J. P. Wilson, M. D.

From "Lexington" by Mary Wilson and Sharon Y. Asher, published sometime after 1975.

J. P. WILSON, M. D.

The following article was written by Murl Hancock, a former editor of The Chronicle, and appeared in the issue of December 7, 1939, of that paper and is reprinted here as a tribute to a man who was beloved by his community.

Tribute has often been paid to politicians, prominent businessmen and national figures, but little mention is made of the most valuable members of our local communities the County Doctors. Scott County is fortunate in the number and ability of this profession. The dean of this profession in this community and a person respected by all was Dr. Joseph P. Wilson, a person who many times relieved our pain and suffering along with those of thousands of others in this and adjoining counties for many years. Yes, even his presence seemed to ease our troubles. The country doctor not only knows of our aches and pains but also in many cases has helped work out life's troubles. He is, to our way of thinking, one of the greatest assets to any community.

A native of Scott County, Dr. J. P. Wilson was born near Zoah in Finley Township on January 28, 1865, a son of John and Eliza Jane Wilson, who were the parents of eight children. Dr. Wilson attended the Zoah school and worked on the home farm until he was 36 years of age. In 1882 he was married to Savannah J. McCellan of Finley Township. They were the parents of three daughters -- Isa Jane, Myrtle and Clara.

An ambition from early childhood that some day he would be able to practice medicine began to take shape when, after being encouraged in this venture by the late James A. Boatman and other friends, he entered the Medical School at the Kentucky University in Louisville at the age of 36 in 1902. His wife remained on the farm during his professional studies while he roomed and bached. She cooked and sent him food. Not having been a school teacher he was classed as a farmer but in short time his ability as a student was recognized by all. He graduated in 1905. Dr. Wilson ranked third in a class of 150 appearing before the Indiana State Medical Board for a license to practice in his profession. He later took postgraduate courses at Chicago and Louisville.

Dr. Wilson began his practice at Blocher, Indiana, in 1905 and in 1907 became associated with Dr. A. C. Murphy in the Spellman Building in Scottsburg. This association continued until 1908 when the partnership was dissolved. He continued practice in the same building in Scottsburg until he formed an association with the late Drs. J. H. Walker and W. L. McClain. In 1922, having erected his own office building, he again resumed his practice alone and continued there until his death.

In early practice Dr. Wilson drove a horse and buggy. Later he purchased the 13th automobile in Scott County.

Dr. Wilson's first wife preceded him in death. He married the second time to Mary Etter Rogers on September 16, 1942. This wife was a great help in his old age. She drove for him to the country patients.

Although Dr. Wilson never lived in Lexington, the people there always thought of him as their own. He never turned anyone away and served all equally. Then he died he left six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Return to: Lexington - A Pioneer Town