Dr. Joshua A. Miller Jr. (1846-1901) - Superintendent of the Insane Asylum

 

Bing AI Generated

Joshua Abston Miller, Jr., was born in Macon County, Missouri, on May 5, 1846.  His parents were Joshua A. Miller, Sr., and Nancy Jane Turner. 

Joshua attended high school on the other side of the Missouri River in Brownville, Nebraska, with the intention of becoming a physician.  Under the tutelage of Dr. William Arnold, he applied for and was admitted to the University of Michigan medical school in 1868. 

While a medical student in Michigan, Miller met and married Mary Crampton on September 21, 1869.  Upon graduation in 1872, Miller opened a practice in Michigan.

In 1879, Miller traveled to New York to gain additional experience at Belleview Hospital.  He then moved his family to Kansas City in 1882, where he helped establish a medical school at the University of Kansas City.   He was for six years the head of orthopedic surgery there.

Perhaps the deaths of two of their young children had strained Joshua’s and Mary’s marriage to the breaking point.  At any rate, she does not appear to have accompanied Miller when he moved to Prescott, Arizona, in 1888.  On December 16, 1890, Miller married his second wife, Minnie Hume, in Prescott.

In 1892, Gov. N. O. Murphy appointed Miller superintendent of the territorial insane asylum in Phoenix.  When Miller assumed his position, there were 87 inmates, some of whom had originally been sent to asylums in California.  Having them back in Phoenix made it possible for family members to visit and see that they were properly cared for. It appears that Miller took his responsibilities seriously.  He had the asylum grounds landscaped with trees and walkways.  His wife Minnie, who was a nurse, served as matron.

In 1898, Gov. Murphy again appointed Dr. Miller to take over management of the insane asylum from outgoing superintendent Dr. Hamblin.  This time, there were 177 patients. 

 One of Miller’s accomplishments was to help found the Maricopa County Medical Society so that the 12 to 14 medical practitioners in the Salt River Valley could meet regularly to discuss new developments in their profession.

Scientific curiosity led to Miller’s interest in prehistoric societies of the American Southwest.  In 1895, he was elected president of the Arizona Antiquarian Society and in 1901 he conducted the first excavation of Pueblo Grande, a prehistoric site east of Phoenix. 

Dr. Miller was on his way to New Mexico on Saturday, July 19, 1901, to observe the annual Hopi snake dance at Walpi when he fell ill and had to get off the train at Flagstaff.   Taken to a hospital there, he was diagnosed with pneumonia.  He died on the evening of July 22nd.  His body was returned to Phoenix for burial in Rosedale Cemetery.

by Donna L. Carr

 

Flowers in Memoriam (1901-1916) - Booklets on Designs

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Library of Congress

Flowers In Memoriam

Library of Congress, 

Designs and Arrangments in Flowers

A catalogue of different memorial wreaths that could be made or purchased.  Many of them are symbols you might have seen on graves at the time:  columns, broken crescents, anchors, and many others.  Click on the link to see the whole book from the Library of Congress. 
 

A Bloody Double Grave - 1894 - Shadow Archives

 

In the quiet cemetery of City Loosley, there lies a wide grave, an unusual resting place, that holds two coffins side by side.  in the fall of 1894, a tragic story of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Secrest was buried beneath the earth , a husband who fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. Yet, the mystery of why he did it lingers like a cold, persistent shadow. Was it a crime of passion, or was the couple’s fate sealed by a mysterious letter that arrived at the husband's door?  What do you think? 

 

Arizona Republic, September 1894

(click to enlarge article)

Dia de Los Muertos - Grave Marker Preservation Fundraiser

Save the date! September 28th, 2024 is our Dia de Los Muertos Event for our Grave Marker Preservation program! All proceeds go to preserving our grave markers at the PMMP! RSVP to nazanaza@aol.com

 

Dr. Edward Nathan Gerard (1834-1904) - Physician and Surgeon

 

Photograph attached to Gerard’s Find A Grave memorial, #50912700

Edward Nathan Gerard was born in Rensselaer, Ralls County, Missouri, in 1834.   He was the youngest child of William Gerard and his second wife, Elizabeth Ann Ayres.  The Gerards had moved to Missouri around 1814.  By 1850, William was successful farmer, with an estate reportedly worth about $3000.  He went on to be elected to the Missouri State Legislature.

 On June 18, 1857, Edward married Priscilla Drane in Marion, Missouri.

