The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-10-03
Joel s. Oatman, M. d.

A telegram was received on Monday
morning announcing the death of joel s.
Oatman, of New York, native of this
county.
DR.. Joel s. Oatmen was the third son Of
Eli and Mary Simonds Oatman, Of Middle
town. Ho received most of his education
in the schools of his native town, and,
when about twenty years old began the
study of medicine with the late Eliakim
Paul. He attended lectures at the Yer
mont academy of medicine, at Castleton,
and in New York city, where he gradu-
ated in 1882. While pursuing his ttudies
he determined to practice his profession in
the city of New York. His mother, a
woman remarkable for her intelligence and
purity of character, expressed anx-
iety as to the result of such
step, fearing that her son without
experience, and penniless, was in no condi-
ton to enter into practice in great city,
and besought the father to dissuadc him
from the contemplated step, but he I'M
concernedly replied, she need have no anx.
iety, Joel had energy enough to find his
way out somewhere. The year 1882, it
will be remembered, the cholera ragged with
such sad havoc IN New York. No sooner
bad the young physician received his diplo-
ma than he started for Bellevue hospital
and fearlessly volunteered his services.
On the first day of his experience there
were twenty-seven deaths. On the second
day, because of his courage and skill, he
was appointed ward physician, with the
right of selecting his associates, which po-
silion he held until the prevalence of the
dread disease ceased. In forty days he
had saved three hundred dollars and gained
a position which enabled him to advance to
large and lucrative practice. He rapidly
accumulated a fortune, and gradually re-
linquished tie practice of his profession,
devo,ing his later years to the management
of his property. Fortunate circumstances
aided him, but it was mainly due to his en-
ergy and practical business qualities. AL
though not man Of extensive study, lie
gained wide knowledge from observation.
DR.. Oatman married in New York lady
who has been some years dead. He had four
children, Mary T., Hydro, Harriet ]. and
Albert, two OF whom have deceased. AL
though resident OF New York city he
spent portion of each summer at the old
homestead for twenty-five years or more.
The Oatman family was among the early
| settlers Of Middletown. Two sisters sur
vive, Mrs. Dean and Mrs. Bannister of
Poultney, whom he visited but few weeks
since, and being apprehensive Of return
of the rheumatism Of the heart to which he
was subject he FASTENED home but to die.
Hon. Barnes Frisbie in his history
of Middletovn, says of the Oatman family
"As we look back upon this interesting
| family, as we remember them at the ole
| homestead and follow their history, there
are mingled feelings Of pleasure and sad
ness. IL is pleasant to realize that so many
| Of one family IN our little town became
useful members Of society and performed
their part 80 well in life; but it is sad tc
realize that 80 many passed away in the
prime Of life and in the midst of their use
fulncss."
He adds "Let us look back to thu
young society OF Middletown when the
Oatmap family were in their prime. There
was A. l.. Miner, Merritt and Horace Clark
Ovid Miner, Beriah N. Leach, the Lefiin
wells, Brewsiers, Caswells, and BARRIERS
and many others, then young and vigorous
and without ostentation we may say sucl
/ - f..l mi
character is not often found in any com
munity. But where are they now?
large proportion Of them became promi
nent and useful members of society-som
are now living but most of them hav'
passed away"