DR. ZIBA LINDLEY was one of the pioneer physicians. He settled in Brookfield Township about 1815, and for several years was a successfu medical practitioner. He was probably the first regular doctor who settled within the limits of the county. He was a son-in-law of Judge William Rannells, one of the early pioneers.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. DAVID McGARRY may properly be regarded as the pioneer physician of the county, inasmuch as he was the first medical graduate to settle in this section of the country, and had through life an extensive practice. He died at his home in Olive Township Oct. 6, 1851. The Investigator of the same date said of him: “In his death we shall not mourn the loss of any political signification, but the departure of one who, living, was worthy the noblest name with which the Almighty stamps his creatures - a man; one of those very few who regard their neighbor’s welfare as their own and do unto others as they would that others should do unto them * * * * *. The poor may bless his beneficence; the rich, his talent and skill; his friends his never-failing radiance of affection; his ememies, if any he had, his kind and forgiving disposition, and a merciful and all-wise God will take charge of the rest.” Dr. McGarry was a native of Ireland, and graduated in medicine at the university of Glasgow. He came to America when a young man and about 1816 settled in Olive Township, near what afterwards became the village of Olive. He was the first physician of prominence in the county, and with the exception of Dr. Wm. McKee, and one or two others, probably the only medical graduate in the county up to the time of his death. His practice was extensive. He was sound in judgement, and in every way well-fitted for his calling. He was therefore one of the most respected and honored citizens of the community in which he resided. He married Miss Reed after coming here, and was the father of several sons. Three of these sons, Samuel, Robert and John, adopted their father’s profession and were all prominent as good physicians. Though not having the educational advantages which their father enjoyed, they had a good knowledge of medicine, and were competent practitioners. Dr. Samuel McGarry, who died at Olive in 1874, was an unusually excellent physician and was held in high esteem. His brothers, John and Robert, also practiced in the county until their deaths, and were generally popular.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. WILLIAM McKEE was one of the best of the pioneer physicians of the county, and for many years had an extensive practice. He was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1797; received an academic education and in 1828 graduated in medicine at the university of Glasgow, Scotland. He practiced in Belfast, Ireland, a few years, and in about 1832 came to America, whither some of his relatives had preceded him. He remained only a few years, meantime teaching a few terms of school in Zanesville and Sharon. He then returned to his native country, but came back again about 1836, and locating at Olive, made his home with his cousin, Robert McKee. Good doctors were then very few in the newly settled country; his practice soon became extensive, and he had calls by day and night to attend patients in the country for twenty miles around. He led a busy and useful career and was greatly esteemed by all. He continued to practice in Noble County until his death, July 1, 1865. He was a man of modest, unassuming ways; of sound and reliable judgement and thorough knowledge. He married Martha J. Clymer of Olive Township in 1841, and was the father of seven children, five of whom survive and live in Noble County - Andrew C., Isaac E., Flora F. (Lund), Orvil O. and Charles W.


History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. ORVIL O. McKEE is one of the prominent physicians of Caldwell. He was born in Olive Township Feb. 9, 1854. After attending the common schools and academies of this locality, he took a four years’ course at the University of Michigan, graduating from the medical department of that institution in 1882. Immediately afterward he settled in Caldwell where he has since been pursuing his vocation with good success. Dr. McKee was married to Sarah Wharton, of Cambridge, in 1885.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. JAMES F. CAPELL was one of the brightest and best men of the county. He not only succeeded admirably in his profession, but he also edited a paper with conspicuous ability, and was distinguished for the force and vigor of his writings. Dr. Capell was one of the early treasurers of Noble County, and in the controversy which resulted in the removal of the county seat from Sarahsville, he was always an active participant. He was born and reared in Marion Township, and after receiving both a common school and collegiate education, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Waddell, of Belmont County. He located at Sarahsville early in the history of that town, and was soon in successful practice. For thirty years he was an untiring worker in the professional field, and had the esteem and respect of all who knew him. Probably his practice was larger than that of any other physician of the county of his time. He died in the vicinity of Caldwell, at the home of his father-in-law, Dr. David McGarry. Preceding Dr. Capell at Sarahsville, there were several physicians who were brief residents - Dr. Welch, originally from Belmont County; Dr. Connor, from the vicinity of Cumberland, and others. Dr. J.Y. Hopkins was a resident of Sarahsville in 1851. He remained several years. The present physicians are: Dr. W.S. Spriggs and Dr. J.D. Aldridge.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



