INTERESTING BIOGRAPHIES OF
EARLY COLLIN COUNTY PHYSICIANS
VALUABLE HISTORICAL DOCUMENT AND REMINISCENCES BY DR. T. W. WILEY OF M’KINNEY
Early Doctors.
Daily Courier Gazette, Jan 1, 1910, Weekly Democrat, Jan.
6, 1910
By request, Dr. T. W. Wiley of this city, prepared and
read before the recent session of the Collin County Medical Society, the
following historical paper on the early practitioners of Collin County. Dr.
Wiley is one of the most prominent physicians of North Texas. He located in
McKinney soon after the war. Hence his personal recollections are interesting
and supplementing his own personal knowledge of early physicians, with data that
he procured from other sources, prepared an article of the utmost historical
nature to our county and our readers:
***
To the Officers and Members of the Collin County
Medical Association. Gentlemen:
At the October meeting of this Association, I suggested that if it met with your
approval I would at some future date give you a paper on the personnel of
medical profession in this, Collin county....
Gerald Alexander Foote, M. D.
was born in Fauqua county, Virginia, September 26th, 1826. At the age of 9 he
emigrated from Virginia to Noxube county, Mississippi with his parents. He
received his education at Centenary College, Mississippi. he began the study of
medicine at 18 years of age – at 19 moved to Texas, settled at Buckner, the
County Seat of Collin county, in 1845 and began the practice of medicine. He
graduated from Memphis Medical College in 1856. Dr. Foote was the pioneer
Medical Man of this county. His trips were long, tedious and often of several
days duration and upon his return he frequently found two or more couriers
waiting for him. Often he would slip into his home, greet his family cautiously
leave and go to his hiding place where he had blankets stored and get the
necessary sleep and rest, and then make his appearance, when he was immediately
required to begin another long and prolonged trip. He always went fully armed.
In 1846 was the contract surgeon of Capt. Wm. Fitzhugh’s Texas Rangers – his pay
was $5.00 per day in gold. His grandson, W. A. Rhea has Dr. Foot’s original
letter of acceptance, given him by Capt. Fitzhugh’s family after Fitzhugh’s
death. It has been told to the writer that Dr. Foote received for his services
that year $1200.00 in gold, that he had such confidence in the future of this
country that he put every dollar of that money in land, at the then prevailing
price of 25 cents per acre. He was a large land owner and it made him very
wealthy. He was surgeon in Col. Wm. Young’s 11th Texas Cavalry, Confederate
States Army. Report has it that he served in the Mexican War. If so the writer
has not been able to verify it by individuals or records.
During the fifties there were three separate Epidemics in the valley of the
Mississippi River – cannot recall date of either.
The first was Yellow Fever. The Doctor immediately proceeded to Natchez or
Memphis (I think Natchez) and tendered to that community his professional
services, which they accepted and he served faithfully, and well until near the
close, when he was stricken, but recovered, to return to McKinney and resumed
his work.
The next Epidemic was Cholera. He again hastened to the field and served again;
this time, to the end. He escaped the dreaded pestilence.
The next Epidemic was Smallpox in a virulent form. He was again found doing his
duty to the stricken people with satisfaction to that people and credit to
himself until near the close, when he was stricken. He had the disease in mild
form, Veraloid; he having been vaccinated. After recovering - he returned and
took up his professional work and continued until the war of ‘61-5.
While this paper is much longer than intended, cannot refrain from giving two or
more incidents that testify to the nobility of the man.
He did not resume the practice of medicine after the close of the war but
engaged in the mercantile business – both dry goods and drugs. In 1880 he was
one of the organizers of the Collin County National Bank – was its first
president, and held that position for 20 years. Died at his home in McKinney,
July 16th, 1902. He was one of the vanguards of Civilization and made the path
smooth for those who have and that will follow after him. He was a Knights
Templar Mason and a member of the Episcopal church.
