The Redwood gazette., 1902-05-21
DRs. HITCHCOCK AND FILM.
DR.. Welcome Reads Papers Before the
Medical Association.

prepared by himself on
two well-known late residents of
this city-Dr. Denuis Hitchcock
and DR.. VIM. D. Finn. The papers
are given below:
DR.. Hitchcock was born in Wy
oming county, Pa, in 1927. He OBJ
tanned his medical education at Ann
Arbor, Mich. In 1856 be began the
practice of medicine at Waterville,
Mimi, where he remained until
1865, when he located at Redwood
Falls, where he entered into active
practice. He was the first physi-
clan in Redwood county. At the
time he settled in Redwood county
there was not a physician in Rem
vile, Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medi-
cine or Lyon counties. Some OF
these counties were not organized
at the time. His practice extended
to few scattering families in this
great territory, getting what little
remuneration he could from the
poor settlers for his services. It is
said of him that his humanity was
so great and his sympathies so
strong for the afflicted that he never
murmured at his hardships. He
said to me in an early day ''no one
can imagine my physical and men
tie suffering at times. y He was on
the extreme frontier, few roads ex-
cept those made by nature, and he
was frequently obliged to be guided
in his travels to and from his pa
tients, by the stars of heaven. Far
removed from other physicians and
surgeons be was not enabled to call
counsel in cases of great emergency,
but with a few instruments and a
pair of the old fashioned saddle
bags filled with medicine, much of
which he had to compound himself
as there were no drug stores in the
country, he went forth among his
patients to do his best. The doctor
was a good man, an excellent citi-
zen, and had the respect of the peo-
pie. He was once coroner of Red
wood county. On the Sd day oi
December, 1884, DR.. Hitchcock laid
down and gave up his spirit to the
God who gave it and passed over
into the beyond.
The history OF Doctor Finn is sc
well known by most Of the medical
men Of Minnesota that any eulogy o1
the Doctor on my part would be use.
less. But in justice to the man his
history should be put on record
No physician who ever came into
Redwood county has ever been as
popular as Doctor Finn, in his own
or adjoining counties. He was not
only very successful practitioner
of medicine, but he was a man OF
such big character that his very
presence inspired confidence in all
those with whom he came in touch.
He made no effort to get business,
it came to him unsought, but was
too much for his physical strength.
His arduous labors, long drives,
and great exposure to cold in win
ter told on his constitution which
had been shattered in the late re-
bellion. Ever since he left the
Union army he had severe stomach
trouble, yet he responded to his
calls day and night. forgetting him
self for the sake of the sick and the
afflicted. He was God Is Nobleman.
His humanity was unbounded and
he made no distinction between
rich and poor, all were his brothers.
| cannot convey to you with my pen
the high esteem in which be was
held in his community. and the
grief felt in his untimelv death. His
neighbors yet mourn his loss. The
doctor located in Redwood Falls in
1870. He had practiced two years
previous at Elysian. Mimi. He
graduated from Rush Medical col
lege, class 1868. He held many
honorable positions. He was q. S.
pension surgeon at Redwood Falls
for number of years. He was
subsequently member of the pen
sion board located at Sleepy Eve
Lake, under President Harrison for
four years. He had the honor of
being elected president of the Min
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