Dr. Joseph C. Ardery was born in Decatur county, Indiana. in 1825, and died, from a congestive chill, in Hartsville, in 1854. He was one of the four delegates from Decatur county to the convention that met in Indianapolis, June 6, 1849, to organize a state medical society. He probably was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society, organized January 25, 1847, two years before the state society was organized. His postoffice was Milford until a short time before his death. He must have been a very popular physician, as he was often referred to and quoted by his former patrons in Clay township fifty years after his death. He died before he reached his thirtieth year.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. William Ardery, whose name is among the members of the medical society organized on January 25, 1847, in Decatur county, resided on a farm northeast of Greensburg.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. John L. Armington, younger brother of Dr. William Armington, came from Switzerland county, Indiana, to Greensburg in 1841 or 1842. He entered into partnership with his brother and practiced in this county fourteen years. He was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society, also a delegate to the convention held at Indianapolis, on June 6, 1849, to organize a state medical society - the State Medical Association. Drs. Joseph C. Ardery, John W. Moody and George W. New were also delegates from Decatur county. Doctor Armington removed from this county prior to 1858.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. William Armington was born in Saratoga county, New York, in 1808, and died on February 24, 1862. He came to Switzerland county, Indiana, in 1829, and practiced there until in 1840, he removed to Decatur county, where he continued in practice until shortly before his death. He was a very successful physician. In politics, he was a Democrat. Probably he was not a member of any church, though possibly a Methodist. He was a moral and exemplary man; a good citizen; neat in apparel; liked to talk medicine and was always instructive and entertaining. His advice to one doctor was, "When you don't know what to do, give calomel." He surely was a calomel doctor. He believed in blood-letting, as was common at that time in certain conditions. He was a safe and discreet consultant. Doctor Armington's name is among the members of the Decatur County Medical Society, organized on January 25, 1847. He was a member of Greensburg Lodge No. 36, Free and Accepted Masons.In an obituary in the Decatur Republican, published in Greensburg, we find the following tribute from his lodge:
"His labors have been indefatigable, and success, corresponding, his skill and knowledge are known and acknowledged by all. To relieve suffering has been the leading object of his life. Wherever the sufferer was he was ever ready to go, whether among the rich or poor, among the noble or ignoble. A man of mark in whatever department he acted with his fellowman, he was made for a ruler. His own clear intellect and varied attainments rendered him prominent in the community. Unpretending, yet commanding, such position was never sought, but always attained. But while yet in the midst of usefulness to his family and community, he has been removed by death, and the living have a legacy in his character and discharge a last duty to him by conveying his body to that narrow house to which all the living are hastening; therefore,
“Resolved, That, as a lodge, we attend the funeral of our deceased brother, to testify our high esteem for him as a man and a Mason, and to assure those of his immediate family that they have our heart-felt sympathy.
"Resolved, That in the character of our deceased brother we recognize the accomplished physician, the intelligent and honorable gentleman, the devoted husband and father, as well as a much esteemed and consistent man.
"B. W. WILSON,
"J. B. LATHROP,
"P. EWING,
"Committee.
"GEORGE M. COLLINS, Secretary."
His remains rest in South Park Cemetery, beside his two wives, several sons and other members of his family.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. William Bracken, a noted physician and esteemed resident of Greensburg since 1862, was born near Valley Junction, Dearborn county, Indiana, May 26, 1817. His parents, Thomas and Matilda (Coen) Bracken, removed with their family to Rush county, Indiana, in 1821. In 1834, when only seventeen years old, young Bracken began the study of medicine with Drs. H. C. Sexton and W . H. Martin, in Rushville. Being a persistent student and eager for knowledge, his acquirements soon gave him claim to an examination and license for the practice of medicine. Medical colleges at that day were not available to many, but a provision, as substitute for them, was the district board of censors, to whom by state law, was given the privilege to examine and license to practice medicine such as desired it. Young Bracken, being recommended, appeared before the censors of the fifth medical district, passed his examinations successfully and received his license, which read as follows:
"We, therefore, have licensed William Bracken to practice as a physician and surgeon, with all the rights and privileges and honors there onto appertaining, and we do recommend him to the faculty and the patronage of the public.
"Done at Connersville, Indiana, November 2, 1836, the year of American independence the sixty-first.
"Witness our hands and the seal of the society affixed."JOHN M. HOWLAND, Pres.,
[SEAL.] "RYLAND T. BROWN, Sec.Dr. John M. Howland was the father-in-law of Dr. John W. Moody, of Greensburg. He was a prominent physician of the day and a graduate of the University of Maryland, in 1819.
Dr. Ryland J. Brown was a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, class of 1829. He was state geologist in 1854 and professor of natural science in Northwestern Christian University, at Indianapolis, in 1858. He was an author and a man of mark and unusual acquirements.
