Dr. Thomas L. Long,
joined the Cherokee State Hospital staff in 1905 just three years after
that institution opened its doors. In 1911 he was appointed first
assistant physician, a position roughly equivalent to assistant
superintendent.
Dr. Long's parents Henry and Mary (Raferty) Long
immigrated to this country in 1869 and homesteaded land in Sheridan
township. On this homestead Thomas grew up, living through the trials
and tribulations that beset the pioneers, including the dread
grasshopper years. Thomas was one of a set of twins. His twin brother
Patrick grew up and entered the educational field eventually serving as
superintendent of schools in several communities. His sister Margaret
married John Shea of Pilot township.
Thomas Long was educated in
the public schools of Cherokee county. After his graduation he taught
school for three years. Later he entered the State Normal School at
Cedar Falls majoring in the sciences and graduating with a B. D.
His
education was interrupted by a hitch in the army during the Spanish
American War. He and his brother Patrick served as privates in Co. M of
the 52 Iowa Volunteer Infantry. From May 28, 1898 to August 28, 1898,
there were stationed at Chickamangue Park, GA. with the Cherokee
contingent. The two were discharged at Des Moines, Iowa, August 31,
1898.
Deciding to study medicine he entered the University of Iowa Medical School, graduating in 1905.
After graduation from Medical school he joined the staff at the Cherokee State Hospital.
After
Dr. Voldeng left Cherokee to become superintendent at the new hospital
at Woodward, Dr. Long also left, joining him at Woodward State Hospital.
Dr.
Long entered the army during World War I and remained in the army after
the war was over. He continued his career in the Army Medical Corps
until retirement. After his retirement from the army he lived in
Palo Alto, California and taught at Stanford University.
Dr.
Long died in 1940 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery near
Washington D.C. He had no children, but his widow still survives,
living in San Antonio, Texas.
(Source: Cherokee
County Historical Society Newsletter, Special August - September Issue, Vol. 12, No. 7, 1977, pg. 9) |
