Person:Gonzalvo Smythe (1)

"Weiks History of Putnam County Indiana" by Jesse W. Weik. 1910 B.F. Bowen & Co., Publishers, Indianapolis IN http://members.tripod.com/debmurray/putnam/putbioref-27.htm#gsmythe

GONSALVO CORDOVA SMYTHE Gonsalvo Cordova Smythe, A. M., M. D., was born on a farm three miles east of Greencastle, Indiana, October 31, 1836. His parents, Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Sill) Smythe, were natives of Kentucky who emigrated to Indiana soon after their marriage in 1827. Doctor Smythe was the fifth child in the family, there being in all nine children. One of his sisters, Hannah Rosanna, was the wife of John Clark Ridpath, the historian. Ebenezer Smythe, the father, though a poor man, was especially well educated for the times. He was a voracious and inordinate reader and remarkably well informed as to the facts of history and the philosophy of literature. Although the mother's early advantages were meager, she was nevertheless a woman of decided natural ability and loyally joined her husband in the determination to provide their children with the best facilities for education the times and their surroundings afforded. The opportunities offered, however, were at first only those of the regulation district schools of that period and in these the methods employed were far from adequate in producing the best results. Doctor Smythe's experience in the backwoods school was somewhat novel. At the age of fifteen he became impatient at his slow progress in school and laid the fault to the "class system," which he conceived really restrained him. He therefore asked for and secured from the teacher a mitigation of the rule and was granted the privilege of studying and mastering his lessons in his own way. The result justified the wisdom of the concession, for his progress from this time forward was both easy and rapid. Meanwhile there were alterations of labor. Before his sixteenth year he was chopping wood for fifty cents a cord and later employed by his father, a contractor on the line of the Terse Haute & Indianapolis railroad to blast rock, a work in which he was very successful and of which he was inordinately fond. There was something in the big reports made by the "giant" powder which especially pleased him and he continued at the work on his own account on the lines of other neighboring railroads. At the age of seventeen he engaged in teaching school, thus laying up a little money for the exigencies of the future. Soon afterward he made up his mind to finish his education by a course in college and accordingly, in the fall of 1855, he entered the sophomore class in Asbury University at Greencastle. He lived at home and walked in to college every morning, a distance of three miles. His brother, Ulysses, was also in college at the same time. As a student Doctor Smythe was noted for his clear vision, industry and close reasoning powers. He was very proficient in mathematics, with a decided leaning toward the investigation of scientific subjects. The physical sciences were especially attractive to him. In 1856 his college course came to an abrupt end due to the famous rebellion, during the administration of Doctor Curry, president of Asbury University. Along with others, Doctor Smythe left and never returned to the institution. Having always been drawn to the study of medicine, he determined now to prepare himself for that profession and, to that end, entered the office of Dr. William C. Hopwood, a physician in the village of Fillmore, where he was a diligent and observing student for almost three years. In the fall of 1839 he attended his first course of lectures at Rush Medical College in Chicago. In the summer of 1850 he entered upon the practice in Fillmore and from the first impressed all those with whom he came in contact with his skill and qualifications for the profession he had chosen. A few months before February 28th he was married to Margaret A. Allen, a young lady who lived in the neighborhood and who had been one of his schoolmates in the days of the district school.

The Civil war having broken out, Doctor Smythe offered his services, which were accepted, and in August, 1862, he was duly appointed assistant surgeon of the Forty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. He remained in the services until the close of the war in 1865, being promoted to surgeon of the regiment and finally surgeon of a military division. His experience as an army surgeon in the field and in the hospitals was of incalculable benefit and was the basis of his subsequent extended reputation as a surgeon. After returning from the army, Doctor Smythe located in Greencastle and formed a partnership with Dr. Hamilton E. Ellis, who also had been an army surgeon. This partnership continued till the death of Doctor Ellis in 1880.

From the time of his return from the army Doctor Smythe had constantly risen in reputation not only in medical circles but in the estimation of the general public. His rise in usefulness and influence was effected in the face of many and serious discouragements. One of these was the death of his wife, February 10, 1870. Soon after he went to New York and there completed a course of special study in Long Island Hospital Medical College, graduating therefrom with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, ad eundem. Returning to Greencastle, his services were more than ever in demand and his ability and skill as one of the leading physicians and surgeons in central Indiana were everywhere recognized. In January, 1872, he was married to Janie Frances Black, of Greencastle; but his wife soon developed symptoms of tuberculosis and was carried off by that fatal malady November 14, 1874. In 1876, February 17, Doctor Smythe was a third time married. His wife was Jennie, the daughter of McCamey Hartley, Esq., who was an early business man in Greencastle, and also filled the office of auditor of Putnam county. Three children blessed this union, Rosanna, who died July 8, I887; Winona, who died August 13, 1896, and Arta, who is now the wife of Morton Diall, superintendent of the Gas and Electric Light Company of Lockport, New York.