Doctor Bracken, within sixty days after receiving his authority to practice medicine, removed to a small village in Jackson county, remaining there but a short time. It seems he had plenty of malaria and practice, and but little pay. Returning to Rush county, he located at Richland, and later at Milroy. In 1862 he removed to Greensburg. On November 9, 1837. Doctor Bracken was married to Patience A. Berry, of Rush county, and to this union there where born four sons and one daughter. Mrs. Bracken died on April 18, 1898, in Greensburg. Mrs. Martha Rucker is the only survivor of the family.
In 1850, while a resident of Rush county, Doctor Bracken was elected a delegate to the constitutional convention of Indiana and was the last surviving member.
For the advancement of his chosen profession he was always a willing worker. He was an active member in the county medical society, and very seldom absent from its meetings. When Doctor Bracken spoke, the members present always "sat up and took notice," as he always said something though not always according to conceded points or opinions. He was sometimes aggressive, but defended, with ability, authorities cited or his personal experience given to sustain his position. Doctor Bracken was a good diagnostician, a close observer, did his own thinking and formed his own opinions and conclusions. In the sick room he acted, and knew why he did so. He had confidence in himself. He was president of the Decatur County Medical Society several years. In later years he let those who experimented with new remedies lead, and, when tested and proven, was ready to approve and use them.
Doctor Bracken was one of the first secretaries of the county board of health as now organized.
The last time Doctor Bracken met with the county society, he was called on to address the members then present. His remarks were almost entirely reminescent, as a pioneer physician, relating to the hardships, dangers, difficulties, doubts and trials of these physicians, which were described with trembling voice, sometimes with sadness, again animated with the pride of victory and success. Some of the older physicians present had similar experience, while the younger were surprised and perhaps skeptical. In those days visits were necessarily made on horseback, with saddle bags to carry his armamentarium of herbs, roots, barks, etc., often to be prepared at the bedside as infusions. There were no granular tablets or fluid extracts in those days.
Doctor Bracken had always been a Democrat. He believed in government by the people, for the people. He was a Mason and for many years was worshipful master of Greensburg Lodge No. 36, which had charge of the burial ceremony.
An incident in the life of Doctor Bracken is probably proper to relate here. He was devoted to his profession, lodge, church and other duties, and not disposed to sacrifice any of them to the requirements of society.
Dressing reluctantly for a function of this kind, he said to his wife, "Mother, I would rather ride ten miles than go." A call at the door gave him the opportunity to miss the party and see the patient, sure enough ten miles away. A ride through the cold dark night, letting down fences, wandering across fields with doubts as to his course, he finally arrived at his destination, to be detained several hours to relieve a patient in distress. Later, the doctor said that while he had failed to meet his friends at the party, the satisfaction of having relieved pain and suffering and saved a life more than recompensed him and that he would do it again under similar circumstances.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. L. C. Bunker was born in Cayuga county, New York, on October 21, 1821. His parents moved to Oberlin, Ohio, when he was a small lad, and went from there to Branch county, Michigan, in 1833. Later they settled in Boone county, Indiana, and in 1848 located in Ripley county. While in Michigan, L. C. Bunker had the unusual experience of associating himself with an Indian tribe and in two years became quite intimate with Indian life and lore, being able to converse intelligently with the red men of the Michigan wilderness. At the breaking out of the Mexican war, in 1846, he enlisted in the second Illinois Regiment, that joined Taylor's army and marched to the city of Mexico. He began the study of medicine in 1845, in the office of Doctor Wright, at Belvidere, Illinois, and after his return from the war, he took a course of lectures in the Rush Medical College, in Chicago; in 1852, he graduated from the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio. After practicing several years in Ripley county, he removed to Greensburg in 1865.Doctor Bunker married Alvira E. Alden, of Ripley county, on November 15, 1849. Eight children were born, five of whom survive: Mrs. Lucy E. Montgomery, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Henry A., a physician of New York city; George, engaged in business in Dover, Delaware; Mrs. May Wise, of Brooklyn, New York, and Arthur Clifford, an electrician, of Mount Clair, New Jersey. One son, William, a physician at Winston, Illinois, died in 1892. Doctor Bunker's first wife died some twenty-five years ago, and, on April 5, 1899, he married Mrs. Ida V. McElvain.
