Biographical Sketch of Seth MacCuen SMITH, M.D.; Philadelphia Co., PA

Contributed to the PAGenWeb Archives by Diana Smith 
[christillavalley@comcast.net] 

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"Philadelphia, A History of the City and its People; A Record of 225 Years"
Publisher:  S. H. Clark; Philadelphia; 1912.     Vol. 3, page 326
Author, Ellis Paxson Oberholtzer
 

SETH MacCUEN SMITH, M, D.
     Dr. Seth MacCuen Smith, professor of otology in Jefferson Medical College 
and for fifteen years a specialist in diseases of the ear, nose and throat, was 
born in Hollidaysburg, Blair county Pennsylvania, March 6, 1863. His father, Dr. 
George Washington Smith, was a prominent practitioner of Hollidaysburg and 
widely known throughout the central and western part of the state.  He married 
Elizabeth MacCuen, a daughter of Judge Seth MacCuen, of Hollidaysburg, whose 
early ancestors came to America from Scotland and were first located in Blair 
county, Pennsylvania.

     Dr. S. MacCuen Smith acquired his preliminary education in Hollidaysburg 
Academy and after completing his literary and classical course of study, entered 
Jefferson Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1884.  He at first 
engaged in the practice of general medicine, in later years confining his 
elected resident physician in the Germantown Hospital, where he served for 
eighteen months, and on the expiration of his internship he entered upon the 
active practice of general medicine in Germantown, Philadelphia, and so 
continued for five years, although during that period he devoted considerable 
time to special study of diseases of the ear, nose and throat.  In 1886 a 
department for the ear, nose and throat was established at the Germantown 
Hospital and Dr. Smith was elected surgeon in charge.  In 1886 he was also 
elected clinical chief of the department of otology at the Jefferson Medical 
College, which position he held until 1893, when he was elected clinical 
lecturer of otology in the same institution.  He continued to perform his duties 
as clinical lecturer until 1894, when he was chosen clinical professor of 
otology and given a place in the faculty of the Jefferson Medical College.  In 
1904 Dr. Smith was elected professor of otology which position he holds at the 
present time, and in the same year he was elected aurist to the Jewish Hospital 
of Philadelphia.  In the intervening years he has spent much time in study in 
foreign countries, perfecting himself in his special work, which he has followed 
exclusively for the past fifteen years, constantly forgoing to the front in this 
connection until he stands today as a distinguished representative of the 
profession in his chosen field of service.

     On the 24th of October, 1889, in Germantown, Philadelphia, Dr. Smith was 
married to Miss Virginia Allen, a daughter of John Allen, a well known 
manufacturer and the founder of the extensive Sherwood Knitting Mills, one of 
the largest and most modern manufactories devoted to the production of hosiery 
and fancy goods in the county.  Unto Dr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two sons 
and a daughter:  George Allen, twenty years of age; Elizabeth MacCuen, seventeen 
years of age; and Lewis Haper, a lad of nine summers.

    Dr. Smith is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity.  He 
belongs to the Union League of Philadelphia and to nearly all of the leading 
clubs and organizations, including the University, Philadelphia Cricket, 
Germantown Cricket and the White Marsh Valley Country Clubs.  His religious 
faith is that of the Presbyterian church.  While varied interests claim his 
attention and keep him in touch with the activities and interests of life, he is 
chiefly interested in his profession and holds membership with the College of 
Physicians of Philadelphia, American Otological Society, American 
Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, American Medical 
Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology and the 
Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania.