SPENCER S. WADE, M.D. The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume II. pg. 359. With thirty-seven years of continuous practice at Morgantown to his credit, Doctor Wade is one of the best known of Monongalia County's many excellent physicians. He has enjoyed some of the substantial honors as well as the heavier responsibilities of his profession, and his life has given increased dignity to a name that has been worthily identified with Monongalia County for four generations. His father, the late Alexander L. Wade, was a pioneer in education, not only in his home state, but in the nation. Alexander L. Wade was a son of George and Anna Wade. George Wade was born in Monongalia County, but soon after his marriage removed to Indiana. He returned to Monongalia County in 1839, and died there in 1846. His wife, Anna, was a native of Washington County, Virginia. Alexander L. Wade was born in Rush County, Indiana, February 1, 1832, and was seven years of age when his parents removed to Monongalia County. He was only sixteen when he began teaching. He left the schoolroom when he was elected clerk of Monongalia Court in 1861, and at that time removed his residence to Morgantown. In 1871 he was elected clerk of the county board of supervisors. Following this service he resumed teaching, and for four years was principal of the Morgantown graded schools and also assistant county superintendent. Later he was elected county superintendent of schools of Monongalia County, and by re-election served until 1879. The conspicuous service he rendered in education was in raising the standards and in giving new vitality and method to country schools. In many states it has only been within comparatively recent years that his plan has been adopted of graduating students from country and district schools. The late Alexander L. Wade undertook the organization of graduating classes in the country schools of his county as early as 1874. The first such classes were graduated and given diplomas in the spring of 1876. It was something decidedly new in methods of common and grade schools throughout the country, and naturally attracted widespread attention. Alexander Wade was given credit for this work by General Eaton, then commissioner of the National Bureau of Education at Washington in his report of 1878. In 1879 Mr. Wade began writing his book entitled "A Graduate System for Country Schools," which he completed in 1881. In 1880, at his own request, he was appointed pricipal of the Morgantown colored schools. His object in seeking the appointment was a desire not only to prove the value of his own methods, but to demonstrate the capabilities of the colored race in receiving educational training. His experience was gratifyingly successful on both scores. In February, 1884, before the National Association of School Superintendents at Washington, Mr. Wade discussed "Supervision in the Country Schools," his paper being published by the National Bureau of Education. >From 1881 to 1884, inclusive, he served as a lecturer and institute instructor. He was licensed as a local preacher by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1860, was constituted a deacon in 1866 and ordained an elder in 1874. As a delegate he represented the West Virginia Lay Electorial Conference in the General Conference of that church held in Philadelphia, and served several years as agent and distributor for the American Bible Society. He was a member of the West Virginia Temperance Executive Committee. For several years he represented the school book interests of the Lippincott Publishing Company of Philadelphia and later the D. C. Heath Company of Boston. Among other honors he was elected in June, 1880, to membership in the American Institute of Civics at Boston, and later was chosen one of its counsellors. Alexander L. Wade died at Richmond, Virginia, in 1904, full of years and rich in honors and the respect and veneration of his fellow men. In 1854 he married Hettie Sanders, daughter of John and Elizabeth Sanders, of Monongalia County. She survived him until 1909. Their son, Spenser S. Wade, was born in Clinton District, Monongalia County, July 29, 1857, and throughout practically his entire life has been a resident of Morgantown. He acquired an early education in the public schools, through private instruction at home, and graduated in 1879 from the University of West Virginia. At that time he entered the office of the Brock brothers, Dr. Hugh Workman and Luther S. Brock, under whom he read medicine. In 1882 he entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, graduating M. D. with the class of 1884. Following the death of Dr. Hugh Workman Brock, he became a partner of his brother, Dr. Luther S. Brock, and the firm of Brock & Wade, physicians and surgeons, is still in existence, one of the oldest medical firms in this state. Doctor Wade took special work in New York during 1889, post-graduate studies in the University of the City of New York, special instruction in diseases of nose and throat in the out-patient department of Bellevue Hospital, and in the Eye and Ear Infirmary. This custom of keeping in touch with leaders of the profession and new methods has been kept up, and he has taken similar courses at Springfield, Massachuesetts, New Orleans, Louisiana, and has been a frequent visitor to hospitals in Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Piladelphia. For upwards of forty years Doctor Wade has given his enthusiasm, energy and best devotion to the profession that is one of the noblest callings of men. He is a member of the Monongalia County, West Virginia State and American Medical Associations, the American Public Health Association, and has a number of social and civic connections. In 1897 Doctor Wade married Miss Rose Chorpering, daughter of John Chorpering, of Clarksburg, West Virginia. Six children were born to their union: Georgia, Frank (deceased), John, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Jean. The t radition of a liberal education is inherent in the Wade family, and these children are being given all the advantages that will fit them for the positions and stations in life to which they may be called. ==== WV-FOOTSTEPS Mailing List ==== ********************************************************************** WV-FOOTSTEPS/USGENWEB NOTICE: These messages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. 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