Nevada Genealogy Trails Washoe County Anthony E. Hershisher, M.D. Biography

ANTHONY EMMETT HERSHISER, M.D.,1853-1921 Treasurer of the Nevada Historical Society, 1904-1921. Dr. A. E. Hershiser was born at Shelby, Ohio, June 5, 1853, where he received his early education in a country school. His best lessons, however, he always said, were learned on the farm of his parents and later as a teacher in the schools of that vicinity. Prior to attending a medical college, Dr. Hershiser studied with Drs. Bricker and Huss of Shelby. The latter man had formerly traveled with Emperor William of Germany, when the former Kaiser was a boy. In studying under this noted physician, Dr. Hershiser received training which greatly benefited him during the remainder of his life. In 1880 he received a doctor's degree from Miami Medical College of Cincinnati and in 1884 he was graduated from the Jefferson College in Philadelphia. In 1898 he received a diploma from the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat College.

Practicing first in Shelby, Ohio, he came to Reno in 1898. From the beginning of his residence here, he was recognized as one of the leading physicians of the city, as well as one of the most active workers in many public affairs in the town and in the State, making himself thus a vital factor in the life of the community. He had remarkable powers of leadership and was frequently the determining element in the winning of a battle for the right, although his work was done quietly and unobtrusively. He never sought any honors or preferments for himself. He was one of the prime organizers of the prohibition movement in the State of Nevada and worked untiringly for that cause.

He was widely read outside of his profession, as well as in medical lore. In the fields of history and politics he was one of the best informed men in Nevada. His interest in world and national politics surpassed even that of local affairs. It was this zeal for the study of human development that made him one of the prime organizers of the Nevada Historical Society in 1904 and that kept him closely identified with the institution up to the time of his death. Without his advice and active assistance, especially in legislative periods, it is doubtful whether the Society would have been able to weather the storms of adversity through which it has passed. It was this same human interest that made him a valuable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the fraternal order of the Woodmen of the World.

Of his devotion to friends and to family no better tribute Can be written than that paid by F. V. Julien in these words: "In the passing of Dr. Hershiser the whole community has lost a true and honored friend. He will be missed by many, more so by those oppressed, for whom he worked and whom he helped without thought of reward. He was a man who loved his home and gave the best that was in him for his loved wife and daughter. Dr. Hershiser lived a simple faith and because of his living this simple conscientious faith we feel he is not dead, but sleeping."

RESOLUTIONS OF THE NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Again we mourn the loss of an able and esteemed officer of this Association. In the unexpected passing yesterday morning, after a few days illness, of Dr. A. E. Hershiser, member of the Executive Council and Treasurer of this Society, we have special reason for expression of our deep sorrow; therefore it is Resolved, That in the passing of Dr. Hershiser, the State and this Society have sustained the great loss of one who in an official capacity has steadfastly used his good judgment and best efforts for the advancement of this Society and the public welfare ever since the time when as a Charter Member he assisted in its organization in 1904. The great aid from his good judgment and constant service rendered gratuitously as a labor of love on behalf of the Society during all these years cannot be understood nor fully appreciated except by those who have been closely associated with him in the work. His considerate and wise words of counsel will be heard no more, but will long be remembered.

Resolved, That for the reasons indicated the members of this Society deeply mourn the loss of Dr. Hershiser.

Resolved, That the officers of this Society do extend to the Doctor's family their sincere sympathy in their great sorrow for the absence of a kind and devoted husband and father.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Society, be printed in the next volume of Historical Papers, and that a copy of the same be forwarded to the family of the departed. G. F.

TALBOT, H. E., REID, PAUL L. Ross, JEANNE ELIZABETH WIER.
June 28, 1921.
Contributed by Kim Torp