Determined to go into the medical profession, Edward studied first with Dr. J. B. Hayes, a local physician.  Then he moved to Keokuk, Iowa, to study at the University of Iowa Medical School.   His wife Priscilla seems to have remained in Rensselaer, as their three oldest children were all born in Missouri.  After Edward graduated in 1861, the Gerards settled on a farm near Monroe City, Missouri.  To date, no evidence has been found of Edward serving during the Civil War.

In June, 1864, the Gerards moved to the town of Shelbina, where Dr. Gerard opened an office.  He took Dr. Jacob D. Smith into his practice in 1873, a partnership that lasted until 1876.   Gerard was said to be an able surgeon, and he was active in local medical societies.

Dr. Gerard practiced medicine in Missouri until 1895.  Then, their children grown, the Gerards moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Gerard continued to see patients at his office on Washington Street, in the Irvine Block.

In 1900, Dr. Gerard returned to Missouri and brought back with him his son William Wilson Gerard, a schoolmaster who had contracted tuberculosis.  At this point, the Gerard family relocated to Mesa.  Unfortunately, William did not recover; he died on November 9, 1903, and was buried in Rosedale Cemetery.

Dr. Gerard’s health was deteriorating, too.  He died in Mesa of chronic cystitis on March 18, 1904.  The funeral took place at Trinity Episcopal Church in Phoenix, followed by interment in the family plot in Rosedale. 

After Gerard’s widow Priscilla died February 20, 1913, in Oakland, California, her remains were brought back to Phoenix for burial.  In 1920, family members had all three burials removed to Greenwood Cemetery.

 -by Donna L. Carr

 

 

Old-Time Remedies: Homegrown Cures of the 19th Century

 

Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-20784

Medicine in the 19th century was evolving, However, there were still a few homegrown cures that people would use to cure their ailments.  Some of them actually worked, and some of them were downright scary!  Here are a couple of go-to treatments for chest colds, congestion, and even muscle aches that were used during this time period.

Mustard Plaster

To make a mustard plaster, you'd mix dry mustard powder with flour and water to create a paste. The paste was then spread on a cloth and applied to the chest or back. The mustard would generate heat and, in theory, help to break up congestion or soothe sore muscles. However, if left on too long, it could cause skin irritation or even burns, so it was a remedy that needed to be used with caution.

Onion Syrup

Another popular remedy was onion syrup for coughs. Mothers would slice onions and layer them with sugar or honey in a jar. After a few hours, the onions would release their juices, creating a syrup that was believed to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. It might not have tasted great, but it was a staple in many households.

These remedies reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of 19th-century home medicine!

 

 

Electric Belt, Medical Device (1894) - The Shadow Archives

The Arizona Republic, Sat, Jan 20, 1894

The Electric Belt, turning every day into a shocking adventure!

the 19th Century used many creative techniques and tools for curing what ails you.  Electricity was relatively new, and it was believed to help or cure many illnesses.  Here are ways it was used:

Electrotherapy

This was one of the most popular uses of electricity in medicine. It involved applying electric currents to the body to treat a variety of ailments, including pain, muscle weakness, and even paralysis. Physicians believed that electricity could stimulate nerves and muscles, promoting healing and restoring function. Devices like the Faradic and Galvanic batteries were common tools for delivering these treatments.

Electric Belts and Corsets

Devices like the Electric Belt became quite popular during the late 19th century. These belts claimed to channel electric currents through the body to cure everything from indigestion to impotence. Advertised as a miracle cure for a wide range of conditions, these belts were often just simple devices with minimal or no real electric charge, relying more on the placebo effect than any actual therapeutic benefit.

Electromagnetic Therapy

This involved the use of magnets or coils that generated electromagnetic fields, which were believed to have healing properties. Patients would often be treated with magnetic insoles, bracelets, or even entire beds designed to channel electromagnetic energy through the body. These treatments were thought to improve circulation, reduce pain, and treat a variety of ailments.

 

Dr. Carl Wormser (1856 - 1905) - A Trip for Naught

Dr. Wormser
 PCA Archives

Dr. Carl P. Wormser was born August 21, 1856, in Nijverdal, Overijse'll, the Netherlands. He was the son of Hendrik Wormser and M. Arends. He arrived in the United States September 9, 1874, whereupon he became a resident of Michigan. Although two of his half-brothers entered the ministry of the Dutch Reformed Church, Carl Wormser attended Columbia College’s School of Medicine, graduating with the class of 1878-1879. Following graduation, he returned to Michigan, where he married Helena Hoedemaker on March 8, 1881. Dr. Wormser then returned to New York to practice medicine.