WILLIAM S. SPRIGGS, M.D., is among the old and reputable physicians of Noble County. For nearly a quarter of a century he has devoted himself to the practice of his profession in Sarahsville and vicinity. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1837. His father, Morris Spriggs, was one of the early settlers of the county, and the father of eight children who grew to maturity. Benjamin F., the elder, was one of the leading lawyers of the county; John P. is an attorney of Monroe County; David S. is a prominent member of the Noble County bar; J.W. is a lawyer and a leading citizen of Salem, Oregon; Dr. William S., the subject of this notice; Dr. Alfred R., of Illinois; and Eliza and Sarah R. The family are a race of teacher, and in early life all followed that vocation. William S. received a thorough common-school education, and at the age of twenty began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John Kellar, of Mt. Ephraim, Ohio. Completing his preparatory course he entered the Starling Medical College. The following year he began practice at Mt. Ephraim, and in a comparatively short time was in the possession of a remunerative business. His attention, however, was diverted from his professional duties by the stirring scenes that were then being enacted, and, in company with others, he recruited Company H, of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon the organization of the regiment he was elected first-lieutenant of this company. He served under General Milroy in the Valley campaign; was at the battle of Winchester, and was with the regiment until 1864, when he resigned his commission, returned to his home and resumed his practice at Mt. Ephraim. Shortly after he removed to Sarahsville, where he has since remained, giving his time wholly to his professional duties, and it’s but just to say that no physician in the county has attained a more enviable position in the practice than he, or enjoys a greater degree of confidence and esteem of the people. While he has devoted himself assiduously to his practice he has interested himself in all matters pertaining to Sarahsville, especially in the advancement of its educational interests. In political belief he is a Democrat, and while he is not a politician in the ordinary sense of the term, has identified himself prominently with local politics. In 1859 the doctor was married to Miss Matilda Gant. She died in 1878, and in 1879 he was again married to Miss Ida Hickle. By the first marriage there were three children - Edgar, Ethelind and Clement D.; by the second, Frank, Sadie and Ernest.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



JOHN D. ALDRIDGE, M.D., was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1860. He received his literary education at Mt. Union College, and began the study of medicine under the tuition of T.H. Wilson, of Dennsion, Ohio. He graduated with honor from the Starling Medical in 1883, and in the same year established himself in the practice of his profession in Sarahsville, where he has built up a successful and remunerative practice. He is a member of the County Medical Society. The doctor was married in 1882, to Miss Alice Shepley, of Blue Bell, Guernsey County, Ohio.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. CHARLES SHRAEBER was a German who located in Sharon prior to the formation of the county and practiced there several years.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. HOWELLS practiced in Sharon several years prior to the war. He went out with the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a surgeon. He was killed in a steamboat disaster after the war.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. FRANCIS SLATER, a native of England and an Edinburgh graduate settled at Sharon in 1855. Though a man of unquestioned ability, he obtained but a small practice here. At the beginning of the war he was appointed by Governor Dennison assistant surgeon of the Seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and his ability and skill soon brought him into prominence. He served as surgeon-in-chief, Kanawha division, department of Ohio; medical director, post of Chattanooga; medical director, fourteenth army corps; medical director, calvalry corps, and finally as medical director, department of Alabama. From 1868 to 1874 he was medical referee in the U.S. Pension Office. He died at Washington, D.C., in 1879.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. JESSE M. STONE, a native of Harrison County, began practicing at Hiramsburg, and prior to 1848 located in Sharon, where he remained some years. He afterwards practiced in other parts of the county. He removed to Tennessee and died there. Dr. Stone was a prominent politician of the Democratic party, and was once an aspirant for member of Congress from this district. He was elected associate judge of Morgan County, under the old constitution, while Sharon was a part of Morgan County. He was moderately successful as a doctor.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. JOSHUA CRAIG, who was born and educated in Ireland, came to Marion Township when the country was new, and for many years was the only medical adviser in that section of the county. He had an extensive practice, and was considered a good and useful member of his profession.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



