Doctors Here

Doctors Here

in 1850 Courtesy Helen Holschuh, Rappahannock Historical Society The 1850 census of Rappahannock County lists 17 “physicians” or “students of medicine”, and one dentist. Some we know a lot about—some are unknown as having descendants in the present day. John L. Reid, age 22, is listed in the household of Oliver P. Smith, resident of the town of Washington. But because census takers of that time made no distinction, he could have been a visitor, on an actual ‘medical’ call, a boarder, or a relative of Mr. Smith. The census taker always took his instructions literally and listed everyone in that household on the day that he called. Since Mr. Smith was a merchant, and a lot of unrelated people are listed it is possible they happened to be the people in his store on that day. John T. Browning, age 22, is listed as living with his mother Casandra Browning, possibly in the Rock Mills area. John S. Hughes, age 41, lived in the Amissville area. He had a son, John Spindle Hughes who was also a doctor many years laters. James T. Foley, age 27, and whose young (19 years) wife was buried in the Eastham cemetery, lived outside of Washington. Robert Harrison Sears and John W. Sears, both doctors, lived at present day Clifton. The elder Sears is buried in the Flint Hill cemetery. Father and son evidently practiced together. John Laurence, age 24, student of medicine, living in the household of Daniel F. Pilcher. Charles Rodham Kemper, age 28, is buried at Bessie Bell Farm in Castleton. Since that farm was known as Kemper’s Mansion Home, it is possible that he lived there. Living with him were: Samuel R. Rixey, age 18, student of medicine. Lyle Millam, age 32, grandfather of the late William Stuart. Dr. Millam lived in Woodville and was listed as a magistrate in 1897 at the age of 79. Mark Reid, age 57, of Thermopolye, Scrabble. Benjamin F. Kinsey, age 25, is listed as being at the Tavern that was Washington House, run by Amos Dear. He later became county coroner. Adolphus W. Reid, age 30. He lived in Mattie Ball FIStcher’s house and had his office in the building where the Ca8H Store now stands. Walker Jones, age 33, lived in the home as “Doctor’s House” in Slate Mills. Charles Jones, age 25 is listed as a dentist (the only one in the 1850 census). It is conjecture but perhaps they were brothers. Joseph Nicklin, age 74. He was living with James Leake Powers, Rappahannock’s master builder, and had his home caty-comer from the library in the present pebbleddashed structure. Nicklin was Power’s father-in-law. Joseph Stark, age 22. He was raised at Mount Medi in F. T. Valley but practiced in Culpeper. However, he died early. Sidney G. Davis, age 41. Nothing known.

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