Doctor Bunker practiced medicine more than fifty-three years in Ripley and Decatur counties. He was a very successful physician and surgeon and kept up with the advanced knowledge of the profession. His former patrons speak with commendation of his care for the interest and comfort of his patients-always attentive, kind and sympathetic. Doctor Bunker was a member of the Baptist church and when possible an attendant at the services of the church. He died on his farm near Greensburg, on August 26, 1907, and his remains rest in South Park cemetery.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Cornelius Cain was born on August I, 1808, near Dover, Delaware, and died on June 28, 1903, in this county, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Orlando Hamilton. His father settled in Brookville, Franklin county, about 1827. Doctor Cain studied medicine with Dr. Rufus Haymond, in Brookville. He began the practice of medicine at Laurel, and in 1857 he removed to Clarksburg, Decatur county. He was married to Eliza Clements in 1836. To them were born ten children, of whom seven lived to rear families. Two sons, Albert and John, are Methodist preachers. Albert resides in New Jersey, and John is in the North Indiana conference. Homer was engaged in business and died in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1893. Another son, Elmer Ellsworth, who was a teacher, died in 1890. The daughters were Mrs. Orlando Hamilton, Nancy, the widow of F. M. Smith, living at Muncie, and Mrs. Emma Bell, living at Upland.Doctor Cain continued in practice from 1857 to 1898, forty-one years, in Clarksburg, when he retired to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Orlando Hamilton, near Kingston, where he lived until his death. Doctor Cain was a frequent attendant at the Decatur County Medical Society. He often reported cases in minute detail, showing that he was a close observer and good diagnostician. He reported several cases of colitis (dysentery) treated with castor oil and tincture of opium successfully, which was not the usual treatment at that day, neither was the treatment in vogue nearly so successful as his.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Abram Carter came from Kentucky to Greensburg prior to 1847, and was present at the organization of perhaps the first medical society on January 25, 1847. His daughter was the wife of Dr. George W. New, surgeon of a regiment of Indiana volunteers. She was a very efficient nurse and was with her husband during his service, being a great favorite with the members of the regiment. Doctor Carter probably died in this county.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Cornelius A. Covert, the son of Samuel Covert, was born in Harmony, Butler county, on June 1, 1831, and died in Greensburg, Indiana, March 29, 1910. At the solicitation of Dr. John W. Moody, he came to Decatur county during the Civil War, from Williamstown, on the Decatur- Rush county line, where he had been only a few years in practice. He read medicine in his native town of Harmony with Dr. Lusk, took a medical course at Cleveland, Ohio, and, in 1869, a post-graduate course in the Chicago Medical College. Doctor Covert was in continuous practice from the time he came to Decatur county, except a few instances when he returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, and when he was absent in Chicago in 1869. Doctor Covert was a safe and conservative physician, always attentive to the most minute detail, and never "gave a case up" as long as the patient breathed, and hardly then. He believed in "feeding," had confidence in remedies, was successful in his surgical cases, and had the confidence of his patrons to an unusual degree, because he had confidence in himself and the remedial means he used. If duty called him, he seemed indifferent to pain. In one of many instances he made daily visits to see cases under his care after he had been thrown out of his buggy and two ribs broken and other injuries received. He continued to do so after all effort to prevail on him to desist had failed. Dr. Covert came to Williamstown prior to the fall of 1858, probably in 1857. None of his family resides in Decatur county. One son, Samuel, lives in Dayton, Ohio, and another, named for his old friend, Dr. J. W. Moody, resides in Indianapolis.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
The late Dr. Francis M. Daily, of Milhousen, was born in Ireland on March 16, 1842, and came to America with his parents in 1847. He was the son of Dr. Michael Daily, who practiced in this county from the time of his arrival in America in 1847 until his death. Dr. Francis M. Daily was married on April 26, 1865, to Catherine Conwell, of Westport. He began the practice of medicine in 1868 at Milhousen, Dr. John Hicks being in practice there at that time.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Richard J. Depew was born in 1815. He practiced medicine in St. Omer, and later in St. Paul, Decatur county, for many years. He was a sturdy, robust mail, physically able for the hardships of the pioneer physician. For many years his professional trips were made on horseback. He was a bachelor until late in life. He was a stanch Republican and was always ready to defend the principles of the party. Indifferent and neglectful in keeping his accounts, if he needed money, which was seldom, he would call on some of his patrons and "jump" accounts, indifferent as to whether his was too much or little. If too much, it was the fault of the patron, who "ought to have been sick more." It was his way of "squaring books." He moved to Indianapolis after marriage, and died there in 1879. He left a large bequest.