REPORT

ON

AMERICAN MEDICAL NECROLOGY.

BY

CHRISTOPHER C. COX, M. D., LL. D.,

OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

REPORT ON AMERICAN MEDICAL NECROLOGY.

IN presenting the report upon Medical Necrology for 1868-69 and 1869-70, terminating in May of the present year, the Chairman repeats his regret at the comparatively limited co-operation with which his labors have been greeted. While a few of the sub-committees have responded promptly and generously to the applications for biographical material, the large majority have utterly disregarded the appeals urged, from time to time, for aid in the preparation of this report. It might be supposed that no more willing task could be undertaken than that of perpetuating, in public and permanent form, those qualities which have added lustre to the reputation of departed colleagues falling in the ranks of a noble profession. The apparent indifference on the part of many, from whom different results were anticipated, is quite inexplicable, and only serves to enhance and render more creditable the labors of those who have come forward with willing hands to accomplish their part of the assigned duty. Among these the constant, uniform, and liberal assistance tendered by Dr. JOHN SHRADY, of New York, deserves special mention. With an intelligent appreciation of what is needed, he has been ever first to collate information and transmit sketches of eminent deceased physicians of his own and even of other States. Acknowledgments are also due to Dr. JOHN BLANE, New Jersey; Dr. THOMAS M. LOGAN, California; Drs. J. R. W. DUNBAR and G. L. TANNEYHILL, Maryland; Dr. E. A. ANDERSON, North Carolina; Drs. J. C. HUPP and E. A. HILDRETH, West Virginia; Surgeon-General J. K. BARNES; and W. M. WOOD, Chief of the Medical Bureau U. S. N.; Dr. S. M. WELCH, Texas; Dr. L. S. JOYNES, Virginia; Dr. J. S. WEATHERLY, Alabama; and Dr. GEORGE H. HUBBARD, New York, who have contributed to the necrology of their various States.

The Chairman claims little originality in the preparation of the report, having, in many instances, simply copied the sketches

forwarded for use with very slight alterations. It is submitted with the regret that the names of many worthy men are omitted, who should have been enrolled in the list of the distinguished dead. The blame attaches to those who, nominally of the Com-. mittee, have persistently neglected to notice its repeated invitations for assistance.

RHODE ISLAND.

In

USHER PARSONS was born in Alfred, York County, Maine, in 1788, and died in Providence, R. I., December 19th, 1868, aged eighty years. After receiving a liberal education he went to Boston, where he studied medicine under Dr. John Warren. 1811 he entered the naval service, and joined the frigate John Adams, in 1812, as surgeon's mate. The officers and crew of the vessel volunteering for service on the lakes, Dr. Parsons went with them, reaching Erie in June, 1813. Great sickness prevailed in the fleet at this time, to such an extent, indeed, that finally the only surgeon fit for duty was the deceased, on whom devolved the task of attending the sick men. At the battle of September 10th he was the only medical officer on duty, and was on board the flagship Lawrence, commanded by Commodore Perry, during the engagement. His efficiency and courage during the day won the admiration of his commander, who, in his report to the Secretary of the Navy, referred in most flattering terms to the young surgeon, closing his remarks by stating that "in the event of my having another command I should consider myself peculiarly fortunate in having him with me as surgeon." For his conduct on this occasion Dr. Parsons was appointed a full surgeon in the navy, with a commission bearing date of September 10, the day of the battle. In May, 1814, he was ordered on board the Lawrence, which, with the fleet under Commodore Sinclair, sailed to Mackinac for the purpose of transporting the troops destined to attack Detroit. The attack failed, and in November following the deceased was ordered to the frigate Java at the request of Commodore Perry. His services from this time were not of particular importance. In 1823 he resigned his commission, having married, during the previous year, Mary J. Holmes, daughter of Rev. Abiel Holmes, and sister of Oliver Wendell Holmes; she died in 1825, leaving one son, now a physician at Providence, at which town the subject of this sketch settled soon after his mar