The first resident physician of Summerfield was DR. DAVID FRAME. He came in 1880 from Guernsey County, and after about three years practice returned to that county. History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. JOHN BANFORD came next, and first engaged in school teaching. He was unmarried, and lived with James W. Shankland. He took up the study of medicine without a preceptor, and after acquiring some knowledge of the art, began practicing. From Summerfield he removed to Cincinnati.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. R.B. TAYLOR, who was brought up in the vicinity of Summerfield, studied medicine in McConnelsville, and practiced in Carlisle and Summerfield. He was a useful member of his profession. For a time he was a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but he joined the Free Methodists before leaving Summerfield. He went to Kansas. Dr. Taylor was the son of Rev. Edward H. Taylor, a well-known Methodist circuit preacher of pioneer days. His mother, Lydia (Brewer) Taylor, was a lady of remarkable intelligence and agreeable manners. She was a teacher among the Indians in the early years of Ohio. Both she and her husband are buried at Summerfield.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. WILLIAM HORTON, son of Moses Horton, was reared and educated at Summerfield, and practiced his profession here for several years at different periods. He studied under Dr. Graham, who married his sister and practiced some years in the town. Dr. Graham removed to Kansas and was in the "border war." Dr. Horton removed to Southern Indiana about 1871, and now lives near Cincinnati.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. REUBEN P. SUMMERS was born in Fayette County, Pa., in 1818. In 1822 he came to Ohio with his parents. His father was a prominent farmer in Harrison County, where he died in 1856. He reared a family of four children. Reuben P. Summers passed his early life on the farm, receiving a good common-school education. At the age of twenty he began the study of medicine under Dr. Enoch Thomas, of New Athens. On removing to Summerfield he began the practice of his profession, in which he was highly successful; but owing to ill-health he abandoned his practice and began the mercantile business. During the war he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. From 1865 to 1871 he was a tobacco merchant. In 1871 he came to Caldwell, and engaged in the boot, shoe and leather trade which he still follows. He married Violet A., daughter of Alexander Franklin. He is the father of five sons and six daughters. He is a Republican in politics, and in early years was connected with the Underground Railroad movement.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. JOHN BELTON SPARLING, son of Wyndham Sparling, of Sparling, of Marion Township, was born in Ireland, and graduated as a surgeon in that city. On obtaining his diploma in 1851, he went as surgeon of Her Majesty's vessel, carrying Sir John McDonald as governor to Sierra Leon. He landed at Charleston, S.C., and came thence to his father's where he soon had a large practice. Falling into the temptation of drink, a career that might have been useful and brilliant was ruined. He was probably the best read physician ever in this county. He died in April, 1868, leaving a family of five young children.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. A.A. STAATS, of Summerfield, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1838. He attended school in Sarahsville, and was for a time a student at Marietta College. In 1864 he enlisted in the Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out July 3, 1865. In 1866 he began the study of medicine under Dr. R.C. Downey , now of Caldwell. He attended medical lectures at the Starling Medical College one term, and in 1868 graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. After a short residence in Sarahsville, he located at Summerfield in 1869, where he is still in practice.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



ROBERT STEPHENSON, M.D., a prominent practitioner of Centreville, Iowa, was born in Ohio September 16, 1841. He studied medicine with his father and graduated from the Iowa State University in 1867. September 17, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company D., Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment made famous by its gallant commander, General James A. Garfield. He served with credit until his discharge from the service as first sergeant, September 30, 1864. The following year he removed to Iowa, where he married Miss Ruth E. Pennington , a native of West Virginia. The doctor is in possession of an extensive and lucrative practice, and, although a young man, has attained an enviable position among the physicians of the State. In 1883 he was elected to the chair of demonstrator of anatomy and gynecology, in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Des Moines, Iowa. He is now making a specialty of surgery and gynecology, his practice taking him to all portions of the State. He is local surgeon for the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, and the Kansas and Missouri Railroads. He is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the Masonic order occupies the position of Captain General of St. John's Commandery, No. 21. He is a member of the State Medical Society, also the Des Moines Valley Medical Association, and the Appanoose County Medical Society. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is prominently connected with that organization. In his religious affiliations he is a Presbyterian. He has four children, Ralph O., Robert, Glenn and Bessie B.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. WILLIAM ROSS TAYLOR - The subject of this notice was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, in 1850, and was reared on a farm. He served two years as County Superintendent of schools in his native county, and in 1874 entered Urbana, (Ohio), University, from which he graduated in 1878. He then taught school and read medicine for three years. In 1881 he came to Summerfield where he continued his studies under the tuition of his brother, Dr. D. H. Taylor; attended the Miami University for Medicine in 1881-2, and in 1882 began practice in Summerfield. In 1883-4 he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland, graduating March 4, 1884. He returned to Summerfield, bought his brother's practice and is now engaged in his profession. Few doctors in the county have a larger practice. Dr. Taylor was married in 1885 to Jenola Kean , of Summerfield, and they have one child - Glen B.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. ROBERT SAMUEL BROWN is a native of Noble County, born in Marion Township in 1856. He was brought up on the farm of his parents, attending the common schools and two terms of normal school at Summerfield. In 1878 he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. D.H. Taylor ; attended the Columbus Medical College in 1879-80; was granted a certificate by the Noble County Medical Society in 1880, and began practice in that year; attended Columbus Medical College in 1882-3, and graduated in March, 1883. He then located in Middleburg, where he remained until 1884, when he came to Summerfield and bought the drug store of Taylor Bros. He has since followed the drug business.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. FRANK JAMES, of Batesville, is the son of Rufus P. James, of Sharon Township. He was born in Noble County, July 16, 1855. He worked on a farm until seventeen years of age, then engaged in school teaching and the study of medicine. Dr. Bolen, of Cumberland, Ohio, was his medical preceptor. He attended medical lectures at Columbus and Baltimore, graduating from the college of physicians and surgeons in the latter city. He is now engaged in practicing his profession in Batesville.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. JOHN McGARRY was born in Olive Township in 1820. He studied medicine under his father's tuition and for over twenty years was engaged in practice in this county. He married Elizabeth, daughter of George Walters, and reared five children - William G., Henry B., John B., James H. and Mary B. (deceased). The sons all reside in Noble County except one.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. EDWIN GIBBS was an accomplished gentleman, and an able, skillful physician. He was the son of Dennis Gibbs, and was born in Olive Township in 1819. After receiving a common-school education he began the study of medicine, under Dr. David McGarry. He then pursued a course at the Cincinnati Medical College, and graduated from that institution when about twenty-four years of age. He began practice in Summerfield, and remained there about one year. He married Susan Lund , of Washington County, and removed to Beverly. There he soon gained a large practice, which he attended to until the death of his wife, after which he returned to Olive Township. Here also he had an extensive practice, and was highly esteemed. He died in 1865, at the age of forty-six. Prior to his death he located in the town of Caldwell, where he practiced for some time. In his death Noble County lost a first-class medical man.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



