BIO: Dr. William MAGAW, Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Denise Phillips

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/franklin/
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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 237
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DR. WILLIAM MAGAW
1740-1829

  William Magaw was born at Carlisle, Pa., a son of William and Elizabeth Magaw 
and was a brother of Colonel Robert Magaw.  He was commissioned surgeon in June, 
1775, serving with Colonel William Thompson's, afterward Colonel Hand's 
Battalion of riflemen.  This Battalion was the first body of troops from west of 
the Hudson River and south of Connecticut to reach Boston and join General 
Washington.  Dr. Magaw later was appointed surgeon in the Continental Army and 
served to the close of the war.  After leaving the army Dr. Magaw located in 
Mercersburg, Pa., and practiced medicine in this town for many years.  He became 
the owner of much valuable real estate in this neighborhood.

  When well advanced in years he went to Meadville, Pa., and lived in the family 
of his son, William, until his death.  General Lafayette during his visit to the 
United States in 1824 spent a few hours with Dr. Magaw in Meadville.  While a 
surgeon in the Revolution Dr. Magaw in one instance had dressed Lafayette's 
wounds.

  Dr. Magaw married in 1790, Mary McDowell, born 1756, died 1799.  She was the 
second wife and there were no children.  Dr. Jesse Magaw was a son by the first 
wife.