Gamble, Thomas D.

GAMBLE, DONAHEY, CARTER, FICKE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/15/2003 at 09:16:05

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

THOMAS D. GAMBLE, M.D.

Engaged in the practice of medicine and at the same time occupying the most important position within the gift of his fellow townsmen, Dr. Gamble, mayor of Wheatland, is now prominently associated with professional interests and public affairs. He is one of the early settlers of Clinton county and a most highly respected citizen. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware, December 18, 1829, and when only five years of age left the place of his nativity, being taken to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, by his parents, James and Jane (Donahey) Gamble. His parents were both natives of Ireland, and soon after their marriage came to the United States, locating at Wilmington, Delaware. The father was a surveyor and followed that business during the greater part of his active business life. He died in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, when about seventy-four years of age, and his wife’s death there occurred when she was seventy-six years of age. She was the mother of ten children, but only three are now living.

Dr. Gamble, of this review, is the youngest. He acquired his literary education in the schools of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he remained until twenty-five years of age, and for a time was engaged in the printing business. He then went to LeClair, Scott county, Iowa, where he studied medicine with this brother, James Gamble, a prominent physician, who is now living a retired life at the ripe old age of eighty years. For three years our subject continued his reading under the direction of his brother, after which he entered the St. Louis Medical College, where he remained for two years, being graduated in that institution in the spring of 1858.

Locating at Sabula, Iowa, Dr. Gamble there began the practice of his chosen profession, but in the fall of the same year he removed to Wheatland, where he has since continued his professional work with excellent success, his labors bringing to him a good income. He is a member of the Clinton County, the State and the United States Medical Associations, and has kept in touch with the most advanced thought and research of the profession. He was for one year president of the first named organization. He has always engaged in general practice, and is the loved family physician in many households in Wheatland and the surrounding country, where his skill and ability have effected many cures. For the past few years, on account of his age, the Doctor has not sought active practice.

During his long residence in Wheatland Dr. Gamble has taken an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the village, and his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability, have frequently honored him with public office. He has been mayor of the town for a number of years, and about twenty years ago filled the same position for a number of terms. Loyal to the best interests of Wheatland, he has labored untiringly, effectively and enthusiastically for the promotion of its best interests, for its advancement and progress, and his efforts have been attended with excellent results. He has been treasurer of the school board for a number of years, and for several terms served in the city council. In his political views he is a Democrat, firm in the allegiance to the principles of the party.

Dr. Gamble was married in 1867 to Miss Amelia Sophia Carter, a daughter of Joseph B. and Frances Carter, both of whom are now deceased. Her father resided at Sharon, Clinton county, and was a prominent farmer. Mrs. Gamble died at their home in Wheatland in 1890. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and a devout and earnest Christian woman, taking an active part in church work. By her marriage she had six children, four of whom are yet living: Frances Jane is the wife of H. C. Ficke, a dealer in agricultural implements in Wheatland, by whom she has three children, Thomas D., Amelia A. and a baby; James A., who was educated in Cornell College, Mount Vernon, and in the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, has been engaged in the drug business in Wheatland for about eight years in connection with his father; Mary Effie is at home; Joseph B. is attending school; Lydia R. died at the age of three years; and Harry Carter died at the age of five years. They were the youngest members of the family.

Socially the doctor is connected with the Iowa Workmen and the Masonic lodge of Wheatland, and is an attendant of the Presbyterian church, in which he has held the office of trustee for a number of years, being one of the incumbents in the position at the present time. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community along religious, intellectual and social lines, and no man in Wheatland has been more loyal to its interests or labored more untiringly for its progress and improvement.