Person:William DeWees (25)

[HODGKISS-DEWEES.FTW]

[HODGKISS, Sarah from terep.ged]

"Dr. William P. DeWees(*) was one of the most distinguished individuals that have ever graced the annals of our profession in this country." He early determined to study medicine, and, after passing some time with an apothecary, he entered the office of Dr. William Smith, in Phil. Here he attended the lectures in the University of Pa. in 1787-88-89, but did not take a degree. At twenty-one years of age he began to practise medicine in Abington, where his talents, united with his affectionate disposition, soon won the confidence of his patients, notwithstanding his youth. After passing four years in this village, he removed to Philadelphia. His relative, Dr. Rush, here threw his commanding influence in his favor, and he soon became known. He early devoted his attention to a branch of the profession which had not at that time been reduced to the state of a science, viz., obstetrics, and was the first who attempted to give a full course of lectures upon the subject in America. He wrote and published several books upon it, which became at once authority both here and in Europe. In 1825 he was chosen professor in the University of Pa., and filled his chair with great satisfaction (*) This sketch of the life of Dr. DeWees is abridged from the memoir prepared by Dr. Hugh L. Hodge at the request of the Medical Society of Pa. to his pupils. He constantly received tokens of the estimation in which his services were held in this country and in Europe, and was made member of many scientific societies in both hemispheres. He printed a work upon the diseases of women and children, which justly entitled him to a high rank as a physician.

 In 1835 Dr. DeWees's health became so impaired that he resigned his professorship, and on the 25th of Nov. of that year the students of the University presented him with a magnificent silver vase with the following inscription: "Presented to William P. DeWees, M. D., late professor in the University of Pennsylvania, by the medical class of that institution, as a testimonial of their respect for his exalted worth and talent. Philadelphia,  Nov. 1835. Sempe honos nomenque laudesque manebunt." The occasion of the presentation was a very interesting one, as it took place in the hall where he had lectured, and in the presence of the officers, students, and professors of the institution.

Dr. DeWees retired from the scene of his labors to seek health in a warmer climate, and he spent nearly four years in Havanna and Mobile, Ala., and returned to Phil. to die in May, 1840; but such was the strength of his constitution, that this event did not take place until the 20th of May, 1841. The news of his decease was heard with great regret by his professional brethren of the Medical Society of Pa., of which he was vice-president, and Dr. Hugh L. Hodge was appointed by that body to prepare a memoir of their distinguished associate. His funeral was attended on May 22d by a large concourse of physicians and students, anxious to pay the last respect to the memory of their beloved friend. He was buried in Ronaldson's Cemetery, at Ninth and Fitzwater Sts. The ladies of Phil. talked of raising a monument to his memory; but it is believed that not even a stone marks the spot where his ashes repose. A fine portrait of Dr. DeWees adorns the hall of the University of Pa.  He was twice m.; first to Martha, dau. of Dr. Rogers, of New England. She d. s. p. in her youth and beauty.  He m., secondly, Mary Lorrain, dau. of a merchant of Phil. She did not long survive her husband.

Dr. DeWees's first wife is buried in Christ Churchyard, Phil., and the following is the inscription on her tombstone:-- 

                                                      "In memory of
                                                    Mrs. Martha DeWees
                                                         wife of
                                                    Dr. William DeWees
                                                   who departed this life
                                                      Jan. 12th 1801
                                                in the 25th year of her age."

Herringshaw's Encyclopedia of American Biography of the Nineteenth Century. Herringshaw's Encyclopedia of American Biography

page 298
                       DeWees, William Potts, physician, author, was born Nov. 5, 1768, in Pottsgrove, Pa. He was a
                       popular physician of Philadelphia, and professor of obstetrics in the university of Pennsylvania. He was the
                       author of Medical Essays; Physical and Medical Treatment of Children; System of Midwifery; and Practice
                       of Medicine. He died May 18, 1841, in Philadelphia, Pa.

1. ↑ HODGKISS, Sarah from terep.ged.

   Date of Import: May 31, 2001

2. ↑ HODGKISS-DEWEES.FTW.

   Date of Import: Mar 22, 2003

3. ↑ Thomas Rutter - 1896461.ged.

   Date of Import: Mar 23, 2003

4. ↑ HODGKISS, Sarah from terep.ged.

   Date of Import: May 31, 2001

5. ↑ HODGKISS-DEWEES.FTW.

   Date of Import: Mar 22, 2003

6. ↑ Thomas Rutter - 1896461.ged.

   Date of Import: Mar 23, 2003

7. ↑ HODGKISS, Sarah from terep.ged.

   Date of Import: May 31, 2001

8. ↑ HODGKISS-DEWEES.FTW.

   Date of Import: Mar 22, 2003

9. ↑ Thomas Rutter - 1896461.ged.

   Date of Import: Mar 23, 2003

10. ↑ HODGKISS, Sarah from terep.ged.

    Date of Import: May 31, 2001

11. ↑ HODGKISS-DEWEES.FTW.

    Date of Import: Mar 22, 2003

12. ↑ Thomas Rutter - 1896461.ged.

    Date of Import: Mar 23, 2003