SAMPSON COUNTYM.D.'S1736-1957
Drawing of Sampson County and snake crawling up tree branch
SAMPSON COUNTY M. D.’sSPONSORED BY THE AUXILIARY To The Sampson County Medical Society WITH FOREWORD AND AFTERWORDBY KATHLEEN MATTHEWS CARTERPublished By THE COMMERCIAL PRINTING COMPANYClinton, North Carolina1957
ABOU BEN ADHEM
—By—
JAMES HENRY LEIGH HUNT
Abou Ben Adhem (May his tribe increase!)Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,And saw, within the moonlight in his room,Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,An Angel writing in a book of gold:Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,And to the Presence in the room he said,“What writest thou?” The Vision raised its head,And with a look made of all sweet accordAnswered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,But cheerily still; and said, “I pray thee, then,Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next nightIt came again with a great wakening light,And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!DEDICATION
To that courageous and adventurous band of medical pioneers whose stories are included here and who like Abou Ben Adhem of old have indeed demonstrated their love for their fellow men—this little book is most gratefully dedicated.
Sampson County was greatly honored in May of this year when Mrs. Donnie Martin Royal of Salemburg was installed as President of the Auxiliary to the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina. It is the first time that this signal distinction has been bestowed upon a member of the Sampson County Auxiliary.
As she began the task of selecting a project or projects for emphasis during her year in office, Mrs. Royal discussed with Mr. James T. Barnes, Executive Secretary of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina, her plans, and especially her interest in historical research. Out of their enthusiastic discussion came a definite request from the Archives Committee of the Medical Society that the Auxiliary assist in the collection of all forms of archives in the preservation of medical history of North Carolina. Quite naturally Mrs. Royal was eager that her own county unit take the lead in demonstrating the potentialities existent in this broad field. Therefore she suggested to the Auxiliary to the Medical Society of Sampson County that it undertake the publication of a brief history of Sampson County physicians. The Auxiliary adopted her suggestion, and individual members have been most cooperative in collecting material and making plans for publication of this book. It is her hope that “Sampson County M. D.’s” may serve as a challenge to other county auxiliaries to select and begin work on projects suited to their particular localities and achievements.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe Auxiliary to the Sampson County Medical Society acknowledges with deep appreciation the assistance given by many persons in securing the material used in this book, in preparing it for publication, and for the numerous quotations from individuals and from editorials used in evaluating the work of many of the “doctors of yesterday.”
The Auxiliary wishes particularly to express its grateful appreciation
to
Mr. Claude H. Moore of Turkey, well-known historian, for his invaluable work in securing and furnishing information not otherwise available
and to
Mrs. Kathleen Matthews Carter of Salemburg who has been responsible for organizing and compiling the material on Sampson County doctors. Mrs. Carter, who is the only daughter of the late Dr. James O. Matthews, wishes her time and effort to be considered as a tribute to the memory of her own father and his forty-five years of service to the people of lower Sampson.
A NOTE
Those who have been responsible for this publication have endeavored to make this record of Sampson County's M. D.’s a complete one by including therein a record of every medical doctor who was born in Sampson, or who has lived in this county. If any doctor has been omitted, or available data has been left out, it has been entirely unintentional — and proper apology is hereby offered.
Drawing of doctor
(From the obituary of Dr. Allmand Holmes—believed to have been from the pen of Mr. Lauchlin A. Bethune, Editor of “The Sampson Democrat.”)
Table of Contents
| I. | WE PRESENT OUR PURPOSE. |
| II. | WE PAY HOMAGE TO THE PAST. |
| III. | WE HONOR THE PRESENT. |
| A. WE SALUTE THOSE WHO SERVE AT HOME. | |
| B. WE REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVE IN OTHER FIELDS. | |
| C. WE PAUSE IN MEMORY OF THESE. | |
| IV. | WE ENVISION THE FUTURE. |
Part I
We Present Our Purpose
FOREWORD
It has been said that a nation is the sum total of all the people who ever lived within its borders. In the same sense Sampson County is the aggregate of all the men and women who have ever lived here—the summation of all their hopes and aspirations, their dreams and fears, their talents and abilities, their strengths and weaknesses, their successes and even their failures. In short, all the qualities and experiences peculiar to the human race have been fused to make what we sometimes call the “State of Sampson.”
Among those who have contributed most to the overall history of Sampson, no group has been more influential than the members of the medical profession who have ever marched in the vanguard of progress. This was true of the pioneering William Houston, of the none the less truly pioneering George Marion Cooper, and of the men who are following in their footsteps today.
Because of the superior educational training necessary to practice his profession, because of his natural interest in scientific achievements, and because of his very keen realization of the importance of keeping up with new inventions and new methods, the doctor early became the most progressive element of our citizenship. Almost invariably he was the first in his section to read the daily newspapers, to subscribe to magazines, to own and drive an automobile, or to buy a radio. In a word, he was almost always the best informed man in our small town or rural community. These facts plus the intimate association with his patients and his genuine interest in and affection for them made him in a very real sense a leader of his people. He not only prescribed tonics and pills and watched over the physical well-being of his patients, but on occasion he also advised them what crop to plant, what church to attend, what bank to patronize, what candidate to vote for, what schools to select for their children, loaned them money, wrote their wills, comforted them in time of trouble, patched up their family quarrels, and was almost always confidant and friend. The practice of a general practitioner of those days was certainly general!
In return the family doctor was almost always the most loved and respected man in the town or community. Perhaps this veneration for a family doctor was never more beautifully expressed than in the erection of a granite monument at Kerr in memory of the beloved Dr. Charles Stevens Kerr, paid for by the voluntary contributions of his grateful patrons whom he had served so faithfully for fifty years.
It is men like these, who have practiced medicine not merely to make money but first of all to serve their fellow-man, who present the challenge to the modern doctor to measure up to the immeasurably greater opportunities that present-day knowledge and scientific advances present. And so this saga of the service of former Sampson County doctors has been planned and written in order that the members of the medical profession, may through the preservation of these records not only learn to cherish and understand the traditions and ways by which they came, but may also be inspired to envision a more splendid future.
Part II
We Pay Homage To The Past
“No true and permanent fame can be founded except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.”
Charles Summer
Dr. William King Anders
1847 - 1909
I. Born in Bladen County at Gravel Hill.
Parents: William Washington and Catherine King Anders
II. Attended Medical College in Charleston.
III. Married Ella Jane Cromartie of Tallahassee.
Children: Marie Anders Newkirk, Kerr
Leon Anders, Wilmington
Florie Anders, Birmingham
Agnes Anders Bessenger
IV. Dr. Anders lived near Kerr and practiced throughout that section; later moved to New Hanover County.
Dr. Homer ArthurI. Born in Maryland.
III. Married Viola Fennell.
One son: Joe Arthur of New York
IV. Came to Sampson County from Maryland about 1900—located at at Harrells Store, where he practiced for five years. Moved from Harrells Store to Magnolia and eventually returned to Maryland.
V. The story is told that Dr. Arthur had his tonsils removed back in the period when a tonsilectomy was a very unusual operation, and many of his southern patients believed that his Yankee brogue was the result of the operation.
Dr. Forrest McLean Bennett? - 1953
I. Born at Clinton.
Parents: Hardy Kerving and Elizabeth Cooper Bennett
II. Medical College of Virginia 1914; internship and residency at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Richmond—with emphasis on Surgery.
III. Married Caroline Pettus, Richmond.
One son: Edward Dabney Bennett, Richmond
IV. Practiced at Richmond—affiliated in various capacities at Memorial Hospital; Sheltering Arms Hospital; Retreat for the Sick Hospital.
V. In 1931 Dr. Bennett was seriously injured in an automobile
wreck and was unable to resume his practice until 1943, and then only on a very limited scale. Relatives say that only his courage and determination, plus the best medical attention, brought him partial recovery after his accident. He is remembered for his modesty and loyalty to family and friends.
Dr. Claude BentonI. Born at Newton Grove.
Parents: Dr. James H. and Maggie Monk Benton
Uncle: Dr. John Carr Monk
II. It is believed that Dr. Benton received his medical education at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
III. Never married.
IV. Practiced with his father in Newton Grove, and then accompanied his father to New Bern in the 1890's. Dr. Benton was still a young man at the time of his death.
r. James H. Benton1847 - 1904 (?)
I. Born at Bentonville.
Parents: Alex and Susan Cox Benton
II. Graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia before 1876.
III. Married Maggie Monk, who was a sister of Dr. John Carr Monk.
Children: Dr. Claude Benton, New Bern
Clyda Benton, New Bern
Lulu Benton, New Bern
All three children died unmarried, and at a comparatively young age.
IV. Dr. Benton practiced medicine in Newton Grove from 1876 until early in the 1890's when he decided to study dentistry. Moved to New Bern where he practiced dentistry until his death.
V. Dr. Benton was a brother-in-law of Dr. John Carr Monk of Newton Grove who persuaded him to study medicine, paid expenses of his medical education and turned a large part of his practice over to him when he returned to Newton Grove. He remained at Newton Grove for several years after Dr. Monk's death.
The following old newspaper clipping is quoted because of light it throws on social life of the period:
“The candy stew at Mr. Isaac Williams’ in honor of Misses Holliday (daughter of Dr. Holliday of Clinton) and Patrick was very
much enjoyed, also several other parties were enjoyed, especially a sociable at Dr. Benton's.”
The Benton family seems to have kept up its social contacts with Clinton friends even after the family moved to New Bern, for clippings refer to frequent exchange of visits between Miss Clyda Benton of New Bern and the Patricks. An account of the Clute-Patrick wedding in December, 1899, lists Miss Clyda Benton of New Bern and Miss Mary Lang Holliday as “ushers.” Incidentally, Dr. Frank H. Holmes served as best man on this occasion.
Dr. Henry Arthur Bizzell1818 - 1873
I. Born at Rosin Hill in Sampson County.
Parents: Ashur and Mary (Polly) Smith Bizzell
Brothers: Dr. James A. Bizzell of Clinton; Dr. John Bizzell of Florida; Dr. William Bizzell of Elizabethtown.
Great-grandson: Dr. Franklin Grady of New Bern.
II. Educated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.
III. Married a Miss Royall.
One son: Hardy Royall Bizzell of Arkansas
Second wife was Celestial Price Robinson of Clinton.
Children: Mary Charlotte Grady (mother of Judge Henry A. Grady of New Bern)
James Smith Bizzell
Anna Elizabeth Bizzell
Mattie Bizzell Robinson (mother of Mrs. J. Bayard Clark of Fayetteville)
Keturah (Katie) Boykin
Margaret Williams
Julia Robinson Stewart (mother of Harry L. Stewart of Clinton)
Alberta Devane
Ashur Roscoe Bizzell
Henry A. Bizzell, Jr.
Adelade Pearsall (the only one living)
IV. Practiced in Clinton in partnership with his brother, Dr. James A. Bizzell.
V. Dr. Bizzell's house was located on College Street in Clinton, and is now owned by Mrs. John B. Williams.
Dr. Bizzell was recognized as an outstanding citizen and physician.
Dr. James Andre Bizzell
1821 - 1878
I. Born at Rosin Hill in Sampson County.
Parents: Ashur and Mary (Polly) Smith Bizzell
Brothers: Dr. Henry A. Bizzell of Clinton; Dr. John Bizzell of Florida; and Dr. William Bizzell of Elizabethtown
II. Attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.
III. Never married.
IV. Partner of his brother, Dr. Henry A. Bizzell, in practice at Clinton, both before and after Civil War.
V. Dr. Bizzell saw service during the Civil War, being commissioned Regimental Surgeon in 1861 upon the organization of the 20th North Carolina Regiment. When the war was over he resumed his practice in Clinton with his brother, continuing to practice until the death of Dr. Henry A. Bizzell in 1873 when he decided to give up his practice and retire to his farm near Clinton.
Dr. John Bizzell1816 - ?
I. Born at Rosin Hill in Sampson County.
Parents: Ashur and Mary (Polly) Smith Bizzell
Brothers: Dr. Henry A. Bizzell and Dr. James A. Bizzell of Clinton: Dr. William Bizzell of Elizabethtown
II. Educated at Jefferson Medical College. (?)
IV. Moved to Florida and practiced there.
Dr. William Bizzell1828 - ?
I. Born at Rosin Hill in Sampson County.
Parents: Ashur and Mary (Polly) Smith Bizzell
Brothers: Dr. Henry A. Bizzell and Dr. James A. Bizzell of Clinton, and Dr. John Bizzell of Florida
II. Educated at Jefferson Medical College. (?)
III. Married a Miss Barnes.
One daughter: Mary Bizzell McLean.
IV. Dr. Bizzell moved to Elizabethtown before his marriage and did his practice there. He built the old Bizzell home which still stands on Main Street. He was buried in Elizabethtown.
Dr. John Black? - 1866
I. Born in New Hampshire.
III. Available records state that Dr. Black was married at the Jeremiah Seavy home, but the name of the bride is not recorded!
IV. Dr. Black was a friend of Dr. Jeremiah Seavy, who also came from New Hampshire. He came to Dr. Seavy's home sometime prior to 1860, and was associated with him in his practice.
Dr. Thomas J. BoykinI. Born in Sampson County.
III. Married Fannie Elizabeth Boykin. (Died 1865).
Children: Howard Boykin (Died 1885)
Ella Boykin (Died 1855)
IV. Commissioned a surgeon in 1861, and was assigned to the 26th North Carolina Regiment in the Confederate Army.
Dr. John A. BryanAvailable information regarding Dr. Bryan is limited to Kemp P. Battle's History of the University of North Carolina.
Volume I, page 800 of the appendix lists those who “matriculated with the class of 1845.” Under this listing he gives:
“John A. Bryan, of Sampson, physician and member of the State Legislature.”
Dr. Thomas Cleborne Bullock1863 - 1938
I. Born in Cumberland County near Autryville.
Parents: Thomas and Katherine Averitte Bullock
II. Attended free schools of community; Warsaw Academy (where he decided to study medicine through association with a Dr. Hussey); Medical College of Virginia; College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore; and after doing intern work at John Hopkins Hospital, took a special course in obstetrics at Maryland Womans Hospital.
III. Married Lula Dobson of Warsaw.
Two daughters: (Both registered nurses)
Mrs. Carrie Hirch, Chicago
Mrs. Annie Hackendorn, Wilmington
IV. Physician, surgeon, and pharmacist at 19, Dr. Bullock began practice at Autryville, living on an estate which was a grant from the British crown to his grandfather, James Bullock. He practiced at Autryville until his death.
V. Dr. Bullock, one of the most highly educated of Sampson's early doctors, began his practice back in the days when transportation was still a difficult problem. During his long years of activity, he traveled by horseback; by horse and buggy; on foot (he once walked through deep snow to deliver a baby); and eventually by automobile, owning the first one in his section.
Not only a physician and surgeon but also a registered druggist, he operated his own drug business in connection with his medical work and for the benefit of his patients. He also became interested in farming, buying and operating several farms.
During his later years, Dr. Bullock was a very cautious driver. The writer of this article was once one of a group of passengers who were riding in his limousine and who were very anxious to reach Fayetteville by a certain time. Dr. Bullock, driving at the leisurely speed of fifteen miles per hour, saw another car approaching and consoled his passengers as follows: “Now, don't be alarmed, young ladies, I'll just slow right down until we get by the other car.” And he did!
Dr. Happer BumgardnerI. Born in Virginia.
II. Attended Medical College of Virginia.
III. Never married.
IV. Dr. Bumgardner practiced medicine for several years in the late 1800's at Elliott in Turkey Township, living with an aunt, Mrs. E. L. Faison.
Dr. Thomas Bunting1800 - 1871
I. Born near Clinton.
Parents: David and Elizabeth Clinton Bunting
Father-in-law of Dr. John Hampden Hill
II. Attended school in Wilmington and was (in 1826) a student at the University of North Carolina.
III. Married Elizabeth Holmes.
Children: Louisa Bunting Hill
Elizabeth Bunting
Mildred Bunting
Thomas Bunting, Jr.
IV. After his marriage he settled on a plantation three miles east of Clinton where he practiced until his death.
V. Dr. Bunting was also interested in politics and was twice elected to serve in the State Senate.
Dr. Bruce Fowler Butler1887 - 1948
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: John Robert and Nora Spell Butler
II. Attended Belvoir Elementary School; Buies Creek Academy (now Campbell College); Wake Forest College; Virginia Medical College at Richmond (class of 1910). Interned at Saint Luke's Hospital in Richmond.
III. Married Edna Ann Shine of Faison.
Children: Mrs. Patricia Butler King, Avon Park, Florida
Sally Butler, Hollywood, Florida
Robert Butler, Hollywood, Florida
Henry Butler, Hollywood, Florida
IV. Practiced first at Faison. In 1917 volunteered for military service, serving in Europe until end of war. In 1919 opened office in Clinton; and in 1925, moved to Hollywood, Florida, where he practiced until his death in 1948.
V. Dr. Butler was active in organizing Public Health Department of Broward County. Port Commissioner for Hollywood at Port Everglades; Broward County School Trustee; Past President of Rotary Club; Past Commander of the American Legion; Mason; member Broward Mosquito Control Board; member of Baptist Church. His hobbies were football, hunting, and fishing.
Dr. Ransom Lee Carr1878 - ?
I. Born in Duplin County.
Parents: Gabriel Boney and Isabela Catherine Johnson Carr
II. Graduated from Davidson College and University of Maryland.
III. Married Victoria Jane Patterson of Taylorsville.
Children: George Boney Carr
Murphy Lee Carr
Victor Patterson Carr
In 1914 Dr. Carr married Mary Estelle Moore of Charlotte.
Children: Stella Catherine Carr
Charleton Carr
IV. Practiced Magnolia, Rose Hill, Taylor's Bridge and Delway sections.
V. Dr. Carr had a rather unusual but effective method of diagnosis. He himself was authority for the statement that if he could not easily diagnosis a case, he would sit and talk to the family, and especially the children, for a couple of hours. He would learn what the family had been doing and eating, and often would find the clue to the illness.
Dr. Carr, who was always interested in anything for the welfare of his community, served in both houses of the North Carolina legislature; and always showed great interest in civic affairs.
Dr. Augustus Vassar CatesI. Birthplace, parentage and dates unknown.
II. Medical school unknown.
III. Married Caro Hogan of Chapel Hill.
Children: Eva Cates Height
Augustus Vassar Cates, Jr.
IV. Dr. Cates practiced in Taylor's Bridge Township from about 1889 to 1896.
V. Dr. and Mrs. Cates came from Chapel Hill and bought the Parrish Place (now owned by A. J. Snipes) about the time of death of Dr. G. W. Moseley. They remained about six or seven years and then moved to Decatur, Georgia. At least two men in the community are named “Vassar” for Dr. Cates.
Dr. George A. Caton1870 - 1932
I. Born at Bayboro.
Parents: John and Catherine Rowe Caton.
Son-in-law of Dr. John Carr Monk.
