Newton, Robert Safford

Extract

Newton, Robert Safford (16 December 1818–09 October 1881), physician, was born near Gallipolis, Ohio, the son of John Newton and Lydia Safford, farmers. Newton’s early education was at the common school because his father planned for him to go into farming and deemed that sufficient for a farmer. Desiring more education, Newton persuaded his father to allow him to attend an academy in Lewisburg, Virginia, for one year (1833–1834). He farmed and taught school until 1837, when he left the farm and began his medical studies with Edward Naret in Gallipolis. While studying with Naret he was tutored in Greek, Latin, philosophy, and mathematics by the principal of the Gallipolis Academy and the pastor of the Methodist church. In 1839 he attended the Medical University of Louisville, Kentucky (a traditional, or allopathic, school of medicine), obtaining his medical degree in March 1841. He returned to Gallipolis and began practice. Two years later he married Mary M. Hoy. In 1845 they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. At least one son survived childhood....