Horace Jacobs

Horace Jacobs (April 5, 1816 – May 3, 1884) was a notable eclectic physician in Springfield, Massachusetts, a pioneer in his field.

Early life

He was born one of nine children of Simeon Jacobs and Mary Kenney in Royalston, Massachusetts.[1] Simeon's grandfather, the Rev. Whitman Jacobs was an influential Baptist preacher, while Mary's father, the Rev. Enoch Kenny was also a minister.

Career

His father died when he was young and he moved to live with his uncle, Dr. Isaac Jacobs in Exeter, Maine, where he studied in the public schools and began to learn about medicine. He then moved to South Hadley, Massachusetts to study with his brother Sumner Jacobs. He then moved to Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and practiced there until 1855. He studied in Westfield, Massachusetts for two years, then moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was one of the first eclectic physicians. He had a very successful practice, with patients from all around. He became the leader in the practice of eclectic medicine in the area, respected by his peers. This was difficult at first, as others were unwilling to accept differing methods.

The Springfield Republican said at his death; "A steadfast sense of right determined his convictions and laid the course of his action. For this quality, together with his dignity, sound judgment and genuine good sense, he was much esteemed in his community." [2]

He was an instructor for a student at Harvard in 1845.[3] He served in the City Council,[4] and was president of the Holyoke Paper Company, He helped to develop West Springfield, where he had substantial real estate. He had been raised a Baptist, but became a Methodist, and was a trustee of the Pynchon Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and later Trinity Methodist Church in Springfield.[5]

Family life

He married Emily Laura Owen (1820-1898), daughter of Abijah Owen and Laura Eggleston of Westfield on December 23, 1849. They had 5 children: Chauncey A., Mary Laura, Miriam Owen, Rachel Bates, and Horace H. Jacobs. Chauncey A. Jacobs was a doctor in Boston. Miriam Owen Jacobs married the Rev. Charles Francis Rice, and they had a son named Horace Jacobs Rice.

He died in Salt Lake City while returning from a trip to California. He is buried in the Springfield Cemetery.[6]

Genealogy

  • Horace Jacobs, son of
  • Simeon Jacobs (1793-1824), son of
  • Simeon Jacobs (1757-1833), son of
  • Whitman Jacobs (1727-1801), son of
  • Nathaniel Jacobs (1683-1745), son of
  • Joseph Jacobs (1646-1708), son of
  • Nicholas Jacobs (1597/1604-1657)

References

  1. ↑ "Horace Jacobs (1818 - 1884)". Ancestry.
  2. ↑ Cutter, William Richard. Genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of the state of Massachusetts; (Volume 3) → online text (page 15 of 145).
  3. ↑ Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth. Catalog of the Officers and Students of the University in Cambridge. Harvard University.
  4. ↑ Municipal Register of the City of Springfield. Springfield (Mass.).
  5. ↑ "History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers". archive.org.
  6. ↑ "Horace Jacobs". Find A Grave.
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