II. Attended University of North Carolina; Jefferson Medical College; Columbia University; University of Berlin.
III. Married Catherine Monk who was the daughter of Dr. John Carr Monk of Newton Grove.
Children: Kathleen Caton Rudolph
Elizabeth Caton Bowman, Southern Pines
George Caton, Jr.
IV. Practiced in Newton Grove; Charlotte; Bayboro; New Bern.
V. Dr. Caton specialized in stomach disorders after completing his study at the University of Berlin.
A newspaper clipping of that period reads as follows: Mrs. Euphemia A. Monk of Newton Grove has issued invitations to the marriage of her daughter, Miss Katie, to Dr. George A. Caton of New Bern on Wednesday, November 23rd, at 11 o'clock in St. Mark's Catholic Church, Newton Grove, N. C.
Dr. Abner Tilman Cooper1854 - 1903
I. Born in South Carolina.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Michaux Cooper
II. Graduated at Baltimore Medical College 1884 in General Orthopedic Surgery. Licensed at Raleigh 1885.
III. Married Frankie Lewis.
Children: Robert Cooper
Michaux Cooper
Abner T. Cooper, Jr.
Mary Cooper Faulk
Gipson Cooper
Gladys Cooper Taylor
Maggie Cooper Jones
IV. Practiced first in the White Oak Community, then moved to Salemburg Community where he practiced until his death.
V. Dr. Cooper was reared in Sampson County by Miss Sallie Page and her two sisters. The Page sisters were well-to-do and were financially able to provide for his medical education. He is remembered as a pleasant old doctor whose pet aversion was patent medicine.
Dr. George Marion Cooper1876 - 1950
I. Born at Clinton.
Parents: Amos Jesher and Eliza Britt Cooper.
Uncle: Dr. John Fleet Cooper
II. Studied in Clinton Public Schools and Clinton Male Academy. First studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. John Fleet Cooper of
Roseboro. Taught school to help finance education at Medical College of Virginia where he graduated in 1905.
III. Married Cornelia Powell of Clinton in 1907.
Children: Dr. George M. Cooper, Jr., Raleigh
John Phil Cooper, Winston-Salem
Mrs. A. Sam Krebs, Cincinnati
IV. Began practice in 1905 at Clinton as a partner of Dr. Frank H. Holmes. Partnership dissolved in 1913 when Dr. Cooper gave up private practice to become the first County Health Officer of Sampson County. Two years later he left Sampson to become a member of the State Board with headquarters in Raleigh.
V. Mr. John A. Oates of Fayetteville says, “No man of his generation has contributed as much as has Dr. Cooper in the field of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.”
Dr. Cooper in his first years as a general practitioner became gravely concerned about the prevalence of typhoid fever, tuberculosis and the terrifically high mortality rate in his community. It was a concern which was to become the motivating force of his life and career as he left the field of general practice to explore the uncharted areas of urban clean-up campaigns, rural sanitation experiments and typhoid fever clinics. It was a pioneering activity which in 1915 was to take him to Raleigh where as a member of the Executive Staff of the State Board of Health, he was to enter upon a thirty-five-year crusade for better health for all the people of North Carolina.
Dr. Cooper's appointment as State Medical Inspector of Schools in 1917 was a new challenge, and he answered that challenge in 1918 with a plan to provide free dental care for school children; and in 1919 his answer was a farflung system of clinics for the removal of diseased tonsils and adenoids of public school children. Just as many people are fascinated by travelling in new lands and across strange seas, Dr. Cooper was fascinated by new methods and modern approaches to the problems of sanitation, high mortality rate, immunization, or any other practical plan of preventing disease and suffering. Fortunately the State Board was aware of the value of his untiring work and in 1923 he became Assistant State Health Officer, a position which he held until his death in 1950, after having served thirty-four years on the Executive Staff of the State Board of Health.
As a merited reward for his vision and his zeal there came to Dr. Cooper as great a measure of recognition and honor as has come to any other Sampson County doctor. Among the many honors conferred upon him we list the following: President Sampson County Medical Society 1910; President North Carolina Public Health Association 1913; President Raleigh Academy of Medicine 1934; President North Carolina Conference for Social Science
1941; First President North Carolina Academy of Public Health 1942.
In 1942 the University of North Carolina signally honored him when it conferred upon this distinguished Sampsonian the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws with the following citation:
“George Marion Cooper of Sampson County, nationally distinguished as a public health officer, quiet and unassuming but relentlessly effective, he has as state health officer, served for a longer period and in more fields than any other person. He has been a leader in practical programs for the medical care of the poor, and has worked courageously to lift North Carolina from the disgrace of its high birth mortality of children and mothers. His work, pioneering in America, both for the improvement of the health of mothers and the birth of children, has become and will continue to be an example to this and other nations and a benefaction to this and succeeding generations.”
Dr. John Fleet Cooper1865 - 1907
I. Born in Concord section of Sampson County.
Parents: John and Betty Neil Johnson Cooper
A descendant of the Reverend Fleet Cooper and an uncle of Dr. George Marion Cooper
II. Graduate of Medical College of Baltimore
III. Married Sallie Butler of Parkersburg.
One daughter: Mrs. M. Cooper Barbour, Roseboro.
IV. Located at Roseboro where he practiced until his death in 1907. Because of scarcity of doctors and his professional skill, his practice extended into both Bladen and Cumberland Counties.
V. Dr. Cooper not only practiced medicine but also served as dentist, as druggist, and as surgeon when the occasion demanded. He had a very extensive medical library which he used constantly in diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments.
He was quite popular, and his death of cancer at forty-two was considered a community tragedy.
Dr. James H. Darden1835 - 1905
I. Born in Piney Grove Township.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. William Darden
II. Attended local schools and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
III. Married Sarah E. Bradshaw.
Children: James Darden
Henry Darden
Frank Darden
Mrs. Mary Darden Bell
Mrs. Minnie Darden Gavin
Mrs. Emma Darden Wells
Mrs. Maggie Darden Fitzgerald
Mrs. Dora Darden Harris
IV. Practiced at Giddensville.
V. In 1865 Dr. Darden, who had previously volunteered for service in the Civil War, was commissioned Assistant Surgeon in the 38th North Carolina Regiment.
He was a great lover of hunting and fishing.
Dr. Ollen Lee Denning1862 - 1927
I. Born in Newton Grove.
Parents: James D. and Katherine Lee Denning (Mother a relative of General Robert E. Lee)
II. Educated at Bingham Military Academy in Asheville; Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia (graduating in medicine and surgery in 1889); Polyclinic Hospital in New York (specializing in eye, ear, nose, throat, and dentistry).
III. Married Meda Lide McDaniel of Fayetteville.
Children: Mrs. N. M. Johnson, Dunn
Mrs. Robert Jernigan, Dunn
R. L. Denning, Plant City, Florida
L. K. Denning, Amelia, Virginia
IV. Practiced at Dunn, serving patients in Harnett, Sampson, and Cumberland Counties for almost forty years.
V. Starting his career with a splendid education and possessing a very alert and inquiring mind, Dr. Denning early learned to make the most of whatever equipment, knowledge, and medicines were available. Some of his operations performed under almost primitive conditions were written up in the medical journals of his day. He used treatments and drug combinations which possessed many of the qualities and reactions of present-day miracle drugs, although he didn't call them by their modern names.
Dr. Denning was a most versatile person. In addition to medicine, surgery, and dentistry, he was greatly interested in music,
poetry, debating, swimming, a game of pool, and even read and taught law.
A colleague said of him, “Dr. O. L. Denning had a truly great and brilliant mind and a God-given talent.”
Dr. Milton K. Devane1822 - 1888
I. Born near Harrells Store in Sampson County.
Parents: John Canty and Annie S. Devane
III. Married Malcy Parrish of Taylor's Bridge.
An adopted daughter: Olive Herring (niece of Mrs. Devane).
IV. Dr. Devane practiced for several years at Harrells Store and later moved to Magnolia where he practiced until his death.
V. Dr. Devane was born in what is now known as the “Ole Melvin House,” and while practicing at Harrells Store built the “Al Bowen House.” He is buried at Magnolia.
Dr. Elias K. Faison1829 - 1859
I. Born in Turkey Township.
Parents: Elias and Margaret Cromartie Faison
Paternal grandparents: Elisha and Amelia Ivey Faison
III. A daughter: Margaret Faison
IV. Practiced in Turkey Township.
Dr. Henry William Faison1828 - 1885
I. Born in Duplin County.
Parents: Elias James and Mary J. Faison
II. Attended Davidson College. Matriculated with the Class of 1844 at the University of North Carolina.
III. Married Martha Winifred Hicks.
Children: Isham Roland Faison
Sallie Faison Pierce
Dr. James Hicks Faison
Percy Faison
Dr. John Miller Faison
Mollie Faison
William Faison
Martha Winifred Faison
IV. Practiced in Sampson and Duplin Counties.
V. Dr. Faison was an outstanding leader in the fight for adequate financial support for the State Board of Health.
Dr. James Hicks Faison1857 - 1887
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: Dr. Henry W. and Martha Winifred Hicks Faison
Brother: Dr. John Miller Faison of Faison.
II. Attended University of North Carolina, receiving A. B. degree in 1878. Relatives believe he received his medical education at University of Virginia.
III. Never married.
IV. Practiced in both Sampson and Duplin Counties.
V. Kemp P. Battle's History of the University of North Carolina relates that Dr. Faison (then a junior) was one of the managers of the Commencement Ball in 1877 “preparing some of the most beautiful dances ever seen at the University.”
Dr. John Haywood Faison1829 - 1895
I. Born in Turkey Township.
Parents: Thomas Kilbee and Mary Ann Oates Faison
II. Attended Spring Vale Academy. Medical College not recorded.
III. Married Julia Ann McGowan.
Son: Walter Emerson Faison, who held office in the Dept. of State, for something like twenty-five years.
IV. Practiced at Elliott in Turkey Township where he enjoyed an extensive practice—about 1890 moved to Clinton.
V. The house occupied by Dr. Faison in Clinton had a rather interesting history. It was known as the John Sellers house, and was originally located on Big Coharie; but in 1842 it was torn down and moved to Clinton and rebuilt. Years later it was occupied by Dr. John D. Kerr.
Dr. John Miller Faison1862 - 1915
I. Born in Piney Grove section of Sampson County.
Parents: Dr. Henry W. and Martha Hicks Faison.
Brother: Dr. James Hicks Faison.
II. Educated at Faison Academy; Davidson College; University of Virginia; graduate work in the New York Polyclinic Hospital 1884-1885.
III. Married Eliza Devane.
Children: Louise Murphy
Martha Hicks
Henry William Faison
Dr. William Devane Faison
Laura Murphy
Isham Roland Faison
John Miller Faison, Jr.
IV. Practiced at Faison 1885-1915, serving many patients in Sampson.
V. Dr. Faison's career as a physician was somewhat overshadowed by his political career which resulted in his election to Congress from the Third Congressional District for two terms, serving from 1911-1915. In Congress he rendered great service to the trucking industry in eastern North Carolina and sponsored legislation to carry on experiments to benefit agriculture.
In addition to carrying on his large and extensive medical practice and his later political career, Dr. Faison conducted a weekly paper known as the Faison Journal.
Dr. George M. Cooper says that “he was not only a first class physician but also a great humanitarian. He extended his sympathy and his professional skill to the sick and distressed on every hand.”
Dr. Julius FaisonI. Born in Sampson County.
Descended from the James Faison branch of the Faison family.
III. Married a Miss Kerr who was the aunt of Dr. John D. Kerr of Clinton.
IV. Moved to Bennettsville, South Carolina, and did most of his practice there, in the late 1800's.
Dr. William Franklin Faison1865 - 1923
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Matthew J. and Annie Pearsall Faison
II. Schools not known.
III. Married Jessie Butler.
Children: Dr. John Butler Faison (cancer specialist) of Jersey City, New Jersey
Dr. Jere B. Faison (pediatrician, of New York)
William F. Faison, Jr., of Fort Dix, New Jersey
Elizabeth Faison Norris
Mary Hollingsworth Faison
IV. Practiced in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Dr. William Williams Faison1854 - 1926
I. Born at “Pleasant Retreat” Plantation near Turkey.
Parents: William A. and Harriett Williams Faison
II. Educated in local schools and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
III. Married his cousin, Susan Virginia Faison, daughter of the Hon. Thomas I. Faison.
Children: Ralph Faison
William Faison, Chester, Pennsylvania
Preston Faison, Raleigh
IV. A physician at State Hospital in Goldsboro for forty-three years. From 1883 to 1906 he served as First Assistant Physician, and from 1906 to 1926 as head of the Institution.
V. A distinguished alienist, he spent forty-three years in trying to improve the condition of the unfortunate Negro insane—he was definitely a pioneer in this field. A colleague says of his work, “A prosaic life but one entirely suited to a man of his mental habits and high ideals of service . . . as a result of his wisdom and industry the Goldsboro Institution holds high rank among its class. He was a friend whom it was an honor to call friend.”
Dr. Claude Henry Fryar1893 - 1952
I. Born at Delway.
Parents: William Jefferson and Ida Smith Fryar
II. Wake Forest College 1915
Medical College of Virginia 1918
III. Married Lucy Hayes, Greensboro
Children: Ida Catherine
Frances Herring
Lucy Anne
Bettie Smith
IV. Practice: Scotland Neck
Oak Ridge
Summerfield
V. During the years that Dr. Fryar practiced at Oak Ridge he was physician for Oak Ridge Military Academy. He retired from active practice several months before his death, moving to his home at Carolina Beach where he died suddenly in August, 1952.
Dr. Wright HallI. It is believed he was born in New Hanover County.
III. Married Mary Ann Hall.
Children: Maurice Hall
Elmore Hall
L. L. Hall
Mrs. L. F. Ezzell
IV. Dr. Hall came from Wilmington to Sampson County. Available records indicate that he was practicing in Little Coharie Township in 1884, but that sometime prior to 1893 he returned to New Hanover County.
Dr. James M. Harper, Sr.1876 - 1942
I. Born near Kinston.
II. Graduated from the University of North Carolina Medical School in 1910.
III. Married Susie McGee.
Children: James M. Harper, Jr., Southport, N. C.
John F. Harper, Raleigh
W. M. Harper, Fuquay Springs, N. C .
Captain Derward B. Harper (lost his life in World War II)
Alan A. Harper, Raleigh
Howard H. Harper, with the government in Viet Nam, Indochina
Dr. Robert N. Harper, State Hospital, Raleigh
IV. Practiced Zebulon, Pittsboro, Cameron. Came to Harrell's Store in 1930, where he remained for five years. Because of failing health, and in order to get the boys near State College, he bought a farm in Wake County and moved his family there; here he lived until his death.
Dr. Alvah L. Herring
1886 - 1953
I. Born near Garland.
Parents: David Livingstone and Mary Elizabeth (Mollie) Foote Herring
Brother: Dr. Richard S. Herring of Iowa
II. Medical College of Virginia 1912
III. Married Lena Rollins of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
One son: Dr. Alvah L. Herring, Jr., Chief Surgeon and main stockholder Grace Hospital, Richmond.
IV. Grace Hospital, Richmond. First as Assistant Surgeon to Dr. Robert C. Bryan, and later as Chief Surgeon and Chief of Staff.
V. Dr. Herring left his position as Assistant Surgeon at Grace Hospital during World War I to join the McGuire Unit Base Hospital No. 45. Discharged with the rank of Lt. Colonel. When the war ended he returned to Grace Hospital in Richmond, purchased the controlling interest and became Chief of Staff, a position which he held until his death. His work at the hospital is being carried on by his only son, Dr. Alvah L. Herring, Jr.
Dr. Houston Boyd Hiatt1886 - 1941
I. Parents: John Rufus and Ella Otwell Hiatt
II. Attended Mrs. Betsy Wright's School; Horner's Military Academy; University of North Carolina 1902-1905; graduated University of Maryland 1907. Postgraduate work: Jefferson Medical College; Johns Hopkins 1915-1919.
III. Married Kathleen Cromwell Sadther of Baltimore.
Children: Leona Cromwell McEachern, Wrightsville Beach
Houston Boyd Hiatt, Jr.
IV. Practice: Clinton 1907 - 1909
Asheboro 1909-1913
High Point 1913-1934
V. Dr. Hiatt's death in August 1941, occurred in Florida where he had gone in a futile attempt to recover from a heart condition.
Dr. Charles Highsmith, Sr.1873 - 1938
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: Robert and Elizabeth Carroll Highsmith
Brothers: Dr. Seavy Highsmith, Fayetteville
Dr. John Highsmith (D.D.S.) Arcadia, Florida
Dr. George Frank Highsmith, Arcadia, Florida
II. University of North Carolina
Baltimore Medical College 1899
III. Married Josephine Perry of Rutherford County.
Children: Mrs. Elizabeth Highsmith Dunbar
Dr. George Perry Highsmith, Thomasville (I)
Dr. Charles Highsmith, Jr., Troy (S)
IV. Practiced in Sampson County 1899-1900.
Dunn 1900-1938
Dr. Jacob Franklin Highsmith1868 - 1939
I. Born near Roseboro.
Parents: John J. and Mary Ann Fowler Highsmith
II. Graduate of Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia; of Surgical Clinic of New York. Attended various clinics in both America and Europe.
III. Married Mamie Lou White of Sampson County.
Children: Dr. J. D. Highsmith
Mrs. E. J. Wells
Mrs. Annie Campbell
Mrs. Louise Hardy
Dr. J. F. Highsmith, Jr., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Dr. William C. Highsmith, Fayetteville
Mrs. John Caldwell
Juanita Highsmith
IV. Practiced surgery at Fayetteville almost fifty years (1889-1939).
V. Dr. Highsmith was just twenty-one years old in 1889 when he went to Fayetteville to begin practicing surgery in an atmosphere of suspicion, prejudice, and distrust. People were not accustomed to surgery or to hospitals, which were openly called slaughter-houses and butcher pens. First of all, he had to conquer this spirit of prejudice and even then he was greatly hampered by lack of equipment, suitable operating rooms, and a place for patients to convalesce. In less than ten years, however, he and an associate, Dr. J. H. Marsh, were able to open a small hospital in Fayetteville which was the first private hospital in North Carolina.
Twenty-five years of constant struggle, of visions and dreams, of visiting various clinics to learn new methods and new techniques,
then Dr. Highsmith and his oldest son, Dr. J. D. Highsmith, were to move from the small plant on Green Street to the top of Haymount Hill into a $475,000.00 structure which was the last word in hospital design and construction. It stands, and will stand, as a monument to a great humanitarian who, as a practical business man, tried to make his hospital pay its way, but whose first rule was not to turn away patients because of financial difficulties. Ben Dixon MacNeill is authority for the statement that in the years between 1901 and 1939, Highsmith's Hospital cared for forty-seven thousand three hundred and eleven patients of whom fifty-nine percent were treated without compensation.