Around 1883 he removed to Orange City, Iowa, and set up practice. There was a significant Dutch community in Orange City and other members of the Wormser family had come to the area several years prior to his arrival. Dr. Wormser’s practice proved prosperous, and he invested some of the proceeds in real estate.

Dr. Wormser was an avid fisherman and, like a true Dutchman, enjoyed being near water. In 1892, he and three other businessmen from Orange City pooled their resources to purchase a summer cottage on Miller’s Bay, where they and their families could vacation.

According to a local newspaper, by 1903 Dr. Wormser was suffering from Bright’s disease. Having disposed of his real estate holdings in Iowa, he hired a private rail car and left for Phoenix on November 25, 1903, in hopes that a warmer climate might prolong his life. The rental of the private rail car alone cost $1195. Because his condition was so grave, he was accompanied by his wife, his three daughters, and two of his colleagues, Dr. De Lespinasse and Professor Soulen. Unfortunately, the trip was for naught as Wormser died in Phoenix of asthma on December 24th. He was buried in Rosedale Cemetery.

His widow and daughters moved on to California, where Mrs. Helena Wormser died May 28, 1904. Her remains were returned to Phoenix for burial next to her husband.

By Patty G.

Smurthwaite House - Pioneer and Military Memorial Park

 

The Smurthwaite House sits on the grounds of the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park.  It serves as an educational and cultural center to the cemetery and the history of Phoenix.  Hear the story of Smurthwaite, and understand the necessity of preservation.

Young Teacher or Base Runner? - The Shadow Archives

 

Sacramento Police Book,1886

this past week. I ventured off to look at some mug shots from Sacramento, California looking for one of the wives of our interred (very long story).  anyway, I came across a story about Abbie Hyde.

Abbie was a married 30 year old teacher, and for all intents and purposes, looked like she led a regular life.  that is, until she was arrested for stealing a bag with a baseball uniform in it.  the woman had entered into a business, and took the bag of the owner's son.  When she was caught by police, she said she was going to be returning the bag.  However, there was one tiny issue that incriminated her.......well, you can read the article below.

After this event, she seemed to go back to her normal life, but her behavior was perplexing.  

Oakland Tribune · 

Thu, Jun 16, 1887

Dr. Scott Helm (1862-1897) - Surgeon-General of Arizona

 

Arizona Memory Project

We are running bios this month on physicians.  This is a repost of Dr. Helm, who is still a notable Phoenix figure even today!

A native of Kentucky, Dr. Helm was a graduate of Princeton College, Rush Medical College in Chicago and Heidelberg University in Germany. He was undoubtedly one of the best educated and respected physicians in Arizona. In 1891, he joined the National Guard of Arizona.  

He was appointed surgeon-general, serving in that post for six years. During that time, he tirelessly promoted Arizona in medical journals as an ideal destination for sufferers of tuberculosis, arthritis and other ailments. He was also an active member of several fraternal organizations.

In 1889, he met Miss Norma Jackson, a Southern belle who had come to Arizona for her health. They were married 12 February 1890. Unfortunately, even his expert ministrations could not cure Norma, for she died on 30 April 1891 at the age of 28.

In July 1891, Dr. Helm was accused by two other physicians of having performed an abortion on Alice White, granddaughter of Ira Stroud of Phoenix. The case went to trial and, in March 1892, Dr. Helm was acquitted of any wrongdoing. Later in 1892, Dr. Helm married Miss Jane Beeler.

Helm loved horses, but he told friends that he would probably meet his death in a horse-related accident. His premonition came true on 8 October 1897. He was at the train station in downtown Phoenix when his fractious horse, Montrose, reared and fell, throwing Dr. Helm to the pavement. Dr. Helm died two hours later of intracranial bleeding. An impressive obelisk of polished red granite marks his grave, which is on the walking tour of Porter Cemetery. 

By Donna Carr

PCA Archives

Funeral Pie - 1890s

 

Bing AI/Val Wilson Prompt

Bringing food to a funeral was a common practice during the 1800s, as well as today.  Funeral Pie was a common dish brought to funerals in the 19th century.  It was made from dried fruit, which was shelf stable and could sit during long wakes, etc.  

Ingredients:

Filling

2 cups raisins

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 tablespoon butter

Crust

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup lard or shortening

5-7 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and cloves. Gradually add the sugar mixture to the raisins, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, vinegar, and butter. Let the filling cool slightly.

For the crust, in a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the lard or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the pie plate and trim the edges. Pour the raisin filling into the prepared pie crust.

Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the filling. Trim and flute the edges, and cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake the pie for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Cool and serve.