The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-05-21
The Good Old Country Doctor.

DR.. jackson Piper recently delivered the
annual address before the Baltimore County
Medical Association, at Hotel Rennert, Bal
tmore. In it he referred to the good old
country doctor, and mentioned number OF
well-known physicians Of Carroll. Following
is an extract from the address:
While giving an admirHg assent ana an vha hearty
live, let us not forget the good OLD country doctor
OF "ye olden time" How familiar his figure. how
strong in personality, his manner, how dlcatorlal
his method Large in frame, angular in form; long,
sparse brown hair sprinkled with gray, and grow
ing beautifully less from the top; clothed i'll con-
slippered pantaloon world too wide" His step
firm, his face broad his features large with massive
jaw and high cheek bones: thoughtful but kindly
countenanCe blue eyes bright with Intelligence and
at times sparkling with humor-eyes that inspired
confidence, respect obedience and love; never fur
ried never excited, never in hurry slow, delIber-
ate positve-his words the gospel, his decision in
controvertibe. His figure was once familiar on our
country roads as he logged along ON his black
bobbed- tailed bony Old horse, with saddle bags
keeping noisy time to the easy dog trot OF his old
hack; his soft felt hat tipped back his spectacles
dancing about his capaciOuS nose, and his kindly
blue eyes scanning the clouds, or his MIND calculat
ing the distance to he covered ere he found his
nuch-needed rest for the night. Such Il man is in
the memory of everyone and such man was my
friend, DR.. John Swope, of TaneytOwn, Carroll
county, Nd, when located there some forty years
ago. He was then full i'll years, honored, respected.
some times feared, and much beloved. He was
strong man-Strong in body, mind and rectitude.
During my eight years FeSlueICc lueIc never
heard a mean act attributed to him. No man,
woman or child died in that neighborhOod unless
he gave the word, and, when he did, the commu-
nifty at once recognized that all hope had fed:
God bless the good old doctors of the good Old
days of "Auld Lang Syne!" John and Samuel
Swope ofTaneytown; Wartield Mathiasand Shower
of Westminster; Dixon, of ReisterStOwn; Grafton
and JosiaS Marsh and Risteau, Of Towson; Ward
and Craig. OF Govanstown; Denny and Alexander,
of Ellcott City; Cuttings, of Long Green, and host
of others whose names still household words to
those who knew and loved them for the good they
did mankind in their day and generation Like
Alpine peaks they reared their stalwart forms
heavenward undismayed by cloud and storm, re,
joicng in the sunshine of duty well performed and
conscious in having to the best OF their ability
followed in the footsteps of the Divine Healer-the
Great Physician of the Soul us well as OF the Body
But perhaps it is better that his busy life is done
He has seen old views and patients disappearing
by one:
He has learned that Death is master of Science and
of Art;
He has done his duty fairly and has acted out his
part;
And the strong old country doctor,
And the good old country doctor
Is entitled to Il Through for his brain and for his
heart"