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Jesse M. Gillespie was, perhaps, the first physician to locate in Greensburg, as he was here prior to the year 1825. He built a brick residence, the second one in the town, in 1826, on the south side of the square. He died in 1833, and his widow married Mr. Thomson.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. John Y. Hitt was born in Oldham county, Kentucky, on February 9, 1832. He studied medicine and graduated at the University of Kentucky in 1853. He came to Decatur county in 1854, to follow his profession. He was married to Martha Logan, daughter of Samuel Logan, Sr., in 1853. Two sons were born to this union. Dr. Sherman B. and Joel, both deceased. When the Seventeenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, was organized, Dr. J. Y. Hitt was appointed surgeon and served with Wilder's brigade. When the first board of examining surgeons for pensions was organized for Decatur county, Doctor Hitt was appointed as secretary by Commissioner of Pensions John C. Black, on February 11, 1886, serving in that capacity up to May 8, 1889. Doctor Hitt continued in practice in Greensburg up to a few years before his death. He was surgeon for the Big Four Railroad Company for a number of years, and the Grand Army of the Republic, department of Indiana, for two years. Doctor Hitt, with short intervals of absence, practiced medicine in Decatur county about fifty-five years. He died in Greensburg and was buried in South Park cemetery. Mrs. Martha Hitt also is dead.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Sherman B. Hitt was born in Sullivan, Illinois, January 10, 1854, and died in Greensburg. He was the son of Dr. John Y. and Martha (Logan) Hitt. Except a very few years, he always resided in Greensburg. He graduated in the Greensburg public schools, later attended Notre Dame Institution two years. He attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and graduated in the Ohio Medical College in 1886. Doctor Hitt was a member of the city council for about twenty years. He was also secretary of the Greensburg board of health for several years. He belonged to the Greensburg Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. Sherman Hitt married Mrs. Mary Cline, of Greensburg, May 9, 1893, and one daughter was born to them.Dr. Sherman B. Hitt, who spent more than fifty years of his life in Greensburg, was known by almost everybody. He was neat in his dress, always tidy and was large, portly and stylish. As a citizen, he was popular, as shown by his frequent election to city offices. As a physician, he was up to the times in his profession. His death, on September 25, 1911, was sudden and a great shock to those who knew him and greatly regretted by his friends and patrons. A daughter, Gladys M., was married to Louis S. Linville on May 13, 1915.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Silas Cooke was born in Montville, New Jersey, in 1809. He graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City in 1832. He was married the same year to Hannah Maria Mills, of Morristown, New Jersey, and commenced the practice of medicine in Boonton, in the same state. In 1844, he removed to Rahway, New Jersey, and in 1866 to Greensburg, Indiana, where he died in 1882. Doctor Cooke was a courteous gentleman; in his practice he was ethical, conforming to the rules and usages of the profession, and was highly respected by his associates in the profession for his qualifications and polished manners. The doctor's family consisted of wife, two daughters and one son. All are deceased except Mrs. Marshall Grover, of Greensburg.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. J. Mills Cooke was born in Boonton, New Jersey, in 1835, graduated from Princeton College in 1855, and later from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City. He began the practice of medicine in Toledo, Ohio. He was surgeon in the Twenty-fourth Ohio Regiment from 1862, and was taken prisoner at Chickamauga with all the medical corps and sent to Libby prison. Upon his release he rejoined his regiment and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. At the close of the war he returned to Toledo and in 1876 he came to Adams, Decatur county, where he died in 1884. He was a son of Dr. Silas Cooke and brother of Mrs. Marshall Grover, of Greensburg.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Thomas Johnson was born in Oswego county, New York, on January 14, 1827, and came west with his parents in 1838. He was a sophomore when he quit the now DePauw University to begin the study of medicine, which he did under Dr. I. P. Kilcher, of Laurel. He graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in 1865. He had, however, practiced before this and had located at Clarksburg, where he remained until 1882. At this time he removed to Greensburg and practiced his profession successfully. After the election of President Harrison, he was, in May, 1889, appointed by Commissioner of Pensions James Tanner on the board of pension examining surgeons for Decatur county, on which he served four and a half years. He was a Mason, having belonged to Decatur Lodge No. 36 and Chapter No. 8. He was a member of the Methodist church in Greensburg. He was married on January I , 1854, in Fayette county, and two married daughters survive. The mother died in October, 1870. On May 28, 1871, he married Sarah F. Gest, who survives her husband, who died in Clarksburg.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Elliott W. Leech came to Milford from Cincinnati, Ohio, about the year 1856, and entered in partnership with Dr. James O'Byrne, which association continued until he removed to St. Paul in 1862. From there he was commissioned assistant surgeon in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Resigning his commission, he returned to St. Paul, and later, in 1865, returned to Milford to resume the practice at that place. In 1876, he removed to Shelbyville and followed his profession. While at that place he was appointed a member of the board of examining surgeons for pensions, which he filled with credit until the reorganization of the board. Doctor Leech was a very successful physician, made many friends and had the utmost confidence of his patrons. He died in Shelbyville, leaving a wife, one daughter and two sons.