ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY.

     The Belmont County Medical Society was organized on the last day of February, 1847.  There was the usual call through the public press to meet at the National Hotel, St. Clairsville, Ohio, to which the profession responded.
     At the specified time a number met and proceeded to perfect an organization.  Dr. C. Schooley of Loydsville was chosen chairman and Dr. Smith Holloway, secretary.  The usual committees were appointed.  Drs. Joseph Hewetson, Holloway and Walker were chosen a committee to prepare a constitution.  Dr. West, Alexander and McConahey were appointed to prepare a code of ethics.  Drs. Estep. C. Schooley and L. Schooley were appointed a committee to draw up a fee bill of rates and charges to govern al members of the society.
     The association was now reasonably equipped for work.
     There was no intention to put their light under a bushel, as the motion of Dr. Alexander was carried, to publish the proceedings of the society in the Gazette and Chronicle.
     The Roll of names of those attending the meeting is as follows:
     Dr. Ephraim Gaston, Morristown
     Dr. Joseph Hewetson, St. Clairsville
     Dr. John Alexander, St. Clairsville
     Dr. Josephus Walker, St. Clairsville.

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     Dr. Smith Holloway, St. Clairsville.
     Dr. Henry West, St. Clairsville
     Dr. John Campbell, Uniontown
     Dr. T. Irwin, Uniontown
     Dr. Wilson, Centerville.
     Dr. J. Coleman, Centerville
     Dr. T. Harvey, Jacobsburg
     Dr. J. Bailey, Flushing
     Dr. Chapman, Hendrysburg
     Dr. D. Tidball, Hendrysburg
     Dr. William Estep, Loydsville.
     Dr. C. Schooley, Loydsville
     Dr. Dallas, Sewellsville.
     Dr. Andrews, Bellaire.

THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS.

     The roll of the members of the original society has been justly called the "roll of honor."  In this list are presented some of the brightest names in the profession of Belmont County.
     On the 1st of March at the second meeting, the constitution being completed was adopted and the first step was to establish a correct roll of the members: 
     The roll when completed was as follows:

SOME EMINENT PHYSICIANS OF PIONEER DAYS.

     DR. EPHRAIM GASTON - We find at the top of this roll of honor, taking it in the order given, the name of Ephraim Gaston of Morristown, Ohio.
     He began the practice of medicine in 1825 and ended in 1896.
     But few medical men excelled Dr. Gaston in the deep hold he obtained upon the hearts of his patients.  Honest to the core, a gentleman in all his instincts, intelligent far beyond the average of most of his compeers, he held a position in his community that time and circumstances never changed.  In the providence of God, in his later years Dr. Gaston was afflicted with cataract on both eyes.
     He was unsuccessfully operated on by the great surgeon, Dr. Gross, of Philadelphia.  Later, he consulted the celebrated specialist, Dr. Williams, of Cincinnati, who performed a second operation which was eminently successful.  From this time on, the Doctor was able to see to read and walk about, but with the exception of occasional consultations he never practiced his profession again.
     DR. JOSEPH HEWETSON's biography, as prepared by the Medical Society at the time of his death, appears in the latter portion of this book devoted to biographies; a few brief references is all we think necessary.
     He was one of the charter members of the society.  Having had the long and thorough medical training that was required in the Edinburgh University, Scotland, he was an opponent of the short, and what appeared to him superficial, course of education in this country.  He more than once presented his opinions on this subject to the association.  It was his firm belief that time and the necessities of the profession would overcome these objections.
     The Doctor left a family of six sons and one daughter.  Four sons, three grandsons, and one granddaughter are in the practice of the profession.
     DR. JOHN ALEXANDER was born at Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent.  At the age of 19 he left his native land and came to the United States, landing at Baltimore.  He first became a teacher of country schools and after a time came to St. Clairsville, Ohio.  Here he became acquainted with Dr. Carroll, who became interested in the young man, and directed his efforts to the study of medicine.  He was