Dr. Seavy Highsmith1874 - 1943
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: Robert and Elizabeth Carroll Highsmith
Brothers: Dr. G. Frank Highsmith, Arcadia, Florida
Dr. John Highsmith, Arcadia, Florida
Dr. Charles Highsmith, Sr., Dunn
Nephews: Dr. George P. Highsmith of Thomasville
Dr. Charles Highsmith, Jr. of Troy
II. Medical College of Virginia, Class of 1901
III. Married Ethel Johnson of Robeson County.
Children: Mrs. D. T. Perry, Jr., Fayetteville
Seavy Highsmith, Jr.
IV. Practiced in Fayetteville for forty-one years, associated at one time with Highsmith Hospital, and for another period with Cumberland General Hospital; but the majority of the time was spent in general practice, which he preferred.
V. For almost half a century Dr. Highsmith was a leader in the medical profession and in the civic and religious life of Fayetteville. During these years he endeared himself to people in all walks of life because of his skill as a physician and his humanitarian traits.
Dr. John H. HillI. Birthplace and parents unknown.
II. Medical school unknown.
III. Married Mary Ann Holmes.
One son — Dr. John Hampden Hill
IV. Records show that in 1831 Dr. Hill was living on a plantation in
North Clinton Township, and that in 1835 he had moved to New Hanover County.
Dr. John Hampden Hill1834 - 1910
I. Born in Wilmington.
Parents: Dr. John and Ann Holmes Hill
II. Record of education not available.
III. Married his cousin, Mary Louisa Bunting, daughter of Dr. Thomas Bunting.
Children: Thomas Hill
John Holmes Hill
Mary Ann Hill
Elizabeth Holmes Hill
Louisa Hill
Minnie Hill
Susan Hill
IV. Practiced in Clinton.
Dr. Isaac M. Hobbs1832 - 1888
I. Born near Keeners in Halls Township in Sampson County.
Parents: Abraham and Sarah Middleton Hobbs
II. Attended Wake Forest College. “Read medicine” under Dr. Henry A. Bizzell of Clinton, and then attended University of Pennsylvania Medical School (Class of 1858).
III. Married Ann Darden, daughter of Joseph Darden.
One son: Samuel Huntington Hobbs of Raleigh
IV. Practiced in Sampson County.
V. Dr. Hobbs’ son recalls hearing him say that he wrote his thesis on typhoid fever, and recalls also that he was considered a specialist in treating typhoid fever cases.
Dr. Robert Henry Holliday1847 - 1908
I. Born at Preston, England.
Parents: Robert William and Mary Woods Holliday
Grandson: Dr. Tobert Henry Holliday of Thomasville
II. Educated at private schools in Preston and Devonshire, England,
and at University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Completed medical education after coming to America by studying with Dr. Seavey of Wilmington.
III. Married Delia Fisher of Bladen County.
Children: Mrs. Robert Gibbs Morrisey
Robert William Holliday
John Claudius Holliday
Dr. Fulton Raeford Holliday
IV. Began his practice in Salemburg, moving to Clinton after one year. Owned and operated a drugstore on Wall Street in Clinton.
V. Dr. George Marion Cooper wrote, “Dr. Holliday was an Englishman who volunteered as a surgeon in the Confederate Army and after the close of the war practiced medicine in Sampson County for many years. He was a man who did more to encourage the young physicians of Sampson County in the beginning of their work than any other man of whom I have any knowledge, and for that reason he definitely deserves a place in this record.”
Dr. E. T. Hollingsworth1886 - 1934
I. Born in Hobbton in Sampson County.
Parents: James and Almira Jones Hollingsworth
II. Graduate of North Carolina Medical College, Charlotte.
III. Married Patricia Nicholson, Charlotte.
One child—died at age of one year.
Second wife was Geneva Sikes, St. Paul.
IV. Practice: Sampson County Health Officer 1917-1928
Member of Staff of a Goldsboro Hospital 1928-1934.
Dr. Allmand Holmes1831 - 1898
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Richard Clinton and Isabella Hall Holmes
II. Educated in private schools; Clinton Male Academy; University of Pennsylvania 1852. Had previously “read medicine” with Dr. W. G. Micks.
III. Married Frances Sellers.
Children: John Holmes of Wilmington
Allmand Holmes
Elizabeth (Bessie) Hubbard
Willie (Billy Boy) Holmes
Dr. Frank H. Holmes of Clinton
IV. Practiced in Clinton — physician and surgeon. Joined by son, Dr. Frank H. Holmes in 1895.
V. Dr. Holmes was especially distinguished as a surgeon.
According to the late Dr. W. H. Whitehead of Rocky Mount, he reported the first successful removal of an ovarian tumor in North Carolina. The operation was done at Clinton on February 25, 1882. On May 16, 1883, at the meeting of the State Medical Society in Tarboro, Dr. Holmes formally reported the account of the operation in a classical paper under the title of “Successful Removal and Recovery of a Multiocular Encysted Ovarian Tumor.”
Dr. George M. Cooper says that he was a “gentleman of the old school who thought modesty was an active virtue and therefore never sought elective office in the State Society, although he held numerous committee assignments.”
Dr. Frank Huske Holmes1870 - 1915
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Dr. Allmand and Frances Sellers Holmes
II. Educated in private schools; Clinton Male Academy; University of North Carolina; University of Maryland, graduating in 1895.
III. Married Sallie Lee McKinnon, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Luther McKinnon.
One son: Frank Huske Holmes, Jr. (died at nine months of age)
IV. As soon as he was licensed to practice, Dr. Holmes went into partnership with his father, Dr. Allmand Holmes, in Clinton and practiced at Clinton until his death.
V. Dr. Holmes served as President of Sampson County Medical Society; fellow of American Medical Association; and member of I. O. O. F. Dr. Holmes was also Major-Surgeon of the State Guard for two terms, being appointed by Governor Aycock and also by Governor Glenn.
Socially, Dr. Holmes was very popular, and as a most eligible bachelor was in great demand for the parties, sociables, and excursions of that period. His name appears frequently in lists of those taking parts in weddings. Careful readers of old newspapers can detect a growing tendency on his part to be present when Miss Sallie Lee McKinnon was also to be a guest!
During his years of practice Dr. Holmes endeared himself to his patients by his kindness, consideration and keen interest in the welfare of every patient.
Dr. Hardy Holmes
1804 - 1847
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: Owen and Ann Clinton Holmes
II. Attended University of North Carolina, graduating in 1824. Medical College not known.
III. Married Julia Bray.
IV. Left Sampson and went to New Orleans, Louisiana, where the majority of his practice was done, and where he lived until his death.
Dr. William HoustonI. Born in London (not authenticated).
II. Educated in London (not authenticated).
(Some of Dr. Houston's descendants believe that he was born and educated in North Ireland.)
III. Married Ann Jones of Bladen County.
Children: William Houston
Henry Houston
Edward Houston
Griffith Houston
Mrs. William Hubbard
IV. Located at Sarecta on North East River in what was then New Hanover (now Duplin) County. From here he practiced over a very large territory for over forty years, traveling on foot, by horseback, and by boat.
V. Dr. Houston first appears in the records of Duplin County in 1736 and seems to have given a large part of his time to political activity and public affairs in spite of the fact that his medical practice covered such an extensive area. He was land agent for Henry McCullock, handling the vast estates granted McCullock by the British Crown, and was instrumental in the creation of Duplin County. He also served as a member of the Colonial Assembly and was chairman of the County Court of Duplin County and was appointed Stamp Master for North Carolina by the British Crown. However, because of the unpopularity of the law, Dr. Houston quickly resigned as Stamp Master.
His was indeed a busy life, and he ranks as one of Duplin County's most substantial citizens.
(This record of Dr. Houston is included because Sampson was still part of Duplin County until 1784, and it is generally accepted
that he was the first doctor of whom we have any authentic record to have practiced in what is now Sampson County.)
Dr. William HudsonI. Born in Sampson County.
IV. Sometime after 1865 Dr. Hudson located at Spivey's Corner and practiced there until his death.
V. Available records show that Dr. Hudson's family migrated to Texas when he was a small child, and that he grew up in Texas and lived there until after his marriage. It was then that he returned to his native North Carolina and Sampson County.
Dr. Bayard Cleveland Johnson1886 - 1942
I. Born at Ingold.
Parents: Cicero Howard and Eugenia Robinson Johnson
II. University of North Carolina 1909
Raleigh Medical School 1909 - 1912
III. Married Virginia Mills, Rocky Mount, Virginia.
Children: Pauline Johnson Fulghum
Bayard C. Johnson, Jr.
Merla Johnson
Marjory Johnson
David Mills Johnson
IV. Practice: Bunn 1909-1932 (Retired from active practice in 1932).
Dr. Charles Stevens Kerr1845 - 1910
I. Born on farm near Kerr Station.
Parents: James and Jane Stevens Kerr
Brother-in-law: Dr. Neil Graham Shaw of Harrels Store
II. Attended Haw River Academy in Alamance County, and Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, graduating in 1869.
III. Married Mary Shaw, daughter of the Reverend Colin Shaw.
Children: Fannie Kerr Henry
Mary Kerr Henry
James Kerr
Nell Williams Kerr
Elizabeth Kerr Corbett
Annie Belle Kerr Culbreth
Katherine Shaw Kerr
Charles Heman Kerr
IV. After graduation Dr. Kerr settled on the original “Punch Bowl” Kerr Plantation and practiced in lower Sampson for forty years.
V. John A. Oates of Fayetteville writes, “No man who lived in lower Sampson was more affectionately loved than Dr. Kerr. Truly, it might be said of him that he practiced medicine not for money, but for the love of his fellow man. A monument erected by free will offerings in dimes and dollars from his neighbors, whites and Negroes, rich and poor, as a testimonial of their love and esteem stands in the public road at Kerr Station and bears the inscription: Charles Stevens Kerr, M. D. Born July 9, 1845; Died March 6, 1910. Honor Virtutis Praemium. Physician, Philanthropist, Patroit, Christian.”
Dr. G. M. Cooper said that “Dr. Kerr, when able to travel, never refused a call and that the above-mentioned monument represents the only such voluntary tribute to a family doctor in the entire State of North Carolina.”
Dr. John Daniel Kerr II1884 - 1938
I. Born in Sampson County, at the old Kerr home on Black River.
Parents: Col. John Daniel, Sr., and Sudie Hubbard Kerr.
II. Graduated at University of North Carolina 1903; University of Maryland 1906; interned at James Walker Memorial Hospital in Wilmington 1906-1908.
III. Married Lovic Pigford 1910.
Children: Mrs. Forrest Crumpler, Hollywood, Florida
John D. Kerr III (deceased)
Wyatt Kerr, Ft. Worth, Texas
Lovic Kerr Searle, Aiken, South Carolina
Ferdinand Kerr, Clinton
Ruth Kerr, Raleigh
IV. Practiced at Clinton for thirty years, 1908-1938, except during periods of military service. Served as Health Officer of Sampson County 1928-1932.
V. Dr. Kerr's first connection with the army was as First Lieutenant of the Medical Corps of the North Carolina National Guard. His Regiment served on the Mexican Border and was later mustered into the regular army as a part of the famous 30th Division. After service overseas, he was honorably discharged in 1919 but in 1924 Dr. Kerr was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Medical Corps of the North Carolina National Guard and was still serving
in this capacity when he was fatally injured in an automobile accident as he was returning from Wilmington where he had been for an inspection of his unit.
Regarding his civilian practice, a friend says, “In the thirty years of his practice, he was never known to keep an account or send a bill to any patient. He looked upon his patients as his friends and depended upon them to supply the needs for himself and his family.”
Dr. George L. Kirby1834 - 1901
I. Born on plantation southeast of Clinton.
Parents: William and Elizabeth Cromartie Kirby
II. Attended Spring Vale Academy. Was prepared for college by the famous school master, John Ghost Elliott. Studied medicine at Medical College of the University of New York (class of 1859) and in Paris.
III. Married Mary C. Green.
Children: Dr. George Kirby, Jr., a distinguished psychiatrist of New York
Mrs. Laura Spicer, Goldsboro
Mrs. Ed Borden, Goldsboro
Mrs. Robinson, Goldsboro
Mrs. Crawford, Goldsboro
Mrs. C. E. Wilkins
IV. Dr. Kirby served in the Medical Corps of the Confederate Army, being first commissioned as a surgeon and then as a brigadier surgeon. After the war he settled in Goldsboro where he practiced for several years, and then he moved to Raleigh where he became superintendent of the State Hospital.
V. A competent alienist, Dr. Kirby's term of office as head of the State Hospital was characterized by efficiency and broad humanitarianism. He was greatly beloved by his unfortunate patients.
Dr. Kirby served for six years as a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners.
Dr. Algernon Moseley Lee1839 - 1924
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Thomas M. and Sarah Moseley Lee
II. Matriculated with Class of 1861 of University of North Carolina. Graduated from Medical College of Virginia in 1862.
III. Married Annie Boykin of Virginia.
Children: Dr. E. G. Lee (dentist), Clinton
Dr. Elliot Lee, Clinton and Lincolnton
T. M. Lee, Clinton
Mrs. George E. Butler, Clinton
Mrs. L. C. Kerr, Clinton
Mrs. A. McLean Graham, Clinton
IV. During part of Civil War, Dr. Lee served in the Confederate Hospitals in Richmond under Dr. Hunter McGuire, who was commissioned Surgeon General. After the war he opened office at Clinton, practicing both medicine and dentistry; but his medical practice became so extensive that he devoted all his time to it.
V. It may be said of Dr. Lee that he engaged in the active practice of medicine longer than any other man ever to have lived in the county, and no man had a wider circle of friends or was more beloved than he. Dr. G. M. Cooper of Raleigh said of Dr. Lee, “He was a typical old school southern country doctor. Children loved him, women adored him, and men respected him. He was never so happy as when ministering to the suffering of a fellow human being . . . . sixty-two years of daily intimate personal service as family physician and friend. What a wonderful record to present to the Recording Angel!”
Dr. Richard Elliott Lee1874 - 1934
I. Born at Clinton.
Parents: Dr. Algernon Moseley and Annie Boykin Lee
Brother: Dr. E. G. Lee of Clinton, a dentist
II. Attended Horner Military Academy; graduated from University of North Carolina in pharmacy, and from University of Maryland in medicine in 1897. Did postgraduate work at New York Post Graduate Hospital.
III. Married Annie Kerr of Clinton.
Children: Mrs. Charlie Raper Jones, Lincolnton
Margaret Lee, Lincolnton
IV. Practiced at Clinton 1900-1907; Goldsboro 1907-1915; Clinton 1915-1917; Black Mountain 1917-1918; Lincolnton 1918-1934.
V. Before beginning general practice, Dr. Lee entered military service,
and during the Spanish-American War served with honor and distinction as Lieutenant Surgeon in Cuba.
Dr. Lee was definitely one of the large group of physicians whose interest is in service to humanity rather than in storing up wealth for his own use. Shortly after his death, a fellow physician paid him this moving tribute: “Dr. Lee was the most unselfish doctor I ever knew.”
Dr. S. P. J. Lee1873 - 1937
I. Born at Newton Grove.
Parents: Marshal and Elizabeth Tart Lee
Brother: Dr. J. Marshall Lee of Newton Grove
II. Educated at Richmond College of Dentistry and Medical College of University of Maryland (Class of 1904).
III. Married Elizabeth Wagstaff of Person County.
Children: Hugh S Lee
Charles A. Lee, Dunn
Charlotte Lee Renn, Lillington
IV. Practiced in Harnett, Johnston and Sampson Counties.
V. Dr. Lee was both a dentist and medical doctor; his dental office was located at Smithfield.
Dr. Jesse B. LucasI. Born in Beaufort County near Washington, N. C.
Parents: Jesse Burkage and Elizabeth Satchewell Lucas
III. Married Janie Carr, who was reared by a Dr. Faison and his wife.
Children: Annie Lucas
Fannie Lucas
Gladys Lucas
IV. Dr. Lucas lived near Harrells Store and practiced in the area around Newton Cross Road, Delway, and Taylor's Bridge. After practicing in Sampson County for several years he moved to Georgia, sometime in the late 1800's.
Dr. John Richard Marable1823 - 1906
I. Born near Danville, Virginia.
Brothers: Dr. George Marable of Monroe, Louisiana
Dr. Ben F. Marable (D. D.) of Sampson County
II. Attended Hampden Sydney and the Medical College of Virginia.
III. Married Bettie Barnett. After her death, married Susan Faison, widow of Col. Frank Faison.
Children: Richard Marable, Yuma, Arizona
George Marable, Yuma, Arizona
Hunter Marable, Yuma, Arizona
William Marable, Yuma, Arizona
Jack Marable, Texas
Mrs. Ida Marable Faison, Turkey
IV. After his marriage to Susan Faison, Dr. Marable practiced medicine in Turkey Township from 1867 (?) until 1890. After her death he moved to Yuma, Arizona.
Dr. James Oscar Matthews1868 - 1943
I. Born in Taylor's Bridge Township.
Parents: Benedict and Julia Powers Matthews
Nephews: Dr. George Matthews, Rose Hill; Dr. Ben L. Matthews, Binghamton, New York
II. Graduated University College of Medicine of Richmond 1897.
III. Married Katie Florence Peterson, Clinton.
Children: Kathleen Matthews Carter, Salemburg
James Hunter Matthews, Fayetteville
Married Myrl Herring, Rose Hill, in 1933.
IV. Practiced one year at Salemburg, returning to Taylor's Bridge in 1897 and practicing there for approximately forty-five years.
V. Dr. Matthews was a direct lineal descendant of Edmond Matthews (Welsh emigrant and nephew of Governor Matthews of Virginia) who settled on Crane Creek in Taylor's Bridge Township in the 1740's.
Understanding the needs of his section, he played an active role in movements to secure better roads; telephone and electric service; improved school facilities and other plans to improve the cultural and economic life of his community. He was actively interested in politics, being elected to the State Senate in 1908.
On the personal side he was an avid reader; competent amateur photographer; fair violinist; expert mechanic; hunter, fisherman and lover of guns. An authenticated story tells how his frightened mother found him at the age of five trying to drag a loaded
shotgun over a rail fence to “shoot a hawk.” And though his interest in hawks and rail fences waned wih the years, his love for all types of guns and pistols remained his main hobby.
A friend wrote at the time of Dr. Matthews’ death, “He will be greatly missed in lower Sampson as physician, neighbor, friend and gentleman.”
Dr. Atlas Alan Maynard1860 - 1932
I. Born at Cary in Wake County.
Parents: Amos and Kitty Womble Maynard
II. Educated in local schools and Medical College of the University of Maryland.
III. Married Anna Elizabeth Liles of Morven, in Anson County.
Children: Morelle B. Maynard
Belvin W. Maynard
Anna Powell, Wallace
Amos Maynard, Greensboro
Vera Claire Kornegay
Worth J. Maynard
Elizabeth Johnson, Wilmington
A. A. Maynard, Harrells
Caralea Rooks, Ivanhoe
Bryan Maynard, Harrells
Lalon Groover, Atlanta, Ga.
