In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printings (1899, 1900 and 1901) are folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1817
From Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference (1901), One hundred years of medicine and surgery in Missouri; historical and biographical review of the careers of the physicians and surgeons of the state of Missouri, and sketches of some of its notable me (1900), History of Saint Louis City and County, from the earliest periods to the present day (v. 2) (1883), Encyclopedia of the history of St. Louis, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference (v. 2) (1899)
Dr. John B. Johnson was born at Fair Haven, Mass., in 1817. He prepared for Harvard College, but his mother's ill health interfered with his plans, and he did not complete his college course. He attended his first course of lectures at the Berkshire Medical College in Pittsfield, but not having the facilities for studying practical anatomy there which he desired, he went to Cambridge and entered the Harvard Medical School, and attended two courses of lectures. He then entered the competitive examination for a position as house surgeon to the Massachusetts General Hospital, in which he was successful, and held that position for a year, while the corresponding position of house physician was held by H. J. Bigelow. Being detained by the illness of a brother from attending the examination preliminary to graduation at Harvard, he passed the examination at Pittsfield, and received his diploma from Berkshire College in 1840. Afterwards he received an ad e.under degree from Harvard. He came to St. Louis in the spring of 1841, and, as previously stated, was associated with five other young physicians in establishing the first dispensary organized in the city. He ascribes much of his success in the early years of his practice here to the kindly interest taken in him by Theron Barnum, who was then the proprietor of the City Hotel, the principal hotel at that time. Dr. Johnson has for many years filled the chair of theory and practice of medicine in the St. Louis Medical
College, and has had a very large and lucrative practice among the leading families of the city. He has repeatedly been a delegate to the American Medical Association, and was a constant member of the State Medical Association, of which society he was the president in 1852. Dr. Johnson's wife is a daughter of the late James II. Lucas, and a lady of rare accomplishments and graces of mind and character.
Dr. Thomas Barbour was a son of Philip C. Barbour, of Virginia, one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was educated scholastically at the University of Virginia, and professionally at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1830, and soon after settled for practice in Columbia, Tenn., where he became distinguished as a practitioner and as a man of science. He was elected Professor of Chemistry in Lagrange College, Alabama; in 1842, Professor of Materia Medica in the Medical Department of Kemper College; in 1843, to the chair of obstetrics and diseases of women and children, and finally, in 1846, when the medical professors of Kemper College were transferred to the University of Missouri, he was elected to the same chair, which he continued to occupy with distinguished abilities until the time of his death, which occurred in June, 1849.
At a meeting of the medical faculty of the University of the State of Missouri, held on the evening of June 23, 1849, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
As printed in History of Saint Louis City and County, from the earliest periods to the present day (v. 2) (1883). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Johnson, John Bates, physician, was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, April 26, 1817. His father, John Johnson, was а native of Norway, who emigrated to the United States in the year 1801 and after a short stay in New York removed to Massachusetts, His mother, Harriet Bates, was a daughter of Captain Joseph Bates, who rendered distinguished military service during the War of the Revo-.
lution. Dr. Johnson was educated at the Friends Academy, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he was fitted for. admission to Harvard University, but owing to the death of his father and the declining health of his mother, was unable to enter. He, however, continued his literary and classical studies until 1835, when, in accordance with a long cherished purpose, he began, in the office of Dr. Lyman Bartlett, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and a year. later entered the Berkshire Medical College, of Massachusetts, from which institution he received the degree of doctor of medicine in the spring of 1840, and subsequently was honored by the conferring of a like ad eundem degree from Harvard. Having graduated in medicine, he was appointed, after a competitive examination, house surgeon in the Triapachuetes General Hospital, where he remained for one year, during which time he was alternately associated with many of the leading physicians of Boston. The practical knowledge of disease and valuable experience which he acquired during his residence in this celebrated institution, admirably qualified him for commencing the Private practice of his profession and it was here that the foundation was laid for his sub- Sequent success, both as a practitioner and as 4 teacher of medicine. Dr. Johnson came to St. Louis in the spring of 1841, just when the city was beginning to attract general attention, and to give unmistakable evidence of its future greatness. His ability as a physician Was soon recognized, and it was not long before he was in the enjoyment of an extensive and a member, also, of the order of Odd Fel-: and lucrative practice. Associating himself with the Progressive men of his own age, who had been attracted to St. Louis about the same time as ‘himself, he assisted, in 1843, in estabale first public dispensary west of the ippi River, which marked a new era in the medical history of the city. He commenced 'his career as a teacher and lecturer in 1846, when ‘the was chosen Adjunct Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pathological Anatomy in the Medical Department of Kemper College; which afterward became the Missouri Medical College, in which latter institution he