i -'^^i>^ mm ^^ ^>: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ©lap^*^. ©npi^rig]^:|it. Slielf-..QL4.F»' UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A BRIEF RECORD PHYSICIANS OF QUINCY MASSACHUSETTS FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES JUHE 17, 1890 A BRIEF RECORD PHYSICIANS OF QUINCY MASSACHUSETTS FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES COMPILED AND VVffLlSIIED BY ANNIE E. FAXON vRY OF For the Benefit of the Hospital Fund ^OPYR/g/^aTS JUNE 17, 1890 Copyright, 1890, by ANNIE E. FAXON 'THE HEALING OF HIS SEAMLESS DRESS IS BY OUR BEDS OF PAIN; WE TOUCH HIM IN LIFE'S THRONG AND PRESS, AND WE ARE WHOLE AGAIN." FKESS OF UOCKWELL AND CHUKCHILL BOSTON, MASS. Our motto is taken from a statue in the Latin Quarter, representing a printer, Ulrich Gering, who, with his two partners, introduced printing in Paris in 1470. He holds a book in his hand with the following pithy inscription : — Ne fugite ob pretium Dives paupe que venite ! Hoc opus magniloquens, Venditur auro brevi, which is, Do not flee on account of the price, The rich and the poor come here. This magnificent work Can be purchased with a little gold. IN this lovely June of 1890, when so many are interested in the opening of our beautiful new- hospital, — the gift of our generous townsman, William B. Rice, — one who owes a debt of grati- tude to many faithful physicians has compiled these few remembrances of past and present med- ical men, and published them for the benefit of the hospital fund. Thanks are due to the many friends who helped in this labor of love. The first figure who comes up is Dr. Benjamin Thompson, school teacher, and poet also, for thirty years. A stone records that he died weary of life, leaving eight children and thirty-eight grandchildren. Another record adds quaintly, "Whereas, there has been an old reckon- ing upon ye account of my service for many years, which I have served them in all that may issue in love, etc., I do forever acquitt and discharge the town of Braintry from all dues and demands, this being a mutual and everlasting discharge. June, 1700." From a venerable volume compiled by Henry Whitney, we read that next — Dr. John Wilson, born in England, graduated in medicine in 1705, and settled here. Dr. Edward Steadman was formerly a physi- cian in this place. Dr. Elisha Savil, from Harvard in 1743, practised here, and died in 1768. He lived in the Mears House, now Dr. French's. Two Doctors Savil have lived since Elisha Savil, and a third descendant of his, James Shannon, graduated in medicine. Dr. Ebenezer Brackett, son of James B., born in 1743. From Dartmouth in 179 1, entered upon practice in this town, but died a few months after. He was a young man of great promise. Miss Brackett is a descendant of his. Dr. Benjamin Vinton, of Harvard, 1796, was, we read, a respected medical man. He lived in the Elisha Marsh house on Granite street. Dr. Henry Turner, for many years a respect- able physician, died January, 1773. He united the profession of tavern-keeper with the dispensing of physic, and lived in the house of Benjamin Gray. Tradition speaks of a German woman, Mrs. Hartwig, probably a great-great-grandmother of the present Hardwicks, who practised medicine then. Dr. Phipps came then, and he is the first of the physicians about whom much is known. He graduated from Harvard in 1757, settling here in 1768, continuing an eminent practitioner until his death, Nov. 4, 1817, aged 85. He lived in the Wild house, on FrankHn street. He was hard of hearing, and his wife used to go around with him, carrying a slate to take notes of what was needed. The late James Baxter was a grandson of Dr. Phipps. Coming now into this century, a long list of those who came and went, embraces but few who were fixtures, — doctors of medicine seeming birds of passage. It is of those who were identified most closely with us that details are of interest. Dr. Phipps' son, Thomas, succeeded him in medical work, and judging from a letter written by one of his granddaughters, we feel sure that the pretty romance that has always clung to his name is true. The Williams House was a hotel once, •and this young doctor stopped there the night a baby girl was born, and he said he would wait for that baby to be his wife. When she was eighteen, and he was forty, they were married. Judging from the charming letters sent to us, which were written to his wife, when in mid-winter he under- took the severe sea-voyage to the South for his health, this marriage was an ideal one, and we quote from the quaint writing in the folded letters, minus envelopes, secured by a wafer. The post- age on these is marked in red, 25 cents each. " As this letter will