IV. Dr. Maynard began his practice at Apex; moved to Wadesboro; moved to Morven; and in 1905 came to Harrells Store, in Sampson County, with the intention of retiring from active practice because of ill health. However, because of the scarcity of doctors he did some practice after moving to Sampson.
V. Dr. Maynard was also a teacher and taught in Sampson County schools. He will be longest remembered, however, as the father of Belvin W. Maynard, better known as “The Flying Parson,” whose spectacular but tragic career flashed briefly across our skies and our headlines in the days immediately following the First World War. Dr. Maynard endowed the Belvin W. Maynard F.F.A. Chapter at Franklin High School in memory of his aviator son.
Dr. Robert F. McCoy1793 - 1848
I. Born in Wilmington.
IV. Dr. McCoy came to Clinton while he was still a young man and practiced there until his death.
Dr. William McKoy1782 - 1858
I. Birthplace unknown.
II. Married Ann Hall (1803-1837).
Children: Virginia
Robert
Caroline
John
Isabella
Edward
Ann
V. Dr. McKoy is buried in the Clinton cemetery.
Dr. Rufus Henry McLean1853 - 1939
I. Born at Holly Springs in Wake County.
Parents: Dr. John A. and Mary Ann Rowland McLean
II. Graduated Baltimore Medical College 1879.
III. Married Mary Castine.
Children: Hector McLean
Alice McLean
Betty McLean
Rufus Irby McLean, Dunn
IV. Practiced in Sampson (Newton Grove section), Johnston, and Wayne Counties.
V. Dr. McLean belonged to that small group of Sampson doctors who completed fifty years of practice.
Dr. Lorenzo Dow McPhail1875 - 1947
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: Joseph R. and Martha Westbrook McPhail
II. Educated at University of North Carolina and Medical College of University of Maryland (Class of 1900). In 1926 he studied proctology at New York Post Graduate Hospital.
III. Married Grace Graham of Greenville, South Carolina.
Children: L. D. McPhail, Atlanta, Georgia
Fred McPhail, Charlotte
Mrs. Donald Follmer, Charlotte
IV. Dr. McPhail did general practice in Rockingham for twenty-three years and in Charlotte for three years. After his post graduate work he returned to Charlotte where he practiced as a specialist in association with the Crowell Clinic.
Dr. Thomas MicksI. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Dr. William G. and Cornelia Rathbone Micks
III. Married Rowena Lee, a daughter of Thomas Lee.
Children: Mrs. Rowena Micks Borden, Goldsboro
Wentworth Micks, California
IV. Was commissioned a surgeon and served in Confederate Army.
Dr. William G. Micks1806 - 1875
I. Birthplace and parentage unknown.
II. Medical college unknown.
III. Married Cornelia Rathbone, daughter of General Ransom Rathbone.
Son—Dr. Thomas Micks of Clinton
Married Mrs. Eliza Jane Morisey Beatty.
IV. Practiced at Clinton, coming there as a young man and remaining the rest of his life.
V. The following are reproductions of receipts given by Dr. Micks to Sampson Bennett of Clinton over one hundred years ago. They were furnished by Mrs. Norman Bennett of Rose Hill, whose husband was the great-grandson of Sampson Bennett.
Archibald Monk
1775 - ?
I. Born near Carthage in Moore County.
II. Educated at Fayetteville. It is believed that he “read” medicine with some older doctor, but records reveal no formal medical education. He was not called “doctor.”
III. Married Harriett Hargrove of Sampson.
Children: Capt. Claude Monk, killed in Civil War.
Dr. John Carr Monk, Newton Grove
Julius Monk, Newton Grove (druggist)
Mrs. James H. Benton, Newton Grove
Mrs. Rufus Allen, Newton Grove
Henry Monk, Newton Grove
Three other children
IV. Mr. Monk practiced medicine at Newton Grove.
V. Mr. Monk superintended a plantation; also, was Superintendent of Public Instruction, operated Monk's Store and the Post Office.
It is said that his old saddle-bag with pouches for medicine, Bible, medical books, Latin and Greek textbooks were in the old home, long after his death.
Dr. George Monroe Monk1869 - 1935
I. Born at Newton Grove.
Parents: Henry C. and Rebecca Gregory Monk
Brothers: Dr. Harvey G. Monk of Trenton
Dr. Henry Lawrence Monk of Salisbury
Dr. Archie Monk of Goldsboro
Uncle: Dr. John Carr Monk of Newton Grove
II. Attended school in Raleigh; graduated from the Medical School of the University of North Carolina in 1908.
III. Married Mary Shannon of Savannah, Georgia.
IV. Practiced in Spencer and then in Southport.
V. Dr. Monk was forced to retire from active practice several years before his death because of an injury that he had received.
Dr. Harvey G. Monk1871 - 1921
I. Born at Newton Grove.
Parents: Henry C. and Rebecca Gregory Monk
Uncle: Dr. John Carr Monk
Brothers: Dr. George Monroe Monk of Trenton
Dr. Henry Lawrence Monk of Salisbury
Dr. Archie Monk of Goldsboro
II. Graduate of University College of Medicine, Richmond.
III. Married Mary Cox of Newton Grove.
Children: Agnes Monk
Margaret Rebecca Monk
Mary Clare Monk
Harvey Gregory Monk, Jr.
Frances Elizabeth Monk (died in infancy)
Katharine Elizabeth Monk
William Henry Monk
Charlie Raefield Monk
George Francis Monk
IV. Practiced at Newton Grove for three years following graduation. In 1902, Dr. Monk moved to Trenton practicing there until his death.
V. Dr. Monk was the second of three Monk brothers who were medical doctors.
Dr. Henry Lawrence Monk1875 - 1957
I. Born at Newton Grove.
Parents: Henry Clay and Rebecca Gregory Monk
Brothers: Dr. Archie Monk (veterinarian), Goldsboro
Dr. George M. Monk
Dr. Harvey G. Monk
Uncle: Dr. John Carr Monk
II. Educated at University of North Carolina and Medical College of Virginia (Class of 1899).
III. Married Nannie Katharine Blackman.
Children: Dr. Henry Lawrence Monk, Jr., of Durham
Katharine Monk Peacock, of Alexandria, Va.
Julius Monk, of Newton Grove
IV. Practiced in Salisbury from 1899 - 1957.
V. Dr. Henry L. Monk was the youngest of the three Monk brothers who were medical doctors. He was a charter member of the Salisbury Kiwanis Club, the Rowan-Davie Medical Society, the Old Hickory Club, the Elks, and of the Roman Catholic Church.
Dr. John Carr Monk1827 - 1877
I. Born at Newton Grove.
Parents: Archibald and Harriett Hargrove Monk
Brother-in-law: Dr. James H. Benton of Newton Grove
Sons-in-law: Dr. Robert West of Salisbury
Dr. George Caton of New Bern
Nephews: Dr. Claude Benton, New Bern
Dr. Harvey G. Monk, Trenton
Dr. George M. Monk, Southport
Dr. Henry L. Monk, Sr., Salisbury
Dr. Henry L. Monk, Jr., Durham
Dr. Archie Monk, Sr., Goldsboro
Dr. Archie Monk, Jr., Ahoskie
II. Graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
III. Married Euphemia Eason, daughter of Col. John Eason of Johnston County.
Children: Anna Monk Underwood, Newton Grove
Flora Monk West, Salisbury
Katie Monk Caton, New Bern
IV. Practiced at Newton Grove.
V. Dr. John Carr Monk was the best known and most influential of the members of the Monk family who, according to tradition, were descendants of General George Monk, the First Duke of Albemarle.
Dr. Monk was a man of strong convictions and the courage to stand by them openly. He and his family were avowed Republicans
in a period when few other Southerners would have admitted it; and he and his family joined the Roman Catholic Church when there were no others of that faith in his section. His conversion was the result of a prolonged correspondence between himself and Bishop (later Cardinal) Gibbons of Wilmington. Dr. Monk and his family went to Wilmington to be baptized by Bishop Gibbons. Other relatives also became Catholics; and Dr. Monk, himself donated the land on which the Catholic Church and the parochial school stand.
Dr. Monk also operated a drug store and the post office—and was responsible for the name of Newton Grove being given to the village.
Dr. Monk was very much interested in increasing the number of doctors in Sampson County and persuaded several members of his family to study medicine, even paying for the medical education of his brother-in-law, Dr. James H. Benton.
He had the honor of serving on the first Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina under the Constitution of 1868.
Dr. Alexander Duncan Moore1825 - 1894
I. Born in Wilson County.
III. Married Martha Sullivan of Kenansville.
One adopted daughter: Lilly Moore Darden of Clinton.
IV. Practiced in Wilson, moving to Clinton in the 1880's and practicing there until his death.
V. Lived in what is known as the Henry Darden house in Clinton.
Dr. Samuel Bunting Morisey1829 - 1883
I. Born in Turkey Township.
Parents: Col. Thomis Kenan and Penelope Bunting Morisey.
II. Attended University of North Carolina, 1847-48. Was a Freshman Competitor in the annual Declamation Contest at Commencement 1848.
III. Unmarried.
IV. Practiced first in Robeson County, and after close of Civil War, he returned to his plantation in Turkey Township where he practiced
until his death.
V. During the period of the Civil War he was commissioned Surgeon in the 51st North Carolina Regiment of the Confederate Army on May 1, 1862.
Dr. George W. Moseley1829 - 1892
I. Born near Clinton.
Parents: Jonathan and Dorcas Garland Moseley
II. Graduate of Medical College of University of Pennsylvania
III. Married Martha Matthews of Taylor's Bridge.
IV. After his marriage he settled on a plantation near Red Hill Church in Taylor's Bridge Township on what is still called “Moseley Avenue.” He practiced there until his death.
V. Dr. Moseley was a nephew of William D. Moseley, the first governor of Florida. He is considered directly responsible for influencing at least two other men to study medicine. One of these was his cousin, Dr. William Isaiah Thompson, to whom he gave direct assistance by allowing him to begin “reading medicine” with him; and the other was the late Dr. James O. Matthews who was a nephew of Mrs. Moseley and who took over Dr. Moseley's practice about five years after his death.
A copy of Dr. Moseley's diploma, written entirely in Latin, is still in existence. It states that the “Praefectus, Vice-Praefectus et Profefsores Univerfitatus Pennfylvanientis” confer upon “Georgium W. Moseley” the degree of “Doctorem in Arte Medica . . . Datum Philadelphiae Die ante Cal. Apr. sexto decimo Annoque - Salutis humana, Millesimo Octingentesimo et unde sexagesimo.”
Dr. Cornelius Tate Murphy1827 - 1882
I. Born in Northern New Hanover (now Pender).
Parents: Cornelius and Margaret Henry Murphy
II. Graduate of Jefferson Medical College
III. Married his cousin, Ann Murphy.
Children: Edgar Poe Murphy
James Tate Murphy
IV. Practiced in Taylors Bridge Township, living on Chicken Bone Creek—later moved to Clinton where he lived until his death.
V. Dr. G. M. Cooper in writing of Dr. Murphy said, “His service to his state was probably as distinguished and as important in a threefold capacity as that of any physician in North Carolina living during the last half of the 19th century.
First, he was a successful practitioner of medicine.
Second, he was an influential member of the State Senate for two terms in an epochal period—1870-1872.
Third, he was Chairman of the State Board of Charities and Correction.”
Dr. Murphy helped organize and legalize the State Board of Medical Examiners (he served as a member of the Board from 1872-1878). He was also instrumental in the creation of the State Board of Charities and Correction (he served for seven years as chairman) and the State Board of Health. He served one term as Vice-President of the North Carolina Medical Society.
Dr. Murphy practiced the humanitarianism he believed, and did a large amount of charity practice. On his tomb in the Clinton cemetery is inscribed the single line, “A poor man's friend.”
Dr. Partrick Livingstone Murphy1848 - 1907
I. Born at “Cuwhiffle Plantation” in Taylors Bridge Township.
Parents: Patrick and Eliza Faison Murphy
II. Educated at Military Academy at Hillsboro; Binghams School, Oxford; University of Virginia; Medical College of University of Maryland, Class of 1871.
III. Married Bettie Bumgardner, Staunton, Virginia.
Children: Dr. William Alexander Murphy
Dr. James B. Murphy
Robert Livingstone Murphy
Malinda Murphy, who served as a nurse in First World War
IV. Assistant physician at Western Insane Asylum of Virginia for three years; founder and first superintendent of North Carolina State Hospital at Morganton where he served for twenty-four years.
V. During his superintendency at Morganton, Dr. Murphy gained a national reputation and was a prominent member of the Medico-Psychological Association. He served for six years as a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners and as president of the State Medical Society in 1897. He was a member of Board of Trustees of University of North Carolina 1889-1897.
After his death the State Society presented his portrait to the State Library in Raleigh and a bronze tablet in his memory to the hospital at Morganton. Dr. J. K. Hall, a noted psychiatrist of Richmond, Virginia, complimented Dr. Murphy with these words: “He possessed attributes of greatness which he transmuted into statesmanship of a high order in mental hygiene in North Carolina.”
Dr. William Bailey Murphy, Jr.1877 - 1937
I. Born in Wilmington (at home of his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. I. T. Alderman).
Parents: Dr. William Bailey and Marianna Alderman Murphy of Tomahawk
II. Attended local Sampson County Schools; Presbyterian High School, Rock Hill, South Carolina; Davidson College; University College of Medicine, Richmond. Did post-graduate work at Post Graduate Hospital in New York.
III. Married Mary Colvin Atkinson.
One daughter: Mary Colvin Murphy Griffin of Tokyo, Japan
IV. Began practice at Snow Hill in 1904 and in the same year was elected County Physician for Greene County, serving in that capacity until his death.
V. At the time of Dr. Murphy's election as County Physician a smallpox epidemic was raging and he was faced with the problem of educating the people to accept vaccination. He was so successful in this that at the time of his death Greene County was said to be the most thoroughly vaccinated county in the state . . . not only against smallpox but against other diseases as well.
Dr. Murphy served as first Vice-President of the North Carolina Medical Society in 1929-30; member of Board of Directors of the Hospital for Insane of Goldsboro.
The esteem in which Dr. Murphy was held by all classes of people was evidenced by the fact that the Governor of North Carolina served as an honorary pallbearer at his funeral while a seven-year-old Negro girl brought a handful of short-stemmed verbenas to place on his grave.
Dr. John Owen1790 - 1859
I. Born near Roseboro—Andrew's Chapel section.
Parents: Thomas and Sarah Parker Owen
Adopted by Nichols and Elizabeth Owen Parker.
Great-grandson: Dr. John F. Owen, Raleigh
II. School unknown.
III. Married Sallie Blake of Fayetteville.
Children: Miles P. Owen.
William T. Owen
Thomas I. Owen
Edmund B. Owen
Benson S. Owen
Mary Williams Owen
Martha Owen
Sarah Smith Owen
IV. Practiced in a thirty-mile area in Sampson County, living five miles below Roseboro on Little Coharie Creek. Practiced between forty and fifty years.
V. Dr. Owen's family reportedly came from England with some of his family claiming direct descent from royalty. He was not only a doctor but also a Methodist preacher, and it is said that he delivered many of the babies and married many of the couples whose descendants populate Sampson County today.
Dr. Owen is perhaps best remembered for the unique “speedometer” that he invented to tell the number of miles he traveled in order to reach his parents, and he then charged them accordingly. His device worked in this way: He first measured the distance his gig traveled with one revolution of the wheel and then figured how many times the wheel turned in going one mile. He then attached a device to the wheel which clocked its revolutions, and when the gig had traveled a mile a bell would ring. In this way he could keep track of how many miles he traveled on a call.
So, Dr. Owen was not only a physician and minister, but also an inventor!
Dr. Boney Wells Page1880 -
I. Born near Wells Chapel Church, in lower Sampson.
Parents: John Everett and Mary Ellen Wells Page
IV. Practiced in Clinton; served as Public Health Officer in Robeson County; practiced in Wilmington; practiced in Trenton where he died suddenly several years ago.
V. While doing public health work in Robeson County Dr. Page did
extensive research on pellagra—helping to establish the fact that it is a diet deficiency disease.
Dr. James Robinson Parker1875 - 1944
I. Born at Menola (Northampton County).
Parents: S. F. and Henrietta Pierce Parker
II. Graduate of Wake Forest College and of University of Maryland Medical School
III. Married Mary Ira Perry of Belvidere.
One daughter: Mrs. Mable Parker Colwell of Clinton
IV. Practiced at Cisco (Chowan County); Gatesville; Clinton 1918-1927; Norfolk, Virginia, 1927-1944.
V. Dr. Parker was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church; an active Mason, both York and Scottish rites; and a Shriner.
Dr. James Addison Patterson? - 1878
I. Born Gretna Green, Scotland.
Parents: Dr. and Mrs. George Patterson (Dr. Patterson was head of Edinburgh Medical College).
II. Graduated at Edinburgh Medical College sometime after 1830.
III. Married Susie Brown.
Children: John Robert Patterson
Henry Patterson
Mattie Patterson
IV. Dr. Patterson came to the United States between 1859 and 1865 and served in Confederate Hospitals. After the war ended and after his marriage, he settled near Roseboro where he practiced until his death in 1878.
V. Dr. Patterson first came to the United States as a boy of seventeen years of age to work in his brother's silk mill in Philadelphia. After the mill was burned, he returned to Scotland to study medicine and then returned to this country during the Civil War years. He is believed to have crossed the ocean seven times and was planning a visit to Scotland when he became critically ill and died rather suddenly.
His granddaughter tells this story of his being called one night to visit a patient who was seriously ill with diphtheria. Dr. Patterson
was drinking rather heavily but he managed to make the call, travelling on horseback and carrying his accordion. He sat by the bedside all night playing the accordion to keep himself awake, and the next morning he discovered his patient was so greatly improved as to be out of danger. Music therapy is not really new!!
Dr. Lucian Whitfield Robinson1838 - 1899
I. Born near Ingold in Sampson County.
Parents: James and Eleanor Cathrine Cromartie Robinson
II. Attended V. C. Institute at Portsmouth, Virginia, and graduated from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia.
III. Married Mary Ellen Stokes, Magnolia.
Children: Cathrine Robinson Newkirk, Washington, D. C.
Meigs Robinson, Norfolk, Virginia
Bettie Robinson Newkirk (a twin who died in infancy)
Luke Robinson, Savannah, Georgia
Married Dorothy Anne Boney
Children: Mary Robinson Wells, Wallace
Margaret Robinson McGee, Snow Hill
Gabriel Robinson, Wallace
IV. Dr. Robinson lived in the Concord Baptist Church community of Duplin County, practicing in both Duplin and Sampson Counties. His post office was “Natural Wells” (now Magnolia).