filled the same chair until 1854, when he was elected professor in the St. Lowis Medical College, now a department of the Washington University of this city. Dr. Johnson was present in Philadelphia, in 1847, and assisted in the formation of the National Medical Association, of which in 1850, he was elected as one of the vice-presidents. He was also one of the originators of the Medical Association of the State of Missouri, and in the early fifties served also as its president. He was prominently identified with the various hospitals and other medical eleemosynary institutions of the city, both as a promoter and an active worker. During the Civil War from 1861 to 1865 he was an ardent Union man and interested himself in founding military hospitals for the treatment of the large number of sick and wounded, which were brought to St, Louis during that period; he moreover served on the Sanitary Commission, which rendered such signal service in raising funds and caring for disabled and needy soldiers of the Union, and, alter the close of the war this commission was instrumental in founding and endowing “The Memorial Home,” which continues to furnish a perpetual retreat for aged and indigent couples of the better class, and which is one of the city’s most valued and useful charities. His early political affiliation was with the old Whig party, and his first presidential] vote was cast in 1840 for the elder Harrison. ‚After the Whig party ceased to exist—not being in any sense a politician—he failed to attach himself actively to either the Democratic or Republican parties, but became an independent voter, giving his support to the nominees of whichever party he thought would best serve the interests of the country. In religious belief his parents were both Presbyterians, to which stalwart faith he himself steadfastly adhered, and for many years was a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church of this city. In 1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Lucas (the eldest daughter of Mr. James H. Lucas, one of St. Louis’ wealthiest and most distinguished citizens), who bore him eleven children—three sons and eight daughters. Dr. Johnson is a man of striking personal appearance, over six feet in height and stout in proportion, of winning personality, a ready and pleasant speaker, speedily gaining and closely holding the attention of his hearers, at once a fine specimen of the genus homo as well as of the genus mexico,
As printed in Encyclopedia of the history of St. Louis, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference (v. 2) (1899). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
J. B. JOHNSON.
One of the old guard of St. Louis is Dr. J. B. Johnson, who has been a prominent physician and honored citizen there for half a century.
Dr. Johnson's father, John Johnson, was a native of Norway, who came to America in 1801, settled in Massachusetts and married Harriet Bates, daughter of Capt. Joseph Bates, distinguished for military service rendered his country in the Revolutionary War.
John Bates Johnson was born in Fairhaven, Mass., April 26, 1817. His early education was had at the Friends Academy in New Bedford, Mass. The death of his father and his mother's delicate health retarded the taking up of a collegiate course for some time, but young Johnson continued literary and classical studies at home until 1835, when, in accordance with plans long formed, he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. Lyman Bartlett, and a year later entered Berkshire Medical College. He graduated from that institution in 1810, and subsequently was honored with the medical degree conferred by Harvard.
The young doctor laid a further foundation for later professional success by serving a year in the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he associated with the leading physicians of Boston.
In 1811 Dr. Johnson came to St. Louis and established himself in residence and the practice of his profession. His ability was soon recognized, and it was not long before he had an extensive and lucrative practice. In 1846 he began his career as a teacher and lecturer. He was first chosen Adjunct Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pathological Anatomy in the Medical Department of Kemper College, which afterward became the Missouri Medical College, and filled this position until 185-1, when he was elected professor in the St. Louis Medical College, now a department of Washington University.
Dr. Johnson assisted in forming the National Medical Association in Philadelphia, 1847, and in 1850 was elected one of its vice-presidents. He was also one of the organizers of the Missouri Medical Association, and in the early '50s was its president. During his career as a St. Louis physician he has been prominently identified with hospitals of that city as a promoter and active worker; and in the Civil War period founded several military hospitals and served on the United States Sanitary Commission. He was married in 1851 to Nancy, daughter of James H. Lucas, a distinguished citizen of St. Louis. Three sons and eight daughters have been born of that union.
One of the oldest physicians living in St. Louis, both in point of age and years of professional service in that city, is William Johnston, who was born in Jefferson County. Kentucky, August 19, 1814. His father was Pearson W. Johnston, a Virginian. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania.
His early education was received at a county school, and in one of the old-time private schools.
He began the study of medicine at Floydsburg, Oldham County, Ky., under Dr. Robert Miller. In 1836-7 he took a course in medicine at Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky., and in 1838 received his doctor's degree from the Medical Department of the University of Louisville.
[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]
In 1850 he came to Missouri and located in St. Louis, in which city he has been engaged in practice ever since. He has been a member of the St. Louis Medical Society since 1851, has served as president and vice-president of that body and is one of the most honored physicians which have been identified with that organization.
Dr. Johnston is one of those quiet, conscientious family physicians of the old school, known everywhere among his clientele as a valued counselor and friend.
