MEMOIR' 
OF. 
JOHN D. JACKSON, M.D. 
BY 
L. S. McMURTRY, M. D., 
OF DANVILLE, KENTUCKY. MEMOIR 
OF 
JOHN D. JACKSON, M. D. 
L. S. McMURTRY, M. D. 
This accomplished physician and admirable man, so widely 
known and highly appreciated by the medical profession of 
America, merits more than a passing notice of his high attain- 
ments and noble character in the medical literature of the day. 
There has always been much diversity of opinion as to the 
essence of true greatness, but there are certain elements of char- 
acter and qualities of mind which furnish indisputable claims to 
distinction. The recognition of the high professional and literary 
attainments which the subject of this memoir has received from 
the medical profession of the country, and the estimation in which 
his ability and noble character were held by all who knew him, 
will place his claims to this high position beyond dispute, and 
obtain for him a permanent position in the galaxy of worthy names 
which will adorn the medical biography of the present century. 
While beginning the narrative of this brief but brilliant and 
useful career, we are aware that it may be urged that Ur. Jackson 
added no great discovery to the results of original investigation by 
which our science has been enriched; but, as has been remarked 
by one of the great leaders of our profession in this country, origin- 
ality is many-sided, and may exhibit itself in a great variety of 
ways. Originality is as truly exhibited by the physician in the ap- 
plication of principles to practice, in the confirmation of theories 
advanced, and in the presentation and illustration in another light 2 
Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
of facts previously made known, as by the historian in the inter- 
pretation and appreciation of events already recorded. 
The subject of these remarks afforded an example of the medical 
scholar and practitioner such as is rarely seen in combination, and 
the incidents of his life offer a valuable lesson to the younger mem- 
bers of the profession which he honored by his devoted labors. 
His brilliant career, so soon closed, demonstrates what can be ac- 
complished by an active, brilliant, vigorous intellect, and a heart 
filled with noble impulses, together with untiring diligence and 
determined effort, all devoted to a noble work, even when re- 
moved from the influence of those surroundings which inspire the 
best efforts of medical men. 
John Davies Jackson was born in Danville, Kentucky, on De- 
cember 12th, 1834, and died at that place on December 8th, 1875, 
not completing the forty-first year of his life. He was the eldest 
child of John and Margaret Jackson, both natives of Kentucky. 
His father, two brothers and three sisters, are living at the present 
time, but his mother died in his early youth. He grew up in the 
place of his nativity, which was also the scene of his labors 
during his professional life. 
He received his education at Centre College, Danville, Ky., 
from which institution he received the degree of A. B. in 1854. 
Although the assertion that the child is father to the man can not 
be applied generally, there can be no question but that in many 
instances the tastes and inclinations of the boy foreshadow the life 
and character of the man. It was to a great extent illustrated in 
this case; Dr. Jackson was by nature a student. The quick per- 
ception, close application, attentive observation and thorough 
investigation, with wonderfully retentive memory, which charac- 
terized his professional career, was manifested to a marked degree 
in acquiring the classical education which was to be the foundation 
of his future activity and usefulness. 
He once remarked to the writer that had he consulted his tastes 
alone, he would have devoted himself to the art of painting. In- 
deed his talent in this direction was quite marked, and during his 
entire life he evinced high appreciation of artistic skill, and could 
readily detect the master hand in painting, statuary and engraving. 
However, he happily determined to devote himself to the study 
of medicine, and very soon after his graduation at Centre College Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
3 
he entered the office of his uncle, Dr. Thos. W. Jackson, of Dan- 
ville, as a pupil. He was an exceedingly modest and unpresuming 
young man, and devoted himself with assiduity to his studies. 
He went into society but very seldom, and unless thrown in his 
company frequently, very few could know of the distinguished 
traits of his mind and character as manifested at that time. 
In the fall of r854 he matriculated in the medical department 
of the University of Louisville, which was the leading medical 
school of the West and South. The names of Gross, Flint, 
Palmer, Miller, Rogers, Yandell and Smith graced the faculty roll 
of this institution at that time. After spending the interval in la- 
borious study in the office of his uncle, he attended a course at 
the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, where 
he graduated in 1857. Vis Conservatrix et Medicatrix Natures was 
the subject selected for his thesis, which was written in pleasing 
style, and gave evidence of good command of language and care- 
ful observation. The literary merits of this essay were highly 
creditable. 