V. He took part in the Civil War, being stationed at Danville, Virginia, and vicinity throughout 1864.
Dr. Jeremiah Seavy1815 - 1881
I. Born in Rochester, New Hampshire.
Son of an Episcopal minister
II. Graduated at Medical College of Philadelphia at eighteen years of age.
III. Married Ann Julia Newkirk of Black River.
Children: Mary Seavy
Eugenia Seavy Moore
Jeremiah Seavy, Jr.
Hannah Seavy
IV. From the Newkirk Plantation on Black River, Dr. Seavy practiced over a vast area extending from Wilmington to Raleigh,
Fayetteville, and Kinston.
V. Because he could not practice in New Hampshire until he was twenty-one of age, Dr. Seavy decided to emigrate to South America but was shipwrecked off Cape Hatteras and landed at Wilmington. He was employed by a wealthy Mr. Newkirk who carried him to his plantation on Black River. Here he taught school for two years, married his benefactor's daughter; and when his medical training was discovered, he was given a surry, horses, a slave, medicine, and simple surgical equipment and thus equipped began his long career as a doctor, practicing over a large part of Eastern North Carolina. He often used the old circuit rider relay horseback riding plan, sometimes using as many as six horses on one call.
In 1842 Dr. and Mrs. Seavy built a beautiful plantation mansion among the moss-covered trees near Black River. A japonica bush given them as a wedding gift has grown through the years until it holds the unique distinction of being the largest japonica tree in the world. The old home, one of the few-remaining, early nineteenth-century mansions is now owned by Miss Mary Moore, a granddaughter of Dr. Seavy.
Dr. Edwin Tate Sessoms1885 - 1948
I. Born at Roseboro.
Parents: Uriah and Frances Fowler Sessoms
II. Educated in local schools; North Carolina Medical College, Charlotte; and Medical College of Virginia (Class of 1915).
III. Married Lillian Howard of Roseboro.
Children: Dr. Stuart McGuire Sessoms of Bethesda, Maryland
Dorothy Frances Hunnicutt, Wilson
E. T. Sessoms, Jr., Tallahassee, Florida
IV. Practice: Lumber Bridge 1915
Sampson County: Turkey, Mingo, Autryville, and Roseboro 1916-1948.
V. Dr. Sessoms was originally a farmer, then a rural mail carrier, and a school teacher before deciding to study medicine. He returned to his home county one year after his graduation and practiced there until his death. A person who knew Dr. Sessoms well says that he was an unpretentious person who wanted no public acclaim but that he was extremely generous in his aid to the unfortunate.
Mrs. Sessoms relates this little incident as illustrative of his quick wit and pleasant good humor. A group of friends were teasing
him about being a “tight-wad” and he promptly retorted, “Yes, I often shave myself twice a day so I can save twenty cents instead of just ten.”!
Dr. Sessoms was a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics. Coroner of Sampson County for two years.
Dr. Colin Shaw1890 - 1948
I. Born at Harrells Store.
Parents: Dr. Neil Graham and Rosa Fennell Shaw
Uncle: Dr. Charles Stevens Kerr of Kerr
II. Davidson Medical College 1910
III. Married Annie Fay Keith of Atkinson and Hendersonville.
Children: Phoebe Faye Shaw Holly, Atkinson
Edna Keith Shaw Corbett, Atkinson
IV. Practice: Began practice with his father at Maysville in 1910-1916.
Served in World War I
Wilmington 1921
Atkinson 1921-1948
V. Dr. Shaw was the youngest member of his graduating class at Davidson Medical College (twenty years of age).
Dr. Elias Faison Shaw1822 - 1865
I. Born in Cumberland County.
Parents: John and Frances Faison Shaw
II. Attended schools in Fayetteville and graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
III. Married his cousin, Arabella Faison.
Children: Eugene Shaw
Faison Shaw, Tucson, Arizona
Mrs. Inez Thomson
Mrs. John Holmes
IV. From his marriage in 1847 until the Civil War, Dr. Shaw lived on a plantation in Turkey Township where he practiced medicine and surgery in addition to managing his plantation interests.
V. In 1862, although he was exempt from military service, Dr. Shaw organized and was elected Captain of a company of cavalry which was mounted at the barn of his brother-in-law, William A. Faison. Captain Shaw's Company became Company “C” of the 5th
Cavalry. He was a brave soldier and was rapidly promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. After having seen service in both eastern Carolina and northern Virginia, he was slain at the Battle of Chamberlain Run in Virginia on March 31, 1865. Colonel Shaw had been decorated for bravery following the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Dr. Neil Graham ShawI. Born in Bladen County (not authenticated)
Parents: The Reverend Colin and Phoebe Bannerman Shaw
Brother-in-law: Dr. Charles Stevens Kerr
II. Davidson College
University of Maryland
III. Married Rosa Fennell.
Children: Dr. Colin Shaw of Atkinson
John Shaw
Graham Shaw
Mrs. Viola Peders of Wilmington
Rosa Lee Shaw
IV. Practiced at Harrells Store and Maysville, in the early 1900's.
V. According to relatives, Dr. Shaw did not study medicine until after he had been married for several years and his children were almost grown. He then fulfilled his boyhood ambition and became a doctor. His son joined him in his practice a few years before his death.
Dr. Joseph Lawrence Shepard1910 - 1956
I. Born in Laurel, Ohio.
Parents: The Reverend Joseph and Nellie Metzger Shepard
II. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta 1937
Internship White Cross Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
III. Married Clara Jane Douglas.
One son: Joseph Lawrence Shepard, Jr.
IV. Practice: Athens County, Ohio, 1938-1947
Sampson County, North Carolina, 1947-1948
Robeson County, North Carolina, 1948-1849
Chesterfield, South Carolina, 1949-1956
Dr. Gipson L. Sikes1871 - 1957
I. Born in Sampson County near Salemburg. Died in Raleigh 1957.
Parents: Daniel and Appey Eliza Lewis Sikes
II. Attended High School at Salemburg; Medical College of University of North Carolina; Medical College of Virginia at Richmond.
III. Married Ida Bullard in 1900. Died 1930.
Children: Mrs. Homer Starling, Raleigh
Lambert Elon Sikes, Washington State
Elliott Lee Sikes (deceased)
Married Margaret McCloud of Cameron 1940. Died 1955.
IV. General practioner for thirty years at Salemburg 1900-1930.
Made special study of and practiced electro-therapy in connection with general practice. Retired from active practice because of injuries received in automobile accident.
V. For many years Dr. Sikes was one of the leading citizens of Salemburg. He was particularly interested in the growth and development of Pineland College and greatly concerned with the religious life and church affairs of his home town and other progressive movements as well as keeping up with new medical discoveries.
He was for many years Physician to Pineland College System of Schools, donating his fees along with other gifts to the school; each year assumed financial responsibility for a number of needy students; served as chairman of Board of Trustees of Pineland System of Schools; was chairman of Board of Deacons of Salemburg Baptist Church for a long period; and served as an honorary deacon.
A friend of long standing recalls that when a death occurred in the community, it was Dr. Sikes's custom not only to call to express his sympathy but also to render any medical service that might be needed through his love of service to humanity.
Dr. David Dickson Sloan1821 - 1876
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: Dickson and Catherine Bryan Sloan
II. Graduated from College of Medicine, State of South Carolina in 1844.
III. Married Harriett Cromartie.
Children: Dr. Henry Sloan of Ingold
Kate Sloan Graham of Chapel Hill
Grandsons: Dr. Frank P. Graham of Chapel Hill
Dr. Henry Lee Sloan of Charlotte
Dr. David D. Sloan, Jr., of Wilmington
IV. Dr. Sloan settled on South River near Garland and practiced in both Sampson and Bladen Counties for about thirty years.
V. Dr. Sloan was the son of Dickson Sloan who served Sampson County in the State House of Representatives and Senate for ten successive terms. He lived during the Civil War Period, and his grandson, Dr. Henry L. Sloan, of Charlotte, says that he was opposed to the Civil War from the standpoint of principle because he thought that war never really settled anything; but of course his sympathies and support were on the Confederate side.
Professor Alexander Graham of Charlotte and Dr. George M. Cooper of Raleigh are authorities for the statement that Dr. Sloan was the first surgeon in this section to do a successful Caesarian section twice on the same woman.
Dr. Henry Sloan1853 - 1919
I. Born in Garland.
Parents: Dr. David Dickson and Harriett Cromartie Sloan
II. Educated in local schools: Davidson College; University of North Carolina; Charleston Medical College.
III. Married Catherine Boykin.
Children: Dr. Henry L. Sloan, Charlotte
Dr. David D. Sloan, Wilmington
Jane Sloan (died in infancy)
IV. Practiced at Ingold.
V. Dr. Henry L. Sloan of Charlotte writes regarding his father, “He was noted for being punctual in all his appointments. He emphasized this to such point that now punctuality is second nature of mine. He was a strict disciplinarian of the old school . . . he made great sacrifice to put my brother and me through college . . . and we are very grateful to him for his insisting that we finish college before we entered medical school. Father was like a typical country doctor. He would go anytime, day or night, and he did not insist upon payment for his professional services.”
Dr. John Alexander Stevens1859 - 1918
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: James H. and Serena F. Oates Stevens.
II. Educated at Bingham Military School; Randolph Macon College; Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia.
III. Married Lucy Herring, daughter of Dr. M. B. Herring of Wilson.
Children: Sallie Vick Johnson, Wallace
John A. Stevens, Jr., Wilmington
Margaret S. Easom, Shelby
Dr. James B. Stevens, Macon, Georgia
IV. Located at Clinton shortly after graduation and practiced there until his death in 1918.
V. It was said of Dr. Stevens: “. . . the skill and noble self-sacrificing nature of a great doctor were his. He was tenderly sympathetic and did much practice among the poor for which he never expected nor received pay.”
Dr. Buckner StithI. Born in Virginia.
Parents: Griffin and Frances Townsend Washington Stith
Brother: Dr. George Washington Stith
III. Married Lucinda Blackwell, daughter of Major Thomas Blackwell
Living direct descendants of Dr. Stith are:
Kemp Davis Battle of Rocky Mount
Mrs. James W. Pew of Raleigh
Lawrence Augustine Stith of New Bern
Miss Mary Stith of New Bern
IV. Dr. Stith began his medical practice in 1813 in Averasboro, Virginia where he enjoyed a large practice for many years, but he left Virginia prior to 1835 and lived and practiced in Clinton. His home was located on what is now Chesnutt Street.
V. The book, “They Passed This Way,” by Mr. Fowler has a passage which is most descriptive of Dr. Stith's Averasboro practice, and of political rallies of his day as well. It is quoted as follows:
“The people in and around Averasboro had a deplorable habit of settling arguments with guns, knives and brass knucks with half inch steel spikes welded to them . . . Naturally, Dr. Stith became quite proficient in patching broken heads, sewing slit skins, and extracting more bullets than teeth.
“The story is told that at a political rally at Averasboro a voter was nearly disemboweled by another. The victim lay propped against a tree listening to the orator of the day, while Dr. Stith efficiently sewed him together again. So proficient did he become with needle and thread he was waggishly called “Dr. Stitch’.”
A record of Dr. Stith's very interesting ancestry is given under the record of his brother, Dr. George Washington Stith.
Dr. George Washington Stith
1810 - 1851
I. Born in Virginia.
Parents: Griffin and Frances Townsend Washington Stith
Brother: Dr. Bucker Stith
Great-grandsons: Dr. Boyd Stith and Dr. Robert Stith of Mullins, South Carolina
III. Married Susan King of North Carolina, daughter of John King, first cousin of Vice-President William Rufus King.
Children: Lewis Buckner Stith
John Stith
Frances Stith Parker)
(Married brothers)
Martha Stith Parker)
Robert Bolling Stith
George Stith
Susan Stith King
Julius Stith )
(Twins)
Julia Stith King)
Griffin Stith
Living direct descendants of Dr. Stith include Elizabeth Bizzell Parmele of Lumberton, Frances Bizzell Dixon of Jacksonville, Florida, and Mrs. John Horner of Shelby, Montana, granddaughters of Robert Bolling Stith.
IV. Dr. Stith was still a young man when he left Virginia and settled near Newton Grove (then called Monk's Store) where he built a typical colonial type mansion (which was still intact until it was torn down a few years ago). Here he lived and practiced until his death.
V. Dr. Stith, and his older brother, Dr. Buckner Stith, could presumably claim a more illustrious ancestry than any other Sampson County physicians, as they were descended from two of Virginia's First Families, according to the first volume of “William and Mary Quarterly.” On the paternal side they were descended from: Colonel John Stith who emigrated from England in 1656 and settled in Charles City County; Lady Susannah Bathurst, who married Colonel Drury Stith; Lt. Colonel Drury Stith III of the Revolutionary War period; and the learned Captain Buckner Stith who wrote “Stith's History of Virginia” and elaborate essays on tobacco culture. Their maternal lineage was even more celebrated as Frances Townsend Washington Stith was a colateral descendant of President George Washington.
Mrs. Elizabeth Parmele of Lumberton has in her possession two obituary notices of her great-grandfather's death. We quote one:
“Died in Sampson County on the 27th ultimo, Dr. George W.
Stith, for many years a resident of that county.”—from The Fayetteville Observer, December 9, 1851, page 3.
The other notice, too long to quote here is from the December 6, 1851, issue of The Raleigh Register.
Dr. William Franklin Stokes1861 - 1910 ?
I. Born in Turkey Township.
Parents: John and Mary Catherine Smith Stokes
II. Attended local schools. Graduated at Wake Forest College, but medical college is unknown.
III. Never married.
IV. Practiced in Turkey Township and later in Wilmington.
V. Because of ill health, Dr. Stokes gave up his practice in Wilmington and returned to his home in Turkey where he died sometime prior to 1910. He and other members of his family are buried on their plantation near New Hope Church south of Turkey.
Dr. Salmon Strong1800? - 1860?
I. Born in New Hanover County around 1800.
Parents: Unknown
II. Nothing is known regarding his formal education.
III. Married Eliza Sampson, daughter of Michael Sampson.
Children: William Strong
Caroline Strong
Henry Strong
Robert Strong
Michael Strong
George Strong (became Confederate Judge)
IV. Dr. Strong settled on his wife's plantation two miles northeast of Clinton where he had an extensive practice until his death around 1860.
Dr. Walter James Tate1852 - 1901
I. Born near Pike Creek Church in Pender County.
Parents: Thomas Hogan and Mary Shaw Colvin Tate
II. Attended a medical college in New York City.
III. Married Mattie M. Whitehead of Kenansville, Duplin County.
Children: Walter James Tate
Thomas Whitehead Tate
Mrs. Eva Tate White
Robert William Tate, Jr.
Charles Lacy Tate of Chadbourn
Cordelia Tate
IV. Dr. Tate began his practice in Chinquapin, moving to Greensboro three years later. After fifteen years in Greensboro he moved to Salemburg, and then to Chadbourn where he practiced until his death.
Dr. William Ivey Taylor, Sr.1876 - 1953
I. Born at Harrells Store.
Parents: Knox and Hattie Faison Taylor
II. Attended Wake Forest College and Davidson College; graduated from North Carolina Medical College in 1902.
III. Married Bertha Hood.
Children: Mrs. C. D. Williams, Miami, Florida
Dr. William Ivey Taylor, Jr., Burgaw
IV. Practiced at Harrells Store 1902-1914; moved to Burgaw in 1914 where he practiced until 1952 when he retired because of ill health.
V. Practiced medicine for fifty years. After his death, friends and former patients donated $500 to have a room at Pender Memorial Hospital dedicated to his memory and his portrait hung in reception hall of the hospital.
Dr. William Isaiah Thompson1824 - 1909
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Isaiah and Miriam Moseley Thompson
II. After attending local schools, he began to “read medicine” with a cousin, Dr. George Moseley. Later attended Medical College of University of City of New York for one year; then because of the severity of the climate, he transferred to a medical school in Charleston, South Carolina.
III. Married Ann Thomson, daughter of Curtis Thomson, in 1869.
Children: Mrs. Wilbert Jackson, Clinton
Mrs. Frank Dameron, Clinton
Mrs. James Middleton
William Thompson, Jr.
IV. Practiced in Sampson except for a short sojourn in Texas in 1851 where he went as physician with Lee's emigrants to Brazoria County, and for the years he spent in Florida as family physician to his uncle, Gov. William Moseley.
V. Dr. Thompson had given up a large Sampson County practice to go to Florida, and when the Civil War broke out he returned to his native Sampson. After brief service in Virginia, he returned home to try to meet the medical needs of a large section left without the services of a doctor.
He was never strong physically and after the strenuous war years, he retired to a plantation three miles east of Faison where his practice was on a very limited basis. For many years, Dr. Thompson was an elder and leader in the Faison Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Henry Cleveland Turlington1888 - 1949
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: James Henry and Ida Smith Turlington
II. Was taught in subscription and private schools until 1907 when he entered Oak Ridge Institute. Attended University of North Carolina; was graduated from Medical College of Virginia in 1913.
III. Married Iris Odelle Chapelle of Washington, D. C.
Children: Henry Cleveland Turlington, Jr.
James Everette Turlington
Virginia Odelle Turlington
IV. Practiced in Sampson County 1913-1917. The two years 1917-1919 were spent in military service, after which he returned to his former practice; but in 1921 he moved to Dunn. His Dunn practice was ended, however, in 1927 when he was forced to retire because of the condition of his health.
V. Dr. Turlington's promising career as a physician was cut short by his illness, and the last twenty-three years of his life were spent in an unending battle to regain his own health. As far as his strength permitted, he took part in civic affairs, serving as Commander of the American Legion, Mayor of Dunn, member of Dunn Rotary Club, and organizer of Legion Baseball Program of Dunn.
During his Military service he took part in St. Mihiel, Meuse, and Argonne engagements and served with the Army of Occupation
for eight months, being honorably discharged with the rank of captain. Dr. W. T. Rainey of Fayetteveille says of Dr. Turlington, “No one knows the greatness of Cleveland Turlington's courage during the years of disappointments and suffering—he was truly a casualty of the First World War.”
Dr. Oscar Earnest Underwood1885 - 1935
I. Born at Earnest near Salemburg.
Parents: Alvin Earnest and Nena Crumpler Underwood
Brother: Dr. A. D. Underwood, a dentist of Roseboro
Brother-in-law: Dr. Roscoe Turlington, dentist of Clinton
II. Attended school at Salemburg Academy; Buies Creek; Medical College of Virginia (Class of 1909). During later years, attended short medical courses at various hospitals and clinics.
III. Married Ethel Shearin of Whitakers.
Two children: Mrs. Elizabeth W. Phillips, Roseboro
George William Underwood, Laurinburg
IV. Began practice in 1909 in home community of Earnest. In 1913 moved to Roseboro where he took over the practice of Dr. Paul Crumpler. Shortly afterward opened small clinic with Miss Ossie Butler as his assistant. In 1920 entered into partnership with Dr. J. Street Brewer, with Dr. Underwood then specializing in diagnosis and office work.
