Dr. David S. Fairchild (-1930)

FAIRCHILD

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 9/8/2008 at 08:36:14

AMES DAILY TRIBUNE-TIMES, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Monday, March 24, 1930.

DR. FAIRCHILD DIES AT CLINTON

Is Former Iowa State College Professor

CLINTON - Dr. David S. Fairchild, 83 years old, died Saturday night at his home here.

At the time of his death, Dr. Fairchild was chief surgeon for the Chicago and North Western railroad and the Milwaukee railroad in Iowa, and was editor of the Journal of the Iowa Medical society. In 1914, he was the first vice president of the American Medical society, was the former president of the American Academy of Railway Surgeons, and former president of the Iowa Medical Society.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Tuesday at the residence of Dr. Fairchild here.

Dr. Fairchild came to Iowa State college in 1878 as a lecturer in histology, physiology and pathology in the veterinary school. In 1879 he became college physician, and established the college hospital on the second floor of old Music hall, which stood on the present site of the Memorial Union. In 1880 he became lecturer, and later professor in pathology, histology, therapeutics, and comparative anatomy in the veterinary school. He resigned from the staff in 1893. He was professor of surgical pathology of the Drake university medical college at Des Moines from 1882 to 1909, and was dean of the college from 1903 to 1909.

In Ames, Dr. Fairchild was a member of the school board for nine years, and president of the board for six years. He was the author of the book, Pioneer Practice, published in 1914.

"He was," says Herman Knapp, treasurer and business manager of Iowa State, "one of the most remarkable physicians and surgeons in the state, particularly as a diagnostician.

"He was the only living member of the staff of the college in 1878-79. His passing makes Dr. Herbert Osborn of Ohio State university the earliest living member of Iowa Sate faculty. Dr. Osborn came her to teach zoology and entomology in 1880."