Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1878-06-04
THE LATE DR.. j. ]. q. sTRAITH.


The sentiment largely peryading the
whole community, and which has found ex-
preston from the hearts of very many of our
citizens, is that in the death of this distin-
guished physician, we have suffered an irre>
parable loss. His position in the profession
was clearly defined and we'll established
Though successful as general practitioner,
aud not deficient in surgery, his specially
was in treating diseases of women and chil-
dren. In this branch, he was doubtless un>
rivaled in Virginia. or West Virginia. AT
all events, such was the general verdict of
his contemporaries, and associates in the
profession. The late DIR. Hugh MEG uire, Of
Winchester, the eminent physician and sur
geon, upon one occasion, when placing a pa
tient under his charge, said ''In those cases,
Straith is worth all of US put together p
One of the faculty of the University of Vir>
ginia, on still moro recent occasion, did
not hesitate to pronounce him the most skill.
full obstetrcian in the two States. For five
or six years prior to the late war, he was
professor in the Winchester Medical College,
and spared neither labor nor expense in con>
Quoting his classes through the mazes of
their delicate and deeply responsible profess
sion. From his private purse, he contrib
uted over eighteen hundred dollars towards
the illustrations, manikins, and other appara>
tus of his students. Had his theatre been
more extended, he would beyond any guess
E.,-o .-C.-
that of Meigs or Carpenter. As 1t was, he
seemed content, with unaspiring zeal and
fidelity, to :read tho paths of labor and duty
which developed themselves around his own
door, within the narrow compass of rural
district, and an agricultural population.
His father was very learned divine and
physician, of Scotch birth, long resident Of
this county-the Rev. Alexander Straith-a
graduate of lascow University. The late
DIR. John A Straith, one of the most brilliant
intellects of the State, was his only son. In
his own demise the last of his race in the
male line, is supposed to have become ex-
tinct. Though of Scotch descent, many of
his characteristics seemed more nearly those
crous element of the Irish nationality. The
fame ardent friendships, the same warm and
impuisive temperament, the hospitablo
and fearless nature. His sympathies were
ersly excited for the suffering, and INDECENT
if ''he that giveth to the poor, lendeth to
the Lord" then long account in DR.. Straith's
favor will be found transferred from an un-
collected and unremuneratve ledger to the
Books of Heaven.
To the younger members of the profession
he was ever encouraging and sympathetic
friend. No less than eighteen students
had availed themselves of his voluntary in
structions and extensive medical library.
This attack was sudden, his death pan>
full one, and the shock to his family and
friends distressing in the extreme. Yet, the
memory of his many noble qualities, and of
his long and eminent professional career, will
remain bright in this community for many,
many long years in the future, exhaling the
aroma OF life spent in the discharge Of duty.