancestry. He was educated in an academy, prepared for the medical profession in the office of Dr. Nathaniel Chapman, of Philadelphia; entered the army as assistant surgeon in 1816; served in the Seminole war, being an intimate friend of Gen. Jackson; resigned his position in 1823, and commenced the practice of his profession in Mifflin County, Penn; married Margery B. Loudon, and removed to the lower part of 180 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Cumberland Valley in 1832; established a practice here, in which he was engaged until his death, which took place in 1850. Dr. Joseph Crain, born in Lancaster, Penn., December 25, 1803; educated at Dickinson College; studied medicine under Dr. Whiteside, of Harrisburg, and also graduated with the degree of M. D. at the University of Maryland; commenced practice in Hogestown in 1830; married Rebecca Wells, and became father of four children; afterward married Ellen Chambers, by whom one son was born. Dr. Crain continued in practice until his death, which occurred April 18, 1876. He was buried in the Silver Spring Cemetery. LISBURN. Dr. Lerew Lemer, born in Harrisburg, October 6, 1806; entered office of Dr. Luther Reily, and in 1832 took degree of M. D. from Yale College; commenced practice in New Cumberland; removed to Lisburn, where he lived until his death, in 1876. Dr. J. W. Trimmer, born in Adams County, Penn., educated at Millersville Academy and Dickinson Seminary, studied medicine with Dr. A. D. Dill, of York Sulphur Springs; graduated from Rush Medical College in 1875; completed third course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1876; commenced practice in Lisburn, where he is still engaged in a large and growing practice. SHIPPENSBURG. Dr. John Simpson, a physician, commenced practice in Shippensburg about 1778, and continued until February 17, 1826, when he died. Dr. Robt. McCall practiced healing in Shippensburg up to 1799, when his death is recorded. Dr. Alexander Stewart, born in Lancaster County, Penn.; practiced medicine in Shippensburg from 1795 to 1830, when he died. Dr. John Ealy, born in Shippensburg in 1788; commenced practice there in 1809, and continued until his death, in 1831. Dr. Elijah Ealy, son of preceding, also practiced in Shippensburg, but afterward moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he died in 1851. Dr. William A. Findlay practiced in Shippensburg for a number of years after 1815. He afterward moved to Chambersburg. Dr. William Rankin, born at Potter's Mills, Centre Co., Penn., in October, 1795; graduated at Washington College in 1814; studied medicine with Dr. Dean, of Chambersburg, Penn., and afterward, in 1819, received the degree of M. D. from University of Penn.; practiced in Campbellstown, but, in 1821, removed to Shippensburg; married Caroline Nevin, and became father of five children; practiced until his death, July 15, 1872. Dr. David Nevin Rankin, son of preceding, born in Shippensburg; studied medicine with his father, and graduated with degree of M. D. from Jefferson Medical College, in 1854; practiced in partnership with his father until the war, when he entered, as assistant surgeon; after long and arduous service, settled at Allegheny City, where he still lives. Dr. Alexander Stewart was born in Maryland, in 1809; graduated from Washington Medical College, Baltimore, Md., in 1831; same year commenced practice in Shippensburg, where he has since resided. Dr. Thomas Greer and Dr. John N. Duncan practiced medicine in Shippensburg; the former from 1834 to 1839, when he died; the latter from 1841 to 1850, when he removed to Chambersburg. Dr. William M. Witherspoon, a native of Franklin County, Penn., born in 1844; graduated from medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, in 1869, and has been in active practice in Shippensburg ever since. 