By his training in college and his early acquired studious habits, 
he had learned how to study. The value of the power indicated 
by this expression is known to all teachers and students of medi- 
cine. At the very beginning he acquired an intense fondness for 
his professional studies, and this, with his quick perception, inde- 
fatigable industry, and retentive memory, enabled him to enter 
upon the practice of medicine familiar with the principles which 
were to guide his action, and well informed as to the state of med- 
ical and surgical science at that day. 
Immediately upon graduating he returned to his native place 
and opened an office. He entered upon his professional career 
with a distinct plan, high purposes and unlimited ambition. From 
the outset to the close of practical life he despised the artful and ob 
sequious methods too often resorted to, even at the present day, for 
obtaining employment. An essay written by him some years later 
shows that the facilities for observing “the Black Arts in Medi- 
cine” were by no means wanting. He has often remarked to the 
writer that he determined to deserve success, and never to seek it 
in a manner unbecoming the dignity and honor of his profession. 
Even in his native city the circle of his acquaintance was quite 
limited. With studious habits, modest demeanor, and retiring dis- 4 
Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
position, he was slow to extend his acquaintance beyond that ac- 
quired in youth, and his social visits were very few indeed. He 
was eminently an independent man, and at this time, as during 
his entire life, would in no manner compromise himself. He 
so constantly kept in view his determination to avoid courting pop- 
ular favor as a means of securing business, that his bearing was 
frequently misinterpreted as haughty and distant. Practice came 
very slowly, but the time was by no means lost. Just so soon as 
his ability was discovered his services were sought. Being always 
at his post in his office, the accidents and emergencies requiring 
immediate attention, in the absence of other physicians, furnished 
opportunities to demonstrate his superior skill. The probationary 
years, so often spent by young physicians in bewailing their mis- 
fortunes, were utilized by labor, which had much to do with his 
success in after years. With astonishing energy and unflagging 
perseverance he pursued his studies, devoting himself to his text 
books and the few periodicals which he then received. He 
steadily worked his way into practice, doing everything with care 
and attention, and when the great civil war broke out, he had 
established a good practice which was rapidly increasing. 
Dr. Jackson never took an active part in politics, seldom talked 
upon such subjects, and would not engage in political contro- 
versies, yet he was a man of chivalric feelings and positive 
opinions. His opinions upon all subjects were formed deliberately 
after carefully surveying the ground, and when once formed they 
were decided. Having adopted a course, he was steadfast and 
unwavering, and pursued it with fidelity to the end. He deter- 
mined to cast his lot with the South, and leaving home, friends, 
his growing practice, he entered the Confederate army as a sur- 
geon. During the first years of his service he was with the Army 
of the Tennessee, and for the remainder of the time with the 
Army of Northern Virginia. His rank was that of a surgeon, and 
he was in the field, discharging active and laborious duty during 
the whole time, excepting a short period when in hospital from a 
severe illness, brought on by exposure and fatigue. He received 
his parole at Appomattox, when the closing scene of that long and 
bloody drama was enacted. 
As a military surgeon he served with honor and distinction. 
His labors here were actuated by patriotism and a high sense of Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
5 
duty. He declined an offer of high promotion, preferring to 
remain in the field with his command. During a great portion of 
the time he acted in the capacity of brigade and division surgeon, 
and his duties were discharged with signal energy and ability. 
His valuable report upon vaccination among the troops, which 
was published by order of the surgeon-general at Richmond and 
issued to the medical corps, will doubtless be remembered by 
many of his companions in the service. After the surrender he 
returned to his home at Danville in fine health but much depressed 
in spirits. He always recollected with pride and satisfaction his 
career in the Confederate Army, and the companionship of that 
service was ever afterward a sure passport to his confidence and 
good will. 
The condition into which the country at large, and especially 
the south, was precipitated just after the war, caused him, as it 
did many other southerners, to think of seeking a home elsewhere. 
With this view, he corresponded with some of the ministers in 
South America. In the meantime he was urged by his old patrons 
and friends to resume practice, which he finally elected to do, and 
again opened an office in Danville. 
At that time he seemed to engage in his labors with renewed 
energy and determination. With his characteristic industry he 
began to collect a library, having lost almost all his books while 
absent during the war. He gave himself, with undivided attention, 
to the study and practice of medicine, and very soon his time was 
fully occupied with business. 
About this time he began the study of the French language, and 
by means of his familiarity with Latin and his studious habits, he 
was soon able to read and translate with ease, and by continued 
practice he became thoroughly acquainted with the language. 
