Dr. Charles H. Preston Papers
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of handwritten physician records of birth and death in Scott County, Iowa. There are also individual medical notes pertaining to many of the patients the doctor attended over the years. The books are indexed.
The first book has handwritten notes from the schools and symposiums in New York attended by Dr. Preston in spring of 1873 after his graduation from the University in Iowa City.
The second contains the death certificate stubs that began in 1880 in Iowa as well as a list of patients he attended after his 1873 graduation. The stubs are filled out. Some of the stubs have medical notes pertaining to the deceased regarding his diagnosis, treatment plan and place of burial. In some instances, the place of burial listed is "home". This book covers 1873-1897.
The final two books contain the returns of birth and still-births that began in 1880 in Iowa and a list of births he attended after his 1873 graduation. The stubs are filled out and in many cases there are medical notes pertaining to the mother and child regarding any complications of the pregnancy, delivery or birth, medications provided during labor, time of delivery and after-birth, sex and weight of child, birth order of child and information on the parents.
The medical notes would be of special interest to anyone researching 19th century medical care.
Dates
- Creation: 1873-1897
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Materials are available for use in the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center only.
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Biographical / Historical
Dr. Charles H. Preston was born to Dr. Charles H. and Susannah Hicklen Preston in Stark County, Ohio in 1844. His family moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa around 1865. Preston attended the state university at Iowa City, obtaining his medical degree in 1873. He opened a successful practice in Davenport, Iowa and was very active in civic matters. In 1887 he married Ruth Irish and they raised three children. After many years of service, Dr. Preston died in 1914.
Extent
1.5 Linear Inch (in four folders.)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection is arranged chronologically.
Physical Location
Range 33 Section 09
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center Repository
321 Main Street
Davenport IA 52801-1490 United States
specialcollections@davenportlibrary.com