Obituary of Dr John H. Beech

It is our sad duty to chronicle in this issue the death of our senior editor, Dr. John Henry Beech, of Coldwater. On Friday evening, the 11th inst, he was confined to his bed with what proved to be double pneumonia, and on the following Thursday the 17th inst, death closed the scene.

This is the brief record of the termination of a great and good life. Although Dr. Beech had reached three score years, none who were familiar with his wiry, active frame and clear-cut, vigorous mind, but will feel that his death was premature. There are few, of our Michigan readers, at least, to who the announcement of this death will not occasion a shock, for none knew the man but to honor and respect him. He was one of nature's noblemen-one in whom the elements were so kindly mixed that all of the world might stand up and say: this was a man.

Dr Beech was born in the township of Gaines, Orleans County, New York, September 24, 1819. He was the son of Dr Jesse Beech, who died when John was but ten years of age. It was the father's desire that the son should not be a physician unless his own inclinations tended strongly that way. The father left his family in straitened circumstances and their support devolved on the lad. The thirst for knowledge, however, could not be quenched by adversity, and in the course of time he had fitted himself in Gaines Academy for the sophomore year in Union College. Circumstances prevented a full collegiate course, and compelled his entrance upon the study of the profession of his choice. He graduated in April 1841, at Albany Medical College, and then continued to commenced practice in his native place , where he continued until 1850, when he removed to this State, settling at Coldwater , where he died, and where he had established for himself a reputation as one of the leasing physicians and surgeons of Michigan.

Dr. Beech became a member of the American Medical Association in 1854, and has been a member of the Michigan State Medical Society since its foundation. In all schemes for the advancement of educational interests, both of his own immediate neighborhood and if the State at large he was deeply and actively interested. As a writer he was a model of keenness and directness. He was peculiarly sharp in controversy, but the innate gentleness of his nature restrained him from inflicting needless pain on an adversary. His contributions to medical journals are numerous, and the appearance of the name J. H. Beech at the head of an article ensured for it a careful reading. When the Michigan Medical News was founded, his active cooperation was cheerfully enlisted and our readers will miss him.

Dr Beech was a man of profound religious convictions. He cherished a deep faith in the religion of Jesus Christ. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and foremost in all philanthropic enterprises. His charity was profuse, and often did he burden and deny himself for others.

A sketch of Dr. Beech's life would be very incomplete without a reference to his war record, a record which ha endeared his name to the citizen soldiers of Michigan.

We give way here to one who offers his tribute to the memory of an d companion in the days that tried men's souls-Dr. C. C. Yemans, Second Lieutenant Company D of the 24th Michigan:

"Time passes swiftly, and removes from among us those men whom it should ever be our pleasure to honor-the men who took honorable part in the stirring times of war, and then returned to civil life to adorn each his peaceful calling, and contribute in honorable methods, to the general good. Notably of them is the name of J. H. Beech M.D., our confrere in all good works. The non-combatant part of our army served with loyalty and fidelity our country, after suffering all the privations, hardships and pains of campaign or prison. The medical staff had the privations and its honors. Others will write of Dr Beech in private and professional life. I shall write of him as surgeon of the 24th Michigan Volunteers. My contribution to his biography is rather the aspect in which he appears to be the unprofessional observer. Dr Beech had associated with him as Assistant Surgeons, Dr. A. Collar, of Wayne, and Dr. C.C. Smith, of Redford, both gentlemen held in high esteem by their comrades. The regiment was raised in Wayne County, and Dr. Beech was appointed from Coldwater. What caused his appointment I do not know, but the regiment had cause for thankfulness for this wise selection. I do not know where he joined us, but it was my good fortune to make his acquaintance as we took the train from Cleveland, Ohio. He was a frail, thoughtful man, unobtrusive, patient, and studious. His love for his profession was an enthusiasm. His kindness was womanly. His relation to the regiment caused him to be serious, as one carrying great care with carefulness; yet he was approachable and kind always. As a counselor he was wise in his advice. He was a man careful of detail. This led him to two great virtues; First, he planned the camp; advised the men how to try to save themselves form impending disaster, in the case of severe wounds, i. e., to prevent hemorrhage, etc; and then (second) he was good in diagnosis. I think no fatigue or indisposition could cause him to be careless of one who needed attention. He as a skilled operator, with more that the usual conservatism, in time of battle. In short I cannot analyze my friend. He had the qualities of heart and head which caused all to trust in him, and I am sure many grave men will shed a tear to his memory as each shall read of the death of the Surgeon. He passed through the war, assumed the duties of his profession, and I leave others to tell how he was received and regarded by those most capable of weighing his merits. I know- all honor to others!-no man was more highly respected by his comrades, more tenderly loved, and no one will be more sincerely mourned."

Beech's obituary was originally published in the Medical History of Michigan (p. 299-231)