Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Caleb SWAYNE
In the winter of 1846-1847 Caleb attended the boarding school of Thomas Conard where lectures on physiology and chemistry so roused his interest that he then seems to have decided on the study of medicine. His father discouraged him because of lack of means to pay for a thorough education, and writes at about this time: "I went to the field one day to see how he was progressing with his work, when I perceived a long list of Latin terms pasted on his plough beam, which he was committing to memory whilst turning the soil. Not long after this we were at work together, when he inquired what amount I wanted him to perform that day. I pointed it out to him. He accomplished it two hours before sunset and I was surprised to see him after a hard day's toil, going to dig out a groundhog, which he opened in order to witness the action of the heart. With this experiment he seemed delighted. I was induced by these things to reflect whether it was right to discourage a mind so intent upon accomplishing its object--however limited the means. I therefore threw no further obstruction in the path he had marked out, but endeavored to assist him therein." In spring of 1849 he engaged regularly in the study of medicine under the care of Dr. Benjamin J. Pennock of London Grove. He attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in the spring of 1852, then commenced practice in his own neighborhood. In Caleb's diary 8.13.1856 he says: "I have been very busily engaged during the past month in waiting upon the sick, but I am fearful my health will give way. My right lung seems to be in a critical condition--altho no one knows but that I am in vigorous health." However, he continued in his profession until the latter part of 1859, except for a time in 1857 when he was attacked by pleuro-pneumonia. He died of pulmonary tuberculosis. He served the county medical society as vice president and president, and when he died was a member of the American Medical Association. In his attentions to the poor he was so prompt and kind that they showed great friendliness toward him, and much sorrow at his death. His sister Jane says he was followed to London Grove graveyard by about 130 carriages. Also she says he was engaged to marry Sallie J. Paxson. In our family archives are his diploma, various books which contain his notes at the university, his records of cases and his diary, which gives some genealogical information.
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