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Lewis McAllister and brother, Lucius, also a physician, came from New Jersey and located at Milford as early as 1840. The latter moved to Crawford county, Illinois, married a widow, Mrs. Alfred Lagow, and died there. Dr. Lewis McAllister, when he came to Milford, was apparently but a boy. He remained there until the spring of 1865, when he removed to Windfall, Howard county, Indiana, where he engaged in practice of medicine up to his death, in 1890, being in active practice more than fifty years. Doctor McAllister believed in calomel, antimony and bleeding, a heroic practitioner, even in his day. He was a man of strong convictions and a Republican in politics. Dr. John L. Wooden was a student of Dr. McAllister. The latter was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society, attending the meeting of January 25, 1847, the first in the county of which any record is found. He married Rachel Fugit about 1850. There were no children. She was an active and working member of the Methodist church.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Samuel Maguire was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1818. His father, James Maguire, moved with his family, consisting of the wife and eight children, to Mason county, Kentucky, in 1831. He was the contractor who built the old Maysville and Lexington turnpike, which is said to be the best in the world. In 1832 they moved to Fleming, an adjoining county, and lived near the one-time popular old Blue Lick Springs. Doctor Maguire's education was obtained at the famous Maysville Academy, conducted by Rand and Richardson. This academy claimed the distinction of having for its pupils Gen. William H. Nelson, Gen. U. S. Grant, Hon. H. Watterson and many others of historic fame. Samuel Maguire graduated in medicine at Transylvania University and began the practice in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, in 1840. In 1842 he married Eliza R. Fleming, the granddaughter of John D. Fleming, after whom the county and town were named. To this union three sons and one daughter were born, John J., William F., Samuel and Ida Louise. The daughter survives and is now the wife of Judge James K. Ewing, of Greensburg.In 1854, Doctor Maguire moved to Missouri, where he remained six years, and while there he served two terms in the Missouri Senate. In 1860, he returned to Flemingsburg, just when the South was on the brink of war. He at once took a bold stand for the National Union. Being gifted as a public speaker, he endeavored to persuade the people to stand by the flag. His position was one of great personal danger. He was denounced, threatened and persecuted, but his fealty to the government was never lessened, and he remained steadfast in his loyalty to what he believed a just cause. He enlisted in the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, and was commissioned assistant surgeon. Afterwards he served as surgeon in the Forty-fifth Kentucky Mounted Infantry with the rank of major. The war over, he returned to his old Kentucky home, to find that many who had once delighted to call him their friend and family physician were now bitter enemies. His wife died soon afterward and he decided to turn his back on the scenes that had once been clear to him and seek a new home in Greensburg, Indiana, taking with him his youngest son, Samuel, and his daughter, Ida Louise.
In 1872 he married Mrs. Bella Willett, of Louisville, Kentucky. To this union two sons were born, Herbert Cortez and Neil Gillespie. In 1891, he moved, with his wife and two younger sons, to Louisville, Kentucky, where he died from paralysis on August 10, 1892. He was laid to rest in beautiful Crown Hill cemetery.
During Dr. Maguire's long- residence in Greensburg he made many warm friends. He stood high in his chosen profession; was a high Mason; a leading elder in the Christian church and a prominent Grand Army man. His activities were ceaseless, but in whatever circle one found him, he was always the same courteous, fair-minded Christian gentleman, with a sterling integrity and advocacy for the right.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. John W. Moody, a pioneer physician, became a resident of Greensburg in 1833. He was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1816. He was one of the four delegates to the convention from Decatur county who were present at the formation of the present State Medical Society (now association), June 6, 1849, at Indianapolis.Among some papers found in 1865, left by Dr. Lewis McAllister, formerly of Milford, Indiana, was an article by Dr. J. W. Moody, read before the state medical society on "Epidemic Dysentery." There was no date to the paper, but it must have been written as early as 1851 or 1852, as a very fatal epidemic prevailed in this county about that time, and the doctor was in the midst of it. He was a regular attendant at the meetings of the State Medical Society up to his death, and discussed, with great ability, any and all subjects coming before the society. As a practitioner he was careful, skillful, discreet and successful. For a number of years he was a member of the board of trustees of the state hospital for the insane. Among the doctor's duties, he was often called on to examine applicants for certificates to teach in the public schools. An applicant got a certificate that read: "This woman can read a little and write a little." It is not known if she taught.
