Source - Transactions of the Arkansas Medical Society - Page 106
Arkansas Medical Society - Medical - 1904


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NECROLOGY.

Texarkana. May 5, 1904.

Members of Arkansas Medical Society, we must beg your indulgence in the incomplete report we have to make. It is incomplete for two reasons: First, because we have not had time to get the necessary data to make it complete. Secondly, because we made no effort to get the names of those who died between the meetings of 1902 and 1903, thinking there was a report made at the 1903 meeting covering these deaths; but from the minutes of the proceedings it appears that there was no report made then; and action was taken at that time to have the committee which was then appointed to have a report covering the two years that would precede this meeting. The President did not know of this committee, which consisted of Drs. Pelton, Holland and E. R. Dlbrell, so he appointed one consisting' of Drs. Crutcher, George and myself, and we did not know of our appointment until the Transactions for 1903 came out about ten days ago. I immediately wrote sixty postal cards to the secretaries of the various county societies, asking for data to make out a report covering the deaths since meeting 1903, and I got about twenty-five prompt replies; but many of which said, "We have no dead ones to report."

From the list which I have, which I am sure is not complete, for the deaths since last meeting has no report of any death before that time, and yet, it seems that it is full enough so far as numbers are concerned, for I have reports on members who have died during the past year. It seems that the stern monster, death, has not been satisfied with physicians' patients, but has demanded an excessive number of physicians themselves; nor has the excess been confined to members of the Arkansas Medical Society, but it has been as heavy among the physicians who are not members. It seems we have had an epidemic among the physicians of Arkansas. I can partly account for this. During the past winter and this spring we have had an epidemic of pneumonia, and the physicians being constantly exposed to both the disease and the inclemencies of the weather, have suffered an inordinate death rate. Yet from my report it would not seem that pneumonia was the prevailing cause of deaths. My report Includes the following:

Felix DeLancey Dale, born in Jefferson County, Ky., 1847, graduated from the Medical Department of University of Louisville 1869, came to Woodruff County, Arkansas, to locate, and continued an. active and busy practitioner until his death, which was caused by a runaway horse in a buggy, October 14, 1903. Dr. Dale was a genial man, well liked by his associates. He was ever ready to make a sacrifice for the benefit of his profession. He was President of the Woodruff County Medical Society at the time of his death.

C. C. White, born in Mississippi, 1869; reared on a farm; graduated from Vanderbllt University 1892, and was valedictorian of his class; came to Forrest City, Arkansas, 1893, and soon had a good practice, which he held until his death, which was caused by his horse running away with him in his buggy, from which he was thrown and received a fracture at the base of the skull, from which he died next day, June 13, 1903. He married Miss McKneel, of Mississippi, in 1901, and had one child. He was an active member in St. Francis County Medical Society and an enterprising man for the upbuilding of his community.

H. C. Hume, born in Indiana, 1872, graduated from Kentucky School of Medicine 1892; moved to Paragould, Arkansas, about six years ago and remained here till he became unable to do active work. He died at his old home, New Harmony, Indiana, December 17, 1903, from tuberculosis, after an illness of more than two years. He was a member of Greene County Medical Society and Arkansas Medical Association.

J. T. Lowrey, born in Warren County, Indiana, 1839; graduated from Cincinnati Medical College. He was an old practitioner, but kept himself abreast of the times. He was posted on all the advances in medicine and surgery up to the time of his death. He was one of the few practitioners who does not grow old in hia profession. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, of the Masonic fraternity and of the Monroe County Medical Society, of which he was President at time of his death.

Jas. A. Williamson, born Independence County, Arkansas, 1857; graduated from Vanderbilt University 1882; located first at Elmo, Independence County, Arkansas, moved from there to Devlne, Texas, where he spent two' years in his professional life, returned to Newark, in his native county, where he continued in active practice until his death, which was caused from Bright's disease, December, 1903. Dr. Williamson was one of the few practitioners who was a financial success, and he was a liberal promoter of all enterprises that would tend to build up his community and State. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Independence County Medical Society.

W. W. Duffer, born August 8, 1863, graduated at Kentucky School of Medicine in 1897; came to Arkansas and located at Knobel, where he spent his professional life. He died November

10, 1903. He was a charter member of Clay County Medical Society, and was an active worker.

W. A. Noel, born about 1820, came to Arkansas about 1858, and joined Arkansas Medical Society among the charter members; lived at Pine Bluff ever since he came to Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Louisville, 1843; member of the Methodist Church; died April 21. 1903.

S. E. Parker, born in Webster County, July, 1873; graduated from Providence Male And Female Literary College, Nettleton, Mississippi, 1892; from University of Louisville in 1897; was located at Holly Grove, Arkansas, where he had a good practice. He died February

11, 1904, of pneumonia. He was elected Secretary of the Section on Obstetrics and Gyinecology at Jonesboro in 1903, and was Secretary of Monroe County Medical Society at the time of his death. During his term at the medical college at Louisville he entered the Charity Hospital at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and served as interne for one year, getting a diploma in 1896.