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a student of the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and in 1832 embarked in the practice of medicine at Flushing, Ohio, and in the autumn of 1839 he removed to St. Clairsville, where he continued in practice until his death.
     The Doctor had a positive Scotch-Irish nature.  It was thus natural to him to be strong in his friendships and equally strong in his antipathies.  He was a good physician.  In his practice of over half a century he had a large and, part of the time, lucrative practice.  During the latter part of his life he lived in the enjoyment of the kindliest feelings of all who knew him.  The Master's call came as all faithful servants desire - while at the work of his life.
     He was stricken down as he entered the door of a patient in the night season.  This occurred after a drive of three miles into the country.  There was a deep manifestation of feeling at his funeral.  He was followed to his grave with the tears of many friends.
     DR. HENRY WEST was born on the 8th day of April, 1800, and died June 30, 1887.  He was of Scotch-Irish descent and to that sturdy race he no doubt owed his strong and rugged nature.
     He was a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio.  He began the practice of his profession in 1835 in Bridgeport, Ohio, and soon commanded a good business.  He was sent to represent the county in the Legislature on the Democratic ticket in 1838-39 and was re-elected to the same position the following winter.
     After the close of the Rebellion, he represented the Republican party of this district in the State Senate in 1865-66.
     In those days it was the rule to mix politics with almost all business.  The Doctor was an active Democrat before the war.  It so happened that St. Clairsville was left without any competent Democratic doctor.  Under the pressure of some leading Democratic men of the county, he consented to remove to St. Clairsville.  This removal occurred at the close of his second term in the Legislature.  The Doctor always regretted this move, often speaking of the advantage it would have been to his boys had he remained in Bridgeport.
     Dr. West was married three times and became the head of a large family.
     His first wife was Adelinle Kirkwood, by whom he had eight children.  The second wife was Agnes Parker, five children being the fruits of this marriage.  His third wife was Mary Jane Douglass, who, with five children, survives him, making 18 children as a result of the three marriages.  Four sons, John E., of Jersey City, New Jersey; J. Park, of Bellaire; Samuel L., of St. Clairsville, and Homer, of McMechen, are all physicians standing high in the profession.
     In no way is his rugged and patriotic nature better shown than at the breaking out of the war.  Dr. West had been a life-long Democrat and had received recognition at the hands of his party.  He voted for Breckenridge, never doubting that come what would the Union and the government would be sacred.  When the word came that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, the Doctor was a changed man in a moment of time.  From that day to the close of his life he was a firm supporter of the government.
     We can well recall how greatly Dr. West suffered, when feeling his services were needed in the army, but that the duty of coming to the bedside of his dying wife was even greater.
     The time that inevitably comes to all came upon Dr. West.  Full of honor and years, conscious of coming weakness, of advancing age, he lived in daily expectation of the end.  The call came as he would have chosen, suddenly, no extended time of suffering.  At work today—tomorrow forever at rest.
     DR. JOHN CAMPBELL was the eldest son of James Campbell, who migrated from Washington County, Pennsylvania, to Ohio about 1803 and located in Wheeling township, Belmont County, on section 26, range four, township eight, which land had been entered several years previous by the Doctor's grandfather, a Revolutionary soldier.
     Here Dr. Campbell was born Nov. 21, 1804.  At the age of 15 he left home and at

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tended school at New Athens for five years.  After this he went to St. Clairsville and studied medicine under Dr. John McCracken for two and one-half years.  He was licensed to practice medicine in November, 1827, at Barnesville, Ohio. 
     He began the practice of medicine in Uniontown, Ohio, Mar. 5, 1828, and continued to practice at the same place until his death, Sept. 17, 1882.
     He was a member of the Crab Apple Presbyterian Church from 1833 and a ruling elder in the same congregation since 1840.
     He was elected twice to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, - Philadelphia in 1843 and Chicago in 1877.  The Doctor was nominated on the Democratic ticket in 1840 for the Legislature in opposition to Judge Cowen, but was defeated.
     With a somewhat intimate knowledge of the profession of the county for the last 45 years, I have no hesitancy to declare that Dr. Campbell was not excelled for virtue and honesty.  At any time when at all in doubt as to the true nature of his case, it was his habit to ask for counsel and gave the true reason for his asking.
     When life's fitful dream for him was over, the welcome came "Well done! good and faithful servant."
     DR. WILLIAM ESTEP - It is appropriate and entirely fitting that Drs. Estep and Campbell should be considered in close connection.  Near neighbors through a long life, good medical friends, in character differing essentially, yet agreeing, assisting each other frequently.
     Dr. Estep began his medical studies under the supervision of a "Thompsonian."  This entrance upon the study of medicine was before he had acquired the most elementary education.  While never failing to regret his limited education, he sought to overcome its evil effects by perseverance, energy and close application, so that for years before his death he could write a paper and present it to the society as well arranged as almost any member could have done.
     Dr. Estep was naturally well equipped for his work.  Possessed of a pleasing manner, commanding presence, he did all that was possible to do, to remove the loss of a thorough education.
     When the war broke out, Dr. Estep responded to the call of patriotism.  Leaving a large practice, he willingly entered the service of his country.  As a consequence of exposure and resulting pneumonia, he almost lost his life.  Returning home in 1864, he gradually recovered health and resumed his practice.  Dr. Estep had many good traits of character.  His friends had often to lament that at times he manifested traits of character that were not what they would desire.  In as much as the Doctor labored to overcome these and lamented his delinquencies, his friends have by mutual consent covered them with a mantle of charity.  It is a relief in such lives as Dr. Estep's to be able to put forth so much that is good.  He appeared to regard a professional call as sacred.  Regardless of time, condition of roads, or state of the weather, you could depend on the Doctor.  Send for him to assist you, and in the shortest possible time he responded.  For more than half a century he kept in the forefront of his local profession.
     He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was the son of John and Sarah Estep.  In 1840 he settled at Loydsville and began the practice of medicine, which continued until his death.
     DR. B. L. STEELE - We have very limited knowledge of Dr. B. L. Steele.  All that can be learned certainly regarding Dr. Steele is that he located in St. Clairsville perhaps late in the "thirties."  His name appears on the roll of the Presbyterian Church.  How long he remained in St. Clairsville and what was his professional standing, we have not been able to ascertain.
     Evidence shows him to have been a member of the Presbyterian Church and also of the Belmont County Medical Society.  This evidence proves him to have been a man of reputation and character.
     DR. SIMON B. WEST, one of the pioneers of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, was born in Jefferson