probably be the Last you will receive from me for a long time, I feel as though I ought make known to you my mind upon a Subject that has Occasioned me more un- easiness than all others. Life, we know is uncer- tain, but it is natural for me to wish to prolong it, and that, by the use of those means which appear to us most likely to effect the end. As I leave behind me a Large Family, it is to be expected that some sickness may occur ere my return. If such should happen, and you should not feel perfectly safe under the care of Dr. Woodward I would recommend you sending for Doct. Fifield, etc. If anything serious should happen, I want you should let Thomas send out Doct. Randall, as I should place the utmost confidence in his judgment. As for Doct. Wales, I should have nothing to do with him. Tell Lawrence to obey his mother in all things, as I charged him ere I left home," etc. The long pages of Dr. Phipps, written so ten- derly to his wife, breathe minute care and appre- hension for those he left behind when he had such rough passages. The anxiety he felt for all, the especial injunctions for one Lawrence to obey his mother, breathe lovable qualities. He wants Dr. Duggan to be ** informed if he took the horse, that he must not give him smoky hay." He wrote about his plan of coming North in the spring, on horseback, riding alone for long weeks through the wilderness. One letter said a brother practitioner occupied a berth above him, so they could prescribe for each other; " but," he 8 added, '' every time their heads were raised they fell a-Puking." These most interesting letters cannot be transcribed ; but we regret that this Dr. Phipps also was very deaf. He never heard the voices of those children about whom he was so solicitous. The family wrote rapidly, from constant practice, upon the wood-work over the kitchen mantel. These yellow letters have a peculiar charm. The doctor did return, and although his sudden death from heart disease, the knowledge of which was kept from his wife, gave great sorrow, to us it seemed merciful, as sparing long and continued suffering. He went to Cambridge on Commence- ment Day, and returned to fall dead instantly. In those days some of our most prominent families sought the services of Dr. Holbrook, of Milton. Two notable figures in medical history follow, the first t)f these being Dr. Ebenezer Woodward. He was one of the landmarks in medicine here. A New Hamp- shire boy from Darmouth, we are told, he came to Ouincy, April i, 1823. He took an office in the Gillett House, which has since sheltered so many physicians ; the square around the old town-pump being a famous thoroughfare, and one that has seen many medical stars rise and set. He soon sold his practice to Dr. Duggan, but repurchased it, and lived his life out among us. He purchased 9 the site upon which our pubHc library stands, and many remember the large plain house he lived in. The interior left a feeling of awe in spite of the kindness of the good man and his wife, who was Miss Appleton, of a fine family. She also di- vined one's weak spot, and one felt better upon seeing her. They had no children. The doctor's horse and a big dog, whose shadow crosses these pages, shared his affections. Within the sitting- room the portraits were awfully real, seen by the light only of an oil lamp, in whose wick a pin stuck, to kindle more flame if desired. A bed of ashes rested upon the open coal fire in the grate. Strangely, thq coming of this good man to our house, where before the days of furnace-heated houses he was often called to a large brood of children, excited mirth rather than apprehension. A general titter arose as our mother's '' hush ! " came, when his step was heard. His preparations for removing the numerous envelopes that pro- tected his slender body are remembered. First a hat that did not shine was placed on a chair. Next followed gloves and often wristers. A large red handkerchief in multitudinous folds was methodically unwound from his slender neck and carefully put with the gloves. Then overcoat number one came off; then coat number two, and childish eyes opened wider to see if a third were coming. Gently rubbing his delicate hands, '* Ah, 10 a little of my nice spiced cordial " might have been prescribed. All trivialities fade in the mem- ory of the respect and confidence he won. He left at his death a large sum to found a school for girls born in Ouincy. At the last report, the fund amounted to $2 14,987. There is still consid- erable land to be sold for the benefit of this fund. About these years a quartette of young medical aspirants came and soon left. One was Dr. Charles Gordon, who boarded with Mrs. George Hardwick, in the house now