DR. JOHN MARTIN, a prominent physician of Caldwell was born in Monroe County, Ohio, May 1, 1832. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education and afterwards attended Monroe Academy at Woodsfield. He began the study of medicine under Dr. W.T. Sinclair of Woodsfield, remaining with him four years, assisting him in his practice during the last year. He next attended the Forest City Medical College at Cleveland, and on his return practiced in Woodsfield for two years. He then removed to Monmouth, Ill., where he remained farming, practicing medicine and following the drug business utnil 1861. In October of that year he was appointed by Governor Yates assistant surgeon of the Fifty-fifth Illinois (fractional) Regiment. In February, 1862, the Regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-seventh Illinois, and he returned to Ohio soon after volunteering as surgeon in the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until November, when he left the regiment on account of ill health. In 1864 he came to Caldwell and engaged in practice. In 1868-69 he attended the Miami Medical College where he graduated in March, 1869, and has since practiced in Caldwell. In the spring of 1865 he was commissioned surgeon for drafted soldiers with the rank of major. Has been government pensioner examiner since 1873. Dr. Martin has served as school examiner of the county, and is at present president of the board of education in Caldwell. He was married in 1856 to Charlotte C., daughter of Judge Kirkbride, of Woodsfield. His children are: Walter C., station agent at Mount Gilead, O.; Frank M., editor Caldwell Journal; Willis K., deceased, and Carl Otto.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



ROBERT C. DOWNEY, M.D. - The grandparents of the subject of this notice were born near Winchester, Va.; his father, who was the seventh son, was named Doctor. He came to Ohio and settled in Noble Township about 1820. There Robert C. Downey was born in 1834. In early life he farmed and taught school. He studied medicine in Guernsey County and in Indiana, and graduated from the Starling Medical College. In 1863 he became assistant surgeon of the Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry and served until the close of the war, being present in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged. Since the war he has practiced his profession in Noble County. He has been married four times and is the father of three children. Dr. Downey served as county coroner four years. He is a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Masons and Odd Fellows.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



CHARLES PERRY SIMONS, M.D., was born in Zanesville, Ohio, January 26, 1812. His father, John White Simons, was one of the early settlers of Muskingum County, and was born near Philadelphia, Pa., in 1819. He followed the vocation of an iron worker, and removed to Zanesville in 1830. He died in Cambridge in 1871. Dr. Simons received an academical education, and studied medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Andrew Wall, of Cambridge. Completing his preparatory course he attended the Michigan Medical College, graduating, however, from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1864. In the spring of 1862 he entered the army as assistant surgeon in the general hospital at Camp Dennison, Ohio. After passing an examination before the State board of medical officers, he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Ninety-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His division joined Sherman's command, and he followed the fortunes of this army from "Atlanta to the Sea." At the close of the war he was mustered out with his regiment at Cleveland, in 1865. Flattering offers were made to him to accept a position in the regular army which he declined. Returning to Cambridge he established himself in practice, making a specialty of surgery and diseases of the eye and ear. In his practice the doctor was highly successful, and soon attained an enviable position among his professional brethren. Aside from his professional duties he gave some attention to political matters, and in 1881 received the nomination for State senator. In 1883 he came to Caldwell, and engaged in the drug business. Since this time he has not been in active practice, giving his attention to special cases only. In 1884 the doctor was married to Mrs. Arrena Kells, daughter of Henry Teener, of Caldwell.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
The Medical Profession



Deb Murray