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County, Ohio, in 1812, and was the son of HENRY WEST, one of the early settlers of the county.  Dr. West's early years were spent on the farm until 1833, when he began the study of medicine with his older brother, Dr. Henry West, of Bridgeport, Ohio.  He was graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1836.  Locating in Martin's Ferry the same year, he began a practice which he continued for about 50 years; then he retired and devoted to rest his remaining years, which were terminated by death in 1885.  He was one of the most eminent men in his profession in this region and is also remembered as one of the most enterprising citizens of Martin's Ferry.
     Dr. West was married in July, 1838, to Mary Zane Martin.  Of their eight children there is but one survivor, the wife of Oliver C. Parker.
     DR. JAMES M. McCONAHEY of Bridgeport Ohio, was one of the charter members of the Society.  Dr. McConahey was one of the best.  Solid in judgment, clear in mind, he was a good diagnostician and consequently a good physician.  I am sorry not to be able to give a history of his life.
     DR. JOSEPHUS WALKER was born Jan. 20, 1820, near Uniontown, Ohio, attended the school of the district, then entered the college at New Athens, from which he was graduated in 1841.  He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Alexander of St. Clairsville, and graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College.  He practiced his profession in St. Clairsville, Ohio, until the time of his death, which occurred Jan. 12, 1864.  Dr. Walker was not long in entering into a good practice.  He was gifted with financial ability, and while comparatively a young man when he died, he had reached a comfortable competency.  He had a strong hold upon the affections of his patrons.
     DR. EPHRAIM WILLIAMS was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of October, 1810.  In 1818 he came west to the neighborhood of Barnesville, Ohio.  He located in Guernsey County, Ohio, to practice medicine, in the spring of 1834, and removed to Barnesville in March, 1839, remaining there until his death, April 15, 1887.  He continued in active practice until a few years of his death.
     Dr. Williams was one of the last of that class of noble men, representing in the earlier days the work of the association.
     They were as a class far above all that was low and mean and had the good of the patient always in mind.
     It is to be hoped their example may not be without good to the younger members who follow them.
     DR. ELIJAH PERRY BIRDSONG was born near Richmond, Virginia, July 4, 1819.  He was graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1853-54.  He came to Bellaire, Ohio, about 1845 and died at that place Mar. 1, 1858.
     The Doctor was a partner with Dr. Milton W. Junkins, one of the Society's brightest members.  The firm stood high in the estimation of the people, and Dr. Birdsong was a man highly esteemed both in and out of the Society.
     DR. LINDLEY SCHOOLEY is the only living man of the original charter members of the Belmont County Medical Society.  The Doctor has been an active member of the profession and until latter years was active in the service of the association.  He is a most remarkable sample of longevity, and is still doing a large practice.
     DR. CALEB COPE, born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, August, 1812, was one of the first or charter members of the Belmont County Medical Society.  He died at Farmington, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1875, having practiced medicine in that locality all his life.
     In the time of his practice the exposure and hardships incident to a country practice were very great.  All his traveling had to be done on horseback.  He raised a large family and was highly appreciated in the community.  One son was a physician and succeeded to his practice.

NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION CHANGED.

     In 1870 the nature of the organization was changed.  It was made to include a number of

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other counties and the name changed to the "Medical Chirurgical Society of Eastern Ohio."
     This was not found as satisfactory as the former arrangements, and on Dec. 5, 1885, a return was had to the old name "Belmont County Medical Society."  The desire for this change was universal, as there were so many pleasant associations clustered around the old name.
     This organization antedates the American Medical Association.

PRESENT MEMBERSHIP.

     Herewith is given a complete list of the present Belmont County Medical Society.

SOME OF THE PHYSICIANS OF LATER DAYS.

DR. A. J. HOGE

DR. W. S. FISHER

DR. GEORGE A. CLOSE

DR. DUDLEY WOODBRIDGE

DR. WILLIAM McMASTERS

DR. JOHN A. HOBSON

DR. WILLIAM ESTEP THOMPSON

DR. HOMER WEST

DR. D. V. MARSH

DR. A. B. HOBSON

DR. JAMES O. HOWELLS

DR. A. J. HEINLEIN

DR. J. S. McCLELLAN

DR. A. C. BEETHAM

DR. J. W. COOPER

DR. ALBERT R. ONG, A. M., M. D.

DR. J. C. WORKMAN

 DR. JOHN ARCHER

DR. WILLIAM ROSS CARLE

DR. J. C. McALISTER

DR. J. PARK WEST

DR. D. O. SHEPPARD

DR. J. N. DRENNEN

DR. JOSEPH PIERSOL

DR. A. W. DIVEN

DR. D. W. BOONE

DR. J. A. CLARK

DR. BRADY O. WILLIAMS

DR. JOHN W. MOFFAT