Having in this way obtained the key to a rich field of literature, 
he utilized it to great advantage, and became acquainted with the 
writings of the best medical authors among the French. 
His reputation as a physician of superior knowledge and judg- 
ment, and as a surgeon of skill and ability, which was so promis- 
ing at the opening of the war, began now to extend with renewed 
rapidity. His practice became more extensive, and in difficult 
and urgent cases in that portion of the state his services as a con- 
sultant were sought. With these increasing demands upon his 6 
Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
time, he pursued his studies with unflagging interest and persever- 
ance. An essay on trichinosis written about this time and pub- 
lished in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences, testifies to 
his extensive acquaintance with the current medical literature of 
the day, and to his thorough investigation of complex subjects. 
In order to increase his knowledge generally, and to inform him- 
self more thoroughly in certain special departments, he went to 
the city of New York in the winter of 1869-70. With his usual 
energy and attentive observation he followed the leading surgeons 
and physicians of that great city, and gave particular attention to 
the study of the diseases of the eye and ear. At this time he was 
in quite robust health, his mind was very active, and he was rap- 
idly adding to his already good store of professional knowledge. 
At the same time he made numerous additions to his library, all of 
which were selected with appreciative taste and judgment. 
In the spring he returned to his home and resumed his labors, 
which in a very short time became quite arduous. The demands for 
his services became more numerous, and with the extensive read- 
ing which he accomplished, duties in the state and county societies, 
of which he was an active member, and attention to his office 
pupils, his time was fully occupied. But, like all professional men 
who accomplish a great deal, he knew how to systematize the 
time and make use of the minutes. 
The writer can testify that most of his essays and clinical 
reports were written in the intervals between his numerous calls 
and with constant interruptions. His lucid translations of a number 
of the valuable clinical lessons of Jaccoud were prepared under 
similar circumstances. 
In order to perfect his professional knowledge, Dr. Jackson 
sailed for Europe in May, 1872. He visited England as a dele- 
gate from the American Medical Association to the British Medical 
Association, and attended the meeting of that body in Birming- 
ham. He spent some time in London, visiting hospitals and other 
places of interest. He visited Edinburgh, Berlin, Vienna and 
Paris, in which latter city he spent some months in the pursuit of 
special studies. By means of his numerous letters of introduction, 
pleasing manners, superior knowledge, and gentlemanly deport- 
ment, he made the acquaintance of many of the prominent teach- 
ers and practitioners of the Old World, and by personal observation Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
7 
acquainted himself with the most recent advances in medical and 
surgical science. He returned home late in the autumn, and at 
once his time was fully occupied with general practice, consulta- 
tions and operations. 
Very soon after his return he undertook the translation of Fara- 
beuf’s Manual on the Ligation of Arteries, which he accomplished 
in the most creditable manner, and soon afterward the work was 
issued in the best style of the Lippincotts. He next prepared a 
biographical sketch of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, and brought promi- 
nently before the profession the unquestionable claims of the Father 
of Ovariotomy. He devoted himself with energy and determin- 
ation to the perpetuation of the memory of this great surgeon, and 
forcibly presented to the profession the claims of the originator of 
this grand operation for recognition and respect. Beginning in 
the Boyle County Medical Society, he pressed these claims on until 
they were brought before the National Association, and a distinct 
plan was there adopted for accomplishing the laudable purpose. 
The existence of the McDowell Memorial Fund, and the other 
steps being taken to honor the memory of the first ovariotomist, 
are almost entirely due his labors in this direction. 
It was his custom during every winter to refresh his anatomical 
knowledge by dissections, and to practice the most important sur- 
gical operations upon the cadaver, his students participating with 
him in this important work. He also availed himself of every op- 
portunity to perfect his knowledge of morbid processes by post 
mortem examination. In the spring of 1873, while engaged in an 
autopsy, he made some accidental scratches upon a finger, which 
affected his whole system. He suffered intensely with inflamma- 
tion of the entire hand and arm, and at one time it seemed that 
an axillary abscess would result. He was suffering with a severe 
cold at the time, and was confined to his room with high fever and 
much pain for some days. He so far improved during the follow- 
ing month as to attend the meeting of the American Medical Asso- 
ciation in St. Louis, where he contracted additional cold, which 
was accompanied with severe laryngitis. 