***
James Madison Feland, M. D.
was born in Danville, Kentucky, March 28th, 1822 – completed his medical course
at Kentucky Medical College in 1844; moved to Collin county, Texas, same year
and settled on farm four miles west of McKinney. Never followed his profession
except as an Obstetrician – died as his home December 24,th 1894, surrounded by
his family. He had the confidence of all who knew him.
***
James W. Throckmorton,
Doctor, Legislator, Governor, Statesman – Was born in Sparta, Tenn. on February
1, 1825. Acquired early education: Cumberland College, Princeton, Ky. Of his
early life as a Medical student your essayist can not get at the absolute facts,
but in the Mexican war we find him acting as Surgeon in Major Mike Chevallies
Rangers. We also find that he came to Collin county with his father in 1841, who
died October 1843. In 1844 he went to Kentucky and studied under his uncle, Dr.
James E. Throckmorton, and early after the Mexican War relocated in Collin
county and followed his profession until 1859, when he retired, but during these
years, he studied law and was engaged in politics, as he was elected to the
Lower House of the Texas Legislature in 1851, ‘53 and ’55, and in 1857 was
elected to the Senate for four years, and he at all times took a decided stand
in favor of giving encouragement to construction of railroads and the endowment
of our public schools through grants of public lands. You will find his masterly
genius all through the legislation on these subjects for years. To no legislator
or citizen are the people of Texas more indebted for our present development in
internal improvements, that to Dr. James W. Throckmorton. He was elected a
member of the Secession Convention, and when the question of Secession came to a
vote he voted “No,” and it is said that some one hissed and he immediately arose
and pointing at the party said: “Mr. President, the rabble may hiss, while
patriots tremble.” The convention rose as one man and gave him cheer after
cheer. He served through the war with distinction and after the war (June 1866)
was elected Governor, inaugurated August 8, 1866, served the State with fidelity
and was removed from the office by military order 9th of August 1867. He
returned to his home and resumed his law practice, but was called by his people
to serve two terms in Congress. Then again declined but was again called to
serve in the 48th and 49th Congress and was elected with unprecedented
majorities, he refused re-election and retired to private life and died in 1894,
honored, loved and mourned by those people.
***
Benj. M. E. Smith, A. M. M. D.,
was a native of Tennessee, born June 26th, 1816, Died in McKinney, Collin
county, Texas, November 20th, 1886 in his 71st year. Dr. Smith had a classical
education: after graduating he moved to Kentucky, taught school and began the
study of medicine under Dr. Anthony Hunn; continued his studies with the Medical
Department of Transylvania University of Kentucky, graduated from that
institution in the spring of 1844. He took up his work immediately locating in a
Quaker settlement in Illinois. Remained in that community for two years, moved
to Liberty, Mo., and formed a partnership with his precepter, Dr. Hunn, who had
moved to Missouri in the meantime, and began the practice of medicine, and
continued it up to the change of location in 1855, at which time he settled in
McKinney, Texas, opened an office at once and was soon enjoying a remunerative
practice, and soon became the leading physician, and remained the leading
physician until he retired from active practice April 1st, 1882. He was always a
student with a retentive memory, up to his death. The writer was for 12 years
his partner, and found him to be a generous, affable, lovable, noble and honest
man. He was a splendid Diagnostician and successful practitioner; had a large
clientele extending over a large territory – his trips were long and tiresome.
In his time he was the consultant of nearly, if not all, the physicians of
Collin county and the bordering counties. He had their respect and confidence
and he deserved it. While in active practice he was always prompt to respond to
the cry of the distressed, without stopping to enquire as to their ability or
willingness to pay. He was one of Nature’s Noblemen.
***
Henry Dye, M. D. was
born Sept 30th, 1830, in Oldham county, Kentucky. He was educated in the common
schools of that State. Commenced the study of Medicine at an early age. Attended
his first course of Medical Lectures at one of the Louisville, Kentucky,
schools, in 1848; came to Collin county same year. Settled at Plano, opened an
office and at once began a lucrative practice. In the fall of 1857 he took
another course of lectures in the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, from which school he graduated in the spring of 1858, returned to
Plano and resumed his professional duties, and continued them until November
1877 – his health failed him; he closed his house and with his family went to
South Texas, remained until August following – he finding the trip was not
improving him, he returned to the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. H. Bowman, of
Plano, Texas, and there on the 10th day of August 1878 this spirit returned to
the God who gave it. Dr. Dye was the first physician to locate at Plano. His
death was universally mourned – they knew they had lost a true friend and a
worthy man, as well as an able physician. He was one of those who did not
measure his services by the yard, but responded to the cry of the distressed. To
know him well was to love him.
***
Harvey Marshall Markham, M. D.
was born in Potetount county, Virginia, in 1829. He had an Academic education,
acquired at Princeton, Kentucky, Cumberland College – worked as a farm hand
during Saturdays and vacation, Studied medicine and graduated from the Medical
Department of the University of Nashville, Tennessee. In 1854 he moved to Texas,
stopped at Whitewright, Grayson county, for a short time, then moved to
Farmersville, Collin county, in 1854 – opened an office and began the practice
of Medicine, with unvaried success: he retired in 1870. He took a Post Graduate
course in the Vanderbilt University in 1875. He was also engaged in the
mercantile business in Farmersville. In 1876 he moved to McKinney and did a
mercantile business – Board & Markham, until the Collin County National bank was
organized in 1880. He was one of that number, became a director and served as
such until his death, which took place at his residence, March 25th, 1891. The
writer saw him often during his last illness and was present at his death. He
was a man of force, a man with push, who believed in doing things as shown by
his early struggles, when he worked for the means to educate himself. These are
the men that always do something. Don’t know what his estate footed up but have
always understood it was large. As said before he was one who did something and
he played an important part in shaping and smoothing the paths that you are I
are treading.
***
Reuben A. Taylor, M. D.
was born in Caldwell county, Kentucky, May 2nd, 1833. Was
reared in Clark and Fayette counties, Kentucky and until 15 years of age
assisted in his father’s store as clerk. He then began the study of Medicine
until 20 – moved to Texas in 1853 – settled at Weston and began practice. Moved
to Millwood in 1856. In 1880 he took a course of lectures at Louisville,
Kentucky and graduated, returned to MIllwood and resumed the practice and in
1889 moved to Nevada and practiced in connection with his drug business. He died
July 15th, 1891. He was an affable gentleman and had the unbounded confidence of
his people, as a man as well as a skillful physician.
***
William Dixon Lair, M. D.
was born in Adair county, Kentucky in 1814. Was educated
in the common schools of his native State. Acquired his medical education at the
medical department of the Transylvania University in 1835. Settled at Jamestown,
Russell county, Kentucky and began the practice of medicine and continued until
1857. He moved to Texas settling in Grayson county, then in 1858 moved to Collin
county and settled on a farm near Anna, where he resided, superintending his
farming interests and practicing medicine until his death, June 3rd, 1887, after
years of faithful and efficient service. He was a man of more than average
ability , a fine conversationalist, kind neighbor and a successful practitioner
and enjoyed a large practice. He also had political aspirations, was elected to
the Legislature for Collin and Denton counties – was a staunch church member,
also a Mason.
***
Dr. Alvin Charles Lacy
was born in the city of New York in 1805, acquired his literary and Medical
education in his native city, began the practice of medicine there. Moved to
Concord, Illinois, remained there following his profession until he moved to
Collin county in 1859. Settled about 8 miles north of McKinney on a farm,
superintending his farm as well as attending to his professional duties, making
trips as far as Bonham, Texas. He died on his farm surrounded by his relatives
and friends April 14th, 1883. The writer not having the honor of a personal
acquaintance with Dr. Lacy and not succeeding in learning more of his life, am
necessarily compelled to give an unsatisfactory account of his medical history.