181 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. SHIREMANSTOWN. Dr. W. Scott Bruckhart, born in Lancaster Co., Penn.; graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1870; practiced in Mountjoy Township, but removed to Shiremanstown in 1874, where he still practices. Dr. Jacob Black and Dr. William Mateer practiced medicine in Shiremanstown some time near 1853. NEWVILLE. Dr. John Geddes, born in Cumberland County, August 16, 1776, studied medicine with Dr. McCoskry, of Carlisle. He settled in Newville as a practitioner in 1797, and died December 5, 1840. Dr. John P. Geddes, son of the preceding, was born in Newville, October 10, 1799. He studied under his father, and graduated as M. D. from the University of New York; settled at Newville and practiced his profession until his death in October, 1837. Dr. William M. Sharp, born at Green Spring, in 1798; graduated at Dickinson College in 1815. He studied medicine under Dr. McCoskry, and received the degree of M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1819; practiced in Newville until his death August 20, 1835. Dr. Alexander Sharp, son of Wm. M. Sharp, born in Newville in 1826; graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1850. He practiced in Newville until he died December 13, 1860. Dr. William S. Rutger was born December 13, 1782, in Germany. He studied medicine and embarked for America, landing at Baltimore in September, 1803; married Ann C. Afer in 1806, and practiced medicine in Baltimore, but removed to Newville in 1812, being known as the "Dutch Doctor." He removed to Illinois, where he died in 1847. Dr. J. C. Claudy, grandson of the above, born in Cumberland County; studied medicine with Dr. David Ahl, of Newville, and afterward received degree of M. D. from Bellevue Hospital Medical College; entered army as assistant surgeon; returned to Newville to practice his profession; married Lucinda Blean, and still continues in his practice. Dr. John Ahl, born in Bucks County, Penn.; educated in Baltimore; practiced medicine in Rockingham County, Va.; removed to Newville, where he died April 9, 1844. Dr. John Alexander Ahl, son of preceding, was born in Strasburg, Penn.; studied under his father, and took his degree, M. D., from Washington Medical College, Baltimore; commenced practice in Centerville, Cumberland County; removed to Newville, where he engaged in various business enterprises, and from which place he was elected to the Thirty-fifth Congress. Died in 1882. Dr. David Ahl, born in York County, Penn.; entered West Point as cadet; resigned in 1850, and entered office of Dr. Smith, of York, Penn.; graduated from University of Maryland as M. D. in 1853; moved to Newville, where, after practicing a number of years, he died April 8, 1878. Dr. Joseph Hannon, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, practiced in Newville from 1844 for about ten years. Dr. Mathew F. Robinson, born near Greencastle, Penn., April 26, 1820; studied medicine under Dr. J. K. Davidson, of Greencastle, and took degree of M. D. from Washington Medical College, of Baltimore, in 1847; practiced in Mercersburg and later at Newville, where he died January 7, 1874. Dr. John G. Barr, born in Newville in 1830; graduated at Washington, D. C., with degree of M. D., in 1858; practiced in Newville until the war, when he entered the army as surgeon, and died in 1865. 182 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Dr. Samuel H. Brehm, born in Cumberland County, Penn.; received common and classical education; received degree of M. D. from Jefferson Medical College, in 1866; commenced and still continues practice in Newville. NEWBURG. Dr. David Smith was a resident practitioner of medicine in Newburg, where he resided about twenty-nine years. He died in 1863, and is buried in the cemetery near Newburg. Dr. Alexander A. Thomson was born in Franklin County, Penn., in 1841; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1864; practiced several years in Newburg, this county; now resides in Carlisle. NEW CUMBERLAND. Dr. John Mosser was born in Lancaster County, June 20, 1777; married Elizabeth Neff, with whom he had eight children. He purchased property in the vicinity of New Cumberland in 1815, and engaged in the practice of medicine until his death, June 10, 1826. He is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, near New Cumberland. OAKVILLE. Dr. Israel Betz, born in Lancaster County, Penn.; studied under Dr. W. E. Swiler, of York County, Penn.; graduated with degree