Doctor Moody was a Republican. A safe and discreet adviser, he was often consulted by Governor Morton and others in his position in his party. Doctor Moody was married to Martha Howland, daughter of Dr. John M. Howland, who died in Brookville, Indiana, January 11, 1858. There were two sons. After the doctor's death, on August 27, 1867, Mrs. Moody and one son removed to New York city. She was an authoress of note, an entertaining conversationalist and a dignified and beautiful woman.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Theophilus E. F. Miller was born in Buffalo, New York, February 4, 1852, and died in Westport on May 26, 1908. He came to Milford, Decatur county, Indiana, early in 1884, direct from the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, Illinois. His predecessor, an eclectic and homeopathic, Dr. James O'Byrne, after more than twenty-two years' practice, had made an opening for a physician of the school, from which Doctor Miller had recently graduated. Doctor Miller was of German parentage (Lutherans) and came to Chicago with his parents about 1855. He attended the schools of that city and lived there up to his coming to Milford, where he remained in the practice of medicine for about two years. Doctor Miller was a firm believer in the similia similibus curantur theory of his brother physicians of that order and practiced it without deviation or concession. While in Milford, he made many friends and patrons, was a bachelor, wore a Prince Albert coat, neat and always ell dressed, gentlemanly and respected by everyone who knew him. In 1886 he moved to Westport, in this county, where he had a lucrative practice up to his death, which was regretted by his many friends and patrons. Doctor Miller was married to Mrs. Nannie Cann in January, 1895. She died on June 10, 1915.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. George W. New was a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, in the class of 1839-40. He located in Greensburg and was engaged in practice until 1859. He was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society on January 25, 1847, and was a delegate from Decatur county to the convention at Indianapolis, June 12, 1849, that formed the present state medical association. In 1859 he removed to Indianapolis to enlarge his field for surgical work, as he was specially qualified as a surgeon. This was recognized by Governor Morton, who commissioned him surgeon of the Seventh Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry in 1861, he serving three years. In 1864 Governor Morton, having confidence in his integrity and qualifications, sent him to New Orleans as military agent for Indiana.After the war he was for two years examiner of drugs in the New Orleans custom house, showing his standing with the federal government. Doctor New was a man of fine presence and general accomplishments. He died in Indianapolis in 1891, aged seventy-two years. Mrs. New accompanied her husband and rendered very efficient service as a nurse, endearing herself by her kindness and interest in many ways. She was a daughter of Dr. Abram Carter, one of the early physicians of Greensburg.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. James O'Byrne, eclectic and homeopath, was born in Ireland in 1820. He came with his parents to America, locating near Brookville, Franklin county, Indiana, in 1832. He married Ann D. Moore in the year 1840. He moved to Milford, Decatur county, in 1851, where he practiced medicine up to 1873, when he and his family and the families of two of his sons removed to Carroll county, Missouri. He practiced medicine at that place up to his death, in 1896. Doctor O'Bryne was a successful physician, made many friends, and had a large practice up to the time of his removal.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Uriah G. Reeves was born in Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1820, and died in Milford in 1882. He was educated at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, after which he taught school at Shelbyville and Liberty, Indiana. He was married to Jane Craig on February 28, 1846. He read medicine with Dr. William Armington. He began practice at St. Omer, remaining there five years, and then followed his profession at Greensburg from 1860 to 1863, when he removed to Milford, continuing in practice there up to his death, in 1882, from cerebro-spinal meningitis, which prevailed at that time. Doctor Reeves was a local preacher in the Methodist church and was always ready and willing to serve in that capacity. He was a member of the Decatur County Medical Society, a good debater and contributed several papers of merit on medical subjects. He was also an Odd Fellow, in which order he passed all the chairs and was elected a representative to the grand lodge from Centenary Lodge No. 535. As a member of the investigating and other committees, he was fair, unbiased and just. His family consisted of a wife, four daughters and one son. The latter died in 1866, aged about eight years. Doctor Reeves was successful in his practice and was always willing to serve the needy, regardless of compensation. He could do more practice on a small quantity of medicine than almost any other doctor. His remains rest in Milford cemetery.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. William F. Reiley was born on April 21, 1828. He received a common-school education and taught school several years. He read medicine with Dr. William Armington, beginning practice in 1854. On February 8, 1859, he was married to Sarah E. Hood, daughter of William Hood, a soldier of the War of 1812 and an early settler in Decatur county. To this union two children were born, Anne H., who married Sanford Darrah, now living at San Diego, California, and one, the youngest, who died in infancy. Doctor Reiley had an extensive practice in all directions from Sardina before, during and after the Civil War. He was president of the first board of examining surgeons for pensions, under President Cleveland, with Dr. J. Y. Hitt and J. H. Alexander. In his association with men of the profession he was found always polite, patient, sympathetic and considerate in the interest of the soldier, never being able to do as much for them as he desired. He never desired office, as his time was engaged professionally, but he was prevailed upon and elected joint senator from Decatur, Jennings and Scott counties in the state senate for one or more terms. He was a Democrat and highly respected by all parties. He died at Sardina, this county, November 21, 1895. The list of graduates of the Medical College of Ohio shows that W. F. Reiley, of Indiana, graduated in 1858.