Romanzo Wallace Salisbury 1860-1913

SALISBURY, HENDERSON, ALTON, KINYON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/16/2010 at 23:48:37

Well Known Physician Dies
Dr. R. W. Salisbury Succumbs to Lingering Illness at Sanatorium in Michigan
Funeral Arrangements Not Made
Had Been a Resident of Estherville for Over Thirty Years

Dr. R. W. Salisbury died suddenly at a sanatorium in Detroit Michigan, Tuesday night. The news came as a sudden and sad shock to the family and community as he had gone to Detroit only last Friday in the hopes of benefitting his health. A letter written by him was received by his mother in which he said he was getting along nicely.

Dr. Salisbury had been a resident of Estherville for thirty years and had been a practicing physician nearly all of that time. He was an upright, honest and conscientious man and had lived a life of great usefulness.

He was born in Le Roy, Boone County, Illinois, February 21, 1860 and died in Detroit, Michigan, Tuesday, August 12, 1913, at the age of 53 years, 7 months and 22 days.

He leaves an aged mother, of this city and one sister, Mrs. Jennie Alton of Fort Dodge to mourn his death. Funeral arrangements have not been made.

The Vindicator and Republican join with their many friends in expressing their heartfelt sympathy to the family in their bereavement. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, August 13, 1913)

Death of Dr. Salisbury

Romanzo Wallace Salisbury was born in LeRoy, Boone county, Illinois, Feb. 21, 1860. His early days were spent under the parental roof in obedience and service. His school life was limited, but marked by industrious habits and faithful labor. His mind early turned toward the medical world, and some time he was in his uncle’s office studying the practical phases of the profession which was to be his life work. He attended what now is known as Hahneman Medical College in Chicago, from which he graduated with honors in the early spring of 1886.

In June of the same years he came to Estherville and Emmet county, where he has practiced ever since. In October, 1887, he was married to Martha J. Henderson, and to this union two children were born, who with the loved companion have passed on to greet him. He was gifted with a good voice and in his young manhood taught music and ever gave himself in this line for Y.M.C.A. organizations and general church work.

Prior to going to college to prepare for his life work he taught in the public schools. His professional career in this vicinity is well known to very many among us. He traveled faithfully this whole county in the earnest desire to relieve the suffering and comfort the bereaved. In the early days when all the comforts were not at hand his nimble fingers often put together the garments so much needed. His daily life among us was marked by a clean walk and kindly spirit. When young he found the Friend that is closer than a brother and gave Him his life. So clearly was this act of giving up to him in his mind that his voice and talents were every responding the call of the church. He was once a member of the male quartette so well known in our city. For the past year he has not been well, but his many friends were not aware of his exact condition. He acquainted some local physicians of his condition and they stated he could not live very long and a change was necessary. On Aug. 7th he left, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Dr. W. E. Alton, for Detroit, Mich., where he entered a sanitarium but it was only for a short time. He passed away in beautiful peacefulness on Wednesday morning, August 13, 1913.

His many visits to the poor homes and places that needed him most will now be sweet in memory. He was at one time Merlin in the Knights of King Arthur, and his timely advice and counsel was always acceptable.

O. A. Salisbury and wife, of Fon du Lac, Wis., and Dr. B. S. Kinyon, a brother of Mrs. O. A. Salisbury, of Ladysmith, Wis., and Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Alton, of Fort Dodge, were here to attend the funeral. Services were conducted at the Methodist Episcopal church at three o’clock Sunday afternoon by Rev. G. F. Whitfeld, and interment was in Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, August 19, 1913)

In addition – A mother, Mrs. A. O. Salisbury of this city, a sister, Mrs. W. E. Alton, of Fort Dodge, and a brother, O. A. Salisbury of Fon du Lac, Wisconsin are left to mourn his untimely death. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, August 20, 1913)