V. Dr. Underwood's interest in diagnosis and studies along that line resulted in his introducing new methods and devices to Sampson County. Among these new methods were stomach analysis by means of stomach tubes; metabolism tests; X-ray machine; fluoroscope; equipment for diathermy; and infrared and ultra-violet ray lamps.
But medicine alone could not fill his active mind. He was interested in everybody and in everything—education, business enterprises, and civic progress. He was a Mason, Shriner; Woodman of the World; member of Sampson County Board of Education; trustee of Pineland College; organizer of Roseboro Chamber of Commerce; member of Rotary Club; owned first “picture show” in Roseboro; owned first Ford Agency in Roseboro; and brought other business enterprises to Roseboro.
With all this serious activity he found time to really enjoy life—he loved dancing, golf, expensive clothes, and automobiles, especially his famous “Red Racer.”
As one friend summed it up, “He died at fifty but he left a legend of work, kindness, stories, jokes, and cheerful memories.”
Dr. Robert West? - 1942
I. Born in Newton Grove.
Parents: John and Sarah Rose West
Father-in-law: Dr. John Carr Monk
II. Graduate of University College of Medicine, Richmond
III. Married Flora Monk, daughter of Dr. John Carr Monk.
One child who died in infancy.
IV. Practiced in Salisbury.
V. A most interesting book of old newspaper clipping owned by Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Johnson of Clinton, includes one which is quoted below:
From the Sampson Democrat and date-lined September 12, 1895, Newton Grove:
“Mr. Robert M. West and Miss Flora Monk both of this place were united in the bonds of matrimony on Tuesday morning, September 10th. The marriage was solemnized in the Catholic Church here with impressive rites at the early hour of 5 A. M. when holy mass was said. . . . The bride and groom left immediately after the ceremony for Richmond, Virginia, where Mr. West becomes a medical student. The bride is the daughter of the late Dr. Jno. Monk. . . .*”
A note of sadness is added by a second clipping appearing several pages later in the book and dated simply “Spring ’97.”
“The death of Mrs. Flora Monk West, the aimable young wife of our good friend Mr. Robert West of Newton Grove and second daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Jno. C. Monk occurred Friday at Salisbury. . . .”
Dr. Timothy Graham Williams1886 - 1943
I. Born about five miles from Delway.
Parents: Timothy and Alice Wells Williams
II. Attended Dell High School; University of North Carolina (Class of 1909) and George Washington University (Class of 1911). Interned at a hospital in Washington.
III. Married Amanda McGowan of Masonboro.
One son: Timothy Graham Williams, Jr., of Wallace
IV. Practiced at Conetoe; Columbus, Georgia, and Wallace.
V. Veteran of World War I, spending the year 1918-1919 overseas.
In 1935 because of failing health he retired to his old home near Delway where he practiced on a very limited basis.
Mrs. Williams tells this little story which pays tribute to the medical skill of Dr. Homer Arthur. When Dr. Williams was a very small boy he broke his elbow. It was a very serious break with the bones protruding. Dr. Arthur was called and set the arm so skillfully that in later years Dr. Williams had to ask his parents to find out which arm had been broken.
Dr. Robert Bruce Wilson1856 - 1935
I. Born in Sampson County.
Parents: Joseph and Elizabeth Ward Wilson
II. Began his medical study by “reading medicine” under a Dr. Colvin of Harnett County for a year. Then attended Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, graduating in 1889.
III. Married Novella Stroud in 1890.
Children: Dr. Thomas Hooper Wilson (died 1918)
R. B. Wilson, Jr., of Clinton
IV. Practiced in Harnett County 1889-1895.
Practiced in Newton Grove in 1895-1935.
V. Dr. Wilson was a man of varied interests and talents. Both he and Mrs. Wilson were gifted musicians and were often asked to perform together at public meetings. He was also in demand as a speaker because of his human interest stories which were always told with wit and humor. His great hobby was quail hunting.
As a physician Dr. Wilson was widely recognized for his success in the treatment of typhoid fever and pneumonia. He also was a pioneer in the use of diptheria antitoxin and was remarkably successful in administering the drug.
It was said of him that he never refused to treat anyone calling on him. The simple epitaph on his monument, “He was a friend to all, especially the poor” is a fitting tribute to his memory.
Dr. WindleyDr. Windley practiced in Clinton in the early 1900's for four or five years. He came here from the eastern part of North Carolina, and returned there—Chocowinity, as remembered by Mrs. Janie Herring.
He was married to a very fine woman, Mrs. Herring says.
He drove a beautiful horse, and was seen often on the streets of Clinton.
Dr. John Bryan Wright1874 - 1956
I. Born near Ingold.
Parents: John Cromartie and Bettie Herring Wright
II. Graduate of University of North Carolina and of Medical College of Virginia.
III. Married Violet Rhodes.
Children: John B. Wright, Jr., of Farmville
Dr. James R. Wright of Raleigh
Dr. Isaac C. Wright of Raleigh
Mrs. E. B. Crow of Wilson
Mrs. Ben Kilgore of Franklin, Kentucky
Mrs. Charles F. Williams of Raleigh
IV. After graduation Dr. Wright practiced at Granite Falls as general practitioner until 1913 when he moved to Raleigh to begin a distinguished career as a pioneer in eye, ear, nose, and throat surgery.
V. Dr. Wright served as president of the Wake County Medical Society; president of the Medical Society of North Carolina; member of the Fifty Year Club of the State Medical Society; fellow of the American College of Surgeons; member of Board of Directors of Raleigh Building and Loan Association; elder of First Presbyterian Church; Sunday School teacher over forty years; leader in organization and operation of free tonsil clinics for indigent school children throughout North Carolina.
Dr. George W. Paschal, Jr., says of Dr. Wright and his work, “His was a long and distinguished career of service . . . he set for himself high professional standards which were an example for all his colleagues. He demonstrated a great capacity for work, a devotion to his professional responsibilities, and a great love for all his patients, which in turn brought him love and affection.”
Dr. Homer Clytus Wysong1888 - 1940
I. Born in Louisburg, Tennessee.
Parents: Andrew Jackson and Lula Williams Wysong
II. Graduate of Medical College of University of Tennessee
III. Married Elizabeth Hinton Grant.
Children: Elizabeth Grant Wysong
Dorothy Smith Wysong
Emily Whitehead Wysong
Homer Louise Wysong
IV. Dr. Wysong practiced in the Harrell's Store section of Sampson County from 1923 until 1930.
V. Mr. Ferd Johnson recalls seeing Dr. Wysong, who was an outstanding left-handed baseball pitcher, in a game against Carolina many years ago.
Part IIIWE HONOR THE PRESENT
“ . . . And when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
Holy Bible, Luke 10:33-34
KEY TO SPECIALTIES| GP | —General Practice |
| I | —Internal Medicine |
| OALR | —Ophthalmology |
| Otology | |
| Laryngology | |
| Rhinology | |
| ObG | —Obstetrics |
| Gynecology | |
| Oph | —Ophthalmology |
| P | —Psychiatry |
| Pd | —Pediatrics |
| Ph | —Public Health |
| R | —Radiology |
| S | —Surgery |
| T | —Tuberculosis |
A—WE SALUTE THOSE WHO SERVE AT HOME
“To pity distress is but human, to relieve it is Godlike.”—A. Mann.
Dr. James Salisbury AyersGP
I. Born in New Bern in 1907.
Parents: Elizabeth Salisbury Ayers and the late Reverend William Andrew Ayers
II. Wake Forest College
Jefferson Medical College 1932
III. Married Inez Lytton of West Virginia.
Children: James Salisbury Ayers, Jr.
Mary Warren Ayers
IV. Practice: McComas, West Virginia, 1934-36
Clinton 1936 -
Dr. Glenn Eben BestGP
I. Born at Chapel Hill in 1910.
Parents: Maggie Magdalene Stallings Best and the late T. E. Best
II. University of North Carolina
Temple University 1938
III. Married Charlotte Cooper (deceased), Philadelphia.
Children: Gayann Best
Carolyn Cooper Best
Charlotte Louise Best
Glenn Best, Jr.
IV. Practice: Clinton 1938 -
Dr. James Street BrewerGP
I. Born near Roseboro in 1895.
Parents: The late Professor Street and Repsie White Brewer
II. Wake Forest College
Jefferson Medical College 1919
III. Married Lena Walker of Burgaw.
Children: Mrs. Ann Puryear of Raleigh
J. Street, Jr., Roseboro
IV. Practice: Roseboro 1920 -
V. Member of State Board of Medical Examiners 1938-1944
Member State Medical Care Commission 1947 -
Chairman of the Rural Health Committee of North Carolina
President of the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina 1952-1953
In March, 1956, was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Medical Faculty of the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Paul CrumplerGP
I. Born near Clinton in 1883.
Parents: The late Robert M. and Julia Herring Crumpler
II. Wake Forest College
University of Tennessee 1907
III. Married Ruby Fisher of Roseboro.
Children: Mrs. A. E. Kennedy, Jr., Clinton
Mrs. B. O. Dunlap, Clinton
Paul Manly Crumpler, Clinton
Forrest Crumpler, Florida
IV. Practice: Roseboro 1907-1913
Clinton 1913-
V. Honored for fifty years of service this year of 1957.
Dr. J. Cooper HowardS
I. Born near Salemburg in 1919.
Parents: The late Joe C. and Beulah Reeves Howard
Uncles: Lt. Colonel R. W. Reeves and Lt. Colonel J. N. Reeves of the United States Air Force
II. Wake Forest College
Temple University 1942
Graduate School of Medicine, Univ. of Pennsylvania, 1949-50
Assistant Resident in surgery, Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn, New York, 1950-1952
Chief Resident of Thoracic Surgery Kings Co. Hospital, 1952-53
III. Married: Lina Walton of Wilmington.
Children: Joe Howard
Patricia Howard
Richard Howard
Penny Howard
IV. Practice: Army Medical Corps 1943-1946
Cherryville 1946-1950
Clinton, Surgeon at Sampson County Memorial Hospital 1953-
V. In October, 1957, Dr. Howard was elected a fellow in the American College of Surgeons, along with his uncle, Lt. Colonel J. N. Reeves.
Dr. Amos Neil JohnsonGP
I. Born at Garland in 1908.
Parents: Jeff D. Johnson, Sr., and the late Lily Wright Johnson.
II. Duke University
University of Pennsylvania 1933
III. Married Mary Allen of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Children: Mary Allan Johnson
Amos Neil Johnson, Jr.
IV. Practice: Garland 1934-
V. State Board of Medical Examiners 1949-1956
Second Vice-President of Medical Society of North Carolina 1957-1958
Dr. John Harold KendallGP
I. Born at Harvey, North Dakota, in 1906.
Parents: C. L. Kendall and the late Maude Oppy Kendall
II. Madison College, Madison, Tenn.
College of Medical Evangelist of California 1935
III. Married Bessie Mae Hood of Mt. Olive.
Children: Charles Larone Kendall
Gene Harold Kendall
Erma Gayle Kendall
IV. Practice: Richlands 1935-1941
United States Army Medical Corps 1941-1943
Clinton 1943-
Dr. William Walton KitchinS
I. Born at Scotland Neck in 1915.
Parents: Rebecca Calvert Clark Kitchin and the late Dr. Thurman D. Kitchin
II. Wake Forest College
Jefferson Medical College 1940
Rotating internship Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia 1940-1941
United States Army 1941-1945
Surgical Residency at Duke 1946-1948
III. Married Nancy Brewer of Wake Forest.
Children: Walton Kitchin, Jr.
Samuel Kitchin
Rebecca Clark Kitchin
IV. Practice: Preceptorship at Randolph Hospital in Asheboro 1949-1950
Surgeon Sampson County Memorial Hospital 1950-
Dr. J. Marshall LeeGP
I. Born at Newton Grove in 1888.
Parents: The late Marshall and Elizabeth Tart Lee
Brother: The late Dr. S. P. J. Lee (dentist and medical doctor)
II. Wake Forest College
Medical College of Virginia 1916
III. Married Alese Wagstaff of Virginia.
Children: Harry M. Lee of Clinton
Frances Lee Reesman of New Bern
Nell Lee Jones of Raleigh
IV. Hopewell, Virginia, 1916-1920
Newton Grove Section 1920-
Dr. R. H. Lewis (colored)GP
I. Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1913.
Parents: The late Dr. and Mrs. James A. Lewis, Sr., of Albuquerque, New Mexico
II. Howard University, Washington, D. C., 1940
Howard University 1942 (Public Health)
III. Married Rena Murphy of Clinton.
Children: Romeo H. Lewis, Jr.
Yvonne Lewis
IV. Served in World War I as Regimental Surgeon, commissioned
Major.
Clinton 1947-
Dr. Jack Landis McGowanGP
I. Born at Hamlet in 1928.
Parents: George T. and Effie Haddock McGowan
II. Emory University 1950
Duke University School of Medicine 1954
III. Married Dorothy R. Matthews of Philadelphia.
Children: Susan R. McGowan
J. Landis McGowan, Jr.
IV. Practice: United States Army—Honolulu for three years
Newton Grove 1957-
Dr. John Wesley NanceGP
I. Born in Guilford County in 1921.
Parents: Lindsay Edgar and Bessie Ann Boone Nance
II. Wake Forest College
Bowman-Gray School of Medicine 1948
III. Married Doris Warner of Washington, N. C.
Children: Susan Elizabeth Nance
Debra Warner Nance
IV. Practice: Havelock 1951
Clinton 1952-
Dr. William Howell Nelson, Jr.GP
I. Born near Oxford in 1897.
Parents: William Howell Nelson, Sr., and the late Cora Lee Brooks Nelson
II. Wake Forest College
Temple University 1934
III. Married Catharine Green
One daughter: Mrs. Nello Martin
Married Jane Pearce of Dillon County, S. C.
Two sons: William Kolmer Nelson
Howell Dean Nelson
IV. Practice: Clinton (intermittently since 1935)
Dr. Glenn Carraway NewmanI
I. Born near Clinton in 1914.
Parents: Edwin C. and Emma Gale Newman
II. Duke University 1939
Duke Hospital Unit Overseas 1942-1945
Watts Hospital 1946
III. Married Peggy Kaiser of Leesville, S. C.
Children: Glenn Edwin Newman
Walter Joseph Newman
William Neal Newman
IV. Practice: Clinton 1946-
Dr. Oscar Lee ParkerOALR
I. Born in Sampson County in 1885
Parents: The late John Hinton and Lois Cooper Parker
Father-in-law: Dr. Kirby Gladstone Averitt, Cedar Creek
II. Meridian Male College, Meridian, Miss.
Medical College of Virginia 1918
New York Post Graduate Hospital
Roosevelt Hospital
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
III. Married Beulah Averitt of Cedar Creek.
Children: Catherine Parker Watson
Lois Parker Furr
Mary Parker Dillon
IV. Practice: Clinton 1919 - (since 1940 limited to Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat)
V. Chairman of Building Committee of Sampson County Memorial Hospital
Dr. Douglas Richards PackardR
I. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1924.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Packard
II. University of Maryland 1951
Three years Residency at Hurley Hospital in Flint, Michigan
III. Married Marjorie Draper Simpson of Omaha, Nebraska
Children: Douglas Richards Packard, Jr.
Barbara Dale Packard
John S. Packard
James Lee Packard
Jeffrey Scott Packard
IV. Practice: Flint, Michigan, 1955-1956
Clinton 1956-
Dr. Latham Conrad PeakGP
I. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1925
Parents: James Latham and Catherine Conrad Peak
II. Wake Forest College
Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1951
III. Married Betty Sue Lambertson of Winston-Salem
Children: Mary Catherine Peak
Robert Conrad Peak
James Peak
IV. Practice: Flight Surgeon in United States Navy 1952-1954
Newton Grove 1954-1955
Clinton 1955-
Dr. Donnie Martin RoyalGP
I. Born near Salemburg in 1902.
Parents: Anderson Royal and the late Lonie R .Royal
II. Wake Forest College
Medical College of Virginia 1926
III. Married Dorothy Turlington of Salemburg. President of the Auxiliary to the Medical Society of the State of North Carolina 1957-58.
IV. Practice: Salemburg 1927-
Dr. Darius J. Sammons (colored)GP
I. Born in Bladen County in 1897.
Parents: David and Charity McDowell Sammons
II. Meharry Medical School, Nashville, Tennessee
III. Married Blonnie Taylor
Children: Charles Edward Sammons
Darius J. Sammons, Jr.
Charity Mae Sammons
IV. Practice: Clinton 1925-
Dr. William Henry SloanGP
I. Born at Garland in 1890.
Parents: William and Carrie Moore Sloan
II. Davidson College
University of Maryland 1916
III. Married Sallie Lassiter of Aulander.
Children: William H. Sloan, Jr.
Charles David Sloan
Sallie Moore Sloan Fonvielle, Jr.
Nell Cooke Sloan Beasley
Elizabeth Lassiter Sloan Maclin
IV. Practice: Ingold 1916-1918
Garland 1918-
(Dr. Sloan has been in ill health since 1947 and has practiced little since that time)
Dr. Victor Robert SmallGP
I. Born in Kentucky.
Parents: The late Mr. and Mrs. John Small
II. Ohio State University 1916
III. Married Susanne Jacobs of Councils Bluff, Iowa
Daughter: Patricia Ann Small
IV. Practice: United States Army 1917-1919
North Carolina State Hospital 1919-1923
Clinton 1923-
Dr. Wyman Plato StarlingGP
I. Born at Godwin in 1903.
Parents: The late Jesse and Rosa Spell Starling
II. University of North Carolina
Medical College of Virginia 1933
III. Married Flossie Cogdell of Goldsboro.
Children: Dorothy Sue Starling
Margaret Rose Starling
Audry Lee Starling
IV. Practice: County Health Officer of Sampson County 1935-1937
Roseboro 1937-
B. WE REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVE IN OTHER FIELDS.
“If there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now . . . as I shall not pass this way again.”
Penn
Dr. Edward Hatcher AldermanGP
I. Born at Delway in 1920.
Parents: Edward Bernard and Gladys Hatcher Alderman
Grandfather: Dr. Thomas Raeford Hatcher, Rose Hill
Uncle: Dr. Martin A. Hatcher, Hamlet
Great uncle: Dr. Oscar F. Smith, Scotland Neck
II. Medical College of Virginia 1945
Internship at Boston City Hospital 1946
III. Married Adella Pooler of Leesburg, Florida and Bangor, Maine.
Children: Edward Bernard Alderman
Thomas Hatcher Alderman
Robert Livingston Alderman
IV. Practice: Four Oaks 1948-
Dr. Shelton Thomas BassObG
I. Born near Clinton in 1929.
Parents: Lonnie D. and Tempie Jane Jackson Bass
II. Wake Forest College 1950
Bowman Gray 1953
Internship: Roper General Hospital, Charleston, S. C.