As printed in One hundred years of medicine and surgery in Missouri; historical and biographical review of the careers of the physicians and surgeons of the state of Missouri, and sketches of some of its notable me (1900). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Johnson, John Bates, physician, was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, April 26, 1817. His father, John Johnson, was a native of Norway, who emigrated to the United States in the year 1801 and after a short stay in New York removed to Massachusetts. His mother, Harriet Bates, was a daughter of Captain Joseph Bates, who rendered distinguished military service during the War of the Revolution. Dr. Johnson was educated at the Friends' Academy, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he was fitted for admission to Harvard University, but owing to the death of his father and the declining health of his mother, was unable to enter. He, however, continued his literary and classical studies until 1835, when, in accordance with a long cherished purpose, he began, in the office of Dr. Lyman Bartlett, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and a year later entered the Berkshire Medical College, of Massachusetts, from which institution he received the degree of doctor of medicine in the spring of 1840, and subsequently was honored by the conferring of an ad eimdem degree from Harvard. Having graduated in medicine, he was appointed, after a competitive examination, house surgeon in the Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, where he remained for one year, and was there associated with many of the leading physicians of that city. The practical knowledge of disease and valuable experience which he acquired during his residence in this celebrated institution, admirably qualified him for commencing the private practice of his profession, and it was here that the foundation was laid for his subsequent success, both as a practitioner and as a teacher of medicine. Dr. Johnson came to St. Louis in the spring of 1841, just when the city was beginning to attract general attention, and to give unmistakable evidence of its future greatness. His ability as a physician was soon recognized, and it was not long before he was in the enjoyment of an extensive and lucrative practice. Associating himself with the progressive men of his own age, who had been attracted to St. Louis about the same time as himself, he assisted, in 1843, establishing the first public dispensary west of the Mississippi River, which marked a new era in the medical history of the city. He commenced his career as a teacher and lecturer in 1846, when he was chosen adjunct professor of clinical medicine and pathological anatomy in the medical department of Kemper College, which afterward became the Missouri Medical College, in which latter institution he filled the same chair until 1854, when he was elected professor in the St. Louis Medical College, now a department of the Washington University of that city. Dr. Johnson was present in Philadelphia, in 1847, and assisted in the formation of the National Medical Association, of which, in 1850, he
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was elected as one of the vice presidents. He was also one of the originators of the Medical Association of the State of Missouri, and in the early fifties served also as its president. He was prominently identified with the various hospitals and other medical eleemosynary institutions of the city, both as a promoter and an active worker. During the Civil War from 1861 to 1865 he was an ardent Union man and interested himself in founding military hospitals for the treatment of the large number of sick and wounded, which were brought to St. Louis during that period; he moreover served on the sanitary commission, which rendered such signal service in raising funds and caring for disabled and needy soldiers of the Union, and, after the close of the war this commission was instrumental in founding and endowing "The Memorial Home," which continues to furnish a perpetual retreat for aged and indigent couples of the better class, and which is one of the city's most valued and useful charities. His early political affiliation was with the old Whig party, and his first presidential vote was cast in 1840 for the elder Harrison. After the Whig party ceased to exist — not being in any sense a politician — he failed to attach himself actively to either the Democratic or Republican parties, but became an independent voter, giving his support to the nominees of whichever party he thought would best serve the interests of the country. In religious belief his parents were both Presbyterians, to which stalwart faith he himself steadfastly adhered, and for many years was a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church of St. Louis. In 185 1 he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Lucas (the eldest daughter of Mr. James H. Lucas, one of St. Louis' wealthiest and most distinguished citizens), who bore him eleven children — three sons and eight daughters. Dr. Johnson is a man of striking personal appearance, over six feet in height and stout in proportion, of winning personality, a ready and pleasant speaker, speedily gaining and closely holding the attention of his hearers, at once a fine specimen of the genus homo as well as of the genus mexico.
Joliiison, Christopher W., manufacturer, was born in Chicago, Illinois, April 12, 1863, son of Andrew Johnson, who was descended from Scotch ancestors. After fitting himself for business pursuits, mainly by the process of self-education, he became connected with the lumber trade in the State of Michigan and remained in that State until 1883. In that year he came to St. Louis to accept the management of the manufacturing department of the St. Louis Basket and Box Company, and has since been identified with that establishment. It was at that time a comparatively small manufactory, but under Mr. Johnson's management the annual volume of its business has been increased to more than three times what it was when he became connected with it, and it is now numbered among the substantial industries of the city. In 1897, together with his associates on the Republican ticket, he was elected a member of the school board of St. Louis by the largest majority which has ever been given to candidates for municipal offices in that city, and as a member of that body, he has rendered effective service to the cause of popular education. He is a Presbyterian churchman, an active member of various benevolent societies and a member, also, of the order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married, January 9, 1889, Miss Lillian G. Shearrer.
As printed in Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: James H. Lucas (b. 1800) William Johnston (b. 1814)
The printed record stops around 1901. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.