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. A. S. Remy was born near Brookville, Indiana, October 16, 1819. After passing his boyhood on a farm and receiving a common-school education, he entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, from which he was a graduate. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Almirah Scoby, and moved to Zenas, Jennings county, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. To this union were born three sons and one daughter. In 1856 he bought a farm near Greensburg, Decatur county, and engaged in farming, together with the practice of medicine. His wife died in 1862, and the following year he was married to Annie Kluge. To this union two children were born, one son and one daughter, the daughter dying in infancy. Doctor Remy was a member of the Presbyterian church and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He died March 31, 1890.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Alfred Scoby Remy was born on January 29, 1847, at Zenas, Jennings county, and died at Zenas on June 20, 1882, being buried at South Park cemetery, Greensburg. He graduated at the Ohio Medical College in 1869. He was married to Anna DeBolt on February 14, 1869. There were four children born to this union: Harry; Nellie, who died in Kansas in 1873; Mrs. Ella Carter, living, and Carl, who died in Greensburg in 1893. Doctor Remy practiced medicine in Jennings and Decatur counties.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. William H. Remy was born on October 30, 1850, at Zenas, Jennings county, Indiana. He was educated at Butlerville College, Butlerville, Indiana, after which he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. He began the practice of medicine in 1875 at Millhousen, Decatur county. In 1878 he was married to Della Carper. He continued in the practice of his chosen profession until 1886, when he moved to Kansas and engaged in farming.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. John Ritchie removed from Greensburg to Milford, Decatur county, at an early day and was one of the first physicians to locate at that village in the forties. One of his daughters married a Methodist minister, Rev. Landy Haven. Another daughter, Sallie, married Lieut. A. J. Hungate, and with her husband moved to Topeka, Kansas, in 1866. Doctor Ritchie was most probably a member of the medical society organized on January 25, 1847.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Doctor Edmund Swem was born near Camden, New Jersey, on August 12, 1810, and died in Greensburg on March 4, 1898. He received his medical education at Cincinnati and began the practice of medicine at Peru, Indiana, later practicing at Mooresville. He came to Greensburg about 1846. He married Martha Gibson, daughter of Israel Gibson, an early resident of Greensburg and a soldier of the War of 1812. His remains rest in South Park cemetery. A plain marble slab marks the Gibson grave. He was a Mason, which was noted on the headstone. Doctor Swem and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary several years before his death, in 1898. Mrs. Swem survived her husband. Rev. Edmund Hez Swem, pastor of the Second Baptist church, Washington, D. C., and Mrs. Ale Howard, of Greensburg, are the only children surviving. Doctor Swem was president of the Decatur County Medical Society in 1869, and was re-elected in 1871. He was a regular attendant at the meetings and filled other offices up to the time he was unable to attend owing to the infirmities of age. He was a delegate to the State Medical Association several times. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and his pew was seldom vacant at its meetings. Doctor Swem was a conservative and cautious physician; he advocated small doses; he had faith in the recuperative powers of nature; he was not very favorable to calomel, as he had seen the ill effects of its abuse. He was very neat in his dress, quiet in demeanor, always polite, unassuming and gentlemanly.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. J. L. Underwood came to Milford about 1856. He married a Miss Avery, who lived on a farm on Flat Rock, Shelby county. There were two daughters. He removed from Milford to St. Paul early in the Civil War period. He died from cancer of the stomach and was buried at Ogden cemetery, near Waldron. He was a popular and successful physician and had many friends at both Milford and St. Paul.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Newbery Wheeldon practiced medicine in this county prior to 1860, following what was then known as the Thomsonian system, and called "steam doctors" by some in derision. These doctors used lobelia to control fevers, colds and almost any disease "flesh is heir to." Their system was mostly by stimulation, profuse sweating and discarded all mineral preparations as used by the allopaths in that day. The abuse of calomel by some of the ultra-allopaths, who believed that salivation (ptyalism) was the only salvation in certain conditions, made patrons for this class of doctors, and they made all the capital possible out of it. Doctor Wheeldon was perhaps the last doctor to practice that system in the county, as the eclectics have superseded them here.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. M. H. Williams-Letts, eclectic, was a member of the board of examining surgeons for pensions with J. H. Alexander and W. H. Wooden, organized on May 19, 1897, and served on the board until June 19, 1901, when he resigned and removed to Indianapolis. He was a careful, conscientious examiner always ready for the duties of his office and pleasant and obliging in his relations with others.