of M. D. from University of Pennsylvania; settled at Oakville, where he still continues in his practice. BOILING SPRINGS. Dr. Jacob Sawyer, born in Wilmington, Mass., December 26, 1794, educated in the village schools and also in Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H.; studied for the practice of medicine in the office of Dr. Hill, and in the medical department of Howard University, where he attended lectures given by such distinguished physicians as Drs. Channing, Ingalls, and others; commenced the practice of his profession in Dillsburg, Penn., where he succeeded to the practice of his brother, Dr. Asa Sawyer; married Mary Ann McGowan, daughter of David McGowan, of Boiling Springs, in 1825; exchanged practices with Dr. Thomas Cathcart, of Bloomfield, Perry County, in 1833; purchased a farm near Boiling Springs, where he soon established a large country practice; removed to Carlisle some time in 1857, where he was taken away by death two years later. Dr. Sawyer had lived an active and eventful life, having served as surgeon to the fifth division of State militia and as resident practitioner in various parts of the State. PLAINFIELD. Dr. Joshua E. Van Camp, born in Perry County, Penn.; educated in Louisville Academy and Pennsylvania College; enlisted and served in One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in 1862; served until close of the war, having been promoted to sergeant; graduated from the University of Michigan in 1870, with degree of M. D.; practiced in Markelsville, and later in Plainfield, where he still resides. OYSTER'S POINT. Dr. Peter Fahnestock practiced at what is now called Oyster's Point about the beginning of the nineteenth century. 183 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Portrait of R. H. Pratt Capt. 10th Cavr. N. S. A. 184 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Blank Page 185 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PHYSICIANS IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY SINCE ABOUT 1879. Grove, Dr. George, Big Spring, born in Chambersburg, Franklin County, in 1811; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, with honors, in 1836. He is to-day the oldest practicing physician in the Cumberland Valley. Davis, Dr. J. C., Mount Holly Springs, was born in this county in 1848; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, in 1875; has here an extensive practice. Koons, Philip R., born in Shippensburg; residence at Allen postoffice; graduated at Jefferson Medical College, March 12, 1879. Smith, Jacob H., a native of Cumberland County; present residence Dickinson Township; graduated at Jefferson Medical College, 1880. Leberknight, Dr. F. B., Newburg; graduated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, about 1873, with honors; also at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, in 1879, since which date his practice has been uninterrupted in Newburg. Cramer, David C., born in Newburg, Cumberland County, where he is located in the practice; received his degree of M. D. from Jefferson Medical College, 1880. Fickle, James G., a native of Adams County; resides in Carlisle; graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, 1878. Koser, John J., born in Shippensburg, where he resides; graduated in the University of Pennsylvania, 1881. Marshall, J. Buchanan, a native of Adams County, resides in Shippensburg; graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N. Y., February, 1879. Prowell, Robert S., a native of Cumberland County; resides in New Cumberland; graduated at College Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, March 3, 1880. Smith, S. McKee, born in Perry County; resides in Heberlig; graduated at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1880. Conlyn, Edward S., born in Carlisle, where he resides; graduated at Hahnemann College, March, 1880; was in Ward's Island Hospital from April, 1880, to October, 1881. Longsdorf, Harold H., born in Nebraska; resides in Dickinson; graduated at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, March 1, 1882; received the degree of M. A. from Dickinson College, June 27, 1879. Bowers, Moses K., a native of