Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-10-10
BILE and reputable house and wishes
Jordan & Sons the fullest measure of
in the coming year.
IN MEMoRIAM.

Thos. j. Douglass, NJ. D., died at his
residence in ottumwa, Sept. 8, 1899.
The illness causing his death was
chronic dysentery. His illness was of
seven weeks duration, and was attend
ed by great suffering and pain yet
through it all he maintained a quiet
resignation, fully aware what the end
would be. He was the son of Archi-
bald A. and Maria P. Douglass. He
was twice married. First to Miss Caro-
line Whaley, of Marshall, ILL.,, Oct. 90,
1877. She died June ~, 1859. Janua-
iry LIST, 1862, he was married to Miss
Lizzie j. Wheeler, of Fairfield, Iowa.
She died July 1, 1855. To this union
four children We're born, three of
whom died, leaving only Stella, now
Mrs. S. E. Biddison, of Chicago. On
coming to Ottumwa in 1855 he engaged
in what was his life work, turning not
aside to more lucrative fields of gain.
He practiced medicine in Ottumwa for
ty-five years continuously.
DIR. Douglass was man of splendid
physique and had enjoyed uninter-
rupted health for n period of twenty
nine years preceding his last sickness.
He was possessed of many noble quail
ties of head and heart and for many
years held a large clientage. He was a
man of few words, and never lectured
to the patient on the physiological eff
fects of the medicines prescribed. He
did the prescribing and the patient did
the rest. His impressive personality
and rugged honesty of aim and pur-
pose was tangible quality. In con-
sultation professional rival never had
occasion to complain of unfair treat
ment. He walked by the light of the
code without ever mentioning it. AS a
practitioner he was eminently conser-
pative. Novelties interested him but
little. He was never caught by "fads."
tie had none of the spirit of the mod
ern 'hustler." Self poise and dignity
characterized him at all times and
places. He was in no sense specialist,
but an all round practitioner of type
now too often hiden in the smoke of
battle. He was neither physician nor
surgeon but both. He was free from
anything like ostentation. In his sur
gical work he sought not the eclat that
comes through bloody deeds. As a
tHerapeutlSC ne was successful above
the average doctor. In him the poor
had friend and helper in time of need.
The play OF winter winds did but
quicken his step. He was a believer in
spiritualism. and by this channel re-
ceived his spiritual comfort.
In matter of creeds, political or relig-
ious, he was liberal and disputed with
no one. He was democrat and walk
ed in the way of the fathers, asking no
questions. He had no pent up enthus-
iasm for any person or cause. He was
not built that way. Although a quiet,
non-aggressive man he greatly enjoyed
the medical reunions, especially the So
cial features which they afforded.
He was a member of several medic
al societies, and was president of the
Wapello County Medical Society at the
time of his death.
Taken all-in-all DR.. Douglass filled
well the roll of the physician of the de-
cade in which he lived.
Let us cherish his memory and paw
honest tribute to one who did his part
so well. We may all learn something
from the example of DR.. Douglass.