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. John L. Wooden was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, May 17, 1826, and came with his parents to Decatur county, Indiana, in October, 1830. In 1848 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Louis McAllester, at Milford, Decatur county. In 1853 he began the practice of medicine in Andersonville, Franklin county, and continued there up to 1859, when he entered the Medical College of Ohio, and on March 1, 1860, received his degree of Doctor of Medicine. His first military service was with the Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. On the formation of the Sixty-eighth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, he was commissioned surgeon of that regiment, on August 29, 1862, having rendered efficient service in this organization. With his regiment, he was taken prisoner of war at Mumfordville, Kentucky, in September, 1862. He was exchanged in November, 1862, but was again taken prisoner while in charge of the division hospital during the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. He was sent to Libby prison and remained a prisoner until exchanged three months later. He acted as brigade surgeon in General Willich's command and was an active member of the medical staff up to the end of the Civil War. Doctor Wooden was the first pension examining surgeon for Decatur county, and remained in charge up to the appointment of the first board of examining surgeons for pensions, under the Cleveland administration. His services in that capacity were eminently satisfactory to the soldiers, and duly appreciated by the pension department. Doctor Wooden was a regular attendant at the County Medical Society and State Medical Association and was a willing and working member in both. His reports of cases were always interesting, instructive and inspiring. His diagnosis of cases seemed to be by intuition, so prompt and so generally correct were they. As a consultant he was helpful and tactful, and gave confidence and hope to the patient. As a surgeon he was cautious and skillful. He paid special attention to the details, antiseptically, in preparation for operative surgery, and hence his general success. Doctor Wooden was of Methodist parentage and had been a member since early in life. For many years prior to his death he was a leading Mason and was master of Concordia Lodge of Greensburg at the time of his death, his service as master embracing the following periods: 1873-81, 1883-4, 1886. As a soldier, he seldom failed to meet with his comrades of Pap Thomas Post No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he had been commander. He was also senior vice-commander of the Department of Indiana of the Grand Army of the Republic. Doctor Wooden's death occurred on Sunday, November 28, 1886, to the regret and surprise of his many friends. His indomitable energy and active life was more than his enfeebled condition could bear. He left his wife, Mrs. Sarah Guest Wooden, and four children - Dr. W. H. Wooden, now deceased; Elmer E. Wooden, Mrs. Edgar Hamilton and Mrs. Ida Moss - to mourn his sudden death.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. William Herschel Wooden was born in the village of Milford, Decatur county, Indiana, August 12, 1857, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 23, 1903. In 1867, he came to Greensburg with his father's family, where he pursued his studies in the public schools up to his graduation in the high school in 1873. He then entered, for a classical course, the State University at Bloomington. In 1876 he began the study of medicine with his father, Dr. John L. Wooden, and graduated from the Medical College of Ohio in 1879, eminently well qualified for the practice of medicine and surgery. On his return to Greensburg he entered his father's office as a partner in his extensive and lucrative practice. Prior to 1882 he was elected secretary of the Decatur County Medical Society; and was an efficient officer for several years. In keeping the records and abstracts of important cases reported by the members, he was accurate, bringing out the important point in each case, not infrequently taking part in the discussion to cover in his report real deficiencies in the discussion. He seldom failed to be at the meetings of the State Medical Society, in which he took great interest. Doctor Wooden continued in a successful practice in this city up to 1888, when he had a call from parties who knew his qualifications and appointed him civil engineer of the Maple Leaf railroad through Missouri and Kansas to Minneapolis, and later with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. After his return, in 1892, he was appointed secretary of the county board of health, continuing up to December, 1894, his professional business precluding his continuance in that office any longer. In May, 1897, Doctor Wooden was appointed secretary of the board of examining surgeons for pensions in Greensburg, serving in that capacity up to November, 1899, when, because of the pressure of professional business, he resigned, to the regret of his associates on the board, Doctors Williams and Alexander, who always found him accurate, truthful and careful in his examinations and scrupulously neat and correct in his papers. Dr. Herschel Wooden was a Mason, and served as master of his lodge in 1892 to 1893 and 1894. He also belonged to the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of Veterans and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He continued in the practice of medicine and surgery up to his fatal sickness in 1903. His mother, brother and two sisters survive and reside in Greensburg. His remains rest in South Park cemetery, Greensburg, alongside his father.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. James Brown Bracken was a graduate of a Philadelphia college of medicine and practiced medicine for many years with his father, Dr. William Bracken, of Rush and Decatur counties, though the latter part of his life was devoted to the care of his father after he had retired from active life, owing to ill health. Dr. James B. Bracken was a man well read in his profession and other fields of literature and had qualities that made him firm friends and admirers. His opinions wrere positive and expressed openly either to advance a cause or oppose one in which he was interested or advocated. He died in Greensburg, October 31, 1913.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians
Dr. Jesse Wakefield Rucker, grandson of Dr. William Bracken and nephew of Dr. James B. Bracken, obtained his degree from the Medical College of Ohio (Cincinnati) in 1885 and practiced medicine in Cincinnati and in Shelbyville, Indiana, until 1902, when he moved to Greensburg-, his native city. While he has not been actively engaged in the practice in Decatur county, he holds a physician's certificate or license and has been often consulted by brother physicians, being considered a fine diagnostician. At present he is editor of the New Era, a straight Democratic newspaper.
"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.
Physicians