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DR. FREDERICK HYDE OF CORTLAND COUNTY



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.
 


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