Mifflin, Penn.; resides in Boiling Springs; graduate of Jefferson Medical College, March 30, 1882. Dreshler, Joseph J., born in Armstrong, Centre County; resides at Shippensburg; graduated at College Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, March 3, 1880. Polinger, Robert B., a native of Cumberland County; residence Carlisle; graduated at Columbus Medical College (Ohio) March 1, 1883. Ayres, Wilmot, born in York County; resides in Middlesex; graduated at Baltimore Medical College, April 12, 1883. Orr, James P., native of Westmoreland County; residence New Cumberland; graduated at Michigan University, March 6, 1879. Kauffman, John H., born in Martinsburg, West Virginia; residence Newburg; graduated at New York University, March 11, 1884. McGary, Robt. M., a native of Shiremanstown, where he resides; graduated at Jefferson Medical College, March 29, 1884. Diven, S L., born at Mount Holly Springs; residence Carlisle; graduated at University Pennsylvania May 1, 1884; received degree of A. B. and A. M., at Dickinson College, 1878-81. 186 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Hobach, John U., a native of Perry County; residence Mechanicsburg; graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, May 1, 1884. Bowman, Dr. John D., Camp Hill, was born in 1832; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, about 1856, then commenced practice in Camp Hill, remaining over sixteen years; then removed to Harrisburg, and in 1885 returned to Camp Hill. Lauck, David A., a native of Cumberland County; residence Mechanicsburg; graduated at University, Baltimore, March 3, 1885. Rodgers, John R., born at Cumberland County; resides at Sterrett's Gap, graduated at Western Reserve University, February 25, 1885. Eckels, Geo. M., born at Mechanicsburg, where he now resides; graduated at Pennsylvania University, May 1, 1885. Casteel, D. T., of Allen, Cumberland County; born in Garrett County, Md.; graduated at University of Maryland, 1885. Stouffer, Alvin, P., of Shippensburg; born Goodville, Lancaster County; graduated at Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, March 4, 1885. His diploma was endorsed by Hahnemann Medical College. Kasten, William J., of Boiling Springs; born in Baltimore; graduated at University of Maryland, March 17, 1886. Spangler, Jacob B., of Mechanicsburg; born in Greencastle, Penn.; graduated at Jefferson Medical College, April 2, 1886. PHYSICIANS IN THE COUNTY REGISTERED IN THE OFFICE OF THE PROTHONOTARY AT CARLISLE. The following is a list of the physicians in Cumberland County, who, in compliance with law, have registered in the office of the prothonotary at Carlisle, their names occurring in the order of registration: Isaac Young Reed, Leesburg. John L. Baeher, Leesburg. John A. Morrett, New Kingston. Robert Graham Young, Mechanicsburg. R. Lowry Sibbet, Carlisle Thomas Stewart, Sr., Carlisle. Geo. W. Ziegler, Carlisle. Thomas Stewart, Jr., Carlisle. John C. Claudy, Newville. Wm. H. Lauman, Mount Holly Springs. Charles C. Hammel, Mechanicsburg. David C. Cramer, Newburg. L. H. Lenher, Mechanicsburg. Robt. W. Ross, Shepherdstown. Ephraim N. Mosser, Mechanicsburg. Matthew B. Rodgers, Middlesex Twp. John W. Trimmer, Lisburn. Wm. A. English, Shippensburg. John W. Bowman, Camp Hill. Mrs. Susie A. English, Shippensburg Levi Fulk, New Kingston. Austin Best, Shiremanstown. Eli B. Brandt, Mechanicsburg. Alvin I. Miller, Carlisle. Jacob W. Roop, New Cumberland. Theophilus L. Neff, Carlisle. George Grove, Big Spring. James G. Fickel, Carlisle. Philip R. Koons, Allen. Robt. N. Short, Mechanicsburg. R. M. Hays, Newville. Wm. B. Reynolds, Newville. Jno. H. Sherman, Mt. Holly Springs. Jno. J. Koser, Shippensburg. Wm. W. Dale, Carlisle. Henry R. Williams, Hogestown. Saml. P. Zeigler, Carlisle. Robt. P. Long, Mechanicsburg. L. P. O'Neale, Mechanicsburg. George Fulmer, Mechanicsburg. H. D. Cooper, Newville. Chas. H. Hepburn, Carlisle. Adam B. Sechrist, Upper Allen Tp. Geo. Hemminger, Carlisle. Jacob H. Deardorff, Mechanicsburg. Robt. C. Stewart, Shippensburg. Thos. J. Stevens, Mechanicsburg. Jas. B. Marshall, Shippensburg. Z. D. Hartzell, Newburg. Alex. Stewart, Shippensburg. C. W. Krise, Carlisle. Wm. M. Witherspoon, Shippensburg. Jesse Laverty, Sr., E Pennsborough Tp. David D. Hayes, Shippensburg. A. A. Thomson, Carlisle. Wm. G. Stewart, Newville. Jacob H. Smith, Dickinson Township. Joshua E. Van Camp, Plainfield. W. F. Reily, Carlisle. Saml. Myers, West Pennsborough Tp. Michael L. Hoover, Silver Spring Tp. Saml. H. Brehm, Newville. Wm. H. Longsdorf, Carlisle. Robt. S. Prowell, New Cumberland. A. J. Herman, Carlisle. Saml. M. Smith, Heberlig. 