III. Married Marie Lorraine Tempest of Yuma, Arizona.
IV. Practice: Captain in United States Air Force 1955-56
Resident in obstetrics and gynecology at Roper General Hospital, 1957-
Dr. Grover Cleveland BeardGP
I. Born Cedar Creek in 1887.
Parents: David E. and Catherine Hoggard Beard
II. University of Maryland 1912
III. Married Sallie Herring of Wallace.
Children: Sarah C. Beard Bates, Richmond, Virginia
David H. Beard, Gon Air, Virginia
IV. Practice: Harrells Store 1913-1922
Atkinson 1922-
V. Dr. Beard, who is the only doctor located between Elizabethtown and Burgaw, recalls that he has worn out sixteen automobiles in medical practice.
Dr. Earnest Claxton BennettGP
I. Born in Clinton in 1900.
Parents: Robert Henry and Verdie King Bennett
II. Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, 1926
Internship Cumberland General Hospital, Fayetteville
III. Married Lelia S. McClelland, Louisburg.
Children: Barbara Jeanne Lambert, Morganton
Jane Gannell Bennett
IV. Practice: Elizabethtown 1927-
Dr. George Minson BullardGP
I. Born near Roseboro in 1922.
Parents: Mrs. Lula Howard Bullard and the late Dr. T. P. Bullard
II. Elon College
Medical College of Virginia 1950
III. Married Margaret Rawls of Suffolk, Virginia.
Children: Thomas Perry Bullard II
George Minson Bullard, Jr.
Susie Holland Bullard
IV. Practice: Mebane 1951-
Dr. Lubin Fletcher Bullard, Jr.GP
I. Born at Parkersburg in 1928.
Parents: Lubin F. and Annie Laurie Reeves Bullard
II. University of North Carolina 1949
Duke University School of Medicine 1953
Internship Rex Hospital, Raleigh
III. Married Lona Nell Worrell of Yanceyville.
IV. Practice: Medical Officer United States Navy 1954-1956
Elizabethtown 1956
Trenton 1956
Shallotte 1957-
Dr. Leroy Jefferson ButlerPd
I. Born near Clinton in 1890.
Parents: The late W. J. and Kate Herring Butler
II. Medical College of Virginia 1915
Pediatrics: Sheltering Arms Hospital, West Virginia 1915-1916
New York Foundling Hospital 1919-1920
III. Unmarried.
IV. Since 1920 Dr. Butler has been practicing in Winston-Salem.
Dr. Radford N. ButlerI
I. Born at Clinton in 1922.
Parents: Edgar and Lelia Jane Crumpler Butler
II. Wake Forest College 1946
Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1950
III. Married Jane Irvin of Charlotte.
Two children
IV. Practice: Winston-Salem 1953-
Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr.S
I. Born in a Fayetteville Hospital in 1929.
Parents: Henry James and Meda Iola Spell Carr, Roseboro
II. Duke University 1954
Internship - part residency - Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia 1954-56
III. Married: Barbara Ruddle, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
One child: Henry James Carr, III
IV. Practice: Military Service 1956-
Dr. Robert E. CarrS
I. Born in Halls Township 1918.
Parents: The late Henry G. and Lillie King Carr
II. Atlantic Christian College
Medical College of Virginia 1943
III. Married Clara M. Racombs.
Children: Betty Jane Carr
Nancy Carr
Robert E. Carr, Jr.
IV. Practice: Military Service 1944
Veteran's Administration in McKinney, Texas
Private Practice in Forth Worth, Texas, 1957
Dr. Samuel Clements CoxGP
I. Born Cincinnati, Ohio in 1903.
II. Medical College of Virginia 1935
III. Married Aileen Mewborn of Grifton.
IV. Practice: Harrells 1936-1942
United States Army 1942-1946
Jacksonville 1946-
Dr. Robert Samuel CromartieGP
I. Born near Garland in 1869.
Parents: William J. and Mary Douglas Sloan Cromartie
II. Graduated from medical college in 1900.
III. Married Janie Victoria Cromartie (not related).
Second wife was Mary Jester, Murfreesboro
Children: Mary Cromartie
Ruth Cromartie
Ann Cromartie
Sam Cromartie
Lois Cromartie
Dr. William James Cromartie, Chapel Hill
IV. Practice: Sampson and Bladen Counties from 1900 until 1956.
During the last years he served as part time Health
Officer in Bladen.
Retired from practice in 1956.
Dr. Amos Gilmore Crumpler
GP
I. Born in Roseboro in 1911.
Parents: Mrs. Lula Melvin Crumpler and the late Luther Leonard Crumpler
II. Wake Forest College
Temple University 1936
Internship Atlantic City Hospital 1936-1937
III. Married Dorothy Raine of Philadelphia.
Children: Judith Raine Crumpler
Amos Gilmore Crumpler, Jr.
IV. Practice: Fuquay Springs 1937-
Dr. James Fulton CrumplerPd
I. Born near Clinton in 1904.
Parents: The late Ed and Maybelle Marshburn Crumpler
Uncle: Dr. Paul Crumpler, Clinton
II. University of North Carolina
New York University 1930
III. Married Mary Hester Ellis of Shelby.
Children: James Fulton Crumpler, Jr.
Lyle Ellis Crumpler
Mary Jane Crumpler
IV. Practice: Rocky Mount
Dr. Lawrence Osmond CrumplerS
I. Born at Belvoir, Missouri in 1890.
Parents: Abner Blackman and Lila Jane Underwood Crumpler
II. University of North Carolina
Medical College of Virginia 1916
III. Married May Tolbot.
Children: Olivia Lindsay C. Nolting
May Talbot C. Carter
IV. Practice:Hot Springs, Virginia 1917
Danville, Virginia 1917-
(Medical Director Dan River Mills since January 1, 1918. Surgeon at Danville Clinic in which he owns part interest)
V. Dr. Crumpler's father was a Methodist minister who was for two years a member of the Missouri Methodist Conference, and Dr. Crumpler's birth occurred during that time; but he returned to Sampson County when less than one year old and lived here until he went away to attend college.
Dr. Warren H. CrumplerGP
I. Born at Roseboro in 1920.
Parents: James Edwin and Mamie Elizabeth Carroll Crumpler
II. Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1943
III. Married Adelaide Stiglitz, Plainfield, New Jersey.
Children: Patricia Irene Crumpler
Warren H. Crumpler, Jr.
Wendy Elizabeth Crumpler
Robin Dale Crumpler
Robert James Crumpler
Cheryl Ann Crumpler
IV. Practice: United States Navy, two years
Resident at Duke, one year
Mount Olive 1947-
Dr. Lonnie A. Curry (colored)GP
I. Born near Salemburg in 1897.
Parents: Anthony and Elizabeth Williams Curry
II. Meharry University, Nashville, Tennessee 1926
III. Married Bessie Bethel.
One daughter: Linda Curry
IV. Practice: Greensboro 1926-1933
Youngstown, Ohio 1933-1948
Thomasville 1948
Dr. Dewitt C. DaughtryS
I. Born in Halls Township in Sampson County 1914.
Parents: James G. and Lorena Grantham Daughtry
II. Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 1939
General and Surgical Internships Detroit Receiving Hospital
1939-1941
Ass. Residency in Surgery, Alexander Blain Hospital in Detroit 1941-42
United States Army 1942-1945
Chief Surgical Resident, Medical College of Virginia 1945-46
Thoracic Surgery, McGuire General Veterans Administration Hospital, Richmond 1946-48
III. Married Lucille Carr of Halls Township.
Children: Janet Daughtry
James Dewitt Daughtry
IV. Practice: Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery in Miami, Florida 1948-
Chief of Thoracic Surgical Divisions of Mercy Hospital, Dade County Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital
Consultant at Veterans Administration Hospital and Southeastern State Tuberculosis Sanitorium
Asst. Professor of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine.
V. Dr. Daughtry is a Fellow of American College of Surgeons—American College of Chest Diseases; American College of Cardiology. He is a member of Board of Directors of Dade County, Florida State, and National Tuberculosis Associations; also of American Thoracic Surgical Association. President of Florida Tuberculosis and Health Association, Vice-President Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, and Past President Florida Chapter American College of Chest Physicians.
In addition, Dr. Daughtry has been the author of many medical publications in the field of general and thoracic surgery.
Dr. Posey Edgar Downs, Jr.ObG
I. Born near Reidsville in 1924.
Parents: Posey Edgar Downs, Sr., and Annie Wells Downs
II. Wake Forest College
Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1952
Internship and first two years of residency at Georgia Baptist Hospital 1952-1955
Chief Resident Charlotte Memorial Hospital 1955-1956
III. Married Joan Hopkins.
Children: Lou Ann Downs
Lorene Downs
IV. Now practicing in Charlotte.
V. Dr. Downs was not born in Sampson but moved to Pineland College at Salemburg with his parents at an early age, and lived
there until he finished his junior college work at Edwards Military Institute.
Dr. Stacy Allen DuncanGP
I. Born near Clinton in 1898.
Parents: Nathan G. and Leila Cooper Duncan
II. Wake Forest College 1921
Tulane University 1924
III. Married Mary White.
One son: Dr. Stacy Allen Duncan, Jr.
IV. Practice: Coats 1925-1928
Benson 1928-
Dr. Harvey Allen EldridgeOALR
I. Born in Newton Grove section in 1897.
Parents: John Calvin and Delia Barefoot Eldridge.
II. Medical College of Virginia 1934.
Post graduate work: Polyclinic in New York
University of Illinois
George Washington University School of Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine
III. Married Velma Thornton
One son: Harvey Allen Eldridge, Jr.
IV. Practice: Dunn
V. Member Phi Kappi Phi Scholarship Fraternity.
Member American Academy for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Eldridge says, “I am a Sampsonian at heart!”
Dr. Donald Thomas EvansI. Born in Canada in 1889.
II. University of Toronto 1910
University of London 1920
Edinburgh (special work) 1921
Vienna (special work) 1923
III. Married Maylo Evans.
Children: Deavia Evans
Geoffrey Evans
IV. Practice: London, England 1925-1947
Toronto 1947-1950
Sampson County Health Officer 1950-1955
Dr. John Atkinson FerrellPH
I. Born at Clinton 1880.
Parents: James Alexander and Cornelia Murphy Ferrell
II. University of North Carolina 1907; Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health; Dr. of Public Health 1919.
III. Married Lucile Devereau Withers.
Children: John A. Ferrell, Jr.
Benjamin Ferrell
Elizabeth Ferrell
Annie Ferrell
IV. Began practice as general practitioner in Kenansville; Supt. of Health of Duplin County; Assistant Secretary to State Board of Health 1907-1910; Assistant Administrative Secretary of Rockefeller Sanitary Commission, Washington, D. C., 1913-1914; Associate Director of International Health Division, Rockefeller Foundation, New York 1913-1944; Medical Director of Mary Markle Foundation, New York 1944-1946; Executive Secretary North Carolina Medical Care Commission 1946-1957.
V. Dr. Ferrell's untiring activities during thirty eventful years as Associate Director of International Health Division of the Rockefeller Foundation have gained for him a prestige and preeminence in national and international affairs enjoyed by no other living Sampsonian. His biography in Who's Who in North America gives a partial list of the numerous chairmanships and honors which he has received; but instead of listing them, perhaps the following quote from the Resolution adopted by Rockefeller Foundation on the eve of his retirement will give a more comprehensive estimate of his services. “As a Past President and later Chairman of the Executive Board of the American Public Health Association; as an officer or participant in practically every important public health group and movement of the nation; and as an honorary member in the professional groups of other countries, his influence has been potent for the public good.”
The University of North Carolina, his Alma Mater, conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws upon this celebrated physician in 1940.
Dr. Joseph Franklin FisherGP
I. Born in Clinton in 1926.
Parents: Mrs. Lossie Herring Fisher and the late W. Harrison Fisher
Brother: Dr. Walter Clark Fisher (deceased)
II. Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1948.
Internship: Martinsville General Hospital, Martinsville, Virginia; Nashville General Hospital, Nashville, Tenn.
III. Married Jean Wilson of Dunn.
IV. Practice: Sparta, Tennessee 1950-1952
Arlington, Texas 1952-1954
United States Air Force 1955-1957
McMinnville, Tennessee 1957-
Dr. Elmer T. GaleGP
I. Born near Clinton in 1918.
Parents: Tyler McLean and Bessie Royal Gale
II. Duke University Medical School 1942
Internship: Gorgas Hospital, Panama 1942-1944
United States Army, Canal Zone 1943-1946
III. Unmarried.
IV. Practice: Narragansett, Rhode Island 1946-
With special emphasis on chronic diseases and geriatrics.
V. Dr. Gale is a member of:
American Geriatric Society
American Society for Study of Arteriosclerosis
With Dr. Malford W. Thewlis, Dr. Gale has co-authored “Preclinical Medicine and Geriatrics” and “Vitamins C and P in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease.”
Dr. Franklin McLean GradyGP
I. Born in Clinton in 1906.
Parents: Judge Henry A. and Annie Graham Grady
Grandfather: Dr. Henry A. Bizzell of Clinton
II. Syracuse University 1932
III. Married Lydia Percival of Fayetteville.
Children: Ann Graham Grady
Franklin M. Grady, Jr.
IV. Practice: Mooresville ten years
United States Army four years
New Bern 1946-
Dr. Maston Lewis GrayPd
I. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1916.
II. Medical College of Virginia
III. Married Alberta Shaw, Beaufort
Children: Bebe Gray
Mac Gray
IV. Practice: Sampson County 1955-56
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Gray served as County Health Officer.
V. Dr. Gray is with the United States Army stationed in Germany at the present time.
Dr. Eugene Ramsey HardinPH
I. Born at Appling, Georgia in 1888.
Parents: Alexander and Elizabeth Viola Ramsey Hardin
II. University of Georgia Medical School
III. Married Ruby Goode of Clinton.
Children: Eugene Ramsey Hardin, Jr., Hickory
Betty Goode Elmore, Baltimore
IV. Practice: Sampson County Health Officer 1915-1917
Robeson County Health Officer at present
Dr. George HerringI. Born in Shanghai, China in 1890.
Parents: David Wells and Maggie Lorena Nutt Herring
II. Wake Forest College
Jefferson Medical College 1915
III. Married Marion Paulson.
Children: Frederick Herring, Indianapolis
Arthur Wells Herring, South Bend, Indiana
IV. Practice: Turkey 1915
United States Navy 1915-1920 (Resigned Commission)
Medical Missionary Ping-tu, China 1920-1927
Pierceton, Indiana several years
Staff of Resthaven Hospital, Richmond, Indiana at the present time
V. Dr. Herring's parents were missionaries to China and he was sent back to this country for his education. During his school days he made his home with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Daniel near Turkey, and attended Dell High School at Delway. His brother, Dr. Ralph Herring of Winston-Salem, writes about Dr. and Mrs. Herring, “George and Marion are pleasantly situated, enjoy their work, and keep a lively interest in North Carolina.”
Dr. Richard Sterling HerringS
I. Born in Sampson County in 1907.
Parents: The late David Livingstone and Mary Elizabeth (Mollie) Foote Herring
Brother: Dr. Alvah L. Herring, Richmond, Virginia (deceased)
Nephew: Dr. Alvah L. Herring, Jr., of Richmond
II. Medical College of Virginia 1932
Internship Grace Hospital, Richmond
Post Graduate work in Gynecology in Vienna, Austria, for two years; in Dublin, Ireland six months; and in Chicago University for six months.
III. Married Marie Hurd of Chicago in 1936.
Adopted son: Paul Hurd Herring
IV. Practice: Grace Hospital, Richmond for several years.
In Iowa at present.
V. Dr. Herring has temporarily retired from active practice because of his health, but expects to resume regular practice soon.
Dr. G. Frank HighsmithS
I. Born at Parkersburg in 1885.
Parents: Robert and Elizabeth Carroll Highsmith
Brothers: Dr. John Highsmith and Dr. Seavy Highsmith.
II. Wake Forest College; University College of Medicine of Richmond, 1912.
III. Married Evelyn Fuller of Macon, Georgia.
IV. Practice: Arcadia, Florida 1915-1917.
Lieutenant, U. S. Army 1917-1918
Miami, Florida 1919-1920
Arcadia, Florida 1920-
V. When Dr. Highsmith returned to Arcadia in 1920 he became affiliated with Arcadia General Hospital as a stockholder, member of Board of Directors, and Medical Staff. His work since then has been devoted to General Surgery—abdominal and genitourinary.
Licensed to practice in three states—North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida.
Dr. M. Vaden JacksonGP
I. Born at Godwin in 1902.
Parents: Martin A. and Venie Honeycutt Jackson
II. University of North Carolina 1926
University of Maryland 1930
III. Married Ruth Lederene.
One son: Marvin Wade Jackson
IV. Practice: Varina Hospital 1930-1935
Princeton 1935-
Dr. Edward Sandling KingPd
I. Born in 1901.
Parents: Ivey Livingston and Lucy Gertrude Sandling King
II. Wake Forest College 1921-1925
Jefferson Medical College 1925-1927
Harvard Medical School 1937-1938 (volunteer teacher in Bacteriology under Dr. Hans Ginsser)
Post Graduate study in Tropical Diseases in Army Medical School and Walter Reed Hospital in 1944
III. Married Helen Dunn.
IV. Part time practice Wake Forest 1928-1941
Professor Bacteriology, Biochemistry and Preventive Medicine Wake Forest College School of Medicine 1928-1941
Professor Bacteriology Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1941-1946
Practice Pediatrics, Shelby 1949
V. Dr. King served as Captain in North Carolina National Guard
1933-1939
He is listed in WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA.
Dr. Francis Rodman LandonPd
I. Born in Clinton in 1913.
Parents: Minnie Ann Landon and the late Thomas R. Landon
II. Duke University
Baylor University Medical School, Texas 1943
Internship Charlotte Memorial Hospital
Pediatrics Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado
III. Married Rosemary L. Aley, Colorado Springs, Colorado One daughter
IV. Practice: Charlotte Memorial Hospital
Lisenby Hospital, Panama City, Florida
Colorado Springs 1947-
V. While at Duke University Dr. Landon was an outstanding athlete, being an excellent baseball pitcher and winning medals in both high jump and track.
Dr. Hershel Clanton LennonPath
I. Born in Wilmington in 1904
Parents: R. Yates and Minnie High Lennon.
