Person:Robert Agnew (4)

Notes

(from website: Descendants of James Agnew - sources not specified)

"Robert Agnew recieved his general education at Dickenson College, and studied medicine under a great teacher who elevated obstetrics into the dignity of a distinct branch of medical study- Dr. Thomas Chalkey James of Philadelphia. He first became a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. After being on a ship that was wrecked of the coast of North Carolina in a storm he returned to Philadelphia. He narrowly escaped death by drowning. He settled in Lancaster County,PA at Nobelville a town which is now called Christiana. Here he became extensively known and respected, both as a physician and a man. He aquired a large practice and scores of children in Lancaster and Chester counties were named in his honor. He became so popular that he was elected, against his wishes, to represent Lancaster county in the state legislature in two successive terms. After 25 years of active practice as a country physician was determined to retire due to ill health. He was so popular that he found the only way to accomplish this was to leave his old home. In 1840 he moved to Baltimore, Md where he was still sought out by his former patients, or by those who had heard of his reputation. He visited the sick and gave counsel for many years afterward until shortly before his death. Dr. Robert Agnew was also prominent in the Presbyterian Church, carrying out the traditions of his family. In 1828 he was ordained a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church at Octorara, and until he moved to Baltimore he was an active member. He died of pneumonia at his residence, "Blenheim", Baltimore County, Md at the age of 73 years."

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Dr. Robert Agnew, in Baltimore County Advocate. (Towsontown, Baltimore (county), Maryland, United States)
   16 Oct 1858.

   AGNEW, ROBERT On the 10th inst., near Sweet Air, Dr. Robert Agnew, aged over 70 years.

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Dr. Robert Agnew, in Kynett, Harold Havelock. Medical and surgical reporter, Volume 1. (1859)
   p 78, 29 Oct 1858.

   IN MEMORIAM. BY W.S.T., OF MARYLAND
   DIED, of pneumonia, at Blenheim, Baltimore Co., Maryland, Oct. 9th, 1858, Dr. Robert Agnew, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He was born in Adams Co., Penna., received his literary education at Dickinson College, Carlisle, after which he removed to Philadelphia, where he pursued his medical education as a private pupil of the late Dr. James, after completing which he was offered and accepted the post of physician to a vessel sailing from Philadelphia to Canton, China; but this enterprise failed in consequence of the wreck of the ship, which occurred in a violent storm after passing the Capes. Upon the occurrence of this disaster he returned to his native state, and settled in Lancaster County, in which, with the adjoining county of Chester, he enjoyed a most extensive practice for forty years,* when, finding the duties of his profession too arduous, in consequence of a severe asthmatic affection, he was compelled reluctantly to relinquish it, and retire from its oppressive labors, to the profound regret of a very numerous circle of enlightened and sincere friends. He then removed to Maryland, and purchased "Blenheim," the farm on which he died, after a residence of eighteen years. But notwithstanding he had declined actively engaging in the practice of his profession, he nevertheless spent much of his time in literary and scientific studies, for his mind retained its wonted vigor, though the inconvenience resulting from his bronchial difficulty necessarily limited the boundaries of his social intercourse. While living in Pennsylvania he was selected to represent his county in the State legislature, and had he chosen, his extended popularity would have advanced him rapidly in political life; but having no aspirations for political honors, he retired from the field to enjoy the more congenial pursuits of his profession. The leading features of his character may be described as consisting of great simplicity, singleness of heart and ingenuousness; always slow and cautious in forming an opinion, but inflexibly firm in maintaining and carrying it out when formed - "Not the first by whom the new is tried, Nor yet the last to throw the old aside."
   He was neat, methodical and precise in all he did. His manners were exceedingly bland, courteous, and devoid of affectation. He was indeed admired by all who knew him intimately. His amiable manners and disposition insured for him the good will of all who had the happiness to enjoy his society. His death was calm and peaceful, as becomes the Christian gentleman, and in perfect harmony with the life he so much adorned. He leaves a widow, almost fourscore years of age, and an only son, Dr. D. Hayes Agnew, anatomist, of Philadelphia.
   
   * Dr. Agnew, after he removed to Maryland, counselled and prescribed for several years; so that his professional services extended over a period of half a century.
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   {cos1776 Note: death date and age is different from that published in newspaper]