Dr. Andrew Patton (1812-1883)

PATTON, VAIL

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/8/2015 at 00:05:20

From Nevada Representative August 29, 1883

Obituary Dr. A. Patton.

Dr. Andrew Patton, whose death occurred at his home in Nevada, early last Thursday morning, was born in Ridgeville, Warren county, Ohio, near the Quaker village of Springboro, the 1st of September, 1811. He chose for his life work the profession of medicine, and after studious preparation, began to practice in Springboro about the timeof his majority, more than fifty years ago. In 1849 he married Elizabeth B. Vail of Middletown, Butler county, Ohio. Their wedded life of nearly thirty-four years has been companionship of unbroken affection and esteem. After a successful practice among the Friends of Springboro and vicinity for nearly a quarter of a century, he retired from practice and engaged in the wholesale drug business for a year or more at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1856 he came to Iowa, locating first a Keokuk, and later at Newton. From Newton, in 1863, he joined the Union army as assistant surgeon in the 60th regiment of colored infantry. He was soon made surgeon in chief of his regiment with professional duties, laborious and exacting, and frequently extending to the entire brigade. The service of the troops to which he was attached was in the main, post service, much of the time at Helena, Arkansas but it was not on this account less dangerous to him than would have been active service in the field. In fact, when we remember that Helena was garrisoned by colored troops on account of its exceptional climatic dangers to white soldiers, the inherent courage and study patriotism of the man--and hundreds of thers like him--in thus facing the pestilence that wasted at noon-day, are placed beyond all question. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Davenport, greatly broken in health. Two or three years were spent in Galva, Ill. and Keokuk and Newton, this State, in rest and other attempts to regain his former vigor, but with only partial success. At this time he made his home in Nevada, that he might more conveniently look that he might more conveniently look after his landed property in ths county, of which he had many hundred acres. During the first years of his residence here he was induced by repeated solicitation to resume somewhat the practice of his profession; but seven or eight years ago he gave it up entirely. For about fifteen years he has gone in and out before the people of this city and vicinity, and it is not too much to say that he has so demeaned himself as to have won universal regard. His funeral services were held Sunday morning, and, in harmony with preferences imbibed during the early years of his practice among the Friends, consisted at the house mainly of silent thought and prayer, after the custom of that denomination, only a few, well chosen words commendatory of his career as a physician, citizen and soldier being spoken by Col. John Scott. The remains were escorted to the cemetery in military form agreeably to the expressed desire of the deceased. The procession led by fifty or more old soldiers, the hearse followed by his faithful, old war-horse, "Billy," with vacant saddle and accoutered with the same trappings worn during the service, the long line of carriages of friends and neighbors, all moving to the measure of the plaintive fife and muffled drum, formed a touching scene and occasion. The services from beginning to close were impressive, and, so far as possible were participated in by the entire community. In the death of Dr. Patton Nevada, Story county and the state have lost an upright and patriotic citizen, his intimate friends and acquaintances a genial and unselfish companion, and his faithful and devoted wife a thoughtful and affectionate husband. The kindly sympathy of all our people go out to Mrs. Patton in this her day of heavy sorrow, and their unspoken prayer is that she may be sustained and comforted according to her need.

Resolutions of Respect.

Resolutions adopted by the Medical Profession of Nevada, Story Co., Iowa, upon the death of Andrew Patton, M. D.

WHEREAS: At the ripe old age of seventy-one years, eleven months and twenty-three days with his natural force of mind unabated Dr. Patton departed this life August 23d, 1883. Therefore,

Resolved: That in the death of this respected member the country has lost a spirited and patriotic citizen; society a kind and courteous gentleman, the wife and tender and affectionate husband, and the medical profession a tower of strength, he having been for fifteen years a practitioner of medicine for the business of his choice.

That, He was a strong man in council--a bold operator but a sympathetic surgeon, and it may truly be said of him that "he went about doing good." That, to the afflicted wife whose unremitting attention and care were the chief stay and source of the sufferer during the weary months of his decline, we extend our sincere sympathy in this her sad bereavement.

That, A copy of these resolutions be presented to the bereaved wife and friends of the deceased, and furnished for publication to the city papers.

LEWIS SCHOOLER,
E. H. MUNK,
P. W. FARRAR,
J. E. SCOTT.