W. A. Cantrell was born on a farm near Nashville, Tennessee. January 23, 1826. He graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, March, 1847. The next year he was appointed assistant physician in Bellevue Hospital. He spent one year as physician of the Nursery Hospital, Blackwell's Island; the next year he spent in the practice at New Orleans, where he witnessed an epidemic of yellow fever; he then moved to Pine Bluff. Arkansas, and from there to Little Rock, where he spent the remainder of his professional life. He has filled the positions of City Physician, County Physician, and was President of the State Board of Examiners under one of the earlier medical laws of Arkansas. He was the only surviving member of the first medical society in Little Rock, which he helped to organize. He was a surgeon in the Confederate army, of First Arkansas Mounted Volunteers.

Dr. Warren: I have a printed account of Dr. Cantrell's life and his life work, taken from the Arkansas Democrat of December 28, 1903, which is as follows:

Dr. W. A. Cantrell died at his home, 619 Scott Street, at 11 a. m. to-day. He had been ill since December 12, with cardiac asthma, and for several days it had been realized that he would not recover.

The announcement of the deafh of this good man, distinguished practitioner and progressive citizen w.ill be received with deep regret everywhere. He was a most excellent gentleman of the old school, that class of Southern gentlemen about whose records is woven much of the South's best literature.

In 1845 he entered the Medical Department of the University of Louisville, Kentucky, where his kinsman, Dr. Lunsford P. Yandell, Sr., professor of chemistry and pharmacy, was one of his preceptors. Drs. Gross, Short, Cobb, Drake, Miller and Caldwell occupied chairs at the same time, and Dr. S. S. Nichols was President of the Faculty.

Dr. Cantrell graduated at this university March 6, 1847. The year following he spent at New York, where he received the appointment of assistant physician in Bellevue Hospital. He was then appointed to relieve Dr. Winterbottom as physician of the Nursery Hospital at Blackwell's Island, and remained there during the summer of 1848. In tEe following year he went to New Orleans, Louisiana, where, feeling qualified, he proposed to enter upon his life work.

The solitary condition of his father, however. impelled him to abandon his purpose. After one winter of medical experience at New Orleans, where he treated yellow fever, in epidemic form, he established himself at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, In the vicinity of which his father resided as a cotton planter, and later at Little Rock. Here, in 1849, he met his future wife. Miss Ellen Maria Harrell, who had lately arrived with her family from Nashville, Tennessee, fleeing from the cholera, then decimating the city of Nashville. On February 13, 1852, Dr. Cantrell and Miss Harrell were married in Little Rock by the Rev. A. R. Winfield. During what proved to be the last year of his father's life Dr. Cantrell took his family to live on an adjoining plantation, and was with him at the time of his death, September 5, 1854. Afterward he resumed his practice in Little Rock, where he rapidly built up a solid reputation as a practitioner.

Dr. Cantrell has filled successively and honorably the positions of City Physician, County Physician, President of the State Board of Medical Examiners, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Delegate to the Medical Association at Nashville, Tenn., besides attending to a heavy practice. He was the only surviving member of the first medical association in Little Rocli, which he helped to organize. The managing board included R. A. Watklns, M. D., President; Wm. A. Cantrell, M. D., Secretary; A. W. Webb, M. D.; Craven Peyton, M. D.; George Slzer, M. D., and Corydon McAlmont, M. D.

Dr. Warren: The next death is that of C. E. Nash, of Little Rock. For a lack of time, I haven't made out a report of Dr. Nash. I have also an account of him taken from the Arkansas Democraf of July 28, 1903.

Dr. C. B. Nash was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1824. His early youth was spent with his brotiher-in-law, Robert A, Watkins. His early educational advantages were excellent, as Mr. Watkins was the first Secretary of the State of Arkansas, holding the position for years, and thus favored the doctor with an excellent knowledge of business affairs in his office. The records of that time are in his handwriting. His instructions were received from Mr. Watkins and Governor Conway.

Having a desire to study medicine. Dr. Nash entered the drug store of R. L. Dodge, and after becoming thoroughly prepared, became a student at the University of St. Louis, from which institution he was graduated in 1849 as a regularly qualified physician. The remainder of the year, and until 1858, he practiced in Helena, Arkansas, and at the same time attended to his plantation in Mississippi, just across the river.

In 1858 he moved to his plantation, keeping up his practice on the west side of the river in the meantime. During the civil war he had charge of the Confederate marine hospital at Salem, Alabama.

After the cessation of hostilities and upon returning home he found all the buildings and fences on his plantation a complete wreck. He borrowed money and paid off debts he had contracted during the war and continued to manage his farm' until 1882, when he sustained heavy losses from overflow.

In 1883 he returned to Helena, and in 1884 removed to Little Rock. He was first married to Miss Mary Prances Epps, of North Carolina, who died in 1880. His second wife was Miss Fanny Mosley, a daughter of Captain Mosley, a well known and prominent citizen of Jackson. Mississippi.

