The Cortland Democrat, Friday, October 21, 1887.
Dr. Frederick Hyde.
In
the death of Dr. Frederick Hyde, which occurred last Saturday morning, this community
has met with a loss that will not soon be supplied. Nor is the loss confined alone
to this community or our immediate surroundings, for his field of labor extended
for many leagues from his quiet home in Cortland. His reputation for skill and
learning in his chosen profession had long since passed far beyond the bounds of
the state in which he lived, and as it had genuine merit for its foundation it
will not soon be forgotten. The loss which the medical profession at large has
sustained in his death will be sorely felt.
His
long and active life had been almost entirely devoted to his profession and he
often gave his brethren the results of his studies and researches in carefully prepared
papers, which were published in some of the Medical Journals, or more frequently
read before meetings of some of the many societies of which he was a member and
which were afterwards printed in their reports.
As a surgeon
he was especially eminent and his calls to perform difficult and dangerous operations
were frequent and often of a great distance from home. That he was entitled to
all the praise he received in this branch of the profession, his uniform
success, where success was possible under any circumstances, abundantly proves. "Who will take his place?" is a question that has been often asked
since his death, but as yet we have heard no answer.
As a
man, Dr. Hyde was nearly complete. He was at times decided and rather brusque
in statement, but in his bosom was as warm a heart as mortal man ever
possessed. He was a man of decided opinions, and was not easily argued away from
his convictions, and this characteristic gave his manners undoubtedly that air
of sternness sometimes noticed, yet he was always affable and pleasant to all.
When his professional duties permitted, he was a regular attendant at all
services in the Presbyterian church, of which he had long been one of the
elders, and that he was a sincere Christian his whole life proved. The poor
always had his best services without fee or reward, and many who were able
forgot that the laborer was worthy of his hire.
He
was so bound up in his profession and so intent on alleviating the sufferings
of others that his own needs were lost sight of. He was a most remarkable specimen
of physical as well as mental manhood. For over fifty years he was engaged in
the active practice of his profession in this village, and rarely lost a day.
He was, in fact, one of the most industrious men to be found in town, and those
who knew him best wondered if he ever rested. Such a strong constitution is
rarely met with, and it was undoubtedly kept vigorous by his temperate habits
and cheerful disposition. He was indeed a grand old man.
Dr.
Hyde was born in Whitney's Point, Broome Co., N. Y., January 27, 1807. He acquired
a good education from private tutors and commenced teaching at the age of
fifteen. In 1831 be commenced reading medicine in the office of Dr. Hiram Moe,
at Lansing, N. Y., afterward with Dr. Horace Bronson at Virgil. He joined the
Cortland County Medical Society in 1833, and graduated from Fairfield Medical
college in 1836. A few months later he entered into partnership with Dr. Miles
Goodyear, whose daughter, Elvira, he married January 24th, 1838, and who still
survives him.
In 1841 he attended the meeting of the N. Y.
State Medical Society and read a paper on fevers. In 1854 he was appointed
professor of obstetrics and diseases of women in the Geneva Medical College and
a year later held the chair of surgery in the same institution. In 1872 the college
was closed and he became professor of surgery in the medical department of the
Syracuse University which office be held at the time of his death. He was a
member of the Southern Central Medical Association of New York and of the N. Y.
State Medical Society and had been president of both. He was one of the original
members of the American Medical Association. He was also one of the founders of
the New York Medical Association organized in 1884. He was delegated to the International
Medical Congress held in Philadelphia in 1876, and was a delegate and attended
the meeting of the British Medical Association held in Belfast in 1884.
He
was appointed by Gov. Cleveland, trustee of the N. Y. State Idiot Asylum at
Syracuse to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Horatio Seymour. He was
president of the board of Trustees of the old Cortlandville Academy for
eighteen years, and upon the death of Henry S. Randall was chosen president of
the board of trustees of the State Normal school in this place. He was elected
president of the Cortland Savings bank in 1876 and was a trustee of the Franklin
Hatch Library association. He attended the International Medical Congress held
in Washington a few weeks since, and read a paper on "Gunshot Wounds"
that was highly appreciated. He leaves two children, Dr. Miles G. Hyde and Miss
Augusta Hyde.
The
funeral services were held at his late residence on Tuesday afternoon. The
attendance was very large. Nearly all the physicians in this county and many
from abroad testified their respect and esteem by their presence. The floral
offerings were many and elegant. Rev. J. L. Robertson preached an eloquent
discourse and prayers were offered by Rev. J. A. Robinson.
ACTION OF THE COUNTY MEDICAL
SOCIETY.
After
the funeral services of Dr. F. Hyde, on Tuesday Oct. 18th, a special meeting of
the Cortland County Medical Society was called at the office of Dr. Dana, by the
President of the society, Dr. Hunt. Several of the visiting physicians were
present by invitation. In the absence of Dr. C. Green, the secretary of the
society, Dr. F. W. Higgins was chosen secretary, pro tem.
On
motion a committee was appointed to frame appropriate resolutions. This
committee consisted of Dr. H. C. Hendrick, of McGrawville, Dr. H. T. Dana, of
Cortland, Dr. W. C. Wey, of Elmira, Dr. D. F. Totman, of Syracuse, and Dr. A.
