DR. J. M. ANDERSON

ANDERSON, MILES

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 9/29/2019 at 15:21:58

DR. J. M. ANDERSON, was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, on the 11th of July, 1818. He is the son of William and Francis Anderson, natives of Virginia. His father died in Montrose, in 1861. His mother is still living at the age of eighty-eight years.

Dr. Anderson was ten years of age when his father emigrated to Illinois, in 1828, and settled in Quincy. In 1833, on the breaking out of cholera in Quincy, his father removed about sixteen miles into the country, where he remained with his family about three years. About this time, his father sent him into Iowa in company with another young man, with a stock of goods, with a view of opening a store at Farmington, Van Buren County. He got as far as Alexandria, Missouri, when his partner was taken sick, and he returned home to await his recovery before proceeding further. After waiting ten days he returned, and found that his partner had not only recovered, but had sold the goods and gone to Texas.

Not wishing to return home, he went on foot to Farmington and engaged in teaching school. He taught here and in Clark County, Missouri, about two years. He then engaged in Farmington as a laborer by the day, working at whatever he could find for about six months, when he went into the office of Dr. Miles, an old Vermont physician, then practicing in Farmington, and commenced the study of medicine which he continued about two years. Dr. Miles went to New Orleans for his health in 1840, and died there of yellow fever. The business was thus left in Dr. Anderson’s hands at Farmington, and he continued the practice of medicine there till 1844, when he moved to Montrose. The old barracks were still standing. The population was about two hundred. Rank weeds covered the ground, breeding malaria, and ague, chills, pale faces and general lassitude marked the physical condition of the people. There were several “steam doctors” in the place, and the Mormons were dealing with diseases literally according to the directions of St. James--”is any man sick among you, let him call in the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, annointing him with oil, etc.; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and be shall recover.”

Of course, in such a state of society, there would naturally exist a good deal of prejudice against a regularly practicing physician, and Dr. Anderson had much of this to encounter, especially against his practice of using mineral medicines. But by his steady course, perseverance and consistent character, he overcame all opposition, and fully established himself in the respect and confidence of the people. For almost thirty years he has continued the practice of medicine in this place, out of which has realized a comfortable competence for himself and family, and something to bestow upon charitable objects.

In politics Dr. Anderson has always been a Democrat, conservative and conciliatory, rather than radical, in his views and feelings. He has never been an office-seeker, but whatever political honors have been conferred upon him have been entirely unsolicited on his part. In 1850, 1851, and 1856, he was a member of the State Legislature. During his first term he was Chairman of the Committee on Schools and Universities. He took an active part in legislation, and discharged the duties of his office with rare conscientiousness and fidelity.

Although never remarkable for physical strength, yet Dr. Anderson has passed through a laborious practice of thirty years, subject to the most trying fatigue and exposure, almost entirely without sickness. He has never been sick more than a week altogether during the entire period. This has been owing to his thorough knowledge of himself, and his strict observance of the laws of health. He is the only adult person now living in the town who was here in 1844.

Dr. Anderson was married to Miss Electa A. Miles, daughter of his old preceptor, and has had six children, one son and five daughters, four of whom are now living.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer