New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-05
DEATH OF sURGEoNGwERAL BAXTER, q. S. 4


DEATH OF sU~RGE0N-GEHERAL BA1TER, o. S. A.
Washington. Dec. 4.-Dr. Jededlah II. Baxter, Sur
peon General of the Army, who was stricken with
naralysis last Monday. died at 2 O'Clock this morning.
He never regained consciousness after the attack save
for an instant on Tuesday, wien there was q sish'
sign of returning consciousness. Tho funeral VIII Jake
mace saturday afternoon at 1 O'Clock from All sous
Unitarian Church, and the interment VIII take pace
st Arlington Cemetery. Five foot battalions, a platoon
90 LIGHT aytillery and two troops Of cavalry will act
as an escort. The War Department will be closed al
noon on the day Of the funeral.
DR.. Baxter was born in Vermont May IL. 1887. and
entered the volunteer army in 1851 as surgeon OF the
10Th Massachusetts Regiment, being mustered into
services On June 20. lie was promoted to the rank OF
Br:Rade Surgeon April 4, 1852, and served with dis
tiuctton in the Peninsular campaign. In 1873 ne was
called to Washington, and placed In; cnerge VI us
United states General Hospital, and on January l.,
1864, was assigned to duty on tho stan OF Provest
Marshal General Fry, at the latters request, Is cnlci
medical officer. In that capacity he collected rcoros
OF over 1000, 900 physical examinations OF men VINO
had applied for entrance to the Army, and compiled
therefrom q valuable statistical work. Upon the re-
organization of the Regular Army at tho close OF the
war. he was transferred thereto, being, perhaps, the
only volunteer surgeon thus retained. HIS rank was
now that of LieutenantColOn and his title Assistant
Medical PurveyOr. President Grant, In 1879, made
him Chief Medical HurNeyOr. OH molc ha' ono ~
sion since then his promotion TO the once of surgeon
General has been expected but no dld not hnaiiy 10
ceivs that homer until n. August Moore 10, $780, upon 'e IT,
DIR. Baxter was q graduate OF the University OF Yer.
mont, both In its medical and academic branches, anu
of Che law school Of Columbia University, In tie Dis
trict of Columbia. lie was also q member OF tho bar
of the supreme Court. lie had o large private med
jcai practice at one time, General Garfield being among
his patients; and he was a physician OF nigh ability
Few men in high and responsible places. enjoyed
greater popularity among their associates tnah 0o
DR.. Baxter. He may at times have had his detractors
Il was not an easy road he travelled In reaching tho
Row, as a rule, to disarm by a uniform courtesy and
gentleness Of manner, against which malice ana envy
contended In vain. lie leaves among ms warmest
frlcnds today many who at one time or other IN ms
career were bitterly opposed to him.. Tho bare state
ment of this fact attests his popularity, and illustrates
a phase OF his character wellkn0wn to those VINO
knew him best. He spoke Ill Of no one, and was
content In the consciousness OF having discharged his
duty amid the insinuations and ISLANDERS which unsuc-
defeating his advancement. flo lived only a nttlo
over three months to enjoy his promotion to tho
surgeon Gcneralship Of the Army, the ambition or MS
life. In the short time, however, in which ne oc-
cupied that important post he displayed great al
ministrative capacity and executive ability. Ilao ne
lived. he would no doubt have still further increased
his reputation as a professional man, ana aooed suI
further to his record as an efficient officer. In THIS
respect the tribute paid him by the Secretary OF War
surgeon Generals associates and friends.
DR.. Baxter leaves q widow, formerly Miss Iryon,
a niece and ward Of ex-Mayor Norcross, oil Boston,
Int no children.