Doctor Smythe was a frequent contributor to the leading medical journals ant1 magazines of the day. Among his principal contributions were: "A Plea for Practical Anatomy," an article which was largely instrumental in securing the passage of a law by the Legislature of Indiana for the legal dissection of human bodies; "The Antipyretic Treatment of Typhoid Fever"; "A Dermoid Cyst in the Lung," and "The Treatment of Sciatica by the Hyperdemic Injection of Atropia", a paper which was translated into French and German, and then unwittingly retranslated into English as an authority. In 1879 Doctor Smythe was elected to a chair in the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons of Indianapolis and assigned to the chair of the practice of medicine and sanitary science and at once demonstrated his ability as an instructor. His lectures were at once profound and popular. During the summer of 1880 he issued his first medical work, entitled, "Medical Heresies Historically Considered: A Series of Critical Essays on the Origin or the Evolution of Sectarian Medicine". The subject was of such nature as to involve a review of homeopathy and that theory of medicine has rarely been more ably or severely handled than in Doctor Smythe's masterly treatise. The book received an extensive notice at the hands of medical men everywhere and excited not a little discussion and criticism.

As the years rolled by Doctor Smythe's reputation as a physician and surgeon broadened until he was easily one of the leading practitioners in the state. As a surgeon he had few equals and some of the operations he performed are even yet regarded as wonders of skill and precision. But the constant and unremitting attention to his patients and his anxiety to do all in his power to alleviate suffering humanity began to tell on him. He denied himself the luxury of vacations and applied himself to his tasks with such concentration and zeal that his health at last broke under the strain, and, after a brief illness, he died February 7, 1897.

In every respect Doctor Smythe was a remarkable man, and in the line of his profession eminently successful. He was emphatically a man of nerve whom no responsibility could appeal. Under all circumstances he was cool, prudent and self-confident. His judgment never forsook him and his penetration was rarely at fault. He was in every sense a physician, a mall of one work, ardently devoted to the duties of his profession. He was generous minded and liberal of view. Although apparently brusque in manner, he was in reality tender at heart, patient and sympathetic. A man of innate modesty, he rarely ever dwelt upon his own achievements. A stranger to diplomacy, he could not flatter or deceive. In every emergency he was a plain, tolerant and unaffected gentleman, the corner stone of whose religion was relieving the distress of his fellow men.

InPutnam-admin@@rootsweb.com

DEATH - Ft. Wayne News 10 February 1897 Greencastle, Ind., Feb. 10 -- DR. GONZALVO CORDOVA SMYTHE died here yesterday from typhoid fever and other complications. He was one of the best known physicians and surgeons in central Indiana. From 1879 to 1885 he was dean of the Central College of Physicians and surgeons at Indianapolis.

1870 Greencastle Ward 1, Putnam, Indiana Census Name: Gongole C Smythe Estimated Birth Year: abt 1837 Age in 1870: 33 Birthplace: Indiana Race: White Gender: Male Post Office: Greencastle (Name appears to be "Gongolo")

1880 Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana Census Name: G. C. Smythe Age: 44 Estimated birth year: <1836> Birthplace: Indiana Occupation: Doctor Relationship to head-of-household: Self Marital status: Married Race: White Gender: Male Spouse's name: Jennie Smythe Father's birthplace: KY Mother's birthplace: KY

Indiana Deaths, 1882-1920 Record Name: G. C. Smythe Date: Feb 09, 1897 Location: Greencastle Age: 60 yr Gender: Male Race: W Source location: County Health Office, Greencastle Source notes: The source of this record is the book H-3 on page 13 within the series produced by the Indiana Works Progress Administration.

Phi Gamma Delta in the Civil War: Union Gonzalvo Cordoza Smythe DePauw initiate (c. 1870) Major, 1861-5 (Unfinished Catalogue); "surgeon and major of the 43rd Indiana" (PGD magazine January 1956 p.181) http://www.phigam.org/history/Lists/civilwar.htm

Book Author: Smythe, Gonzalvo C. Title: Medical heresies : historically considered. A series of critical essays on the origin and evolution of sectarian medicine, embracing a special sketch and review of homœopathy, past and present ; by Gonzalvo C. Smythe. Publisher: Philadelphia : P. Blakiston, 1880. Call No.: xxWZ 40 S668m 1880 Author(s)/Editors(s): Smythe, Gonzalvo C. Physical Description: viii, [17]-228; 8 p. ; 20 cm.