He returned home and resumed his practice, although suffering 
with a cough and thoracic pains, with febrile exacerbations. Du- 
ring the summer he was compelled to discontinue his labors, and 
to visit the Blue Lick Springs in Kentucky, where he sought to 
recruit his strength by rest and relaxation from work. 8 
Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
In the fall he again resumed practice, but towards spring his 
troubles were renewed with increased gravity. The laryngitis re- 
turned in aggravated form, with copious muco-purulent expectora- 
tion, pain in the chest and febrile movement. 
He attended the meeting of the American Medical Association 
at Detroit in June, 1874, and his alarming symptoms were so 
apparent as to attract the anxious attention of his friends in the 
Association. He was urged to give up work and to seek a restora- 
tion of health by rest and other means. He proceeded to New 
York from Detroit, and sought the advice of the highest authori- 
ties on diseases of the chest. By the advice obtained here he dis- 
continued all professional labor, and spent the summer in the 
North, under circumstances favoring a restoration of his health. 
He returned home in the fall with his health somewhat improved, 
but with symptoms of the most alarming nature. It was evident 
that his lungs were seriously involved. 
After some weeks at home, he went to Florida, where he spent 
the winter in hunting and fishing, remaining in the open air as 
much as possible. He was much improved in flesh and strength 
by his stay in Florida, and started home about the middle of April, 
1875. While stopping over in Nashville for a few days, by a 
sudden change in the weather he took a violent cold, which was 
followed by congestion of the lungs. He was completely pros- 
trated by this stroke, and was confined to his bed for a number of 
days with high fever and great pain. Reaching Louisville during 
the session of the American Medical Association in that city, 
he was exhausted and broken down in health. 
He was confined to his room during the entire session of the 
Association. He was visited at his hotel by many distinguished 
members of the Association, and was the recipient of the most 
tender attentions from his numerous friends in that body. Reso- 
lutions of sympathy for his severe affliction were adopted by the 
Association, and every possible mark of esteem and respect shown 
for him. During this meeting he was elected first vice-president 
of the Association for the ensuing year. 
On the 8th of May, attended by a medical friend, he arrived at 
Danville, and at once repaired to the residence of his brother. 
He improved somewhat during the summer months, and spent 
a great deal of his time in the open air, being able to ride out Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
9 
in pleasant weather. His grave chest troubles continued, and 
he suffered a great deal with laryngitis and frequent gastro- 
intestinal disturbance. In the fall, although quite feeble, he 
visited Cincinnati for a few days, and on his return a severe cold 
was superadded to his troubles, by which he was still further re- 
duced in flesh and strength. During the entire time he was a 
great sufferer, which toward the last became intense and excruci- 
ating, He bore it all with a resignation and heroism unequaled in 
the observation of the writer. 
During the month of November his condition was extreme, 
and it became evident that the end was very near at hand. He 
contemplated his approaching dissolution with calmness and with- 
out fear. He spoke in touching terms of the dear friends he 
would leave behind, of the many kindnesses he had received du- 
ring his illness, and expressed regret at being unable to accomplish 
certain purposes of his life. He had no fears as to the future, 
and looking back upon a life devoted to conscientious, self-sacri- 
ficing discharge of duty, he accepted the result with resignation. 
He was in possession of his mental faculties to a remarkable de- 
gree up to the time of his death, and foresaw the end almost to a 
moment. While in a paroxysm of coughing, he died on Decem- 
ber 8th, at 3 o’clock, p. m. 
In accordance with his request, the funeral was conducted in a 
plain and unostentatious manner; attended by a large number of 
bereaved persons, and by a good portion of the medical profession 
of central Kentucky. 
livery mark of affection and esteem which a grateful community 
and sympathizing profession could offer had been freely tendered 
during his entire illness, and the sorrow produced by his untimely 
death was universal and profound. 
Expressions of sorrow and of respect were made by the medi- 
cal organizations which he had adorned, and the medical journals, 
whose pages he had enriched by his scholarly contributions. 
Dying at an age when his influence was most extensive and his 
attainments most thorough and complete, we can scarcely estimate 
the loss which the profession in America has sustained. One who 
is generally conceded to stand in the first rank of the profession 
has said of him: “ Of noble nature morally, he had more promise 
of intellectual distinction than any young member of our profession 
with whom I have come in contact.” 10 
Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
In summing up the character of Dr. Jackson, he must be accred- 
ited with superior talents, extensive learning and practical knowl- 
edge, towering ambition, untiring industry, a definite aim in life, 
undeviating fidelity to his profession, and in every respect a pure 
and elevated character. He was an able thinker, careful observer 
of men and things, a model general practitioner of medicine, and 
possessed a philosophic mind capable of vast and varied labor. 