***
Bereman S. Shelburne, M. D.
was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, May 10th, 1817; he was reared in Spencer
county, Kentucky, on a farm and received a common school education. In 1836,
when 19 years old, he began the study of medicine with Dr. F. B. Collins, and
graduated in Medicine from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1839. He
commenced the practice of medicine in his native state, Kentucky, and practiced
in Taylorsville, Bradfordsville and in Nelson county, until 1857, at which time
he moved to Texas and settled at Lebanon, Collin county, Texas, where he was
constantly engaged in the practice of medicine until he was compelled to abandon
it on account of poor health in 1885. He was a large land owner and devoted his
time to his large farming interests until his death. In 1862 he was commissioned
a surgeon and was assigned to Cavalry regiment C. S. A. but was soon made
Brigade Surgeon by General Albert Pike. He served as Brigade Surgeon about seven
months and resigned, his wife having sickened and died. He stood high in the
profession and had unvaried success. He had political aspirations and served
Collin county in the Legislature sessions 1869, ‘70, ‘71 and ‘72 with
distinction. Dr. Shelburne was a courteous and lovable man.
***
James Wilson, M. D.
was born May 8th in 1821 in Lexington, Tenn. His literary education was acquired
in Murray county, Tennessee. In early life he acquired a taste for the study of
Medicine; at 12 years he began to read medicine with his father John A. Wilson,
M. D. He graduated at the Memphis Medical Institute in 1849. His father was a
Professor in that Institution. After graduating he came to Texas and located in
the fall of 1849 at Bonham, Fannin county. In 1857 he moved to Plano, where he
resided and devoted his time to the practice of his profession with unvarying
success; until his death in 1904. He was quite a devout Christian and frequently
preached, in fact was an ordained minister. He was a man of striking
personality. He stood high in the Masonic fraternity. He was a great-grandson of
James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and a
Revolutionary War Veteran.
***
Dr. Jacob Stogsdale
was born in Indiana, July 13th, 1825. Cannot learn anything about his early life
– not about when or where he graduated in Medicine. He moved to Weston about
1855. Commenced to practice medicine soon afterwards and continued up to his
death September 25th, 1872. Dr. Lair and the writer were present at his death.
He was a large and portly man and was universally liked by the people of that
community for his congeniality and sterling worth as a man and Doctor. He was
missed by that community.
***
Dr. James Laf. Leslie
was born in Monroe county, Alabama, January 20th, 1825. He was a son of Andrew
M. and Jane (Liddie) Leslie, who were from Pickens District, South Carolina, and
of Irish descent. Dr. Leslie began the study of medicine in 1844 with Dr. Liddie,
attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; also attended
College at New Orleans.
Dr. Leslie located at Carthage, Mississippi in 1847, practiced until 1850, then
moved to Lamar county, Texas: in 1853 moved to Collin county, Texas, two miles
south of Van Alstyne, devoting his entire time to the practice of Medicine. In
1848 was married to Miss Ellen L. Jack by whom he had four children, all living.
Dr. Leslie professed religion and became a member of the Methodist church in
1848, and always held responsible positions in that organization, helps – an
energetic worker in the Sunday Schools. He was a member of the I. O. O. F.,
having joined that order in 1847, and a Master Mason and a member of all
Temperance Societies. Died at Van Alstyne, September the 8th, 1897.
***
Geo. W. Patterson, M. D.
A native of Ohio and think he was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in about 1842 or 1843. Born about 1820. Don’t know
when he came to Texas, but before the War of ‘61-‘65.
While he was a thorough conscientious Union man he served his adopted State in
medical department with fidelity during that unpleasantness– returned to Pilot
Grove, resumed the practice of medicine and in 1866 moved to McKinney, where he
lived and practiced until his death, August 1st, 1884. He was one of the most
conscientious and thorough gentlemen that I have ever known. Honest, kind and
considerate. I had the honor to be his partner for a short time during 1867.
***
Dr. Allen Hill Neathery
was born in Arkansas, August 11th, 1833. In the fall of
1837 he moved with his parents to Texas, settling on a farm in Lamar county. He
acquired his education in the school of the neighborhood of his home, with ten
months in Paris High School. The rudiments of his education was due to his
mother who taught him the Webster Old Blue Wooden Back Speller and Reader, so
thoroughly that he, at 6 years of age, could spell and pronounce every word in
the speller correctly. His first reader, was the Testament; his teacher was a
little surprised when he brought it but as it was all that he had, said:
“Alright, some of the words you will find rather odd and difficult to pronounce,
yet the lessons learned will be profitable.” The Doctor assures me he has found
that his teacher was correct. He began the study of medicine in 1853 under Dr.