Dr. Nash, on his paternal side, was a relative of Francis Nash, of Revolutionary fame, and related to Francis Nash, a soldier 1-n the war of 1812, and also to Judge Nash, of North Carolina.

Dr. Warren: (Continuing.) As you know Dr. Nash was one of the active men, one of the men who constantly attended the meetings of this Society up to the time of his death,—probably last year being the first meeting that he has missed in quite a time,— especially if it is within his reach, and while we might regard him as a fanatic on some things, yet he was a man I very much admired for his thorough study. I want to give a little bit of a sketch of him as I knew him. I was attending the Medical Department of the A. I. U. at that time, and he came and lectured for Dr. Jennings. As you know, he had a poor voice. He came down and the boys began to make a little bit of noise; they were not as attentive possibly as we have been this afternoon, but they began to work around in their chairs just a little. The old man seemed not to be disconcerted at all, but went on with the lecture. He didn't exactly give a lecture. He took a case that he had of Dr. Jennings'. He took that case up, going around among the boys, and telling them, "I saw this case, and it had such and such a condition. It had such and such symptoms and physical signs, and it had run so long." It was a new manner of teaching to us, and yet it was one of the most impressive lectures that I ever heard while at the medical school.

I think that, while Dr. Nash probably did not make his impress as a great physician, he was a man of true greatness. I have this to say with reference to that report, that I would like that the .Committee on Necrology appointed last year would fill out, if possible, the list of 1902-3 and get it complete and have it published; that comprises some of our eminent men, among whom is Dr. J. T. Jelks, of Hot Springs.

Dr. Rush: I move that the report be received.

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Source - 1921 Southern Medical Journal

ARKANSAS

The annual meeting of the State Public Health Association was held in Little Rock April 28-30. Dr. Frances Sage Bradley, of the Children's Bureau, Washington, spoke on child welfare, and Dr. John Stewart, Superintendent, State Tuberculosis Sanatorium, Booneville, discussed the needs of better hospital facilities for the state.

At the annual meeting of the State Medical Association held in Hot Springs early in May, the following officers were elected : Dr. C. H. Cargue, Bentonville, President ; Dr. Don Smith. Hope, First Vice President; Dr. A. W. Elton, Newport, Second Vice President; Dr. J. O. Rush, Forrest City, Third Vice President: Dr. W. R. Bathurst, Little Rock, Secretary ; Dr. R. L. Saxon, Little Rock, Treasurer. The 1922 meeting will be held in Little Rock.

Dr. T. W. Woodul, Pine Bluff, has been appointed Health Officer for Jefferson County to succeed Dr. E. C. McMulIen.

Dr. W. J. Reynolds, Fayetteville, has been elected President of the City Board of Health : H. E. Cravens was elected Secretary, and Dr. F. T. Morrow elected to membership.

Dr. W. F. Smith, Little Rock, has been elected President nf the staff of the Baptist Hospital ; Dr. W. D. Rose waa elected Secretary ; Dr. Anderson Watkins, Chief of the Surgical Staff: Dr. A. C. Shipp, Chief of the Obstetrical and Gynecological staff; Dr. M. E. McCaskill, Chief of the Pédiatrie Staff.

Officers elected for the Arkansas County Medical Society are as follows: Dr. R. H. Whitehead. Gillett. President: Dr. C. W. Rasco, Vice President; Dr. M. C. John, Stuttgart, Secretary-Treasurer.

Dr. C. W. Garrison, Little Rock, State Health Officer, hasannounced that Arkansas will receive $15,000 a year for malaria control work, through cooperation with federal and international health agencies.

Deaths

Dr. S. P. Vaughter, Little Rock, died May 4.

Dr. D. A. Jackson, Vick, aged 69, died February 18.

Dr. Perry Crittenden Williams, Siloam Springs, aged 62, died April 3 from nephritis.

Dr. H. L. Jacobs, Harrisburg, aged 69, died April 10.

Dr. James M. Daly. Little Rock, aged 62, died April 17 from cerebral hemorrhage.

Dr. Jacob William McClendon. Hot Springs, aged 63, died April 12.

Dr. William Thomas Boyce, Lockesburg, aged 80, died April 1.

Dr. M. C. Graham, Marmaduke, accidentally shot and killed himself April 29, while hunting rabbits.

Dr. Edward Hamilton Martin, Hot Springs; Medical Coll. of Ohio. Cincinnati, 1887; aged 66; member American Medical Association. Southern Medical Association. Arkansas State Medical Society, Garland County Medical Society, TriState Medical Association of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee (Près. 1899), Tri-State Medical Association of Texas. Arkansas and Louisiana (Près. 192l ), Medical Association of the Southwest (Près. 1918). Mississippi State Medical Association (Près. 1906), Organizer Clarksdale (Miss.) and Six Counties Medical Society ; organized The Martin Clinic, January 1920, which will be continued by his staff; died May 5 from angina pectoris.