occupied by Dr. French, on Hancock street. Dr. Gushee, with Mrs. George Nightingale, in 1845, and then went to East Weymouth. Dr. Dorr came also, but nothing definite of him can be found. Dr. William Brazer Duggan was born in the ''Old Hancock House," Boston, Feb. 18, 1802. He graduated from Harvard Medical Col- lege in 1824. He died March 12, 1880. He did not practise medicine long, but many remem- ber him as especially interested in very much that pertained to general subjects, and to our schools. One of our earliest recollections of the school committee man is of Dr. Duggan. His picturesque old homestead still commands one of the most varied and beautiful views. Dr. James A. Stetson, who was a representa- 11 tive physician here for nearly half a century, was born in Braintree, December, 1806; graduated at Columbia College, and studied medicine at Har- vard. He came to Ouincy in 1830, and married Abagail F. Brigham, in 1842. His first ofiice was on that favorite corner in Mrs. Briesler's house. We read from the '' History of Norfolk County " " that at the time of his death, in 1880, he was the oldest practitioner in Norfolk county. He was skilful and successful, possessing great judgment and decision, and he always inspired confidence. He was kind, charitable, and faithful. His relig- ious belief was that of the Unitarians. He was deeply interested in the progress of art and dis- coveries of science. His opinions were tena- ciously held and fearlessly expressed. If his prejudices were strong, they were not invincible. His dislike of ostentation led him to veil beneath a somewhat cold exterior, generosity of character and tenderness of feeling. He was a sincere Christian, a firm friend, and thoroughly upright." This is a noble record. He left two sons, James H., a tradesman, and Joslah B., the talented organist in the Stone Church for so many years. Dr. George Newcomb, son of Deacon John Newcomb, was born at Braintree Neck In 18 10. He first went to school in Framingham, after- wards graduating from Amherst College, studying with Dr. Lewis, of Boston. He took his medical 12 degree in 1836, married Miss Packard, daughter of William Packard, and after short practice in Braintree, came to Quincy and opened a drug store in the New Town House. His widow, who was his senior, still lives, and we found her work- ing in her garden. She told us many pleasant incidents of his early aptitude in study, and of his more early life in hospitals in Boston. Dr. William G. Pattee was born in Bath, Maine, 1824. He received his medical degree from Harvard College, and began active practice in Quincy in 1850, relinquishing it on failing health in i860. He then opened a drug store, and one brother practitioner writes us that his preparation for relief in cholera was a valuable, if not the most valuable, one. He was deeply in- terested in historical matters, and wrote the " His- tory of Old Braintry." He took a peculiar interest in the public schools. He delivered the address at the opening of the Mount WoUaston Cemetery, and lies buried in the lot upon which he then stood. He was married, October, 1853, to Mary E. Appleton, niece of Dr. Woodward's wife ; and two children, W. G. A. Pattee, now a lawyer in Quincy, and Mrs. Elizabeth G. Peterson, survive him. During these years Dr. William Bugbee, who married a daughter of Lloyd G. Horton, came to Quincy, serving as postmaster for a term of years. 13 Dr. Goodnow came to Quincy in 1850, living with his family, consisting only of a wife who was a confirmed invalid, in the famous square for phy- sicians, by the town pump. The house stood on the site of the present Robertson House. He was what was known as an old Thomsonian doctor. He kept a drug store in connection with his work. Dr. Harden also lived in the same square at the same time. With regret, his record is incom- plete now, but our schoolmates remember him and his family pleasantly. Many remember the old drug store kept by Mrs. Hayden and Miss Myra Marsh for so many years. Their intelligence and skill in learn- ing the virtues of the drugs they dispensed en- sured them frequent audiences of the physicians. From ceiling to floor, in seemingly inaccessible places, they drew forth everything in their line that could be thought of, educing some sem- blance of order from that conglomerate mass of articles. Dr. Henry Martyn Saville came from East Boston, his birthplace, to our town, in 1858. He was a graduate from Dartmouth, and took his degree of medicine from the University of Penn- sylvania in March, 1857. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he was appointed surgeon of the old Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, and went to 14 Fortress Monroe. He resumed professional work later here, but after his marriage with Miss Car- ruth, of Boston, he located in Chester park. His energy and ambition at length forced him to give up activities, on account of failing health, and to seek strength, which, alas, did not come. Return- ing from a winter in Egypt, he brought back all of his old-time lustre ; but it faded here, and he died in 1879, in New York. Dr. Woodward said his charm of manner alone would win success in practice. He loved his chosen profession, and he had a facility of winning friends such as few possessed. He cannot be forgotten by those who were privileged to know him. It seems almost strange that medical men should fail to apply the precepts they seek to teach, to themselves. '' Phy- sician, heal thyself," is not often a realization. William Lyman Faxon was born in Ouincy. He studied medicine with Dr. Henry M. Saville, and was appointed Assistant Surgeon to the Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, in 1 86 1. He graduated from the Harvard Medical School in March, 1862, and was appointed Assist- ant Surgeon of the Thirty-second Regiment, Mas- sachusetts Volunteers, in June, 1862. He was promoted Surgeon in June of the following year, and served with distinction until the close of the war. He established, and was chief officer of, the Fifth Corps Hospital at City Point, Va., dur- 15 ing the last part of his service. He resided in Chicago five years, and returned to accept the position of Superintendent of the National Sailors' Home (one of Boston's private charities, situated in Ouincy, on the old Fenno farm), in the spring of 1 87 1, where he still resides. He was active in establishing the Board of Health and the Quincy Water Works. Dr. James G. Shannon's name brings pleasant recollections. He is in the line of the Saville family, which furnished one of the earliest physi- cians. He was born in Quincy, June 17, 1843, and graduated from the Harvard Medical School just before the war. During those sad years he served well in hospitals in Philadelphia, although he was so very young. He had an office a short time in what we remember as the Holden House, in Temple street, but soon left and went to Oak- ham, Mass. Subsequently he went to Rutland, near by, maintaining for many years an extensive country practice, which ultimately impaired his health. After brave resistance he died in an asy- lum in Worcester, Dec. 29, 1889. He was mar- ried, and his widow, but no children, survives him. Another Quincy boy. Dr. FRANK Saville, took the degree of medicine from Harvard, but we have been unable to trace his steps. He set- tled somewhere in New York, and has not been identified with Quincy. 16 Dr. John H. Gilbert was born in Atkinson, N.H. He pursued his early studies in Hanover, N.H., at Dartmouth College, graduating also from the Tremont Medical College (now Harvard) in 1853. He settled in Weymouth, and practised there three years ; then removing to Huntington, Mass., remaining there a year and a half, but going back to Weymouth at the request of the most prominent families there. At the time of Dr. Woodward's declining health, he came to Quincy, — in 1862. He first lived in the old favorite locality of physicians, — the space oppo- site the town pump, or the old Marsh House, — but later removed to the *' square," where he has since lived, occupying with his family now the house that was so long the location of the Quincy Stone and National Granite banks. Mr. Rice knighted him with the title of Veteran Physician, which he has justly won, as he is the oldest practitioner in the city. He has been active in the work of the Board of Health, and in organizing our hospital. He is still a close student, and devoted to the love of his chosen profession. He is President of the Norfolk South District Medical Society, and has been Medical Examiner for Norfolk County eight years. Dr. Edward Russell graduated from the Harvard Medical School in July, 1862. He was commissioned Assistant Surgeon Twenty-sixth 17 Massachusetts Volunteers the same year, serving later in the Fourth Louisiana Regiment, and later in the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry Volunteers. He was mustered out with the regiment in Rich- mond, Va., 1865. He kept a drug store for many years in Newton, but since relinquished practice, having failing health for a term. At present he is a resident of Quincy, his old home. *' Dr. Joseph Underwood died at his home in Quincy, April i, 1881. He was born in Charles- town in 1820. He taught school in Framingham, North Easton, and Dedham, and then in his twen- ty-fourth year entered the Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1847. Directly after finishing his course he located in West Cambridge, and began there what proved to be a very successful career. " For twelve years he lived in West Cambridge, now Arlington, happy, prosperous, and universally esteemed. " During the civil war he volunteered his ser- vices, and was at once sent to the Army of the Potomac. '' It was under a high sense of duty that he per- formed this act, and nobly he fulfilled all the responsibility involved. *' When taken prisoner in the Seven days' battle, it was given him to choose freedom or to go on to Richmond with the wounded boys. He chose the latter, on condition that he should not be confined. 