John Pettus of Paris; attended lectures at the Medical Department of the
University of Nashville, Tennessee, session 1855-‘56. Located in Paris, Texas,
March 10th, 1856, remained there until the 22nd day of June, and on June 26th,
he tacked up his “shingle” on a clap-board shanty in what is now Farmersville.
He pretty soon was doing a satisfactory work in his chosen profession and has
accumulated quite a competency. He has also carried on a mercantile business. He
retired from active practice about 1886. He was one of the organizers of the
First National Bank at Farmersville in 1887, was the first president and holds
that position at this time. He is quite a man of affairs, is a large land owner.
Dr. Neathery is unselfish, has always been unselfish and was never envious and
jealous of his competitors, thought there was work and room for all and had a
good word for the young man and Doctor.
***
Duncan Thompson Pardue, M. D.
was born in Monroe, Perry county, Mississippi March 25th, 1843. Moved with his
parents to August, Mississippi in 1849. Educated in his native state at Enon
High School, Perry county and Salem High School, Greene county. Began the study
of medicine in Dr. B. F. Holt’s office in 1859. Graduated from the Baltimore
Medical College in the spring of 1863; after graduating he immediately sought
the Southern Army; was commissioned an Assistant Surgeon and was assigned to
duty with the 6th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, remaining with that command
until the close of the War. Returning to his home found everything in waste,
Negroes freed, stock driven off and a regiment of negro troops in his town. He
had a hard experience with them, arrested and fined on trivial charges; was so
annoyed that he, with two brothers and an intimate friend on August 8th, 1865
started for Texas, arriving on October 8th, he rented a farm 4 ½ miles north of
McKinney, opened an office and did some practice in connection with his farming.
July 1866 returned to Mississippi and in September he with his mother, brother,
widowed sister and her three children started for Texas in wagons. In October
settled 7 miles northeast from McKinney on a farm. He continued to practice
medicine in connection with his farming with success until October 1884, when he
retired and moved to McKinney and engaged in the lumber business. After a few
years he gave that up and is living happily at his home with his family and his
old cob pipe.
***
Dr. Moses Hubbard was
born in Virginia, July 31st, 1827. At 9 years old moved with his family to
Warren county, Missouri. Graduated from McDowell Medical & Surgical College; was
taught by the great Epham McDowell – July 26th, 1859. Settled in Collin county,
in 1866, northwest of Rhea’s Mill. Died May 26th, 1906. Was loved by all who
came in contact with him, was courteous, kind and obliging to all. A good man
and kind physician.
***
William Hartwell Pierce, M. D.
Was born in Sumner county, Tenn., September 3, 1833. Studied medicine and
graduated at Medical Department of University of Nashville in 1857. Came to
Texas in 1857 and settled at Weston, Collin county, and commenced the practice
of medicine and continued until 1859, when he went to a Manual Training School,
Chickasaw nation near Tishomingo, Indian Territory, was the physician there;
moved from there and located at Pilot Grove, Grayson county, in 1861, and
resumed the practice of his profession. Joined the Confederate army in 1861 as
second lieutenant of Capt. Baker’s company, attached to Hardman’s Regiment. He
acted as assistant surgeon for that regiment nearly or quite all the time, but
would rejoin the company when it went into battle; he returned home in the
winter of 1864-5; resumed his practice and continued with unvaried success until
his assassination on the morning of February 23, 1867. He lingered until the
27th, when he “crossed over the river to the beyond.” This death was the first,
and was the second person wounded in the historic Lee and Peacock feud. The
writer did not have the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Dr. Pierce, but
was told by those who knew him well, that he was a kind, courteous and worthy
man as was he an able physician.