II. University of Pennsylvania 1930
III. Married Myrtle Hendley
Children: Peggy Ann Lennon
Robert C. Lennon
IV. Practice: Salemburg 1934
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1935-1940
Greensboro 1940-
Dr. George Thomas McLambGP
I. Born in Greensboro in 1908.
Parents: Henry Harrison and Julia Alberta Prince McLamb of Roseboro
II. University of Tennessee 1938
III. Married Beula Heaton, Kingsport, Tennessee.
Children: Martha Ann McLamb
Tommy McLamb
IV. Practice: Wilmington 1941-1943; Mebane 1943-
V. Dr. McLamb is associated with Dr. Minson Bullard, formerly of Roseboro.
Dr. William Thaddeus McLean, Jr.Pd
I. Born in Clinton in 1927.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. W. T. McLean, Sr.
II. Bowman Gray 1951
Pediatrics: Baptist Hospital at Winston-Salem 1952
John Gaston Hospital at Memphis, Tenn. 1953
Duke Hospital at Durham 1954
Children's Hospital of Harvard Medical Center, Boston 1955-1956
Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland 1957
III. Married Dolly Colwell of Clinton.
Children: James Colwell McLean
William Morris McLean
IV. Associate Professor in Pediatrics at Jefferson Medical College 1957-
Dr. George Ammie McLemoreGP
I. Born in McDaniels Township in 1878.
Parents: David Alderman and Margaret Hall McLemore
II. Wake Forest College
University of North Carolina Medical School 1906
III. Married Nell Johnson of Johnston County
Children: Mrs. Denton F. Lee, Smithfield
Mrs. W. J. Austin, Smithfield
Mrs. E. S. Grady, Smithfield
Dr. Robert McLemore (surgeon), Springfield, Ohio
Dr. George A. McLemore, Jr., (intern) New York City
Married Mrs. Geneva Rowland
A step-daughter: Carolyn Rowland
IV. Dr. McLemore began practice in Cleveland Township in Johnston County in 1906 and in 1923 moved his office to Smithfield where he is still practicing.
V. In 1956 Dr. McLemore was awarded the gold medal which signifies fifty years of membership in the North Carolina Medical Society.
At 78 he is one of the oldest practicing physicians in the state. Naturally he recalls many interesting episodes of his early country practice. He remembers that many bootleggers were active in Cleveland Township in those early days and at first they were suspicious of the young doctor; but when they learned he was intent only on healing the sick, they came to recognize the sound of his car—and when he got stuck in the sand or mud they would leave their stills and come to the road to help him.
Dr. Samuel Brown McPheetersPH
I. Born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in 1880.
Parents: William M. and Emma Gold Morrison McPheeters
II. Washington University (Medical Dept.) 1906
St. Louis City Hospital
Trudeau School Tuberculosis
University North Carolina School of Public Health
III. Married Virginia Mason Giblus, Columbia, S. C.
IV. Sampson County Health Officer 1950-52.
Goldsboro Health Center at present.
Dr. Ben Livingston MatthewsS
I. Born in Sampson County 1906.
Parents: E. Powers and Alice Johnson Matthews
II. University of North Carolina
Long Island College Hospital of Brooklyn, New York 1929
III. Married Clara Kathryn Wurth of Bath, N. Y.
Children: Robert L. Matthews, U. S. Navy
Carlena Alice Matthews DeDeyn
IV. Practice: Binghamton, New York—limited to surgery.
V. Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Past President Broome County Medical Society
Past President Staff of Binghamton City Hospital, Binghamton, N. Y.
Dr. Otto Stevens Matthews
GP
I. Born at Ingold in 1920.
Parents: Mrs. Lula Jane Robinson Matthews and the late James Abbie Matthews
Brother: Dr. Roland D. Matthews, Burlington
II. University of Maryland 1946
Internships: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 1946-1947
De Paul Hospital, Norfolk 1949-1950
III. Married Joyce Carroll, Warsaw.
Child: Jeffrey Matthews
IV. Practice: Warsaw 1950-
Dr. Roland Dellwood MatthewsGP
I. Born in Clinton in 1925.
Parents: Mrs. Lula Jane Robinson Matthews and the late James Abbie Matthews
Brother: Dr. Otto S. Matthews, Warsaw
II. University of North Carolina School of Medicine 1948
Internship: Watts Hospital, Durham
III. Married Onelia Lee Page, Burlington.
Children: Judith Matthews
Kenneth Matthews
Theresa Matthews
IV. Practice: Burlington 1953-
Dr. deSaussure Parker Moore, Jr.Pd
I. Born Sumter, South Carolina in 1924.
Parents: deSaussure P. and Cornelia VanOrsdel Trezevant Moore
II. Duke University School of Medicine 1952
White Cross Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 1952-53
Short internships at Duke Hospital and Sampson County Memorial Hospital
III. Married: Ann Tilghman.
Children: deSaussure P. Moore III
Camm Tilghman Moore
Mary Katherine Moore
Our attention has been called to the fact that Dr. Owon's name was inadvertently omitted. We do not understand how the omission happened. We regret it very much, and we are inserting this extra page to give the information.
Dr. John Fletcher OwenPN
I. Born at Roseboro in 1895
Parents: John Fletcher and Eugenia Herring Owen
II. Wake Forest College
Jefferson Medical College 1920
Internship Bryn Mawr Hospital at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
III. Married Mary Harrison, Weston, West Virginia
IV. Practice: U.S. Public Health Service for twenty-eight months
Medfield State Hospital, Massachusetts three years
State Hospital, Raleigh, for eighteen years
Private practice in psychiatry, Raleigh, 1945 -
IV. Practice: Newton Grove 1953-54
Hopewell, Virginia 1955-
Dr. Kinchen Carl MoorePH
I. Born in Nash County in 1885.
Parents: Dr. Charles E. and Minnie N. Taylor Moore
II. University of Michigan 1909
III. Married Leila Foster Privett.
Children: K. C. Moore, Jr., Fuquay Springs
Evelyn Moore Robbins, Wilson
Mary Howard Moore Benton, Wilson
Doyle B. Moore, Greenville, S. C.
Leila Privett Moore Berry, Fayetteville, Ark.
IV. Practice: Wilson 1909-1935
Newton Grove 1935-1941
Wilson 1941-1942
District Health Officer Currituck-Dare Health Dept. 1943-1947
Health Officer Scotland County Health Dept. 1947-
Dr. Francis Leroy OwensObG
I. Born 1909 at Cresson, Pennsylvania.
Parents: John and Gertrude Luttringer Owens
II. University of Pittsburgh
Duke School of Medicine
III. Married Sarah Louise Owens.
Children: Judith
Lynda
Jennifer
Francis, Jr.
Audrey
Catherine
IV. Dr. Owens practiced at Roseboro 1936-1937; since that time he has been practicing at Pinehurst.
Dr. Cornelius Theodore PatrickI. Born in Clinton in 1929.
Parents: Edward Dudley and Lucy Nolan Patrick
Great-grandson of Captain Cornelius Theodore Patrick of Clinton
II. University of North Carolina Medical School 1954—member of first class of four-year medical school. Graduated head of class. Boston City Hospital 1955-56.
II. Married Mary Elizabeth Allsbrook, Wilmington.
Children: Cornelius Theodore Patrick III
Martha Elizabeth Patrick
Warren Allsbrook Patrick
V. Practice: Entered United States Army in June 1956 as Captain—stationed at Fort MacPherson, Georgia.
Dr. Julius Norman ReevesOALR
I. Born at Parkersburg in 1905.
Parents: A. B. and Sudie Watson Reeves
Twin brother: Dr. Raymond W. Reeves, Lt. Colonel in United States Air Force
Nephews: Dr. J. Cooper Howard, Clinton
Dr. Leroy Reeves (deceased), Hope Mills
Dr. Albert Murray Reeves (deceased), Hope Mills
II. Wake Forest College
Jefferson Medical College
Graduate School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia
III. Married Margaret Virginia Jordan of Keyser, West Virginia
IV. Practice: Westernport, Maryland, fifteen years
Lt. Colonel United States Air Force 1954-
V. Member: Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
Diplomate American Board of Otolaryngology
Fellow American College of Surgeons
Mason and Shriner
In October 1957 Dr. Reeves was elected a fellow in the American College of Surgeons, along with his nephew, Dr. J. Cooper Howard of Clinton.
Dr. Raymond W. ReevesOALR
I. Born at Parkersburg in 1905.
Parents: A. B. and Sudie Watson Reeves
Twin Brother: Dr. Julius Norman Reeves, Lt. Colonel in United States Air Force
Nephews: Dr. J. Cooper Howard, Clinton
Dr. Leroy Reeves (deceased), Hope Mills
Dr. Albert Murray Reeves (deceased), Hope Mills
II. Wake Forest College
Jefferson Medical College
Atlantic City Hospital, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Delaware Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware
Post Graduate School of Ophthalmology of University of Pennsylvania
III. Married Doris Juanita Sturdivant, Louisburg.
Children: John Albert Reeves, student at University of Maryland Medical School
Raymond Wilson Reeves, Jr., Tampa, Florida
IV. Practice: Westernport, Maryland—General practice 1934-44;
Practice confined to eye, ear, nose and throat in private clinic from 1945-54
Lt. Colonel in United States Air Force 1954-
Mason and Shriner
Dr. John Daniel RobinsonGP
I. Born at Ivanhoe in 1889.
Parents: John Winfield Scott and Mary Jeannette Corbett Robinson
II. University of Maryland
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
III. Married Lewellyn Williams of Wallace.
Children: Mary Annette Robinson, New York City
John Duncan Robinson
IV. Practices in Wallace.
V. Dr. Robinson served in France and Germany during World War I, holding the rank of Major in the Air Corps. Later he became Lieutenant Colonel with the Reserves. He volunteered for service in War II but was not called.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Robinson have been outstanding citizens in their section of the state. In June 1937, they entertained Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the President of the United States, on the occasion of the Wallace Strawberry Festival.
Dr. Stuart McGuire SessomsI
I. Born near Roseboro in 1921.
Parents: Mrs. Lillian Howard Sessoms and the late Dr. Edwin
Tate Sessoms
II. University of North Carolina
Medical College of Virginia 1946
II. Married Teen Call from West Virginia.
Children: Stuart McGuire Sessoms, Jr.
Cristi Kay Sessoms
IV. Public Health Service Hospital in Baltimore 1946-1952
Memorial Center in New York 1952
Clinical Center National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 1953 to the present time. Assistant Director since 1955.
Dr. Wilbur Thadeus Shearin, Jr.GP
I. Born in Roseboro in 1928.
Parents: Wilbur Thadeus and Docia Florence Spell Shearin
II. Wake Forest College
Bowman Gray 1954
Internship Georgia Baptist Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia
III. Married Betty Lou Hamilton, Raleigh
Children: Lou Ann Shearin
Elizabeth Lynn Shearin
Leigh Hamilton Shearin
IV. Practice: Carolina Beach 1955-1956
United States Navy attached to Marines 1956-
Dr. David Bryan SloanOALR
I. Born at Ingold in 1889.
Parents: Dr. Henry and Catherine Fennell Boykin Sloan
Brother: Dr. Henry Lee Sloan, Sr., of Charlotte
II. University of North Carolina 1910
University of Pennsylvania 1914
Internship at St. Vincents, Birmingham, Ala.
III. Married Christine Futchs
Children: David B. Sloan, Jr.
James B. Sloan
Catharine C. Sloan
IV. Practice: Ingold one year
Special work New York City one year
World War I two years
Dr. Henry Lee Sloan, Sr.Oph
I. Born at Ingold in 1886.
Parents: Dr. Henry and Catherine Fennell Boykin Sloan
Brother: Dr. David Bryan Sloan of Wilmington
II. University of North Carolina 1907
University of Pennsylvania 1911
III. Married Emily Patterson Elliott (deceased)
Mrs. W. I. Bullard
Children: Dr. Henry Lee Sloan, Jr., Charlotte
Mrs. William I. Samson
IV. Practice: Roanoke, Virginia
Lincolnton
Charlotte
Dr. Oscar Fennell SmithI. Born at Delway in 1876.
Parents: Edward Charles and Mary Elizabeth Herring Smith
II. University of North Carolina 1893-1895
Medical College of Virginia 1896-1897
III. Married Janie Wooten, Maxton.
IV. Practice: Magnolia 1898-1902
Scotland Neck 1902-1955
V. Dr. Smith holds the unusual record of having practiced medicine in North Carolina for fifty-six years and during those years was not absent from his practice a single day because of illness. This is certainly a record very few persons anywhere can equal. Dr. Smith himself says that if all his patients had stayed as well as he has, his practice of medicine would have been most unremunerative!
Dr. Julian T. SuttonGP
I. Born in Sampson County in 1924.
Parents: Mrs. Leona Best Sutton and the late Paul Sutton
II. University of North Carolina
University of Maryland 1951.
III. Married Annie Whitfield of Ingold.
Children: Julian T. Sutton, Jr.
Michael Sutton
Stewart Sutton
IV. Military Service 1951-1953
Scotland Neck 1953-
Dr. Silas Owens Thorne, Jr.OALR
I. Born in Charlotte 1924
Parents: Silas Owens and Clarissa Abbey Thorne
II. Duke Medical School 1947
III. Married Lucy Kennedy of Harrells Store.
Children: Silas Owens III
Phyllis Lee
Clarissa Bethel
IV. Practiced at Clinton 1951-1952; U. S. Navy 1952-1954; Morehead City 1954 to the present time.
Dr. Edite T. VitolsGP
I. Born in Riga, Latvia, in 1922.
II. University of Latvia Medical School, 1940-1944
University of Hamburg Medical School, 1946
Duke University Medical School 1955
III. Married Dr. M. M. Vitols.
IV. Practice: Germany 1946-1949
Butner 1949-1954
Newton Grove 1955-1957
Goldsboro 1957-
Dr. Jabez H. WilliamsI & T
I. Born in Union County in 1893.
Parents: Thomas Jefferson and Loura Lockheart Williams.
II. Jefferson Medical College 1920
Graduate work in Public Health at University of North Carolina
III. Married Alice Blakeney of Union County.
Children: Jabez H. Williams, Jr.
R. Edward Blakeney (adopted son)
IV. Practice: Health Officer Sampson County 1937-1946
Veterans Administration Hospital at Oteen (pulmonary tuberculosis) 1946-
Dr. S. Glenn WilsonGP
I. Born in Sampson County in 1904.
Parents: George Westbrook and Geneva King Wilson
II. University of North Carolina 1926-1928
Medical College of Virginia 1928-1930
Internship Highsmith Hospital, Fayetteville
III. Married Kathleen McLamb.
Children: Mabel Kathleen Wilson Lorenz
Stephen Glenn Wilson, Jr.
IV. Practice: Sampson County Health Officer 1931-35
Angier 1935-1942
Army of U. S. 1942-1946
Angier 1946-
Dr. Eleanor Jane Herring WootenPd
I. Born at Roseboro in 1918.
Parents: W. Henry and Mary Eleanor Freeman Herring
II. Duke University School of Medicine 1943
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and Duke Hospital 1943-1944
Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville 1944-1945
Los Angeles Children's Hospital, Los Angeles 1945-1946
III. Married: Kenneth F. Wooten, Jr., Jackson, Mississippi.
Children: Susan Wells Wooten
Walter Herring Wooten
IV. Practice: Raleigh 1946-
C. WE PAUSE IN MEMORY OF THESE
“Those whom the gods love die young”
Menander
Dr. Walter Clark Fisher1921 - 1946
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Mrs. Lossie Herring Fisher and the late W. Harrison Fisher of Clinton
Brother: Dr. Joseph Franklin Fisher of McMinnville, Tenn.
II. Graduated at Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1945
III. Married Hilda Renigar of Elkin.
IV. Dr. Fisher had just finished his internship at the time of his death.
Dr. Emory Highsmith Honeycutt1923 - 1951
I. Born in Clinton.
Parents: Furman J. and Oleta Highsmith Honeycutt of Clinton
II. Medical College of Virginia 1950
III. Married Peggy Rea of Virginia
Children: Steven Honeycutt
Ann Elizabeth Honeycutt
IV. Dr. Honeycutt was ready to begin practice of medicine at the time of his death.
Dr. Albert Murray Reeves1920 - 1952
I. Born at Parkersburg.
Parents: The late James Leroy, Sr., and Mary Eugenia Smith Reeves of Parkersburg
Brother: The late Dr. James Leroy Reeves, Jr., of Hope Mills
Uncles: Lt. Colonel Raymond W. Reeves and Lt. Colonel J. Norman Reeves of United States Air Force.
II. Stanford University. Temple University 1947.
III. Married Gail Norman of Birmingham, Alabama.
IV. Practice: Hope Mills 1949-1952
V. Dr. Reeves was associated with his brother, Dr. James Leroy Reeves, Jr., in the operation of Reeves Clinic in Hope Mills. Dr. Reeves died three months after his brother and partner was killed in an automobile accident.
Dr. James Leroy Reeves, Jr.1915 - 1952
I. Born at Parkersburg.
Parents: The late James Leroy, Sr., and Mary Eugenia Smith Reeves of Parkersburg
Brother: The late Dr. Albert Murray Reeves of Hope Mills
Uncles: Lt. Colonel Raymond W. Reeves and Lt. Colonel J. Norman Reeves of the United States Air Force
II. Temple University 1937
II. Married Nola Mae Willis of Marshelburg.
Two sons
V. Practice: Operated Reeves Clinic in Hope Mills 1940-1952.
V. Dr. Reeves began the operation of Reeves Clinic in 1940 and was joined by his brother, Dr. Albert Murray Reeves, in 1949. Dr. Reeves was killed in an automobile accident August 11, 1952.
Dr. Thomas Hooper Wilson1891 - 1918
I. Born in Harnett County.
Parents: Dr. Robert Bruce and Novella Stroud Wilson
II. Attended Trinity Park School; Trinity College; Medical College of Virginia at Richmond—Class of 1915.
II. Unmarried.
V. Practice: Newton Grove 1915
Lucama (Wilson County) 1915-1918
V. Dr. Wilson died on October 23, 1918, during the influenza epidemic of that year.
Part IV.
We Envision the Future
The last story has been told, the last record written, the last leaf is about to be turned and so we come to the end . . . or is it the end? Let us venture the hope and the prayer that we have not reached the end, but in reality only a new beginning . . . a beginning of a more illustrious chapter in the history of Sampson County medicine . . . a chapter to be written in the living records of the present by the doctors of today and tomorrow who may be inspired to greater heights of service and greater depths of sympathetic understanding by reading the records of those dedicated men of yesterday who have already forever written their stories in unselfish service . . . consecrated to the achievement of physical healing, mental happiness, and spiritual well-being of the multitudes of men, women and children who have populated our county and our state.
Almost 2000 years ago in ancient Greece, a man named Hippocrates, kindled the spark and lighted the torch of ministering to the needs of suffering humanity which is the heart and soul of the practice of medicine. During the intervening centuries men of many nationalities and creeds kept the torch burning until it was brought to the New World and to our own Sampson County in 1736 in the sturdy hands of William Houston. Since that day, Sampson County's distinguished M. D.’s have proved worthy custodians, for high indeed has the torch been held, and bright the flame in the consecrated hands of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Jacob Franklin Highsmith, a devoted public health official such as Dr. George Marion Cooper, or a faithful family doctor of the caliber of Dr. Algernon Moseley Lee. If these men and all their colleagues could speak with one voice to the doctors of our day, their message might well be in the words of John McCrae,
“To you from failing hands we throwThe torch, be yours to hold it high.”