18 The condition was soon disregarded, and he was thrown Into LIbby Prison, where he contracted a violent disease. " His death seemed Imminent, and he was re- leased, reaching his home In a very debilitated condition. Under the careful treatment of his wife he gradually recovered, and at the end of three months, reporting for duty, he was assigned for hospital service. ''At Fort Delaware the duties were so exacting, and the surroundings so painful, that he again broke down in health, and was obliged to abandon military life. Then In 1865 he removed to Quincy, where he soon established a lucrative homoeopathic practice, and won wide respect for his sympathy, his manly sincerity, and his public spirit. " A large circle laments the death of the beloved physician. His widow and two children survive him." — Harvaj'd Register, by D. M. Wilson. Dr. H. Salls writes from Danville Junction, Maine, that he was born in New York State, and educated at Ann Arbor and Cleveland, Ohio, taking his medical degree in homoeopathy there In 1879. He came to Quincy In April, 1882, and remained three years. Failing health compelled him to pass his winters In California since. He has retired from active practice. Dr. James Morrison, who came to Quincy In lune, 1869, was born In Peterborough, N.H., 19 June 20, 1818. His earliest years were those of comparative hardship. He entered Exeter Academy in 1836, but was compelled by illness to leave off study. He resumed it later, and gradu- ated from Harvard in 1844, to go to Baltimore, receiving his medical diploma in 1846, being appointed resident physician in an infirmary there. His first practice was in California, where he re- mained a few years ; then going to Europe, passing his time in medical studies in Paris. In 1858 he helped to organize the first medical school on the Pacific coast, and was Professor there five years. He was member of very many so- cieties. He won strong adherents in our commu- nity, and no physician was ever more beloved by patients or by friends. A full and interesting ac- count of his life and work can be found i-i the history of the Morrison family, in our public library. He died at his home on Hancock street, May 27, 1882. His wife and two children survive him. Dr. James Frederic Harlow was born in Boston. In childhood he attended the Mayhcw School, Dam and Hardy's Academy, Mr. Whit- ney's private school, and the Salem-street School. Later he went to Hampton, N.H., Academy. He matriculated at Harvard in the class of 1847, and began his medical life in Boston, where he 20 worked assiduously until failing health forced him to seek a more secluded home, which he found in a beautiful spot in Quincy, among the hills, sheltered from harsh winds. His practice in Quincy continued until his death, in 1889. He was one who never ceased to learn, and he will not soon be forgotten. He has one son in the West, and his remaining three children, with their mother, and his brothers, the Rev. Mr. Harlow and Edwin Harlow, M.D., still live in the home- stead. Dr. Edwin Harlow goes to the city only to see special patients. Dr. John Alexander Gordon was born in Prince Edward Island. His early education was secured in the public and private schools there, and in the Prince of Wales College. He studied medicine in the Harvard Medical School from 1866 to 1869, was medical interne in the City Hospital, Boston, in 1870, receiving his degree in March, 1871. He settled in Quincy in July, 1871, taking an office first in the Hayward House, known to us as the Holden House, soon after purchasing the Marsh estate on Hancock street, where he has lived ever since. He has gained a very large practice here. His activity has led him into other channels. With Dr. Faxon, he succeeded in se- curing a public supply of water in Quincy. He was the first chairman of the Board of Health, and has been most active in organizing our new 21 hospital. Next to Dr. Gilbert, his professional work has extended over more years than any other medical man among us. Dr. Mary K. Gale, the only woman physician