| DoctorsAn early physician, Dr. Fielding, was recruited from Franklin, Ohio, to Sidney, Ohio, by its residents after the death of Dr. Pratt in 1824. Dr. Pratt had come to Green Township in 1820 or 1821. Here he taught the winter term (1821-1822) at a newly built log school. For his services as teacher, he received $10 a month and board with the families of the students. It is unknown if the doctor had a family since he died without a will between May 24 and June 1, 1824. Fielding was in the War of 1812 and served six months under Colonel Johnston in Piqua. He was not only an excellent physician, but also became one of the leading elders in the Presbyterian Church. He represented the county in the Ohio General Assembly for seven years. Dr. Fielding was also the founding father of the Masons and became one of its first members along with Thomas English, John Lenox and James Wells. He was a twenty-seven year member of that organization and wrote much of Ohio’s Masonry constitution and ceremonies. The Sidney Lodge was named the Temperance Lodge in honor of him because he practiced and taught temperance all his life. Dr. Fielding and his wife, Elizabeth Vail, reared a family of 12 children. |
Dr. William Fielding For more information on medical practices of the day, see Pioneer Lifestyle. [Back] [Next]
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