J. White, of Cortland.
The
following resolutions were adopted:
WHEREAS,
Dr. Frederick Hyde, as in the language of the Scripture text this day chosen
for our instruction having "Served his own generation by the will of God
fell asleep," therefore,
Resolved,
That while we remember with
gratitude the mercies of our good Heavenly Father in giving us his long and
useful life and how in submission to the dispensation of Providence that has
taken him from us, it is meet to express our sorrow in the loss of so
distinguished a member of our profession, and our affliction, for we have lost
a friend.
Resolved.
That we recognize in the
life and services of Dr. Hyde, the embodiment of all the elements of the "good
physician"—a broad knowledge in the requirements of the profession; the
life-long student, ever alert to the latest advances of Medical Science; his
library laden with the latest publications and literature, indefatigable and
self-sacrificing in the practice of his profession, ministering by day or night
alike to rich and poor; a wise counselor, a friend of the most humble
practitioner; possessed of a keen sense to the preservation of the honor of the
profession, a physician whose memory we revere, whose virtues are worthy of
imitation.
Resolved, That as a citizen we gladly bear testimony to our
appreciation of his worth and work, his interest in every public enterprise that
tended to elevate the good and overcome the bad—the Christian church, the cause
of temperance, the friend of education, as his most constant high official
trusts during his lifetime bear tribute, all conspire to prove the noble work
of a noble life.
The
Cortland Democrat, Friday,
October 28, 1887.
OBITUARY.
At a recent
meeting of the Board of Directors of the Franklin Hatch Library Association, the
following memorial and resolution were adopted, viz.:
At an early day in the
existence of the Franklin Hatch Library Association, death has claimed a victim
from among its directors.
Dr. Frederick Hyde, a. man ripe
in years and experience, was the first sought out for counsel in its
undertakings, and the first to heed death's inexorable summons. Through his
co-operation and zeal the Association this day has existence.
It is with unfeigned sorrow
that the surviving members of the Board of Directors contemplate the void made
in its councils through his death.
In following his remains to
their long rest, the Board is not unmindful of the sorrows of the bereaved
family, and beg to offer to it its heartfelt sympathy. Be it therefore
Resolved,
That the Secretary of this
association be, and is hereby instructed to enter upon its record the foregoing
memorial, and to transmit a copy with the resolution to the family of the
departed.
[Attest]
EDW. D. WEBB, Secretary.
NORMAL SCHOOL BOARD
At a meeting of the Local Board
of the Cortland Normal and Training School held at the office of said school,
October 24th, 1887.
Members present—R. H. Duell, R.
B. Smith, Henry Brewer, L. J. Fitzgerald, J. S. Squires and Norman Chamberlain.
James S. Squires was chosen
President pro tem.
The following resolutions were
adopted:
Resolved,
That in the death of Dr.
Frederick Hyde, for many years President of this Board, we recognize the
removal of one whose long life has been a life of active usefulness and
employment, ever exhibiting a care for the rights of others, and a devotion to
the general welfare of the community at large. As a husband and father,
neighbor and companion, he was especially held in highest esteem for the
various qualities which those relations were wont to call forth in their best
forms. As a physician, he took a high stand in his profession, and for more
than fifty years he was a recognized leader among the able men of the school of
medicine to which he belonged. In public station he was faithful and trustworthy,
and gave his time and influence to the success of every good cause. As his associates
in the Local Board, we shall always hold his memory in high esteem for his kind
and courteous treatment, and for the able, impartial and conscientious manner
in which he has presided over the deliberations of this board.
Resolved,
That the foregoing
resolutions be entered upon the minutes of the Local Board, and that the
Secretary be requested to furnish a copy of the same to the family of our
deceased brother with the assurance of our sympathy and condolence.
NORMAN
CHAMBERLAIN, Secretary.
CORTLAND SAVINGS BANK.
Resolved,
That the trustees of this
Bank learn with deep regret of the death of their late associate and friend,
Dr. Frederick Hyde, who, from the first organization of this Bank, has been one
of its trustees, and for over ten years its President.
Resolved, That in the death of Dr. Hyde, this community has
been bereaved of a citizen whose daily life illustrated all the virtues of a Christian
character, and of a man who never sought to evade any public or private duty.
We point with pride at the record of a life well spent in the labors of a
profession to which he has left the priceless legacy of a spotless name, and the
example of all that may be achieved by patient industry and persistent labor.
We who have been associated with him for many years bear testimony to his
uniform kindness and courtesy, and to his fidelity to the interests of this
institution.
Resolved, That the Secretary transmit a copy of these resolutions
to the family of the deceased, and that he likewise enter the same upon the
records of this Bank.
Recommended:
Short biography of Dr. F. Hyde: http://www.history50states.com/NY-Broome-Whitney_Point
Dr. F. Hyde memoir by Dr. Caleb Green: http://books.google.com/books?id=OzqgAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA550&lpg=PA550&dq=Dr.+Frederick+Hyde,+Cortland,+N.Y.&source=bl&ots=OnIW06unDR&sig=eUwNzPI98CXW-_8xybP1VG8885I&hl=en&sa=X&ei=q9wAVKSnOc_xgwT32oCgAg&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Dr.%20Frederick%20Hyde%2C%20Cortland%2C%20N.Y.&f=false
Dr.
Frederick Hyde, Smith’s History of
Cortland County: http://www.usgenweb.info/nycortland/books/1885bioc.htm
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