who really has practised here, came to Wollaston in 1874. Her successful practice places her in the list of veterans. She was born in Amherst, N.H., receiving her earlier education in Woon- socket, R.I., and at the Norton Wheaton Female Seminary. She graduated from the Boston Uni- versity in 1877. She is now located at 10, Colum- bus square, Boston, having sold her practice here to Dr. Rice. She left, and retains a large circle of friends. Dr. Lorenzo Fowler Butler's name brings the memory of a pure, strong man, possessing clear perceptions and advanced opinions upon all topics, yet with a sweetness in expressing them that won all hearts. He was born in Martha's Vineyard, receiving his early education there. Later, he entered his father's office, and graduated from the Boston University. He came to Quincy in 1877, took his office in the favorite square by the town pump. He married the youngest daughter of the late John C. Randall. Soon after, from seem- ing perfect health, he suddenly failed, and died after a sad illness, which defied the skill of many physicians. That so beautiful a character was lost so early was a source of sorrow to all who 22 knew him. Had his Hfe been spared, he would have been a notable person to have levelled dis- tinctions between opposing schools. Dr. Samuel M. Donovan, residing with his family on Gay street, is one of our veterans. He was born in Boston, obtaining his earliest educa- tion in her schools. He graduated from the Har- vard Medical School in 1879, coming to Quincy in August of that year. He is our first city physi- cian, and he was also the first to organize sys- tematic care of the poor in Quincy. He is also a member of our Board of Health. Accomplished in mind and person. Dr. Donovan wins friends wherever he goes. Dr. Joseph M. Sheehan was born in South Braintree, being a pupil in our High School in 1866, attending the Boston Latin School in 1869, and graduating from Harvard University in 1873. He passed the succeeding six years in schools and medical universities in Paris, France, where he took his medical degree in 1879. He returned to take up active professional work in Quincy in January, 1880. He resides with his family upon Summer street. He, is Chairman of the Board of Health now, a member of the School Committee, and he is preeminently devoted to the profession he honors. He is one of our veterans in practice. Dr. John Frederick Welch begins his second decade of practice, and his term of service places 23 him among the veterans. Born in Boston, Mass., his earher education was obtained in her pubHc schools and in Chauncy Hall. He took his medi- cal diploma from Bellevue Hospital, New York, in 1880, coming to Quincy in July of that year. He has shown qualities that ensure success, un- daunted courage, individuality, and reserve power. He occupies the house known as the White Homestead, on Hancock street, with his family. He was Secretary of the Board of Health for two years, and is Secretary of the South Norfolk District Medical Society. Dr. Frank S. Davis, who has made so many friends both in professional and private life, came to Quincy, August, 1880, being now one of the veterans. He was born in Hinsdale, N.H., and graduated from the Boston University in 1878, locating first in East Milton. He resides in the brick block on Chestnut street. Dr. George VV. Huse, a graduate from the Newburyport High School, after receiving collegi- ate honors from Harvard University graduated from the Harvard Medical School, and came to Quincy, in Dr. Gordon's office, in 1884. He later took an office in West Quincy, remaining a short time, when he removed to Lynn. At present, with his family, he is in Arizona. Dr. p. K. Brown, of West Quincy, was born in Ipswich, Mass. His early education was in 24 Ipswich and Hopkinton Academies. He was in Colby University, Dartmouth, three years, in Belle- vue Medical College, and afterward in College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he graduated. He located in Quincy in 1886, and his address is lOi, Copeland street. Dr. Samuel Crowell came to Quincy in 1886, but we soon lost him as an actual presence, although he is a pleasant memory among us. He is now at 754, Dudley street, Dorchester. He is a Harvard medical graduate. His family was from the Cape, but he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Dr. Roderick McLennan, who lives on Water street, South Quincy, came here in May, 1887. He was born at Hertsville, P.E.L, attending the public schools there, and matriculating at Prince of Wales College. He began medical studies at Trinity College, Toronto, Can., from which he received the degree of M.D.C.M. in 1887. In 1888 and 1889 he attended the Boston