Dr. John Scarff, 1820-1890

SCARFF, CRAWFORD, MURPHY, BARNETT, CHAMBERLIN, SEXTON, BARR

Posted By: Leslie W. Saint (email)
Date: 1/5/2014 at 00:51:16

On Friday, the 7th of January, Dr. Scarff was making a round of profesion calls on West hill. About half-past twelve he was returning on horseback and upon reaching the corner of Market street and Garfleld avenue the horse tumbled and caused the Doctor to fall heavily upon the frozen ground. It is not known whether the serious blow he received over the left temple was caused by the fall or whether he was struck by the struggling horse in an attempt to regain its feet. The result of the blow was such as to render the unfortunate man insensible and he was conveyed to the neighboring residence of Dr. Crawford where he was tenderly cared for and his family summoned. As consciousness did not return he was kept at the hospitable home of Dr. Crawford for several days when it was decided to remove him to his own home. The days dragged by until a week had passed since the accident, and still only passing gleams of consciousness had been observed. At infrequent intervals he was able to take slight nourishment, but not in sufficient quantities to keep up his strength, which gradually failed to the end.

On yesterday, the twelfth day after the injury, his weakness increased and the gravest fears were aroused in the hearts of his family and friends—fears which were only too well founded—-for as stated above, at half-past four he breathed his last. The nature of the injury was such as from the first to baffle the science and skill of his physicians, and every effort was turned toward ministering to his comfort and the alleviation of the pain which it was evident never left him.

Dr. John Scarff was born in 1807 and lived in Xenia, O., until 1853, when, upon the death of his first wife, who was Miss Matilda J. Murphy, he removed to Burlington and began the practice of medicine, for which he had prepared himself. He first established his office in a frame building on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets, where now stands the Starr building. In the following fall he removed to the corner of Third and Valley streets, where he continued until the time of his death.

Since coming to Burlington Dr. Scarff was twice married to Miss Kate Barnett, the daughter of his then partner, the late Dr. Barnett who died many years ago, and to Miss Caroline Chamberlin, the bereaved wife who survives him. Several children were the fruit of these marriages, but only one, Paul Scarff, now growing up to manhood, remains a comfort to hit stricken mother.

While not prominently identified with the business interests of the city. Dr. Scarff bore an enviable reputation among business men for truth and probity, and had gathered together a large and lucrative practice. He had many warm, true friends, whom be attracted by his free and open manners and his sincerity.

But it is by the poor and needy that Dr. Scarff will be remembered with the warmest feelings of gratitude, for his time and his medical skill, regardless of his own health or convenience, were ever at the command of poverty and distress. It is not too much to say that no physician now living in the city has done as much from motives of pure charity, without thought of payment or reward. No greater eulogy can be pounced of any man than that he was beloved by the public. He acted in accordance with the spirit of the Divine Command, "Go heal the sick." The funeral services will be held at his late home, 201 North Third street, corner of alley, at two o'clock Monday afteroon. Among the relatives from broad who gathered at his bedside dung his last hours, are his sister, Mrs. Minerva Sexton, of Xenia, Ohio, Mrs. Scarff's sister, Mrs. Barr and the Rev. S. E Barr, of Vernon, Indiana, a&d Mr. Frank Sexton, a nephew, of Bushnell, Illinois.

Burlington Hawk Eye January 21, 1890, p. 3