Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1895 — THE “OLD DOCTOR” IS DEAD. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE “OLD DOCTOR” IS DEAD.

He Passed Away, Last Friday Morning. After Long Suffering. Dr. James H. Loughridge, familiarly and affectionately known to hundreds as “The Old Doctor,” died last Friday morning, about 2 o’clock A. m., at his residence on Vanßensselaer street. His sickness, caused by a cancer in the groin, was of about a year’s duration, and was the

cause of much suffering, borne with unbending fortitude. The doctor, whose likeness as he appeared in his later years is here given, was successful in all departments of his profession, and specially eminent in the branch of surgery. In his private capacity, he was ereatly noted for the interest he took in several branches of natural science. Locally speaking, he was final authority on birds, plants, flowers, rocks and fossils. His more than 40 years of the practice of medieme here- has made him well known, not only all over Jasper county, but in most of our neighboring counties as well. The funeral was held at the residence, Sunday afternoon, under the direction of Prairie Lodge, of Free Masons, and of which order some 90 or more members walked in the procession, including many visiting brethren from Remington, Goodalnd, Morocco and Franeeaville. The religious services were conducted by Rev. R. D. Utter. The pall bearers, ail prominent members of the Masonic order, were, T. J. McCoy, J. W. Douthit, A. F. Long, Albert Hopkins, S. E. Sparling and I. E. French. The burial services, at Weston cemetery, were conducted according to Masonic ritual. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Rensselaer. The following obituary sketch (slightly abridged,) was prepared by a friend of the family and read at the funeral. SKETCH OV DR LOUGHRIDGE. Doctor James Hervey Loughridge was of Scotch-Swedish decendants, and wjS born on a farm in Green county, Pa., near the City of Wheeling, on Dec. 27, 1828, and at his death was 66 years, 7 months and 19 days old. He was next to the youngest of a family of three girls and four hoys, and of these, three brothers only survive him. He graduated from Jefferson College at Washington, Pa., when about 18 years old.

Shortly after leaving College he came west, and settled for a time at Terre Haute, and then at the Battle Ground, and in the spring of 1852 came to this town, where he always continued to reside. He was married in 1862 to Candice Powers, to whom was born* three children, two of whom, Dr. Victor E. and Miss Blanche Loughridge, survive him. A son of well-to-do parents, Dr. Loughridge came here a College bred young man to make his way. With Geo. W. Spitler, Gen. R. H. Milroy, and other kindred spirits he has done his share to bring order out of confusion in a pioneer community. He always had great faith in the outcome of real estate in this county and was content to hold several bodies of so called cheap lands for years, and it is a fact to be regretted, and he himself expressed regret a short time since, that he had to die jast as these swamps were developing into valuable cornfields. Dr. Loughridge was a great admirer of nature as exemplified in both the animal and vegetable king- ! dom, and he was recognized as an ! authority on any subject connected ! with these things. He was an affecj tionate husband and a kind and in- * dulgent father, and a faithful Mason and Odd Fellow. Politically, Dr. Loughridge was always a Democrat of the stalwart Gen. Jackson type.

He has been a leader in the democratic councils in this community for years. He stood loyally by the government in its struggle for existence, aud gave it bis services as a surgeon in the 9th and 48th regiments or Indiana volunteers. His skill as a physician and surgeon was hie prominent characteristic. So long had he lived in this county, and so intimate has been his professional relations with the families of this and adjoining counties, that he is almost a living lexicon of the physical condition of the majority of the inhabitants. “Slow to anger yet of great mercy” in certain circumstances he was rough outside, yet in his professional Capacity be wss as tender hearted as a child/ He was strict in the observance of the ethics of his profession, and it is said that the secrets of hundreds of families have died with him. He was ever ready to extend the fraternal haul to a brother physician in the legitimate practice of the profession, but he had no use for quacks and medical pettifoggers. The world is not dependent upon any I man or anything, God himself is our only dependence. Many may come after Dr. Loughridge who may equal him, but none will excel him. The ways of providence are past our ken. It is our duty to submit, not to question, and we can only say in conclusion “Peace be to his ashes.”

Lost-— The builder’s speeifieatiou for Geo. Slrickfaden’s new residawei The finder will be rewarded tor Ibrir return to R. C. Dowler, the contractor. Robt Randle is agent for the'Scy* stone Corn Hosker and Foddet Shredder. If there is a man in Jasper County needing a wagon, call on C. A. Roberts, he has the World’s best, /the Studebake-. Nevermind what some One waju bnt buy the Studebaker wagon of CL A. Roberts, it pays to get the best, the best is none to good.

DR. JAMES H. LOUGHRIDGE.