The History of the Medical Department of Transylvania UniversityPeter, Robert
History
The History of the Medical Department of Transylvania University
Peter, Robert
Medicine -- Kentucky; Medicine -- Kentucky -- History; Transylvania University. Medical Department
Though there was such an emptying of the old
Eastern Kentucky Lunatic Asylum building, it soon became altogether
insufficient to meet the demands. Applications poured in, and soon,
after a hard-fought battle, the legislature made an appropriation to
add to the old building, and promptly there was under construction a
building which, when finished, for comfort and in a sanitary way was
unequaled. This, years after his death, was destroyed by fire, and
when rebuilt, I understand, was modeled after the old plan. He was his
own architect, his whole heart and being merged in a desire to have
all as nearly perfect as possible, developing thus a new talent. He
always had in view a private asylum of his own. This purpose was
crystallized when it became apparent that politics would govern the
State institutions, though in opposition to all that was humane. He
resigned December, 1869. He purchased "Duncannon," the beautiful
Duncan home near Lexington. The site selected, lumber on the place,
all plans formulated, having gained such advanced ideas from his long
and successful experience he hoped to have an ideal shelter for those
who preferred private treatment. On December 9, 1871, at eleven
o'clock at night, snow on the ground, standing with his family and
several whom even then he had under his charge around him, after
barely escaping with their lives, he saw the "Duncannon" mansion
reduced to ashes. This disaster crippled his efforts to the degree
that he was forced to forego that which if carried through would have
proven a monument to his memory of no small magnitude. He then rented
a house in Lexington, where he had some patients under his charge,
with a private attendant who had won many laurels in this capacity.
Doctor Chipley was frequently called upon, even in other States, to
decide in the courts as a specialist in insanity. He had a great
number under his private treatment in their own homes, of whom the
world never knew. He had innumerable offers of positions, but none
seemed to appeal to him so much as one at College Hill, near
Cincinnati, Ohio. He accepted this offer. His success here proved a
very decided one, redeeming the institution from great financial
stress and opening up astonishing possibilities. He had four
sons--only one now living (1903)--and one daughter (the present
writer). He left many friends in Lexington who were ever beckoning him
back, and to the last he hoped to return where his heart was. But
after only a few years of service at College Hill he contracted a cold
from which he never recovered. He died February 11, 1880. Invitations
had been issued for a reunion in honor of his aged mother, who was
ninety-seven the day he died. A train was to be chartered and
Lexington friends were to come. He has left a memory of his gathered
laurels and honored name more precious than the gems of the universe.
EMILY CHIPLEY JONES.
DOCTOR JAMES MORRISON BRUCE
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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