The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1866-08-17
Obituary.

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DR.. JACOB Pollard EPPERsoE was born
IN the vicinity of Nashville, Tenn. 10Th
March, 1919, and died ia Pulaski, Tenn, Of
Phrenitis, Aug, End. 1865.
In 1856, he studied medicine with
several eminent physicians in North Ala
/ bama. Subsequently, he attended Medical
Lectures In Cincinnati; and during his
stay IN that city Ga period of 18 months)
he was q private student of Professor Drake.
Like many other worthy and useful men,
he had to contend hard and long with power
ty and obscurity; but against these formida-
bic embarrassments his struggles were tri-
umphant; and from comparative obscurity,
rose to be a valued member of society, aud
, an ornament to the profession of his choice.
He was N independent and original thinker,
and emphatically self-made man. Altho'
not entirely Indifferent to the opinion of
others. and often sought their counsel, yet
after nature reflection, acted from his own
convictions. This was equally true in the
ordinary transactions Of life. as in the per-
| Torrance Of professional duties. He was a
student, in the strietest sense of the term,
and, not being welded to any particular
authority, kept himself thoroughly posted
In medical literature of the day. By a wise
/ economy of tine, be found leisure from
laborious practice, for miscellaneous read
ing, and with the best stan dard authors, was
/ familiar. Geology, with him, Was a favor
lie study. To 1t he devoted considerable
kreading. Noteatisfed with the acquisition
| Of knowledge from the thoughts of others,
| his inquisitive mind was ever busy in I'M
| folding the pages of the great book of Ma
/ ture, and culling therefrom valuable Infor-
nation. When engaged in country prac-
/ tice, his mind was occupied in the study of
Minerology and Botany. In this way,
while others rode thoughtlessly along, not
knowing or caring for the surrounding
/ beauties and hidden treasures on the road
side, be was constantly adding erich and
! rare gems" to his stock of useful knowled re.
/ Dr. E. located in Pulaski in the Autumn of
! 1910. Possessing a modest and retiring
turn Of mind, his practice, for several years,
remained limited; but persstently and ener-
! getically pressing on, he won, by slow and
sure degrees, public esteem and confidence.
! His practice gradually increasing, became
/ extensive and profitable. Few men ever
! labored more asiduously and honestly first
to gain, and then retain condolences or en-
| joyed the substantial fruits of their toll more
/ than he. He was fond of the good things
of life. and gratifed at public favor, when
! fairly won. Fortunately, he left an ample
| competency for his family; aud yet richer
! legacy in the way of wise, prudent and ju
dicious precept and example, which they
can not fail in turning to good and lasting
account In his home circle, he was firm,
yet frank, communicative, kind and gener-
Gus; and used all influence in his power, to
contribute to their comfort aud happiness.
The training and education Of his children
was truly utilitsrian, and meriting praise
and imitation. Since his death, the writer
of these lines has been informed, that the
Bible was a source of comfort and strength;
and, when not professionally engaged, every
night, in the presence of his family, be un-
folded its sacred pages, and read aloud,
with comments. one or more of its chapters.
In consultation with his professional
brothers he was modest, courteous, and
frank in the expression of his own, aud lis
| tened with Difference to the opinion of
others. AS his mind was inductive, he
looked for a cause for every phenomenon;
when it was not apparent, he was disposed
to wait and investigates; if no light could
be discovered, he still delayed. hopir g
either to discover the nature and cause OF
the difficulty or disease, or that the slow
and silent powers of nature were more to be
trusted than a ''slrke in the dark"
Against EmplrIclsm IN all It's inviting and
insidious forms. he waged continual war
fare. In his efforts to vanquish it he spent
the best abilities of his mind. A number
Of years since he wrote a severe philippe
against Quackery, Patent medicines, &c,
&c, and about the same time concise and
instructive essay on the Natural Laws.
showing the conservative and amaIiye
powers of Nature.
When DR.. E. died. good citizen, kind
and affectionate husband and father, high
toned and honorable Physician passed from
our midst. Long will we miss him and
deeply mourn his loss. Let US emulate his
virtues. and fondly cherish his memory.