TIMELINE: EUGENICS IN INDIANA 1891 Dr. Gonzalva C. Smythe links insanity, alcoholism, and criminality to inheritance—and to the depletion of state funds—in his 1891 Presidential Address to the Indiana Medical Society. http://www.kobescent.com/eugenics/timeline.html

BIBLIOGRAPHY: THE EARLY EUGENIC MOVEMENT IN INDIANA AND THE U.S. Overview: A biography of many of the major players in the Eugenics Movement. Dr. Gonzalva B. Smythe, a Greencastle resident, helped sow the seeds for eugenic legislation in his 1891 Presidential Address to the Indiana Medical Society, in which he argued that insanity, alcoholism, and criminality were not only inherited, but proved a drain on state funds. http://www.kobescent.com/eugenics/biography.html

History of Medicine (Surnames R-Z) 616. Smythe, Gonzalvo C. Medical Heresies: Historically Considered. A Series of Critical Essays on the Origin and Evolution of Sectarian Medicine, Embracing a Special Sketch and Review of Homoeopathy, Past and Present. Philadelphia: Presley Blakiston, 1880. Small 8vo. 1st Edition. [ii]+viii+17-228+[2]pp. + inserted 8 page rear catalog. Panelled mauve cloth with gilt spine lettering and glazed brown endpapers. Front hinge cracked, else a very good ex-library copy with moderate shelfwear. Uncommon. Weight: 1 pound = 464 grams. SIZE: 19.3 x 13 x 2cm. Inquire | Order* Sold--will search * $50.00 http://www.gach.com/Gach/l1419-09.htm

TREATMENT OF PRISONERS AT CAMP MORTON ..........Dr. G. C. Smythe, ex-President of the Indiana State Medical Society, Greencastle, Ind........... http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/~indiana42nd/reply_coldcheer.htm

MANY Smythes in Greencastle, IN! Forest Hill Cemetery SMYTHE Deward W. 1909 June 3 1975 1 SMYTHE Ebenezer W. Feb 4 1832 Apr 29 1911 1 SMYTHE G. C. Oct 31 1836 Feb 9 1897 1 SMYTHE Grace Aug 31 1875 Aug 13 1893 1 SMYTHE Infant Infant/o P. & C.M. * Nov 19 1899 Nov 19 1899 stillborn 1 SMYTHE James E. June 19 1837 May 23 1905 1 SMYTHE Janice F. Black Nov 2 1847 Nov 16 1874 Wrong? On later Censuses 1 SMYTHE Jennie Hartley Nov 2 1851 Feb 3 1923 1 SMYTHE Louisa C. 1842 Mar 24 1895 1 SMYTHE Margaret A. Dec 30 1841 Feb 10 ??? 1 SMYTHE Nona Apr 13 1877 Aug 13 1896 1 SMYTHE Roxie Nov 23 1882 July 7 1885 1 SMYTHE Sarah O. Mar 4 1841 Feb 15 1886 1 SMYTHE Ulysses T. July 7 1834 Dec 10 1871 1 SMYTHE Ulysses T. Dec 10 1867 Nov 14 1875 http://www.putnamindianacemeteries.com/aweb/CemByTwp/Greencastle/Forest%20Hill.htm

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Indiana Knight Township communities include: Smythe, Wellelman Woods and a portion of the city of Evansville. The city of Evansville also extends into Pigeon and Perry townships. http://home.att.net/~local_history/Vanderburgh-Co-IN.htm#KnightTownship

Smythe's in Greencastle in 1900 Clora Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1861 Indiana White Brother Clyde L Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1883 Indiana White Son Courtland C Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1871 Indiana White Son Flora Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1861 Indiana White Daughter Frederick H Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1869 Indiana White Son Guy C Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1886 Indiana White Son Guy V Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1830 Indiana White Head Herbert E Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1865 Indiana White Son Jesse V Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1896 Indiana White Grandson Ralph B Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1867 Indiana White Son Sarah E Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1843 Indiana White Wife Sarah Pearl Smythe - Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana abt 1879 Indiana White Daughter

1. ↑ Handwritten Note.

   Handwritten Note. Photocopy of note in Laura's Moore Black's handwriting, given to Brenda by Janie Black Scheutz (2001)

2. ↑ Obituary.

   Obituary. Andrew Black (1807-1885), photocopy in possession of Janie Black Schuetz (2001)

3. ↑ Funeral Notice.
4. ↑ 1880 US Census.
5. ↑ Raymond Finley Hughes and Howard Clift Black. William Black and his Descendents A Genealogy of the Descendents of William Black of Augusta County, VA and la. (Unpublished. Copyrighted 1973 by Hughes).
6. ↑ Greencastle, Putnam, IN. Forest Hill Cemetery.
7. ↑ 1850 IN Census.
8. ↑ Jesse W. Weik, AM. Weik's History of Putnam County Indiana. (1910, BF Bowen & Co., Pub., Indianapolis, IN).