***
Dr. Morrison. Can
learn but little about Dr. Morrison. He moved to Weston in 1846. Where he came
from or anything about his early life, I do not know nor have I been able to
inform myself except that he was a Scotchman, therefore I take it for granted he
was a considerable man. He died at Denison. Do not know the date.
***
Goudelock, M. D. A
native of South Carolina. A graduate of the Charleston Medical College. Served
in Medical Department C. S. A. Came to McKinney, Texas, March 1867. Horse died
the following June. Early in July he got his belongings across his shoulder,
knap sack fashion, and left McKinney for his native state. Never heard from him
since. He was the first man to settle in McKinney after I did.
***
Dr. W. C. Holmes Was
born in Abbeville District, South Carolina, Nov. 10, 1840; moved to Holmes
county, Miss., with his father’s family Dec. 24, 1848. He was raised on cotton
plantation. Entered Academic Department of University of Virginia in 1859, from
the University in 1861, enlisted as a private soldier in Confederate army, going
up from private to officer, and in 1864 became captain of his company and was
wounded in the right shoulder at New Hope Church, Georgia, May 28, 1864,
necessitating the resection of upper humerus. He had an eventful experience
following that battle. Taught school after the war, studied medicine and
graduated March 12, 1867 in New Orleans, La., Located at Pilot Grove in Grayson
county, April 27, 1867, and moved to Blue Ridge, Collin county, August 4, 1867
and on July 25, 1868 moved back to Pilot Grove. He was the first doctor to
settle in the neighborhood of Blue Ridge. In 1882 he went to Trenton and retired
from practice in 1888 or 1889. He is now editing a newspaper and enjoying life,
loved and respected.
***
Joseph E. Dulaney, M. D.
Was born in Blountville, Tenn., January 17, 1830. Received his literary
education at Jefferson Academy in his native town and spent two years at Emery
and Henry College, Virginia. Read medicine under his father, Dr. Wm. R. Dulaney.
His first course of lectures was at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia in
1851-2, his second at Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky., ‘53-4, from which
he graduated with honors. His third at the University of New York ‘54-55– from
which he also graduated. Engaged in practice in his native town and entered into
an extensive practice up to the Civil War, 1861-5. He joined the first company
raised in his county as a private. He was soon commissioned a surgeon of his
regiment, the 19th Tennessee C. S. Army and served with distinction until the
end of the war. Just before the surrender he was captured with a camp of wounded
in Kentucky and held for a long time after the surrender of all the armies
charged with treason; after his release returned to his home and attempted to
resume the practice of medicine was found conditions such that he moved to Texas
locating in ____ [sic] June of 1867, at Rowlett Creek Church, Collin county, in
1868; moved to Lebanon and formed a co-partnership with Dr. B. S. Shelburne and
remained there until the winter of 1872-3, when he took a post-graduate course
in New York City. Returned to Texas, settled in McKinney, and on account of
declining health moved back to Bristol, Tenn., in 1874, and died in Blountville,
his native town, September 8, 1877. He was of a family of doctors: his father
and grandfather were eminent physicians, and he built up an enviable reputation
as a skillful surgeon. He was a model man and we hazard nothing when we say he
had but few superiors and fewer equals.
***
John F. Butler, M. D.
Was born in Roane county, Tenn., Oct. 16, 1836; was reared in Roane and Meigs
counties, and received an academic education. He was in school and teaching
until the war opened; joined the army in 1861, was made lieutenant, and in ‘62
was made captain of his company, Co. F, 26th Tenn. Infantry, and served with
distinction until the end of the war. After the war he went to Bartow county,
Georgia, taught school and read medicine and graduated from the University of
Louisville in 1871. Located near Wylie, Collin county, same year, where he has
made a success, respected by all for his sterling worth. May he live one and on.
***
Edward N. McAulay, M. D.
Born in North Carolina April 28, 1838. Educated at
Davidson College, North Carolina. Graduated at one of the New York City schools
of Medicine in 1862; served in the army of the confederacy as an assistant
surgeon until the close of the war; returned to his home in North Carolina,
practiced medicine until he moved to Texas. Settled in McKinney in March 1873;
and in 1875 in connection with Dr. Alonzo Sims established a drug business,
retiring from practice in 1879 and in 1895 sold out and retired from business.