187 HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. Robt. C. Marshall, West Fairview. B. P. Backus, Philadelphia. S. H. C. Bixler, Bloserville. Moses K. Bowers, Boiling Springs. M. M. Ritchie, Carlisle. J. K. Bowers, Reading. Henry W. Linebaugh, New Cumberland. J. J. Deshler, Shippensburg. Jesse H. Houck, Boiling Springs. Robt. B. Pollinger, Carlisle. Israel Betz, Oakville. Wilmot Ayres, Middlesex. F. B. Leberknight, Newburg. J. P. Orr, New Cumberland. Austin W. Nichols, Camp Hill. Max Von Slutterheim, Newville. J. L. Schoch, Shippensburg. Jno. C. McCoy, Harrisburg. David Coover, Upper Allen Township. C. M. Fager, West Fairview. D. W. Bashore, West Fairview. John Logan, Harrisburg. W. S. Bruckart, Shiremanstown. John H. Kauffman, Newburg. Wm. E. Cornog, Mount Holly Springs. Robt. M. McGary, Shiremanstown. Jacob S. Bender, Carlisle. S. L. Diven, Carlisle. Finley E. Rodgers, Mechanicsburg. John U. Hobach, Mechanicsburg. Charles A. Howland, Shippensburg. Jacob Peters, Henry Clay. Jacob H. Boyer, Mechanicsburg. M. J. Jackson, New York City. Edward S. Conlyn, Carlisle. David A. Lauck, Mechanicsburg. Joseph T. Hoover, Southampton Tp. Jno. R. Rodgers, Sterrett's Gap. Joseph H. Mowers, Shippensburg. Geo. M. Eckels, Mechanicsburg. Fred. Hartzell, Churchtown. C. J. Heckert, Wormleysburg. Jacob R. Bixler, Carlisle. D. T. E. Casteel, Allen. Saml. N. Eckee, Jacksonville. G. S. Comstock, Bloserville. Joseph C. Davis, Mount Holly Springs. A. P. Stauffer, Shippensburg. H. H. Longsdorf, Dickinson. W. J. Kasten, Boiling Springs. Stephen B. Kieffer, Carlisle. Jacob B. Spangler, Mechanicsburg. Levi Clay, West Pennsborough Tp. Eugene A. Grove, Carlisle. CUMBERLAND COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. On the 17th of July, 1866, the Medical Society of Cumberland County was organized, by the following gentlemen: Dr. W. W. Dale, Saml. P. Zeigler, S. B. Keiffer, J. J. Zitner, A. D. Schelling, A. J. Herman, E. K. Demme, Carlisle; James B. Herring, R. N. Short, Eli B. Brandt, Mechanicsburg; Joseph Crain, Richard M. Crain, Hogestown; M. B. Mosser, Shiremanstown; John D. Bowman, White Hall; E. H. Coover, New Cumberland; D. W. Bashore, West Fairview; R. C. Hays, W. W. Nevin, Shippensburg; W. G. Stewart, Middle Springs; W. H. Lowman, Mount Holly Springs; J. W. C. Cuddy, Mount Rock; David Ahl, M. F. Robinson, G. W. Haldeman, Newville. The temporary officers elected were Dr. J. Crain, president; Dr. G. W. Haldeman, secretary. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, consisting of fourteen articles in the former and seven in the latter. Article III of the constitution reads: "Any gentleman who is a resident of this county, having a good moral character, and in regular standing with the profession, shall be eligible to membership." The membership fee is fixed at $2. Meetings are held on first Tuesdays of January, May and September of each year. As showing the nature of the topics discussed at regular meetings, the list of subjects for the meeting held at the Indian Industrial School on Thursday afternoon, June 24, 1886, is given: Obstetric Practice, Dr. Hiram Corson; Hospital Clinic, Dr. O. G. Given, Uterine Displacements: Dr. M. K. Bowers; Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Phthisis, Dr. S. H. Brehm; Luxations, Dr. R. R. Koons; Narcotics - Their Uses and Abuses, Dr. R. L. Sibbet. The present corps of officers embraces the following well-known gentlemen: Dr. Geo. W. Zeigler, president; Drs. W. F. Reily and L. H. Lenher, vice-presidents; Dr. T. Stewart, Jr., recording secretary; Dr. R. L. Sibbet, corresponding secretary; Dr. S. P. Zeigler, treasurer; Drs. E. N. Mosser, J. J. Koser, J. C. Claudy, J. W. Bowman and W. H. Longsdorf, censors.