Polyclinic and Harvard Post Graduate courses. This is only a part of the honorable record Dr. McLennan has, and this alone ensures him a good position among the best educated of our physicians. Dr. Wellington H. Record was born in Buckfield, Maine. He graduated from the Brain- tree, Mass., High School. He received collegiate honors from Amherst College in 1877. He took the degree of medicine from the Bellevue 25 Hospital in New York. He came to Quincy in 1886, and lives and practises in Wollaston, already- taking a deservedly high rank among our elder physicians. Dr. George B. Rice, who lives and practises in Wollaston, was born in Westfield, Mass. In his early years he attended the Michigan University. He studied medicine in the Boston University, and came to Quincy in September, 1887. His liberal thought and study win him continued success. He has been generous in giving many charitable objects the benefit of his refined musical talents, and he is justly gaining professionally and so- cially. As he is building a house on Newport avenue, we may expect to retain him with us. Dr. Newton came here in about 1888, from Alpena, Mich., residing in the Patch House, on Elm street. He has made little efi"ort to establish any practice, although excellently trained for it. His family still lives here in the Patch House, on Elm street, while he travels in the drug business. Dr. G. W. Garey was born in East Wey- mouth, graduating from her High School, and entering the Boston University in 1886. He re- ceived the degree of M.D. in 1888, and of C.B. in 1889, coming to Quincy May i, 1889. He is building himself a house on Washington street. Miss Dr. Lovering took an office in Durgin and Merrill's block in 1889, bit did not remain. 26 Dr. Henry C. Hallo well was born in Ban- gor, Maine. He was fitted for college there. He is a graduate of the Colby University, also of the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. He practised in Auburn, Mass., and has been teacher and principal in schools in Methuen, Chicopee Falls, and Gloucester. He came to Quincy in 1889, succeeding Dr. Marstin. He, too, is making many friends. Dr. Nathaniel S. Hunting, our youngest and latest aspirant, came to Quincy, August, 1889. He is the son of Rev. Mr. Hunting, of the Uni- tarian faith. He was born in Detroit, Mich., studying in Antioch College, Ohio. He was a graduate from Harvard in the class of 1884, enter- ing its Medical School to receive his degree in 1887. He was in the Children's Hospital, and in 1888 was interne in the Boston City Hospital. He began professional work in Dr. Gordon's office. He has won in more fields than one, and his office is still with Dr. Gordon. The time since beginning these has not been sufficient to hear from all to whom word was sent, and the doctors have kept springing up in such unexpected places, that the incompleteness of the records will have to be excused, hoping in the future another may remedy this, should our citi- zens feel sufficient interest to desire it. 27 Dr. William M. Ogden came to Ouincy about 1867, living with Dr. Woodward, but remaining only a very few years. Dr. Small, an eclectic physician, was located here in the old Saville place a number of years. His record is necessarily deferred. Dr. Sherman was a partner of Dr. Small. Dr. Nichols is remembered pleasantly as com- ing here before 1870. He was associated with Dr. Stetson a little while. Dr. Sumner, at or about the same time, was in Ouincy, boarding with Miss Saunders, back of the Savings Bank. He was a homoeopathist. He died not long after his residence here. Dr. Downes was located at the corner of Edwards and Washington streets, and leaves pleas- ant recollections. He was here five years, and after leaving went into Dr. Thorndyke's office in Boston. Dr. Dam located in West Ouincy five years ago, but his present address has not been received. He was of the regular school, and a Harvard med- ical man. Dr. Thayer, a young physician now in Boston, came to Ouincy not many years ago, and of him we are obliged to defer the record. Dr. Sherman; we are obliged to defer the record. 