Died in [July 12] 1903. Was one of the organizers of the Collin County National
bank; was its vice president up to short time before his death, except one year,
when he was its president. Dr. McAuley was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
***
Andrew Gullett, M. D.
Born in Delaware in 1828. Moved with his father’s family when quite small to
Indiana. Received common school education, read medicine and graduated from the
Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio — in 18509 Located in Indiana and
practiced in connection with his drug business for number of years; moved to
Missouri and at the breaking out of the war entered Confederate army and served
in the medical department until the close. Settled in Arkansas, moved from there
to McKinney in 1869, and resumed the practice and retired in 1875. Again went
into the drug business. Died July 15, 1893.
***
Dewitt Clinton Pardue, M. D.
Was born in Monroe, Perry county, Miss., and at 7 years old moved with his
parents to Augusta, Miss. His literary education was acquired at Salem, Green
county, Miss. Served in the Confederate States army as a private and was wounded
at Vicksburg, Miss. Taken prisoner confined in Rock Island prison and was
released after the war ended. Returned home in the latter part of August 1865,
came to Texas, returned to Mississippi in July 1866; remained until August and
returned to Texas and began school teaching and reading medicine with his
brother, Dr. D. T. Pardue, and in 1869 graduated from Tulane Medical College,
New Orleans, La. Settled at Cedar Grove, Kaufman county, and remained there
until about 1871 when he removed to Collin county, and settled near Wylie. In
1905 he moved to Brashear, Hopkins county, where he is doing quite a lucrative
practice.
***
John McCarty, M. D.
Was born Feb. 8, 1836, in Marion county, Ky. This has been a remarkable man,
with his ill health and checkered life, to be living at this time. He has always
been a wholesouled, generous, cheerful man, who was and is loved by all for his
kindness and generosity. He was reared on a farm and his education was acquired
in the common schools of Kentucky. Began the study of medicine at 17; began the
practice at 23, near Vandalia, Ill., in 1856, but on account of bad health and
pulmonary hemorrhage had to abandon it and return to his Kentucky home. His
health somewhat improved, and with that indomitable energy, characteristic of
the man, returned to Illinois and resumed the practice of medicine in 1859. His
sympathizer being with the South, he returned to Kentucky in 1861, still in bad
health, and resumed the practice of medicine, until the Iron Clad Oath was
issued which all doctors were required to take in order to procure medicine, he
refused and went to farming. As soon as the war was over he resumed the practice
of his profession and continued until May 1868, when he started for Texas, and
in June he stopped at Kemp’s Ferry; remained there until late in the winter when
he began to have chills and hemorrhages. he went west and stopped at Jacksboro
(Fort Richardson) in 1869, when doctors had not only to carry their medicine
bags, but Winchester rifles and Colts’ revolvers, and have with them two or more
guards, as that time and locality was the worst of the Indian raids in Texas. In
the fall of 1871 he moved to McKinney, In 1873 he moved to Williamson county,
moved back to McKinney in February 1875, was a partner of Dr. Smith. Returned to
Williamson county in 1877; attended lectures in 1882 and 1883 at Louisville,
Ky., and graduated, and in April 1883 settled in McKinney. Was writer’s partner
1883-5. Was Dr. Gibson’s partner 1886 and up to the time he went to a farm 2
miles west of this city.. December 1892 he moved to Briggs, Burnett county,
where he has since resided; is in poor health; has quit the general practice,
but still does a prescription work. I know you will pardon me if I add to this
biographical sketch that John McCarty was and is one of the move lovable men
that I have ever known.
***
Dr. Stewart. There was
such a practitioner at Farmersville in 1856. Can not find out anything about
him, except that he moved from Farmersville that year.
***
William L. Meroney, M. D.
