J. H. Van Deman, A.M., M.D.
J. H. Van Deman. A. M.. M. D. is a native of Ohio, born in Delaware County, October 7, 1829. He is a fair example of a self-made man, of an ambitious young American, who, without inherited wealth, overcame obstacles, conquered difficulties and achieved success. While a student, he worked hard for the means necessary to obtain and complete his education. He graduated in June, 1849, in the classical course of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. In the Spring of 1852, he graduated from the Cleveland Medical College. He began the practice of medicine at Delaware under difficulties, being in debt for his medical education and outfit, but he persevered and continued in practice, at Delaware, until 1857, when he was elected Clerk of the Ohio Senate and served at two sessions, from 1857 to 1859, during the term of the Hon. Salmon P. Chase, as Governor of Ohio. From the money obtained from this source, he paid his debts and continued to practice at Delaware until 1861. When the Rebellion broke out, he espoused the cause of the Union and became Captain of Company K, 66th O. V. I., which company he raised. He participated in the battles at Winchester, Port Republic and Cedar Mountain, Virginia. In the latter engagement, he was wounded and captured while leading a reconnoisance at night. He was taken to Libby Prison, kept there for five months and was exchanged January 10, 1863, when he resigned his commission as Captain and went into the Medical Department of the Army of the Cumberland. He was assigned to duty as Assistant Surgeon, and joined the 10th O. V. L, May 5, 1863. He remained with that regiment one year, when he was promoted to Chief Surgeon with seven assistants and Medical Purveyor of the United States Military Railroad. Division of the Mississippi, and remained in that capacity at Chattanooga until 1865. In December of that year, he took charge, at Chattanooga, as Surgeon of the Refugee and Freedmen's Department under the United States Government, of which he remained in charge until the following July, when that division of the department was abolished. A short time after this, he was made Post Surgeon in charge of the Regulars, stationed at Chattanooga, and acted as such most of the time until 1878, when the post was discontinued.
During his residence in Chattanooga, now over thirty-five years, he passed through three epidemics of smallpox, two of cholera, and one of yellow fever, remaining at his post during the continuance of each. He was elected President of the Tennessee Medical Society in 1873, and presided over that body two years. For twenty-five years, he has been a member of the American Medical Association, and was for three years, 1867 to 1860, a member of the Judicial Council of that body. He has been a member of the American Public Health Association since 1874. He was appointed Pension Examining Surgeon in September, 1865. and served as such twelve years. He has frequently contributed to medical literature, notably two articles—one on the cholera of 1873 and one on the yellow fever epidemic in 1878, published in the reports and papers of the American Public Health Association. He retired from active practice in 1883, except as surgeon, which he continued until 1890. when he retired absolutely from the practice of both medicine and surgery. He is of a social disposition, belonging to the Masonic Order, Knights of Pythias, and G. A. R. His first political vote was cast for the Whig ticket in 1852, but when the Whig party was followed by the Republican party, he went with the Democratic party and has remained with it since.
Dr. Van Deman has one of the finest medical libraries in Tennessee. He was married in his native town, May 29, 1855. to Miss Rebecca Norris, a daughter of the Hon. Wm. G. Norris. Dr. Van Deman's father was Rev. H. D. Van Deman, a Presbyterian minister, born and raised in Ohio. Our subject's paternal grandfather, John Van Deman, was a native of Holland. His mother was Sarah Darlinton, a daughter of Gen. Joseph Darlinton, of West Union. She was married to the Rev. Henry Van Deman in West Union in 1824, and soon afterwards moved to Delaware, Ohio, where the remaining portion of her life was spent.
Dr. Van Deman prides himself on his financial standing, never having a note of his go to protest and being prompt with every obligation. He is a man of considerable property, all made by his own efforts. He is a member of the Ohio Commandery of the Loyal Legion, elected May 6, 1866, insignia number 4744. He enjoys a respected and honored position in the city of his residence and calmly awaits old age, with a sense of duties well done.
From "History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time" - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900