28 Dr. Moses R. Greely, of South Weymouth, was also located in Quincy. He was born in Hudson, N.H. ; took his degree at Harvard Medi- cal School in 1850. His practice gave him a resi- dence in Boston, Charlestown, and Minneapolis. During the war he was Assistant Surgeon, Third Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers. He was in Quincy in 1867, and now practises in South Weymouth, and is a member of the South Norfolk District Medical Society. Looking at the routine of a busy physician's life, the program reads like this : If he has not been out all night, as often happens, his morning rest is broken by the door-bell mingling with the telephone, and he finds, when entering his office, written messages, and a number of early callers who take advantage of the fact that he may be visible, although it is not the office hour. He starts out for various points of the compass, re- turning to find more calls awaiting him. These disposed of, as time permits, he comes back to dinner, to find some more wise people who seek to avoid waiting by trying each to be first. Their presence and the renewed telephone and bell calls do not assist digestion. Each in turn is called with a gentle " next," until all are dismissed, when another procession of prudent ones, who think by coming late they can expedite matters, are at- tended to. I 29 Then the accumulated summons sends our Esculapius out on another campaign, to come back to supper, after which the afternoon's pro- gram is repeated. Evening sets in ; but no eight-hour law can give him rest until bedtime calls are finished. The sick babies, whose tiny thread of life is so feeble ; the aged, who must be coaxed into temporary strength to begin the weary night-watch ; the very ill, when acute disease assumes alarming propor- tions ; the steady invalids, whom a physician's word and presence stimulate to renewed courage and patience, — all these must be seen before his day's work is ended. Then there are some who send urgent messages at a late hour, and if one is very faithful, it some- times happens that after a long drive a doctor finds the household asleep, and cannot awaken the inmates. If a new life is awaited, he must prepare often for a weary watch, in many cases in confined air and amid uncomfortable surroundings. He must sometimes in cold weather kindle the fire and pre- pare nourishment ; he must supply delicacies and medicines ; arrange telephonic communications in emergencies ; secure nurse's and friends' attend- ance. When the solemn hour comes, he must be the stay and strength to the bereaved. It is he who gives us the signal that tender hopes are 30 realized, and that great joy has come to us as children are sent; or he must give the sign that the heart's hopes are deferred. It is for him that we watch the slow-moving hands on the dial, and when his quick, softened tread comes, we breathe more freely. As soon as he is an actual presence, strength has been renewed, and as soon as he has left, we begin to long for him again. Rest, recreation, — these must be snatched at mtervals. The concert, a social party, the inter- esting medical meetings, he must be prepared to relinquish often when he has started for them, gases there are, even in calls ; sometimes a patient forgets to recapitulate the daily bulletin of pains, real or imaginary. Sometimes the fond relatives forget to tell him the weak points in the family, how Uncle Hiram died, how long Aunt Susan lived with seven doctors, etc. In Charles Francis Adams' valuable article on Quincy in the - History of Norfolk County," we read that - The physical health was not in the old days what it has since become. People did not live so long then. As might have been expected, the drinking habits of the last century generated a class of diseases of their own. Fathers died be- tween forty and fifty. Rheumatism was more prevalent then than now," etc. No class of workers is more conscientious and unselfish than physicians, and no class gives more 31 gratuitously than they do. They are held at street corners, in raihvay trains, and in places of amuse- Sment, for information that should be sought else- where. As a rule, the pecuniary part of our obligations to them is not met promptly, and gratitude upon the part of the laymen is short- lived. We too soon forget how our faithful medi- cal attendant may have saved precious life by untiring, ceaseless care. At the time we are overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratitude, but these fade with the exigency that created them. The poet says, — God and the doctor we alone adore When on the brink of danger, not before ; The danger over, both ahke requited : God is forgotten and the doctor slighted. With a long and intimate acquaintance and ex- perience with physicians, we humbly close these imperfect notes with the injunction, — Honor thy physician." RESIDENT PHYSICIANS IN QUINCY, JUNE, 1890. John H. Gilbert John A. Gordon Samuel A. Donovan . Joseph M. Sheehan . John F. Welch . Frank A. Davis George B. Rice . P. K. Brown Roderick McLennan . Wellington H. Record Henry C. Hallowell G. W. Garey Nathaniel S. Hunting Hancock st. Hancock st. Gay St. Summer st. Hancock st. Chestnut st. Newport ave. Water st. Water st. Newport ave. Hancock st. Washington st. Hancock st. 'V ■ . lIMlir- ^^