BIO: Samuel Duncan CULBERTSON, M.D., Chambersburg, Franklin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Medical Men of Franklin County, 1750-1925 by Ambrose Watts Thrush, M.D.;
Chambersburg, Pa.; Medical Society of Franklin County, Page 61 
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SAMUEL DUNCAN CULBERTSON, M.D.

1786 – 1865

Dr. Culbertson was the son of Robert and Ann (Duncan) Culbertson, and was born 
on the 21st of February, 1786, in "Culbertson's Row" about seven miles north of 
Chambersburg, Pa.  Robert Culbertson owned and lived upon the farm on which is 
located the spring that is the source of a stream that flows north through 
Culbertson's Row and finds its way into Herons Branch and thence into 
Conodoguinet Creek.

Robert Culbertson was Captain of a battalion in Col. Joseph Armstrong's troops 
in 1776, and later was appointed wagon master for Cumberland County, an office 
of considerable importance and dignity in those days.  In the meantime he had 
been promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel.

Samuel Duncan Culbertson was educated at Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Pa., 
and in those days of limited conveniences of travel made the long journey on 
foot to and from college.  He began the study of medicine with Dr. Walmsly in 
Chambersburg, going with his preceptor in 1805 to Hagerstown, Md.  Dr. Walmsly 
died in 1805 and Dr. Culbertson continued his studies with Dr. Young of 
Hagerstown.  During his pupilage he attended a course of lectures at the 
University of Pennsylvania and then began the practice of medicine in 
Chambersburg in 1808.  In 1836 the University of Pennsylvania conferred upon him 
the honorary degree of M.D. in recognition of his eminence and usefulness in the 
profession.

Dr. Culbertson was surgeon of the First Pennsylvania Regiment in 1812-13, 
spending the winter in quarters at Buffalo, N.Y.  In 1814 he was Captain of a 
company of volunteers that hurried to the defense of Baltimore and was there 
appointed surgeon of the Brigade.

After the war he was for a time in partnership with Dr. Snyder in the drug 
business.  Dr. Snyder removed from Chambersburg and Dr. Culbertson became 
associated in practice with Dr. Bain, the firm subsequently becoming Culbertson, 
Bain and Lane.  Dr. Culbertson retired from the active practice of medicine in 
1831 or 1832 to engage in business pursuits.  He was a member of the First 
Medical Society in 1825 and was the first President of the Society in its 
reorganization in 1854.  He was favorably known as a medical writer and his 
reputation as a surgeon was not limited to the confines of the County.  In fact, 
Dr. Culbertson enjoyed a reputation unexcelled in the Medical History of 
Franklin County.

His wife was Miss Nancy Purviance.  Dr. Edmund Culbertson was a son.