The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1858-05-12
DR.. Holiness

has brought to us several letters from
persons who knew him in London and
this country-they disclose fate SO
remarkable, that we think some Of the
letters of sufficient interest to present to
our readers. Doctor Peckover, highly
respected physician of Paris. Bourbon
county, KY, who received his nedtcaf
education under Doct. Holmes, in Lon
don, writes under date Of the 9Th inst,
as follows:
81 feel much gratifed and obliged by your
kind attention to my inquiries, respecting
Doct. j. p. Holmes. quite approve of the
plan of the gentlemen, who have his effects
in charge, to erect a monument to one who
was beloved by all who knew him. My &C
ouaintance with him commenced in the
Spring of 1927, after his return from the SER
vice of the Hudson Bay Co., and continued
till 1882, when I left England for this coun-
try; for two years of that time, lived prin.-
cipally in his family. There were two other
students beside myself, Mr.. Bird and Mr..
Holman, one of whom, at least, was study
ing at Doct. Holmes expense. The Doctor
married, late in life, very beautiful and ac-
eomplished young lady. They never had
any children. He had n half breed son, by
an Indian wife, while in the Hudson Bay
Company's territories, whom he was educat-
ing in England. What became of him do
not know. He had no other family that
ever heard of. His wife had one sister,
whose name 1 have forgotten. The Doctor
was q member Of the College of Surgeons,
and also of the aMedieal Society of Bolt
Court" He was also member Of the COM
mon Council, Of London, from the ward in
which he lived, which was, think, Dow
gate.
The last time / saw him, was in 1889
while was on a visit to London. He was
still living in his old home in Great Fish
street, and had an Office somewhere in the
West end of London, where he treated con-
sumptiye patients on o plan of inhalation
He had published q work on consumption,
which gave him high repute, and was known
to the profession by he title Of "Holmes on
consumption and asthma" The medals
mentioned as found among his effects,
have seen many times. lie was the inven-
tor o: craniotomy forceps, with separate
blades. When boy, l assisted him in max
ing the models.
He was very intimate with Alternately and
Aston Key, but was not on friendly terms
with Ashley Cooper nor any of the Surgeons
Of Gsy's Hospital. His practice was very
Iaroe hnt not as rernuparative "a be might
have made it, as he invariably attended the
calls of the poor as we'll as the rich, and al
ways refused money from those whom he con
sidered not able to pay. lie was generous to
fault. have known him when visiting q
poor family, destitute of DEMONSTRATING NO
money in his pocket to bestow on them-to
pull off his over-coat. and give it to them,
that they might pawn or sell it to relieve
their necessities. Whenever asked for chart
ty he would generally give all the money he
had in his pocket; and many times have
heard his beautiful wife ehido and scold him
for his indiscriminate charities, and inatten-
ton to his own interests.
His wife was the daughter of a surgeon, and
she was herself good Surgeon and Anato-
mist, and many an hour has she spent dem.
oustratlng on subject for my instruction
when was lad taking my first lessons il
the surgical art. l suppose she is dead, or tn.
Doctor would never have been here in sucl
q condition as you have described him. 1t i
difficult to realise that the poor, old, friend
noble, generous, friend, respected and below
ed by large circle-both high and Iowa
knew him in London twenty years ago.
myself owe him heavy debt of gratitude.
But am trying your patience with rccol
lections, which, perhaps, are only interesting
to myself, for to me he was ever like o ia
thor.
have reason to believe that the Docto
was Royal Arch Mason, though I canno
youch for the fact. If his effects are sold,
should like to purchase something as a me
mento OF one l loved so well. should lik
ore or both of the medals. l do MT how
can manage it except through your kindness
will remit any amount needed for the pun
pose. Your letter and enclosures have ser
to my brother in London, who will make I'll
unhappy fate Of the Doctor known to
friends. Yours very truly,
R.P.
1t is painful to know that one so VOL
thy, generous and noble, died unknown
friendless, and in the home of poe
negro woman, attended only by tw
strangers, drawn to his bedside by tt
common impulses Of charity and pit,
Another gentleman in the vicinity
Nashville, who appears to have been Il
first friend the Doctor made in the cour
try, writes that:
al have been personally acquainted wi
Doctor Holmes since his first arrival in I'll
country in 1881. / was at that time livil
in Williamsburg, opposite New York. !
became constant visitor at my house.
was known in New York and Williamson
as a man of science in his profession.
was contemplating, at that time, comi
West. and the Doctor expressed a wish
come with me, and said as he was getti
old and feeble, he would like to live and e.
his days with me. Owing to the unsettl
condition of my affairs, / could not quit t
East so soon "a he Doctor des;red ard