One distinguishing trait of his character was its fixed and well- 
defined outlines. When sure that he was in the right, as declared 
by his judgment, he was incorruptible and uncompromising. He 
entertained the most supreme contempt for pretense and hypocrisy, 
and could not endure it in his profession or outside. 
As a practitioner of medicine he was courteous and kind, and 
he was eminently a charitable man. In the sick chamber he was 
tender and firm, and with great practical knowledge which seemed 
always at his command, superior judgment, and inspiring presence, 
he exerted an influence for the welfare of his patients which is 
rarely surpassed. 
He performed many of the most important operations in sur- 
gery, and as a surgeon he was prompt, deliberate and dextrous. 
The confidence and admiration he elicited from those who came 
under his professional care were as wonderful as universal. 
As a writer he was clear, concise and elegant. No one can 
read his essays without being struck with the extent of his informa- 
tion and his intimate acquaintance with the literature of medicine. 
He was both a rapid and retentive reader, and the facility with 
which he recalled what he had read was remarkable. 
He was a very modest man, and at the same time possessed 
much spirit and courage. He was quick to resent an insult and 
very sensible of any intended slight. 
In his relations with his fellow practitioners he was obliging, 
generous and ethical. So far as can be learned, unethical conduct 
was never imputed to him, and his high honor and integrity were 
admitted both by his enemies and his rivals. 
It is almost impossible to estimate the value of his services to 
the medical profession and indirectly to the public of central Ken- 
tucky. The Boyle County (Ky.) Medical Society, one of the most 
efficient and useful organizations in the State, as well as the Cen- 
tral Kentucky Medical Association, owes its organization and pres- Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
11 
ent prosperous condition for the most part to his efforts. He was 
also one of the most energetic and valuable members of the Ken- 
tucky State Medical Society. 
He never allowed an opportunity for the dissemination of useful 
knowledge among his brethren around him to pass unimproved, 
while it was his constant effort to obtain an appreciation of the 
honorable nature of his calling. 
Dr. Jackson was a model preceptor, and prepared his pupils to 
appreciate to their full extent the lectures upon entering the col- 
leges. He elicited their profound respect and admiration, and his 
interest in their success was continuous. He imparted instruction 
to them with scrupulous care by recitations, dissections and 
demonstrations, and by his own exemplary and upright course 
taught them medical ethics. 
Dr. Jackson was an unmarried man, his social visits were few, 
and his time was devoted almost exclusively to his profession, 
which he devotedly loved. His intimate personal friends outside 
his profession were very few, but by these he was highly appreci- 
ated. He was a man of wonderful personal magnetism, and no 
one capable of appreciating him could come in contact with him 
without being impressed with his ability. With fine conversa- 
tional powers, varied and extensive information and gentlemanly 
deportment, he was a most agreeable companion. In his friend- 
ship he was sincere and steadfast under all circumstances. 
In personal appearance he was above the medium height, very 
erect, and rather slender. He had fine bluish-gray eyes, a firm 
expression about the mouth, and a splendid forehead denotive of 
great intellect and superior intelligence. He was active and ener- 
getic in his manner, and neat and plain in his dress. In his habits 
he was as systematic as a physician in active practice can well be. 
Whatever he had to do he did at once without delay, and it was 
by his promptness that he accomplished so much. This habit was 
the secret of his having time to attend to the duties of medical 
societies, his correspondence, and other such demands upon his 
time. 
Dr. Jackson had quite a number of compliments paid his talents 
by _ his profession. He was a corresponding member of the 
Gynaecological Society of Boston, an honorary member of the 
Louisville Obstetrical Society, and of the California State Medical 12 
Memoir of Dr. John D. Jackson. 
Society. On more than one occasion he was solicited to accept a 
chair in a medical institution, and in 1874 he was invited to de- 
liver the address before the alumni of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. He was an unassuming man, and was fond of his life as a 
practitioner in the community which he so ably served. 
When we view the character which is imperfectly portrayed here 
in its entirety, it is then that it can be best appreciated. When we 
consider the circumstances under which the subject of this sketch 
began his professional career, the obstacles which were surmounted 
by his efforts, and the high position to which he attained at an 
early age, by merit and industry alone, we can realize that he was 
no ordinary man. 
Dr. Jackson belonged to that class of men who build their own 
monuments. No marble shaft is essential to the perpetuation of his 
memory, which will be green while the present generation lives, 
and his name will be embalmed with honor in the literature of the 
profession to which he devoted his noble life.