Obit: Sheldon, Dr. Samuel A. (1830 - 1890)

Contact:  Stan
Email:  stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sheldon, Mason, Prickett, Porter

----Sources: Census, Family Notes, Badger State Banner, Black River Falls, Jackson Co. WI, Thursday, 20 Feb 1890, Pg. 4 Column 4

Dr. S. A.  Sheldon, who died at his home in the town of Irving, February 11, 1890, was born in Stueben Co. New York, August 17, 1830, and was hence about 59 1/2 years old. He came west in 1840, with his parents, who settled in Illinois. In 1856 he found his way to Black River Falls, Wis. and soon after opened a drug store in company with I. S. Mason. In the fall of the year following this firm bought out H. E. Prickett's drug store and consolidated the business. In 1858 W. B. Porter bought in with Mr.  Sheldon, and not very long after bought Mr.  Sheldon out also. This gave him an opportunity which he improved to go to Chicago and complete his medical studies. He secured a diploma from the Rush Medical College on February 15, 1860, and returning here he soon after went into partnership with Dr. James Robie in the practice of medicine and operation of a drug store. They continued in this business until the spring of 1863, when Mr.  Sheldon went to Illinois to accept the position of first assistant surgeon of the 26th regiment, Illinois infantry. In that capacity he served his country for about two years.

In 1866 he went to Iowa and located in the practice of his profession, but found his way back here again in the fall of 1867. Five months later he went to Coral City (now Whitehall), Trempealeau Co., Wis. Here he practiced until 1871, when he bought and moved on the farm in Irving, where he resided the remainder of his life.

He never took very much personal interest in the running of his farm, always employing men to do the work, and applying all his own energies to the practice of his profession.

The nature of his disease was fully described in the last issue of the Banner as it can be. He had known for the past two years that he might be taken from his family at any time, and he has suffered much pain for a year past. Toward the last his sufferings were terrible. Mr.  Sheldon was a conscientious man, and was by nature tender hearted and sympathetic. As a physician he was well-read, but extremely cautious, painstaking and attentive. If he ever erred it was on the side of caution rather than dash.

1860 Federal Census, ward: The Village Of Black River Falls, Jackson County, Wisconsin, pg. 4, family 31

Saml A Sheldon
age: 30 years
estimated birth year: 1830
birthplace: New York
gender: Male

1880 Federal Census, Irving, Jackson, Wisconsin, United States, pg. 358

S. A. Sheldon, married American male
occupation : Physician
father's birthplace : Massachusetts, United States
mother's birthplace : Connecticut, United States

Household Members
self S. A. Sheldon M 49 New York, United States
wife Almina Sheldon F 51 New York, United States
son John H. Sheldon M 22 New York, United States
daughter Clara L. Sheldon F 19 New York, United States
daughter Mary I. Sheldon F 13 New York, United States
other Mark Ketchum M 21 New York, United States