Morning journal and courier., 1886-12-02
A Pioneer Doctor.

From the Magazine of Western History
 During the twenty years which Dr. Ack- ley practised in northern Ohio his reputation became very great. Being the first man of this section who practiced surgery, and hold ing prominent position in what was one of the most influential medical schools of the West, he became widely known for his pro- fessional ability and dexterity as an operator. His method with his patients was very brusque, still those who knew him say they never saw man who could enter sick room and be more sympathiziug and gentle. He was man who greatly disliked to be i'm posed upon and wished to have the value of his services promptly recognized. A story is told that man came to him one day with a dislocated thumb. Ackley quickly reduced it and when asked for hls bill said ten dol lars. To this the man objected as exorbi- tant. Ackley asked to see the thumb again and thereupon dislocated it as quickly as he had previously put it in place, saying to the man if he did not like the charge he could go to some other surgeon.
 He was 8 man who was impulsive in his actions as is shown by the following incl dent: One day while out duck-shooting he was accompanied by a favorite dog. An other hunter was on the opposite side of the stream, and as the ducks which he shot fell into the water, Dr. Ackley's dog would swim in and get them. The man ob- jected to this, but Ackley told the man he should have all the ducks retrieved by the dog. The man answered that should the dog retrieve another duck he would shoot him. Ackley replied if the man shot the dog he would shoot the man. Another duck was shot and in sprang the dog, and was as promptly shot. Ac.zley reciprocated by fill ing the man full of shot from his fowling- piece, after which he immediately left the scene and returned rapidly to the city. Some time later man came into his office com mr,lainiz1g that someone had filed him full of bird-shot. Ackley proceeded to pick them out one by one, at the same time con- doling with the man and at the close of the process charging him good bill.
 The boldness of the man is shown by his action on the occasion of the failure of the Canal bank of Cleveland. At the time of the construction of the insane asylum he had been appointed trustee, and such was custodian of the money from the State which he deposited in the bank. Shortly af- ter this the bank broke. Ackley went inn medistely and demanded the money belong ing to the State. This was refused him. He at once secured sledge hammer, chisel and bars, went to the bank and proceeded to de- molish the safe. Succeeding in this he se- cured the States money, which he placed elsewhere for safe keeping. There are cer- tainly very few men who would have under taken such task, and fewer still who would have accomplished it.
 A peddler from Ashtabula came to the medical building ostensiblv to sell his wares, but more from curiosity. Making his way into the anatomical room the students locked the door after him, and telling the peddler they would dissect him so terrified him that he jumped out of the second story window and unfortunately was somewhat injured. This again raised great indignation among the opponents of the school and crowd was gathered to attack and destroy the college building. Ackley, getting wind of this, loaded to tho muzzle little cannon, and placing it on the top of the steps leading to the anatomical room, announced in the most emphatic language common to him that if they approached he would sweep the crowd.