Was born near Chattogaville, Ga., Feb. 17, 1834. Of his
early life I can learn but little, but we find that he was a graduate of
medicine having graduated from Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA., in
1856. Located at Lebanon, Ala., opened an office and remained there until June
17, 1861, when he was made first lieutenant of the first company for his
neighborhood to enter the service of the Confederate States army; assigned to
the army of Virginia, was promoted to captain, soon after resigned and returned
to Lebanon, Ala., and resumed the practice of medicine. Moved from Lebanon, Ala.
to Texas and settled at Plano in 1868, where he soon built up a fine practice,
moved to Weatherford in 1881 or 1882; remained there until 1898, when he moved
to Comanche, where he died Nov. 27, 1903. He was an affable gentleman, a devout
church man, an Odd Fellow and a Mason.
***
McNeely, M. D. There
was a young man by the name of McNeely who came from Tennessee in the spring of
1867 and stopped at Rhea’s Mill. He opened an office and did some work, but he
returned in the fall to his former home and died next spring of pulmonary
tuberculosis. I bought his library. This is all I can learn about him.
***
J. C. Carrington, M. D.
Was a native of Virginia, served in the medical department of the C. S. Army,
came to Texas and settled at Plano in 1868. Removed to McKinney in 1869. Then to
Bryan 1874, and to Dallas in about 1874. I had lost sight of him and don’t know
date of death, but learn that he died sometime in 1900. He was affable,
accomplished and competent.
***
Fitzgerald There was a
Dr. Fitzgerald and a Dr. Fatheree,
who were partners in the practice of medicine; they settled in McKinney about
1854; remained until about 1857. Where they moved to can not ascertain.
***
Dr. Morgan came to
McKinney in 1856; remained a year and moved to some other locality; unable to
trace him.
***
Dr. Tripp located in
McKinney in 1857; was a partner of Dr. B. M. E. Smith,, moved to Lewisville,
Denton county in 1865, remained there a short time; settled in Marlin, Falls
county, and died in 1871 or 1872. Am sorry that more could not be learned about
Dr. Tripp, for I have heard him spoken of as a most excellent and learned man of
his day.
***
Dr. Barnett The only
information I can get in reference to Dr. Barnett is that he came here about
1859. Where he was reared and educated can not learn. He moved from McKinney in
the latter part of 1865 and went to Navasota, Grimes county. The writer knows,
from what he has heard about Dr. Barnett during his early life among the people,
that he was well thought of as a courteous gentleman, and a splendid physician.
***
Dr. Wistfall. Came to
McKinney in 1866, was a partner of Dr. B. M. E.
Smith, moved same year to Falls county. Then to
Oregon Territory; returned later to Texas, was a member of the legislature, but
just what became of him have not been able to learn.
***
John Russell. M. D.
Was born in Madison county, Ala., Oct. 12, 1838. Can learn but little of his
early life. He was a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of
Nashville, Tenn. Located at Weston, Collin county in 1869. He changed his
locality often, sometimes at Weston, then Mantua, then Van Alstyne and vice
versa. He was thrown from his buggy near Old Mantua, Collin county, August 2,
1897, from the effects of injuries received at that time, died a few hours
afterward.
***
Dr. Gotcher. There was
a Dr. Gotcher who located in Weston in 1866 and remained until 1871, moved to
Denton county and located near Lewisville. have lost all track of him and can
not get in touch with any one who can give me any information about his early
history. Think he first settled in Farmersville.
***
Drs. Berry & Moore.
There were two doctors, brother-in-law, by the name of Berry and Moore, who came
from Missouri to Weston and located in 1860 or 1861. Dr. Berry died 1864 or
1865. Dr. Moore returned to Missouri in 1885. Have not been able to get track of
him, therefore am unable to give a detailed history.
***
Gentlemen: No one knows better than I that the reading has been long and
tedious, therefore I thank you for your patient attention. I promised to bring
this paper up to 1880, and promised to do so at some future meeting. Again I
thank you for your attention.
History
Index
- Recommended citation:
- "Early Collin County Physicians,"
Collin County, Texas History and Genealogy Webpage by Genealogy Friends of
Plano Libraries, Inc., <http://www.geocities/genfriendsghl>
[Accessed Fri February 13 13:37:28 US/Central 2004 ].
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